form10q.htm


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


FORM 10-Q
 

 
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________to _________

Commission file number 001-13106

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Maryland
 
77-0369576
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

925 East Meadow Drive
Palo Alto, California    94303
(Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code)

(650) 494-3700
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  x 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES x NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” ”accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  x Accelerated filer  o Non-accelerated filer  o Smaller reporting company  o
   
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o No  x
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:  36,528,212 shares of Common Stock as of November 1, 2012.
 


 
 

 
 
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ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

   
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
 
9
     
Item 2.
22
     
Item 3.
32
     
Item 4.
33
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
33
     
Item 1A.
34
     
Item 6
34
     
35
 
 
2

 
Part I -- Financial Information

Item 1: Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

"Essex" or the "Company" means Essex Property Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust incorporated in the State of Maryland, or where the context otherwise requires, Essex Portfolio, L.P., a limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership") in which Essex Property Trust, Inc. is the sole general partner.

The information furnished in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows of the Company reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the aforementioned condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods and are normal and recurring in nature, except as otherwise noted.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations herein.  Additionally, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
3


ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
Assets
 
2012
   
2011
 
Real estate:
           
Rental properties:
           
Land and land improvements
  $ 934,282     $ 860,661  
Buildings and improvements
    3,823,382       3,452,403  
                 
      4,757,664       4,313,064  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (1,037,663 )     (920,026 )
                 
      3,720,001       3,393,038  
Real estate under development
    60,020       44,280  
Co-investments
    477,967       383,412  
                 
      4,257,988       3,820,730  
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted
    1,943       12,889  
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted
    24,934       22,574  
Marketable securities
    141,573       74,275  
Notes and other receivables
    50,316       66,369  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    36,517       22,682  
Deferred charges, net
    21,401       17,445  
                 
Total assets
  $ 4,534,672     $ 4,036,964  
                 
Liabilities and  Equity
               
Mortgage notes payable
  $ 1,571,821     $ 1,745,858  
Unsecured debt
    962,008       465,000  
Lines of credit
    61,872       150,000  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    76,828       48,324  
Construction payable
    4,266       6,505  
Dividends payable
    44,377       39,611  
Derivative liabilities
    7,174       3,061  
Other liabilities
    20,886       20,528  
                 
Total liabilities
    2,749,232       2,478,887  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Cumulative convertible Series G preferred stock
    4,349       4,349  
Equity:
               
Cumulative redeemable Series H preferred stock at liquidation value
    73,750       73,750  
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 656,020,000 shares
authorized 35,714,182 and 33,888,082 shares issued and outstanding
    3       3  
Additional paid-in capital
    2,116,531       1,844,611  
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings
    (448,142 )     (408,066 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
    (76,449 )     (72,771 )
Total stockholders' equity
    1,665,693       1,437,527  
Noncontrolling interest
    115,398       116,201  
Total equity
    1,781,091       1,553,728  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 4,534,672     $ 4,036,964  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues:
                       
Rental and other property
  $ 135,070     $ 117,226     $ 390,308     $ 343,340  
Management and other fees
    3,072       1,940       8,312       4,585  
      138,142       119,166       398,620       347,925  
Expenses:
                               
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes
    32,951       29,642       92,421       86,426  
Real estate taxes
    12,358       11,208       35,470       32,619  
Depreciation
    43,041       37,881       125,575       111,786  
General and administrative
    5,276       4,966       16,440       15,626  
Cost of management and other fees
    1,642       1,164       4,893       3,161  
      95,268       84,861       274,799       249,618  
                                 
Earnings from operations
    42,874       34,305       123,821       98,307  
                                 
Interest expense before amortization
    (25,064 )     (22,096 )     (74,380 )     (66,612 )
Amortization expense
    (2,927 )     (2,936 )     (8,681 )     (8,527 )
Interest and other income
    3,003       2,741       10,869       12,357  
Equity income (loss) in co-investments
    3,547       317       8,998       (330 )
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment
    -       -       21,947       -  
Loss on early retirement of debt
    (1,211 )     (567 )     (2,661 )     (820 )
Income from continuing operations
    20,222       11,764       79,913       34,375  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    -       (679 )     10,037       5,273  
Net income
    20,222       11,085       89,950       39,648  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (2,635 )     (2,031 )     (9,827 )     (7,882 )
Net income attributable to controlling interest
    17,587       9,054       80,123       31,766  
Dividends to preferred stockholders
    (1,368 )     (1,367 )     (4,104 )     (3,385 )
Excess of cash paid to redeem preferred stock and
units over the carrying value
    -       -       -       (1,949 )
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 16,219     $ 7,687     $ 76,019     $ 26,432  
                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 16,462     $ 10,742     $ 86,034     $ 41,765  
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (2,407 )     (2,007 )     (9,589 )     (8,019 )
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest
  $ 14,055     $ 8,735     $ 76,445     $ 33,746  
                                 
Per common share data:
                               
Basic:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.46     $ 0.25     $ 1.92     $ 0.67  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    -       (0.02 )     0.27       0.15  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 0.46     $ 0.23     $ 2.19     $ 0.82  
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period
    35,600,772       33,121,728       34,736,311       32,215,549  
                                 
Diluted:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.45     $ 0.25     $ 1.91     $ 0.67  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    -       (0.02 )     0.27       0.15  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 0.45     $ 0.23     $ 2.18     $ 0.82  
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period
    35,699,666       33,209,289       34,834,076       32,304,686  
                                 
Dividend per common share
  $ 1.10     $ 1.04     $ 3.30     $ 3.12  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012
(Unaudited)
(Dollars and shares in thousands)

                                 
Distributions
   
Accumulated
             
   
Series H
               
Additional
   
in excess of
   
other
             
   
Preferred stock
   
Common stock
   
paid-in
   
accumulated
   
comprehensive
   
Noncontrolling
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
capital
   
earnings
   
loss, net
   
Interest
   
Total
 
Balances at December 31, 2011
    2,950     $ 73,750       33,888     $ 3     $ 1,844,611     $ (408,066 )   $ (72,771 )   $ 116,201     $ 1,553,728  
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       80,123       -       9,827       89,950  
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges and
amortization of swap settlements
    -       -       -       -       -       -       589       37       626  
Change in fair value of marketable securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (4,267 )     (275 )     (4,542 )
Issuance of common stock under:
                                                                       
