Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accounts of the Company, its controlled subsidiaries and the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which it is the primary beneficiary are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation. Such reclassifications had no net effect on previously reported financial results.

Noncontrolling interest includes the 3.3% and 5.4% limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership not held by the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These percentages include the Operating Partnership’s vested long term incentive plan units (see Note 13).

The Company consolidates 17 DownREIT limited partnerships (comprising ten communities), since the Company is the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The consolidated total assets and liabilities related to these VIEs, net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $200.0 million and $196.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014, and $194.9 million and $178.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

The DownREIT VIEs collectively own ten apartment communities in which Essex Management Company (“EMC”) is the general partner, the Operating Partnership is a special limited partner, and the other limited partners were granted rights of redemption for their interests. Such limited partners can request to be redeemed and the Company can elect to redeem their rights for cash or by issuing shares of its common stock on a one share per unit basis. Conversion values will be based on the market value of the Company's common stock at the time of redemption multiplied by the number of units stipulated under the above arrangements. The other limited partners receive distributions based on the Company's current dividend rate times the number of units held. Total DownREIT units outstanding were 941,138 and 1,007,879 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled approximately $194 million and $145 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of the other limited partners' interests is presented at their historical cost and is classified within noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Interest holders in VIEs consolidated by the Company are allocated a priority of net income equal to the cash payments made to those interest holders or distributions from cash flow. The remaining results of operations are generally allocated to the Company.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any VIEs of which it was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.

(b) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 may be applied using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on our financial position and results of operations.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2014-018, Presentation of Financial Statements, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-018 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operation under Subtopic 205-20, Presentation of Financial Statements—Discontinued Operations. The amendment updates the definition of discontinued operations and defines discontinued operations to be those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This ASU is effective for disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company adopted ASU 2014-018 in the first quarter of 2014. The Company determined that the disposals through the year ended December 31, 2014 were not a discontinued operation in accordance with ASU 2014-018. The gains related to these disposals are recorded in gains on sale of real estate and land in the consolidated statements of income.

Significant expenditures, which improve or extend the life of an asset and have a useful life of greater than one year, are capitalized. Operating real estate assets are stated at cost and consist of land, buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and other costs incurred during their development, redevelopment and acquisition. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

The depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets is as follows:



Computer software and equipment	3 - 5 years
Interior unit improvements	5 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	5 years
Land improvements and certain exterior components of real property	10 years
Real estate structures	30 years

The Company capitalizes all costs incurred with the predevelopment, development or redevelopment of real estate assets or are associated with the construction or expansion of real property. Such capitalized costs include land, land improvements, allocated costs of the Company’s project management staff, construction costs, as well as interest and related loan fees, property taxes and insurance. Capitalization begins for predevelopment, development, and redevelopment projects when activity commences. Capitalization ends when the apartment home is completed and the property is available for a new resident or if the development activities cease.

The Company allocates the purchase price of real estate to land and building including personal property, and identifiable intangible assets, such as the value of above, below and in-place leases. The values of the above and below market leases are amortized and recorded as either a decrease (in the case of above market leases) or an increase (in the case of below market leases) to rental revenue over the remaining term of the associated leases acquired, which in the case of below market leases the Company assumes lessees will elect to renew their leases. The value of acquired in-place leases are amortized to expense over the term the Company expects to retain the acquired tenant, which is generally 20 months. The net carrying value of acquired in-place leases as of December 31, 2014 of $47.7 million is expected to be recognized in amortization expense primarily in 2015.

The Company performs the following evaluation for communities acquired:


(1)	adjust the purchase price for any fair value adjustments resulting from such things as assumed debt or contingencies;


(2)	estimate the value of the real estate “as if vacant” as of the acquisition date;


(3)	allocate that value among land and buildings including personal property;


(4)	compute the value of the difference between the “as if vacant” value and the adjusted purchase price, which will represent the total intangible assets;


(5)	compute the value of the above and below market leases and determine the associated life of the above market/ below market leases;


(6)	compute the value of the in-place leases and customer relationships, if any, and the associated lives of these assets.

Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a property held for investment or held for sale may not be fully recoverable, the carrying amount will be evaluated for impairment. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount (including intangible assets) of a property held for investment, then the Company will recognize an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the property. Fair value of a property is determined using conventional real estate valuation methods, such as discounted cash flow, the property’s unleveraged yield in comparison to the unleveraged yields and sales prices of similar communities that have been recently sold, and other third party information, if available. Communities held for sale are carried at the lower of cost and fair value less estimated costs to sell. As of December 31, 2014, one community was classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2013 no community was classified as held for sale and no impairment charges were recorded in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

In the normal course of business, the Company will receive purchase offers for its communities, either solicited or unsolicited. For those offers that are accepted, the prospective buyer will usually require a due diligence period before consummation of the transaction. It is not unusual for matters to arise that result in the withdrawal or rejection of the offer during this process. The Company classifies real estate as "held for sale" when all criteria under the accounting standard for the disposals of long-lived assets have been met.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2014-018, Presentation of Financial Statements, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-018 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operation under Subtopic 205-20, Presentation of Financial Statements—Discontinued Operations. The amendment updates the definition of discontinued operations and defines discontinued operations to be those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This ASU is effective for disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company adopted ASU 2014-018 in its first quarter of 2014. The Company determined that the disposals through the year ended December 31, 2014 were not a discontinued operation in accordance with ASU 2014-018. The gains related to these disposals are recorded in gains on sale of real estate and land in the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s equity in income or loss from real estate investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting remain classified in continuing operations upon disposition. (See Note 6 for a description of the Company’s discontinued operations for 2013 and 2012).

(d) Co-investments

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

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

(e) Revenues and Gains on Sale of Real Estate

Revenues from tenants renting or leasing apartment units are recorded when due from tenants and are recognized monthly as they are earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis. Units are rented under short-term leases (generally, lease terms of 6 to 12 months) and may provide no rent for one or two months, depending on the market conditions and leasing practices of the Company’s competitors in each sub-market at the time the leases are executed. Revenues from tenants leasing commercial space are recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective lease.

The Company recognizes gains on sales of real estate when a contract is in place, a closing has taken place, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement in the property.

(f) Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased are classified as cash equivalents. Restricted cash balances relate primarily to reserve requirements for capital replacement at certain communities in connection with the Company’s mortgage debt.

(g) Marketable Securities and Other Investments

The Company reports its available for sale securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 1 for the common stock and investment funds, Level 2 for the unsecured bonds and Level 3 for the limited partnership interests, as defined by the FASB standard for fair value measurements as discussed later in Note 2), and any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss). There were no other than temporary impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. Realized gains and losses, interest income, and amortization of purchase discounts are included in interest and other income on the consolidated statement of income.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, marketable securities and other investments consisted primarily of investment-grade unsecured bonds, common stock, investments in mortgage backed securities, investment funds that invest in U.S. treasury or agency securities, and other limited partnership investments. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company classified its investments in mortgage backed securities, which mature in November 2019 and September 2020, as held to maturity, and accordingly, these securities are stated at their amortized cost. The discount on the mortgage backed securities is being amortized to interest income based on an estimated yield and the maturity date of the securities.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):



	December 31, 2014
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Carrying Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	9,435	$	145	$	9,580
Investment funds - US treasuries	3,769		3		3,772
Common stock and stock funds	25,755		5,137		30,892
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities	67,996		—		67,996
Total - Marketable securities	106,955		5,285		112,240
Other investments (1)	5,000		—		5,000
Total - Marketable securities and other investments	$	111,955	$	5,285	$	117,240

(1) Limited partnership interests



	December 31, 2013
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Carrying Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	15,446	$	509		$	15,955
Investment funds - US treasuries	3,675		3			3,678
Common stock	13,104		(1,304		)	11,800
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities	58,651		—			58,651
Total - Marketable securities and other investments	$	90,876	$	(792	)	$	90,084

The Company uses the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of a security sold and to reclassify amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income for securities sold. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the proceeds from sales of available for sale securities totaled $8.8 million, $24.2 million and $61.7 million, respectively. These sales all resulted in gains, which totaled $0.9 million, $1.8 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(h) Notes Receivable

Notes receivable relate to real estate financing arrangements including mezzanine and bridge loans and are secured by real estate. Interest is recognized over the life of the note.

Each note is analyzed to determine if it is impaired. A note is impaired if it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractually due principal and interest. The Company does not accrue interest when a note is considered impaired and an allowance is recorded for any principal and previously accrued interest that are not believed to be collectable. All cash receipts on impaired notes are applied to reduce the principal amount of such notes until the principal has been recovered and, thereafter, are recognized as interest income. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, no notes were impaired.

(i) Capitalization Policy

The Company capitalizes all direct and certain indirect costs, including interest, real estate taxes and insurance, incurred during development and redevelopment activities. Interest is capitalized on real estate assets that require a period of time to get them ready for their intended use. The amount of interest capitalized is based upon the average amount of accumulated development expenditures during the reporting period. Included in capitalized costs are management’s estimates of the direct and incremental personnel costs and indirect project costs associated with the Company's development and redevelopment activities. Indirect project costs consist primarily of personnel costs associated with construction administration and development, including accounting, legal fees, and various corporate and community onsite costs that clearly relate to projects under development. The Company’s capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects were comprised primarily of employee compensation and totaled $10.4 million, $7.5 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, most of which relates to development projects. The Company capitalizes leasing costs associated with the lease-up of development communities and amortizes the costs over the life of the leases. The amounts capitalized are immaterial for all periods presented.

