Back to GetFilings.com



 

FORM 10-Q

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended MARCH 31, 2005

 

OR

 

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

 

Commission File Number: 0-24920

 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Illinois

 

36-3894853

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

Two North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois

 

60606

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(312) 474-1300

(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 such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  ý  No o

 

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

 

 



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

March 31,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in real estate

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

2,144,206

 

$

2,183,818

 

Depreciable property

 

12,381,279

 

12,350,900

 

Construction in progress (including land)

 

357,826

 

317,903

 

Investment in real estate

 

14,883,311

 

14,852,621

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(2,693,176

)

(2,599,827

)

Investment in real estate, net

 

12,190,135

 

12,252,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

91,068

 

83,505

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

10,743

 

11,461

 

Rents receivable

 

348

 

1,681

 

Deposits – restricted

 

185,162

 

82,194

 

Escrow deposits – mortgage

 

36,648

 

35,800

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

33,352

 

34,986

 

Goodwill, net

 

30,000

 

30,000

 

Other assets

 

119,879

 

112,854

 

Total assets

 

$

12,697,335

 

$

12,645,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage notes payable

 

$

3,106,010

 

$

3,166,739

 

Notes, net

 

3,138,783

 

3,143,067

 

Line of credit

 

163,000

 

150,000

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

94,281

 

87,422

 

Accrued interest payable

 

63,553

 

70,411

 

Rents received in advance and other liabilities

 

251,817

 

227,588

 

Security deposits

 

49,225

 

49,501

 

Distributions payable

 

143,166

 

142,437

 

Total liabilities

 

7,009,835

 

7,037,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

12,496

 

9,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital:

 

 

 

 

 

Preference Units

 

633,363

 

636,216

 

Preference Interests

 

140,000

 

206,000

 

Junior Preference Units

 

184

 

184

 

General Partner

 

4,585,852

 

4,457,700

 

Limited Partners

 

333,225

 

319,841

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

(18

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(17,620

)

(21,370

)

Total partners’ capital

 

5,675,004

 

5,598,553

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$

12,697,335

 

$

12,645,275

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

2



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands except per OP Unit data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

486,007

 

$

435,946

 

Fee and asset management

 

2,495

 

3,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

488,502

 

438,953

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Property and maintenance

 

135,784

 

118,200

 

Real estate taxes and insurance

 

53,640

 

49,821

 

Property management

 

20,975

 

17,286

 

Fee and asset management

 

2,519

 

1,995

 

Depreciation

 

127,568

 

110,110

 

General and administrative

 

17,060

 

10,142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expenses

 

357,546

 

307,554

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

130,956

 

131,399

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

60,521

 

1,968

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

Expense incurred, net

 

(90,280

)

(78,887

)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(1,586

)

(1,289

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before allocation to Minority Interests, loss from investments in unconsolidated entities, net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities and discontinued operations

 

99,611

 

53,191

 

Allocation to Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

1,477

 

(147

)

Loss from investments in unconsolidated entities

 

(58

)

(7,406

)

Net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities

 

124

 

2,434

 

Income from continuing operations

 

101,154

 

48,072

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

151,265

 

71,499

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(4,139

)

5,134

 

Net income

 

$

248,280

 

$

124,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALLLOCATION OF NET INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

Preference Units

 

$

13,025

 

$

13,672

 

Preference Interests

 

$

3,884

 

$

5,053

 

Junior Preference Units

 

$

4

 

$

31

 

Premium on redemption of Preference Interests

 

$

1,728

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Partner

 

$

214,014

 

$

98,309

 

Limited Partners

 

15,625

 

7,640

 

Net income available to OP Units

 

$

229,639

 

$

105,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per OP Unit – basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.10

 

Net income available to OP Units

 

$

0.75

 

$

0.35

 

Weighted average OP Units outstanding

 

305,391

 

299,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per OP Unit – diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.10

 

Net income available to OP Units

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.35

 

Weighted average OP Units outstanding

 

308,576

 

301,781

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions declared per OP Unit outstanding

 

$

0.4325

 

$

0.4325

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

3



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

(Amounts in thousands except per OP Unit data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

248,280

 

$

124,705

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) – derivative and other instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 

3,168

 

(10,154

)

Equity in unrealized holding gains arising during the period – unconsolidated entities

 

 

3,667

 

Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income

 

582

 

482

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

252,030

 

$

118,700

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

4



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

248,280

 

$

124,705

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Allocation to Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

(1,477

)

147

 

Depreciation

 

129,068

 

117,185

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

1,812

 

1,590

 

Amortization of discounts and premiums on debt

 

(234

)

(216

)

Amortization of deferred settlements on derivative instruments

 

236

 

123

 

Loss from investments in unconsolidated entities

 

58

 

7,406

 

Net (gain) on sales of unconsolidated entities

 

(124

)

(2,434

)

Net (gain) on sales of discontinued operations

 

(151,265

)

(71,499

)

Debt extinguishments

 

3,337

 

93

 

Unrealized loss on derivative instruments

 

 

59

 

Compensation paid with Company Common Shares

 

9,935

 

4,335

 

Other operating activities, net

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in rents receivable

 

1,334

 

(1,534

)

Decrease (increase) in deposits – restricted

 

920

 

(1,356

)

(Increase) in other assets

 

(450

)

(7,046

)

Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

6,718

 

5,888

 

(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable

 

(6,863

)

9,159

 

(Decrease) in rents received in advance and other liabilities

 

(6,478

)

(8,902

)

(Decrease) increase in security deposits

 

(290

)

287

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

234,517

 

177,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in real estate – acquisitions

 

(267,615

)

(187,996

)

Investment in real estate – development/other

 

(51,658

)

(4,722

)

Improvements to real estate

 

(38,274

)

(35,712

)

Additions to non-real estate property

 

(1,488

)

(667

)

Interest capitalized for real estate under development

 

(2,850

)

(370

)

Interest capitalized for unconsolidated entities under development

 

 

(2,282

)

Proceeds from disposition of real estate, net

 

542,056

 

291,527

 

Proceeds from disposition of unconsolidated entities

 

124

 

4,729

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

(265

)

(406,115

)

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

330

 

23,416

 

(Increase) decrease in deposits on real estate acquisitions, net

 

(103,888

)

565

 

(Increase) decrease in mortgage deposits

 

(841

)

2,653

 

Consolidation of previously Unconsolidated Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

Via acquisition (net of cash acquired)

 

(20

)

(49,080

)

Via FIN 46 (cash consolidated)

 

 

3,628

 

Acquisition of Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

(1,122

)

(72

)

Other investing activities, net

 

 

1,392

 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

 

74,489

 

(359,106

)

 

See accompanying notes

 

5



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Loan and bond acquisition costs

 

$

(178

)

$

(707

)

Mortgage notes payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds

 

24,715

 

16,450

 

Lump sum payoffs

 

(127,177

)

(80,692

)

Scheduled principal repayments

 

(7,078

)

(6,145

)

Prepayment premiums/fees

 

(3,337

)

(430

)

Line of credit:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds

 

416,000

 

549,000

 

Repayments

 

(403,000

)

(139,000

)

(Payments on) settlement of derivative instruments

 

 

(3,107

)

Proceeds from sale of OP Units

 

4,462

 

3,538

 

Proceeds from exercise of EQR options

 

10,352

 

20,923

 

Redemption of Preference Interests

 

(66,000

)

 

Payment of offering costs

 

(26

)

(24

)

Contributions – Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

20

 

 

Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

OP Units – General Partner

 

(123,238

)

(119,740

)

Preference Units

 

(13,076

)

(13,693

)

Preference Interests

 

(3,962

)

(5,053

)

Junior Preference Units

 

(4

)

(81

)

OP Units – Limited Partners

 

(8,878

)

(9,411

)

Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

(1,038

)

(8,773

)

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

 

(301,443

)

203,055

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

7,563

 

21,948

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

83,505

 

49,579

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

91,068

 

$

71,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

 

$

99,413

 

$

73,800

 

Valuation of OP Units issued – Other transactions

 

$

18,166

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate acquisitions/dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans assumed

 

$

47,581

 

$

36,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans (assumed) by purchaser

 

$

 

$

(1,338

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidation of previously Unconsolidated Properties – Via acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in real estate

 

$

(1,748

)

$

(955,073

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans assumed

 

$

1,084

 

$

270,285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

$

20

 

$

309

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

$

595

 

$

608,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net other liabilities recorded

 

$

29

 

$

27,199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidation of previously Unconsolidated Properties – Via FIN 46:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in real estate

 

$

 

$

(548,342

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans consolidated

 

$

 

$

294,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

$

 

$

3,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

$

 

$

234,984

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net other liabilities recorded

 

$

 

$

19,190

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

6



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1.                                    Business

 

ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“EPROP”), an Illinois limited partnership, was formed in May 1993 to conduct the multifamily residential property business of Equity Residential (“EQR”).  EQR is a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) formed in March 1993 and is a fully integrated real estate company engaged in the acquisition, development, ownership, management and operation of multifamily properties.

