ELS 3.31.2015 10-Q


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
_________________________________________________________ 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
o
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: 1-11718
_________________________________________________________ 
EQUITY LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
_________________________________________________________ 
Maryland
36-3857664
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois
60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(312) 279-1400
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
_________________________________________________________ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  o
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  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated 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
x
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o    No  x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
84,240,728 shares of Common Stock as of April 28, 2015.
 




Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
Index To Financial Statements
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.

2





Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
(unaudited)
 
Assets
 
 
 
Investment in real estate:
 
 
 
Land
$
1,095,365

 
$
1,091,550

Land improvements
2,745,749

 
2,734,304

Buildings and other depreciable property
569,610

 
562,059

 
4,410,724

 
4,387,913

Accumulated depreciation
(1,197,782
)
 
(1,169,492
)
Net investment in real estate
3,212,942

 
3,218,421

Cash
102,703

 
73,714

Notes receivable, net
36,313

 
37,137

Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
17,889

 
13,512

Deferred financing costs, net
25,511

 
21,833

Deferred commission expense
28,902

 
28,589

Escrow deposits, goodwill, and other assets, net
44,534

 
53,133

Total Assets
$
3,468,794

 
$
3,446,339

Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Mortgage notes payable
$
2,011,738

 
$
2,012,246

Term loan
200,000

 
200,000

Unsecured lines of credit

 

Accrued payroll and other operating expenses
76,608

 
64,520

Deferred revenue – upfront payments from right-to-use contracts
74,947

 
74,174

Deferred revenue – right-to-use annual payments
13,693

 
9,790

Accrued interest payable
8,424

 
9,496

Rents and other customer payments received in advance and security deposits
69,994

 
67,463

Distributions payable
34,298

 
29,623

Total Liabilities
2,489,702

 
2,467,312

Equity:
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value 9,945,539 shares authorized as of March 31, 2015 and 9,765,900 shares authorized as of December 31, 2014; none issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 2014 includes 179,639 authorized shares 6% Series D Cumulative Preferred stock authorized, none issued and outstanding.

 

6.75% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 54,461 shares authorized and 54,458 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 at liquidation value
136,144

 
136,144

Common stock, $0.01 par value 200,000,000 shares authorized as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014; 84,240,161 and 83,879,779 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
840

 
838

Paid-in capital
1,035,275

 
1,029,601

Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings
(258,642
)
 
(254,209
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,238
)
 
(381
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
912,379

 
911,993

Non-controlling interests – Common OP Units
66,713

 
67,034

Total Equity
979,092

 
979,027

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
3,468,794

 
$
3,446,339





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

3



Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
Quarters Ended
 
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
Community base rental income
$
109,270

 
$
106,045

Rental home income
3,554

 
3,757

Resort base rental income
51,645

 
44,949

Right-to-use annual payments
10,981

 
11,214

Right-to-use contracts current period, gross
2,797

 
3,081

Right-to-use contract upfront payments, deferred, net
(773
)
 
(1,147
)
Utility and other income
19,082

 
17,571

Gross revenues from home sales
6,937

 
5,178

Brokered resale revenues and ancillary services revenues, net
1,982

 
1,799

Interest income
1,820

 
2,697

Income from other investments, net
1,119

 
1,601

Total revenues
208,414

 
196,745

Expenses:
 
 
 
Property operating and maintenance
61,117

 
58,696

Rental home operating and maintenance
1,669

 
1,908

Real estate taxes
12,594

 
12,485

Sales and marketing, gross
2,522

 
2,563

Right-to-use contract commissions, deferred, net
(243
)
 
(555
)
Property management
11,290

 
10,632

Depreciation on real estate assets and rental homes
28,116

 
27,642

Amortization of in-place leases
665

 
1,315

Cost of home sales
6,724

 
5,368

Home selling expenses
805

 
569

General and administrative
7,406

 
5,760

Property rights initiatives
553

 
311

Early debt retirement
16,991

 

Interest and related amortization
27,276

 
28,048

Total expenses
177,485

 
154,742

Income before equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
30,929

 
42,003

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
884

 
1,887

Consolidated net income
31,813

 
43,890

 
 
 
 
Income allocated to non-controlling interests – Common OP Units
(2,331
)
 
(3,481
)
Series C Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock Dividends
(2,297
)
 
(2,310
)
Net income available for Common Shares
$
27,185

 
$
38,099

 
 
 
 
Consolidated net income
$
31,813

 
$
43,890

Other comprehensive (loss) income (“OCI”):
 
 
 
Adjustment for fair market value of swap
(857
)
 
445

Consolidated comprehensive income
30,956

 
44,335

Comprehensive income allocated to non-controlling interests – Common OP Units
(2,263
)
 
(3,518
)
Series C Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock Dividends
(2,297
)
 
(2,310
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Common Stockholders
$
26,396

 
$
38,507








The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

4



Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Continued)
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
 
Quarters Ended
 
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Earnings per Common Share – Basic:
 
 
 
Net income available for Common Shares
$
0.32

 
$
0.46

Earnings per Common Share – Fully Diluted:
 
 
 
Net income available for Common Shares
$
0.32

 
$
0.46

 
 
 
 
Distributions declared per Common Share outstanding
$
0.375

 
$
0.325

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding – basic
83,961

 
83,116

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding – fully diluted
91,777

 
91,353




























The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

5



Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
6.75%  Series C Cumulative
Redeemable
Perpetual
Preferred  Stock
 
Distributions
in Excess of
Accumulated
Earnings
 
Non-
controlling
interests –
Common OP
Units
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2014
$
838

 
$
1,029,601

 
$
136,144

 
$
(254,209
)
 
$
67,034

 
$
(381
)
 
$
979,027

Conversion of OP Units to common stock

 
95

 

 

 
(95
)
 

 

Issuance of common stock through exercise of options
2

 
3,814

 

 

 

 

