-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, WtnKK66OMdEZ20xzfYwnBQo1Exkr2hdXtg+WwhH29BZ+U4duNST7GhecqcO6e0Ad u03maRlfzFEG7X19hlbv5A== 0001104659-04-013108.txt : 20040507 0001104659-04-013108.hdr.sgml : 20040507 20040507105040 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-04-013108 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20040331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040507 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ERP OPERATING LTD PARTNERSHIP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000931182 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798] IRS NUMBER: 363894853 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-24920 FILM NUMBER: 04787293 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO N RIVERSIDE PLZ STREET 2: STE 400 CITY: CHICAGO STATE: IL ZIP: 60606 BUSINESS PHONE: 3124741300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO N RIVERSIDE PLAZA STREET 2: SUITE 450 CITY: CHICAGO STATE: IL ZIP: 60606 10-Q 1 a04-5370_110q.htm 10-Q

 

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, 2004

 

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)

 

http://www.equityapartments.com

(Registrant’s web site)

 

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,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in real estate

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

2,066,965

 

$

1,845,547

 

Depreciable property

 

11,901,855

 

11,018,326

 

Construction in progress (including land)

 

386,655

 

10,506

 

Investment in real estate

 

14,355,475

 

12,874,379

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(2,337,502

)

(2,296,013

)

Investment in real estate, net

 

12,017,973

 

10,578,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

71,527

 

49,579

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

13,503

 

473,977

 

Rents receivable

 

2,584

 

426

 

Deposits – restricted

 

135,664

 

133,752

 

Escrow deposits – mortgage

 

42,158

 

41,104

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

31,852

 

31,135

 

Goodwill, net

 

30,000

 

30,000

 

Other assets

 

111,967

 

128,554

 

Total assets

 

$

12,457,228

 

$

11,466,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage notes payable

 

$

3,221,993

 

$

2,693,815

 

Notes, net

 

2,656,105

 

2,656,674

 

Line of credit

 

420,000

 

10,000

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

90,204

 

55,463

 

Accrued interest payable

 

71,914

 

60,334

 

Rents received in advance and other liabilities

 

198,625

 

189,372

 

Security deposits

 

46,937

 

44,670

 

Distributions payable

 

141,231

 

140,195

 

Total liabilities

 

6,847,009

 

5,850,523

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

13,582

 

9,903

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital:

 

 

 

 

 

Preference Units

 

669,750

 

670,913

 

Preference Interests

 

246,000

 

246,000

 

Junior Preference Units

 

2,217

 

2,217

 

General Partner

 

4,384,385

 

4,371,483

 

Limited Partners

 

326,332

 

342,809

 

Deferred compensation

 

(2,641

)

(3,554

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(29,406

)

(23,401

)

Total partners’ capital

 

5,596,637

 

5,606,467

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$

12,457,228

 

$

11,466,893

 

 

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,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

459,654

 

$

435,803

 

Fee and asset management

 

3,007

 

2,488

 

Total revenues

 

462,661

 

438,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Property and maintenance

 

125,995

 

118,422

 

Real estate taxes and insurance

 

52,471

 

47,857

 

Property management

 

17,286

 

15,851

 

Fee and asset management

 

1,995

 

1,770

 

Depreciation

 

115,610

 

105,778

 

General and administrative

 

9,988

 

11,176

 

Impairment on technology investments

 

 

291

 

Total expenses

 

323,345

 

301,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

139,316

 

137,146

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

2,108

 

3,337

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

Expense incurred, net

 

(79,858

)

(79,417

)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(1,426

)

(1,338

)

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

 

60,140

 

59,728

 

Allocation to Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

(147

)

(115

)

Income (loss) from investments in unconsolidated entities

 

(7,406

)

107

 

Net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities

 

2,434

 

1,212

 

Income from continuing operations

 

55,021

 

60,932

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

71,499

 

70,672

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(1,815

)

12,853

 

Net income

 

$

124,705

 

$

144,457

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

Preference Units

 

$

13,672

 

$

19,046

 

Preference Interests

 

$

5,053

 

$

5,053

 

Junior Preference Units

 

$

31

 

$

81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Partner

 

$

98,309

 

$

111,167

 

Limited Partners

 

7,640

 

9,110

 

Net income available to OP Units

 

$

105,949

 

$

120,277

 

Earnings per OP Unit – basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.13

 

Net income available to OP Units

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

Weighted average OP Units outstanding

 

299,028

 

292,950

 

Earnings per OP Unit – diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.13

 

Net income available to OP Units

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

Weighted average OP Units outstanding

 

301,781

 

294,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

124,705

 

$

144,457

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 

(10,154

)

137

 

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

 

3,667

 

1,194

 

Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income

 

482

 

230

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

118,700

 

$

146,018

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

4



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

124,705

 

$

144,457

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Allocation to Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

147

 

115

 

Depreciation

 

117,185

 

118,918

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

1,590

 

1,408

 

Amortization of discounts and premiums on debt

 

(216

)

(239

)

Amortization of deferred settlements on derivative instruments

 

123

 

(68

)

Impairment on technology investments

 

 

291

 

Loss (income) from investments in unconsolidated entities

 

7,406

 

(107

)

Net (gain) on sales of discontinued operations

 

(71,499

)

(70,672

)

Net (gain) on sales of unconsolidated entities

 

(2,434

)

(1,212

)

Loss on debt extinguishments

 

93

 

183

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments

 

59

 

(44

)

Compensation paid with Company Common Shares

 

4,335

 

4,445

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in rents receivable

 

(1,534

)

1,516

 

(Increase) in deposits – restricted

 

(1,356

)

(2,283

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(7,046

)

322

 

Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

5,888

 

1,865

 

Increase in accrued interest payable

 

9,159

 

1,836

 

(Decrease) in rents received in advance and other liabilities

 

(8,902

)

(6,788

)

Increase (decrease) in security deposits

 

287

 

(141

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

177,990

 

193,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in real estate – acquisitions

 

(187,996

)

(76,692

)

Investment in real estate – development/other

 

(4,722

)

(2,057

)

Improvements to real estate

 

(35,712

)

(33,602

)

Additions to non-real estate property

 

(667

)

(908

)

Interest capitalized for real estate under development

 

(370

)

 

Interest capitalized for unconsolidated entities under development

 

(2,282

)

(5,437

)

Proceeds from disposition of real estate, net

 

291,527

 

190,906

 

