UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010

OR

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

For the transition period from ________to _________

Commission file number 001-13106

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Maryland77-0369576
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

925 East Meadow Drive
Palo Alto, California    94303
(Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code)

(650) 494-3700
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  T NO  £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES £ NO £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated file,filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” ”accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  T
Accelerated filer  £
Non-accelerated filer  £
Smaller reporting company  £
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 
reporting company) 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes  £ No  T

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:  29,117,69330,102,957 shares of Common Stock as of November 3, 2009.May 5, 2010.
 


 
 

 

Logo 1 
 
 
ESSESEXSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

  Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.3
   
 4
   
 5
   
 6
   
 7
   
 8
   
Item 2.
196
   
Item 3.
283
   
Item 4.
294
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.3024
   
Item 1A.3025
   
Item 63125
   
3126

2


Part I -- Financial Information

ItemItem 1: Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

"Essex" or the "Company" means Essex Property Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust incorporated in the State of Maryland, or where the context otherwise requires, Essex Portfolio, L.P., a limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership") in which Essex Property Trust, Inc. is the sole general partner.

The information furnished in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, stockholders' equity, noncontrolling interest, and comprehensive income and cash flows of the Company reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the aforementioned condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods and are normal and recurring in nature, except as otherwise noted.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations herein.  Additionally, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.

3


ESSEX ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 September 30,  December 31,  March 31,  December 31, 
Assets 2009  2008  2010  2009 
Real estate:            
Rental properties:            
Land and land improvements $682,599  $683,876  $684,955  $684,955 
Buildings and improvements  2,701,148   2,595,912   2,734,863   2,727,975 
  3,383,747   3,279,788   3,419,818   3,412,930 
Less accumulated depreciation  (721,078)  (640,026)  (779,923)  (749,464)
  2,662,669   2,639,762   2,639,895   2,663,466 
Real estate under development  222,976   272,273   304,483   274,965 
Co-investments  70,763   76,346   137,473   70,783 
  2,956,408   2,988,381   3,081,851   3,009,214 
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted  81,942   41,909   22,312   20,660 
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted  17,128   12,810   18,067   17,274 
Marketable securities  131,349   23,886   114,276   134,844 
Funds held by 1031 exchange facilitator  -   21,424 
Notes and other receivables  45,762   47,637   35,545   36,305 
Prepaid expenses and other assets  17,555   17,430   21,850   21,349 
Deferred charges, net  14,878   11,346   14,530   14,991 
Total assets $3,265,022  $3,164,823  $3,308,431  $3,254,637 
        
Liabilities and Equity                
Mortgage notes payable $1,608,570  $1,468,931  $1,626,734  $1,603,549 
Lines of credit  150,000   120,000   256,000   239,000 
Exchangeable bonds  98,220   165,457   4,918   4,893 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  52,383   38,223   47,748   38,514 
Construction payable  9,438   18,605   12,380   10,327 
Dividends payable  33,269   32,124   34,345   33,750 
Cash flow hedge liabilities  45,965   73,129   38,618   30,156 
Other liabilities  16,393   16,444   17,048   16,558 
Total liabilities  2,014,238   1,932,913   2,037,791   1,976,747 
        
Commitments and contingencies                
Cumulative convertible preferred stock; $.0001 par value: 4.875% Series G - 5,980,000 issued and 238,249 and 5,980,000 outstanding  5,813   145,912 
Cumulative convertible preferred stock; $.0001 par value:        
4.875% Series G - 5,980,000 issued and 178,249 outstanding  4,349   4,349 
Stockholders' equity and noncontrolling interest:                
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 649,702,178 shares authorized 28,344,510 and 26,395,807 shares issued and outstanding  3   3 
Cumulative redeemable preferred stock; $.0001 par value:7.8125% Series F - 1,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, liquidation value  25,000   25,000 
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 649,702,178 shares authorized 29,100,478 and 28,849,779 shares issued and outstanding  3   3 
Cumulative redeemable preferred stock; $.0001 par value:        
7.8125% Series F - 1,000,000 shares authorized,issued and outstanding, liquidation value  25,000   25,000 
Additional paid-in capital  1,235,989   1,043,984   1,293,829   1,275,251 
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings  (199,600)  (141,336)  (239,904)  (222,952)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income  (38,551)  (75,424)  (34,850)  (24,206)
Total stockholders' equity  1,022,841   852,227   1,044,078   1,053,096 
Noncontrolling interest  222,130   233,771   222,213   220,445 
Total stockholders' equity and noncontrolling interest  1,244,971   1,085,998   1,266,291   1,273,541 
Total liabilities and equity $3,265,022  $3,164,823  $3,308,431  $3,254,637 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


ESSEX ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
 2009  2008  2009  2008  2010  2009 
Revenues:                  
Rental and other property $100,823  $101,942  $307,525  $300,014  $99,706  $103,914 
Management and other fees from affiliates  1,024   1,311   3,377   3,965   1,478   1,197 
  101,847   103,253   310,902   303,979   101,184   105,111 
Expenses:                        
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes  26,935   25,462   75,937   73,817   24,671   24,080 
Real estate taxes  9,231   8,546   27,294   24,654   9,528   9,043 
Depreciation and amortization  29,895   27,712   87,867   81,852   30,487   28,965 
Interest  21,966   21,122   63,680   63,017   20,836   20,203 
General and administrative  6,086   6,524   18,134   19,661   5,618   6,233 
Impairment and other charges  11,104   -   16,893   -   -   5,752 
  105,217   89,366   289,805   263,001   91,140   94,276 
                        
Earnings (loss) from operations  (3,370)  13,887   21,097   40,978 
Earnings from operations  10,044   10,835 
                        
Interest and other income  3,471   2,841   9,521   8,042   7,855   3,232 
Equity (loss) income in co-investments  (32)  335   664   7,325   (41)  539 
Gain on early retirement of debt  -   -   6,124   -   -   6,124 
Gain on sale of real estate  -   2,446   103   2,446   -   53 
Income before discontinued operations  69   19,509   37,509   58,791   17,858   20,783 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations  2,280   (243)  5,630   (360)
Income from discontinued operations  -   2,555 
Net income  2,349   19,266   43,139   58,431   17,858   23,338 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest  (3,588)  (5,535)  (12,984)  (16,555)  (4,189)  (4,942)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest  (1,239)  13,731   30,155   41,876 
Net income attributable to controlling interest  13,669   18,396 
Dividends to preferred stockholders  (902)  (2,310)  (4,312)  (6,931)  (542)  (1,826)
Excess of the carrying amount of preferred stock redeemed over the cash paid to redeem preferred stock  23,880   -   49,575   -   -   25,695 
Net income available to common stockholders $21,739  $11,421  $75,418  $34,945  $13,127  $42,265 
                        
Per common share data:                        
Basic:                        
Income before discontinued operations available to common stockholders $0.71  $0.46  $2.61  $1.42  $0.45  $1.51 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations  0.08   (0.01)  0.19   (0.02)
Income from discontinued operations  -   0.10 
Net income available to common stockholders $0.79  $0.45  $2.80  $1.40  $0.45  $1.61 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period  27,591,341   25,110,710   26,887,537   24,876,611   28,967,855   26,224,946 
                        
Diluted:                        
Income before discontinued operations available to common stockholders $0.66  $0.46  $2.50  $1.40  $0.45  $1.44 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations  0.08   (0.01)  0.19   (0.01)
Income from discontinued operations  -   0.09 
Net income available to common stockholders $0.74  $0.45  $2.69  $1.39  $0.45  $1.53 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period  30,070,076   25,474,924   29,360,710   25,182,107   29,018,571   28,692,959 
                        
Dividend per common share $1.03  $1.02  $3.09  $3.06  $1.033  $1.030 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


ESSEXESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, and
Comprehensive Income for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010
(Unaudited)
(Dollars and shares in thousands)

 Series F Preferred stock Amount  Common stock  Additional paid-in capital  Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  Noncontrolling Interest  Total  Series F Preferred stock  Common stock  Additional paid-in  Distributions in excess of accumulated  Accumulated other comprehensive income  Noncontrolling    
   Shares  Amount            Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  capital  earnings  (loss)  Interest  Total 
Balances at December 31, 2008 (as reported) $25,000   26,396  $3  $1,026,036  $(130,697) $(75,424) $-  $844,918 
Adoption of new accounting prouncements  -   -   -   17,948   (10,639)  -   233,771   241,080 
Balances at December 31, 2008 (revised)  25,000   26,396   3   1,043,984   (141,336)  (75,424)  233,771   1,085,998 
Balances at December 31, 2009  1,000  $25,000   28,849  $3  $1,275,251  $(222,952) $(24,206) $220,445  $1,273,541 
Comprehensive income:                                                                    
Net income  -   -   -   -   30,155   -   12,984   43,139   -   -   -   -   -   13,669   -   4,189   17,858 
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securites  -   -   -   -   -   -   (4,651)  (393)  (5,044)
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of settlements of swaps  -   -   -   -   -   24,739   2,282   27,021   -   -   -   -   -   -   (8,215)  (626)  (8,841)
Change in fair value of marketable securities  -   -   -   -   -   12,134   1,078   13,212   -   -   -   -   -   -   2,222   191   2,413 
Comprehensive income                              83,372                                   6,386 
Issuance of common stock under:                                                                    
Stock option plans  -   22   -   704   -   -   -   704   -   -   46   -   1,094   -   -   -   1,094 
Sale of common stock  -   2,277   -   159,987   -   -   -   159,987   -   -   205   -   17,309   -   -   -   17,309 
Equity based compensation costs  -   -   -   6,471   -   -   (142)  6,329   -   -   -   -   175   -   -   393   568 
Retirement of Series G preferred stock  -   -   -   49,575   -   -   -   49,575 
Retirement of common stock  -   (350)  -   (20,271)  -   -   -   (20,271)
Retirement of exchangeable bonds  -   -   -   (4,461)  -   -   -   (4,461)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   3,990   3,990 
Distributions to noncontrolling interest  -   -   -   -   -   -   (16,782)  (16,782)  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (5,339)  (5,339)
Dividends declared  -   -   -   -   (88,419)  -   -   (88,419)  -   -   -   -   -   (30,621)  -   -   (30,621)
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest  -   -   -   -   -   -   (11,061)  (11,061)  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (637)  (637)
Balances at September 30, 2009 $25,000   28,345  $3  $1,235,989  $(199,600) $(38,551) $222,130  $1,244,971 
Balances at March 31, 2010  1,000  $25,000   29,100  $3  $1,293,829  $(239,904) $(34,850) $222,213  $1,266,291 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statementsstatements.