Stock option and restricted stock plans
    -       -       51       -       3,062       -       -       -       3,062  
Sale of common stock
    -       -       1,775       -       268,858       -       -       -       268,858  
Equity based compensation costs
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,678       1,678  
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
    -       -                       -       -       -       2,400       2,400  
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (12,875 )     (12,875 )
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,595 )     (1,595 )
Common and preferred stock dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       (120,199 )     -       -       (120,199 )
Balances at September 30, 2012
    2,950     $ 73,750       35,714     $ 3     $ 2,116,531     $ (448,142 )   $ (76,449 )   $ 115,398     $ 1,781,091  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6


ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 89,950     $ 39,648  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
               
Gain on sale of marketable securities
    (521 )     (4,543 )
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment
    (21,947 )     -  
Loss on early retirement of debt
    2,661       820  
Co-investments
    5,141       3,963  
Amortization expense
    8,681       8,718  
Amortization of discount on notes receivables
    (1,373 )     (1,316 )
Amortization of discount on marketable securities
    (3,808 )     (3,492 )
Gain on the sales of real estate
    (10,870 )     (5,051 )
Depreciation
    125,669       112,678  
Equity-based compensation
    2,880       1,618  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (3,653 )     (1,720 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    26,167       18,205  
Other liabilities
    358       1,166  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    219,335       170,694  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Additions to real estate:
               
Acquisitions of real estate
    (157,011 )     (43,328 )
Improvements to recent acquisitions
    (6,662 )     (14,768 )
Redevelopment
    (31,277 )     (26,929 )
Revenue generating capital expenditures
    (4,405 )     (4,706 )
Non-revenue generating capital expenditures
    (15,776 )     (13,946 )
Acquisitions of and additions to real estate under development
    (22,505 )     (72,816 )
Acquisition of membership interest in co-investment
    (85,000 )     -  
Dispositions of real estate
    27,800       15,972  
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits
    (13,370 )     (1,165 )
Purchases of marketable securities
    (73,735 )     (8,048 )
Sales and maturities of marketable securities
    6,322       27,997  
Collections of notes and other receivables
    7,977       643  
Contributions to co-investments
    (158,769 )     (121,450 )
Distributions from co-investments
    8,345       4,032  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (518,066 )     (258,512 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Borrowings under debt agreements
    1,347,973       872,041  
Repayment of debt
    (1,196,977 )     (891,734 )
Additions to deferred charges
    (6,415 )     (4,464 )
Payment to settle derivative instruments
    -       (2,395 )
Net proceeds from issuance of Preferred stock, Series H
    -       71,209  
Retirement of Series B preferred units
    -       (78,800 )
Redemption of Series F preferred stock
    -       (25,000 )
Equity related issuance cost
    (309 )     (765 )
Net proceeds from stock options exercised
    2,169       6,714  
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    268,858       257,008  
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
    2,400       -  
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
    (12,875 )     (13,295 )
Redemption of noncontrolling interest
    (1,595 )     (4,644 )
Common and preferred stock dividends paid
    (115,444 )     (102,790 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    287,785       83,085  
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (10,946 )     (4,733 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    12,889       13,753  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,943     $ 9,020  

 
7


ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
2012
   
2011
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
           
Cash paid for interest, net of $6.8 million, and $6.9 million
capitalized in 2012 and 2011, respectively
  $ 68,555     $ 66,629  
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
               
Transfer from real estate under development to rental properties
  $ 5,648     $ 86,995  
Transfer from real estate under development to co-investment
  $ 148,053     $ 54,472  
Mortgage notes assumed in connection with purchases
of real estate including the loan premiums recorded
  $ 71,340     $ 20,927  
Contribution of note receivable to co-investment
  $ 12,325     $ -  
Change in accrual of dividends
  $ 4,766     $ 2,610  
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities
  $ 5,100     $ 1,760  
Change in fair value of marketable securities
  $ 4,542     $ 398  
Change in construction payable
  $ 2,239     $ 1,566  
Non-cash contribution from noncontrolling interest
  $ -     $ 800  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
 
 
8

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
(1) 
Organization and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements present the accounts of Essex Property Trust, Inc. (the “Company”), which include the accounts of the Company and Essex Portfolio, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership,” which holds the operating assets of the Company) and are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented have been included and are normal and recurring in nature.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 include the accounts of the Company and the Operating Partnership.  The Company is the sole general partner in the Operating Partnership, with a 94.1% general partnership interest as of September 30, 2012.  Total Operating Partnership units outstanding were 2,234,393 and 2,229,230 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $331.2 million and $313.2 million, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company owned or had ownership interests in 164 apartment communities, aggregating 33,637 units, excluding the Company’s ownership in preferred interest co-investments,  (collectively, the “Communities”, and individually, a “Community”), five commercial buildings and nine active development projects (collectively, the “Portfolio”).  The Communities are located in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties), Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area) and the Seattle metropolitan area.

Marketable Securities

The Company reports its available for sale securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 2 for the unsecured bonds and Level 1 for the common stock and investment funds, as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standard for fair value measurements as discussed later in Note 1), and any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss).  Realized gains and losses, interest and dividend income, and amortization of purchase discounts are included in interest and other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, marketable securities consisted primarily of investment-grade unsecured bonds, common stock, investments in mortgage backed securities and investment funds that invest in U.S. treasury or agency securities.  As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company classified its investments in mortgage backed securities, which mature in November 2019 and September 2020, as held to maturity, and accordingly, these securities are stated at their amortized cost.  The estimated fair values of the mortgage backed securities (Level 2 securities) are approximately equal to the carrying values.
 