Proceeds from disposition of unconsolidated entities

 

4,729

 

1,213

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

(406,115

)

(4,227

)

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

23,416

 

6,041

 

Decrease (increase) in deposits on real estate acquisitions, net

 

565

 

(29,560

)

Decrease in mortgage deposits

 

2,653

 

5,877

 

Consolidation of previously Unconsolidated Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

Via acquisition (net of cash acquired)

 

(49,080

)

 

Via FIN 46 (cash consolidated)

 

3,628

 

 

Acquisition of Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

(72

)

 

Other investing activities, net

 

1,401

 

 

Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities

 

(359,097

)

51,554

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

5



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Loan and bond acquisition costs

 

$

(707

)

$

(3,153

)

Mortgage notes payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds

 

16,450

 

48,680

 

Lump sum payoffs

 

(80,692

)

(101,793

)

Scheduled principal repayments

 

(6,145

)

(8,285

)

Prepayment premiums/fees

 

(430

)

(183

)

Notes, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds

 

 

398,816

 

Scheduled principal repayments

 

 

(192

)

Line of credit:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds

 

549,000

 

172,000

 

Repayments

 

(139,000

)

(312,000

)

(Payments on) settlement of derivative instruments

 

(3,107

)

(12,999

)

Proceeds from sale of OP Units

 

3,538

 

2,606

 

Proceeds from exercise of EQR options

 

20,923

 

4,270

 

Payment of offering costs

 

(24

)

(71

)

Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

OP Units – General Partner

 

(119,740

)

(117,242

)

Preference Units

 

(13,693

)

(19,048

)

Preference Interests

 

(5,053

)

(5,053

)

Junior Preference Units

 

(81

)

(81

)

OP Units – Limited Partners

 

(9,411

)

(9,645

)

Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

(8,773

)

(1,549

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

203,055

 

35,078

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

21,948

 

280,434

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

49,579

 

29,875

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

71,527

 

$

310,309

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

 

$

73,800

 

$

83,579

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate acquisitions/dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans assumed

 

$

36,943

 

$

34,968

 

Mortgage loans (assumed) by purchaser

 

$

(1,338

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidation of previously Unconsolidated Properties – Via acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in real estate

 

$

(955,073

)

$

 

Mortgage loans assumed

 

$

270,285

 

$

 

Minority Interests – Partially Owned Properties

 

$

309

 

$

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

$

608,200

 

$

 

Net other (assets) liabilities recorded

 

$

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 (assets) liabilities recorded

 

$

19,190

 

$

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

6



 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

1.                                      Business

 

ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“ERPOP”), 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, 2004 owned an approximate 93.0% ownership interest in ERPOP.  ERPOP is, directly or indirectly, a partner, member or shareholder of numerous partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations which have been established primarily to own fee simple title to multifamily properties or to conduct property management activities and other businesses related to the ownership and operation of multifamily residential real estate.  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, 2004, the Operating Partnership, directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities, owned all or a portion of 952 properties in 34 states consisting of 203,590 units.  The ownership breakdown includes:

 

 

 

Properties

 

Units

 

Wholly Owned Properties

 

849

 

179,115

 

Partially Owned Properties (Consolidated)

 

40

 

7,857

 

Unconsolidated Properties

 

63

 

16,618

 

 

 

952

 

203,590

 

 

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, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004.

 

The balance sheet at December 31, 2003 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, 2003.

 

7



 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has elected to expense 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.  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 has chosen to use the “Prospective Method” which requires the Company to apply the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to only employee awards granted or modified after the beginning of the fiscal year in which the recognition provisions are first applied, or January 1, 2003.  Compensation expense under all of the Company’s plans is generally recognized over periods ranging from three months to five years.  Therefore, the cost related to stock-based employee compensation included in the determination of net income for both the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 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 in each period presented:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands except
per OP Unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to OP Units – as reported

 

$

105,949

 

$

120,277

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

EQR’s restricted/performance shares

 

2,882

 

2,334

 

EQR’s share options (1)

 

789

 

1,707

 

EQR’s ESPP discount

 

664

 

490

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

EQR’s restricted/performance shares

 

(2,882

)

(2,334

)

EQR’s share options (1)

 

(1,558

)

(2,899

)

EQR’s ESPP discount

 

(664

)

(490

)

Net income available to OP Units – pro forma

 

$

105,180

 

$

119,085

 

Earnings per OP Unit:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic – as reported

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

Basic – pro forma

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted – as reported

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

Diluted – pro forma

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.40

 

 


(1)       Share options for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 included $1.4 million of expense recognition related to options granted in the first quarter of 2003 to EQR’s former chief executive officer.  These options vested immediately upon grant.

 

8



 

Other

 

The Operating Partnership adopted FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, Consolidation of Variable 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 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 consolidated only the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests of these development properties.  The results of operations will be consolidated beginning April 1, 2004.  The adoption of FIN No. 46 will not have any effect on net income as the aggregate results of operations of these development properties were previously taken into account in income (loss) from investments in unconsolidated entities.  See Note 4 for additional discussion.

 

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 the 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 40 properties and 7,857 units having a minority interest book value of $13.6 million at March 31, 2004.  These partnerships contain provisions that require the partnerships to be liquidated through the sales of their 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, 2004, the Operating Partnership estimates the value of Minority Interest distributions would have been approximately $107 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, 2004 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.

 

9



 

On July 31, 2003, the SEC clarified its position with respect to Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Topic D-42, The Effect on the Calculation of Earnings per Share for the Redemption or Induced Conversion of Preferred Stock.  Under the SEC’s revised interpretation, in connection with the redemption of preferred shares/units, the original issuance costs of these shares/units must be treated in a manner similar to preferred distributions and deducted from net income in arriving at net income available to OP Units.  The clarification of EITF Topic D-42 was required to be adopted effective July 1, 2003 on a retroactive basis by restating prior periods included in the current financial statements.  The adoption of the clarification of EITF Topic D-42 did not have any impact on the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial position or cash flows nor did it impact the reported consolidated results of operations for the periods presented herein.

