UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006
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 333-44467-01
ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
California | | 77-0369575 |
(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 is a large accelerated filer an accelerated file, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
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
ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
| | Page No. |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
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Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited): | |
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| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 | |
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| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 | |
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| Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital and Comprehensive Income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 | |
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| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 | |
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| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | |
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Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
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Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 26 |
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Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 27 |
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | |
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Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 27 |
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Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 27 |
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Item 6. | Exhibits | 28 |
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Signatures | |
Part I -- Financial Information
Essex Portfolio, L.P., a California limited partnership, (the “Operating Partnership”) effectively holds the assets and liabilities and conducts the operating activities of Essex Property Trust, Inc. (“Essex” or the "Company"). Essex Property Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust incorporated in the State of Maryland is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership.
The information furnished in the accompanying consolidated unaudited balance sheets, statements of operations, partners’ capital and comprehensive income and cash flows of the Operating Partnership reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements for the interim periods.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to such consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations herein. Additionally, these unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Operating Partnership’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | June 30, | | December 31, | |
Assets | | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Real estate: | | | | | |
Rental properties: | | | | | |
Land and land improvements | | $ | 561,560 | | $ | 551,132 | |
Buildings and improvements | | | 1,994,741 | | | 1,932,113 | |
| | | 2,556,301 | | | 2,483,245 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | (437,154 | ) | | (398,476 | ) |
| | | 2,119,147 | | | 2,084,769 | |
Real estate under development | | | 75,429 | | | 54,416 | |
Investments | | | 36,498 | | | 27,228 | |
| | | 2,231,074 | | | 2,166,413 | |
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted | | | 9,022 | | | 14,337 | |
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted | | | 14,035 | | | 13,937 | |
Notes and other receivables from related parties | | | 2,258 | | | 1,173 | |
Notes and other receivables | | | 29,845 | | | 5,237 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | | 27,632 | | | 23,078 | |
Deferred charges, net | | | 14,378 | | | 15,115 | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,328,244 | | $ | 2,239,290 | |
| | | | | | | |
Liabilities and Partners' Capital | | | | | | | |
Mortgage notes payable | | $ | 1,100,965 | | $ | 1,104,918 | |
Exchangeable bonds | | | 225,000 | | | 225,000 | |
Lines of credit | | | 95,030 | | | 25,000 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 37,567 | | | 32,982 | |
Dividends payable | | | 23,317 | | | 22,496 | |
Other liabilities | | | 13,696 | | | 12,520 | |
Deferred gain | | | 2,193 | | | 2,193 | |
Total liabilities | | | 1,497,768 | | | 1,425,109 | |
Minority interests | | | 43,561 | | | 47,522 | |
Redeemable convertible limited partnership units | | | 4,750 | | | 4,750 | |
| | | | | | | |
Partners' Capital: | | | | | | | |
General partner: | | | | | | | |
Common equity | | | 564,666 | | | 555,895 | |
Preferred equity (liquidation value of $25,000) | | | 24,412 | | | 24,412 | |
| | | 589,078 | | | 580,307 | |
Limited partners: | | | | | | | |
Common equity | | | 54,693 | | | 54,252 | |
Preferred equity (liquidation value of $185,000) | | | 126,690 | | | 126,690 | |
| | | 181,383 | | | 180,942 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 11,704 | | | 660 | |
Total partners' capital | | | 782,165 | | | 761,909 | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and partners' capital | | $ | 2,328,244 | | $ | 2,239,290 | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | | June 30, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | |
Rental and other property | | $ | 86,656 | | $ | 79,662 | | $ | 171,919 | | $ | 157,938 | |
Management and other fees from affiliates | | | 830 | | | 931 | | | 1,654 | | | 7,507 | |
| | | 87,486 | | | 80,593 | | | 173,573 | | | 165,445 | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes | | | 22,095 | | | 20,685 | | | 44,710 | | | 40,913 | |
Real estate taxes | | | 7,374 | | | 6,610 | | | 14,770 | | | 13,451 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 20,675 | | | 20,043 | | | 40,766 | | | 39,622 | |
Interest | | | 19,497 | | | 18,153 | | | 38,487 | | | 36,300 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | 497 | | | 563 | | | 1,193 | | | 1,039 | |
General and administrative | | | 5,002 | | | 4,573 | | | 9,901 | | | 9,014 | |
Other expenses | | | 800 | | | 1,500 | | | 1,770 | | | 1,500 | |
| | | 75,940 | | | 72,127 | | | 151,597 | | | 141,839 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on sale of real estate | | | - | | | 5,276 | | | - | | | 6,391 | |
Interest and other income | | | 654 | | | 2,431 | | | 3,048 | | | 2,954 | |
Equity income in co-investments | | | (374 | ) | | 2,724 | | | (816 | ) | | 17,316 | |
Minority interests | | | (1,378 | ) | | (1,450 | ) | | (2,845 | ) | | (2,741 | ) |
Income from continuing operations before income | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
tax provision | | | 10,448 | | | 17,447 | | | 21,363 | | | 47,526 | |
Income tax provision | | | (138 | ) | | (1,100 | ) | | (175 | ) | | (1,201 | ) |
Income from continuing operations | | | 10,310 | | | 16,347 | | | 21,188 | | | 46,325 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discontinued operations | | | 17,140 | | | 29,063 | | | 20,321 | | | 31,319 | |
Net income | | | 27,450 | | | 45,410 | | | 41,509 | | | 77,644 | |
Distributions to preferred units | | | (489 | ) | | (488 | ) | | (977 | ) | | (977 | ) |
Distributions to preferred units - limited partners | | | (2,559 | ) | | (2,559 | ) | | (5,118 | ) | | (5,118 | ) |
Net income available to common units | | $ | 24,402 | | $ | 42,363 | | $ | 35,414 | | $ | 71,549 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Per common unit data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations available to | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
common units | | $ | 0.29 | | $ | 0.52 | | $ | 0.60 | | $ | 1.59 | |
Income from discontinued operations | | | 0.68 | | | 1.15 | | | 0.81 | | | 1.23 | |
Net income available to common units | | $ | 0.97 | | $ | 1.67 | | $ | 1.41 | | $ | 2.82 | |
Weighted average number of common units | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
outstanding during the period | | | 25,236,463 | | | 25,368,981 | | | 25,201,315 | | | 25,369,134 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations available to | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
common units | | $ | 0.28 | | $ | 0.52 | | $ | 0.59 | | $ | 1.57 | |
Income from discontinued operations | | | 0.67 | | | 1.13 | | | 0.79 | | | 1.22 | |
Net income available to common units | | $ | 0.95 | | $ | 1.65 | | $ | 1.38 | | $ | 2.79 | |
Weighted average number of common units | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
outstanding during the period | | | 25,697,238 | | | 25,672,235 | | | 25,628,728 | | | 25,675,973 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions per Operating Partnership common unit | | $ | 0.84 | | $ | 0.81 | | $ | 1.68 | | $ | 1.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Capital and
Comprehensive Income for the six months ended June 30, 2006
(Unaudited)
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
| | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | Accumulated | | | |
| | | | | | Preferred | | | | | | Preferred | | Other | | | |
| | Common Equity | | Equity | | Common Equity | | Equity | | Comprehensive | | | |
| | Units | | Amount | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Amount | | Income | | Total | |
Balances at December 31, 2005 | | 22,851 | | $ 555,895 | | $ 24,412 | | 2,437 | | $ 54,252 | | $ 126,690 | | $ 660 | | $ 761,909 | |
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | - | | | 31,859 | | | 977 | | | - | | | 3,555 | | | 5,118 | | | - | | | 41,509 | |
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 11,044 | | | 11,044 | |
Comprehensive income | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 52,554 | |
Issuance of common units under | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation plan | | | 56 | | | 2,709 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 2,709 | |
Sale of common stock | | | 140 | | | 14,813 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 14,813 | |
Redemption of limited partner | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
common units | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (8 | ) | | (1,064 | ) | | - | | | - | | | (1,064 | ) |
Issuance of series Z and Z-1 incentive units | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 41 | | | 80 | | | - | | | - | | | 80 | |
Reallocation of partners' capital | | | - | | | (2,026 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 2,026 | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Partners' distributions | | | - | | | (38,584 | ) | | (977 | ) | | - | | | (4,156 | ) | | (5,118 | ) | | - | | | (48,835 | ) |
Balances at June 30, 2006 | | | 23,047 | | $ | 564,666 | | $ | 24,412 | | | 2,470 | | $ | 54,693 | | $ | 126,690 | | $ | 11,704 | | $ | 782,165 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
| | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 69,253 | | $ | 66,629 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Additions to real estate: | | | | | | | |
Acquisitions and improvements to recent acquisitions | | | (60,115 | ) | | (16,090 | ) |
Redevelopment | | | (11,455 | ) | | (7,711 | ) |
Revenue generating capital expenditures | | | (1,092 | ) | | (115 | ) |
Other capital expenditures | | | (7,485 | ) | | (6,116 | ) |
Additions to real estate under development | | | (20,346 | ) | | (15,031 | ) |
Dispositions of real estate and investments | | | 8,349 | | | 6,585 | |
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits | | | 6,271 | | | 7,646 | |
Additions to notes receivable from related parties and other receivables | | | (8,284 | ) | | (3,643 | ) |
Repayments of notes receivable from related parties and other receivables | | | 456 | | | 5,005 | |
Net (contributions to) distributions from limited partnerships | | | (8,261 | ) | | 41,336 | |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | | | (101,962 | ) | | 11,866 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable and lines of credit | | | 159,429 | | | 96,629 | |
Repayment of mortgage notes payable and lines of credit | | | (93,030 | ) | | (99,840 | ) |
Additions to deferred charges | | | (456 | ) | | (885 | ) |
Net proceeds from stock options exercised | | | 2,113 | | | 1,881 | |
Net sale of common stock | | | 14,813 | | | - | |
Distributions to limited partner units and minority interest | | | (11,679 | ) | | (11,545 | ) |
Redemption of limited partner units and minority interest | | | (5,073 | ) | | (4,466 | ) |
Distributions to general partner | | | (38,723 | ) | | (37,837 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 27,394 | | | (56,063 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | (5,315 | ) | | 22,432 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 14,337 | | | 10,644 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 9,022 | | $ | 33,076 | |
| | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | | | |
Cash paid for interest, net of $1,260 and $511 capitalized | | | | | | | |
in 2006 and 2005, respectively | | $ | 36,858 | | $ | 35,600 | |
| | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2006 and 2005
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except for per common unit and unit amounts)
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Operating Partnership 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 consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Operating Partnership’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 include the accounts of Essex Portfolio, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership", which holds the operating assets of Essex Property Trust, Inc., the “Company”). See below for a description of entities consolidated by the Operating Partnership. The Company is the sole general partner in the Operating Partnership, with a 90.3% and 90.4% general partnership interest as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.