6


ESSEXESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  March 31, 
 2009  2008  2010  2009 
Net cash provided by operating activities $147,662  $143,048  $52,975  $55,063 
                
Cash flows used in investing activities:                
Additions to real estate:                
Acquisitions of real estate  -   (87,533)
Improvements to recent acquisitions  (2,560)  (6,373)  (348)  (337)
Redevelopment expenditures  (20,345)  (28,652)  (2,636)  (9,095)
Revenue generating capital expenditures  (190)  (4,781)  (37)  (176)
Non-revenue generating capital expenditures  (14,989)  (18,987)  (3,867)  (3,383)
Additions to real estate under development  (68,763)  (92,497)  (27,466)  (24,251)
Dispositions of real estate  31,998   44,980   -   12,395 
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits  17,702   (2,791)  (760)  21,189 
Purchases of marketable securities  (106,444)  (62,522)  (18,256)  (17,183)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities  15,200   5,925   42,241   12,257 
Proceeds from tax credit investor  3,762   -   -   3,762 
Advances under notes and other receivables  (1,566)  (1,958)  (17)  (725)
Collections of notes and other receivables  2,960   5,980   149   2,220 
Contributions to co-investments  (270)  (4,183)  (66,498)  (270)
Distributions from co-investments  -   9,423 
Net cash used in investing activities  (143,505)  (243,969)  (77,495)  (3,597)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Borrowings under mortgage and other notes payable and lines of credit  304,563   565,096   162,592   165,504 
Repayment of mortgage and other notes payable and lines of credit  (134,943)  (450,485)  (122,417)  (39,875)
Additions to deferred charges  (1,982)  (2,105)  (395)  (343)
Settlement of forward-starting swaps  -   (1,840)
Retirement of exchangeable bonds  (66,460)  -   -   (66,460)
Retirement of common stock  (20,271)  (13,723)  -   (20,271)
Retirement of preferred stock, Series G  (90,614)  -   -   (32,572)
Net proceeds from stock options exercised  704   4,841   1,094   443 
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock  159,987   133,654   17,309   - 
Contributions from noncontrolling interest  3,990   - 
Distributions to noncontrolling interest  (16,782)  (18,128)  (5,339)  (5,420)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest  (11,061)  (12,304)
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest  (637)  - 
Common and preferred stock dividends paid  (87,265)  (80,637)  (30,025)  (29,169)
Net cash provided by financing activities  35,876   124,369 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  26,172   (28,163)
                
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  40,033   23,448   1,652   23,303 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  41,909   9,956   20,660   41,909 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $81,942  $33,404  $22,312  $65,212 
                
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                
Cash paid for interest, net of $8.4 million and $5.3 million capitalized in 2009 and 2008, respectively $50,973  $46,929 
Cash paid for interest, net of $2.8 million and $3.2 million capitalized in 2010 and 2009, respectively $19,761  $14,853 
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:                
Mortgage note assumed by buyer in connection with sale of property $-  $42,200 
Mortgage note issued to buyer in connection with sale of property $-  $4,070 
Property received in satisfaction of note receivable $-  $1,500 
Accrual of dividends $33,269  $32,037 
Change in accrual of dividends $595  $506 
Change in value of cash flow hedge liabilities $27,164  $6,923  $8,462  $18,304 
Change in fair value of marketable securities $2,631  $- 
Change in construction payable $9,167  $14,724  $2,053  $3,533 
Land contributed to consolidated joint venture $-  $10,500 
Transfer of assets from real estate under development to rental properties $96,836  $- 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


ESSEXESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited)

(1)  Organization and Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented have been included and are normal and recurring in nature, except as otherwise noted.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 include the accounts of the Company and Essex Portfolio, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership", which holds the operating assets of the Company).  See below for a description of entities consolidated by the Operating Partnership.  The Company is the sole general partner in the Operating Partnership, with a 92%92.3% general partnership interest as of September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.  Total Operating Partnership units outstanding were 2,449,3172,413,690 and 2,413,0782,398,479 as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $194.9$217.1 million and $185.2$200.6 million, as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, respectively.

As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Company owned or had ownership interests in 133 apartment communities, (aggregating 27,22127,249 units) (collectively, the “Communities”, and individually, a “Community”), five office and commercial buildings and threefive active development projects (collectively, the “Portfolio”).  The Communities are located in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Ventura counties), Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area) and the Seattle metropolitan area.

Fund Activities

Essex Apartment Value Fund II, L.P. (“Fund II”) is an investment fund formed by the Company to add value through rental growth and asset appreciation, utilizing the Company’s development, redevelopment and asset management capabilities.

Fund II has eight institutional investors, and the Company, with combined partner equity contributions of $265.9 million.  The Company contributed $75.0 million to Fund II, which represents a 28.2% interest as general partner and limited partner.  Fund II utilized leverage equal to approximately 55% upon the initial acquisition of the underlying real estate.  Fund II invested in apartment communities in the Company’s targeted West Coast markets and, as of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, owned 14 apartment communities.  The Company records revenue forf or its asset management, property management, development and redevelopment services when earned, and promote income when realized if Fund II exceeds certain financial return benchmarks.

Marketable Securities

As of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 marketable securities consisted primarily of investment-grade unsecured bonds, mortgage backed securities and investment funds that invest in U.S. treasury or agency securities.  As of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 the Company had classified the marketable securities as available for sale and the Company reports these securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 2 for the unsecured bonds and mortgage backed securities and level 1 for the investment funds, as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"(“FASB”) standard entitled “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”  as discussed later in Note 1), and any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss).  Realized gains anda nd losses and interest income are included in interest and other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  Amortization of unearned discounts is included in interest income.

8


Variable Interest Entities

The Company consolidates 19 DownREIT limited partnerships (comprising twelve communities), an office building that is subject to loans made by the Company, and 55 low income housing units since the Company is the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities (“VIEs”).  As of December 31, 2008 the consolidated VIEs include a development joint venture, which is no longer a VIE as of September 30, 2009 as a result of the Company’s buyout of almost all of the co-investment’s interests.  Total DownREIT units outstanding were 1,137,6231,125,980 and 1,148,5101,129,205 as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 20082009 respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $90.5$101.3 million and $88.1$94.5 million, as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, respectively.  The consolidated total assets and liabilities related to these VIEs, net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $237.0$238.9 million and $163.1$165.9 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and $256.0$237.9 million and $169.1$ 164.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2008.2009.  Interest holders in VIEs consolidated by the Company are allocated net income equal to the cash payments made to those interest holders or distributions from cash flow.  The remaining results of operations are generally allocated to the Company.  As of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, the Company did not have any VIE’s of which it was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.

8


Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share based compensation using the fair value method of accounting.  The estimated fair value of stock options granted by the Company is being amortized over the vesting period of the stock options.  The estimated grant date fair values of the long term incentive plan units (discussed in Note 13, “Stock Based Compensation Plans,” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008)2009) are being amortized over the expected service periods.

Stock-based compensation expense for options and restricted stock totaled $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and 2008, respectively, and $0.7 million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.2009.  The intrinsic value of the stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 totaled $0.1$1.0 million and $1.4$0.6 million, respectively and $0.5 million and $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 respectively.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding and fully vested totaled $3.3$4.4 million.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation granted under the stock option and restricted stock plans totaled $2.9$3.5 million.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2 to 5 years for the stock option plans and is expected to be recognized straight-line over 7 years for the restricted stock awards.

The Company has adopted an incentive program involving the issuance of Series Z and Series Z-1 Incentive Units (collectively referred to as “Z Units”) of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership.  Stock-based compensation expense for Z Units totaled $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively, and $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Stock-based compensation capitalized for stock options, restricted stock awards, and the Z Units totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the intrinsic value of the Z Units subject to future vesting totaled $8.7$6.4 million.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, total unrecognized compensation cost relatedrelat ed to Z Units subject to future vesting granted under the Z Units totaled $5.0$4.3 million.  The unamortized cost is expected to be recognized over the next 2year to 10five years subject to the achievement of the stated performance criteria.

Stock-based compensation expense for the Outperformance Plan, (the “OPP”) adopted in December 2007 totaled approximately $0.3 million for three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively and $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.  During September 2009, the Company elected to cancel the OPP for senior officers and non-employee directors and wrote-off $3.8 million in unamortized costs related to the OPP.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company adopted an accounting standard issued by the FASB entitled “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” as of January 1, 2008, which provides guidance on using fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  The Company values its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques described in this standard.the FASB statement entitled “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”.  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability.   Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The Company uses Level 1 inputs for the fair values of its cash equivalents and its marketable securities except for unsecured bonds.bonds and mortgage backed securities.  The Company uses Level 2 inputs for its investments in unsecured bonds, mortgage backed securities, notes receivable, notes payable, and cash flow hedges.  These inputs include interest rates for similar financial instruments.  The Company’s valuation methodology for cash flow hedges is described in more detail in Note 8.  The Company does not use Level 3 inputs to estimate fair values of any of its financial instruments.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.


Management believes that the carrying amounts of its amounts outstanding under lines of credit, notes receivable and other receivables from related parties, and notes and other receivables approximate fair value as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, because interest rates, yields and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available for similar instruments.  Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $1.46$1.37 billion of fixed rate debt at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 is approximately $1.48$1.40 billion and the fair value of the Company’s $251.6$514.6 million of variable rate debt at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 is $228.5$492.1 million based on the terms of existing mortgage notes payable and variable rate demand notes compared to those available in the marketplace.  Management believesbeliev es that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, other liabilities and dividends payable approximate fair value as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.  Marketable securities and cash flow hedge liabilities are carried at fair value as of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, as discussed further above and in Note 8.


Accounting Estimates and Reclassifications

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

Reclassifications for discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest have been made to prior year statements of operations balances in order to conform to current year presentation.  Such reclassifications have no impact on reported earnings, cash flows, total assets or total liabilities.

New Accounting Pronouncements and the Resulting Revision of Previously Reported Amounts

In July 2009, the FASB established a codification as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental US GAAP (except for SEC rules and interpretive releases) which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009 (the "Codification").  The Codification is intended to reorganize, rather than change, existing US GAAP.  However, all existing accounting standard documents are superseded by the Codification and all accounting literature excluded from the Codification became nonauthoritative upon the effective date in September 2009.  Accordingly, all references to currently existing US GAAP have been removed and have been replaced with references to the Codification or plain English explanations of our accounting policies.  The adoption of the Codification did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued a standard entitled “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” which establishes accounting and reporting standards that require the ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated balance sheet within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of operations; changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently; when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value; and entities provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners.   The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  As summarized in the table below, the accompanying 2008 condensed consolidated financial statements have been revised to record the impact of the adoption of  the standard.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB a standard entitled “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion,” which requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) upon conversion to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instruments in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate.   This standard requires the initial debt proceeds from the sale of a company’s convertible debt instrument to be allocated between the liability component and the equity component.  The resulting debt discount will be amortized over the period during which the debt is expected to be outstanding (i.e., through the first optional redemption dates) as additional non-cash interest expense.  The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Accounting for the Company’s $225.0 million exchangeable bonds (the “Bonds”) with a coupon rate of 3.625% due November 2025, which were issued in the fourth quarter of 2005, was impacted by the standard.  During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company repurchased $53.3 million of the Bonds, and during the first quarter of 2009 the Company repurchased an additional $71.3 million of the Bonds.