 

3.                                      Partners’ Capital

 

The following table presents the changes in the Operating Partnership’s issued and outstanding OP Units for the quarter ended March 31, 2004:

 

 

 

2004

 

OP Units outstanding at January 1,

 

299,551,617

 

 

 

 

 

Issued to General Partner:

 

 

 

Conversion of Series E Preference Units

 

51,633

 

Conversion of Series H Preference Units

 

144

 

Employee Share Purchase Plan

 

142,145

 

Exercise of EQR options

 

898,092

 

Restricted EQR share grants, net

 

550,332

 

Other

 

(75

)

 

 

 

 

OP Units outstanding at March 31,

 

301,193,888

 

 

The limited partners of the Operating Partnership as of March 31, 2004 include various individuals and entities that contributed their properties to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units (the “Limited Partners”) and own an approximate 7.0% ownership interest (21,007,913 OP Units) in ERPOP.  Subject to applicable securities law 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, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

 

10



 

 

 

Annual
Dividend
Rate per
Unit (1)

 

Amounts in thousands

 

March
31, 2004

 

December
31, 2003

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

21.50

 

175,000

 

175,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.00% Series E Cumulative Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $25 per unit; 2,146,090 and 2,192,490 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively

 

$

1.75

 

53,652

 

54,812

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.00% Series H Cumulative Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $25 per unit; 43,928 and 44,028 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively

 

$

1.75

 

1,098

 

1,101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.29% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 1,000,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

16.20

 

150,000

 

150,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

669,750

 

$

670,913

 

 


(1)          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.

 

11



 

The following table presents the issued and outstanding Preference Interests as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

Annual
Dividend
Rate per
Unit (1)

 

Amounts in thousands

 

March
31, 2004

 

December
31, 2003

Preference Interests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.00% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preference Interests; liquidation value $50 per unit; 800,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

4.00

 

$

40,000

 

$

40,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 1,100,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

4.25

 

55,000

 

55,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 220,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

4.25

 

11,000

 

11,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 420,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

3.8125

 

11,500

 

11,500

 

 

 

 

 

$

246,000

 

$

246,000

 

 


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

 

12



 

The following table presents the Operating Partnership’s issued and outstanding Junior Convertible Preference Units (the “Junior Preference Units”) as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

Annual
Dividend
Rate per
Unit (1)

 

Amounts in thousands

 

March
31, 2004

 

December
31, 2003

Junior Preference Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A Junior Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $100 per unit; 20,333 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

5.46934

 

$

2,033

 

$

2,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series B Junior Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $25 per unit; 7,367 units issued and outstanding at  March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

$

2.00

 

184

 

184

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,217

 

$

2,217

 

 


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

 

4.                                 Real Estate

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership acquired the entire equity interest in five properties containing 1,671 units from unaffiliated parties, inclusive of three additional units at an existing property, for a total purchase price of $224.4 million.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership also acquired the majority of the remaining third party equity interests it did not previously own in sixteen properties, consisting of 4,739 completed units, 315 development units to be completed in the second quarter of 2004 and two vacant land parcels. These properties were previously accounted for under the equity method of accounting and subsequent to each purchase were consolidated.  The Operating Partnership recorded $955.1 million in investment in real estate and the following:

 

 

Assumed $270.3 million in mortgage debt;

 

Recorded $0.3 million of minority interest in partially owned properties;

 

Reduced investments in unconsolidated entities by $608.2 million (inclusive of $339.7 million in mortgage debt paid off prior to closing);

 

Assumed $27.2 million of other liabilities net of other assets acquired; and

 

Paid cash of $49.1 million (net of cash acquired).

 

 

As previously noted, the Operating Partnership adopted FIN No. 46, as required, effective March 31, 2004.  The adoption required the consolidation of all previously unconsolidated development projects.  Accordingly, the Operating Partnership consolidated five completed properties containing 1,360 units, six projects under development which are anticipated to contain 1,592 units upon completion and various other vacant land parcels held for future development.  The Operating Partnership recorded $548.3 million in investment in real estate and the following:

 

 

Consolidated $294.7 million in mortgage debt;

 

Recorded $3.0 million of minority interest in partially owned properties;

 

Reduced investments in unconsolidated entities by $235.0 million;

 

Consolidated $19.2 million of other liabilities net of other assets acquired; and

 

Consolidated $3.6 million of cash.

 

 

13



 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership disposed of twenty-two properties containing 5,990 units to unaffiliated parties, inclusive of various individual condominium units, for a total sales price of $301.3 million allocated as follows:

 

                  Wholly Owned Properties – 19 properties containing 5,239 units for a total sales price of $269.4 million;

                  Partially Owned Properties – 2 properties containing 487 units for a total sales price of $27.5 million; and

                  Unconsolidated Properties – 1 property containing 264 units for a total sales price of $4.4 million (represents the Operating Partnership’s allocated share of the net disposition proceeds).

 

The Operating Partnership recognized a net gain on sales of discontinued operations of approximately $71.5 million and a net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities of approximately $2.4 million on the above sales.

 

5.                                      Commitments to Acquire/Dispose of Real Estate

 

As of April 28, 2004, in addition to the properties that were subsequently acquired as discussed in Note 16, the Operating Partnership had entered into a separate agreement to acquire one multifamily property containing 144 units from an unaffiliated party.  The Operating Partnership expects a purchase price of approximately $16.4 million.

 

As of April 28, 2004, 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 eight multifamily properties containing 2,516 units and one vacant land parcel to unaffiliated parties.  The Operating Partnership expects a combined disposition price of approximately $156.6 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, 2004 (amounts in thousands except for project and unit amounts):

 

14



 

 

 

Institutional
Joint
Ventures

 

Lexford/
Other

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total projects

 

45

 

17

 

62

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total units

 

10,846

 

2,015

 

12,861

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Partnership’s ownership percentage of outstanding debt

 

25.0

%

12.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Partnership’s share of outstanding debt (2)

 

$

121,200

 

$

4,577

 

$

125,777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)                Totals exclude Fort Lewis Military Housing consisting of one property and 3,757 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, 2004.

 

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

 

7.                                      Deposits - - Restricted

 

As of March 31, 2004, deposits-restricted totaled $135.7 million and primarily included the following:

 

                  Deposits in the amount of $32.0 million held in third party escrow accounts to provide collateral for third party construction financing in connection with partially owned (consolidated) development projects;

                  Approximately $39.5 million in tax-deferred (1031) exchange proceeds; and

                  Approximately $64.2 million for resident security, utility, and other deposits.