 
9

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):

   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Cost/
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gain(Loss)
   
Carrying Value
 
Available for sale:
                 
Investment-grade unsecured bonds
  $ 5,191     $ 79     $ 5,270  
Investment funds - US treasuries
    15,379       755       16,134  
Common stock
    72,752       (3,207 )     69,545  
Held to maturity:
                       
Mortgage backed securities
    50,624       -       50,624  
Total
  $ 143,946     $ (2,373 )   $ 141,573  
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Cost/
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gain
   
Carrying Value
 
Available for sale:
                 
Investment-grade unsecured bonds
  $ 3,615     $ 399     $ 4,014  
Investment funds - US treasuries
    11,783       121       11,904  
Common stock
    10,067       1,552       11,619  
Held to maturity:
                       
Mortgage backed securities
    46,738       -       46,738  
Total
  $ 72,203     $ 2,072     $ 74,275  

The Company uses the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of a security sold and to reclassify amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income for securities sold.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not sell any securities in the periods.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the proceeds from sales of available for sale securities totaled $6.3 million and $28.0 million, respectively, which resulted in gains of $0.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company evaluates its investments in entities to determine whether such entities may be a variable interest entity ("VIE"), and, if a VIE, whether it is the primary beneficiary and therefore should consolidate the VIE. Generally, an entity is determined to be a VIE when either: (1) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) the equity holders, as a group, lack any of the following three characteristics: (i) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest.

The Company consolidates 19 DownREIT limited partnerships (comprising twelve communities) since the Company is the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities (“VIEs”).  Total DownREIT units outstanding were 1,057,848 and 1,063,848 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $156.8 million and $149.5 million, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The consolidated total assets and liabilities related to these VIEs, net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $202.7 million and $176.7 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2012 and $199.8 million and $171.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2011.  Interest holders in VIEs consolidated by the Company are allocated income equal to the cash payments made to those interest holders.  The remaining results of operations are generally allocated to the Company.  As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any other VIEs of which it was deemed to be the primary beneficiary.
 
 
10


ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
Equity Based Compensation

The Company accounts for equity based compensation using the fair value method of accounting.  The estimated fair value of stock options granted by the Company is being amortized over the vesting period of the stock options.  The estimated grant date fair values of the long term incentive plan units (discussed in Note 13, “Equity Based Compensation Plans,” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011) are being amortized over the expected service periods.

Stock-based compensation expense for options and restricted stock totaled $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively and $1.2 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The intrinsic value of the stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 totaled $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively and $2.4 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  As of September 30, 2012, the intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding totaled $13.6 million.  As of September 30, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation granted under the stock option and restricted stock plans totaled $4.3 million.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1 to 6 years for the stock option plans and is expected to be recognized straight-line over 7 years for the restricted stock awards.

The Company has adopted an incentive program involving the issuance of Series Z-1 Incentive Units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership.  Stock-based compensation expense for Z-1 Units totaled $0.5 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively and $1.6 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Stock-based compensation for Z-1 units capitalized totaled $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, and 2011, and $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  As of September 30, 2012, the intrinsic value of the Z-1 Units subject to future vesting totaled $22.0 million.  As of September 30, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost related to Z-1 Units subject to future vesting totaled $7.9 million.  The unamortized cost is expected to be recognized over the next six to fourteen years subject to the achievement of the stated performance criteria.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company values its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques described in the FASB's accounting standard for fair value measurements.  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability.   Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  The Company uses Level 1 inputs for the fair values of its cash equivalents and its marketable securities except for unsecured bonds and mortgage backed securities.  The Company uses Level 2 inputs for its investments in unsecured bonds, mortgage backed securities, notes receivable, notes payable, and derivative liabilities.  These inputs include interest rates for similar financial instruments.  The Company does not use Level 3 inputs to estimate fair values of any of its financial instruments.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

Management believes that the carrying amounts of its amounts outstanding under lines of credit, notes receivable and notes and other receivables approximate fair value as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, because interest rates, yields and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available for similar instruments.  Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $2.13 billion of fixed rate debt, including unsecured bonds, at September 30, 2012 is approximately $2.26 billion and the fair value of the Company’s $402.1 million of variable rate debt, excluding borrowings under the lines of credit, at September 30, 2012 is $380.9 million based on the terms of existing mortgage notes payable, unsecured bonds and variable rate demand notes compared to those available in the marketplace.  Management believes that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, construction payables, other liabilities and dividends payable approximate fair value as of September 30, 2012 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.  The fair values of the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities are approximately equal to the amortized cost carrying value of these securities.  Marketable securities are carried at fair value as of September 30, 2012.
 
 
11


ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
Capitalization Policy

The Company capitalizes all direct and certain indirect costs, including interest and real estate taxes, incurred during development and redevelopment activities. Interest is capitalized on real estate assets that require a period of time to get them ready for their intended use.  The amount of interest capitalized is based upon the average amount of accumulated development expenditures during the reporting period.  Included in capitalized costs are management’s accounting estimates of the direct and incremental personnel costs and indirect project costs associated with the Company's development and redevelopment activities.  Indirect project costs consist primarily of personnel costs associated with construction administration and development, including accounting, legal fees, and various office costs that clearly relate to projects under development.  The Company’s capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects totaled $1.5 million and $1.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $4.5 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, most of which relates to development projects.  These totals include capitalized salaries of $0.5 million and $0.6 million the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $1.9 million and $1.7 million for nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Co-investments

The Company owns investments in joint ventures (“co-investments”) in which it has significant influence, but its ownership interest does not meet the criteria for consolidation in accordance with the accounting standards.  Therefore, the Company accounts for these investments using the equity method of accounting.  Under the equity method of accounting, the investment is carried at the cost of assets contributed, plus the Company’s equity in earnings less distributions received and the Company’s share of losses.  The significant accounting policies of the Company’s co-investments entities are consistent with those of the Company in all material respects.  For preferred equity investments the Company recognizes its preferred interest as equity in earnings.

Upon the acquisition of a controlling interest of a co-investment, the co-investment entity is consolidated and a gain or loss is recognized upon the remeasurement of co-investments in the consolidated statement of operations equal to the amount by which the fair-value of the co-investment interest the Company previously owned exceeds its carrying value.