10


On January 1, 2009, the Company retrospectively adopted the standard discussed above for the Bonds.  The Company estimated that the market interest rate for the debt only portion of the Bonds as of the date of issuance was 5.75%, compared to the coupon rate of 3.625%.  The Company computed the estimated fair value of the debt portion of the Bonds as the present value of the expected cash flows discounted at 5.75%.  The difference between the fair value of the debt portion of the Bonds and the carrying value as previously reported was added to additional paid in capital as of the date of issuance.  The discount on the debt is amortized over the period from issuance to the date of the first call option by the holders of the Bonds which occurs in November 2010 resulting in non-cash interest expense in addition to the interest expense calculated based on the coupon rate.  This resulted in non-cash interest charges of $0.5 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $1.6 million and $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The standard requires that the fair value of the debt portion of any bonds that are retired early be estimated to calculate the gain on retirement.   The difference between the estimated fair value of the debt portion of the Bonds and the standard carrying value of the debt portion of the Bonds is recorded as gain on early retirement of debt and  additional paid in capital is reduced to reflect the remaining portion of the total amount paid to retire the Bonds.

The following is a summary of the impact to the December 31, 2008 consolidated balance sheet and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 consolidated statement of operations from amounts previously reported to amounts included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of the retrospective adoption of the standards discussed above (in thousands except per share amounts):

  As reported December 31, 2008  Noncontrolling Interest Retrospective Adjustments  Bonds Retrospective Adjustment  Revised December 31, 2008 
Selected balance sheet data:            
Exchangeable bonds $171,716  $-  $(6,259) $165,457 
Minority interests  234,821   (233,771)  (1,050)  - 
Additional paid-in-capital  1,026,036   -   17,948   1,043,984 
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings  (130,697)  -   (10,639)  (141,336)
Noncontrolling interest  -   233,771   -   233,771 


  Three Months Ended September 30, 
Selected statement of operations data: 
As reported 2008 (1)
  Noncontrolling Interest Retrospective Adjustments  Bonds Retrospective Adjustment  Revised 2008 
Interest expense $20,085   -   1,037  $21,122 
Noncontrolling interest  5,666   -   (131)  5,535 
Earnings per diluted share  0.49   -   (0.04)  0.45 


  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Selected statement of operations data: 
As reported 2008 (1)
  Noncontrolling Interest Retrospective Adjustments  Bonds Retrospective Adjustment  Revised 2008 
Interest expense $59,944   -   3,073  $63,017 
Noncontrolling interest  16,929   -   (374)  16,555 
Earnings per diluted share  1.50   -   (0.11)  1.39 

(1)As reported balances are adjusted for discontinued operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued aan accounting standard entitled,Business Combinations” which establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in a business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This standard is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2009 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as it relates only to business combinations for the Company that take place on or after January 1, 2009.

11


In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, "Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”, whichthat amends existing standards to replacewhich, among other things, replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity.  An approach that is expected to be primarily qualitative will be more effective for identifying which enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity.  This Statement has not been incorporated intoThe Company adopted the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as of September 30, 2009.  The new standard shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period,on January 1, 2010 and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. Management is currently evaluating thethere was no impact this standard will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB issued a standard entitled “Subsequent Events” which defines subsequent events as events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. Under the standard, the requirements for disclosing subsequent events remain unchanged from the previous requirements. However, the standard contains an additional requirement that companies must disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated and the rationale for selecting that date.  The Company has adopted the provisions of the standard  and has evaluated subsequent events for the period ended September 30, 2009 through November 4, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued.  There were no events or transactions subsequent to September 30, 2009 that required recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

(2)  Significant Transactions During the ThirdFirst Quarter of 2010

(a)  DispositionsAcquisitions
The Company entered into a joint venture that acquired Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place, a new 349-unit high rise condominium project that will be operated as an apartment community.  The property is located in Santa Ana, California and the acquisition price was $128 million.  The Company acquired a 47% effective interest in the joint venture and accounts for this co-investment on the equity method, and the Company earned a fee of $0.5 million for the acquisition of the property.  The Company will receive management fees and may earn a promoted interest if certain financial hurdles are achieved by the joint venture for the management and sale of the property.

During the third quarter, the Company sold Spring Lake, a 69-unit community located in Seattle, Washington for $5.7 million and recognized a gain of $2.5 million.

(b) Equity

During the third quarter, theThe Company issued 1,130,800205,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $75.56$85.72, for $84.2$17.3 million, net of fees and commissions through the Company’s Controlled Equity Offering Program.commissions.

(c) Marketable Securities
The Company sold $42.2 million of investment grade unsecured bonds for a gain of $5.0 million.  During the third quarter,April, the Company repurchased $81.9sold an additional $22.5 million in unsecured bonds for a gain of its Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, at a $23.9 million discount to its carrying value.$4.0 million.

 (c) Debt and Financing ActivitiesIn February 2010, the Company purchased an interest in mortgages secured by apartments for $16.9 million which is estimated to yield an 11% return over the expected 10-year duration of the loan portfolio.

(d) Mortgage Notes Payable
The Company obtained a fixed rate mortgage loanloans totaling $35.1 million secured by Huntington BreakersSummerhill Park for $14.3 million at a rate of 5.4%, and Brookside Oaks totaling $40.5$20.8 million at a rate of 5.2%, both loans mature in March 2010.  Also during the quarter, the Company paid-off a maturing loan of $13.6 million with a fixed rate of 5.4% which matures in October 2019, during the third quarter.  Additionally, the Company paid-off a $5.6 million mortgage loan7.9% secured by Mt. Sutro at a fixed rate of 7.7%.

(d) Outperformance Plan

During the third quarter, the Company elected to cancel the Outperformance Plan (the “OPP”) for senior officers and non-employee directors and wrote-off $3.8 million in unamortized costs related to the OPP.  The costs were included in impairment and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

(e) Land Impairment

The Company wrote-off development costs totaling $6.7 million related to two land parcels that will no longer be developed by the Company.  The costs were included in impairment and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.Brookside Oaks.

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(3) Co-investments

The Company has joint venture investments in co-investments, which are accounted for under the equity method.  The joint ventures own, operate and develop apartment communities.  The following table details the Company's co-investments (dollars in thousands):

 September 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
       
March 31, 2010
  
December 31, 2009
 
Investments in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting:            
            
Limited partnership interest of 27.2% and general partner interest of 1% in Essex Apartment Value Fund II, L.P ("Fund II") $70,263  $70,469  $70,269  $70,283 
Development joint venture  -   5,377 
Membership interest in a limited liability company that owns Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place  66,704   - 
  70,263   75,846   136,973   70,283 
Investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting:                
Series A Preferred Stock interest in Multifamily Technology Solutions, Inc  500   500   500   500 
Total co-investments $70,763  $76,346  $137,473  $70,783 

During 2006, the Company made a contribution to a development with a joint venture partner totaling $3.4 million, and over the past three years the Company made additional contributions and capitalized costs to this joint venture totaling $2.4 million for a total investment of $5.8 million.  This joint venture was to obtain entitlements and make option payments towards the purchase of land parcels in Marina del Rey, California for a proposed development project.  During the first quarter of 2009, the Company wrote-off its investment in the joint venture development project of $5.8 million, and the write-off of these costs is included in other non-cash expenses in the accompanying consolidated condensed statements of operations. The combined summarized balance sheet and statements of operations for co-investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, are as follows (dollars in thousands).

 September 30, 2009  December 31, 2008  
March 31, 2010
  
December 31, 2009
 
Balance sheets:            
Rental properties and real estate under development $499,152  $526,906  $643,225  $489,352 
Other assets  36,603   40,877   30,012   30,458 
        
Total assets $535,755  $567,783  $673,237  $519,810 
        
Mortgage notes and construction payable $316,524  $308,853  $294,184  $312,859 
Other liabilities  9,433   8,481   8,366   6,645 
Partners' equity  209,798   250,449 
        
Total liabilities and partners' equity $535,755  $567,783 
        
Equity  370,621   200,306 
Total liabilities and equity $673,171  $519,810 
Company's share of equity $70,263  $75,846  $136,973  $70,283 


` Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
 2009  2008  2009  2008  2010  2009 
Statements of operations:                  
Property revenues $11,684  $11,906  $35,395  $34,232  $12,328  $12,003 
Property operating expenses  (4,882)  (4,565)  (13,878)  (13,180)  (5,007)  (4,330)
Net property operating income  6,802   7,341   21,517   21,052   7,321   7,673 
Interest expense  (2,878)  (2,876)  (7,723)  (8,205)  (2,962)  (2,192)
Depreciation and amortization  (4,066)  (3,308)  (11,447)  (9,979)  (4,453)  (3,612)
                
Total net (loss) income $(142) $1,157  $2,347  $2,868  $(94) $1,869 
                
Company's share of operating net (loss) income  (32)  335   664   1,007  $(41) $539 
Company's preferred interest/gain - Mt. Vista  -   -   -   6,318 
Company's share of net (loss) income $(32) $335  $664  $7,325  $(41) $539 

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In January 2008, the Company received $7.5 million and recognized $6.3 million of preferred interest in the joint venture which is included in equity income in co-investments from the repayment of its investment in Mountain Vista Apartments, LLC.

(4) Notes and Other Receivables

Notes receivable secured by real estate, and other receivables consist of the following as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 20082009 (dollars in thousands):

  
September 30, 2009
  
December 31, 2008
 
       
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at LIBOR + 3.69%, due June 2010 $6,761  $7,325 
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 8.0%, due November 2010  971   965 
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at LIBOR + 2.95%, due December 2010  12,541   14,043 
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at LIBOR + 4.75%, due March 2011  7,358   7,294 
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 6.5%, due August 2011  3,221   4,070 
Non-performing note receivable, secured  13,448   13,448 
Other receivables  3,182   1,192 
Allowance for loan losses  (1,720)  (700)
  $45,762  $47,637 

In September 2007, the Company originated a loan to the owners of an apartment community under development in Vancouver, Washington, with a maturity date of February 2009.  The proceeds from the loan refinanced the property and provided funding for the completion of the 146-unit apartment community.  In July 2008, the Company ceased recording interest income and issued a notice of monetary default to the borrower, and the borrower filed for bankruptcy.  During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a loan loss reserve in the amount of $0.7 million with an additional reserve of $0.4 million recorded during the second quarter of 2009 on this non-performing note receivable.  The Company recorded an additional $0.6 million loan loss reserve during the third quarter of 2009.  In October the property was sold through the bankruptcy trustee and the loan was repaid at no additional loss to the Company.

In the second quarter of 2009, the borrower on the loan secured by Emeryville Marketplace, a mixed use commercial property located in Emeryville, California made a principal payment of $0.5 million to pay down the loan to $6.8 million and the Company extended the maturity of the loan until June 2010.  In the first quarter of 2009, the borrower on the bridge loan secured by 301 Ocean Avenue, a 47-unit apartment community located in Santa Monica, California, made a principal payment of $1.6 million to pay down the loan to $12.5 million and the Company extended the maturity of the loan until December 2010.
  March 31, 2010  December 31, 2009 
       
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at LIBOR + 3.69%, due June 2010 $6,719  $6,742 
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 8.0%, due November 2010  971   971 
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at LIBOR + 3.25%, due December 2010  12,547   12,551 
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at LIBOR + 4.75%, due March 2011  7,389   7,317 
Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 6.5%, due August 2011  3,221   3,199 
Other receivables  4,698   5,525 
  $35,545  $36,305 

(5) Related Party Transactions

Management and other fees from affiliates includesinclude management, development and redevelopment fees from Fund II of $1.0 million and $1.3$1.2 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008 respectively, and $3.4a property acquisition fee of $0.5 million andfrom the limited liability company that owns Skyline at MacArthur Place for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  All of these fees are net of intercompany amounts eliminated by the Company.