 

EQR is the general partner of, and as of March 31, 2005 owned an approximate 93.2% ownership interest in ERPOP.  EQR is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT (“UPREIT”), under which all property ownership and business operations are conducted through ERPOP and its subsidiaries.  As used herein, the term “Operating Partnership” includes ERPOP and those entities owned or controlled by it.  As used herein, the term “Company” means EQR and the Operating Partnership.

 

As of March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership, directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities, owned all or a portion of 939 properties in 32 states and the District of Columbia consisting of 199,510 units.  The ownership breakdown includes:

 

 

 

Properties

 

Units

 

Wholly Owned Properties

 

843

 

176,423

 

Partially Owned Properties (Consolidated)

 

39

 

6,929

 

Unconsolidated Properties

 

57

 

16,158

 

 

 

939

 

199,510

 

 

2.                                    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) and certain reclassifications considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements in order to conform to the current year presentation.  Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005.

 

The balance sheet at December 31, 2004 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.

 

For further information, including definition of capitalized terms not defined herein, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Operating Partnership’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company elected to account for its stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 and its amendment (SFAS No. 148), Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, effective in the first quarter of 2003, which resulted in compensation expense being recorded based on the fair value of the

 

7



 

stock compensation granted.

 

The Company elected the “Prospective Method” which requires expensing of employee awards granted or modified after January 1, 2003.  Compensation expense under all of the Company’s plans is generally recognized over periods ranging from three months to five years.

 

Any Common Shares issued pursuant to EQR’s incentive equity compensation and employee share purchase plans will result in the Operating Partnership issuing units of limited partnership interest (“OP Units”)  to EQR on a one-for-one basis, with the Operating Partnership receiving the net cash proceeds of such issuances.

 

The Company will adopt SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, as required effective January 1, 2006.  The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) will have a material effect on its consolidated statements of operations or financial position.

 

The cost related to stock-based employee compensation included in the determination of net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 is equal to that which would have been recognized if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards since the original effective date of SFAS No. 123.  The cost related to stock-based employee compensation included in the determination of net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 is less than that which would have been recognized if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards since the original effective date of SFAS No. 123.  The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per OP Unit if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards for the quarter ended March 31, 2004:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended
March 31, 2004

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands
except per OP Unit
amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to OP Units – as reported

 

$

105,949

 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income:

 

 

 

EQR’s restricted/performance shares

 

2,882

 

EQR’s share options

 

789

 

EQR’s ESPP discount

 

664

 

Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards:

 

 

 

EQR’s restricted/performance shares

 

(2,882

)

EQR’s share options

 

(1,558

)

EQR’s ESPP discount

 

(664

)

Net income available to OP Units – pro forma

 

$

105,180

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per OP Unit:

 

 

 

Basic – as reported

 

$

0.35

 

Basic – pro forma

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted – as reported

 

$

0.35

 

Diluted – pro forma

 

$

0.35

 

 

Other

 

The Operating Partnership adopted FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, Consolidation of Variable

 

8



 

Interest Entities, as required, effective March 31, 2004.  The adoption required the consolidation of all previously unconsolidated development projects.  FIN No. 46 requires the Operating Partnership to consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the activities of a variable interest entity, which for the Operating Partnership includes only its development partnerships, if the Operating Partnership is entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns and/or is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from such entity’s activities.  As of the original formation of the respective joint ventures, the Operating Partnership is considered to be the primary beneficiary and the fair value of the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests of these development projects approximates carryover basis.  Due to the March 31, 2004 effective date, the Operating Partnership has only consolidated the results of operations beginning April 1, 2004.  The adoption of FIN No. 46 did not have any effect on net income as the aggregate results of operations of these development properties were previously included in loss from investments in unconsolidated entities.

 

The Operating Partnership generally contributes between 25% and 35% of the project cost of the joint venture projects under development (constituting 100% of the equity), with the remaining cost financed through third-party construction mortgages.  Voting rights are shared equally between the Operating Partnership and its respective development partners and accordingly, these projects were accounted for under the equity method prior to adoption of FIN No. 46.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.  SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity.  On November 7, 2003, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 150-3, which deferred for an indefinite period the classification and measurement provisions, but not the disclosure provisions (see discussion below), of SFAS No. 150 as it relates to noncontrolling interests that are classified as equity in the financial statements of a subsidiary but would be classified as a liability in the parent’s financial statements under SFAS No. 150 (e.g., minority interests in consolidated limited-life subsidiaries).  The Operating Partnership does not have any mandatorily redeemable preferred shares/units that fall within the scope of SFAS No. 150.

 

With regards to the aforementioned disclosure provisions, the Operating Partnership is presently the controlling partner in various consolidated partnerships consisting of 39 properties and 6,929 units having a minority interest book value of $12.5 million at March 31, 2005.  Some of these partnerships contain provisions that require the partnerships to be liquidated through the sale of its assets upon reaching a date specified in each respective partnership agreement.  The Operating Partnership, as controlling partner, has an obligation to cause the property owning partnerships to distribute proceeds of liquidation to the Minority Interests in these Partially Owned Properties only to the extent that the net proceeds received by the partnerships from the sale of its assets warrant a distribution based on the partnership agreements.  As of March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership estimates the value of Minority Interest distributions would have been approximately $69.1 million (“Settlement Value”) had the partnerships been liquidated.  This Settlement Value is based on estimated third party consideration realized by the partnerships upon disposition of the Partially Owned Properties and is net of all other assets and liabilities, including yield maintenance on the mortgages encumbering the properties, that would have been due on March 31, 2005 had those mortgages been prepaid.  Due to, among other things, the inherent uncertainty in the sale of real estate assets, the amount of any potential distribution to the Minority Interests in the Operating Partnership’s Partially Owned Properties is subject to change.  To the extent that the partnerships’ underlying assets are worth less than the underlying liabilities, the Operating Partnership has no obligation to remit any consideration to the Minority Interests in Partially Owned Properties.

 

3.                                    Partners’ Capital

 

The following table presents the changes in the Operating Partnership’s issued and outstanding OP Units and the limited partners’ OP Units for the quarter ended March 31, 2005:

 

9



 

 

 

2005

 

OP Units outstanding at January 1,

 

305,629,855

 

 

 

 

 

Issued to General Partner:

 

 

 

Conversion of Series E Preference Units

 

126,549

 

Conversion of Series H Preference Units

 

579

 

Employee Share Purchase Plan

 

159,987

 

Exercise of EQR options

 

499,659

 

Restricted EQR share grants, net

 

555,397

 

 

 

 

 

Issued to Limited Partners:

 

 

 

Issuance – Other transactions

 

551,229

 

 

 

 

 

OP Units outstanding at March 31,

 

307,523,255

 

 

 

 

2005

 

Limited Partner OP Units outstanding at January 1,

 

20,552,940

 

 

 

 

 

Limited Partner OP Units Issued:

 

 

 

Other transactions

 

551,229

 

Conversion of Limited Partner OP Units to EQR Common Shares

 

(197,254

)

Limited Partner OP Units Outstanding at March 31,

 

20,906,915

 

Limited Partner OP Units Ownership Interest in Operating Partnership

 

6.8

%

 

 

 

 

Limited Partner OP Units Issued:

 

 

 

Other transactions – per unit

 

$

32.96

 

Other transactions – valuation

 

$

18.2 million

 

 

The limited partners of the Operating Partnership as of March 31, 2005 include various individuals and entities that contributed their properties to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units.  Subject to certain restrictions, the Limited Partners may exchange their OP Units for EQR Common Shares on a one-for-one basis.

 

EQR contributes all net proceeds from its various equity offerings (including proceeds from exercise of options for EQR Common Shares) to the Operating Partnership.  In return for those contributions, EQR receives a number of OP Units in ERPOP equal to the number of Common Shares it has issued in the equity offering (or in the case of a preferred equity offering, a number of preference units in ERPOP equal in number and having the same terms as the preferred shares issued in the equity offering). 

 

The following table presents the Operating Partnership's issued and outstanding Preference Units as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

 

10



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual
Dividend

 

Amounts in thousands

 

 

 

Redemption
Date (1) (2)

 

Conversion
Rate (2)

 

Rate per
Unit (3)

 

March
31, 2005

 

December
31, 2004

 

Preference Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 1/8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $250 per unit; 500,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (4)

 

10/15/05

 

N/A

 

$

22.81252

 

$

125,000

 

$

125,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $250 per unit; 460,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (4)

 

9/9/06

 

N/A

 

$

22.81252

 

115,000

 

115,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.60% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $250 per unit; 700,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (4)

 

7/15/07

 

N/A

 

$

21.50

 

175,000

 

175,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.00% Series E Cumulative Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $25 per unit; 697,999 and 811,724 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

11/1/98

 

1.1128

 

$

1.75

 

17,450

 

20,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.00% Series H Cumulative Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $25 per unit; 36,534 and 36,934 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

6/30/98

 

1.4480

 

$

1.75

 

913

 

923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.29% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 1,000,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

12/10/26

 

N/A

 

$

4.145

 

50,000

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.48% Series N Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $250 per unit; 600,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (4)

 

6/19/08

 

N/A

 

$

16.20

 

150,000

 

150,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

633,363

 

$

636,216

 

 


(1)          On or after the redemption date, redeemable preference units (Series B, C, D, K and N) may be redeemed for cash at the option of the Operating Partnership, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation price per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if any, in conjunction with the concurrent redemption of the corresponding EQR Preferred Shares.