A majority of the co-investments, excluding the preferred equity investments, compensate the Company for its asset management services and may provide promote distributions if certain financial return benchmarks are achieved.  Asset management fees are recognized when earned, and promote fees are recognized when the earnings events have occurred and the amount is determinable and collectible.

Accounting Estimates and Reclassifications

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing and assessing the carrying values of its real estate portfolio, its investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates, its notes receivables and its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”). The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could be different under different assumptions or conditions.

Reclassifications for discontinued operations and cost of management and other fees have been made to prior year statements of operations balances in order to conform to current year presentation.  Such reclassifications have no impact on reported earnings, cash flows, total assets or total liabilities.
 
 
12


ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
(2) 
Significant Transactions During the Third Quarter of 2012 and Subsequent Events

Acquisitions

In August, the Company acquired Riley Square (formerly Waterstone Santa Clara) for $38.3 million. Built in 1972, the property contains 156 units and is located in Santa Clara, California. The community was purchased by the Wesco I, LLC (“Wesco I”) joint venture of which the Company has a 50% interest. Wesco I assumed a $17.5 million mortgage loan secured by the property at a fixed rate of 5.2% for a term of 8 years.  The interest rate on the loan was unfavorable compared to currently available market rates for mortgage loans, and thus in conjunction with the purchase price allocation, Wesco I recorded a $2.3 million loan premium to reflect the debt at fair value.  This results in an effective interest rate for this loan of 3.1%.

In September, the Company acquired Park West, a 126 unit apartment community located in San Francisco, California, for $31.6 million. The property was built in 1958 and contains six different buildings. The Company intends to renovate the exterior of the community for $8 million.  Also in September, the Company acquired Domaine, a 92 unit property built in 2009 located in Seattle, Washington. The property was purchased for $34.0 million.  In connection with the purchase, the Company assumed a $14.6 million loan at a fixed rate of 5.7% for an 8 year term. The interest rate on the loan was unfavorable compared to currently available market rates for mortgage loans, and thus in conjunction with the purchase price allocation, the Company recorded a $2.4 million loan premium to reflect the debt at fair value.  This results in an effective interest rate for this loan of 3.0%.

In October, Ascent, a 90 unit community located in Kirkland, Washington, was acquired by the Company for $15.9 million. Built in 1998, the property is located adjacent to the Montebello community acquired by the Company in July 2012.  Also in October, the Company acquired Willow Lake Apartments, a 508 unit property located in San Jose, California.  The property was purchased for $148 million.  The Company intends to renovate the exterior of the community for $4.5 million.
 
Common Stock

During the third quarter, the Company sold 633,636 shares of common stock for $97.9 million, net of commissions, at an average per share price of $155.97.  Year to date through October, the Company has sold 1,775,748 shares of common stock for $269.0 million, net of commissions, at an average price of $152.97.

Mortgage Notes Payable

During the quarter, the Company repaid $86.9 million in secured debt related to six communities.  The Company incurred $1.2 million in losses from early retirement of debt and these communities are now unencumbered assets.

Unsecured Debt

In August, the Company issued $300 million of senior unsecured bonds due August 2022.  The bonds bear a fixed interest at rate of 3.625% per annum and are payable on February 15th and August 15th of each year, beginning February 15, 2013.

Unsecured Term Loan

During October, the Company drew an additional $150 million on the Company’s $350 unsecured term loan which is now fully drawn at LIBOR + 130 basis points.  The proceeds were used to fund fourth quarter acquisitions, development pipeline, and pay down the Company’s lines of credit.
 
 
13

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)

(3)
Co-investments
 
The Company has co-investments, which are accounted for under the equity method.  The co-investments own, operate and develop apartment communities.

The following table details the Company's co-investments (dollars in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Investments in joint ventures accounted for under the equity
method of accounting:
           
             
Membership interest in Wesco I
  $ 83,006     $ 75,588  
Partnership interest in Fund II
    60,225       64,294  
Membership interest in a limited liability company that
owns Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place
    -       24,063  
Total operating co-investments
    143,231       163,945  
                 
Membership interests in limited liability companies that own
and are developing Epic, Lync, Elkhorn, and Folsom and Fifth
    158,786       62,897  
                 
Membership interest in a limited liability company that owns
and is developing Expo
    18,759       17,981  
Membership interests in limited liability companies that own
and are developing Fountain at La Brea and Santa Monica at La Brea
    16,189       15,194  
Total development co-investments
    193,734       96,072  
                 
Membership interest in Wesco II that owns a preferred equity interest in Parkmerced
with a perferred return of 10.1%
    90,910       88,075  
Preferred interests in limited liability companies that own
apartment communities in downtown Los Angeles with preferred returns of 9% and 10%
    22,807       22,792  
Preferred interests in related party limited liability companies that owns
Sage at Cupertino with a preferred return of  9.5%
    14,320       -  
Preferred interest in a related party limited liability company that owns
Madison Park at Anaheim with a preferred return of 13%
    12,965       12,528  
Total preferred interest investments
    141,002       123,395  
Total co-investments
  $ 477,967     $ 383,412  
 
 
14

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
The combined summarized balance sheet and statements of operations for co-investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, are as follows (dollars in thousands).
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance sheets:
           
Rental properties and real estate under development
  $ 1,788,959     $ 1,659,078  
Other assets
    61,215       63,847  
                 
Total assets
  $ 1,850,174     $ 1,722,925  
                 
Debt
  $ 928,204     $ 900,095  
Other liabilities
    67,540       48,518  
Equity
    854,430       774,312  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 1,850,174     $ 1,722,925  
                 
Company's share of equity
  $ 477,967     $ 383,412  
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Statements of operations:
                       
Property revenues
  $ 34,425     $ 28,286     $ 96,981     $ 70,882  
Property operating expenses
    (12,686 )     (11,699 )     (35,852 )     (29,394 )
Net property operating income
    21,739       16,587       61,129       41,488  
                                 
Interest expense
    (9,453 )     (7,354 )     (25,790 )     (22,764 )
General and administrative
    (916 )     (82 )     (2,632 )     (1,104 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (12,821 )     (11,957 )     (35,593 )     (29,963 )
                                 