 
3,816

Issuance of common stock through employee stock purchase plan

 
253

 

 

 

 

 
253

Compensation expenses related to restricted stock

 
1,716

 

 

 

 

 
1,716

Adjustment for Common OP Unitholders in the Operating Partnership

 
(153
)
 

 

 
153

 

 

Adjustment for fair market value of swap

 

 

 

 

 
(857
)
 
(857
)
Net income

 

 
2,297

 
27,185

 
2,331

 

 
31,813

Distributions

 

 
(2,297
)
 
(31,590
)
 
(2,710
)
 

 
(36,597
)
Other

 
(51
)
 

 
(28
)
 

 

 
(79
)
Balance, March 31, 2015
$
840

 
$
1,035,275

 
$
136,144

 
$
(258,642
)
 
$
66,713

 
$
(1,238
)
 
$
979,092



















The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

6



Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited) 
 
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Consolidated net income
$
31,813

 
$
43,890

Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Early debt retirement
16,991

 

Depreciation
28,364

 
27,830

Amortization of in-place leases
665

 
1,315

Amortization of loan costs
1,083

 
1,232

Debt premium amortization
(1,202
)
 
(1,323
)
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
(884
)
 
(1,887
)
Distributions of income from unconsolidated joint ventures
443

 
1,312

Amortization of stock-related compensation
1,716

 
733

Revenue recognized from right-to-use contract upfront payments
(2,024
)
 
(1,934
)
Commission expense recognized related to right-to-use contracts
829

 
684

Long term incentive plan compensation
360

 
475

Recovery of uncollectible rents receivable
(505
)
 
(606
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Notes receivable activity, net
(284
)
 
(937
)
Deferred commission expense
(1,142
)
 
(1,239
)
Escrow deposits, goodwill and other assets
15,046

 
7,990

Accrued payroll and other operating expenses
8,715

 
6,372

Deferred revenue – upfront payments from right-to-use contracts
2,797

 
3,081

Deferred revenue – right-to-use annual payments
3,903

 
4,205

Rents received in advance and security deposits
2,531

 
2,036

Net cash provided by operating activities
109,215

 
93,229

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Real estate acquisition
(12,195
)
 
(44,226
)
Tax-deferred exchange deposit

 
10,576

Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
(4,000
)
 
(2,500
)
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures

 
116

Repayments of notes receivable
2,604

 
7,115

Issuance of notes receivable
(1,728
)
 
(2,245
)
Capital improvements
(16,260
)
 
(10,000
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(31,579
)
 
(41,164
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from stock options and employee stock purchase plan
4,069

 
311

Distributions:
 
 
 
Common Stockholders
(27,272
)
 
(20,836
)
Common OP Unitholders
(2,351
)
 
(1,917
)
Preferred Stockholders
(2,297
)
 
(2,310
)
Principal payments and mortgage debt payoff
(392,949
)
 
(29,184
)
New mortgage notes payable financing proceeds
395,323

 

Debt issuance and defeasance costs
(23,091
)
 
(77
)
Other
(79
)
 
(52
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(48,647
)
 
(54,065
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
28,989

 
(2,000
)
Cash, beginning of period
73,714

 
58,427

Cash, end of period
$
102,703

 
$
56,427





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

7




Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Supplemental Information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for interest
$
28,553

 
$
27,929

Capital improvements – used homes acquired by repossessions
$
232

 
$
446

Net repayments of notes receivable – used homes acquired by repossessions
$
(232
)
 
$
(446
)
Building and other depreciable property – reclassification of rental homes
$
5,966

 
$
4,203

Escrow deposits and other assets – reclassification of rental homes
$
(5,966
)
 
$
(4,203
)
 
 
 
 
Real estate acquisitions:
 
 
 
Investment in real estate
$
(12,300
)
 
$
(61,781
)
Deferred financing costs, net

 
(180
)
Rents and other customer payments received in advance and security deposits

 
1,817

Accrued payroll and other operating expenses
109

 
942

Escrow deposits and other assets
(4
)
 
412

Debt assumed and financed on acquisition

 
14,564

Real estate acquisitions, net
$
(12,195
)
 
$
(44,226
)
     




















The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

8


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Definition of Terms
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, together with MHC Operating Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”) and other consolidated subsidiaries (“Subsidiaries”) are referred to herein as “we,” “us,” and “our.” Capitalized terms used but not defined herein are as defined in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2014 Form 10-K”) for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Basis of Presentation
These unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2014 Form 10-K. The following notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements highlight significant changes to the notes included in the 2014 Form 10-K and present interim disclosures as required by the SEC. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments and estimates necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements, which are of a normal, recurring nature. Revenues are subject to seasonal fluctuations and accordingly, quarterly interim results may not be indicative of full year results.

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
We follow accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, commonly referred to as the “FASB.” The FASB sets GAAP, which we follow to ensure that we consistently report our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”).
(a)
Basis of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the consolidation of our accounts. We do not have controlling interests in any of our joint ventures (“JV”), which are therefore treated under the equity method of accounting and not consolidated in our financial statements. The holders of limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (“Common OP Unitholders”) receive an allocation of net income that is based on their respective ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership which is shown in our Consolidated Financial Statements as Non-controlling interests-Common OP Units. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
(b)
Identified Intangibles and Goodwill
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the gross carrying amounts of identified intangible assets and goodwill, a component of “Escrow deposits, goodwill and other assets, net” on our consolidated balance sheets, were approximately $12.1 million. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, this amount was comprised of approximately $4.3 million of identified intangible assets and approximately $7.8 million of goodwill. Accumulated amortization of identified intangible assets was approximately $2.3 million and $2.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. For each of the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, amortization expense for the identified intangible assets was approximately $0.1 million.
(c)
Restricted Cash
Cash as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, included approximately $5.0 million of restricted cash for the payment of capital improvements, insurance or real estate taxes.
(d)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments include notes receivable, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other accrued expenses, interest rate swaps and mortgage notes payable. We disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (Level 1, 2 and 3).
Our mortgage notes payable and term loan had a carrying value of approximately $2.2 billion as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and a fair value of approximately $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The fair value is measured using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar liabilities (Level 2). At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our cash flow hedge of interest rate risk included in accrued payroll and other operating expenses was measured using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar assets and liabilities (Level 2). We consider our own credit risk as well as the credit risk of our counterparties when evaluating the fair value of our derivative. The fair values of our notes