 

8.                                      Mortgage Notes Payable

 

As of March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership had outstanding mortgage indebtedness of approximately $3.2 billion.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership:

 

                  Repaid $86.8 million of mortgage loans;

                  Assumed/consolidated $601.9 million of mortgage debt on certain properties in connection with their acquisition and/or consolidation;

                  Obtained $16.5 million of mortgage loans on certain properties; and

                  Was released from $1.3 million of mortgage debt assumed by the purchaser on disposed properties.

 

As of March 31, 2004, scheduled maturities for the Operating Partnership’s outstanding mortgage indebtedness were at various dates through January 1, 2034.  At March 31, 2004, the interest rate range on the Operating Partnership’s mortgage debt was 0.92% to 12.465%.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the weighted average interest rate on the Operating Partnership’s mortgage debt was 5.59%.

 

15



 

9.                                      Notes

 

As of March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership had outstanding unsecured notes of approximately $2.7 billion.

 

As of March 31, 2004, scheduled maturities for the Operating Partnership’s outstanding notes were at various dates through 2029.  At March 31, 2004, the interest rate range on the Operating Partnership’s notes was 4.75% to 7.75%.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the weighted average interest rate on the Operating Partnership’s notes was 6.43%.

 

10.                               Line of Credit

 

The Operating Partnership has a revolving credit facility with potential borrowings of up to $700.0 million.  As of March 31, 2004, $420.0 million was outstanding and $56.7 million was restricted (dedicated to support letters of credit and not available for borrowing) on the credit facility.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the weighted average interest rate was 1.51%.  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, 2004 (dollar amounts are in thousands):

 

 

 

Cash Flow
Hedges

 

Fair Value 
Hedges

 

Forward
Starting
Swaps

 

Interest
Rate Caps

 

Offsetting
Receive
Floating
Swaps/Caps

 

Offsetting
Pay
Floating
Swaps/Caps

 

Development
Cash Flow
Hedges

 

Current Notional Balance

 

$

150,000

 

$

320,000

 

$

250,000

 

$

37,000

 

$

255,082

 

$

255,082

 

$

137,409

 

Lowest Possible Notional

 

$

150,000

 

$

320,000

 

$

250,000

 

$

37,000

 

$

99,524

 

$

99,524

 

$

19,993

 

Highest Possible Notional

 

$

150,000

 

$

320,000

 

$

250,000

 

$

37,000

 

$

264,419

 

$

264,419

 

$

137,409

 

Lowest Interest Rate

 

3.68

%

3.25

%

4.34

%

6.50

%

4.90

%

4.83

%

1.93

%

Highest Interest Rate

 

3.68

%

7.25

%

4.90

%

6.50

%

6.00

%

6.00

%

5.23

%

Earliest Maturity Date

 

2005

 

2005

 

2014

 

2004

 

2004

 

2004

 

2004

 

Latest Maturity Date

 

2005

 

2009

 

2014

 

2004

 

2007

 

2007

 

2004

 

Estimated Asset (Liability) Fair Value

 

$

(5,652

)

$

3,815

 

$

(6,543

)

$

 

$

385

 

$

(385

)

$

(323

)

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership paid approximately $3.1 million to terminate four development interest rate swaps in conjunction with the repayment of the respective construction mortgage loans.  The Operating Partnership recognized a $1.9 million loss in connection with these terminations (included in loss from investments in unconsolidated entities as the losses occurred prior to the acquisition and/or consolidation of the respective development properties – see further discussion in Notes 2 and 4).

 

On March 31, 2004, the net derivative instruments were reported at their fair value as other assets of approximately $5.5 million and as other liabilities of approximately $14.2 million.  As of March 31, 2004, there were approximately $29.3 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, 2004, the Operating Partnership may recognize an estimated $7.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss as additional interest expense during the twelve months ending March 31, 2005.

 

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,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands except
per OP Unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for net income per OP Unit – basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

55,021

 

$

60,932

 

Allocation to Preference Units

 

(13,672

)

(19,046

)

Allocation to Preference Interests

 

(5,053

)

(5,053

)

Allocation to Junior Preference Units

 

(31

)

(81

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

36,265

 

36,752

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

71,499

 

70,672

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(1,815

)

12,853

 

Numerator for net income per OP Unit – basic

 

$

105,949

 

$

120,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for net income per OP Unit – diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

55,021

 

$

60,932

 

Allocation to Preference Units

 

(13,672

)

(19,046

)

Allocation to Preference Interests

 

(5,053

)

(5,053

)

Allocation to Junior Preference Units

 

(31

)

(81

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

36,265

 

36,752

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

71,499

 

70,672

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(1,815

)

12,853

 

Numerator for net income per OP Unit – diluted

 

$

105,949

 

$

120,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for net income per OP Unit – basic

 

299,028

 

292,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

2,753

 

1,558

 

Denominator for net income per OP Unit – diluted

 

301,781

 

294,508

 

Net income per OP Unit – basic

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

Net income per OP Unit – diluted

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

 

17



 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands except
per OP Unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.13

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

0.24

 

0.24

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(0.01

)

0.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – basic

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations available to OP Units

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.13

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

0.24

 

0.24

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

(0.01

)

0.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per OP Unit – diluted

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.41

 

 

Convertible preference units/interests that could be converted into 3,553,977 and 14,945,776 weighted average Common Shares (which would be contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units) for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, 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, 2004 and 2003.

 

18



 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

5,440

 

$

49,442

 

Total revenues

 

5,440

 

49,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES (1)

 

 

 

 

 

Property and maintenance

 

4,477

 

16,730

 

Real estate taxes and insurance

 

604

 

5,163

 

Property management

 

 

50

 

Depreciation

 

1,575

 

13,140

 

Total expenses

 

6,656

 

35,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operating income (loss)

 

(1,216

)

14,359

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

20

 

17

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

Expense incurred, net

 

(455

)

(1,453

)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(164

)

(70

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net

 

$

(1,815

)

$

12,853

 

 


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

 

For the properties sold during 2004, the investment in real estate, net and the mortgage notes payable balances at December 31, 2003 were $206.7 million and $43.1 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.