 

(2)          On or after the redemption date, convertible preference units (Series E & H) may be redeemed under certain circumstances at the option of the Operating Partnership for cash or OP Units, in whole or in part, at various redemption prices per unit based upon the contractual rate, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if any, in conjunction with the concurrent redemption/conversion of the corresponding EQR Preferred Shares.

 

(3)          Dividends on all series of Preference Units are payable quarterly at various pay dates.  Dividend rates listed for Series B, C, D and N are Preference Unit rates and the equivalent depositary unit annual dividend rates are $2.281252, $2.281252, $2.15 and $1.62, respectively.

 

(4)          Series B, C, D and N Preference Units each have a corresponding depositary unit that consists of ten times the number of units and one-tenth the liquidation value and dividend rate per unit.

 

The following table presents the issued and outstanding Preference Interests as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

 

11



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual
Dividend

 

Amounts in thousands

 

 

 

Redemption
Date (1) (2)

 

Conversion
Rate (2)

 

Rate per
Unit (3)

 

March
31, 2005

 

December
31, 2004

 

Preference Interests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 0 and 1,100,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

03/03/05

 

N/A

 

(4

)

$

 

$

55,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 0 and 220,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

03/23/05

 

N/A

 

(5

)

 

11,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 420,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (6)

 

05/01/05

 

N/A

 

$

4.1875

 

21,000

 

21,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.50% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 1,000,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (7)

 

08/11/05

 

N/A

 

$

4.25

 

50,000

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.375% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 180,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (8)

 

05/01/05

 

N/A

 

$

4.1875

 

9,000

 

9,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.875% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 510,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

03/21/06

 

N/A

 

$

3.9375

 

25,500

 

25,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.625% Series H Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 190,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

03/23/06

 

1.5108

 

$

3.8125

 

9,500

 

9,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.625% Series I Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 270,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

06/22/06

 

1.4542

 

$

3.8125

 

13,500

 

13,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.625% Series J Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 230,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

12/14/06

 

1.4108

 

$

 3.8125

 

11,500

 

11,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

140,000

 

$

206,000

 

 


(1)          On or after the fifth anniversary of the respective issuance (the “Redemption Date”), all of the Preference Interests may be redeemed for cash at the option of the Operating Partnership, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation preference of $50.00 per unit plus the cumulative amount of accrued and unpaid distributions, if any.

 

(2)          On or after the tenth anniversary of the respective issuance (the “Conversion Date”), all of the Preference Interests are exchangeable at the option of the holder (in whole but not in part) on a one-for-one basis for a respective reserved series of EQR Preferred Shares.  In addition, on or after the Conversion Date, the convertible Preference Interests (Series H, I & J) may be converted under certain circumstances at the option of the holder (in whole but not in part) to Common Shares based upon the contractual conversion rate, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if any.

 

(3)          Dividends on all series of Preference Interests are payable quarterly on March 25th, June 25th, September 25th,and December 25th of each year.

 

(4)          On February 1, 2005, the Operating Partnership issued an irrevocable notice to redeem for cash on March 3, 2005 all 1.1 million units of its 8.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preference Interests with a liquidation value of $55.0 million.  The Operating Partnership recorded a write-off of

 

12



 

approximately $1.4 million in original issuance costs as a premium on redemption of Preference Interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

(5)          On February 7, 2005, the Operating Partnership issued an irrevocable notice to redeem for cash on March 23, 2005 all 220,000 units of its 8.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preference Interests with a liquidation value of $11.0 million.  The Operating Partnership recorded a write-off of approximately $0.3 million in original issuance costs as a premium on redemption of Preference Interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

(6)          On April 1, 2005, the Operating Partnership issued an irrevocable notice to redeem for cash on May 1, 2005 all 420,000 units of its 8.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preference Interests with a liquidation value of $21.0 million.  The Operating Partnership will record a write-off of approximately $0.5 million in original issuance costs as a premium on redemption of Preference Interests in the second quarter of 2005.

 

(7)          On April 1, 2005, the Operating Partnership repurchased for cash all 1.0 million units of its 8.50% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preference Interests with a liquidation value of $50.0 million.  The Operating Partnership will record a write-off of approximately $1.3 million in original issuance costs along with a $0.3 million cash early redemption charge as premiums on redemption of Preference Interests in the second quarter of 2005.

 

(8)          On April 1, 2005, the Operating Partnership issued an irrevocable notice to redeem for cash on May 1, 2005 all 180,000 units of its 8.375% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preference Interests with a liquidation value of $9.0 million.  The Operating Partnership will record a write-off of approximately $0.2 million in original issuance costs as a premium on redemption of Preference Interests in the second quarter of 2005.

 

The following table presents the Operating Partnership’s issued and outstanding Junior Convertible Preference Units (the “Junior Preference Units”) as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual
Dividend

 

Amounts in thousands

 

 

 

Redemption
Date

 

Conversion
Rate

 

Rate per
Unit (1)

 

March
31, 2005

 

December
31, 2004

 

Junior Preference Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series B Junior Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $25 per unit; 7,367 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

 

(2)

 

(2)

$

2.00

 

$

184

 

$

184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

184

 

$

184

 

 


(1)          Dividends on the Junior Preference Units are payable quarterly at various pay dates.

 

(2)          On or after the tenth anniversary of the issuance (the “Redemption Date”), the Series B Junior Preference Units may be converted into OP Units at the option of the Operating Partnership based on the contractual conversion rate.  Prior to the Redemption Date, the holders may elect to convert the Series B Junior Preference Units to OP Units under certain circumstances based on the contractual conversion rate.  The contractual rate is based upon a ratio dependent upon the closing price of EQR’s Common Shares.

 

4.                                    Real Estate

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership acquired the entire equity interest in nine properties containing 2,232 units and one vacant land parcel from unaffiliated parties for a total purchase price of $314.5 million.

 

13



 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership acquired additional ownership interests in eleven Partially Owned Properties, all of which remain partially owned.  The acquisition was funded using $18.1 million in cash and through the issuance of 551,229 OP Units valued at $18.2 million, with $35.2 million recorded as additional building basis and $1.1 million recorded as a reduction of Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties.  The Operating Partnership also acquired the majority of the remaining third party equity interests it did not previously own in one property, consisting of 60 units. The property was previously accounted for under the equity method of accounting and subsequent to the purchase was consolidated.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership disposed of the following to unaffiliated parties (including two vacant land parcels and various individual condominium units) (sales price in thousands):

 

 

 

Properties

 

Units

 

Sales Price

 

Wholly Owned Properties

 

8

 

2,520

 

$

444.2

 

Partially Owned Properties (Consolidated)

 

2

 

492

 

109.3

 

 

 

10

 

3,012

 

$

553.5

 

 

The Operating Partnership recognized a net gain on sales of discontinued operations of approximately $151.3 million on the above sales.

 

5.                                    Commitments to Acquire/Dispose of Real Estate

 

As of April 26, 2005, in addition to the property that was subsequently acquired as discussed in Note 16, the Operating Partnership had entered into separate agreements to acquire nine multifamily properties containing 1,852 units from unaffiliated parties.  The Operating Partnership expects a combined purchase price of approximately $264.0 million.

 

As of April 26, 2005, in addition to the properties that were subsequently disposed of as discussed in Note 16, the Operating Partnership had entered into separate agreements to dispose of ten multifamily properties containing 2,428 units and two vacant land parcels to unaffiliated parties.  The Operating Partnership expects a combined disposition price of approximately $224.8 million.

 

The closings of these pending transactions are subject to certain contingencies and conditions; therefore, there can be no assurance that these transactions will be consummated or that the final terms thereof will not differ in material respects from those summarized in the preceding paragraphs.

 

6.                                    Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

 

The Operating Partnership has co-invested in various properties with unrelated third parties which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  The following table summarizes the Operating Partnership’s investments in unconsolidated entities as of March 31, 2005 (amounts in thousands except for project and unit amounts):

 

14



 

 

 

Institutional
Joint
Ventures

 

Other

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total projects

 

45

 

11

 

56

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total units

 

10,846

 

1,511

 

12,357

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Partnership’s ownership percentage of outstanding debt

 

25.0

%

10.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Partnership’s share of outstanding debt (2)

 

$

121,200

 

$

2,983

 

$

124,183

 

 


(1)                Totals exclude Fort Lewis Military Housing consisting of one property and 3,801 units, which is not accounted for under the equity method of accounting but is included in the Operating Partnership’s property/unit counts as of March 31, 2005.

 

(2)                All debt is non-recourse to the Operating Partnership.