As of June 30, 2006, the Operating Partnership has ownership interests in 126 multifamily properties (containing 27,110 units), three office buildings (with approximately 166,340 square feet), two recreational vehicle parks (comprising 338 spaces) and one manufactured housing community (containing 157 sites), (collectively, the "Properties"). The Properties are located in Southern California (Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties), Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area), the Pacific Northwest (the Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas) and other areas (Houston, Texas).
Fund Activities
Essex Apartment Value Fund, L.P. ("Fund I" and “Fund II”), are investment funds formed by the Company to add value through rental growth and asset appreciation, utilizing the Operating Partnership’s development, redevelopment and asset management capabilities. All of the assets in Fund I were sold during 2004 and 2005, and Fund I is in the process of liquidation and will wind down affairs during 2006.
Fund II has eight institutional investors, including the Operating Partnership, with combined partner equity commitments of $265.9 million. The Operating Partnership has committed $75.0 million to Fund II, which represents a 28.2% interest as general partner and limited partner. Fund II expects to utilize leverage equal to approximately 65% of the estimated value of the underlying real estate. Fund II invests in multifamily properties in the Operating Partnership’s targeted West Coast markets with an emphasis on investment opportunities in Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. Subject to certain exceptions, Fund II will be the Operating Partnership’s exclusive investment vehicle until October 31, 2006, or when Fund II’s committed capital has been invested, whichever occurs first. Consistent with Fund I, the Operating Partnership will record revenue for its asset management, property management, development and redevelopment services when earned, and promote distributions should Fund II exceed certain financial return benchmarks.
Variable Interest Entities
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 Revised (FIN 46R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51”, the Operating Partnership consolidates Essex Management Corporation (EMC), Essex Fidelity I Corporation (EFC), 17 Down REIT limited partnerships (comprising ten properties), an office building that is subject to loans made by the Operating Partnership, and the multifamily improvements owned by a third party in which the Operating Partnership owns the land underlying these improvements and from which the Operating Partnership receives fees, including land lease, subordination, property management, and incentive fees. The Operating Partnership consolidated these entities because it is deemed the primary beneficiary under FIN 46R. The Operating Partnership's total assets and liabilities related to these variable interest entities (VIEs), net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $236.9 million and $146.7 million, respectively, at June 30, 2006 and $230.9 million and $146.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2005.
Interest holders in VIEs consolidated by the Operating Partnership are allocated net income equal to the cash payments made to those interest holders for services rendered or distributions from cash flow. The remaining results of operations are generally allocated to the Operating Partnership.
As of June 30, 2006 the Operating Partnership was involved with two VIEs, of which it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Total assets and liabilities of these entities were approximately $79.3 million and $58.2 million, respectively, at June 30, 2006. As of December 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership was involved with three VIEs, of which it was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, total assets and liabilities of these entities were approximately $92.9 million and $72.5 million, respectively. The Operating Partnership does not have a significant exposure to loss resulting from its involvement with these unconsolidated VIEs.
Stock-Based Compensation
We adopted the provisions of SFAS 123 revised effective January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective approach. Stock-based compensation expense for stock options under the fair value method totaled $481 and $115 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $624 and $249 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The intrinsic value of the stock options exercised during the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 totaled $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and $2.7 million and $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of June 30, 2006, the intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding and fully vested totaled $26.1 million and $17.8 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2006, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation granted under the stock option plans totaled $2.5 million. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3 to 5 years for the stock option plans.
Stock-based compensation expense for Z and Z-1 Units (collectively, “Z Units”) under the fair value method totaled $231 and $38 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Stock-based compensation capitalized for these Plans totaled $188 and $53 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of June 30, 2006 the intrinsic value of the Z Units subject to conversion totaled $16.6 million. As of June 30, 2006, total unrecognized compensation cost related to Z Units subject to conversion in the future granted under the Z Units totaled $9.3 million. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 5 to 15 years for the Z Units.
The Company’s stock-based compensation policies have not changed materially from information reported in Note 2(k), “Stock-Based Compensation,” and Note 14, “Stock-Based Compensation Plans,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Accounting Estimates and Reclassifications
The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires the Operating Partnership 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 Operating Partnership evaluates its estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing and assessing the carrying values of its real estate properties, its investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates, its notes receivables and its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”). The Operating Partnership 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.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances in order to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications have no impact on reported earnings, cash flows, total assets, or total liabilities.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 revised, “Share-Based Payment”. This statement is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, and supersedes APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. The Statement requires companies to recognize in the income statement the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity based compensation issued to employees. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 123 revised effective January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective approach. The adoption of this Statement did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2005, the FASB ratified the EITF’s consensus on Issue No. 04-5 “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights.” This consensus establishes the presumption that general partners in a limited partnership control that limited partnership regardless of the extent of the general partners’ ownership interest in the limited partnership.
The consensus further establishes that the rights of the limited partners can overcome the presumption of control by the general partners, if the limited partners have either (a) the substantive ability to dissolve (liquidate) the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partners without cause or (b) substantive participating rights. Whether the presumption of control is overcome is a matter of judgment based on the facts and circumstances, for which the consensus provides additional guidance. This consensus applies to limited partnerships or similar entities, such as limited liability companies that have governing provisions that are the functional equivalent of a limited partnership. This consensus was applicable to the Operating Partnership for new or modified partnerships in 2005, and is otherwise applicable to existing partnerships effective January 1, 2006. The adoption of this consensus did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In April 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FIN 46R-6, “Determining the Variability to Be Considered in Applying FASB Interpretation No. 46 (R).” This FSP addresses certain implementation issues related to FIN 46R. Specifically, FSP FIN 46R-6 addresses how a reporting enterprise should determine the variability to be considered in applying FIN 46R. The variability that is considered in applying FIN 46R affects the determination of (a) whether an entity is a variable interest entity (VIE), (b) which interests are “variable interests” in the entity, and (c) which party, if any, is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. That variability affects any calculation of expected losses and expected residual returns, if such a calculation is necessary. The Operating Partnership is required to apply the guidance in this FSP prospectively to all entities (including newly created entities) and to all entities previously required to be analyzed under FIN 46R when a “reconsideration event” has occurred, effective July 1, 2006. The Operating Partnership will evaluate the impact of this Staff Position at the time any such “reconsideration event” occurs, and for any new entities.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109.” FIN 48 increases the relevancy and comparability of financial reporting by clarifying the way companies account for uncertainty in measuring income taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. This Interpretation only allows a favorable tax position to be included in the calculation of tax liabilities and expenses if a company concludes that it is more likely than not that its adopted tax position will prevail if challenged by tax authorities. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of this Interpretation on our future consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
(2) Significant Transactions for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2006
(a) Dispositions
As part of our strategic plan to own quality real estate in supply-constrained markets, we continually evaluate our Properties and sell those which no longer meet our strategic criteria. We may use the capital generated from the dispositions to invest in higher-return Properties or repay debts. We believe that the sale of these Properties will not have a material impact on our future results of operations or cash flows nor will their sale materially affect our ongoing operations. Generally, any impact of earnings dilution resulting from these dispositions will be offset by the positive impact of our acquisitions, development and redevelopment activities.