An Executive Vice President of the Company invested $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 respectively.  As discusseda 6% limited partnership interest in Note 3, in January 2008,a partnership with the Company received $7.5 millionthat acquired a 50% interest in a limited liability company that acquired Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place.  The Executive Vice President’s investment is equal to a pro-rata share of the contributions, and distributions resulting from an investment helddistributable cash generated by Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place will be calculated in an affiliatethe same manner as the calculation of TMMC and recognized $6.3 million of preferred income which is includeddistributions to the third party investor.  The Executive Vice President does not participate in equity (loss) income from co-investments.any promote interest or fees paid to the Company by the Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place joint venture.

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(6) Segment Information

The Company defines its reportable operating segments as the three geographical regions in which its apartment communities are located: Southern California, Northern California and Seattle Metro.  Excluded from segment revenues are properties classified in discontinued operations, management and other fees from affiliates, and interest and other income.  Non-segment revenues and net operating income included in the following schedule also consist of revenue generated from commercial properties which are primarily office buildings.  Other non-segment assets include co-investments, real estate under development, cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, notes receivable, other assets and deferred charges.  The revenues, net operating income, and assets for each of the reportable operating segmentssegm ents are summarized as follows for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 (dollars in thousands):

  
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
  2009  2008 
Revenues:      
Southern California $51,265  $52,002 
Northern California  30,145   30,516 
Seattle Metro  17,550   18,085 
Other real estate assets  1,863   1,339 
Total property revenues $100,823  $101,942 
         
Net operating income:        
Southern California $33,733  $35,191 
Northern California  19,263   19,740 
Seattle Metro  10,583   11,833 
Other real estate assets  1,078   1,170 
Total net operating income  64,657   67,934 
         
Depreciation and amortization  (29,895)  (27,712)
Interest expense  (21,966)  (21,122)
General and administrative  (6,086)  (6,524)
Impairment and other charges  (11,104)  - 
Management and other fees from affiliates  1,024   1,311 
Gain on sale of real estate  -   2,446 
Interest and other income  3,471   2,841 
Equity (loss) income from co-investments  (32)  335 
         
Income before discontinued operations $69  $19,509 

  Three Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2010  2009 
Revenues:      
Southern California $50,925  $52,296 
Northern California  29,987   30,842 
Seattle Metro  16,727   18,718 
Other real estate assets  2,067   2,058 
Total property revenues $99,706  $103,914 
         
Net operating income:        
Southern California $34,012  $35,827 
Northern California  19,800   21,378 
Seattle Metro  10,573   12,405 
Other real estate assets  1,122   1,181 
Total net operating income  65,507   70,791 
         
Depreciation and amortization  (30,487)  (28,965)
Interest expense  (20,836)  (20,203)
Interest and other income  7,855   3,232 
General and administrative  (5,618)  (6,233)
Management and other fees from affiliates  1,478   1,197 
Equity (loss) income from co-investments  (41)  539 
Gain on early retirement of debt  -   6,124 
Impairment and other charges  -   (5,752)
Gain on sale of real estate  -   53 
Income before discontinued operations $17,858  $20,783 
15


The revenues, net operating income, andTotal assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2009as of March 31, 2010 and 2008 (dollars in thousands):December 31, 2009:

  
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
  2009  2008 
Revenues:      
Southern California $155,716  $155,419 
Northern California  91,523   88,783 
Seattle Metro  54,774   51,822 
Other real estate assets  5,512   3,990 
Total property revenues $307,525  $300,014 
         
Net operating income:        
Southern California $104,876  $106,626 
Northern California  61,040   57,765 
Seattle Metro  34,923   34,412 
Other real estate assets  3,455   2,740 
Total net operating income  204,294   201,543 
         
Depreciation and amortization  (87,867)  (81,852)
Interest expense  (63,680)  (63,017)
General and administrative  (18,134)  (19,661)
Impairment and other charges  (16,893)  - 
Management and other fees from affiliates  3,377   3,965 
Gain on early retirement of debt  6,124   - 
Gain on sale of real estate  103   2,446 
Interest and other income  9,521   8,042 
Equity income from co-investments  664   7,325 
Income before discontinued operations $37,509  $58,791 
  
March 31, 2010
  
December 31, 2009
 
Assets:      
Southern California $1,228,598  $1,239,657 
Northern California  915,156   923,103 
Seattle Metro  413,427   417,708 
Other real estate assets  82,714   82,998 
Net reportable operating segments - real estate assets  2,639,895   2,663,466 
Real estate under development  304,483   274,965 
Cash and cash equivalents  40,379   37,934 
Marketable securities  114,276   134,844 
Co-investments  137,473   70,783 
Notes and other receivables  35,545   36,305 
Other non-segment assets  36,380   36,340 
Total assets $3,308,431  $3,254,637 


  
September 30, 2009
  
December 31, 2008
 
Assets:      
Southern California $1,228,809  $1,291,850 
Northern California  927,708   850,170 
Seattle Metro  423,736   431,041 
Other real estate assets  82,416   66,701 
Net reportable operating segments - real estate assets  2,662,669   2,639,762 
Real estate under development  222,976   272,273 
Cash and cash equivalents  99,070   54,719 
Marketable securities  131,349   23,886 
Funds held by 1031 exchange facilitator  -   21,424 
Notes and other receivables  45,762   47,637 
Other non-segment assets  103,196   105,122 
Total assets $3,265,022  $3,164,823 

1613


(7)  Net Income Per Common Share
(Amounts
       (Amounts in thousands, except per share and unit data)

 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30, 2009  September 30, 2008  March 31, 2010  March 31, 2009 
 Income  
Weighted- average Common Shares
  
Per Common Share Amount
  Income  
Weighted- average Common Shares
  
Per Common Share Amount
  Income  Weighted-average Common Shares  Per Common Share Amount  Income  Weighted-average Common Shares  Per Common Share Amount 
Basic:                                    
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders $19,700   27,591  $0.71  $11,625   25,111  $0.46  $13,127   28,968  $0.45  $39,710   26,225  $1.51 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available to common stockholders  2,039   27,591   0.08   (204)  25,111   (0.01)  -   28,968   -   2,555   26,225   0.10 
  21,739      $0.79   11,421      $0.45 
                        
                          13,127      $0.45   42,265      $1.61 
Effect of Dilutive Securities (1)(2)  506   2,479       -   364       -   51       1,799   2,468     
                                                
Diluted:                                                
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (1) $19,700      $   $11,625      $   $13,127          $39,710         
Add: noncontrolling interests OP unitholders  265           -           -           1,629         
Adjusted income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (1)  19,965   30,070   0.66   11,625   25,475   0.46   13,127   29,019  $0.45   41,339   28,693  $1.44 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available to common stockholders  2,039           (204)          -           2,555         
Add: noncontrolling interests OP unitholders  241           -           -           170         
Adjusted income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders  2,280   30,070   0.08   (204)  25,475   (0.01)  -   29,019   -   2,725   28,693   0.09 
 $22,245      $0.74  $11,421      $0.45  $13,127      $0.45  $44,064      $1.53 

  Nine Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2009  September 30, 2008 
  Income  
Weighted Average Common Shares
  
Per Common Share Amount
  Income  
Weighted Average Common Shares
  
Per Common Share Amount
 
Basic:                  
Income before discontinued operations available to common stockholders $70,258   26,888  $2.61  $35,213   24,877  $1.42 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available to common stockholders  5,160   26,888   0.19   (268)  24,877   (0.02)
   75,418      $2.80   34,945      $1.40 
                         
Effect of Dilutive Securities (1)(2)  3,638   2,473       -   305     
                         
Diluted:                        
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (1) $70,258      $   $35,213      $  
Add: noncontrolling interests OP unitholders  3,168           -         
Adjusted income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (1)  73,426   29,361   2.50  $35,213   25,182   1.40 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available to common stockholders  5,160           (268)        
Add: noncontrolling interests OP unitholders  470           -         
Adjusted income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders  5,630   29,361   0.19   (268)  25,182   (0.01)
  $79,056      $2.69  $34,945      $1.39 

17


(1)Weighted convertible limited partnership units of 2,161,053 and 2,161,453 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, and2,419,837, which includes vested Series Z incentive units, of 288,651 and 286,716 for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 were not included in the determination of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive.  Convertible limited partnership units of 2,444,747, which includes vested Series Z incentive units,  for the three months ended March 31, 2009 respectively, were included in the determination of diluted EPS because they were dilutive.  Weighted convertible limited partnership units of 2,184,446 and 2,224,828 and vested Series Z incentive units of 250,927 and 250,514 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, were excluded in the determination of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive.  The Company has the ability to redeem DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be potentially dilutive securities.

The holders of the exchangeable notes may exchange, at the then applicable exchange rate, the notes for cash and, at the Company’s option, a portion of the notes may be exchanged for Essex common stock; the original exchange rate was $103.25 per share of Essex common stock.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008March 31, 2010 the weighted average common stock price did not exceed the strike price (which was $101.30 as of September 30, 2009) and therefore common stock issuable upon exchange of the exchangeable notes was not included in the diluted share count as the effect was anti-dilutive.

Stock options of 243,313145,136 and 28,250102,290 for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively, and 257,857 and 75,111 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the exercise price of the options were greater than the average market price of the common shares for the three months ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive.  Stock options of 29,031 and 119,530 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and 25,003 and 132,214 were included in the determination of diluted EPS for the nine months ended September, 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

All shares of cumulative convertible preferred stock Series G have been excluded from diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively, as the effect was anti-dilutive.

(2)For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, net income allocated to convertible limited partnership units and vested Series Z units aggregating $0.5$1.1 million and $3.6 million, respectively, havehas been addedexcluded to income available to common stock holders for the calculation of net income per common share since these units are excluded in the diluted weighted average common shares for the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, net income allocated to convertible limited partnership units and vested Series Z units aggregating $1.8 million has been included to income available to common stock holders for the calculation of net income per common share since these periods.units are included in the diluted weighted average common shares for the period.

14


(8)  Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Currently, the Company uses interest rate swaps and interest rate cap contracts to manage certain interest rate risks. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.

As of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 the Company had seven forward-starting interest rate swap contracts totaling a notional amount of $375.0 million with interest rates ranging from 5.1% to 5.9% and settlements dates ranging from October 2010 to October 2011.  These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting as they are expected to economically hedge the cash flows associated with future financing of debt between 2010 and 2011.  The Company had eleventwelve interest rate cap contracts totaling a notional amount of $167.4$194.2 million that qualify for hedge accounting as they effectively limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by providing a ceiling on the underlying variable interest rate for the Company’s $251.6$258.6 million of tax exempt variable rate debt.  The aggregate carrying value of the forward-starting interestintere st rate swap contracts was a net liability of $46.3$38.8 million and the aggregate carrying value of the interest rate cap contracts was an asset of $0.3$0.2 million.  The overall fair value of the derivatives changed by $27.2$8.5 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 to a net liability of $46.0$38.6 million as of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, and the derivative liability was recorded in cash flow hedge liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  The changes in the fair values of the derivatives are reflected in other comprehensive (loss) income in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  No hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges was recognized during the quarterquarters ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and 2008.