 

7.                                    Deposits – Restricted

 

The following table presents the deposits – restricted as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collateral enhancement for partially owned development loans

 

$

12,000

 

$

12,000

 

Tax-deferred (1031) exchange proceeds

 

105,624

 

 

Resident security, utility and other

 

67,538

 

70,194

 

Totals

 

$

185,162

 

$

82,194

 

 

8.                                    Mortgage Notes Payable

 

As of March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership had outstanding mortgage indebtedness of approximately $3.1 billion.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership:

 

                  Repaid $134.3 million of mortgage loans;

                  Assumed/consolidated $48.7 million of mortgage debt on certain properties in connection with their acquisitions and/or consolidations; and

                  Obtained $24.7 million of mortgage loans on certain properties.

 

As of March 31, 2005, scheduled maturities for the Operating Partnership’s outstanding mortgage indebtedness were at various dates through December 1, 2034.  At March 31, 2005, the interest rate range on the Operating Partnership’s mortgage debt was 2.17% to 12.465%.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the weighted average interest rate on the Operating Partnership’s mortgage debt was 5.54%.

 

15



 

9.                                    Notes

 

As of March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership had outstanding unsecured notes of approximately $3.1 billion.

 

As of March 31, 2005, scheduled maturities for the Operating Partnership’s outstanding notes were at various dates through 2029.  At March 31, 2005, the interest rate range on the Operating Partnership’s notes was 4.75% to 7.75%.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the weighted average interest rate on the Operating Partnership’s notes was 6.16%.

 

10.                             Line of Credit

 

As of March 31, 2005, $163.0 million was outstanding and $51.0 million was restricted (dedicated to support letters of credit and not available for borrowing) on the Operating Partnership’s revolving credit facility.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the weighted average interest rate under the credit facility was 2.34%.

 

On April 1, 2005, the Operating Partnership obtained a new three-year $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility maturing on May 29, 2008, and the Operating Partnership’s $700.0 million credit facility that was scheduled to expire in May 2005 was terminated.  Advances under the new credit facility bear interest at variable rates based upon LIBOR at various interest periods plus a spread dependent upon the Operating Partnership’s credit rating or based on bids received from the lending group.  EQR has guaranteed the Operating Partnership’s credit facility up to the maximum amount and for the full term of the facility.

 

11.                             Derivative Instruments

 

The following table summarizes the consolidated derivative instruments at March 31, 2005 (dollar amounts are in thousands):

 

 

 

Cash Flow
Hedges

 

Fair Value
Hedges

 

Forward
Starting
Swaps

 

Offsetting
Receive
Floating
Swaps/Caps

 

Offsetting
Pay
Floating
Swaps/Caps

 

Development
Cash Flow
Hedges

 

Current Notional Balance

 

$

150,000

 

$

490,000

 

$

200,000

 

$

255,069

 

$

255,069

 

$

15,200

 

Lowest Possible Notional

 

$

150,000

 

$

490,000

 

$

200,000

 

$

91,052

 

$

91,052

 

$

6,700

 

Highest Possible Notional

 

$

150,000

 

$

490,000

 

$

200,000

 

$

255,069

 

$

255,069

 

$

34,625

 

Lowest Interest Rate

 

3.683

%

3.245

%

4.582

%

6.000

%

6.000

%

3.310

%

Highest Interest Rate

 

3.683

%

7.250

%

5.179

%

6.000

%

6.000

%

3.500

%

Earliest Maturity Date

 

2005

 

2005

 

2015

 

2007

 

2007

 

2005

 

Latest Maturity Date

 

2005

 

2009

 

2015

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

Estimated Asset (Liability) Fair Value

 

$

(935

)

$

(14,917

)

$

2,244

 

$

12

 

$

(12

)

$

42

 

 

On March 31, 2005, the net derivative instruments were reported at their fair value as other assets of approximately $3.9 million and as other liabilities of approximately $17.5 million.  As of March 31, 2005, there were approximately $17.3 million in deferred losses, net, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Based on the estimated fair values of the net derivative instruments at March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership may recognize an estimated $3.5 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss as additional interest expense during the twelve months ending March 31, 2006.

 

16



 

12.                             Earnings Per OP Unit

 

The following tables set forth the computation of net income per OP Unit – basic and net income per OP Unit – diluted:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands except
per OP Unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for net income per OP Unit – basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

101,154

 

$

48,072

 

Allocation to Preference Units

 

(13,025

)

(13,672

)

Allocation to Preference Interests

 

(3,884

)

(5,053

)

Allocation to Junior Preference Units

 

(4

)

(31

)

Allocation to premium on redemption of Preference Interests

 

(1,728

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

82,513

 

29,316

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

151,265

 

71,499

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(4,139

)

5,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for net income per OP Unit – basic

 

$

229,639

 

$

105,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for net income per OP Unit – diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

101,154

 

$

48,072

 

Allocation to Preference Units

 

(13,025

)

(13,672

)

Allocation to Preference Interests

 

(3,884

)

(5,053

)

Allocation to Junior Preference Units

 

(4

)

(31

)

Allocation to premium on redemption of Preference Interests

 

(1,728

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

82,513

 

29,316

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

151,265

 

71,499

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(4,139

)

5,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for net income per OP Unit – diluted

 

$

229,639

 

$

105,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for net income per OP Unit – basic and diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for net income per OP Unit – basic

 

305,391

 

299,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Dilution for OP Units issuable upon assumed exercise/vesting of EQR’s share options/restricted shares

 

3,185

 

2,753

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for net income per OP Unit – diluted

 

308,576

 

301,781

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – basic

 

$

0.75

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – diluted

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.35

 

 

17



 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands except
per OP Unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.10

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

0.49

 

0.24

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(0.01

)

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – basic

 

$

0.75

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.10

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

0.49

 

0.24

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(0.02

)

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – diluted

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

Convertible preference interests/units that could be converted into 1,871,194 and 3,553,977 weighted average Common Shares (which would be contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units) for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per OP Unit because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

 

13.                             Discontinued Operations

 

The Operating Partnership has presented separately as discontinued operations in all periods the results of operations for all consolidated assets disposed of on or after January 1, 2002 (the date of adoption of SFAS No. 144).

 

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 during each of the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004.

 

18



 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

 8,205

 

$

 29,148

 

Total revenues

 

8,205

 

29,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES (1)

 

 

 

 

 

Property and maintenance

 

4,476

 

12,118

 

Real estate taxes and insurance

 

2,677

 

3,254

 

Property management

 

82

 

 

Depreciation

 

1,500

 

7,075

 

Total expenses

 

8,735

 

22,447

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operating (loss) income

 

(530

)

6,701

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

35

 

160

 

Interest (2):

 

 

 

 

 

Expense incurred, net

 

(3,418

)

(1,426

)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(226

)

(301

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

$

(4,139

)

$

5,134

 

 


(1)             Includes expenses paid in the current period for properties sold in prior periods related to the Operating Partnership’s period of ownership.

(2)             Interest includes only specific amounts from each property sold.

 

For the properties sold during the quarter ended March 31, 2005 (excluding condominium conversion properties), the investment in real estate, net, and the mortgage notes payable balances at December 31, 2004 were $298.2 million and $18.5 million, respectively.

 

14.                               Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Operating Partnership, as an owner of real estate, is subject to various Federal, state and local environmental laws.  Compliance by the Operating Partnership with existing laws has not had a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.  However, the Operating Partnership cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws or regulations on its current properties or on properties that it may acquire in the future.

 

In August 2004, the Operating Partnership tried a class action lawsuit in Palm Beach County, Florida regarding certain charges made to residents who terminated their leases early or failed to provide sufficient notice of intent to vacate.  In December 2004, the Court issued a Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law holding those fees legally uncollectible under Florida law.  In recognition of the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, which awarded damages and interest to the class in the amount of approximately $1.6 million, the Operating Partnership established a reserve of approximately $1.6 million and correspondingly recorded this as a general and administrative expense in December 2004.  Due to pending appeals, the award is neither final nor enforceable.  Accordingly, it is not possible to determine or predict the ultimate outcome of the case.  While no assurances can be given, the Operating Partnership does not believe that this lawsuit, if the ultimate outcome is unfavorable, will have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.

 

The Operating Partnership does not believe there is any other litigation pending or threatened against the Operating Partnership which, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably may be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.