In June 2006, the unconsolidated joint venture property, Vista Pointe, a 286-unit apartment community located in Anaheim, California, was sold for approximately $46 million. The Operating Partnership’s share of the proceeds from the transaction totaled $19.3 million, resulting in an $8.8 million gain on the sale, and an additional $8.2 million for fees and a promote distribution.
(b) Equity
During July 2006, the Company sold 5.98 million shares of 4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock at $25 per share for estimated gross proceeds of $149.5 million. Holders may convert Series G Preferred Stock into shares of the Company’s common stock subject to certain conditions. The conversion rate will initially be .1830 shares of common stock per the $25 per share liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $136.62 per share of common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. On or after July 31, 2011, the Company may, under certain conditions, cause some or all of the Series G Preferred Stock to be converted into that number of shares of common stock at the then prevailing conversion rate. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay down outstanding borrowings under the Company’s lines of credit, to fund the development pipeline and for general corporate purposes.
During the second quarter 2006, the Company issued and sold approximately 140,500 shares for $14.8 million, net of fees and commissions, under its Controlled Equity Offering program. Under this program, the Company may from time to time sell shares of common stock into the existing trading market at current market prices, and the Company anticipates using the net proceeds from such sales to fund the development and redevelopment pipelines.
(c) The Essex Apartment Value Fund II (“Fund II”)
In April 2006, Fund II acquired two land parcels including a 1.26 acre parcel of land, fully entitled for 149 units, located in Studio City, California for a total estimated cost of approximately $53.3 million, and a 0.9 acre parcel of fully entitled land for 127 units, located in Seattle, Washington, for a total estimated cost of approximately $29.5 million.
In April 2006, Fund II acquired Davey Glen, a 69-unit apartment community located in Belmont, California for approximately $13.5 million.
(d) Real Estate Rental Properties
During the second quarter of 2006, the Operating Partnership recorded an impairment loss of $0.8 million resulting from the write-down of a property in Houston, Texas, to reduce the property’s carrying value to its estimated fair value as of June 30, 2006. The amount is recorded in other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
(3) Investments
The Operating Partnership has investments in a number of affiliates, which are accounted for under the equity method. The affiliates own and operate multifamily rental properties. The following table details the Operating Partnership's investments (dollars in thousands):
| | June 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | | | | |
Investments in joint ventures accounted for under the equity | | | | | |
method of accounting: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Limited partnership interest of 20.4% and general partner | | | | | |
interest of 1% in Essex Apartment Value Fund, L.P (Fund I) | | $ | 582 | | $ | 582 | |
Limited partnership interest of 27.2% and general partner | | | | | | | |
interest of 1% in Essex Apartment Value Fund II, L.P (Fund II) | | | 28,610 | | | 19,340 | |
Preferred limited partnership interests in Mountain Vista | | | | | | | |
Apartments (A) | | | 6,806 | | | 6,806 | |
| | | 35,998 | | | 26,728 | |
Investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Series A Preferred Stock interest in Multifamily Technology | | | | | | | |
Solutions, Inc. | | | 500 | | | 500 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total investments | | $ | 36,498 | | $ | 27,228 | |
| | | | | | | |
(A) | The investment is held in an entity that includes an affiliate of The Marcus & Millichap Company (“TMMC”). TMMC’s Chairman is also the Chairman of the Company. |
The combined summarized financial information of investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, is as follows (dollars in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | June 30, | | | December 31, | | | | | | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | | | | |
Balance sheets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate and real estate under development | | $ | 474,100 | | $ | 431,655 | | | | | | |
Other assets | | | 20,509 | | | 18,655 | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 494,609 | | $ | 450,310 | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mortgage notes payable | | $ | 266,380 | | $ | 268,325 | | | | | | |
Other liabilities | | | 95,538 | | | 83,979 | | | | | | |
Partners' capital | | | 132,691 | | | 98,007 | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and partners' capital | | $ | 494,609 | | $ | 450,311 | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Partnership's share of capital | | $ | 35,998 | | $ | 26,728 | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended | | | Six Months Ended |
| | | June 30, | | | June 30, |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 |
Statements of operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total property revenues | | $ | 10,231 | | $ | 6,354 | | $ | 19,741 | | $ | 13,854 |
Total gain on the sales of real estate | | | - | | | 4,422 | | | - | | | 33,008 |
Depreciation and amortization | | | (2,937) | | | (1,536) | | | (5,822) | | | (3,240) |
Interest expense | | | (4,407) | | | (2,712) | | | (8,562) | | | (5,048) |
Other operating expenses | | | (4,353) | | | (3,088) | | | (8,508) | | | (6,100) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net (loss) income | | $ | (1,466) | | $ | 3,440 | | $ | (3,151) | | $ | 32,474 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Partnership's share of net (loss) income | | $ | (374) | | $ | 2,724 | | $ | (816) | | $ | 17,316 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(4) Notes Receivable and Other Receivables from Related Parties
Notes receivable and other receivables from related parties consist of the following as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 (dollars in thousands):
| | June 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Related party receivables, unsecured: | | | | | |
Loans to officers made prior to July 31, 2002, secured, | | | | | |
bearing interest at 8%, due beginning April 2007 | | $ | 375 | | $ | 375 | |
Other related party receivables, substantially due on demand | | | 1,883 | | | 798 | |
Total notes and other receivable from related parties | | $ | 2,258 | | $ | 1,173 | |
| | | | | | | |
Other related party receivables consist primarily of accrued interest income on related party notes receivable from loans to officers, advances, and accrued management fees from Fund II.
(5) Notes and Other Receivables
Notes and other receivables consist of the following as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | |
| | June 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Note receivable from Pacifica Companies, LLC, secured, | | | | | |
bearing interest at 12%, due June 2008 | | | 2,193 | | | 2,193 | |
Note receivable from Marketplace Mortgage, LLC, secured | | | | | | | |
bearing interest at LIBOR + 3.69%, due June 2009 | | | 7,293 | | | - | |
Other receivables | | | 20,359 | | | 3,044 | |
Total notes and other receivables | | $ | 29,845 | | $ | 5,237 | |
| | | | | | | |
Other receivables consist primarily of proceeds from the sale of Vista Pointe for $19,297 held in escrow as of June 30, 2006, and a receivable due from the Vista Pointe joint venture for $2,176 as of December 31, 2005. A cash distribution for the entire amount was received from escrow on July 7, 2006.
(6) Related Party Transactions
Management and other fees from affiliates includes property management, asset management, development and redevelopment fees from the Operating Partnership’s investees of $830 and $931 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $1,654 and $7,507 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and promote income from Fund I of $241 for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and $5,114 for the six months ended June 30, 2005. There was no promote income from related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2006.