Net loss
  $ (1,451 )   $ (2,806 )   $ (2,886 )   $ (12,343 )
Company's share of net income (loss)
  $ 3,547     $ 317     $ 8,998     $ (330 )

(4)
Notes and Other Receivables
 
Notes receivable secured by real estate, and other receivables consist of the following as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 9.8%, paid in full January 2012
  $ -     $ 7,331  
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 5.0%, due November 2012 (1)
    -       12,428  
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 8.8%, due December 2012
    10,925       10,928  
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at LIBOR + 8.0%, due December 2012
    6,342       6,422  
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 8.0%, due November 2013
    971       971  
Note receivable, secured, effective interest at 9.6%, due February 2014
    18,285       17,646  
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 4.0%, due December 2014 (2)
    3,212       3,221  
Note and other receivables from affiliates
    5,025       2,734  
Other receivables
    5,556       4,688  
    $ 50,316     $ 66,369  
 
(1)
$12.4 million note receivable was contributed to the Elkhorn co-investment during the first quarter of 2012.
 
(2)
During the first quarter 2012, the Company amended the loan secured by Vacationer RV Park to extend the maturity date to December 2014.  Beginning January 1, 2012 the note which has a carrying value of $3.2 million, bears interest at a rate of 4%, and the borrower funds an impound account for capital replacement.
 
 
15


ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
(5)
Related Party Transactions

Management and other fees from affiliates include management, development and redevelopment fees from co-investments of $2.9 million and $1.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $7.9 million and $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  All of these fees are net of intercompany amounts eliminated by the Company.

The Company’s Chairman and founder, Mr. George Marcus, is the Chairman of The Marcus & Millichap Company, which is a holding company for certain real estate brokerage services and other subsidiary companies including Pacific Urban Residential (“PUR”).  During July 2012, the Company invested $14.0 million as a preferred equity interest investment in an entity affiliated with PUR that owns an apartment community in Cupertino, California.  The investment has a preferred return of 9.5% and matures in May 2016.  The Company will invest an additional $4.0 million in preferred equity to fund renovation costs.  Independent directors on the Company’s Board of Directors approved the investment in this entity.

Also during July 2012, the Company acquired Montebello, a 248 unit apartment community in Kirkland, Washington for $52.0 million from an entity affiliated with PUR.  The Company assumed a $26.5 million mortgage loan secured by the property at a fixed rate of 5.6% for eight years.  The interest rate on the loan was unfavorable compared to currently available market rates for mortgage loans, and thus in conjunction with the purchase price allocation, the Company recorded a $4.1 million loan premium to reflect the debt at fair value. This results in an effective interest rate for this loan of 3.1%.  Independent directors on the Company’s Board of Directors approved the acquisition of this apartment community.

In August, Wesco I, LLC (“Wesco I”) joint venture of which the Company has a 50% interest acquired Riley Square (formerly Waterstone Santa Clara), a 156 unit apartment community in Santa Clara, California for $38.3 million from an entity affiliated with PUR. Wesco I assumed a $17.5 million mortgage loan secured by the property at a fixed rate of 5.2% for a term of 8 years.  The interest rate on the loan was unfavorable compared to currently available market rates for mortgage loans, and thus in conjunction with the purchase price allocation, Wesco I recorded a $2.3 million loan premium to reflect the debt at fair value.  This results in an effective interest rate for this loan of 3.1%.  Independent directors on the Company’s Board of Directors approved the acquisition of this apartment community.

 
16

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
(6)
Segment Information

The Company defines its reportable operating segments as the three geographical regions in which its apartment communities are located: Southern California, Northern California and Seattle Metro.  Excluded from segment revenues are properties classified in discontinued operations, management and other fees from affiliates, and interest and other income.  Non-segment revenues and net operating income included in the following schedule also consist of revenue generated from commercial properties.  Other non-segment assets include co-investments, real estate under development, cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, notes receivable, other assets and deferred charges.

The revenues, net operating income, and assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues:
                       
Southern California
  $ 64,339     $ 56,169     $ 184,255     $ 165,362  
Northern California
    43,605       37,757       127,797       109,624  
Seattle Metro
    24,103       20,530       69,080       60,496  
Other real estate assets
    3,023       2,770       9,176       7,858  
Total property revenues
  $ 135,070     $ 117,226     $ 390,308     $ 343,340  
                                 
Net operating income:
                               
Southern California
  $ 41,932     $ 36,239     $ 122,869     $ 107,797  
Northern California
    29,572       24,689       87,740       72,128  
Seattle Metro
    15,718       12,964       45,391       38,295  
Other real estate assets
    2,539       2,484       6,417       6,075  
Total net operating income
    89,761       76,376       262,417       224,295  
                                 
Management and other fees from affiliates
    3,072       1,940       8,312       4,585  
Depreciation
    (43,041 )     (37,881 )     (125,575 )     (111,786 )
General and administrative
    (5,276 )     (4,966 )     (16,440 )     (15,626 )
Cost of management and other fees
    (1,642 )     (1,164 )     (4,893 )     (3,161 )
Interest expense before amortization
    (25,064 )     (22,096 )     (74,380 )     (66,612 )
Amortization expense
    (2,927 )     (2,936 )     (8,681 )     (8,527 )
Interest and other income
    3,003       2,741       10,869       12,357  
Equity income (loss) from co-investments
    3,547       317       8,998       (330 )
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment
    -       -       21,947       -  
Loss on early retirement of debt
    (1,211 )     (567 )     (2,661 )     (820 )
Income from continuing operations
  $ 20,222     $ 11,764     $ 79,913     $ 34,375  
 
 
17

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
Total assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Assets:
           
Southern California
  $ 1,675,708     $ 1,478,018  
Northern California
    1,274,901       1,241,320  
Seattle Metro
    680,562       579,612  
Other real estate assets
    88,830       94,088  
Net reportable operating segment
- real estate assets
    3,720,001       3,393,038  
Real estate under development
    60,020       44,280  
Cash and cash equivalents
    26,877       35,463  
Marketable securities
    141,573       74,275  
Co-investments
    477,967       383,412  
Notes and other receivables
    50,316       66,369  
Other non-segment assets
    57,918       40,127  
Total assets
  $ 4,534,672     $ 4,036,964  
 