 

19



 

During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership established a reserve and recorded a corresponding expense of $15.2 million for estimated uninsured property damage at certain of its properties primarily located in Florida caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.  Of this amount, approximately $12.9 million had been spent for hurricane related repairs through March 31, 2005.  The $2.3 million remaining reserve is included in rents received in advance and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

As of March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership has four projects totaling 1,165 units in various stages of development with estimated completion dates ranging through December 31, 2006.  The three development agreements currently in place have the following key terms:

 

                  The first development partner has the right, at any time following completion of a project subject to the agreement, to stipulate a value for such project and offer to sell its interest in the project to the Operating Partnership based on such value.  If the Operating Partnership chooses not to purchase the interest, it must agree to a sale of the project to an unrelated third party at such value.  The Operating Partnership’s partner must exercise this right as to all projects subject to the agreement within five years after the receipt of the final certificate of occupancy on the last developed property.   In connection with this development agreement, the Operating Partnership has an obligation to provide up to $40.0 million in credit enhancements to guarantee a portion of the third party construction financing.  As of April 26, 2005, the Operating Partnership had set-aside $5.0 million towards this credit enhancement.  The Operating Partnership would be required to perform under this agreement only if there was a material default under a third party construction mortgage agreement.  This agreement expires no later than December 31, 2018.  Notwithstanding the termination of the agreement, the Operating Partnership shall have recourse against its development partner for any losses incurred.

 

                        The second development partner has the right, at any time following completion of a project subject to the agreement, to require the Operating Partnership to purchase the partners’ interest in that project at a mutually agreeable price.  If the Operating Partnership and the partner are unable to agree on a price, both parties will obtain appraisals.  If the appraised values vary by more than 10%, both the Operating Partnership and its partner will agree on a third appraiser to determine which original appraisal is closest to its determination of value.  The Operating Partnership may elect at that time not to purchase the property and instead, authorize its partner to sell the project at or above the agreed-upon value to an unrelated third party.  Five years following the receipt of the final certificate of occupancy on the last developed property, the Operating Partnership must purchase, at the agreed-upon price, any projects remaining unsold.

 

                  The third development partner has the exclusive right for six months following stabilization, as defined, to market a subject project for sale.  Thereafter, either the Operating Partnership or its development partner may market a subject project for sale.  If the Operating Partnership’s development partner proposes the sale, the Operating Partnership may elect to purchase the project at the price proposed by its partner or defer the sale until two independent appraisers appraise the project.  If the two appraised values vary by more than 5%, a third appraiser will be chosen to determine the fair market value of the property.  Once a value has been determined, the Operating Partnership may elect to purchase the property or authorize its development partner to sell the project at the agreed-upon value.

 

In connection with one of its mergers, the Operating Partnership provided a guaranty of a credit enhancement agreement with respect to certain tax-exempt bonds issued to finance certain public improvements at a multifamily development project.  The Operating Partnership had the obligation to provide this guaranty for a period of eight years from the consummation of the merger or through May 30, 2005.  The Operating Partnership would have been required to perform under this agreement only if there was a draw on the letter of credit issued by the credit enhancement party.  Effective May 2, 2005, the tax-exempt bonds were redeemed in full and the letter of credit was cancelled.  As a result, the guaranty was terminated.

 

20



 

15.                               Reportable Segments

 

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by senior management.  Senior management decides how resources are allocated and assesses performance on a monthly basis.

 

The Operating Partnership’s primary business is owning, managing, and operating multifamily residential properties, which includes the generation of rental and other related income through the leasing of apartment units to residents and includes Equity Corporate Housing (“ECH”).  Senior management evaluates the performance of each of our apartment communities on an individual basis; however, each of our apartment communities has similar economic characteristics, residents, and products and services so they have been aggregated into one reportable segment.  The Operating Partnership’s rental real estate segment comprises approximately 99.5% and 99.3% of total revenues for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  The Operating Partnership’s rental real estate segment comprises approximately 99.8% of total assets at both March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

 

The primary financial measure for the Operating Partnership’s rental real estate segment is net operating income (“NOI”), which represents rental income less: 1) property and maintenance expense; 2) real estate taxes and insurance expense; and 3) property management expense (all as reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations).  The Operating Partnership believes that NOI is helpful to investors as a supplemental measure of the operating performance of a real estate company because it is a direct measure of the actual operating results of the Operating Partnership’s apartment communities.  Current year NOI is compared to prior year NOI and current year budgeted NOI as a measure of financial performance.  The following table presents the NOI from our rental real estate from continuing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Rental income

 

$

486,007

 

$

435,946

 

Property and maintenance expense

 

(135,784

)

(118,200

)

Real estate taxes and insurance expense

 

(53,640

)

(49,821

)

Property management expense

 

(20,975

)

(17,286

)

Net operating income

 

$

275,608

 

$

250,639

 

 

The Operating Partnership’s fee and asset management activity is immaterial and does not meet the threshold requirements of a reportable segment as provided for in SFAS No. 131.

 

All revenues are from external customers and there is no customer who contributed 10% or more of the Operating Partnership’s total revenues during the quarters ended March 31, 2005 or 2004.

 

16.                               Subsequent Events/Other

 

Subsequent to March 31, 2005 and through April 26, 2005, in addition to the subsequent events disclosed in Notes 3, 10 and 14, the Operating Partnership:

 

                  Acquired one property consisting of 467 units for approximately $88.8 million;

                  Disposed of three properties consisting of 770 units (excluding condominium units) for approximately $31.5 million;

 

21



 

                  Repaid $7.7 million of mortgage loans;

                  Had $300.0 million in unsecured notes remarketed as originally contemplated in a remarketing agreement entered into in connection with the original issuance of the notes, with the interest rate changing from 6.63% to 6.584% effective April 14, 2005 (these notes still mature on April 13, 2015); and

                  Received $25.0 million in full redemption of its 1,000,000 shares of 8.25% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities of WRP Convertible Trust I, an affiliate of Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (“WRP”).

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership received $57.1 million in cash for its ownership interest in Rent.com in connection with the acquisition of Rent.com by eBay, Inc.  The $57.1 million was recorded as interest and other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

On March 28, 2005, the Company and Bruce W. Duncan, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (the “Amendment”) to reflect changes required in view of Mr. Duncan’s planned retirement as President, CEO and trustee to be effective January 2, 2006.  The Amendment also amended Mr. Duncan’s Deferred Compensation Agreement entered into in January 2003.  The Company recorded approximately $2.9 million of additional general and administrative expense during the quarter ended March 31, 2005, and expects to record approximately $7.0 million during the remainder of 2005, primarily related to accelerated vesting of share options and restricted/performance shares.

 

Effective February 28, 2005, the Company and Edward Geraghty, the President of the Company’s Eastern Division, entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release reflecting Mr. Geraghty’s resignation effective February 28, 2005.  The Company recorded approximately $3.3 million of severance as additional general and administrative expense during the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

22



 

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

 

Overview

 

For further information including definitions for capitalized terms not defined herein, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Operating Partnership’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Forward-looking statements in this report are intended to be made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The words “believes”, “estimates”, “expects” and “anticipates” and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters identify forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Operating Partnership to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

                  We intend to actively acquire and develop multifamily properties for rental operations and/or conversion into condominiums, as well as upgrade and sell existing properties as individual condominiums.  We may underestimate the costs necessary to bring an acquired or condominium conversion property up to standards established for its intended market position or to otherwise develop a property.  Additionally, we expect that other major real estate investors with significant capital will compete with us for attractive investment opportunities or may also develop properties in markets where we focus our development efforts.  This competition may increase prices for multifamily properties or decrease the price at which we expect to sell individual condominiums.  We may not be in a position or have the opportunity in the future to make suitable property acquisitions on favorable terms.  We also plan to develop more properties ourselves over the next few years in addition to co-investing with our development partners for either the rental or condominium market, depending on opportunities in each sub-market.  This may increase the overall level of risk associated with our developments.  The total number of development units, cost of development and estimated completion dates are subject to uncertainties arising from changing economic conditions (such as the cost of labor and construction materials), competition and local government regulation.

                  Sources of capital to the Operating Partnership or labor and materials required for maintenance, repair, capital expenditure or development are more expensive than anticipated;

                  Occupancy levels and market rents may be adversely affected by national and local economic and market conditions including, without limitation, new construction of multifamily housing, slow employment growth, availability of low interest mortgages for single-family home buyers and the potential for geopolitical instability, all of which are beyond the Operating Partnership’s control; and

                  Additional factors as discussed in Part I of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly those under “Risk Factors”.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  The Operating Partnership undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  Forward-looking statements and related uncertainties are also included in Notes 5, 11 and 16 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

 

23



 

Results of Operations

 

In conjunction with our business objectives and operating strategy, the Operating Partnership has continued to invest or recycle its capital investment in apartment communities located in strategically targeted markets during the quarter ended March 31, 2005.  In summary, we acquired nine properties, consisting of 2,232 units, for an aggregate purchase price of $284.2 million and a vacant land parcel for $30.3 million, all of which we deem to be in high barrier to entry markets.  The Operating Partnership sold ten properties, consisting of 2,674 units, for an aggregate sales price of $425.3 million as well as 338 condominium units for $92.0 million and two vacant land parcels for $36.3 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

The Operating Partnership’s primary financial measure for evaluating each of its apartment communities is net operating income (“NOI”).  The Operating Partnership believes that NOI is helpful to investors as a supplemental measure of the operating performance of a real estate company because it is a direct measure of the actual operating results of the Operating Partnership’s apartment communities.  The Operating Partnership defines NOI as rental income less: 1) property and maintenance expense; 2) real estate taxes and insurance expense; and 3) property management expense.