 

The Operating Partnership is a party to a class action lawsuit in Florida state court alleging that several of the types of fees that the Operating Partnership charged when residents breached their leases were illegal, as were all efforts to collect them.  The Operating Partnership is vigorously contesting the plaintiffs’ claims and has sought immediate appellate review of the 2003 class action certification decision.  Due to the uncertainty of many critical factual and legal issues, including the viability of the case as a class action, it is not possible to determine or predict the outcome.  While no assurances can be given, the Operating Partnership does not believe that this lawsuit, if adversely determined, 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



 

As of March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership has seven projects with joint venture partners in various stages of development with estimated completion dates ranging through December 31,2005 which are consolidated as of March 31, 2004 as a result of FIN No. 46.  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, 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 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 28, 2004, the Operating Partnership had set-aside $10.0 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, 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 project for sale.  Thereafter, either the Operating Partnership or its development partner may market a 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 has the obligation to provide this guaranty for a period of eight years from the consummation of the merger or through May 2005.  The Operating Partnership would be required to perform under this agreement only if there was a draw on the letter of credit issued by the credit enhancement party.  The counterparty has also indemnified the Operating Partnership for any losses suffered.  As of March 31, 2004, this guaranty was still in effect at a commitment amount of $12.7 million and no current outstanding liability.

 

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.

 

20



 

 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 99.4% of total revenues for both the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.  The Operating Partnership’s rental real estate segment comprises approximately 99.8% and 99.7% of total assets at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

 

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.  NOI from our rental real estate totaled approximately $263.9 million and $253.7 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

During the acquisition, development and/or disposition of real estate, the Operating Partnership considers its NOI return on total investment as the primary measure of financial performance.

 

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 quarter ended March 31, 2004 or 2003.

 

16.                               Subsequent Events/Other

 

Subsequent to March 31, 2004 and through April 28, 2004, the Operating Partnership:

 

                  Acquired four properties consisting of 814 units for approximately $98.8 million;

                  Assumed $14.0 million of mortgage debt on one property in connection with its acquisition;

                  Disposed of three properties and various individual condominium units consisting of 839 units for approximately $53.7 million;

                  Obtained $220.0 million in new mortgage debt;

                  Repaid $82.5 million of mortgage debt; and

                  Repaid $75.0 million of 7.5% fixed rate notes at maturity.

 

21



 

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, 2003.

 

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:

 

                  The total number of development units, cost of development and completion dates as well as anticipated capital expenditures for replacements and building improvements all reflect the Operating Partnership’s best estimates and 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 and 11 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

 

22



 

Results of Operations

 

The following table summarizes the number of properties and related units for the periods presented:

 

 

 

Properties

 

Units

 

Purchase /
Sale Price
$Millions

 

At December 31, 2002

 

1,039

 

223,591

 

 

 

Q1 2003 Acquisitions

 

3

 

920

 

$

111.5

 

Q1 2003 Dispositions

 

(17

)

(4,000

)

$

195.0

 

Q1 2003 Completed Developments

 

2

 

738

 

 

 

At March 31, 2003

 

1,027

 

221,249

 

 

 

Q2/Q3/Q4 2003 Acquisitions

 

14

 

4,280

 

$

572.6

 

Q2/Q3/Q4 2003 Dispositions

 

(79

)

(19,486

)

$

1,022.9

 

Q2/Q3/Q4 2003 Completed Developments

 

6

 

1,374

 

 

 

Q2/Q3/Q4 2003 Unit Configuration Changes

 

 

89

 

 

 

At December 31, 2003

 

968

 

207,506

 

 

 

Q1 2004 Acquisitions

 

5

 

1,671

 

$

224.4

 

Q1 2004 Dispositions

 

(22

)

(5,990

)

$

301.3

 

Q1 2004 Completed Developments

 

1

 

403

 

 

 

At March 31, 2004

 

952

 

203,590

 

 

 

 

Properties that the Operating Partnership owned for both of the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003 (the “First Quarter 2004 Same Store Properties”), which represented 170,836 units, impacted the Operating Partnership’s results of operations and are discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

The Operating Partnership’s acquisition, disposition and completed development activities also impacted overall results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.  The impacts of these activities are also discussed in greater detail in the following paragraphs.

 

Comparison of the quarter ended March 31, 2004 to the quarter ended March 31, 2003

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2004, income before allocation to Minority Interests, income (loss) from investments in unconsolidated entities, net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities and discontinued operations increased by approximately $0.4 million when compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

 

First Quarter 2004 Same Store Properties revenues decreased primarily as a result of lower rental rates charged to residents and property operating expenses increased primarily due to higher payroll, utility and real estate tax costs.  The following tables provide comparative revenue, expense, net operating income (“NOI”) and weighted average occupancy for the First Quarter 2004 Same Store Properties (NOI represents rental income less: 1) property and maintenance expense; 2) real estate taxes and insurance expense; and 3) property management expense):

 

23



 

First Quarter 2004 vs. First Quarter 2003
Quarter over Quarter Same-Store Results

 

$ in Millions – 170,836 Same-Store Units

 

Description

 

Revenues

 

Expenses

 

NOI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q1 2004

 

$

415.9

 

$

168.7

 

$

247.2

 

Q1 2003

 

$

416.9

 

$

163.8

 

$

253.1

 

Change

 

$

(1.0

)

$

4.9

 

$

(5.9

)

Change

 

(0.2

)%

3.0

%

(2.3

)%

 

Same Store Occupancy Statistics

 

Q1 2004

 

92.9

%

Q1 2003

 

92.6

%

Change

 

0.3

%

 

The Operating Partnership’s primary financial measure for evaluating each of its apartment communities is 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.

 

For properties that the Operating Partnership acquired prior to January 1, 2003 and expects to continue to own through December 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership anticipates the following same store results for the full year ending December 31, 2004:

 

2004 Same Store Assumptions

 

Physical Occupancy

 

93.0%

Revenue Change

 

(0.75%) to 1.50%

Expense Change

 

3.0% to 4.0%

NOI Change

 

(4.0%) to 0.5%

Acquisitions

 

$ 800 million

Dispositions

 

$ 800 million

 

These 2004 assumptions are based on current expectations and are forward-looking.

 

Rental income from properties other than First Quarter 2004 Same Store Properties increased by approximately $24.9 million primarily as a result of new properties acquired in 2003 and the first quarter of 2004.

 

Fee and asset management revenues, net of fee and asset management expenses, increased by $0.3 million primarily as a result of additional income allocated from Ft. Lewis.  As of March 31, 2004 and 2003, the Operating Partnership managed 18,040 units and 18,896 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 $1.4 million or 9.1%.  This increase is primarily attributable to higher payroll costs and increased expenses for additional restricted shares and stock options granted.