2009.
18


(9)  Discontinued Operations

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

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company sold Spring Lake, a 69-unit community located in Seattle, Washington for $5.7 million resulting in a $2.5 million gain.

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company sold Mountain View Apartments, a 106-unit community located in Camarillo, California for $14.0 million resulting in a $0.8 million gain.sale is considered to be probable.

In the first quarter of 2009, the Company sold Carlton Heights Villas, a 70-unit property located in Santee, California for $6.9 million resulting in a $1.6 million gain and Grand Regency, a 60-unit property in Escondido, California, for $5.0 million resultingCalifornia.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company sold Mountain View Apartments, a 106-unit community located in Camarillo, California.  During the third quarter of 2009, the Company sold Spring Lake, a $0.9 million gain.

In69-unit community located in Seattle, Washington.  During the fourth quarter of 2008,2009, the Company sold Coral Gardens,Maple Leaf, a 200-unit property48 unit community located in El Cajon, California for $19.8 million, and in the third quarter of 2008, the Company sold Cardiff by the Sea Apartments, located in Cardiff, California for $71.0 million and St. Cloud Apartments, located in Houston, Texas for $8.8 million.Seattle, Washington.  The operations for these sold communities are included in discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.

The components of discontinued operations are outlined below and include the results of operations for the respective periods that the Company owned such assets, as described above (dollars in thousands).

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
 2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008 
                  
Rental revenues $64  $2,648  $1,406  $9,419  $-  $926 
Property operating expenses  (21)  (1,523)  (561)  (4,592)  -   (357)
Interest expense  -   (545)  -   (2,087)
Depreciation and amortization  -   (869)  (306)  (3,146)  -   (239)
Income (loss) from real estate sold  43   (289)  539   (406)
Income from real estate sold  -   330 
Gain on sale  2,467   46   5,708   46   -   2,472 
Internal disposition costs (1)
  (230)  -   (617)  -   -   (247)
                      2,225 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations $2,280  $(243) $5,630  $(360)
Income from discontinued operations $-  $2,555 

(1)  Internal disposition costs relate to a disposition incentive program established to pay incremental bonuses for the sale of certain of the Company's communities that are part of the program.

15

(10)  Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to various lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations.  Such lawsuits could, but are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ItemItem 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes thereto included elsewhere herein and with our 20082009 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20082009 and our Current Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.

The Company is a fully integrated Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”), and its property revenues are generated primarily from apartment community operations.  Our investment strategy has two components:  constant monitoring of existing markets, and evaluation of new markets to identify areas with the characteristics that underlie rental growth.  Our strong financial condition supports our investment strategy by enhancing our ability to quickly shift our acquisition, development, and disposition activities to markets that will optimize the performance of the portfolio.

As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, we had ownership interests in 133 apartment communities, comprising 27,22127,249 apartment units.  Our apartment communities are located in the following major West Coast regions:

19


Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Ventura counties)
Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area)
Seattle Metro (Seattle metropolitan area)

As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, we also had ownership interests in five office and commercial buildings (with approximately 215,840 square feet).

As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, our consolidated development pipeline was comprised of threefour development projects, two predevelopment projects and four land parcels held for future development or sale aggregating 1,8182,242 units, with total incurred costs of $223.0$304.4 million.  The estimated remaining project costs ofare $112.5 million and the total active development projects were $85.0project costs are $416.9 million.

The Company has one unconsolidated joint venture development project, Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place, a 349-unit high rise condominium project as of March 31, 2010.  Total costs incurred are $129.4 million, with estimated remaining project costs of $5.3 million for total estimated active development project costs of $189.3$134.7 million.

The Company’s consolidated apartment communities are as follows:

 As of September 30, 2009  As of September 30, 2008  As of March 31, 2010  As of March 31, 2009 
 Apartment Units  %  Apartment Units  %  Apartment Units  %  Apartment Units  % 
Southern California  12,264   51%  12,225   51%  12,334   51%  12,370   51%
Northern California  6,695   28%  6,457   27%  6,695   28%  6,457   27%
Seattle Metro  5,297   22%  5,338   22%  5,249   21%  5,338   22%
Total  24,256   100%  24,020   100%  24,278   100%  24,165   100%

Co-investments including Fund II communities and communities included in discontinued operations are not included in the table above for both years presented above.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008March 31, 2009

Our average financial occupancies for the Company’s stabilized apartment communities or “Quarterly Same-Property” (stabilized properties consolidated by the Company for the quarters ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and 2008)2009) increased 7060 basis points to 97.0%97.5% as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 from 96.3%96.9% as of September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.  Financial occupancy is defined as the percentage resulting from dividing actual rental revenue by total possible rental revenue. Actual rental revenue represents contractual rental revenue pursuant to leases without considering delinquency and concessions.  Total possible rental revenue represents the value of all apartment units, with occupied units valued at contractual rental rates pursuant to leases and vacant units valued at estimated market rents.  We believe that financial occupancy is a meaningful measure of occupancy because it considers the value of each vacant unit at its estimated market rate.  Financial occupancy may not completely reflect short-term trends in physical occupancy and financial occupancy rates as disclosed by other REITs may not be comparable to our calculation of financial occupancy.

16


The regional breakdown of the Company’s Quarterly Same-Property portfolio for financial occupancy for the quarter ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

  Three months ended 
  September 30, 
  2009  2008 
Southern California  96.6%  95.4%
Northern California  97.6%  97.7%
Seattle Metro  97.1%  96.6%

  Three months ended 
  March 31, 
  2010  2009 
Southern California  97.0%  96.4%
Northern California  98.1%  97.7%
Seattle Metro  97.9%  97.1%
         
20


The following table provides a breakdown of revenue amounts, including revenues attributable to the Quarterly Same-Property portfolio:

 
Number of Properties
  Three Months Ended  
Dollar Change
  
Percentage Change
     Three Months Ended       
   September 30,      Number of  March 31,  Dollar  Percentage 
   2009  2008      Properties  2010  2009  Change  Change 
Property Revenues (dollars in thousands)
                        
Quarterly Same-Property:                              
Southern California  55  $45,362  $47,227  $(1,865)  (3.9) %  59  $49,128  $51,394  $(2,266)  (4.4) %
Northern California  24   25,657   26,894   (1,237)  (4.6)  27   28,538   30,813   (2,275)  (7.4)
Seattle Metro  23   14,331   15,464   (1,133)  (7.3)  23   14,912   16,761   (1,849)  (11.0)
Total Quarterly Same-Property revenues  102   85,350   89,585   (4,235)  (4.7)  109   92,578   98,968   (6,390)  (6.5)
Quarterly Non-Same Property Revenues (1)      15,473   12,357   3,116   25.2       7,128   4,946   2,182   44.1 
Total property revenues     $100,823  $101,942  $(1,119)  (1.1) %     $99,706  $103,914  $(4,208)  (4.0) %

 (1) Includes two communitiesone community acquired after January 1, 2008, eight2009, two redevelopment communities, two development communities, and three commercial buildings.

Quarterly Same-Property Revenues decreased by $4.2$6.4 million or 4.7%6.5% to $85.4$92.6 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20092010 from $89.6$99.0 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2008.2010.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in scheduled rents of $5.1$7.3 million or a decrease of 5.7%7.6% for the Quarterly Same-Property portfolio from an average rental rate of $1,411$1,404 per unit in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 to $1,330$1,297 per unit in the thirdfirst quarter of 2009.2010.  Schedule rents decreased in all regions including  a decreasedecreases in scheduled rents of 5.3%4.4%, 4.7%7.4%, and 8.8%11.0% in Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle Metro, respectively.  The decrease in scheduled rents was partially offset by an increase of occupancy of 7060 basis points or $0.8$0.7 million, from 96.3%96.9% for the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 to 97.0%97.5% for the thirdfirst quarter of 2009,2010.  Ratio utility billing system (“RUBS”) income increased $0.4$0.2 million, and other income, rent concessions and bad debt expense were consistent between quarters.  The Company expects that total Quarterly Same-Property revenues will continue to decrease in the fourthsecond quarter of 20092010 from the same period in 2008,2009, due to an expected decrease in scheduled rents compared to the same period in 2008.2009.

Quarterly Non-Same Property Revenues increased by $3.1$2.1 million or 25.2%44.1% to $15.5$7.1 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20092010 from $12.4$4.9 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2008.2009.  The increase was primarily due to two new communitiesone community acquired since January 1, 2008,2009, two development communities in lease-up, and eighttwo communities that are in redevelopment and classified in non-same property results.

Property operating expenses, excluding real estate taxes increased $1.5 million or 5.8% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008, primarily due to the acquisition of two new properties, and the completion of two development properties.  Quarterly Same-Property operating expenses excluding real estate taxes for the third quarter of 2009 increased slightly by $0.3 million or 1.5% compared to the third quarter of 2008.

Real estate taxes increased $0.7 million or 8.0% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008, primarily due to the acquisition of two new properties, the completion of two development properties and increases in real estate taxes in the Seattle Metro area.

Depreciation expense increased by $2.2$1.5 million or 7.9%5.3% for the thirdfirst quarter of 20092010 compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2008,2009, due to the acquisition of  two new communities,one community, the completion of two development properties, and the capitalization of approximately $38.1$55.6 million in additions to rental properties, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and approximately $88.0 million of additions to rental properties, including $55.5$26.7 million spent on redevelopment and revenue generating capital expenditures during 2008.2009.

General and administrative expense decreased $0.4$0.6 million or 6.7%9.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to a workforce reduction of corporate employees in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Impairment and other charges were $11.1 million for the third quarter of 2009 due to the write-off of development costs totaling $6.7 million related to two land parcels that will no longer be developed by the Company, the recognition of $3.8 million in unamortized costs related to the cancellation of the Outperformance Plan, and $0.6 million recorded for additional loan loss reserves related a note receivable secured by an apartment community in the Portland Metropolitan Area.

21


Gain on sale of real estate of $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2008 resulted from the recognition of a gain on sale of $1.0 million related to the sale of the Circle RV park and $1.5 million gain that was previously deferred on the gain on sale of the 2005 sale of Eastridge Apartments.