 

Properties that the Operating Partnership owned for both of the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004 (the “First Quarter 2005 Same Store Properties”), which represented 166,350 units, impacted the Operating Partnership’s results of operations and are discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

The Operating Partnership’s acquisition, disposition, completed development and consolidation of previously unconsolidated property activities also impacted overall results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004.  The impacts of these activities are also discussed in greater detail in the following paragraphs.

 

Comparison of the quarter ended March 31, 2005 to the quarter ended March 31, 2004

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2005, income before allocation to Minority Interests, loss from investments in unconsolidated entities, net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities and discontinued operations increased by approximately $46.4 million when compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

 

First Quarter 2005 Same Store Properties revenues increased primarily as a result of higher rental rates charged to residents, increased occupancy and lower concessions.  First Quarter 2005 Same Store Properties expenses increased primarily due to higher payroll, utility costs and real estate taxes.  The following tables provide comparative revenue, expense, NOI and weighted average occupancy for the First Quarter 2005 Same Store Properties:

 

First Quarter 2005 vs. First Quarter 2004
Quarter over Quarter Same-Store Results

 

$ in Millions – 166,350 Same-Store Units

 

Description

 

Revenues

 

Expenses

 

NOI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q1 2005

 

$

428.3

 

$

176.7

 

$

251.6

 

Q1 2004

 

$

418.2

 

$

168.6

 

$

249.6

 

Change

 

$

10.1

 

$

8.1

 

$

2.0

 

Change

 

2.4

%

4.8

%

0.8

%

 

24



 

Same Store Occupancy Statistics

 

 

 

 

 

Q1 2005

 

93.5

%

Q1 2004

 

92.9

%

Change

 

0.6

%

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of operating income per the consolidated statements of operations to NOI for the First Quarter 2005 Same Store Properties:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Amounts in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

131.0

 

$

131.4

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

Non-same store operating results

 

(24.1

)

(1.0

)

Fee and asset management revenue

 

(2.5

)

(3.0

)

Fee and asset management expense

 

2.5

 

2.0

 

Depreciation

 

127.6

 

110.1

 

General and administrative

 

17.1

 

10.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same store NOI

 

$

251.6

 

$

249.6

 

 

For properties that the Operating Partnership acquired prior to January 1, 2004 and expects to continue to own through December 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership anticipates the following same store results for the full year ending December 31, 2005:

 

2005 Same Store Assumptions

 

Physical Occupancy

 

94.0%

 

Revenue Change

 

2.00% to 3.25%

 

Expense Change

 

3.6% to 5.0%

 

NOI Change

 

0.0% to 3.0%

 

Acquisitions

 

$1.0 billion

 

Dispositions

 

$1.0 billion

 

 

These 2005 assumptions are based on current expectations and are forward-looking.

 

Rental income from properties other than First Quarter 2005 Same Store Properties increased by approximately $40.0 million primarily as a result of new properties acquired/consolidated in 2004 and the first quarter of 2005.

 

Fee and asset management revenues, net of fee and asset management expenses, decreased by $1.0 million primarily as a result of lower income earned from Ft. Lewis and managing fewer properties for third parties and unconsolidated entities.  As of March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Operating Partnership managed 17,928 units and 18,040 units, respectively, for third parties and unconsolidated entities.

 

Property management expenses include off-site expenses associated with the self-management of the Operating Partnership’s properties as well as management fees paid to third party management companies.  These expenses increased by approximately $3.7 million.  This increase is primarily attributable to higher payroll costs, including bonus and long-term compensation costs.

 

Depreciation expense, which includes depreciation on non-real estate assets, increased $17.5 million primarily as a result of additional depreciation expense on newly acquired properties and capital expenditures

 

25



 

for all properties owned.

 

General and administrative expenses, which include corporate operating expenses, increased approximately $6.9 million between the periods under comparison.  This increase is primarily attributable to higher executive compensation expense due to the previously announced January 2006 planned retirement of Bruce W. Duncan, EQR’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and the March 2005 resignation of Edward Geraghty, EQR’s former Eastern Division President, and additional accruals for certain management incentive programs as a result of the Rent.com gain (see discussion below).  The Operating Partnership anticipates that general and administrative expenses will approximate $53.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2005.  This above assumption is based on current expectations and is forward-looking.

 

Interest and other income increased by approximately $58.6 million, primarily as a result of the $57.1 million in cash received for the Operating Partnership’s ownership interest in Rent.com, which was acquired by eBay, Inc.

 

Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs, increased approximately $11.7 million primarily as a result of higher overall debt balances due to the consolidation of previously unconsolidated development properties on March 31, 2004.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership capitalized interest costs of approximately $2.9 million as compared to $2.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.  This capitalization of interest primarily related to investments in Partially Owned Properties (consolidated) engaged in development activities.  The effective interest cost on all indebtedness for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 was 6.18% as compared to 6.14% for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

 

Loss from investments in unconsolidated entities decreased approximately $7.3 million between the periods under comparison.  This decrease is primarily the result of the consolidation of properties that were previously unconsolidated in the first quarter of 2004.

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations increased approximately $79.8 million between the periods under comparison primarily due to the previously announced sale of Water Terrace, a 450-unit high rise luxury apartment building in Marina del Rey, California.

 

Discontinued operations, net, decreased approximately $9.3 million between the periods under comparison.  The decrease in revenues and expenses between periods results from the timing, size and number of properties sold.  Any property sold after March 31, 2004 will include a full quarter’s results in the first quarter of 2004 but minimal to no results in the first quarter of 2005.  See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of January 1, 2005, the Operating Partnership had approximately $83.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $484.6 million available under its revolving credit facility (net of $65.4 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and not available for borrowing).  After taking into effect the various transactions discussed in the following paragraphs and the net cash provided by operating activities, the Operating Partnership’s cash and cash equivalents balance at March 31, 2005 was approximately $91.1 million and the amount available on the Operating Partnership’s revolving credit facility was $486.0 million (net of $51.0 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and not available for borrowing).

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership generated and/or obtained cash from various transactions, which included the following:

 

                  Disposed of ten properties, two vacant land parcels and various individual condominium units

 

26



 

receiving net proceeds of approximately $542.2 million;

                  Obtained $24.7 million in new mortgage financing;

                  Obtained $57.1 million for its ownership interest in Rent.com; and

                  Issued approximately 0.7 million OP Units and received net proceeds of $14.8 million.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the above proceeds were primarily utilized to:

 

                  Invest $51.7 million primarily in development projects;

                  Acquire nine properties and a vacant land parcel, utilizing cash of $267.6 million;

                  Repay $134.3 million of mortgage loans; and

                  Redeem the Series B and C Preference Interests at a liquidation value of $66.0 million.

 

Depending on its analysis of market prices, economic conditions, and other opportunities for the investment of available capital, the Company may repurchase up to an additional $85.0 million of its Common Shares pursuant to its existing share buyback program authorized by the Board of Trustees.  The Operating Partnership in turn would repurchase $85.0 million of its OP Units held by EQR.  EQR did not repurchase any of its Common Shares during the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

The Operating Partnership’s total debt summary and debt maturity schedule as of March 31, 2005, are as follows:

 

Debt Summary

 

 

 

$ Millions (1)

 

Weighted Average
Rate (1)

 

Secured

 

$

3,106

 

5.54

%

Unsecured

 

3,302

 

5.98

%

Total

 

$

6,408

 

5.77

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Rate

 

$

5,071

 

6.46

%

Floating Rate

 

1,337

 

3.18

%

Total

 

$

6,408

 

5.77

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above Totals Include:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Exempt:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed

 

$

286

 

3.68

%

Floating

 

508

 

2.40

%

Total

 

$

794

 

2.84

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

 

$

163

 

2.34

%

 


(1) Net of the effect of any derivative instruments.

 

27



 

Debt Maturity Schedule as of March 31, 2005

 

Year

 

$ Millions

 

% of Total

 

2005

 

$

324

 

5.1

%

2006 (1)

 

476

 

7.4

%

2007

 

423

 

6.6

%

2008 (2)

 

780

 

12.2

%

2009

 

831

 

13.0

%

2010

 

233

 

3.6

%

2011

 

717

 

11.2

%

2012

 

470

 

7.3

%

2013

 

429

 

6.7

%

2014+ (3)

 

1,725

 

26.9

%

Total

 

$

6,408

 

100.0

%

 


(1) Includes $150 million of unsecured debt with a final maturity of 2026 that is putable in 2006.

 

(2) Includes $163 million outstanding on the Operating Partnership’s unsecured revolving credit facility. The Operating Partnership entered into a new credit facility on April 1, 2005 that matures on May 29, 2008.

 

(3) Includes $300 million of unsecured debt with a final maturity of 2015 that was putable/callable on April 13, 2005. Debt was remarketed on April 13, 2005 and remains outstanding until April 13, 2015.