(j) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company values its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques described in the FASB’s accounting standard for fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company uses Level 1 inputs for the fair values of its cash equivalents and its marketable securities except for unsecured bonds and mortgage backed securities. The Company uses Level 2 inputs for its investments in unsecured bonds, notes receivable, notes payable, and derivative liabilities. These inputs include interest rates for similar financial instruments. The Company’s valuation methodology for derivatives is described in Note 9. The Company uses Level 3 inputs to estimate the fair value of its mortgage backed securities. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

Management believes that the carrying amounts of the outstanding balances under its notes and other receivables approximate fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, because interest rates, yields and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available for similar instruments. Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $4.4 billion and $2.3 billion of fixed rate debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to be $4.6 billion and $2.3 billion. Management has estimated the fair value of the Company’s $660.6 million and $737.0 million of variable rate debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is $656.3 million and $719.4 million based on the terms of the Company’s existing variable rate debt compared to those available in the marketplace. Management believes that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, construction payable, other liabilities and dividends payable approximate fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Marketable securities and derivative liabilities are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $68.0 million and $58.7 million. The Company estimated the fair value of investment in mortgage backed securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 to be approximately $96.0 million and $86.2 million, respectively. The Company determines the fair value of the mortgage backed securities based on unobservable inputs (level 3 of the fair value hierarchy) considering the assumptions that market participants would make in valuing these securities. Assumptions such as estimated default rates and discount rates are used to determine expected, discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value.

(k) Interest Rate Protection, Swap, and Forward Contracts

The Company uses interest rate swaps, interest rate cap contracts, and forward starting swaps to manage interest rate risks. The Company’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements or other identified risks. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily used interest rate swaps and interest rate forward-starting swaps as part of its cash flow hedging strategy. The Company was hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for a portion of its forecasted transactions.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no outstanding forward starting swaps. The Company records all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.

For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. The Company assesses the initial and ongoing effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in fair value or cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in fair value or cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction.

For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. All of the Company’s interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are considered cash flow hedges except for the swap related to the multifamily revenue refunding bonds for the 101 San Fernando community that was terminated in 2012 as described in detail in Note 9. The Company did not have any fair value hedges during the years end December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

(l) Deferred Charges

Deferred charges are principally comprised of loan fees and related costs which are amortized over the terms of the related borrowing in a manner which approximates the effective interest method.

(m) Income Taxes

Generally in any year in which ESS qualifies as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”), it is not subject to federal income tax on that portion of its income that it distributes to stockholders. No provision for federal income taxes, other than the taxable REIT subsidiaries discussed below, has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 as ESS has elected to be and believes it qualifies under the IRC as a REIT and has made distributions during the periods in amounts to preclude ESS from paying federal income tax.

In order to maintain compliance with REIT tax rules, the Company utilizes taxable REIT subsidiaries for various revenue generating or investment activities. The taxable REIT subsidiaries are consolidated by the Company. The activities and tax related provisions, assets and liabilities are not material.

As a partnership, the Operating Partnership is not subject to federal or state income taxes except that in order to maintain ESS’s compliance with REIT tax rules that are applicable to ESS, the Operating Partnership utilizes taxable REIT subsidiaries for various revenue generating or investment activities. The taxable REIT subsidiaries are consolidated by the Operating Partnership.

The status of cash dividends distributed for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 related to common stock, Series F, Series G, and Series H preferred stock are classified for tax purposes as follows:



	2014		2013		2012
Common Stock
Ordinary income	70.03	%	77.34	%	70.58	%
Capital gain	21.95	%	17.64	%	8.75	%
Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain	8.02	%	5.02	%	7.97	%
Return of capital	—	%	—	%	12.70	%
	100.00	%	100.00	%	100.00	%



	2014		2013		2012
Series F, G, and H Preferred stock
Ordinary income	70.03	%	77.34	%	80.85	%
Capital gains	21.95	%	17.64	%	10.02	%
Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain	8.02	%	5.02	%	9.13	%
	100.00	%	100.00	%	100.00	%

(n) Preferred Stock

The Company’s Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series G Preferred Stock”) contains fundamental change provisions that allow the holder to redeem the preferred stock for cash if certain events occur. The redemption under these provisions is not solely within the Company’s control, thus the Company has classified the Series G Preferred Stock as temporary equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013. During the second quarter of 2014, all of the shares of Series G Preferred Stock were converted into shares of common stock.

(o) Equity-based Compensation

The cost of share and unit based compensation awards is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the awards. The estimated fair value of stock options and restricted stock granted by the Company are being amortized over the vesting period. The estimated grant date fair values of the long term incentive plan units (discussed in Note 13) are being amortized over the expected service periods.