The Operating Partnership defines its reportable operating segments as the three geographical regions in which its properties are located: Southern California, Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Excluded from segment revenues are properties outside of these regions, 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, recreational vehicle parks, and manufactured housing communities. Other non-segment assets include investments, real estate under development, cash, 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 months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (dollars in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Revenues: | | | | | |
Southern California | | $ | 51,567 | | $ | 46,968 | |
Northern California | | | 18,057 | | | 16,796 | |
Pacific Northwest | | | 15,911 | | | 14,849 | |
Other non-segment areas | | | 1,121 | | | 1,049 | |
Total property revenues | | $ | 86,656 | | $ | 79,662 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net operating income: | | | | | | | |
Southern California | | $ | 34,975 | | $ | 31,458 | |
Northern California | | | 12,235 | | | 11,457 | |
Pacific Northwest | | | 10,030 | | | 9,379 | |
Other non-segment areas | | | (53 | ) | | 73 | |
Total net operating income | | | 57,187 | | | 52,367 | |
| | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization: | | | | | | | |
Southern California | | | (11,506 | ) | | (10,360 | ) |
Northern California | | | (4,161 | ) | | (3,998 | ) |
Pacific Northwest | | | (3,915 | ) | | (3,706 | ) |
Other non-segment areas | | | (1,093 | ) | | (1,979 | ) |
| | | (20,675 | ) | | (20,043 | ) |
Interest expense: | | | | | | | |
Southern California | | | (7,550 | ) | | (7,692 | ) |
Northern California | | | (4,338 | ) | | (3,777 | ) |
Pacific Northwest | | | (1,731 | ) | | (1,888 | ) |
Other non-segment areas | | | (5,878 | ) | | (4,796 | ) |
| | | (19,497 | ) | | (18,153 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | (497 | ) | | (563 | ) |
General and administrative | | | (5,002 | ) | | (4,573 | ) |
Other expenses | | | (800 | ) | | (1,500 | ) |
Management and other fees from affiliates | | | 830 | | | 931 | |
Gain on sale of real estate | | | - | | | 5,276 | |
Interest and other income | | | 654 | | | 2,431 | |
Equity income in co-investments | | | (374 | ) | | 2,724 | |
Minority interests | | | (1,378 | ) | | (1,450 | ) |
Income tax provision | | | (138 | ) | | (1,100 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 10,310 | | $ | 16,347 | |
| | | | | | | |
The revenues, net operating income, and assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (dollars in thousands):
| | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Revenues: | | | | | |
Southern California | | $ | 102,686 | | $ | 93,260 | |
Northern California | | | 35,501 | | | 33,293 | |
Pacific Northwest | | | 31,443 | | | 29,407 | |
Other non-segment areas | | | 2,289 | | | 1,978 | |
Total property revenues | | $ | 171,919 | | $ | 157,938 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net operating income: | | | | | | | |
Southern California | | $ | 69,475 | | $ | 62,642 | |
Northern California | | | 23,761 | | | 22,541 | |
Pacific Northwest | | | 19,652 | | | 18,429 | |
Other non-segment areas | | | (449 | ) | | (38 | ) |
Total net operating income | | | 112,439 | | | 103,574 | |
| | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization: | | | | | | | |
Southern California | | | (22,568 | ) | | (20,496 | ) |
Northern California | | | (8,236 | ) | | (7,915 | ) |
Pacific Northwest | | | (7,690 | ) | | (7,334 | ) |
Other non-segment areas | | | (2,272 | ) | | (3,877 | ) |
| | | (40,766 | ) | | (39,622 | ) |
Interest expense: | | | | | | | |
Southern California | | | (14,694 | ) | | (15,161 | ) |
Northern California | | | (8,781 | ) | | (7,568 | ) |
Pacific Northwest | | | (3,421 | ) | | (3,338 | ) |
Other non-segment areas | | | (11,591 | ) | | (10,233 | ) |
| | | (38,487 | ) | | (36,300 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | (1,193 | ) | | (1,039 | ) |
General and administrative | | | (9,901 | ) | | (9,014 | ) |
Other expenses | | | (1,770 | ) | | (1,500 | ) |
Management and other fees from affiliates | | | 1,654 | | | 7,507 | |
Gain on sale of real estate | | | - | | | 6,391 | |
Interest and other income | | | 3,048 | | | 2,954 | |
Equity income in co-investments | | | (816 | ) | | 17,316 | |
Minority interests | | | (2,845 | ) | | (2,741 | ) |
Income tax provision | | | (175 | ) | | (1,201 | ) |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 21,188 | | $ | 46,325 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | June 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Net real estate assets: | | | | | |
Southern California | | $ | 1,270,774 | | $ | 1,211,373 | |
Northern California | | | 451,850 | | | 456,093 | |
Pacific Northwest | | | 358,892 | | | 359,432 | |
Other non-segment areas | | | 37,631 | | | 57,871 | |
Total net real estate assets | | | 2,119,147 | | | 2,084,769 | |
Other non-segment assets | | | 209,097 | | | 154,521 | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,328,244 | | $ | 2,239,290 | |
| | | | | | | |
(8) Net Income Per Common Unit
(Amounts in thousands, except per unit data)
| | Three Months Ended | | Three Months Ended | |
| | June 30, 2006 | | June 30, 2005 | |
| | | | Weighted | | Per | | | | Weighted | | Per | |
| | | | Average | | Common | | | | Average | | Common | |
| | | | Common | | Unit | | | | Common | | Unit | |
| | Income | | Units | | Amount | | Income | | Units | | Amount | |
Basic: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations available | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to common units | | $ | 7,262 | | | 25,236 | | $ | 0.29 | | $ | 13,300 | | | 25,369 | | $ | 0.52 | |
Income from discontinued operations | | | 17,140 | | | 25,236 | | | 0.68 | | | 29,063 | | | 25,369 | | | 1.15 | |
| | | 24,402 | | | | | $ | 0.97 | | | 42,363 | | | | | $ | 1.67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of Dilutive Securities (1) | | | - | | | 461 | | | | | | - | | | 303 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations available | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to common units | | | 7,262 | | | 25,697 | | $ | 0.28 | | | 13,300 | | | 25,672 | | $ | 0.52 | |
Income from discontinued operations | | | 17,140 | | | 25,697 | | | 0.67 | | | 29,063 | | | 25,672 | | | 1.13 | |
| | $ | 24,402 | | | | | $ | 0.95 | | $ | 42,363 | | | | | $ | 1.65 | |
| | Six Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, 2006 | | June 30, 2005 | |
| | | | Weighted | | Per | | | | Weighted | | Per | |
| | | | Average | | Common | | | | Average | | Common | |
| | | | Common | | Unit | | | | Common | | Unit | |
| | Income | | Units | | Amount | | Income | | Units | | Amount | |
Basic: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations available | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to common units | | $ | 15,093 | | | 25,201 | | $ | 0.60 | | $ | 40,230 | | | 25,369 | | $ | 1.59 | |
Income from discontinued operations | | | 20,321 | | | 25,201 | | | 0.81 | | | 31,319 | | | 25,369 | | | 1.23 | |
| | | 35,414 | | | | | $ | 1.41 | | | 71,549 | | | | | $ | 2.82 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of Dilutive Securities (1) | | | - | | | 428 | | | | | | - | | | 307 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations available | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to common units | | | 15,093 | | | 25,629 | | $ | 0.59 | | | 40,230 | | | 25,676 | | $ | 1.57 | |
Income from discontinued operations | | | 20,321 | | | 25,629 | | | 0.79 | | | 31,319 | | | 25,676 | | | 1.22 | |
| | $ | 35,414 | | | | | $ | 1.38 | | $ | 71,549 | | | | | $ | 2.79 | |
. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Operating Partnership has the ability and intent to redeem Down REIT Limited Partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be common unit equivalents
(1) | On or after November 1, 2020, the holders of the $225 million exchangeable notes may exchange, at the then applicable exchange rate, the notes for cash and, at Essex’s option, a portion of the notes may be exchanged for Essex common stock; the current exchange rate is $103.25 per share of Essex common stock. The exchangeable notes will also be exchangeable prior to November 1, 2020, but only upon the occurrence of certain specified events. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, the weighted average common stock price exceeded the $103.25 strike price and therefore common stock issuable upon exchange of the exchangeable notes was included in the diluted share count. The treasury method was used to determine the shares to be added to the denominator for the calculation of earnings per diluted share. |
Stock options of 19,148 and 39,274 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and 10,704 and 33,356 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the exercise price of the options were greater than the average market price of the common shares for the quarter and, therefore, the stock options were anti-dilutive.
(9) | Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities |
During the second quarter of 2006 the Operating Partnership entered into two, ten-year forward-starting interest rate swaps for $50 million and $75 million with settlement dates of January 1, 2011 and February 1, 2011, respectively. As of June 30, 2006, the Operating Partnership has entered into seven forward-starting interest rate swaps totaling a notional amount of $350 million with interest rates ranging from 4.9% to 5.9% and settlements dates ranging from October 1, 2007 to February 1, 2011. These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting and will economically hedge the cash flows associated with the refinancing of debt that matures between 2007 and early 2011. The increase in the fair value of these derivatives during the six months ended June 30, 2006 was approximately $11.7 million and is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements. No hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges was recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2006.