 

As of the date of this filing, $1.48 billion in debt securities remains available for issuance by the Operating Partnership under a registration statement the SEC declared effective in June 2003 and $956.5 million in equity securities remains available for issuance by the Company under a registration statement the SEC declared effective in February 1998.  Per the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, EQR contributes the net proceeds of all equity offerings to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis) or preference units (on a one-for-one preferred share per preference unit basis).

 

The Operating Partnership’s “Consolidated Debt-to-Total Market Capitalization Ratio” as of March 31, 2005 is presented in the following table.  The Operating Partnership calculates the equity component of its market capitalization as the sum of (i) the total outstanding OP Units at the equivalent market value of the closing price of EQR’s Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange; (ii) the “OP Unit Equivalent” of all convertible preference interests/units; and (iii) the liquidation value of all perpetual preference interests/units outstanding.

 

28



 

Market Capitalization as of March 31, 2005

 

Total Debt

 

 

 

$

6,407,793,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OP Units

 

307,523,255

 

 

 

OP Unit Equivalents (see below)

 

1,841,321

 

 

 

Total outstanding at quarter-end

 

309,364,576

 

 

 

EQR Common Share Price at March 31, 2005

 

$

32.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,964,632,993

 

Perpetual Preference Units Liquidation Value

 

 

 

615,000,000

 

Perpetual Preference Interests Liquidation Value

 

 

 

105,500,000

 

Total Market Capitalization

 

 

 

$

17,092,926,612

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Debt/Total Market Capitalization

 

 

 

37

%

 

 

Convertible Preference Units, Preference Interests
and Junior Preference Units
as of March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Units

 

Conversion
Ratio

 

OP Unit
Equivalents

 

Preference Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series E

 

697,999

 

1.1128

 

776,733

 

Series H

 

36,534

 

1.4480

 

52,901

 

Preference Interests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series H

 

190,000

 

1.5108

 

287,052

 

Series I

 

270,000

 

1.4542

 

392,634

 

Series J

 

230,000

 

1.4108

 

324,484

 

Junior Preference Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series B

 

7,367

 

1.020408

 

7,517

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

1,841,321

 

 

The Operating Partnership’s policy is to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt-to-total market capitalization of less than 50%.

 

See Note 16 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the events which occurred subsequent to March 31, 2005.

 

Capitalization of Fixed Assets and Improvements to Real Estate

 

Our policy with respect to capital expenditures is generally to capitalize expenditures that improve the value of the property or extend the useful life of the component asset of the property.  We track improvements to real estate in two major categories and several subcategories:

 

             Replacements (inside the unit).  These include:

                  carpets and hardwood floors;

                  appliances;

                  mechanical equipment such as individual furnace/air units, hot water heaters, etc;

                  furniture and fixtures such as kitchen/bath cabinets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, sinks, tubs, toilets, mirrors, countertops, etc;

                  flooring such as vinyl, linoleum or tile; and

                  blinds/shades.

 

29



 

All replacements are depreciated over a five-year estimated useful life.  We expense as incurred all maintenance and turnover costs such as cleaning, interior painting of individual units and the repair of any replacement item noted above.

 

             Building improvements (outside the unit).  These include:

                  roof replacement and major repairs;

                  paving or major resurfacing of parking lots, curbs and sidewalks;

                  amenities and common areas such as pools, exterior sports and playground equipment, lobbies, clubhouses, laundry rooms, alarm and security systems and offices;

                  major building mechanical equipment systems;

                  interior and exterior structural repair and exterior painting and siding;

                  major landscaping and grounds improvement; and

                  vehicles and office and maintenance equipment.

 

All building improvements are depreciated over a five to ten-year estimated useful life.  We expense as incurred all recurring expenditures that do not improve the value of the asset or extend its useful life.

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2005, our actual improvements to real estate totaled approximately $38.3 million.  This includes the following detail (amounts in thousands except for unit and per unit amounts):

 

Capitalized Improvements to Real Estate
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Units
(1)

 

Replacements

 

Avg. Per
Unit

 

Building
Improvements

 

Avg. Per
Unit

 

Total

 

Avg. Per
Unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Established Properties (2)

 

155,625

 

$

11,664

 

$

75

 

$

14,015

 

$

90

 

$

25,679

 

$

165

 

New Acquisition Properties (3)

 

19,034

 

942

 

53

 

2,552

 

144

 

3,494

 

197

 

Other (4)

 

8,693

 

4,274

 

 

 

4,827

 

 

 

9,101

 

 

 

Total

 

183,352

 

$

16,880

 

 

 

$

21,394

 

 

 

$

38,274

 

 

 

 


(1)          Total units exclude 16,158 unconsolidated units.

(2)          Wholly Owned Properties acquired prior to January 1, 2003.

(3)          Wholly Owned Properties acquired during 2003, 2004 and 2005.  Per unit amounts are based on a weighted average of 17,748 units.

(4)          Includes properties either Partially Owned or sold during the period, commercial space, condominium conversions and $0.8 million included in building improvements spent on four specific assets related to major renovations and repositioning of these assets.

 

The Operating Partnership expects to fund approximately $122.0 million for capital expenditures for replacements and building improvements for all consolidated properties, exclusive of condominium conversion properties, for the remainder of 2005.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership’s total non-real estate capital additions, such as computer software, computer equipment, and furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements to the Operating Partnership’s property management offices and its corporate offices, were approximately $1.5 million.  The Operating Partnership expects to fund approximately $11.3 million in total additions to non-real estate property for the remainder of 2005.

 

Improvements to real estate and additions to non-real estate property were funded from net cash provided by operating activities.

 

30



 

Derivative Instruments

 

In the normal course of business, the Operating Partnership is exposed to the effect of interest rate changes.  The Operating Partnership limits these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives to hedge interest rate risk on debt instruments.

 

The Operating Partnership has a policy of only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.  When viewed in conjunction with the underlying and offsetting exposure that the derivatives are designed to hedge, the Operating Partnership has not sustained a material loss from those instruments nor does it anticipate any material adverse effect on its net income or financial position in the future from the use of derivatives.

 

See Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of derivative instruments at March 31, 2005.

 

Other

 

Total distributions paid in April 2005 amounted to $145.0 million (excluding distributions on Partially Owned Properties), which included certain distributions declared during the first quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

The Operating Partnership expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements, including capital expenditures related to maintaining its existing properties and certain scheduled unsecured note and mortgage note repayments, generally through its working capital, net cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under its revolving credit facility.  The Operating Partnership considers its cash provided by operating activities to be adequate to meet operating requirements and payments of distributions.  The Operating Partnership also expects to meet its long-term liquidity requirements, such as scheduled unsecured note and mortgage debt maturities, property acquisitions, financing of construction and development activities and capital improvements through the issuance of unsecured notes and equity securities, including additional OP Units, and proceeds received from the disposition of certain properties.  In addition, the Operating Partnership has significant unencumbered properties available to secure additional mortgage borrowings in the event that the public capital markets are unavailable or the cost of alternative sources of capital is too high.  The fair value of and cash flow from these unencumbered properties are in excess of the requirements the Operating Partnership must maintain in order to comply with covenants under its unsecured notes and revolving credit facility.  Of the $14.9 billion in investment in real estate on the Operating Partnership’s balance sheet at March 31, 2005, $9.6 billion or 64.2%, was unencumbered.

 

The Operating Partnership has a revolving credit facility with potential borrowings of up to $1.0 billion as of April 1, 2005.    This facility matures in May 2008 and may, among other potential uses, be used to fund property acquisitions, costs for certain properties under development and short term liquidity requirements.  As of April 30, 2005, $327.0 million was outstanding under this facility (and $63.1 million was restricted and dedicated to support letters of credit).

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

The Operating Partnership has co-invested in various properties that are unconsolidated and accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  Management does not believe these investments have a materially different impact upon the Operating Partnership’s liquidity, capital resources, credit or market risk than its property management and ownership activities.  The nature and business purpose of these ventures are as follows:

 

                  Institutional Ventures – During 2000 and 2001, the Operating Partnership entered into ventures with an unaffiliated partner.   At the respective closing dates, the Operating Partnership sold and/or contributed 45 properties containing 10,846 units to these ventures and retained a 25% ownership

 

31



 

interest in the ventures.  The Operating Partnership’s joint venture partner contributed cash equal to 75% of the agreed-upon equity value of the properties comprising the ventures, which was then distributed to the Operating Partnership.  The Operating Partnership’s strategy with respect to these ventures was to reduce its concentration of properties in a variety of markets.

 

                  Other – As of March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership has ownership interests in eleven properties containing 1,511 units acquired in a prior merger.  The current weighted average ownership percentage is 10.7%.  The Operating Partnership’s strategy with respect to these interests is either to acquire a majority ownership or sell the Operating Partnership’s interest.

 

As of March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership has four projects totaling 1,165 units in various stages of development with estimated completion dates ranging through December 31, 2006.  The three development agreements currently in place are discussed in detail in Note 14 of the Operating Partnership’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

See also Notes 2 and 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Operating Partnership’s investments in unconsolidated entities.