 

24



 

Depreciation expense, which includes depreciation on non-real estate assets, increased $9.8 million primarily as a result of properties acquired after March 31, 2003, many of which had significantly higher per unit acquisition costs than properties previously acquired, and additional depreciation on capital expenditures for all properties owned.

 

General and administrative expenses, which include corporate operating expenses, decreased approximately $1.2 million between the periods under comparison.  This decrease was primarily due to $1.4 million of immediate expense recognition related to options granted in the first quarter of 2003 to EQR’s former chief executive officer.  The Operating Partnership anticipates that general and administrative expenses could approximate up to $48.0 million for the full year ending December 31, 2004 (an increase of approximately $9.0 million compared to 2003) as a result of consulting services contracted to enhance resident satisfaction/retention, unit pricing and expense procurement/reduction.  The Operating Partnership believes that these additional expenditures may be more than offset by increased rental revenues and/or reduced operating expenses in future years.  The above assumptions are based on current expectations and are forward-looking.

 

Interest and other income decreased by approximately $1.2 million, primarily as a result of lower balances available for investments including deposits in tax deferred exchange accounts and collateral agreements related to development projects.

 

Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs, increased approximately $0.5 million.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership capitalized interest costs of approximately $2.7 million as compared to $5.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.  This capitalization of interest primarily related to equity investments in unconsolidated entities engaged in development activities.  The effective interest cost on all indebtedness for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 was 6.14% as compared to 6.39% for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

 

Loss from investments in unconsolidated entities increased approximately $7.5 million between the periods under comparison.  This increase is primarily the result of increased operating losses from equity investments and realized losses on the settlement of derivative instruments (see Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

Net gain on sales of discontinued operations increased approximately $0.8 million between the periods under comparison.  This increase is primarily the result of a greater number of properties sold during the quarter ended March 31, 2004, as well as the fact that several properties were more fully depreciated.

 

Discontinued operations, net, decreased approximately $14.7 million between the periods under comparison.  The decrease in revenues and expenses between periods results from the timing and size of the properties sold.  Any property sold after April 1, 2003 will include a full quarter’s results in the first quarter of 2003 but minimal to no results in the first quarter of 2004.  See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

The Operating Partnership adopted FIN No. 46, as required, effective March 31, 2004.  See Notes 2 and 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of January 1, 2004, the Operating Partnership had approximately $49.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $633.3 million available under its revolving credit facility (net of $56.7 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, 2004 was approximately $71.5 million and the amount available on the Operating Partnership’s revolving credit facility was $223.3 million (net of $56.7 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and not available for borrowing).

 

25



 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership generated and/or obtained cash from various transactions, which included the following:

 

                  Increased borrowings by the net amount of $410.0 million on its revolving credit facility;

                  Disposed of twenty-two properties (including one Unconsolidated Property) and received net proceeds of approximately $296.3 million;

                  Obtained $16.5 million in new mortgage financing; and

                  Issued approximately 1.0 million OP Units and received net proceeds of $24.5 million.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the above proceeds were utilized to:

 

                  Acquire the minority interests in fifteen previously unconsolidated development properties, two vacant land parcels and two other properties for $53.3 million in cash (prior to consideration of cash acquired of $4.2 million and the repayment of $339.7 million in mortgage debt prior to closing);

                  Invest $406.1 million primarily in previously unconsolidated development projects prior to their consolidation (inclusive of $339.7 million in mortgage debt paid off prior to consolidation);

                  Acquire five properties, and three additional units at an existing property, utilizing cash of $188.0 million;

                  Pay OP Unit distributions of $129.2 million ($0.4325 per unit);

                  Pay preference interest/unit distributions of $18.8 million; and

                  Repay $86.8 million of mortgage loans.

 

Depending on its analysis of market prices, economic conditions, and other opportunities for the investment of available capital, EQR may repurchase up to an additional $85.0 million of its Common Shares pursuant to its existing share buyback program authorized by its 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, 2004.

 

The Operating Partnership’s total debt summary and debt maturity schedule as of March 31, 2004, are as follows:

 

26



 

Debt Summary

 

 

 

$ Millions (1)

 

Weighted Average

Rate (1)

 

Secured

 

$

3,222

 

5.59

%

Unsecured

 

3,076

 

6.12

%

Total

 

$

6,298

 

5.86

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Rate

 

$

4,965

 

6.71

%

Floating Rate

 

1,333

 

1.61

%

Total

 

$

6,298

 

5.86

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above Totals Include:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Exempt:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed

 

$

327

 

4.40

%

Floating

 

573

 

1.38

%

Total

 

$

900

 

2.47

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

 

$

420

 

1.51

%

 


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

 

Debt Maturity Schedule as of March 31, 2004

 

Year

 

$ Millions

 

% of Total

 

2004

 

$

787

 

12.5

%

2005 (1)(2)

 

1,065

 

16.9

%

2006 (3)

 

480

 

7.6

%

2007

 

355

 

5.6

%

2008

 

624

 

9.9

%

2009

 

291

 

4.6

%

2010

 

196

 

3.1

%

2011

 

704

 

11.2

%

2012

 

460

 

7.3

%

2013+

 

1,336

 

21.2

%

Total

 

$

6,298

 

100.0

%

 


(1) Includes $300 million of unsecured debt with a final maturity of 2015 that is putable/callable in 2005.

 

(2) Includes $420 million outstanding on the Operating Partnership’s unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

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

 

27



 

In June 2003, the Operating Partnership filed and the SEC declared effective a Form S-3 registration statement to register $2.0 billion of debt securities.  In addition, the Operating Partnership carried over $280.0 million related to a prior registration statement.  As of April 28, 2004, $2.28 billion in debt securities remained available for issuance under this registration statement.

 

In February 1998, the Company filed and the SEC declared effective a Form S-3 registration statement to register $1.0 billion of equity securities.  In addition, the Company carried over $272.4 million related to a prior registration statement.  As of April 28, 2004, $956.5 million in equity securities remained available for issuance under this registration statement.  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, 2004 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.