(10) | Discontinued Operations |
In the normal course of business, the Operating Partnership will receive offers for sale of its properties, either solicited or unsolicited. For those offers that are accepted, the prospective buyer will usually require a due diligence period before consummation of the transaction. It is not unusual for matters to arise that result in the withdrawal or rejection of the offer during this process. The Operating Partnership classifies real estate as "held for sale" when all criteria under SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" (SFAS 144) have been met.
In January 2005, the Operating Partnership sold four non-core assets that were acquired in conjunction with the John M. Sachs’ merger in 2002 for $14.9 million. The four non-core assets were: The Riviera Recreational Vehicle Park and a Manufactured Home Park, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, for which the Operating Partnership had previously entered into master lease and option agreements with an unrelated entity; and two small office buildings, located in San Diego California, aggregating 7,200 square feet. The Operating Partnership recorded a gain of $735 on the sale of these assets.
In June 2005, the Operating Partnership sold Eastridge Apartments, a 188-unit apartment community located in San Ramon, California for approximately $47.5 million. In conjunction with the sale, the Operating Partnership deferred $2.2 million of the gain on the sale of Eastridge because the Operating Partnership, through its wholly owned taxable subsidiary, originated a participating loan to the buyer in the amount of approximately $2.2 million, which allows the Operating Partnership to financially participate in the buyer’s condominium conversion plan. The gain on the sale of the Eastridge property net of the deferral of the $2.2 participating loan was $28.5 million. The Operating Partnership has recorded the operations for Eastridge Apartments as part of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
In January 2006 the Operating Partnership sold Vista Capri East and Casa Tierra apartment communities for approximately $7.0 million and in March 2006, the Operating Partnership sold Diamond Valley, a Recreational Vehicle Park, for approximately $1.3 million. The total combined gain was $3.1 million. The Operating Partnership has recorded the gain on sale for the three properties as part of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Operating Partnership did not reclass the following combined revenues, expenses, and net income for the these three properties for $142, $29, and $113 for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and $367, $147, and $220 for the six months ended June 30, 2005, to discontinued operations due to the fact the amounts are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006, the unconsolidated joint venture property, Vista Pointe, a 286-unit apartment community located in Anaheim, California, was sold for approximately $46 million. The Operating Partnership’s share of the proceeds from the transaction totaled $19.3 million, resulting in an $8.8 million gain on the sale, and an additional $8.2 million for fees and a promote distribution. The Operating Partnership has recorded the ground lease income and all related gains and fees from the Vista Pointe joint venture as part of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The components of discontinued operations are outlined below and include the results of operations for the respective periods that the Operating Partnership owned such assets, as described above.
| | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | | June 30, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Rental revenues | | $ | - | | $ | 574 | | $ | - | | $ | 1,233 | |
Interest and other | | | 119 | | | 119 | | | 238 | | | 1,373 | |
Revenues | | | 119 | | | 693 | | | 238 | | | 2,606 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property operating expenses | | | - | | | (114 | ) | | - | | | (506 | ) |
Operating income from real estate sold | | | 119 | | | 579 | | | 238 | | | 2,100 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on sale of real estate | | | 8,800 | | | 28,484 | | | 11,862 | | | 29,219 | |
Promote interest and fees | | | 8,221 | | | - | | | 8,221 | | | - | |
Net gain on sale of real estate | | | 17,021 | | | 28,484 | | | 20,083 | | | 29,219 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from discontinued operations | | $ | 17,140 | | $ | 29,063 | | $ | 20,321 | | $ | 31,319 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(11) Commitments and Contingencies
In April 2004, an employee lawsuit was filed against the Company in the California Superior Court in the County of Alameda. In this lawsuit, two former Operating Partnership maintenance employees seek unpaid wages, associated penalties and attorneys’ fees on behalf of a putative class of the Operating Partnership’s current and former maintenance employees who were required to wear a pager while they were on call during evening and weekend hours. In June 2005, the Operating Partnership recorded $1.5 million for legal settlement costs. There has been no change to the settlement amount since the second quarter of 2005. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and such amount represents management’s best estimate of the total cost of the litigation at this time.
Recently there has been an increasing number of lawsuits against owners and managers of multifamily properties 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 Operating Partnership 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 Operating Partnership has, however, purchased pollution liability insurance, which includes coverage for mold. The Operating Partnership has adopted programs designed to manage the existence of mold in its properties as well as guidelines for promptly addressing and resolving reports of mold to minimize any impact mold might have on residents or the property. Liabilities resulting from such mold related matters and the costs of carrying insurance to address potential mold related claims may also be substantial.
The Operating Partnership is subject to various other lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations. Accordingly, such lawsuits, as well as the class action lawsuit described above, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Notes thereto included elsewhere herein and with our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and our Current Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. (Unless otherwise noted, all dollar amounts are in thousands.)
Essex is a fully integrated Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), and its property revenues are generated primarily from multifamily property operations, which are located in three major West Coast regions:
Southern California (Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties)
Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area)
Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas)
The Operating Partnership’s consolidated multifamily properties are as follows:
| As of June 30, 2006 | | As of June 30, 2005 | |
| Number of Apartment Homes | % | Number of Apartment Homes | % |
Southern California | 12,957 | 55% | 12,724 | 54% |
Northern California | 4,621 | 19% | 4,621 | 20% |
Pacific Northwest | 5,847 | 25% | 5,831 | 25% |
Other | 302 | 1% | 302 | 1% |
Total | 23,727 | 100% | 23,478 | 100% |
| | | | |
Occupancy Rates
With respect to stabilized multifamily properties with sufficient operating history, occupancy rates are based on financial occupancy, which 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. Financial occupancy may not completely reflect short-term trends in physical occupancy and financial occupancy rates as disclosed by other REITs may not be comparable to our calculation of financial occupancy.
Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2005
Our average financial occupancies for the Operating Partnership’s multifamily stabilized properties or “Quarterly Same Properties” (properties consolidated by the Operating Partnership for each of the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005) decreased 0.1% to 96.6% as of June 30, 2006 from 96.7% as of June 30, 2005 for the multifamily Quarterly Same-Properties. The regional breakdown of the Operating Partnership’s Quarterly Same-Property portfolio for financial occupancy for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:
| | | Three months ended |
| | | June 30, |
| | | 2006 | | 2005 |
Southern California | | | 95.9% | | 96.5% |
Northern California | | | 97.8% | | 97.2% |
Pacific Northwest | | | 97.5% | | 96.8% |
Total Property Revenues increased 8.8% to $86.7 million in the second quarter of 2006 from $79.7 million in the second quarter of 2005. The following table illustrates a breakdown of these revenue amounts, including revenues attributable to the Quarterly Same-Properties.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Three Months Ended | | | | | | |
| Number of | | | June 30, | | | Dollar | | Percentage | |
| Properties | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | Change | | Change | |
Revenues: | | | | (dollars in thousands) | | | | | | |
Property revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Quarterly Same-Properties: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Southern California | 56 | | $ | 46,314 | | $ | 43,954 | | $ | 2,360 | | 5.4 | % |
Northern California | 20 | | | 18,057 | | | 16,796 | | | 1,261 | | 7.5 | |
Pacific Northwest | 25 | | | 13,926 | | | 12,879 | | | 1,047 | | 8.1 | |
Total property revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Quarterly Same-Properties | 101 | | | 78,297 | | | 73,629 | | | 4,668 | | 6.3 | |
Property revenues - properties acquired | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
subsequent to March 31, 2005 (1) | | | | 8,359 | | | 6,033 | | | 2,326 | | 38.6 | |
Total property revenues | | | $ | 86,656 | | $ | 79,662 | | $ | 6,994 | | 8.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) Also includes three office buildings, one multifamily property located in Houston, Texas, two recreational vehicle parks, one manufactured housing community, and redevelopment communities.
Quarterly Same-Property Revenues increased by $4.7 million or 6.3% to $78.3 million in the second quarter of 2006 from $73.6 million in the second quarter of 2005. The increase in second quarter of 2006 was primarily attributable to an increase in rental rates of $4.3 million or 5.9% and a decrease in rent concessions of $173 compared to the second quarter of 2005. Occupancy and delinquency rates were consistent for the two quarters.