9


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

receivable, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other accrued expenses and interest rate swaps approximate their carrying or contract values.
(e)
Deferred Financing Costs, net
Deferred financing costs, net include fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing. The costs are being amortized over the terms of the respective loans on a basis that approximates level yield. Unamortized deferred financing fees are written-off when debt is retired before the maturity date. Upon amendment of the line of credit or refinancing of mortgage debt, unamortized deferred financing fees are accounted for in accordance with Codification Sub-Topic “Modifications and Extinguishments” (“FASB ASC 470-50-40”). Accumulated amortization for such costs was $30.8 million and $29.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
(f)
Reclassifications
Certain 2014 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. These reclassifications had no material effect on our Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
(g)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 does not apply to lease contracts accounted for under ASC 840, Leases. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. On April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. The FASB also proposed permitting early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and is to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of ASU 2015-02 on our consolidated financial statements.


10


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




Note 2 – Earnings Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the computation of the basic and diluted earnings per common share for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
 
Quarters Ended
 
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Numerators:
 
 
 
Net Income Available for Common Shares:
 
 
 
Net income available for Common Shares – basic
$
27,185

 
$
38,099

Amounts allocated to dilutive securities
2,331

 
3,481

Net income available for Common Shares – fully diluted
$
29,516

 
$
41,580

Denominator:
 
 
 
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding – basic
83,961

 
83,116

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
Redemption of Common OP Units for Common Shares
7,225

 
7,635

Stock options and restricted shares
591

 
602

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding – fully diluted
91,777

 
91,353

 
 
 
 
Earnings per Common Share – Basic:
 
 
 
Net income available for Common Shares
$
0.32

 
$
0.46

 
 
 
 
Earnings per Common Share – Fully Diluted:
 
 
 
Net income available for Common Shares
$
0.32

 
$
0.46

Note 3 – Common Stock and Other Equity Related Transactions
On March 31, 2015, we paid a $0.421875 per share distribution on our Depositary Shares (each representing 1/100 of a share of our Series C Preferred Stock) to stockholders of record on March 20, 2015.
On April 10, 2015, we paid a $0.375 per share distribution to common stockholders of record on March 27, 2015.
Note 4 – Investment in Real Estate
Acquisitions
All acquisitions have been accounted for utilizing the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805 and, accordingly, the results of operations of acquired assets are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income from the dates of acquisition. Certain purchase price adjustments may be made within one year following the acquisition and applied retroactively to the date of acquisition.
On February 9, 2015, we completed the acquisition of two properties, Bogue Pines, a 150-Site manufactured home property, and Whispering Pines, a 278-Site RV Resort, located in coastal North Carolina. The total purchase price of approximately $12.3 million was funded with available cash.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we acquired seven RV resorts collectively containing 3,868 Sites for a combined purchase price of approximately $85.7 million. As a result of these acquisitions, we assumed approximately $32.3 million of mortgage debt, excluding note premiums of approximately $2.3 million. The remaining purchase price was funded with available cash. We also exercised a purchase option and purchased land comprising a portion of our Colony Cove Property which was part of the portfolio of Properties acquired in 2011. The total purchase price of $35.9 million was funded with available cash. In connection with the acquisition of the land, we terminated the ground lease related to the Property. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, we received the final distribution of 51,290 shares of our common stock from the escrow funded by the seller.





11


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 4 – Investment in Real Estate (continued)

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisitions for the quarter ended ended March 31, 2015 and year ended December 31, 2014, which we determined using Level-2, for mortgage notes payable and other liabilities, and Level-3 inputs (amounts in thousands):
 
Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
 
 Year Ended December 31, 2014
Assets acquired
 
 
 
Land
$
3,623

 
$
66,390

Buildings and other depreciable property
8,002

 
52,329

Manufactured homes
53

 
1,086

In-place leases
622

 
2,561

Net investment in real estate
12,300

 
122,366

Other assets
4

 
1,197

Total Assets acquired
$
12,304

 
$
123,563

 
 
 
 
Liabilities assumed
 
 
 
Mortgage notes payable
$

 
$
34,559

Other liabilities
109

 
6,712

Total Liabilities assumed
$
109

 
$
41,271

Net assets acquired
$
12,195

 
$
82,292


Dispositions and real estate held for disposition

As of March 31, 2015, we have no properties designated as held for disposition pursuant to FASB ASC 360-10-35.
Note 5 – Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
We recorded approximately $0.9 million and $1.9 million (each net of approximately $0.2 million of depreciation expense) of equity in income from unconsolidated joint ventures for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We received approximately $0.4 million and $1.4 million in distributions from these joint ventures for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Approximately $1.1 million of the distributions received exceeded our basis in a joint venture and as such were recorded as income from unconsolidated joint ventures for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
On February 12, 2015, we contributed approximately $4.0 million to the ECHO JV, which brought our total investment in this joint venture to approximately $10.4 million.
The following table summarizes our investment in unconsolidated joint ventures (investment amounts in thousands with the number of Properties shown parenthetically as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment as of
 
JV Income (loss) for the
Quarters Ended
Investment
Location
 
 Number of 
Sites
 
Economic
Interest
(a)
 
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Meadows
Various (2,2)
 
1,077

 
50
%
 
 
$
73

 
$

 
$
273

 
$
277

Lakeshore
Florida (2,2)
 