 

Capitalization as of March 31, 2004

 

Total Debt

 

 

 

$

6,298,098,129

 

OP Units

 

301,193,888

 

 

 

OP Unit Equivalents (see below)

 

3,546,455

 

 

 

Total Outstanding at quarter-end

 

304,740,343

 

 

 

EQR Common Share Price at March 31, 2004

 

$

29.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,096,499,239

 

Perpetual Preference Units Liquidation Value

 

 

 

615,000,000

 

Perpetual Preference Interests Liquidation Value

 

 

 

211,500,000

 

Total Market Capitalization

 

 

 

$

16,221,097,368

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt/Total Market Capitalization

 

 

 

39

%

 

Convertible Preference Units, Preference Interests
and Junior Preference Units
as of March 31, 2004

 

 

 

Units

 

Conversion
Ratio

 

OP Unit
Equivalents

 

Preference Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series E

 

2,146,090

 

1.1128

 

2,388,169

 

Series H

 

43,928

 

1.4480

 

63,608

 

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 A

 

20,333

 

4.081600

 

82,991

 

Series B

 

7,367

 

1.020408

 

7,517

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

3,546,455

 

 

28



 

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

 

From April 1, 2004 through April 28, 2004, the Operating Partnership:

 

                  Acquired four properties consisting of 814 units for approximately $98.8 million;

                  Assumed $14.0 million of mortgage debt on one property in connection with its acquisition;

                  Disposed of three properties and various individual condominium units consisting of 839 units for approximately $53.7 million;

                  Obtained $220.0 million in new mortgage debt;

                  Repaid $82.5 million of mortgage debt; and

                  Repaid $75.0 million of 7.5% fixed rate notes at maturity.

 

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.

 

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, 2004, our actual improvements to real estate totaled approximately $35.7 million.  This includes the following detail (amounts in thousands except for unit and per unit amounts):

 

29



 

Capitalized Improvements to Real Estate
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2004

 

 

 

Total Units
(1)

 

Replacements

 

Avg.
Per
Unit

 

Building
Improvements

 

Avg.
Per
Unit

 

Total

 

Avg.
Per
Unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Established Properties (2)

 

161,070

 

$

12,308

 

$

76

 

$

16,584

 

$

103

 

$

28,892

 

$

179

 

New Acquisition Properties (3)

 

16,539

 

583

 

48

 

1,440

 

117

 

2,023

 

165

 

Other (4)

 

9,363

 

2,580

 

 

 

2,217

 

 

 

4,797

 

 

 

Total

 

186,972

 

$

15,471

 

 

 

$

20,241

 

 

 

$

35,712

 

 

 

 


(1)          Total units exclude 16,618 unconsolidated units.

(2)          Wholly Owned Properties acquired prior to January 1, 2002.

(3)           Wholly Owned Properties acquired during 2002, 2003 and 2004.  Per unit amounts are based on a weighted average of 12,260 units.

(4)          Includes properties either Partially Owned or sold during the period, commercial space and, condominium conversions.

 

The Operating Partnership expects to fund approximately $125.0 million for capital expenditures for replacements and building improvements for all consolidated properties for the remainder of 2004.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, 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, was approximately $0.7 million.  The Operating Partnership expects to fund approximately $5.8 million in total additions to non-real estate property for the remainder of 2004.

 

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

 

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, 2004.

 

Other

 

Total distributions paid in April 2004 amounted to $142.9 million (excluding distributions on Partially Owned Properties), which included certain distributions declared during the first quarter ended March 31, 2004.

 

30



 

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 certain 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 line of credit.  Of the $12.0 billion in net investment in real estate on the Operating Partnership’s balance sheet at March 31, 2004, $7.2 billion (or 60.2%) was unencumbered.

 

The Operating Partnership has a revolving credit facility with potential borrowings of up to $700.0 million.    This facility matures in May 2005 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 28, 2004, $455.0 million was outstanding under this facility (and $63.7 million was restricted and dedicated to support letters of credit).

 

As of March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership has seven projects with joint venture partners in various stages of development with estimated completion dates ranging through December 31, 2005 which are consolidated as of March 31, 2004 as a result of FIN No. 46.  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, 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 within five years after the receipt of the final certificate of occupancy on the last developed property.   In connection with this development partner, 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 28, 2004, the Operating Partnership had set-aside $10.0 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, 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.

 

31



 

                  The third development partner has the exclusive right for six months following stabilization, as defined, to market a project for sale.  Thereafter, either the Operating Partnership or its development partner may market a 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.

 

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 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.

 

                  Lexford/Other – As of March 31, 2004, the Operating Partnership has ownership interests in seventeen properties containing 2,015 units acquired in a prior merger.  The current weighted average ownership percentage is 12.7%.  The Operating Partnership’s strategy with respect to these interests is either to acquire a majority ownership or sell the Operating Partnership’s interest.

 

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 has the obligation to provide this guaranty for a period of eight years from the consummation of the merger or through May 2005.  The Operating Partnership would be required to perform under this guaranty only if there was a draw on the letter of credit issued by the credit enhancement party.   The counterparty has also indemnified the Operating Partnership for any losses suffered.  As of April 28, 2004, this guaranty was still in effect at a commitment amount of $12.7 million and no outstanding liability.

 

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.

 

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 due to the assumption or consolidation of mortgages on various completed and uncompleted development properties.  See the updated debt maturity schedule included in Liquidity and Capital Resources and Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

32



 

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 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.  The Operating Partnership expenses as incurred all payroll costs of employees working directly at our properties, except for costs that are incurred during the initial lease-up phase on a development project.  An allocated portion of payroll costs is capitalized based upon the occupancy of the project until the project becomes substantially complete and ready for its intended use. The incremental payroll and associated costs are capitalized to the projects under development based upon the effort directly identifiable with such projects.  These costs are reflected on the balance sheet as construction in progress.  The Operating Partnership ceases the capitalization of such costs as the property becomes substantially complete and ready for its intended use.

 

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

 

33



 

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.  Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has elected to expense 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.  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, with the Operating Partnership receiving the net cash proceeds of such issuances.

 

The Company has chosen to use the “Prospective Method” which requires the Company to apply the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to only employee awards granted or modified after the beginning of the fiscal year in which the recognition provisions are first applied, or January 1, 2003.  Compensation expense under all of the Company’s plans is generally recognized over periods ranging from three months to five years.  Therefore, the cost related to stock-based employee compensation included in the determination of net income for both the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 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.  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.