(7) 
Net Income Per Common Share
 
(Amounts in thousands, except per share and unit data)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2011
 
         
Weighted-
   
Per
         
Weighted-
   
Per
 
         
average
   
Common
         
average
   
Common
 
         
Common
   
Share
         
Common
   
Share
 
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Basic:
                                   
Income from continuing operations
available to common stockholders
  $ 16,219       35,601     $ 0.46     $ 8,323       33,122     $ 0.25  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
available to common stockholders
    -       35,601       -       (636 )     33,122       (0.02 )
      16,219             $ 0.46       7,687             $ 0.23  
Effect of Dilutive Securities (1)
    -       99               -       87          
                                                 
Diluted:
                                               
Income from continuing operations
available to common stockholders
    16,219       35,700     $ 0.45       8,323       33,209     $ 0.25  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
available to common stockholders
    -       35,700       -       (636 )     33,209       (0.02 )
    $ 16,219             $ 0.45     $ 7,687             $ 0.23  

 
18

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2011
 
         
Weighted
   
Per
         
Weighted
   
Per
 
         
Average
   
Common
         
Average
   
Common
 
         
Common
   
Share
         
Common
   
Share
 
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Basic:
                                   
Income before discontinued operations
available to common stockholders
  $ 66,590       34,736     $ 1.92     $ 21,501       32,216     $ 0.67  
Income from discontinued operations
available to common stockholders
    9,429       34,736       0.27       4,931       32,216       0.15  
      76,019             $ 2.19       26,432             $ 0.82  
Effect of Dilutive Securities (1)
    -       98               -       89          
                                                 
Diluted:
                                               
Income from continuing operations
available to common stockholders (1)
    66,590       34,834       1.91     $ 21,501       32,305       0.67  
Income from discontinued operations
available to common stockholders
    9,429       34,834       0.27       4,931       32,305       0.15  
    $ 76,019             $ 2.18     $ 26,432             $ 0.82  

(1)
Weighted average convertible limited partnership units of 2,235,783 and 2,228,404, which includes vested Series Z incentive units, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and 2,239,987 and 2,233,088 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were not included in the determination of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive.  Income allocated to convertible limited partnership units, which includes vested Series Z units, aggregating $1.1 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $5.2 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, have been excluded from income available to common stock holders for the calculation of diluted income per common share since these units are excluded from the diluted weighted average common shares for the period as the effect was anti-dilutive.  The Company has the ability to redeem DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be potentially dilutive securities.
 
Stock options of 18,000 and 22,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and stock options of 23,000 and 29,500 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effects on earnings per share were anti-dilutive.

All shares of Series G cumulative convertible preferred stock have been excluded in diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as the effect was anti-dilutive.
 
(8) 
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses interest rate swaps and interest rate cap contracts to manage certain interest rate risks. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted 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. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.

The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million that effectively fixed the interest rate on $300 million of the $350 million unsecured term loan at 2.4%.  These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting.

 
19

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
As of September 30, 2012 the Company also had twelve interest rate cap contracts totaling a notional amount of $187.8 million that qualify for hedge accounting as they effectively limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by providing a ceiling on the underlying variable interest rate for $202.1 million of the Company’s tax exempt variable rate debt.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 the aggregate carrying value of the interest rate swap contracts was a liability of $7.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The aggregate carrying value of the interest rate cap contracts was zero on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2012, and was an asset of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2011.

During the third quarter 2012, the Company terminated a swap transaction with respect to the $38.0 million of tax-exempt bonds for the 101 San Fernando apartment community with Citibank because the bonds were repurchased by the Company at par.

(9) 
Discontinued Operations

The Company classifies real estate as "held for sale" when the sale is considered to be probable.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company sold Tierra Del Sol/Norte, a 156 unit community located in the San Diego, California for $17.2 million for a gain of $7.0 million.  Also in the first quarter, the Company sold Alpine Country, a 108 unit community located in San Diego metropolitan area, for $11.1 million for a gain of $3.9 million.

The components of discontinued operations are outlined below and include the results of operations for the respective periods that the Company owned such assets, as described above (dollars in thousands).

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Rental revenues
  $ -     $ 892     $ 608     $ 3,240  
Property operating expenses
    -       (435 )     (260 )     (1,459 )
Depreciation and amortization
    -       (256 )     (94 )     (892 )
Income from real estate sold
    -       201       254       889  
Gain on sale
    -       -       10,870       5,854  
Internal dispositon costs and taxes
    -       (880 )     (1,087 )     (1,470 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ (679 )   $ 10,037     $ 5,273  
 
(10) 
Commitments and Contingencies

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had six non-cancelable ground leases for certain apartment communities and buildings that expire between 2027 and 2080.  Land lease payments are typically the greater of a stated minimum or a percentage of gross rents generated by these apartment communities.  Total minimum lease commitments, under land leases and operating leases, are approximately $1.6 million per year for the next five years.
 
To the extent that an environmental matter arises or is identified in the future that has other than a remote risk of having a material impact on the financial statements, the Company will disclose the estimated range of possible outcomes, and, if an outcome is probable, accrue an appropriate liability for remediation and other potential liability. The Company will consider whether such occurrence results in an impairment of value on the affected property and, if so, impairment will be recognized.
 
Except with respect to three communities, the Company has no indemnification agreements from third parties for potential environmental clean-up costs at its communities.  The Company has no way of determining at this time the magnitude of any potential liability to which it may be the subject, arising out of unknown environmental conditions or violations with respect to the communities formerly owned by the Company.  No assurance can be given that existing environmental studies with respect to any of the communities reveal all environmental liabilities, that any prior owner or operator of a Property did not create any material environmental condition not known to the Company, or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist as to any one or more of the communities.  The Company has limited insurance coverage for the types of environmental liabilities described above.
 