Interest and other income increased by $0.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 due to an increase in investment and interest income of approximately $2.5 million generated primarily from the $72.7 million increase in the balance of marketable securities from September 30, 2008, and that increase was partially offset by a $1.6 million decrease in lease income due to the sale of the Company’s remaining RV parks in 2008, the lease for the Cadence campus expired in January 2009, and a decrease of structured finance and other income of $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

Income from discontinued operations for the third quarter of 2009 includes operating results of the apartment community Spring Lake which was sold during the quarter for a gain of $2.5 million.  Discontinued operations for the third quarter of 2008 includes the operating results for Spring Lake, as well as Carlton Heights, Grand Regency, and Mountain View which were sold in the first and second quarter of 2009, and Cardiff by the Sea, St. Cloud and Coral Gardens, which were sold in the third and fourth quarters of 2008.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

Our average financial occupancies for the Company’s stabilized apartment communities or “2009/2008 Same-Properties” (stabilized properties consolidated by the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008) increased 70 basis points to 96.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from 96.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  The regional breakdown of the Company’s 2009/2008 Same-Property portfolio for financial occupancy for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 
  2009  2008 
Southern California  96.5%  95.5%
Northern California  97.6%  97.3%
Seattle Metro  97.1%  96.6%

The following table illustrates a breakdown of revenue amounts, including revenues attributable to 2009/2008 Same-Properties.

  
Number of Properties
  Nine Months Ended  
Dollar Change
  
Percentage Change
 
    September 30,     
    2009  2008     
Property Revenues (dollars in thousands)
            
2009/2008 Same-Properties:               
Southern California  55  $138,192  $141,610  $(3,418)  (2.4) %
Northern California  24   79,066   79,037   29   0.0 
Seattle Metro  23   44,719   45,402   (683)  (1.5)
Total 2009/2008 Same-Property revenues  102   261,977   266,049   (4,072)  (1.5)
2009/2008 Non-Same Property Revenues (1)      45,548   33,965   11,583   34.1 
Total property revenues     $307,525  $300,014  $7,511   2.5%

 (1) Includes properties acquired after January 1, 2008, eight redevelopment communities, two development communities, and three commercial buildings.

2009/2008 Same-Property Revenues decreased by $4.1 million or 1.5% to $262.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $266.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  Scheduled rents decreased by 2.8% or $7.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from an average rental rate of $1,402 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $1,363 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Schedule rents decreased in all regions including a decrease in scheduled rents of 3.7%, 0.9%, and 3.1% in Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle Metro, respectively.  The decrease in scheduled rents was partially offset by an increase of occupancy of 70 basis points or $2.2 million, from 96.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to 96.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, RUBS income increased $1.0 million and other income increased $0.3 million.  Bad debt expense and rent concessions were consistent between periods.  The Company expects that total Same-Property revenues will decrease for the year ended DecemberMarch 31, 2009, due to an expected decrease in scheduled rents compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.

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2009/2008 Non-Same Property Revenues increased by $11.6 million or 34.1% to $45.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $34.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  The increase was primarily due to two new communities acquired since January 1, 2008, two development communities in lease and eight communities that are in redevelopment and classified in non-same property results.

Property operating expenses, excluding real estate taxes increased $2.1 million or 2.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine month ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to the acquisition of two new properties, and the completion of two development properties.  2009/2008 Same-Property operating expenses excluding real estate taxes increased slightly by $1.5 million or 1.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Real estate taxes increased $2.6 million or 10.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to the acquisition of two new properties, the completion of two development properties and increases in real estate taxes in the Seattle Metro area.

Depreciation expense increased by $6.0 million or 7.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008, due to the acquisition of two new communities, the completion of two development properties, and the capitalization of approximately $38.1 million in additions to rental properties for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and approximately $88.0 million of additions to rental properties, including $55.5 million spent on redevelopment and revenue generating capital expenditures during 2008.

General and administrative expense decreased $1.5 million or 7.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to a workforce reduction of corporate employees in the fourth quarter of 2008.2009 along with other cost control measures implemented by the Company.

Impairment and other charges were $16.9for the first quarter of 2010 was $0, compared to $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30,first quarter of 2009 due to the write-off of development costs totaling $6.7 million related to two land parcels that will no longer be developed by the Company, the write-off of $5.8 million of an investment in a predevelopment joint venture projectdevelopment project.
Interest and other income increased by $4.6 million for the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to a $5.0 million gain generated from the sale of marketable securities in Southern California, the recognitionfirst quarter of $3.82010 compared to a $1.0 million gain recorded in unamortized costs relatedthe first quarter of 2009 from the sale of marketable securities.  Investment and interest income increased $1.4 million between quarters primarily as a result of significant increases in the average balance of marketable securities held in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the cancellation of the Outperformance Plan,2009, and that increase was partially offset by $0.6 million generated from TRS activities, and $0.2 million recorded for additional loan loss reserves related a note receivable secured by an apartment communitylease income in January 2009 due to the Portland Metro Area.lease for the Cadence campus having expired during that month.

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Gain on early retirement of debt was $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $0 for the nine month ended September 30, 2008,first quarter of 2010 compared to $6.1 million in the first quarter of 2009, due to the repurchase of $71.3 million of 3.625% exchangeable bonds at a discount to par value.

Gain on sale of real estate of $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 resulted from the recognition of a gain on sale of $1.0 million related to the sale of the Circle RV park and $1.5 million gain that was previously deferred on the gain on sale of the 2005 sale of Eastridge Apartments.

Interest and other income increased by $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 due to a variety factors including an increase in investment and interest income of approximately $4.8 million generated primarily from the $72.7 million increase in the balance of marketable securities since September 30, 2008, a $1.0 million gain generated from the sale of marketable securities, $0.6 million generated from TRS activities.  Those increases in income were partially offset by a $4.5 million decrease in lease income due to the sale of the Company’s remaining RV parks in 2008, the lease for the Cadence campus expiring in January 2009, and a decrease of structured finance income of $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Equity income in co-investments decreased by $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 due primarily to the repayment of the Company’s remaining investment in the Mountain Vista, LLC joint venture for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  The Company recognized $6.3 million of preferred income resulting from the final repayment of the investment for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Income from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30,first quarter of 2010 was $0, compared to $2.6 million for the first quarter of 2009 includeswhich included the sale of Carlton Heights Villa for a gain of $1.6 million, the sale of Grand Regency for a gain $0.9 million, and the operating results of the apartment communities sold in 2009 includingMountain View, Spring Lake, which was sold for a gain of $2.5 million, Mountain View which was sold for a gain of $0.8 million, and Carlton Heights and Grand Regency which sold for a combined gain of $2.5 million.  Discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes the operating results for the four communities sold in 2009 as well as Cardiff by the Sea, St. Cloud and Coral Gardens,Maple Leaf, which were sold in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2008.2009, respectively.

23Excess of the carrying amount of preferred stock redeemed over the cash paid to redeem preferred stock for the first quarter of 2010 was $0, compared to $25.7 million for the first quarter of 2009 related to the repurchase of $58.2 million of the Company's Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock at a discount to carrying value.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

In June 2009, Standard and Poor's (“S&P”) reaffirmed its corporate credit rating of BBB/Stable for Essex Property Trust, Inc.

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Company had $81.9$22.3 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $131.3$114.3 million in marketable securities held available for sale.  We believe that cash flows generated by our operations, existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balances, availability under existing lines of credit, access to capital markets and the ability to generate cash from the disposition of real estate and marketable securities held available for sale are sufficient to meet all of our reasonably anticipated cash needs during the remainder of 2009 and 2010.  The timing, source and amounts of cash flows provided by financing activities and used in investing activities are sensitive to changes in interest rates and other fluctuations in the capital markets environment, which can affect our plans for acquisitions, dispositions, development and redevelopment activities.

The Company has two outstanding lines of credit in the aggregate of $450.0 million committed as of March 31, 2010.  The Company has a $200.0 million unsecured line of credit and as of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010 there was no outstandinga $6.0 million balance on the line. This facility matures in March 2010.this unsecured line at an average interest rate of 3.3%.  The underlying interest rate on thisthe $200.0 million line is based on a tiered rate structure tied to an S&P rating on the credit facility (currently BBB-) at LIBOR plus 0.8%3.0%.  WeThis facility matures in December 2010 with two one-year extensions, exercisable by the Company.  The Company also havehas a $150.0 million credit facility from Freddie Mac, which is expandablewas expanded from $150.0 million to $250.0 million at any time untilduring the fourth quarter of 2010 and the credit facility2009, which matures in December 2013.  This line is secured by teneleven apartment communities.communi ties.  As of September 30, 2009, we had $150.0March 31, 2010, the Company has $250.0 million outstanding under this line of credit at an average interest rate of 1.7%1.3%. The underlying interest rate on this line is between 99 and 150 basis points over the Freddie Mac Reference Rate and the interest rate is subject to change by the lender in November 2011.  The Company’s unsecured line of credit agreements contain debt covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and liabilities and maintenance of minimum levels of consolidated earnings before depreciation, interest and amortization.  The Company was in compliance with the line of credit covenants as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008.2009.

The Company may from time to time sell shares of common stock into the existing trading market at current market prices as well as through negotiated transactions under its Controlled Equity Offering (“CEO”) programequity distribution programs with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) and KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc. (“KeyBanc”).  In May 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the sale of up to 7.5 million7,500,000 shares of common stock under the CEOequity distribution program.  Pursuant to this approval, the Company entered in a sales agreement with Cantor on May 6, 2009, for the sale of up to 7.5 million7,500,000 shares pursuant to the CEOCantor’s equity distribution program.  During March 2010, the Company entered into a new equity distribution agreement with Cantor and the Company also entered into an equity distribution agree ment with KeyBanc for the sale, under the two agreements, of up to an aggregate of 5,175,000 shares which represented the shares of common stock that remain unsold under the May 2009 equity distribution program.  During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, pursuant to the CEO program,equity distribution programs, the Company issued 2,276,250205,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $71.36$85.72 for approximately $160.0$17.3 million, net of fees and commissions.
During March 2010, the Company filed a new shelf registration statement with the SEC, allowing the Company to sell an undetermined number or amount of certain equity and debt securities as defined in the prospectus.
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In August 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan to allow the Company to acquire shares in an aggregate of up to $200.0 million.  The program supersedes the common stock repurchase plan that Essex announced on May 16, 2001.  In February 2009, the Company repurchased 350,000 shares of common stock for $20.3 million at an average price of $57.89 per share.  After the Series G Preferred Stock repurchases described below, the Company has authorization to repurchase an additional $42.9$41.8 million under the stock repurchase plan.

In 2006, the Company sold 5,980,000 shares of 4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series G Preferred Stock") for net proceeds of $145.9 million.  Holders may convert Series G Preferred Stock into shares of the Company’s common stock subject to certain conditions.  The conversion rate was initially 0.1830 shares of common stock per the $25 share liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $136.62 per share of common stock (the conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events).  On or after July 31, 2011, the Company may, under certain circumstances, cause some or all of the Series G Preferred Stock to be converted into shares of common stock at the then prevailing conversion rate.

During the first quarter of  Duri ng 2009, the Company repurchased $58.2$145.0 million in liquidation value of its Series G Preferred Stock at a discount to carrying value, and the excess of the carrying value over the cash paid to redeem the Series G Preferred Stock totaled $25.7 million.   Additionally, during the third quarter of 2009, the Company repurchased $81.9 million of its Series G Preferred Stock at a discount to carrying value, and the excess of the carrying value over the cash paid to redeem the Series G Preferred Stock totaled $23.9$50.0 million.   As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the carrying value of the Series G Preferred Stock outstanding totaled $5.8$4.3 million.   The Company may continue to repurchase Series G Preferred Stock.