 

Funds From Operations

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Funds From Operations (“FFO”) available to OP Units decreased $12.5 million, or 7.4%, as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

 

The following is a reconciliation of net income to FFO available to OP Units for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

34



 

Funds From Operations
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Net income

 

$

124,705

 

$

144,457

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

115,610

 

105,778

 

Depreciation – Non-real estate additions

 

(1,300

)

(2,275

)

Depreciation– Partially Owned Properties

 

(2,096

)

(2,039

)

Depreciation– Unconsolidated Properties

 

6,763

 

5,195

 

Net (gain) on sales of unconsolidated entities

 

(2,434

)

(1,212

)

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

1,575

 

13,140

 

Net (gain) on sales of discontinued operations

 

(71,499

)

(70,672

)

Net incremental gain on sales of condominium units

 

3,524

 

443

 

Net gain on sales of vacant land

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FFO (1)(2)

 

174,863

 

192,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred distributions

 

(18,756

)

(24,180

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FFO available to OP Units

 

$

156,107

 

$

168,635

 

 


(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), 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 provides investors an understanding of the ability of the Operating Partnership to incur and service debt and to make capital expenditures.  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 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, 2003.  See also Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of derivative instruments.

 

35



 

Item 4. Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Effective as of March 31, 2004, 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 design and operation 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, 2004, 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

 

The Operating Partnership is a party to a class action lawsuit in Florida state court alleging that several of the types of fees that the Operating Partnership charged when residents breached their leases were illegal, as were all efforts to collect them.  The Operating Partnership is vigorously contesting the plaintiffs’ claims and has sought immediate appellate review of the 2003 class action certification decision.  Due to the uncertainty of many critical factual and legal issues, including the viability of the case as a class action, it is not possible to determine or predict the outcome.  While no assurances can be given, the Operating Partnership does not believe that this lawsuit, if adversely determined, 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, 2003.

 

Item 6.           Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(A)                             Exhibits:

 

12                                   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges.

 

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

 

31.2                          Certification of David J. Neithercut, 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 David J. Neithercut, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 

(B)                               Reports Filed on Form 8-K:

 

None.

 

36



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the 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 7, 2004

 

By:

/s/

David J. Neithercut

 

 

 

David J. Neithercut

 

 

 

Executive Vice President,

 

 

Corporate Strategy and

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Date:

May 7, 2004

 

By:

/s/

Michael J. McHugh

 

 

 

Michael J. McHugh

 

 

 

Executive Vice President,

 

 

Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

and Treasurer

 

37



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

Document

 

 

 

12

 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges.

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of David J. Neithercut, 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 David J. Neithercut, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.

 


EX-12 2 a04-5370_1ex12.htm EX-12

Exhibit 12

 

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges

 

 

 

03/31/04

 

03/31/03

 

12/31/03

 

12/31/02

 

12/31/01

 

12/31/00

 

12/31/99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

55,021

 

$

60,932

 

$

246,216

 

$

273,702

 

$

337,074

 

$

302,428

 

$

254,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense incurred, net

 

79,858

 

79,417

 

326,465

 

333,152

 

344,755

 

358,432

 

319,216

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

1,426

 

1,338

 

6,164

 

5,617

 

4,978

 

5,015

 

3,852

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before combined fixed charges and preferred distributions

 

136,305

 

141,687

 

578,845

 

612,471

 

686,807

 

665,875

 

577,093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred distributions

 

18,756

 

24,180

 

96,971

 

97,151

 

106,119

 

111,941

 

113,196

 

Premium on redemption of preference units

 

 

 

20,237

 

 

5,324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before combined fixed charges

 

$

117,549

 

$

117,507

 

$

461,637

 

$

515,320

 

$

575,364

 

$

553,934

 

$

463,897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense incurred, net

 

$

79,858

 

$

79,417

 

$

326,465

 

$

333,152

 

$

344,755

 

$

358,432

 

$

319,216

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

1,426

 

1,338

 

6,164

 

5,617

 

4,978

 

5,015

 

3,852

 

Interest capitalized for real estate and unconsolidated entities under development

 

2,652

 

5,437

 

20,647

 

27,167

 

28,174

 

17,650

 

8,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total combined fixed charges

 

83,936

 

86,192

 

353,276

 

365,936

 

377,907

 

381,097

 

331,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred distributions

 

18,756

 

24,180

 

96,971

 

97,151

 

106,119

 

111,941

 

113,196

 

Premium on redemption of preference units

 

 

 

20,237

 

 

5,324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total combined fixed charges and preferred distributions

 

$

102,692

 

$

110,372

 

$

470,484

 

$

463,087

 

$

489,350

 

$

493,038

 

$

444,398

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of earnings before combined fixed charges to total combined fixed charges

 

1.40

 

1.36

 

1.31

 

1.41

 

1.52

 

1.45

 

1.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of earnings before combined fixed charges and preferred distributions to total combined fixed charges and preferred distributions

 

1.33

 

1.28

 

1.23

 

1.32

 

1.40

 

1.35

 

1.30

 

 


EX-31.1 3 a04-5370_1ex31d1.htm EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Bruce W. Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Equity Residential, general partner of ERP Operating Limited Partnership, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of ERP Operating Limited Partnership;

 

2.               Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.               Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.               The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

a)              Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)             Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

c)              Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.               The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)              All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)             Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:  May 7, 2004

 

 

/s/

Bruce W. Duncan

 

 

 

Bruce W. Duncan

 

 

Chief Executive Officer
of
Equity Residential

 


EX-31.2 4 a04-5370_1ex31d2.htm EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, David J. Neithercut, Chief Financial Officer of Equity Residential, general partner of ERP Operating Limited Partnership, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of ERP Operating Limited Partnership;

 

2.               Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.               Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.               The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

a)              Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)             Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

c)              Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.               The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)              All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)             Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:  May 7, 2004

 

 

/s/

David J. Neithercut

 

 

 

David J. Neithercut

 

 

Chief Financial Officer
of Equity Residential

 


EX-32.1 5 a04-5370_1ex32d1.htm EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“ERPOP”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Bruce W. Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Equity Residential, general partner of ERPOP, certify, pursuant to 18.U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

 

(1)                                  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)                                  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ERPOP.

 

 

/s/

Bruce W. Duncan

 

Bruce W. Duncan

Chief Executive Officer
of Equity Residential

May 7, 2004

 


EX-32.2 6 a04-5370_1ex32d2.htm EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“ERPOP”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David J. Neithercut, Chief Financial Officer of Equity Residential, general partner of ERPOP, certify, pursuant to 18.U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

 

(1)                                  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)                                  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ERPOP.

 

 

/s/

David J. Neithercut

 

David J. Neithercut

Chief Financial Officer
of Equity Residential

May 7, 2004

 


-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----