 

In connection with one of its mergers, the Operating Partnership provided a guaranty of a credit enhancement agreement with respect to certain tax-exempt bonds issued to finance certain public improvements at a multifamily development project.  The Operating Partnership had the obligation to provide this guaranty for a period of eight years from the consummation of the merger or through May 30, 2005.  The Operating Partnership would have been required to perform under this guaranty only if there was a draw on the letter of credit issued by the credit enhancement party.   Effective May 2, 2005, the tax-exempt bonds were redeemed in full and the letter of credit was cancelled.  As a result, the guaranty was terminated.

 

The Operating Partnership’s contractual obligations for the next five years and thereafter have not changed materially from the amounts and disclosures included in its annual report on Form 10-K, other than as it relates to scheduled debt maturities.  See the updated debt maturity schedule included in Liquidity and Capital Resources for further discussion.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Operating Partnership has identified six significant accounting policies as critical accounting policies.  These critical accounting policies are those that have the most impact on the reporting of our financial condition and those requiring significant judgments and estimates.  With respect to these critical accounting policies, management believes that the application of judgments and assessments is consistently applied and produces financial information that fairly presents the results of operations for all periods presented.  The six critical accounting policies are:

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Including Goodwill

 

The Operating Partnership periodically evaluates its long-lived assets, including its investments in real estate and goodwill, for indicators of permanent impairment.  The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions, expected holding period of each asset and legal and environmental concerns.  Future events could occur which would cause the Operating Partnership to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment loss is warranted.

 

Depreciation of Investment in Real Estate

 

The Operating Partnership depreciates the building component of its investment in real estate over a 30-year estimated useful life, building improvements over a 5-year to 10-year estimated useful life and

 

32



 

both the furniture, fixtures and equipment and replacements components over a 5-year estimated useful life, all of which are judgmental determinations.

 

Cost Capitalization

 

See the Capitalization of Fixed Assets and Improvements to Real Estate section for discussion of the policy with respect to capitalization vs. expensing of fixed asset/repair and maintenance costs.  In addition, the Operating Partnership capitalizes the payroll and associated costs of employees directly responsible for and who spend all of their time on the supervision of major capital projects.  These costs are reflected on the balance sheet as an increase to depreciable property.

 

The Operating Partnership follows the guidance in SFAS No. 67, Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects, for all development projects and uses its professional judgment in determining whether such costs meet the criteria for capitalization or must be expensed as incurred.  The Operating Partnership capitalizes interest, real estate taxes and insurance and payroll and associated costs for those individuals directly responsible for and who spend all of their time on development activities, with capitalization ceasing no later than 90 days following issuance of the certificate of occupancy.  These costs are reflected on the balance sheet as construction in progress for each specific property.  The Operating Partnership expenses as incurred all payroll costs of on-site employees working directly at our properties, except as noted above on our development properties prior to certificate of occupancy issuance and on specific major renovation at selected properties when additional incremental employees are hired.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Including Derivative Instruments

 

The valuation of financial instruments under SFAS No. 107 and SFAS No. 133 and its amendments (SFAS Nos. 137/138/149) requires the Operating Partnership to make estimates and judgments that affect the fair value of the instruments.  The Operating Partnership, where possible, bases the fair values of its financial instruments, including its derivative instruments, on listed market prices and third party quotes. Where these are not available, the Operating Partnership bases its estimates on other factors relevant to the financial instruments.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Rental income attributable to leases is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as it is earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis.  Leases entered into between a resident and a property for the rental of an apartment unit are generally year-to-year, renewable upon consent of both parties on an annual or monthly basis.  Fee and asset management revenue and interest income are recorded on an accrual basis.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company elected to account for its stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 and its amendment (SFAS No. 148), Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, effective in the first quarter of 2003, which resulted in compensation expense being recorded based on the fair value of the stock compensation granted.

 

The Company elected the “Prospective Method” which requires expensing of employee awards granted or modified after January 1, 2003.  Compensation expense under all of the Company’s plans is generally recognized over periods ranging from three months to five years.  See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion and comparative information regarding application of the fair value method to all outstanding employee awards.

 

Any Common Shares issued pursuant to EQR’s incentive equity compensation and employee share purchase plans will result in the Operating Partnership issuing OP Units to EQR on a one-for-one basis,

 

33



 

with the Operating Partnership receiving the net cash proceeds of such issuances.

 

Funds From Operations

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Funds From Operations (“FFO”) available to OP Units increased $73.7 million, or 47.2%, as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

 

The following is a reconciliation of net income to FFO available to OP Units for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

Funds From Operations
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net income

 

$

248,280

 

$

124,705

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

127,568

 

110,110

 

Depreciation – Non-real estate additions

 

(1,294

)

(1,300

)

Depreciation – Partially Owned Properties

 

(1,323

)

(2,096

)

Depreciation – Unconsolidated Properties

 

1,072

 

6,763

 

Net (gain) on sales of unconsolidated entities

 

(124

)

(2,434

)

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

1,501

 

7,075

 

Net (gain) on sales of discontinued operations

 

(151,265

)

(71,499

)

Net incremental gain on sales of condominium units

 

13,675

 

3,524

 

Net gain on sales of vacant land

 

10,368

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FFO (1)(2)

 

248,458

 

174,863

 

Preferred distributions

 

(16,913

)

(18,756

)

Premium on redemption of Preference Interests

 

(1,728

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FFO available to OP Units

 

$

229,817

 

$

156,107

 

 


(1)       The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) defines funds from operations (“FFO”) (April 2002 White Paper) as net income (computed in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”)), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of depreciable property, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.  Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures will be calculated to reflect funds from operations on the same basis.  The April 2002 White Paper states that gain or loss on sales of property is excluded from FFO for previously depreciated operating properties only.  Once the Operating Partnership commences the conversion of units to condominiums, it simultaneously discontinues depreciation of such property.

 

(2)       The Operating Partnership believes that FFO is helpful to investors as a supplemental measure of the operating performance of a real estate company, because it is a recognized measure of performance by the real estate industry and by excluding gains or losses related to dispositions of depreciable property and excluding real estate depreciation (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO can help compare the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods or as compared to different companies.  FFO in and of itself does not represent net income or net cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP.  Therefore, FFO should not be exclusively considered as an alternative to net income or to net cash

 

34



 

flows from operating activities as determined by GAAP or as a measure of liquidity.  The Operating Partnership’s calculation of FFO may differ from other real estate companies due to, among other items, variations in cost capitalization policies for capital expenditures and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other real estate companies.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Operating Partnership’s market risk has not changed materially from the amounts and information reported in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, to the Operating Partnership’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.  See also Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of derivative instruments.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Effective as of March 31, 2005, the Operating Partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Operating Partnership’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of EQR, of the effectiveness of the Operating Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information.  During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2005, there were no changes to the internal controls over financial reporting of the Operating Partnership identified in connection with the Operating Partnership’s evaluation or otherwise that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.           Legal Proceedings

 

In August 2004, the Operating Partnership tried a class action lawsuit in Palm Beach County, Florida regarding certain charges made to residents who terminated their leases early or failed to provide sufficient notice of intent to vacate.  In December 2004, the Court issued a Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law holding those fees legally uncollectible under Florida law.  In recognition of the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, which awarded damages and interest to the class in the amount of approximately $1.6 million, the Operating Partnership established a reserve of approximately $1.6 million and correspondingly recorded this as a general and administrative expense in December 2004.  Due to pending appeals, the award is neither final nor enforceable.  Accordingly, it is not possible to determine or predict the ultimate outcome of the case.  While no assurances can be given, the Operating Partnership does not believe that this lawsuit, if the ultimate outcome is unfavorable, will have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.

 

There have been no new or significant developments related to the legal proceedings that were discussed in Part I, Item III of the Operating Partnership’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Item 2.           Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

OP Units Issued in 2005

 

The Operating Partnership issued 551,229 OP Units having a value of $18.2 million during the first quarter of 2005.

 

These OP Units were issued in exchange for direct or indirect interests in multifamily properties in private placement transactions under section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).  OP Units are generally exchangeable into Common Shares of EQR on a one-for-one basis or, at the option of EQR and the Operating Partnership, the cash equivalent thereof at any time one year after the date of

 

35



 

issuance.

 

Item 6.           Exhibits

 

10.1*

 

Third Amendment to Equity Residential 2002 Share Incentive Plan.

 

 

 

10.2*

 

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Compensation Agreement between Equity Residential and Samuel Zell dated April 25, 2005.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Bruce W. Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Donna Brandin, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Bruce W. Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Donna Brandin, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 


*  Included as an exhibit to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005.

 

36



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

 

BY:

EQUITY RESIDENTIAL

 

 

ITS GENERAL PARTNER

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

May 9, 2005

 

By:

/s/

Donna Brandin

 

 

 

 

Donna Brandin

 

 

 

Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

May 9, 2005

 

By:

/s/

Mark L. Wetzel

 

 

 

 

Mark L. Wetzel

 

 

 

Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer

 

37



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

Document

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Bruce W. Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Donna Brandin, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Bruce W. Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Donna Brandin, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 

38