In 2005 the Company, through its Operating Partnership, issued $225.0 million of outstanding exchangeable senior notes (the “Bonds”) with a coupon of 3.625% due 2025. The Bonds are senior unsecured obligations of the Operating Partnership, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.  On or after November 1, 2020, the Bonds will be exchangeable at the option of the holder into cash and, in certain circumstances at Essex’s option, shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial exchange price of $103.25 per share subject to certain adjustments.  The Bonds will also be exchangeable prior to November 1, 2020, but only upon the occurrence of certain specified events.  On or after November 4, 2010, the Operating Partnership may redeem all or a portion of the Notes at a redemptionre demption price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any).  Bond holders may require the Operating Partnership to repurchase all or a portion of the Bonds at a purchase price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any) on the Bonds on November 1, 2010, November 1, 2015 and November 1, 2020.

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During the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2009, the Company repurchased $53.3$220.0 million of these Bonds at a discount to par value, and during the first quarter of 2009, the Company repurchased an additional $71.3 million of these Bonds at a discount to par value and recognized a gain of $6.1 million on cash paid of $66.5 million.value.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the carrying value of the Bonds outstanding totaled $98.2$4.9 million.  The Company may continue to repurchase Bonds.

As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Company’s mortgage notes payable totaled $1.6 billion which consisted of $1.4 billion in fixed rate debt with interest rates varying from 4.86% to 8.18% and maturity dates ranging from 2010 to 2020 and $251.6$258.6 million of variable rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of 2.3%, which $219.9$214.0 million of the variable debt is tax-exempt variable rate demand notes.  The tax-exempt variable rate demand bonds have maturity dates ranging from 20202025 to 2039, and $167.4$194.2 million are subject to interest rate caps.

The Company pays quarterly dividends from cash available for distribution. Until it is distributed, cash available for distribution is invested by the Company primarily in investment grade securities held available for sale or is used by the Company to reduce balances outstanding under its line of credit.

The Company’s current financing activities have been impacted by the instability and tightening in the credit markets which has led to an increase in spreads and pricing of secured and unsecured debt.  Our strong balance sheet, the established relationships with our unsecured line of credit bank group, the secured line of credit with Freddie Mac and access to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac secured debt financing have provided some insulation to us from the turmoil being experienced by many other real estate companies.  The Company has benefited from borrowing from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and there are no assurances that these entities will lend to the Company in the future.  The Company has experienced more restrictive loan to value and debt service coverage ratio limits and an expansion in credit spreads.sprea ds.   Continued turmoil in the capital markets could negatively impact the Company’s ability to make acquisitions, develop communities, obtain new financing, and refinance existing borrowing at acceptable rates.

Derivative Activity

As of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 the Company had seven forward-starting interest rate swap contracts totaling a notional amount of $375.0 million with interest rates ranging from 5.1% to 5.9% and settlements dates ranging from October 2010 to October 2011.  These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting as they are expected to economically hedge the cash flows associated with future financing of debt between 2010 and 2011.  The Company had eleventwelve interest rate cap contracts totaling a notional amount of $167.4$194.2 million that qualify for hedge accounting as they effectively limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by providing a ceiling on the underlying variable interest rate for the Company’s $251.6$258.6 million of tax exempt variable rate debt.  The aggregate carrying value of the forward-starting interestintere st rate swap contracts was a net liability of $46.3 million.  The$38.8 million and the aggregate carrying value of the interest rate cap contracts was an asset of $0.3 million and the$0.2 million.  The overall fair value of the derivatives increased $27.2changed by $8.5 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 to a net liability of $46.0$38.6 million as of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, and the derivative liability was recorded in cash flow hedge liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  The changes in the fair values of the derivatives are reflected in other comprehensive (loss) income in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  No hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges was recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and 2008.2009.

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Development and Predevelopment Pipeline

The Company defines development activities as new properties that are being constructed, or are newly constructed and, in the case of development communities, are in a phase of lease-up and have not yet reached stabilized operations.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Company had threefour consolidated and one joint venture development projects comprised of 466aggregating 1,214 units for an estimated cost of $189.3$454.2 million, of which $85.0$117.8 million remains to be expended.   The Company has approximately $43.4 million undrawn on a construction loan to fund the Joule Broadway development project with approximately $43.2 million in estimated costs to complete the project.

The Company defines the predevelopment pipeline as new properties in negotiation or in the entitlement process with a high likelihood of becoming development activities.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Company had two development communities aggregating 332357 units that were classified as predevelopment projects.  The estimated total cost of the predevelopment pipeline at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 was $143.0 million, of which $90.9 million remains to be expended.$31.4 million.   The Company may also from time to time acquire land for future development or sale.   The Company owned four land parcels held for future development or sale aggregating 1,020 units as of September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.  The aggregate carrying value for these four land parcels was $66.6$66.0 million as of September 30, 2009.

March 31, 2010.
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The Company expects to fund the development and predevelopment pipeline by using a combination of some or all of the following sources: its working capital, amounts available on its lines of credit, net proceeds from public and private equity and debt issuances, and proceeds from the disposition of properties, if any.

Redevelopment

The Company defines redevelopment activities as existing properties owned or recently acquired, which have been targeted for additional investment by the Company with the expectation of increased financial returns through property improvement.  The Company’s redevelopment strategy strives to improve the financial and physical aspects of the Company’s redevelopment apartment communities and to target at least an 8 to 10 percent return on the incremental renovation investment.  Many of the Company’s properties are older and in excellent neighborhoods, providing lower density with large floor plans that represent attractive redevelopment opportunities.  During redevelopment, apartment units may not be available for rent and, as a result, may have less than stabilized operations.  As of September 30, 2009,o f March 31, 2010, the Company had ninefour redevelopment communities aggregating 2,6591,032 apartment units with estimated redevelopment costs of $128.1$64.2 million, of which approximately $44.2$34.1 million remains to be expended.

Alternative Capital Sources

Fund II has eight institutional investors, and the Company, with combined partner equity contributions of $265.9 million that were fully contributed as of 2008.  The Company contributed $75.0 million to Fund II, which represents a 28.2% interest as general partner and limited partner.   Fund II utilized leverage equal to approximately 55% upon the initial acquisition of the underlying real estate.  Fund II invested in apartment communities in the Company’s targeted West Coast markets and, as of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, owned fourteen apartment communities.  The Company records revenue for its asset management, property management, development and redevelopment services when earned, and promote income when realized if Fund II exceeds certain financial return benchmarks.
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Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table summarizes the maturation or due dates of our contractual obligations and other commitments at September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, and the effect these obligations could have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods:

(In thousands) 2009  
2010 and 2011
  
2012 and 2013
  Thereafter  Total  2010  2011 and 2012  2013 and 2014  Thereafter  Total 
Mortgage notes payable $15,068  $310,390  $221,313  $1,061,799  $1,608,570  $139,929  $213,491  $268,269  $1,005,045  $1,626,734 
Exchangeable bonds  -   98,220   -   -   98,220   4,918   -   -   -   4,918 
Lines of credit  -   -   150,000   -   150,000   6,000   -   250,000   -   256,000 
Interest on indebtedness(1)  23,117   158,704   119,012   256,839   557,672   67,922   137,064   103,537   213,763   522,286 
Development commitments  33,100   51,900   -   -   85,000   60,500   52,000   -   -   112,500 
Redevelopment commitments  10,000   34,178   -   -   44,178   20,000   14,145   -   -   34,145 
 $81,285  $653,392  $490,325  $1,318,638  $2,543,640  $299,269  $416,700  $621,806  $1,218,808  $2,556,583 

(1) Interest on indebtedness for variable debt was calculated using interest rates as of March 31, 2010.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We define critical accounting policies as those accounting policies that require our management to exercise their most difficult, subjective and complex judgments. Our critical accounting policies relate principally to the following key areas: (i) consolidation under applicable accounting standards for entities that are not wholly owned; (ii) assessing the carrying values of our real estate properties and investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates; (iii) internal cost capitalization; and (iv) qualification as a REIT.RE IT. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates made by management.

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The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates have not changed materially from information reported in Note 2, “Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q which are not historical facts may be considered forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the Company's expectations, hopes, intentions, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. Forward looking statements include statements regarding the Company’s expectations as to the total projected costs of predevelopment, development and redevelopment projects, expectations that scheduled rents will continue to decrease, expectation that the Company may continue to purchase Series G Preferred Stock and bonds , the Company’s reduced risk of loss from mold cases, beliefs as to our ability to meet our cash needs during 2009 and 2010 and to provide for dividend payments in accordance with REIT requirements, as to the Quarterly Same-Property revenues in the third quarter of 2009, expectations as to the sources for funding the Company’s development and redevelopment pipeline and statements regarding the Company's financing activities.

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors including, but not limited to, that the Company will fail to achieve its business objectives, that the total projected costs of current predevelopment, development and redevelopment projects exceed expectations, that such development and redevelopment projects will not be completed, that development and redevelopment projects and acquisitions will fail to meet expectations, that estimates of future income from an acquired property may prove to be inaccurate, that future cash flows will be inadequate to meet operating requirements and/or will be insufficient to provide for dividend payments in accordance with REIT requirements, that there may be a downturn in the markets in which the Company's properties are located, that the terms of any refinancingrefin ancing may not be as favorable as the terms of existing indebtedness, and that mold lawsuits will be more costly than anticipated, as well as those risks, special considerations, and other factors discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in Part II “Other Information” in this current report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and those discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, and those risk factors and special considerations set forth in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update this information.

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Funds from Operations (“FFO”)

FFO is a financial measure that is commonly used in the REIT industry.  The Company presents funds from operations as a supplemental performance measure.  FFO is not used by the Company as, nor should it be considered to be, an alternative to net earnings computed under GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or as an alternative to cash from operating activities computed under GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s ability to fund its cash needs.

FFO is not meant to represent a comprehensive system of financial reporting and does not present, nor does it intend it to present, a complete picture of itsthe Company's financial condition and operating performance.  The Company believes that net earnings computed under GAAP remain the primary measure of performance and that FFO is only meaningful when it is used in conjunction with net earnings. Further, the Company believes that its consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with GAAP, provide the most meaningful picture of its financial condition and its operating performance.

In calculating FFO, the Company follows the definition for this measure published by the National Association of REITs (“NAREIT”), which is a REIT trade association.  The Company believes that, under the NAREIT FFO definition, the two most significant adjustments made to net income are (i) the exclusion of historical cost depreciation and (ii) the exclusion of gains and losses from the sale of previously depreciated properties.  The Company agrees that these two NAREIT adjustments are useful to investors for the following reasons:

(a)  historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP assumes, through depreciation charges, that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. NAREIT stated in its White Paper on Funds from Operations “since real estate asset values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors have considered presentations of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves.” Consequently, NAREIT’s definition of FFO reflects the fact that real estate, as an asset class, generally appreciates over time and depreciation charges required by GAAP do not reflect the underlying economic realities.