Quarterly Non-Same Property Revenues increased by $2.3 million or 38.6% to $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2006 from $6.0 million in the second quarter of 2005. Quarterly Non-Same Properties include properties acquired subsequent to March 31, 2005, three office buildings, one multifamily property located in Houston, Texas, one manufactured housing community, two recreational vehicle parks, and redevelopment communities. The increase was primarily due to four properties acquired since March 31, 2005.
Total Expenses increased $3.8 million or 5% to $75.9 million in the second quarter of 2006 from $72.1 million in the second quarter of 2005. The increase was primarily due to an increased in real estate taxes, salaries, and interest offset by a decrease in other expenses of $700. Real estate taxes increased $764 over the prior quarter due mainly to increases in assessment of properties in the Pacific Northwest. Salaries increased mainly due to an increase in equity based compensation expense of $366, and an increase in payroll salaries over the prior year period as well as higher operating expenses due to the acquisition of properties in the past year.
Interest expense increased by $1.3 million or 7% in the second quarter of 2006 to $19.5 million, net of $711 in capitalized interest, compared to $18.2 million, net of $511 in capitalized interest for the second quarter of 2005. The increase was mainly due to an increase in total outstanding debt of $108 million between the two quarters, and an increase in short-term borrowing rates.
Other expenses included an impairment charge of $800 related to the write-down of the value of a property located in Houston, Texas during the second quarter of 2006, and during the second quarter of 2005 the Operating Partnership recorded a $1.5 million charge for a legal settlement.
Gain on sale of real estate was $0 for the second quarter of 2006 compared to a gain of $3.8 million recorded in the second quarter of 2005 related to the deferred gain on sale of The Essex at Lake Merritt property, and a gain of $1.4 million from the Operating Partnership’s taxable REIT subsidiaries.
Interest and other income decreased $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2006 due to the recognition of $1.8 million in interest income from the Essex at Lake Merritt participating loan during the second quarter of 2005.
Equity income in co-investments decreased $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2006 due mainly to the fact the Operating Partnership recorded $2.7 million in equity income related to Fund I properties sold during the second quarter of 2005. For the second quarter of 2006 the Operating Partnership recorded a net loss on its investment in Fund II for $374.
Discontinued operations for the second quarter of 2006 relates to the gain on sale of the Vista Pointe joint venture property for $8.8 million plus fees and a promote distribution from the sale for a total of $8.2 million. Discontinued operations for the second quarter of 2005, relates to the sale of the Eastridge Apartments, for a gain on sale of $30.5 million, and $575 in rental revenues related to Eastridge.
Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005
Our average financial occupancies for the Operating Partnership’s multifamily stabilized properties or “Same Properties” (properties consolidated by the Operating Partnership for each of the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005) decreased 0.1% to 96.5% as of June 30, 2006 from 96.6% as of June 30, 2005. The regional breakdown of the Operating Partnership’s Same-Property portfolio for financial occupancy for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:
| | | Six Months Ended | |
| | | June 30, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Southern California | | | 96.1% | | | 96.3% | |
Northern California | | | 97.1% | | | 97.0% | |
Pacific Northwest | | | 97.1% | | | 96.7% | |
Total Property Revenues increased 8.9% to $171.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $157.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2005. The following table illustrates a breakdown of these revenue amounts, including revenues attributable to the Same-Properties.
| | | | Six Months Ended | | | | | |
| | Number of | | June 30, | | Dollar | | Percentage | |
| | Properties | | 2006 | | 2005 | | Change | | Change | |
Revenues: | | | | (dollars in thousands) | | | | | |
Property revenues | | | | | | | | | | | |
Same-Properties: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Southern California | | | 55 | | $ | 90,648 | | $ | 85,934 | | $ | 4,714 | | | 5.5 | % |
Northern California | | | 20 | | | 35,501 | | | 33,292 | | | 2,209 | | | 6.6 | |
Pacific Northwest | | | 24 | | | 26,368 | | | 24,699 | | | 1,669 | | | 6.8 | |
Total property revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Same-Properties | | | 99 | | | 152,517 | | | 143,925 | | | 8,592 | | | 6.0 | |
Property revenues - properties acquired | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
subsequent to December 31, 2004 (1) | | | | | | 19,402 | | | 14,013 | | | 5,389 | | | 38.5 | |
Total property revenues | | | | | $ | 171,919 | | $ | 157,938 | | $ | 13,981 | | | 8.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) Also includes three office buildings, one multifamily property located in Houston, Texas, two recreational vehicle parks, one manufactured housing community, and redevelopment communities.
Same-Property Revenues increased by $8.6 million or 6.0% to $152.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to $143.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in rental rates of $7.5 million or 5.3%, and increase of $303 in revenue from the ratio utility billing system (“RUBS”), and a decrease in rent concessions of $683 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2005. Occupancy and delinquency rates were consistent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.
Non-Same Property Revenues increased by $5.4 million or 38.5% to $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $14.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. Non-Same Properties include properties acquired subsequent to January 1, 2005, three office buildings, one multifamily property located in Houston, Texas, one manufactured housing community, two recreational vehicle parks, and redevelopment communities. The increase was primarily due to five properties acquired since June 30, 2005.
Management and other fees from affiliates decreased by approximately $5.9 million or 78% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 due primarily to $4.9 million in promote distributions received in the six months ended June 30, 2005 related to the sale of Fund I assets. Additionally, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 the Operating Partnership recorded $1.3 million in management fee income which included fee income deferred from 2004. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Operating Partnership recorded $830 in management fee income and received no promote distributions for Fund I. The Operating Partnership did receive a promote distribution from the sale of Vista Pointe which is included in discontinued operations.
Total Expenses increased $9.8 million or 7% to $151.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $141.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The increase was primarily due to real estate taxes, salaries, and interest. Real estate taxes increased $1.3 million over the prior year due mainly to increases in assessment of properties in the Pacific Northwest. Salaries increased mainly due to an increase in equity based compensation expense of $375, and an increase in payroll salaries over the prior year period as well as higher operating expenses due to the acquisition of properties in the past year.
Interest expense increased by $2.2 million or 6% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $38.5 million, net of $1.3 million in capitalized interest, compared to $36.3 million, net of $511 in capitalized interest for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The increase was mainly due to an increase in total outstanding debt of $108 million between June 30, 2006 and 2005, and higher short-term borrowing rates.
Other expenses increased $270 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as a result of pursuit costs related to the Operating Partnership’s attempt to acquire the Town & Country REIT for a net of pursuit costs of $970 in the first quarter of 2006 and an $800 impairment charge recorded on a property in Houston, Texas during the second quarter of 2006, compared to a $1.5 million charge related to a legal settlement recorded during the second quarter of 2005.
Gain on sale of real estate was $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to a gain of $6.4 million recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2005 resulting from the recognition of a $5 million deferred gain due to the sale of The Essex at Lake Merritt and $1.4 million from our taxable REIT subsidiaries.
Interest and other income was comprised of $1.7 million for a gain on the sale of the Town & Country stock recorded during the first quarter for 2006 as compared to $1.8 million in interest income from the Essex at Lake Merritt participating loan recorded in the second quarter of 2005 and lease income from the RV parks was consistent for both periods.
Equity income in co-investments decreased $18.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 due to the fact the Operating Partnership recorded $17.1 million in equity income related to Fund I properties sold during the six months ended June 30, 2005. For the six months ended June 30, 2006 the Operating Partnership recorded a net loss on its investment in Fund II of $816.
Discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2006 relates to the gain on sale of the Vista Pointe joint venture property for $8.8 million plus fees and a promote distribution from the sale for a total of $8.2 million recorded in the second quarter of 2006. During the first quarter of 2006, the Operating Partnership sold Vista Capri East, Casa Tierra, and Diamond Valley properties for a gain of $3.1 million. Discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2005 relates to the sale of the Eastridge Apartments in the second quarter of 2005, for a gain on sale of $30.5 million and the sale of four non-core assets in the first quarter of 2005 for a total gain on sale of $735, and $1.2 million in rental revenues related to Eastridge.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Standard and Poor's rating has issued a corporate credit rating of BBB/Stable for Essex Property Trust, Inc. and Essex Portfolio L.P.
We believe that cash flows generated by our operations, existing cash balances, availability under existing lines of credit, access to capital markets and the ability to generate cash gains from the disposition of real estate are sufficient to meet all of our reasonably anticipated cash needs during 2006. The timing, source and amounts of cash flows provided by financing activities and used in investing activities are sensitive to changes in interest rates and other fluctuations in the capital markets environment, which can affect our plans for acquisitions, dispositions, development and redevelopment activities.