 
20

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)

The Company may enter into transactions that may require the Company to pay the tax liabilities of the partners in the Operating Partnership or in the DownREIT entities.  These transactions are within the Company’s control. Although the Company plans to hold the contributed assets or defer recognition of gain on their sale pursuant to like-kind exchange rules under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company can provide no assurance that it will be able to do so and if such tax liabilities are incurred they may have a material impact on the Company’s financial position.

There have been a number of lawsuits in recent years against owners and managers of apartment communities alleging personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold in residential real estate. Some of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial monetary judgments or settlements.  The Company has been sued for mold related matters and has settled some, but not all, of such matters.   Insurance carriers have reacted to mold related liability awards by excluding mold related claims from standard policies and pricing mold endorsements at prohibitively high rates.  The Company has, however, purchased pollution liability insurance, which includes some coverage for mold.  The Company has adopted policies for promptly addressing and resolving reports of mold when it is detected, and to minimize any impact mold might have on residents of the property.  The Company believes its mold policies and proactive response to address any known existence, reduces its risk of loss from these cases.  There can be no assurances that the Company has identified and responded to all mold occurrences, but the company promptly addresses all known reports of mold.  Liabilities resulting from such mold related matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  As of September 30, 2012, potential liabilities for mold and other environmental liabilities are not considered probable or the loss cannot be quantified or estimated.

The Company carries comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage and rental loss insurance for each of the communities.  Insured risks for comprehensive liabilities covers claims in excess of $100,000 per incident, and property casualty insurance covers losses in excess of a $1.0 million deductible per incident. There are, however, certain types of extraordinary losses, such as, for example, losses from terrorism and earthquake, for which the Company does not have insurance. Substantially all of the communities are located in areas that are subject to earthquakes.

The Company provides loan and construction completion guarantees in order to fulfill the lenders’ standard financing requirements related to the construction of the Company’s co-investment developments.  The Company provided a payment guarantee to the counterparties in relation to the total return swaps entered into by the joint venture responsible for the development of the Fountain at La Brea and Santa Monica at La Brea communities.  Further the Company has guaranteed completion of development and made certain debt service guarantees for Fountain at La Brea and Santa Monica at La Brea.  The outstanding balance for the loans is included in the debt line item in the balance sheet of the co-investments included in Note 3.  The payment guarantee is for the payment of the amounts due to the counterparty related total return swaps which are scheduled to mature in September and December 2016.  The maximum exposure of the guarantee as of September 30, 2012 was $46.6 million based on the aggregate outstanding debt amount.

The outstanding balance for the construction loan is included in the debt line item in the balance sheet of the co-investments included in Note 3.  The construction completion guarantee is for the life of the loan, which is scheduled to mature on July 1, 2014, with two, one-year extension options at the Expo joint venture’s option.  As of September 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all terms of the construction loan and the construction of the community is expected to be completed on time and within budget.  The maximum exposure of the guarantee as of September 30, 2012 was $76.0 million based on the construction costs that were budgeted to be incurred to complete the construction.

The Company is subject to various other lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations.  Such lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 
21

 
ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes thereto included elsewhere herein and with the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Company is a fully integrated Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”), and its property revenues are generated primarily from apartment community operations.  The Company’s investment strategy has two components:  constant monitoring of existing markets, and evaluation of new markets in the Company’s current three geographical regions to identify areas with the characteristics that underlie rental growth.  The Company’s strong financial condition supports its investment strategy by enhancing its ability to quickly shift the Company’s acquisition, development, and disposition activities to markets that will optimize the performance of the portfolio.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had ownership interests in 164 apartment communities, comprising 33,637 apartment units, excluding the Company’s ownership in preferred equity interest co-investments.  The Company’s apartment communities are located in the following major West Coast regions:

Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties)
Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area)
Seattle Metro (Seattle metropolitan area)

As of September 30, 2012, the Company also had ownership interests in five commercial buildings with approximately 315,900 square feet.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s development pipeline was comprised of two consolidated projects under development, seven unconsolidated joint venture projects under development, one unconsolidated joint venture predevelopment project and three consolidated land parcels held for future development or sale, all aggregating 2,985 units, with total incurred costs of $475.5 million, and estimated remaining project costs of approximately $523.9 million for total estimated project costs of $999.4 million.

The Company’s consolidated apartment communities are as follows:
 
   
As of September 30, 2012
   
As of September 30, 2011
 
   
Apartment Units
   
%
   
Apartment Units
   
%
 
Southern California
    13,656       48 %     13,204       49 %
Northern California
    8,332       29 %     7,817       29 %
Seattle Metro
    6,508       23 %     6,042       22 %
Total
    28,496       100 %     27,063       100 %

Co-investments, including Fund II and Wesco I communities, and preferred equity interest co-investment communities are not included in the table presented above for both periods.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

The Company’s average financial occupancies for the Company’s stabilized apartment communities or “Quarterly Same-Property” (stabilized properties consolidated by the Company for the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and 2011) increased 80 basis points to 96.1% as of September 30, 2012 from 95.3% as of September 30, 2011.  Financial occupancy is defined as the percentage resulting from dividing actual rental revenue by total possible rental revenue.  Actual rental revenue represents contractual rental revenue pursuant to leases without considering delinquency and concessions.  Total possible rental revenue represents the value of all apartment units, with occupied units valued at contractual rental rates pursuant to leases and vacant units valued at estimated market rents.  We believe that financial occupancy is a meaningful measure of occupancy because it considers the value of each vacant unit at its estimated market rate.
 
 
22


Market rates are determined using a variety of factors such as effective rental rates at the property based on recently signed leases and asking rates for comparable properties in the market.  The recently signed effective rates at the property are used as the starting point in the determination of the market rates of vacant units.  The Company then increases or decreases these rates based on the supply and demand in the apartment community’s market.  The Company will check the reasonableness of these rents based on its position within the market and compare the rents against the asking rents by comparable properties in the market.  Financial occupancy may not completely reflect short-term trends in physical occupancy and financial occupancy rates as disclosed by other REIT, which may not be comparable to the Company’s calculation of financial occupancy.
 