(p) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

Essex Property Trust, Inc.



	Change in fair value and amortization of derivatives			Unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2013, net of noncontrolling interest	$	(59,724	)	$	(748	)	$	(60,472	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification	758			6,140			6,898
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,963			(841		)	2,122
Net other comprehensive income	3,721			5,299			9,020
Balance at December 31, 2014, net of noncontrolling interest	$	(56,003	)	$	4,551		$	(51,452	)

Essex Portfolio, L.P.



	Change in fair value and amortization of derivatives			Unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(58,148	)	$	(792	)	$	(58,940	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification	1,205			6,302			7,507
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,963			(886		)	2,077
Net other comprehensive income	4,168			5,416			9,584
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(53,980	)	$	4,624		$	(49,356	)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with derivatives are recorded to interest expense on the consolidated statement of income. Realized gains and losses on available for sale securities are included in interest and other income on the consolidated statement of income.

(q) Accounting Estimates

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

(r) BRE Merger

The merger with BRE was a two-step process. First, 14 of the BRE properties were acquired on March 31, 2014 in exchange for $1.4 billion of OP units. The preliminary fair value of these properties was substantially all attributable to rental properties which included land, buildings and improvements, and real estate under development and approximately $19 million was attributable to acquired in-place lease value. Second, the BRE merger closed on April 1, 2014 in exchange for the total consideration of approximately $4.3 billion.

The preliminary fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired on April 1, 2014 (including the 14 properties acquired on March 31, 2014 as the OP units issued were retired on April 1, 2014) recorded were based upon a preliminary valuation and the estimates and assumptions used in such valuation are subject to change, which could be significant, within the measurement period. The measurement period is the period after the acquisition date during which the acquirer may adjust the provisional amounts recognized for a business combination. The measurement period provides the acquirer with a reasonable time to obtain the information necessary to identify and measure the assets and liabilities acquired in the business combination, not to exceed one year from the acquisition date. The preliminary valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the BRE merger is as follows (in millions):



Cash assumed	$	140
Rental properties and real estate under development	5,618
Real estate held for sale, net	108
Co-investments	218
Acquired in-place lease value	77
Other assets	16
Mortgage notes payable and unsecured debt	(1,747		)
Other liabilities	(94		)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	(5		)
	$	4,331

Cash consideration for BRE merger	$	556
Equity consideration for BRE merger	3,775
Total consideration for BRE merger	$	4,331

During the measurement period related to the BRE merger, the Company recorded an adjustment to increase the preliminary fair value of personal property by $100.9 million with an estimated useful life of 5 years with an offsetting decrease in real property with an estimated useful life of 30 years, all of which are classified within rental properties and real estate under development. The changes in estimates were the result of additional accounting information identified by management. The Company believes that the information gathered to date provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, but the Company is waiting for additional information necessary to finalize the fair values related to insurance recoveries and legal contingencies. Thus, the provisional measurements of fair value set forth above are subject to change further. The Company expects to complete the purchase accounting process as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the acquisition date.

The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based on Essex’s historical consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, adjusted to give effect to the merger with BRE including the 14 BRE properties acquired on March 31, 2014, as if they occurred on January 1, 2013. The pro forma adjustments primarily relate to merger expenses, depreciation expense on acquired buildings and improvements, amortization of acquired intangibles, and estimated interest expense related to assumed debt.

Essex Property Trust, Inc.



	Pro forma (unaudited) year ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share data)
	2014		2013
Total Revenue	$	1,055,460	$	944,410
Net income available to common stockholders (1) (2)	$	263,440	$	141,504
Earnings per share, diluted (1)	$	4.08	$	2.26

Essex Portfolio, L.P.



	Pro forma (unaudited) year ended December 31 (in thousands, except per unit data)
	2014		2013
Total Revenue	$	1,055,460	$	944,410
Net income available to common unitholders (1) (2)	$	263,585	$	141,175
Earnings per unit, diluted (1)	$	4.08	$	2.26

(1) 2014 supplemental pro forma net income available to common stockholders was adjusted to exclude $53.5 million of merger and integration related costs incurred by Essex during the year ended December 31, 2014. 2013 supplemental pro forma net income available to common stockholders was adjusted to include these charges. 2014 and 2013 supplemental pro forma earnings per share, diluted, were adjusted by approximately 23.1 million shares due to the common stock issued in connection with the merger.

(2) The supplemental pro forma net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2014 include approximately $105 million from discontinued operations related to the sale of three BRE properties during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 that are non-recurring transactions.

Revenues of approximately $283.3 million and net loss of approximately $17.2 million associated with properties acquired in 2014 in the BRE merger are included in the consolidated statements of income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 for both Essex and the Operating Partnership.