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(b)  REITs were created as a legal form of organization in order to encourage public ownership of real estate as an asset class through investment in firms that were in the business of long-term ownership and management of real estate.  The exclusion, in NAREIT’s definition of FFO, of gains and losses from the sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets allows investors and analysts to readily identify the operating results of the long-term assets that form the core of a REIT’s activity and assists in comparing those operating results between periods.

Management believes that is has consistently applied the NAREIT definition of FFO to all periods presented.  However, there is judgment involved and other REITs’ calculation of FFO may vary from the NAREIT definition for this measure, and thus their disclosure of FFO may not be comparable to the Company’s calculation.

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The following table sets forth the Company’s calculation of FFO for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 (in thousands except for per share data):

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
 2009  2008  2009  2008  2010  2009 
                  
Net income available to common stockholders $21,739  $11,421  $75,418  $34,945  $13,127  $42,265 
Adjustments:                        
Depreciation and amortization  29,895   28,581   88,173   84,998   30,487   29,204 
Gains not included in FFO, net of disposition costs (1)
  (2,237)  (46)  (5,091)  (46)  -   (2,225)
Noncontrolling interest and co-investments (2)
  1,394   2,134   6,097   6,448   2,129   2,563 
Funds from operations $50,791  $42,090  $164,597  $126,345  $45,743  $71,807 
                        
Funds from operations per share - diluted $1.69  $1.51  $5.61  $4.57  $1.46  $2.50 
                        
Weighted average number shares outstanding diluted (3)
  30,070,076   27,910,297   29,360,710   27,657,449   31,438,408   28,692,959 

(1)Internal disposition costs relate to a disposition incentive program established to pay incremental bonuses totaling $.2 million and $.6$0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2009, respectively, for the sale of certain of the Company's communities that are part of the program.
(2)Amount includes the following: (i) noncontrolling interest related to Operating Partnership units, and (ii) add back of depreciation expense from unconsolidated co-investments and less depreciation attributable to third-party ownership of consolidated co-investments.
(3)Assumes conversion of all dilutive outstanding operating partnership interests in the Operating Partnership.

ItemItem 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

Interest Rate Hedging Activities

The Company’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements or other identified risks.  To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its cash flow hedging strategy.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts in exchange for fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying principal amount.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, we had entered into seven forward-starting swap contracts to mitigate the risk of changes in the interest-related cash outflows on forecasted issuance of long-term debt.  The forward-starting swaps are cash flow hedges of the variability in ten years of forecasted interest paymentspa yments associated with the future financings of debt between 2010 and 2011.  The Company had eleventwelve interest rate cap contracts totaling a notional amount of $167.4$194.2 million that qualify for hedge accounting as they effectively limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by providing a ceiling on the underlying variable interest rate for the Company’s $251.6$258.6 million of tax exempt variable rate debt.  All derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges, and the Company does not have any fair value hedges as of September 30, 2009.

March 31, 2010.
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The following table summarizes the notional amount, carrying value, and estimated fair value of our derivative instruments used to hedge interest rates as of September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.   The notional amount represents the aggregate amount of a particular security that is currently hedged at one time, but does not represent exposure to credit, interest rates or market risks. The table also includes a sensitivity analysis to demonstrate the impact on our derivative instruments from an increase or decrease in 10-year Treasury bill interest rates by 50 basis points, as of September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.

 
Notional Amount
  
Maturity Date Range
  
Carrying and Estimate Fair Value
  Estimated Carrying Value  Notional  Maturity  Carrying and Estimate  Estimated Carrying Value 
(Dollars in thousands)       
+ 50 Basis Points
  
- 50 Basis Points
   Amount  Date Range  Fair Value  + 50 Basis Points  - 50 Basis Points 
Cash flow hedges:                              
Interest rate forward-starting swaps $375,000   2010-2011  $(46,305) $(30,375) $(64,834) $375,000   2010-2011  $(38,808) $(22,630) $(56,608)
Interest rate caps  167,359   2009-2013   340   552   195   194,179   2010-2015   190   411   80 
Total cash flow hedges $542,359   2009-2013  $(45,965) $(29,823) $(64,639) $569,179   2010-2013  $(38,618) $(22,219) $(56,528)

Interest Rate Sensitive Liabilities

The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of its lines of credit and long-term tax exempt variable rate debt.  The Company’s interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower its overall borrowing costs. To achieve its objectives the Company borrows primarily at fixed rates and may enter into derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, caps and treasury locks in order to mitigate its interest rate risk on a related financial instrument. The Company does not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.

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The Company’s interest rate risk is monitored using a variety of techniques. The table below presents the principal amounts and weighted average interest rates by year of expected maturity to evaluate the expected cash flows.  Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $1.46 billion of fixed debt at September 30, 2009 is approximately $1.48 billion and the fair value of the Company’s $251.6 million of variable rate debt at September 30, 2009 is $228.5 million based on the terms of existing mortgage notes payable and variable rate demand notes compared to those available in the marketplace.
                        
For the Years Ended 2009  
2010(1)
  
2011(2)
  2012  2013  Thereafter  Total  Fair value  
2010(1)
  
2011(2)
  2012  2013  2014  Thereafter  Total  Fair value 
                                                
(In thousands)                                                
Fixed rate debt $-   243,207   148,804   31,421   189,892   841,877  $1,455,201  $1,483,000  $135,072   147,403   31,179   187,831   80,438   791,089  $1,373,012  $1,402,000 
Average interest rate  -   7.3%  6.6%  5.4%  5.8%  5.7%          7.0%  6.4%  5.4%  5.8%  5.7%  5.7%   6.0%    
Variable rate debt $15,068   -   16,599   -   -   219,922(3) $251,589  $228,500  $15,775   34,909   -   250,000   -   213,956(3)  $514,640  $492,100 
Average interest  2.0%  -   4.0%  -   -   2.5%          4.4%  2.2%  0.0%  1.5%  -   2.2%   1.9%    

(1) $150 million covered by three forward-starting swaps with fixed rates ranging from 5.099% to 5.824%, with a settlement date on or before

January 1, 2011.

(2) $125 million covered by forward-starting swaps with fixed rates ranging from 5.655% to 5.8795%, with a settlement date on or before February 1, 2011.  $50 million covered by a forward-starting swap with a fixed rate of 5.535%, with a settlement date on or before July, 1 2011.  $50 million covered by a forward-starting swap with a fixed rate of 5.343%., with a settlement date on or before October 1, 2011.  The Company intends to encumberrefinance certain unencumbered assetssecured loans during 2011 in conjunction with the settlement of these forward-starting swaps.

(3) $167.4$194.2 million subject to interest rate caps.

The table incorporates only those exposures that exist as of September 30, 2009;March 31, 2010; it does not consider those exposures or positions that could arise after that date. As a result, our ultimate realized gain or loss, with respect to interest rate fluctuations and hedging strategies, would depend on the exposures that arise prior to settlement.

ItemItem 4: Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting management to material information relating to the Company that is required to be included in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2009, thatMarch 31, 2010, tha t have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II -- Other Information

ItemItem 1: Legal Proceedings

Recently there has been an increasing number of lawsuits against owners and managers of apartment communities alleging personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold in residential real estate.  Some of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial monetary judgments or settlements.  The Company has been sued for mold related matters and has settled some, but not all, of such matters.  Insurance carriers have reacted to mold related liability awards by excluding mold related claims from standard policies and pricing mold endorsements at prohibitively high rates.  The Company has, however, purchased pollution liability insurance, which includes some coverage for mold.  The Company has adopted policies for promptly addressing and resolving reports of mold when it is detected,detecte d, and to minimize any impact mold might have on residents of the property.  The Company believes its mold policies and proactive response to address any known existence, reduces its risk of loss from these cases.  There can be no assurances that the Company has identified and responded to all mold occurrences, but the Company promptly addresses all known reports of mold.  Liabilities resulting from such mold related matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, no potential liabilities for mold and other environmental liabilities are quantifiable and an estimate of possible loss cannot be made.

The Company carries comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage and rental loss insurance for each of the Company’s communities.  Insured risks for comprehensive liability covers claims in excess of $25,000 per incident, and property insurance covers losses in excess of a $5.0 million deductible per incident.  There are, however, certain types of extraordinary losses, such as, for example, losses for terrorism and earthquake, for which the Company does not have insurance. Substantially all of the Properties are located in areas that are subject to earthquakes.

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The Company is subject to various other lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations.  Such lawsuits could, but are not expected to, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item Item IA: Risk Factors

In evaluating all forward-looking statements, you should specifically consider various factors that may cause actual results to vary from those contained in the forward-looking statements.  Many factors affect the Company’s actual financial performance and may cause the Company’s future results to be different from past performance or trends.  These factors include those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item IA of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20082009 as filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov, and the following, which supplements the risk factors listed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K:.

Development and Redevelopment Activities

The Company pursues development and redevelopment projects of apartment communities from time to time. These investments generally require various government and other approvals, the receipt of which cannot be assured. The Company's development and redevelopment activities generally entail certain risks, including the following:

funds may be expended and management's time devoted to projects that may not be completed;
construction costs of a project may exceed original estimates possibly making the project economically unfeasible;
projects may be delayed due to, among other things, adverse weather conditions;
occupancy rates and rents at a completed project may be less than anticipated; and
expenses at a completed development project may be higher than anticipated.

These risks may reduce the funds available for distribution to the Company's stockholders. Further, the development and redevelopment of properties is also subject to the general risks associated with real estate investments.

Interest Rate Fluctuations

The Company monitors changes in interest rates and believes that it is well positioned from both a liquidity and interest rate risk perspective.  The immediate effect of significant and rapid interest rate increases would result in higher interest expense on the Company's variable interest rate debt. The effect of prolonged interest rate increases could negatively impact the Company's ability to make acquisitions and develop properties and the Company's ability to refinance existing borrowings at acceptable rates and negatively impact the current dividend rate.

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Credit Markets

The current instability and tightening in the credit markets has led to an increase in spreads and pricing of secured and unsecured debt, and the effect of prolonged tightening in the credit markets could negatively impact the Company’s ability to make acquisitions, develop properties and refinance existing borrowings at acceptable rates or at all.

Item em 6: Exhibits

 A.Exhibits
10.1Equity Distribution Agreement between Essex Property Trust, Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. dated March 25, 2010, attached as Exhibit 10-1 to the Company’s 8-K, filed March 26, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.2Equity Distribution Agreement between Essex Property Trust, Inc. and KeyBanc Capital Market, Inc. dated March 25, 2010, attached as Exhibit 10-1 to the Company’s 8-K, filed March 26, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.
Amended and restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Equity Award Program, dated as of February 23, 2010.

 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed ChargesCharges.

 Certification of Keith R. Guericke, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 Certification of Michael T. Dance, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 Certification of Keith R. Guericke, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 Certification of Michael T. Dance, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.
 (Registrant)
   
   
 Date: November 4, 2009May 6, 2010
   
   
  By:  /S/ MICHAEL T. DANCE
  
 Michael T. Dance
 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 (Authorized Officer, Principal Financial Officer)
   
   
  By:  /S/ BRYAN G. HUNT
  
 Bryan G. Hunt
 Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
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