342

 
65
%
 
 
51

 
9

 
96

 
1,179

Voyager
Arizona (1,1)
 
1,706

 
50
%
(b) 
 
7,400

 
7,201

 
452

 
438

ECHO JV
Various
 

 
50
%
 
 
10,365

 
6,302

 
63

 
(7
)
 
 
 
3,125

 
 
 
 
$
17,889

 
$
13,512

 
$
884

 
$
1,887

_____________________
(a)
The percentages shown approximate our economic interest as of March 31, 2015. Our legal ownership interest may differ.
(b)
Voyager joint venture primarily consists of a 50% interest in Voyager RV Resort and 33% interest in the utility plant servicing the Property.
Note 6 – Notes Receivable
In certain cases, we purchase loans made by others to finance the sales of homes to our customers (“Chattel Loans”). Our Chattel Loans receivable require monthly principal and interest payments and are collateralized by homes at certain of the Properties. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had approximately $18.5 million and $18.9 million, respectively, of these

12


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 6 – Notes Receivable (continued)

Chattel Loans included in notes receivable. As of March 31, 2015, the Chattel Loans receivable had a stated per annum average rate of approximately 7.8%, with a yield of 21.9%, and had an average term remaining of approximately 11 years. These Chattel Loans are recorded net of allowances of approximately $0.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2014.
We also provide financing for non-refundable upgrades to existing right-to-use contracts (“Contracts Receivable”). As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had approximately $17.8 million and $18.2 million, respectively, of Contracts Receivable, net of allowances of approximately $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The Contracts Receivable have an average stated interest rate of 16.0% per annum, have a weighted average term remaining of approximately four years and require monthly payments of principal and interest.
Note 7 – Borrowing Arrangements
Mortgage Notes Payable
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had outstanding mortgage indebtedness of approximately $2,012 million. The weighted average interest rate including the impact of premium/discount amortization on this mortgage indebtedness for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was approximately 5.1% per annum. The debt bears interest at stated rates of 3.5% to 8.9% per annum and matures on various dates ranging from 2015 to 2040. The debt encumbered a total of 130 and 137 of our Properties as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and the carrying value of such Properties was approximately $2,269 million and $2,382 million, respectively, as of such dates.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as part of our previously announced refinancing plan, we closed on loans with total gross proceeds of $395.3 million. The loans have a weighted average maturity of 21 years, are secured by 26 manufactured home properties and RV resorts and carry a weighted average interest rate of 3.93% per annum. Proceeds from the financings were used to retire by defeasance and prepayment approximately $370.2 million of loans maturing at various times throughout 2015 and 2016, which were secured by 32 manufactured home properties and RV resorts with a weighted average interest rate of 5.58% per annum. We incurred approximately $17.0 million in early debt retirement expense related to these loans. We also paid off one maturing mortgage loan of approximately $13.3 million secured by a manufactured home property with a stated average interest rate of 5.20% per annum.
On April 8, 2015, we paid off a maturing mortgage loan of approximately $35.4 million secured by three RV resorts with a stated interest rate of 5.93% per annum.
Term Loan
As of March 31, 2015, our amended $200.0 million Term Loan (the “Term Loan”) matures on January 10, 2020 and has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.35% to 1.95% per annum and, subject to certain conditions, may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. The spread over LIBOR is variable quarterly based on leverage measured quarterly throughout the loan term. The Term Loan contains customary representations, warranties, and negative and affirmative covenants, and provides for acceleration of principal and payment of all other amounts payable thereunder upon the occurrence of certain events of default. In connection with the amendment of the Term Loan in 2014, we also entered into a three year LIBOR Swap Agreement (the “2014 Swap”) allowing us to trade the variable interest rate for a fixed interest rate on the Term Loan (See Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for further information on the accounting for the 2014 Swap).
As of March 31, 2014, our Term Loan, which had a maturity date of June 30, 2017, had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.85% to 2.80% per annum and, subject to certain conditions, was prepayable without premium or penalty at any time after July 1, 2014. In connection with the original Term Loan, we entered into a three year, $200.0 million LIBOR notional Swap Agreement (the “2011 Swap”), which allowed us to trade the variable interest rate for a fixed interest rate on the Term Loan and matured July 1, 2014.
Unsecured Line of Credit
As of March 31, 2015, our amended, unsecured Line of Credit (“LOC”) had a borrowing capacity of $400.0 million, with the option to increase the borrowing capacity by $100.0 million, subject to certain conditions, with no amounts outstanding. The amended LOC bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.20% to 1.65%, requires an annual facility fee of 0.20% to 0.35% and matures on July 17, 2018, with an option to extend for one additional year, subject to certain conditions. The spread over LIBOR is variable quarterly based on leverage throughout the loan term. In 2014, we incurred commitment and arrangement fees of approximately $3.5 million to enter into the amended LOC and Term Loan extension.

13


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 7 – Borrowing Arrangements (continued)

As of March 31, 2015, we are in compliance in all material respects with the covenants in our borrowing arrangements.
As of March 31, 2014, our LOC had availability of $380.0 million with no amounts outstanding. Our LOC bore a LIBOR rate plus 1.40% to 2.00%, contained a 0.25% to 0.40% facility fee and had a maturity date of September 15, 2016, with the option to extend for one year, subject to certain conditions.
Note 8 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
In connection with our amended Term Loan, we entered into the 2014 Swap (see Note 7 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for information about the Term Loan related to the 2014 Swap) allowing us to trade the variable interest rate for a fixed interest rate on the Term Loan. The 2014 Swap fixes the underlying LIBOR rate on the Term Loan at 1.04% per annum for the first three years and matures on August 1, 2017. Based on the leverage as of March 31, 2015, our spread over LIBOR is 1.35% resulting in an estimated all-in interest rate of 2.39% per annum.
In connection with the original Term Loan in 2011, we entered into the 2011 Swap (see Note 7 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for information about the Term Loan related to the 2011 Swap) that fixed the underlying LIBOR rate on the Term Loan at 1.11% per annum for the first three years and matured on July 1, 2014.
We have designated the 2014 Swap and 2011 Swap as cash flow hedges. No gain or loss was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income related to hedge ineffectiveness or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing on our cash flow hedge during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to derivatives are reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months, we estimate that an additional $1.4 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense. This estimate may be subject to change as the underlying LIBOR rate changes.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instrument as well as our classification on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands).
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Interest Rate Swap
Accrued payroll and other operating expenses
 