The Operating Partnership had a $200 million unsecured line of credit and, as of June 30, 2006, $26.0 million was outstanding on the line. This facility matures in March 2009, with an option for a one-year extension. The underlying interest rate on this line is based on a tiered rate structure tied to our corporate ratings and is currently LIBOR plus 0.8% which yields an average interest rate of 6.6%.
We also have a $100 million credit facility from Freddie Mac, which is secured by six of the Operating Partnership's multifamily communities. As of June 30, 2006, we had $69.0 million outstanding under this line of credit, which bears an average interest rate of 5.4% and matures in January 2009. The underlying interest rate on this line is between 55 and 59 basis points over the Freddie Mac Reference Rate. Fund II has a credit facility aggregating $115 million. This line bears interest at LIBOR plus 0.875%, and matures on June 30, 2007. At the end of the second quarter, the Company had the capacity to issue up to $204.3 million in equity securities, and the Operating Partnership had the capacity to issue up to $250 million of debt securities under our existing shelf registration statements.
The Operating Partnership has $225 million of outstanding exchangeable senior notes (the “Notes”) with a coupon of 3.625% due 2025. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Operating Partnership, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. On or after November 1, 2020, the Notes will be exchangeable at the option of the holder into cash and, in certain circumstances at Essex’s option, shares of Company’s common stock at an initial exchange price of $103.25 per share subject to certain adjustments. The Notes will also be exchangeable prior to November 1, 2020, but only upon the occurrence of certain specified events. On or after November 4, 2010, the Operating Partnership may redeem all or a portion of the Notes at a redemption price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any). Note holders may require the Operating Partnership to repurchase all or a portion of the Notes at a purchase price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any) on the Notes on November 1, 2010, November 1, 2015 and November 1, 2020.
As of June 30, 2006, our mortgage notes payable totaled $1.1 billion which consisted of $914.4 million in fixed rate debt with interest rates varying from 4.27% to 8.29% and maturity dates ranging from 2007 to 2015 and $186.5 million of tax-exempt variable rate demand bonds with a weighted average interest rate of 4.7%. The tax-exempt variable rate demand bonds have maturity dates ranging from 2006 to 2034, and are subject to interest rate caps.
During July 2006, the Company sold 5.98 million shares of 4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock at $25 per share for estimated gross proceeds of $149.5 million. Holders may convert Series G Preferred Stock into shares of the Company’s common stock subject to certain conditions. The conversion rate will initially be .1830 shares of common stock per the $25 per share liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $136.62 per share of common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. On or after July 31, 2011, the Company may, under certain conditions, cause some or all of the Series G Preferred Stock to be converted into that number of shares of common stock at the then prevailing conversion rate. The Operating Partnership intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay down outstanding borrowings under the Operating Partnership’s lines of credit, to fund the development pipeline and for general corporate purposes.
During the second quarter of 2006, the Company issued and sold approximately 140,500 shares of common stock for $14.8 million, net of fees and commissions, under its Controlled Equity Offering program. Under this program, the Company may from time to time sell shares of common stock into the existing trading market at current market prices, and the Operating Partnership anticipates using the net proceeds from such sales to fund the development and redevelopment pipelines.
The Operating Partnership pays quarterly distributions from cash available for distribution. Until it is distributed, cash available for distribution is invested by the Operating Partnership primarily in short-term investment grade securities or is used by the Operating Partnership to reduce balances outstanding under its line of credit.
Derivative Activity
In an effort to hedge the cash flows associated with the forecasted issuance of debt expected to occur at the end of 2010 and early 2011, during the second quarter of 2006 the Operating Partnership entered into two, ten-year forward-starting interest rate swaps for $50 million and $75 million with settlement dates of January 1, 2011 and February 1, 2011, respectively. As of June 30, 2006, the Operating Partnership has entered into seven forward-starting interest rate swaps totaling a notional amount of $350 million with interest rates ranging from 4.9% to 5.9% and settlements dates ranging from October 1, 2007 to February 1, 2011. These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting and will economically hedge the cash flows associated with the refinancing of debt that matures between 2007 and early 2011. The increase in the fair value of these derivatives during the six months ended June 30, 2006 was approximately $11 million and is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements. No hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges was recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2006.
Development and Predevelopment Pipeline
The Operating Partnership defines development activities as new properties that are being constructed, or are newly constructed and, in the case of development communities, are in a phase of lease-up and have not yet reached stabilized operations; or, in the case of for-sale development projects, have not yet been sold.
As of June 30, 2006, the Operating Partnership had one development project comprised of 275 units for an estimated cost of $71.1 million, of which $51.2 million remains to be expended, (excluding development projects owned by the Essex Apartment Value Fund II, L.P.). The Operating Partnership has also incurred $7.4 million in costs related to joint venture developments with third parties. The Operating Partnership is committed to contribute an additional $1 million to these ventures.
The Operating Partnership defines the predevelopment pipeline as new properties in negotiation with a high likelihood of becoming development activities. As of June 30, 2006, the Operating Partnership had six development communities aggregating 1,972 units that were classified as predevelopment projects. The estimated total cost of the predevelopment pipeline at June 30, 2006 is $522.5 million, of which $504.8 million remains to be expended.
The Operating Partnership had two for-sale development projects that are under development aggregating 97 units, and three for-sale development projects that are in predevelopment status aggregating 123 units. The estimated total cost of the for-sale projects at June 30, 2006 is $69.7 million, of which $39.3 million remains to be expended.
Redevelopment
The Operating Partnership defines redevelopment activities as upgrades to existing properties owned or recently acquired, which have been targeted for investment by the Operating Partnership with the expectation of increased financial returns through property improvement. The Operating Partnership’s redevelopment strategy strives to improve the financial and physical aspects of the Operating Partnership’s redevelopment apartment communities and to target a 10 to 12 percent return on the incremental renovation investment. Many of the Operating Partnership’s properties are older and in excellent neighborhoods, providing lower density with large floor plans that represent attractive redevelopment opportunities. Redevelopment communities typically have some apartment units that are not available for rent and, as a result, may have less than stabilized operations. As of June 30, 2006, the Operating Partnership had six communities, aggregating 1,850 units in various stages of redevelopment. Total redevelopment cost of these projects as of June 30, 2006 is approximately $34.0 million, of which $15.5 million remains to be expended.
Alternative Capital Sources
Fund II has eight institutional investors, including the Operating Partnership, with combined partner equity commitments of $265.9 million. The Operating Partnership has committed $75.0 million to Fund II, which represents a 28.2% interest as general partner and limited partner. Fund II expects to utilize leverage equal to approximately 65% of the estimated value of the underlying real estate. Fund II invests in multifamily properties in the Operating Partnership’s targeted West Coast markets with an emphasis on investment opportunities in Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. Subject to certain exceptions, Fund II will be the Operating Partnership’s exclusive investment vehicle until October 31, 2006, or when Fund II’s committed capital has been invested, whichever occurs first.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table summarizes the maturation or due dates of our contractual obligations and other commitments at June 30, 2006, and the effect these obligations could have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods:
| | | | 2007 and | | 2009 and | | | | | |
(In thousands) | | 2006 | | 2008 | | 2010 | | Thereafter | | Total | |
Mortgage notes payable | | $ | - | | $ | 217,705 | | $ | 182,828 | | $ | 700,432 | | $ | 1,100,965 | |
Exchangeable bonds | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 225,000 | | | 225,000 | |
Lines of credit | | | - | | | - | | | 95,030 | | | - | | | 95,030 | |
Interest on indebtedness | | | 36,705 | | | 110,918 | | | 66,134 | | | 262,774 | | | 476,531 | |
Development commitments | | | 98,100 | | | 34,100 | | | - | | | - | | | 132,200 | |
Redevelopment commitments | | | 13,120 | | | 2,341 | | | - | | | - | | | 15,461 | |
Essex Apartment Value Fund II, L.P. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
capital commitment | | | 45,412 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 45,412 | |
| | $ | 193,337 | | $ | 365,064 | | $ | 343,992 | | $ | 1,188,206 | | $ | 2,090,599 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Operating Partnership to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.
We define critical accounting policies as those accounting policies that require our management to exercise their most difficult, subjective and complex judgments. Our critical accounting policies relate principally to the following key areas: (i) consolidation under applicable accounting standards of various entities; (ii) assessing the carrying values of our real estate properties and investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates; (iii) internal cost capitalization; and (iv) qualification as a REIT. The Operating Partnership 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 differ from those estimates made by management.
