10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2011

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2011

Filed August 8, 2011For Securities:ESS

Summary

Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS) reported its Q2 2011 results, showcasing steady growth in rental revenues and strategic acquisitions. The company's total assets grew to $3.83 billion, with significant increases in co-investments and real estate under development. While total liabilities remained relatively stable, a notable shift occurred with the issuance of unsecured bonds and a decrease in outstanding lines of credit, indicating a proactive approach to debt management and capital structure optimization. Financially, ESS demonstrated a healthy revenue stream with a 16.8% increase in total property revenues year-over-year for the quarter, driven by same-property revenue growth and contributions from newly acquired and developed communities. Net income attributable to common stockholders saw an increase, though diluted earnings per share experienced a decrease due to a higher number of outstanding shares. The company's focus on its core West Coast markets, particularly Southern and Northern California, continues to be a key driver of its performance.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$116.33M
Operating Expenses$83.48M
Operating Income$32.85M
Interest Expense$22.71M
Net Income$13.75M
EPS (Basic)$0.32
EPS (Diluted)$0.32
Shares Outstanding (Basic)32.04M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)32.14M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total assets increased to $3.83 billion as of June 30, 2011, up from $3.73 billion at the end of 2010, reflecting growth in real estate and co-investment portfolios.
  • 2Total property revenues for the second quarter of 2011 increased by 16.8% to $115.8 million compared to $99.2 million in the prior year period.
  • 3Same-property revenues grew by 3.4% year-over-year for the quarter, driven by a 3.4% increase in average rental rates.
  • 4The company issued $265 million in unsecured bonds during the first six months of 2011, indicating a strategic shift in its debt financing.
  • 5Net income available to common stockholders increased to $10.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, up from $9.5 million in the same period last year.
  • 6The company acquired a 63-unit condominium project in West Los Angeles and disposed of a 159-unit community in Chula Vista, California, demonstrating active portfolio management.
  • 7Cash flow from operations remained strong, increasing to $104.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, from $89.4 million in the prior year period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Essex Property Trust's strategy involves continuously monitoring existing markets and evaluating new ones for rental growth potential. They focus on acquiring, developing, redeveloping, and managing apartment communities primarily in major West Coast markets (Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle Metro).

During the first half of 2011, Essex Property Trust issued $265 million in unsecured bonds across several tranches and maturities. This move was primarily to repay outstanding mortgages, redeem preferred stock, and pay down its lines of credit, indicating a strategic optimization of its debt portfolio.

The company's 'Same-Property' portfolio, which includes stabilized properties consolidated for comparison, showed positive performance. For the second quarter of 2011, same-property revenues increased by 3.4% year-over-year, driven by a 3.4% increase in average rental rates. Financial occupancy for stabilized communities remained high at 96.9%.

Revenue growth is driven by increases in rental rates across its same-property portfolio, coupled with the revenue generated from newly acquired communities and development projects that have recently been completed or are in lease-up phases. Non-same-property revenues saw a significant increase due to these acquisitions and developments.