$
1,238

 
$
381

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement
The tables below present the effect of our derivative financial instrument on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands).
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
Amount of loss recognized
in OCI on derivative
(effective portion)
 
Location of loss
reclassified from
accumulated OCI into income
(effective portion)
 
Amount of loss
reclassified from
accumulated OCI into
income (effective
portion)
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
 
 
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Interest Rate Swap
$
1,292

 
$
25

 
Interest Expense
 
$
435

 
$
470

We determined that no adjustment was necessary for nonperformance risk on our derivative obligation. As of March 31, 2015, we have not posted any collateral related to this agreement.


14


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 9 – Deferred Revenue-entry of right-to-use contracts and Deferred Commission Expense
Components of the change in deferred revenue-entry of right-to-use contracts and deferred commission expense are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
Quarters Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred revenue–upfront payments from right-to-use contracts, as of January 1,
$
74,174

 
$
68,673

Right-to-use contracts current period, gross
2,797

 
3,081

Revenue recognized from right-to-use contract upfront payments
(2,024
)
 
(1,934
)
Right-to-use contract upfront payments, deferred, net
773

 
1,147

Deferred revenue–upfront payments from right-to-use contracts, as of March 31,
$
74,947

 
$
69,820

 
 
 
 
Deferred commission expense, as of January 1,
$
28,589

 
$
25,251

Deferred commission expense
1,142

 
1,239

Commission expense recognized
(829
)
 
(684
)
Net increase in deferred commission expense
313

 
555

Deferred commission expense, as of March 31,
$
28,902

 
$
25,806

Note 10 – Equity Incentive Awards
Stock-based compensation expense, reported in “General and administrative” on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $1.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) was adopted by our Board of Directors on March 11, 2014 and approved by our stockholders on May 13, 2014. Pursuant to the 2014 Plan, our officers, directors, employees and consultants may be awarded (i) shares of common stock (“Restricted Stock Grants”), (ii) options to acquire shares of common stock (“Options”), including non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and (iii) other forms of equity awards, subject to conditions and restrictions determined by the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”). The Compensation Committee will determine the vesting schedule, if any, of each Restricted Stock Grant or Option and the term of each Option, which term shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Shares that do not vest are forfeited. Dividends paid on restricted stock are not returnable, even if the underlying stock does not entirely vest. A maximum of 3,750,000 shares of common stock are available for grant under the 2014 Plan. As of March 31, 2015, 3,438,234 shares remained available for grant.
Grants under the 2014 Plan are made by the Compensation Committee, which determines the individuals eligible to receive awards, the types of awards, and the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any award.
Grants Issued
On February 2, 2015, we awarded Restricted Stock Grants for 78,000 shares of common stock at a fair market value of approximately $4.3 million to certain members of our senior management. These Restricted Stock Grants will vest on December 31, 2015.
On February 2, 2015, we awarded Restricted Stock Grants for 47,100 shares of common stock at a fair market value of approximately $2.6 million to certain members of the Board of Directors for services to be rendered in 2015. One-third of the shares of restricted common stock covered by these awards will vest on each of December 31, 2015, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2017.
The fair market value of our restricted stock grants is recorded as compensation expense and paid in capital over the vesting period.
Note 11 – Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan
On January 24, 2013, our Compensation Committee approved a Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan Award (the “2013 LTIP”) to provide a long-term cash bonus opportunity to certain members of our management. The 2013 LTIP was approved by the Compensation Committee pursuant to the authority set forth in the Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan approved by the Board of

15


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 11 – Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (continued)

Directors on May 15, 2007. The total cumulative payment for all participants (the “Eligible Payment”) is based upon certain performance conditions being met over a three year period ending December 31, 2015.
The Compensation Committee has responsibility for administering the 2013 LTIP and may use its reasonable discretion to adjust the performance criteria or Eligible Payments to take into account the impact of any major or unforeseen transaction or event. Our executive officers are not participants in the 2013 LTIP. The Eligible Payment will be paid in cash upon completion of our annual audit for the 2015 fiscal year and upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions as outlined in the 2013 LTIP and, including employer costs, is currently estimated to be approximately $5.1 million. As of March 31, 2015, we had accrued compensation expense of approximately $4.2 million for the 2013 LTIP, including approximately $0.4 million and $0.5 million in the quarters ended ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The amount accrued for the 2013 LTIP reflects our evaluation of the 2013 LTIP based on forecasts and other available information and is subject to performance in line with forecasts and final evaluation and determination by the Compensation Committee. There can be no assurances that our estimates of the probable outcome will be representative of the actual outcome.
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies

California Rent Control Litigation

As part of our effort to realize the value of our Properties subject to rent control, we previously initiated lawsuits against certain localities in California with the goal of achieving a level of regulatory fairness in California’s rent control jurisdictions, and in particular those jurisdictions that prohibit increasing rents to market upon turnover. Such regulations allow tenants to sell their homes for a price that includes a premium above the intrinsic value of the homes. The premium represents the value of the future discounted rent-controlled rents, which is fully capitalized into the prices of the homes sold. In our view, such regulations result in a transfer to the tenants of the value of our land, which would otherwise be reflected in market rents. We have discovered through the litigation process that certain municipalities considered condemning our Properties at values well below the value of the underlying land. In our view, a failure to articulate market rents for Sites governed by restrictive rent control would put us at risk for condemnation or eminent domain proceedings based on artificially reduced rents. Such a physical taking, should it occur, could represent substantial lost value to stockholders. We are cognizant of the need for affordable housing in the jurisdictions, but assert that restrictive rent regulation does not promote this purpose because tenants pay to their sellers as part of the purchase price of the home all the future rent savings that are expected to result from the rent control regulations, eliminating any supposed improvement in the affordability of housing. In a more well-balanced regulatory environment, we would receive market rents that would eliminate the price premium for homes, which would trade at or near their intrinsic value. Such efforts have included the following matters:
City of San Rafael
We sued the City of San Rafael on October 13, 2000 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, challenging its rent control ordinance (the “Ordinance”) on constitutional grounds. We believe the litigation was settled by the City’s agreement to amend the ordinance to permit adjustments to market rent upon turnover. The City subsequently rejected the settlement agreement. The Court refused to enforce the settlement agreement, and submitted to a jury the claim that it had been breached. In October 2002, a jury found no breach of the settlement agreement.
Our constitutional claims against the City were tried in a bench trial during April 2007. On April 17, 2009, the Court issued its Order for Entry of Judgment in our favor (the “April 2009 Order”). On June 10, 2009, the Court ordered the City to pay us net fees and costs of approximately $2.1 million. On June 30, 2009, as anticipated by the April 2009 Order, the Court entered final judgment that gradually phased out the City’s Site rent regulation scheme that the Court found unconstitutional. Pursuant to the final judgment, existing residents of our Property in San Rafael would be able to continue to pay Site rent as if the Ordinance were to remain in effect for a period of 10 years, enforcement of the Ordinance was immediately enjoined with respect to new residents of the Property, and the Ordinance would expire entirely ten years from the June 30, 2009 date of judgment.
The City and the residents’ association (which intervened in the case) appealed, and we cross-appealed. On April 17, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion in which, among other rulings, it reversed the trial court’s determinations that the Ordinance had unconstitutionally taken our property and that we were entitled to an award of attorneys’ fees and costs, and affirmed the jury verdict that the City had not breached the settlement agreement and affirmed the award to the City of approximately $1.25 million of attorneys’ fees and costs on the settlement agreement claims. On May 1, 2013, we filed with the Court of Appeals a petition for panel rehearing and rehearing en banc, which was denied on June 3, 2013.

16


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

On June 26, 2013, the Court of Appeals’ mandate was issued. On September 3, 2013, we filed a petition for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. On September 10, 2013, the City and the residents’ association each waived the right to respond to our petition. On October 7, 2013, the Supreme Court requested that a response be filed, which was filed on December 6, 2013. We filed a reply supporting our petition on December 20, 2013. On January 13, 2014, the Supreme Court issued an order denying our petition for review.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we paid approximately $1.4 million related to the ruling of the Court of Appeals. On July 10, 2013, we paid to the City $1.27 million to satisfy, including interest, the attorneys’ fees and costs judgment affirmed by the Court of Appeals. In August 2013, we also paid to the City approximately $0.08 million to satisfy its claim for attorney’s fees on appeal.
City of Santee
On January 31, 2012, we sued the City of Santee in the United States District for the Southern District of California alleging that the City’s rent control ordinance effectuates a regulatory and private taking of our property and is unconstitutional under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. On April 2, 2012, the City filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On December 21, 2012, the Court entered an order in which it: (a) denied the City’s motion to dismiss our private taking and substantive due process claims; (b) granted the City’s motion to dismiss our procedural due process claim as not cognizable because of the availability of a state remedy of a writ of mandamus; and (c) granted the City’s motion to dismiss our regulatory taking claim as being not ripe. In addition, we also filed in the California Superior Court on February 1, 2012 a petition for a writ of administrative mandamus, and on September 28, 2012 a motion for writ of administrative mandamus, seeking orders directing that a rent increase petition we had filed with the City be granted. On April 5, 2013, the Court denied our petition for writ of administrative mandamus. On June 3, 2013, we filed an appeal to the California Court of Appeal from the denial of our petition for writ of administrative mandamus.
On September 26, 2013, we entered a settlement agreement with the City of Santee pursuant to which the City agreed to the entry of a peremptory writ of mandate by the Superior Court directing the City to grant us a special adjustment under the City’s rent control ordinance permitting us, subject to the terms of the agreement, to increase Site rents at the Meadowbrook community through January 1, 2034 as follows: (a) a one-time 2.5% rent increase on all Sites in January 2014; plus (b) annual rent increases of 100% of the consumer price index (CPI) beginning in 2014; and (c) a 10% increase in the rent on a site upon turnover of that site. Absent the settlement, the rent control ordinance limited us to annual rent increases of at most 70% of CPI with no increases on turnover of a site.
Colony Park
On December 1, 2006, a group of tenants at our Colony Park Property in Ceres, California filed a complaint in the California Superior Court for Stanislaus County alleging that we had failed to properly maintain the Property and had improperly reduced the services provided to the tenants, among other allegations. We answered the complaint by denying all material allegations and filed a counterclaim for declaratory relief and damages. The case proceeded in Superior Court because our motion to compel arbitration was denied and the denial was upheld on appeal. Trial of the case began on July 27, 2010. After just over three months of trial in which the plaintiffs asked the jury to award a total of approximately $6.8 million in damages, the jury rendered verdicts awarding a total of less than $44,000 to six out of the 72 plaintiffs, and awarding nothing to the other 66 plaintiffs. The plaintiffs who were awarded nothing filed a motion for a new trial or alternatively for judgment notwithstanding the jury’s verdict, which the Court denied on February 14, 2011. All but three of the 66 plaintiffs to whom the jury awarded nothing appealed. Oral argument in the appeal was held on September 19, 2013 and the matter was taken under submission by the California Court of Appeal.
By orders entered on December 14, 2011, the Superior Court awarded us approximately $2.0 million in attorneys’ fees and other costs jointly and severally against the plaintiffs to whom the jury awarded nothing, and awarded no attorneys’ fees or costs to either side with respect to the six plaintiffs to whom the jury awarded less than $44,000. Plaintiffs filed an appeal from the approximately $2.0 million award of our attorneys’ fees and other costs. Oral argument in that appeal was also held on September 19, 2013. On December 3, 2013, the Court of Appeal issued a partially published opinion that rejected all of plaintiffs’ claims on appeal except one, relating to whether the park’s rules prohibited the renting of spaces to recreational vehicles.  The Court of Appeal reversed the judgment on the recreational vehicle issue and remanded for further proceedings regarding that issue.  Because the judgment was reversed, the award of attorney’s fees and other costs was also reversed.  Both sides filed rehearing petitions with the Court of Appeal.  On December 31, 2013, the Court of Appeal granted the defendants’ rehearing petition and ordered the parties to submit supplemental briefing, which the parties did. On March 10, 2014, the Court of Appeal issued a new partially published opinion in which it again rejected all of the plaintiffs’ claims on appeal except the one relating to whether the park’s