The Operating Partnership’s critical accounting policies and estimates have not changed materially from information reported in Note 2, “Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q which are not historical facts may be considered forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the Operating Partnership's expectations, hopes, intentions, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. Forward looking statements include statements regarding the anticipated total projected costs and investment returns of acquisition, redevelopment, and development projects, the anticipated timing of the completion and stabilization of development and redevelopment projects, beliefs as to the adequacy of future cash flows to meet operating requirements and to provide for dividend payments in accordance with REIT requirements, future acquisitions, the anticipated performance of the Fund II, the anticipated performance of existing properties, and future issuance of debt.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors including, but not limited to, that the Operating Partnership will fail to achieve its business objectives, that the total projected costs of current development and redevelopment projects will exceed expectations, that development and redevelopment projects and acquisitions will fail to meet expectations, that future cash flows will be inadequate to meet operating requirements and/or will be insufficient to provide for dividend payments in accordance with REIT requirements, that the Operating Partnership's partners in Fund II fail to fund capital commitments as contractually required, that there may be a downturn in the markets in which the Operating Partnership's properties are located, that the terms of any refinancing may not be as favorable as the terms of existing indebtedness, as well as those risks, special considerations, and other factors discussed under the caption "Potential Factors Affecting Future Operating Results" below and those discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Operating Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and those other risk factors and special considerations set forth in the Operating Partnership's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Operating Partnership to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements and reasons why results may differ included in this Form 10-Q are made as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement or reason why actual results may differ.
Potential Factors Affecting Future Operating Results
Many factors affect the Operating Partnership’s actual financial performance and may cause the Operating Partnership’s future results to be different from past performance or trends. These factors include those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and the following:
Development and Redevelopment Activities
The Operating Partnership pursues multifamily residential properties and development and redevelopment projects from time to time. These projects generally require various government and other approvals, the receipt of which cannot be assured. The Operating Partnership's development and redevelopment activities generally entail certain risks, including the following:
| · funds may be expended and management's time devoted to projects that may not be completed; |
| · construction costs of a project may exceed original estimates possibly making the project economically unfeasible; |
| · projects may be delayed due to, among other things, adverse weather conditions; |
| · occupancy rates and rents at a completed project may be less than anticipated; and |
| · expenses at a completed development project may be higher than anticipated. |
These risks may reduce the funds available for distribution to the Operating Partnership's unitholders. Further, the development and redevelopment of properties is also subject to the general risks associated with real estate investments.
Interest Rate Fluctuations
The Operating Partnership monitors changes in interest rates and believes that it is well positioned from both a liquidity and interest rate risk perspective. The immediate effect of significant and rapid interest rate increases would result in higher interest expense on the Operating Partnership's variable interest rate debt. The effect of prolonged interest rate increases could negatively impact the Operating Partnership's ability to make acquisitions and develop properties at economic returns on investment and the Operating Partnership's ability to refinance existing borrowings at acceptable rates.
Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Operating Partnership is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of its line of credit and long-term debt used to maintain liquidity and to fund capital expenditures and expansion of the Operating Partnership’s real estate investment portfolio and operations. The Operating Partnership’s interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower its overall borrowing costs. To achieve its objectives the Operating Partnership borrows primarily at fixed rates and may enter into derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, caps and treasury locks in order to mitigate its interest rate risk on a related financial instrument. The Operating Partnership does not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.
The Operating Partnership’s interest rate risk is monitored using a variety of techniques. The table below presents the principal amounts and weighted average interest rates by year of expected maturity to evaluate the expected cash flows. Management believes that the carrying amounts of its variable LIBOR debt approximates fair value as of June 30, 2006 because interest rates, yields and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available to the Operating Partnership for similar instruments.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the Years Ended | | 2006 | | 2007(1) | | 2008(2) | | 2009 | | 2010(3) | | Thereafter | | Total | | Fair value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In thousands) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed rate debt | | $ | - | | | 69,960 | | | 147,745 | | | 24,937 | | | 157,891 | | | 738,900 | | | (4 | ) | $ | 1,139,433 | | $ | 1,176,570 | |
Average interest rate | | | - | | | 6.0 | % | | 6.8 | % | | 6.9 | % | | 8.0 | % | | 5.7 | % | | | | | | | | | |
Variable rate LIBOR debt | | $ | - | | | - | | | - | | | 95,030 | | | - | | | 186,532 | | | (5 | ) | $ | 281,562 | | $ | 281,562 | |
Average interest | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 5.8 | % | | - | | | 4.7 | % | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) $50 million covered by a forward-starting swap at a fixed rate of 4.927%, with a settlement date on or before October 1, 2007.
(2) $50 million covered by a forward-starting swap at a fixed rate of 4.869%, with a settlement date on or before October 1, 2008. Also, $25 million covered by a forward-starting swap at a fixed rate of 5.082%, with a settlement date on or before January 1, 2009.
(3) $150 million covered by three forward-starting swaps with fixed rates ranging from 5.099% and 5.824%, with a settlement date on or before January 1, 2011.
(4) $75 million covered by a forward-starting swap at a fixed rate of 5.880% and a settlement date on or before February 1, 2011.
(5) $152.7 million subject to interest rate caps.
The table incorporates only those exposures that exist as of June 30, 2006; it does not consider exposures or positions that could arise after that date. As a result, our ultimate realized gain or loss, with respect to interest rate fluctuations, would depend on the exposures that arise during the period, our hedging strategies at the time, and interest rates.
The Operating Partnership’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements or other identified risks. To accomplish this objective, the Operating Partnership primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its cash flow hedging strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts in exchange for fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying principal amount.
Item 4: Controls and Procedures
As of June 30, 2006, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting management to material information relating to the Operating Partnership that is required to be included in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There were no changes in the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting, that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2006, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.
Part II -- Other Information
Item 1: Legal Proceedings
In April 2004, an employee lawsuit was filed against the Company in the California Superior Court in the County of Alameda. In this lawsuit, two former Operating Partnership maintenance employees seek unpaid wages, associated penalties and attorneys’ fees on behalf of a putative class of the Operating Partnership’s current and former maintenance employees who were required to wear a pager while they were on call during evening and weekend hours. In June 2005, the Operating Partnership recorded $1.5 million for legal settlement costs. There has been no change to the settlement amount since the second quarter of 2005. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and such amount represents management’s best estimate of the total cost of the litigation at this time.
Recently there has been an increasing number of lawsuits against owners and managers of multifamily properties 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 Operating Partnership 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 Operating Partnership has, however, purchased pollution liability insurance, which includes some coverage for mold. The Operating Partnership has adopted programs designed to manage the existence of mold in its properties as well as guidelines for promptly addressing and resolving reports of mold to minimize any impact mold might have on residents or the property. Liabilities resulting from such mold related matters and the costs of carrying insurance to address potential mold related claims may also be substantial.
The Operating Partnership is subject to various other lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations. Accordingly, such lawsuits, as well as the class action lawsuit described above, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item IA: Risk Factors
In evaluating all forward-looking statements, you should specifically consider various factors that may cause actual results to vary from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Operating Partnership’s risk factors are included in Item IA of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov, and under the caption “Potential Factors Affecting Future Operating Results,” in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in Part I of this Form 10-Q.
Item 6: Exhibits
| 3.1 | Articles Supplementary designating the 4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed on August 1, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 4.1 | Form of 4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s 8-K, filed on July 27, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.1 | Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of March 24, 2006, by and among Essex Portfolio, L.P., and Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Bank of America Securities LLC as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager, PNC Bank, National Association as Documentation Agent, Union Bank of California, N.A. as Syndication Agent, Comerica Bank as Managing Agent, KeyBank National Association as Managing Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Managing Agent, attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed March 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.2 | Twelfth Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Essex Portfolio, L.P., dated as of July 26, 2006, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 12.1 | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges |
| 31.1 | Certification of Keith R. Guericke, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 31.2 | Certification of Michael T. Dance, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 32.1 | Certification of Keith R. Guericke, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 32.2 | Certification of Michael T. Dance, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
__________
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. |
| (Registrant) |
| |
| |
| Date: August 7, 2006 |
| |
| | By: /S/ MICHAEL T. DANCE |
| Michael T. Dance |
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Authorized Officer, Principal Financial Officer) |
| |
| |
| By: /S/ BRYAN HUNT |
| Bryan Hunt |
| Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer |
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