The Company does not take into account delinquency and concessions to calculate actual rent for occupied units and market rents for vacant units.  The calculation of financial occupancy compares contractual rates for occupied units to estimated market rents for unoccupied units, thus the calculation compares the gross value of all apartment units excluding delinquency and concessions. For apartment communities that are development properties in lease-up without stabilized occupancy figures, the Company believes the physical occupancy rate is the appropriate performance metric.  While an apartment community is in the lease-up phase, the Company’s primary motivation is to stabilize the property which may entail the use of rent concessions and other incentives, and thus financial occupancy which is based on contractual revenue is not considered the best metric to quantify occupancy.

The regional breakdown of the Company’s Quarterly Same-Property portfolio for financial occupancy for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Southern California
    95.9%       95.2%  
Northern California
    96.5%       95.8%  
Seattle Metro
    95.6%       94.6%  
 
The following table provides a breakdown of revenue amounts, including revenues attributable to the Quarterly Same-Property portfolio:
 
         
Three Months Ended
             
   
Number of
   
September 30,
   
Dollar
   
Percentage
 
   
Properties
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
   
Change
 
Property Revenues (dollars in thousands)
                       
Quarterly Same-Property:
                             
Southern California
    58     $ 57,223     $ 54,690     $ 2,533       4.6 %
Northern California
    33       40,427       36,724       3,703       10.1  
Seattle Metro
    28       21,542       19,762       1,780       9.0  
Total Quarterly Same-Property revenues
    119       119,192       111,176       8,016       7.2  
Quarterly Non-Same Property Revenues (1)
            15,878       6,050       9,828       162.4  
Total property revenues
          $ 135,070     $ 117,226     $ 17,844       15.2 %

(1) 
Includes seven communities acquired after January 1, 2011, one redevelopment community, five development communities, and three commercial buildings.

Quarterly Same-Property Revenues increased by $8.0 million or 7.2% to $119.2 million in the third quarter of 2012 from $111.2 million in the third quarter of 2011.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in scheduled rents of $7.0 million as reflected in an increase of 6.4% in average rental rates from $1,406 per unit in the third quarter of 2011 to $1,495 per unit in the third quarter of 2012.  Scheduled rents increased by 3.8%, 9.5%, and 7.9% in Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle Metro, respectively.  Income from utility billings and other income also increased $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2011.  Quarterly Same-Property financial occupancy increased 80 basis points which also contributed to an increase of $0.2 million in revenues.  On a sequential basis the Company experienced Quarterly Same-Property revenue growth from the second quarter of 2012 to the third quarter of 2012 of 2.0%, resulting from sequential revenue growth in all three regions mainly driven by a 2.1% increase in scheduled rent offset by a 10 basis point decrease in occupancy compared to the second quarter of 2012.

Quarterly Non-Same Property Revenues increased by $9.8 million or 162% to $15.9 million in the third quarter of 2012 from $6.1 million in the third quarter of 2011.  The increase was primarily due to revenue generated from five development communities (Via, Allegro, Bellerive, Muse, and Santee Village) and ten communities acquired or consolidated since January 1, 2011 (Bernard, 1000 Kiely, Delano/Bon Terra, Reed Square, Park Catalina, The Huntington, Montebello, Park West, Domaine and Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place).

 
23

 
Management and Other Fees increased by $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011.  The increase is primarily due to the asset and property management fees earned from Wesco I and II co-investments formed during 2011, and development fees earned from the joint ventures formed in 2011 and 2012 to develop Epic, Expo, Lync, Elkhorn, Folsom and Fifth, Fountain at La Brea, and Santa Monica at La Brea development projects.

Property operating expenses, excluding real estate taxes increased $3.3 million or 11.2% to $33.0 million in the third quarter of 2012 from $29.6 million in the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to the acquisition of ten communities and the lease-up of five development properties.  Quarterly Same-Property operating expenses excluding real estate taxes, increased by $1.0 million or 3.6% for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, due mainly to a $0.5 million increase in salaries and administration costs and a $0.3 million increase in utilities due increase in rates for water and sewer.

Real Estate taxes increased by $1.2 million or 10.3% for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, due primarily to the acquisition of ten communities and expensing property taxes instead of capitalizing the cost for communities that were previously under development.  Quarterly Same-Property real estate taxes increased by $0.2 million or 1.5% for third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011 due to an increase of 2% in property taxes for the majority of the properties located in California regulated by Prop. 13 as offset by a reduction in assessed property valuations for select communities located in California.

Depreciation expense increased by $5.2 million or 13.6% for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, due to the acquisition of ten communities and the lease-up of five development properties.  Also, the increase is due to the capitalization of approximately $58.2 million in additions to rental properties through the third quarter of 2012, including $31.3 million spent on redevelopment, $4.4 million spent on revenue generating capital and $6.7 million spent on recent acquisitions, and the capitalization of approximately $95.3 million in additions to rental properties for 2011, including $45.1 million spent on redevelopment, $16.4 million spent on improvements to recent acquisitions, and $7.6 million spent on revenue generating capital.

Cost of management and other fees increased $0.5 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to an increase in administrative costs due to hiring of additional staff to assist with the management of the Company’s co-investments including Wesco I and II and the development joint ventures formed in 2011 and 2012.

Interest expense before amortization increased by $3.0 million or 13.4% for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to the payoff of the $250 million secured line of credit in the fourth quarter of 2011 which had an average interest rate of 1.3%.  The Company replaced the secured line with debt at an average interest rate of 2.6%.  Also, on March 31, 2011, the Company issued $150 million of private placement notes with an interest rate of 4.4%, and on August 15, 2012 the Company issued $300 million of unsecured bonds with an interest rate of 3.625%; thus the increase in interest expense is due to an increase in average outstanding debt and a higher average interest rate for the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011.  Finally, the increase in interest expense for 2012 was offset by an increase of $0.4 million in capitalized interest in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Equity income (loss) in co-investments increased $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2012 to income of $3.5 million compared to $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to the income of $3.5 million related to the Company’s preferred equity investments made in 2011 including the Wesco II preferred equity investment made in the fourth quarter of 2011 which earned $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2012.