17


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

rules prohibited the renting of spaces to recreational vehicles, reversing the judgment on that issue and remanding it for further proceedings, and accordingly vacating the award of attorney’s fees and other costs. A case management conference is scheduled for September 28, 2015 for purposes of setting a schedule and procedure for resolving the RV issue.
California Hawaiian
On April 30, 2009, a group of tenants at our California Hawaiian Property in San Jose, California filed a complaint in the California Superior Court for Santa Clara County, Case No. 109CV140751, alleging that we have failed to properly maintain the Property and have improperly reduced the services provided to the tenants, among other allegations. We moved to compel arbitration and stay the proceedings, to dismiss the case, and to strike portions of the complaint. By order dated October 8, 2009, the Court granted our motion to compel arbitration and stayed the court proceedings pending the outcome of the arbitration. The plaintiffs filed with the California Court of Appeal a petition for a writ seeking to overturn the trial court’s arbitration and stay orders. On May 10, 2011, the Court of Appeal granted the petition and ordered the trial court to vacate its order compelling arbitration and to restore the matter to its litigation calendar for further proceedings. On May 24, 2011, we filed a petition for rehearing requesting the Court of Appeal to reconsider its May 10, 2011 decision. On June 8, 2011, the Court of Appeal denied the petition for rehearing. On June 16, 2011, we filed with the California Supreme Court a petition for review of the Court of Appeal’s decision. On August 17, 2011, the California Supreme Court denied the petition for review.

The trial commenced on January 27, 2014. On April 14-15, 2014, the jury entered verdicts against our Operating Partnership of approximately $15.3 million in compensatory damages and approximately $95.8 million in punitive damages. On October 6, 2014, we filed a motion for a new trial and a motion for partial judgment notwithstanding the jury’s verdict. On December 5, 2014, after briefing and a hearing on those motions, the trial court entered an order granting us a new trial on the issue of damages while upholding the jury's determination of liability. As grounds for the ruling, the court cited excessive damages and insufficiency of the evidence to support the verdict as to the amount of damages awarded by the jury. The Court's ruling overturned the April 2014 verdicts of $15.3 million in compensatory damages and $95.8 million in punitive damages. On January 28, 2015, we and the plaintiffs each served notices of appeal from the trial court's December 5, 2014, order. We intend to continue to vigorously defend ourselves in this litigation.

At March 31, 2015, based on the information available to us, a material loss was neither probable nor estimable. We have taken into consideration the events that have occurred after the reporting period and before the financial statements were issued. We anticipate a lengthy time period to achieve resolution of this case.
Monte del Lago
On February 13, 2015, a group of tenants at our Monte del Lago Property in Castroville, California filed a complaint in the California Superior Court for Monterey County, Case No. M131016, alleging that we have failed to properly maintain the Property and have improperly reduced the services provided to the tenants, among other allegations. We believe the allegations are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves in the lawsuit.
Other
In addition to legal matters discussed above, we are involved in various other legal and regulatory proceedings (“Other Proceedings”) arising in the ordinary course of business. The Other Proceedings include, but are not limited to, notices, consent decrees, information requests, and additional permit requirements and other similar enforcement actions by governmental agencies relating to our water and wastewater treatment plants and other waste treatment facilities. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, our operations are subject to audit by various taxing authorities. Management believes these Other Proceedings taken together do not represent a material liability. In addition, to the extent any such proceedings or audits relate to newly acquired Properties, we consider any potential indemnification obligations of sellers in our favor.
Note 13 – Reportable Segments

Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker evaluates and assesses performance on a monthly basis. Segment operating performance is measured on Net Operating Income (“NOI”). NOI is defined as total operating revenues less total operating expenses. Segments are assessed before interest income, depreciation and amortization of in-place leases.

18


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 13 – Reportable Segments (continued)

We have two reportable segments which are: (i) Property Operations and (ii) Home Sales and Rentals Operations. The Property Operations segment owns and operates land lease Properties and the Home Sales and Rentals Operations segment purchases, sells and leases homes at the Properties.
All revenues are from external customers and there is no customer who contributed 10% or more of our total revenues during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
The following tables summarize our segment financial information for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
 
Property
Operations
 
Home Sales
and Rentals
Operations
 
Consolidated
Operations revenues
$
194,689

 
$
10,786

 
$
205,475

Operations expenses
(87,280
)
 
(9,198
)
 
(96,478
)
Income from segment operations
107,409

 
1,588

 
108,997

Interest income
709

 
1,089

 
1,798

Depreciation on real estate assets and rental homes
(25,356
)
 
(2,760
)
 
(28,116
)
Amortization of in-place leases
(665
)
 

 
(665
)
Income from operations
$
82,097

 
$
(83
)
 
82,014

Reconciliation to Consolidated net income:
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate interest income
 
 
 
 
22

Income from other investments, net
 
 
 
 
1,119

General and administrative
 
 
 
 
(7,406
)
Property rights initiatives
 
 
 
 
(553
)
Early debt retirement
 
 
 
 
(16,991
)
Interest and related amortization
 
 
 
 
(27,276
)
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
 
 
 
 
884

Consolidated net income
 
 
 
 
$
31,813

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
3,207,091

 
$
261,703

 
$
3,468,794

Capital improvements
$
8,887

 
$
7,373

 
$
16,260

Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
 
Property
Operations
 
Home Sales
and Rentals
Operations
 
Consolidated
Operations revenues
$
183,217

 
$
9,230

 
$
192,447

Operations expenses
(83,821
)
 
(7,845
)
 
(91,666
)
Income from segment operations
99,396

 
1,385

 
100,781

Interest income
797

 
1,109

 
1,906

Depreciation on real estate assets and rental homes
(24,858
)
 
(2,784
)
 
(27,642
)
Amortization of in-place leases
(1,315
)
 

 
(1,315
)
Income from operations
$
74,020

 
$
(290
)
 
73,730

Reconciliation to Consolidated net income:
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate interest income
 
 
 
 
791

Income from other investments, net
 
 
 
 
1,601

General and administrative
 
 
 
 
(5,760
)
Interest and related amortization
 
 
 
 
(28,048
)
Property rights initiatives
 
 
 
 
(311
)
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
 
 
 
 
1,887

Consolidated net income
 
 
 
 
$
43,890

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
3,118,684

 
$
291,878

 
$
3,410,562

Capital improvements
$
4,994

 
$
5,006

 
$
10,000


19


Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 13 – Reportable Segments (continued)

The following table summarizes our financial information for the Property Operations segment for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):    
 
Quarters Ended
 
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
Community base rental income
$
109,270

 
$
106,045

Resort base rental income
51,645

 
44,949

Right-to-use annual payments
10,981

 
11,214

Right-to-use contracts current period, gross
2,797

 
3,081

Right-to-use contract upfront payments, deferred, net
(773
)
 
(1,147
)
Utility and other income
19,082

 
17,571

Ancillary services revenues, net
1,687

 
1,504

Total property operations revenues
194,689

 
183,217

Expenses:
 
 
 
Property operating and maintenance
61,117

 
58,696

Real estate taxes
12,594

 
12,485

Sales and marketing, gross
2,522

 
2,563

Right-to-use contract commissions, deferred, net
(243
)
 
(555
)
Property management
11,290

 
10,632

Total property operations expenses
87,280

 
83,821

Income from property operations segment
$
107,409

 
$
99,396

    
The following table summarizes our financial information for the Home Sales and Rentals Operations segment for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
 
Quarters Ended
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
Gross revenue from home sales
$
6,937

 
$
5,178

Brokered resale revenues, net
295

 
295

Rental home income (a)
3,554

 
3,757

Total revenues
10,786

 
9,230

Expenses:
 
 
 
Cost of home sales
6,724

 
5,368

Home selling expenses
805

 
569

Rental home operating and maintenance
1,669

 
1,908

Total expenses
9,198

 
7,845

Income from home sales and rentals operations segment
$
1,588

 
$
1,385

______________________
(a)
Segment information does not include Site rental income included in Community base rental income.



20



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

Overview and Outlook
We are a self-administered, self-managed, real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. We are a fully integrated owner and operator of lifestyle-oriented properties (“Properties”). We lease individual developed areas (“Sites”) with access to utilities for placement of factory built homes, cottages, cabins or recreational vehicles (“RVs”). Customers may lease individual Sites or enter right-to-use contracts providing the customer access to specific Properties for limited stays. As of March 31, 2015, we owned or had an ownership interest in a portfolio of 386 Properties located throughout the United States and Canada containing 143,541 residential Sites. These Properties are located in 32 states and British Columbia (with the number of Properties in each state or province shown parenthetically) as follows: Florida (121), California (49), Arizona (42), Texas (17), Pennsylvania (15), Washington (14), Colorado (10), North Carolina (10), Wisconsin (10), Oregon (9), Delaware (7), Indiana (7), Nevada (7), New York (7), Virginia (7), New Jersey (6), Illinois (5), Maine (5), Massachusetts (5), Idaho (4), Michigan (4), Minnesota (4), New Hampshire (3), South Carolina (3), Utah (3), Maryland (2), North Dakota (2), Ohio (2), Tennessee (2), Alabama (1), Connecticut (1), Kentucky (1), and British Columbia (1).
This report includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used, words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “project,” “intend,” “may be” and “will be” and similar words or phrases, or the negative thereof, unless the context requires otherwise, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and may include without limitation, information regarding our expectations, goals or intentions regarding the future, and the expected effect of recent acquisitions on us. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to:
our ability to control costs, real estate market conditions, the actual rate of decline in customers, the actual use of Sites by customers and our success in acquiring new customers at our Properties (including those that we may acquire);
our ability to maintain historical or increase future rental rates and occupancy with respect to Properties currently owned or that we may acquire;
our ability to retain and attract customers renewing, upgrading and entering right-to-use contracts;
our assumptions about rental and home sales markets;
our ability to manage counterparty risk;
in the age-qualified Properties, home sales results could be impacted by the ability of potential home buyers to sell their existing residences as well as by financial, credit and capital markets volatility;
results from home sales and occupancy will continue to be impacted by local economic conditions, lack of affordable manufactured home financing and competition from alternative housing options including site-built single-family housing;
impact of government intervention to stabilize site-built single family housing and not manufactured housing;
effective integration of recent acquisitions and our estimates regarding the future performance of recent acquisitions;
the completion of future transactions in their entirety, if any, and timing and effective integration with respect thereto;
unanticipated costs or unforeseen liabilities associated with recent acquisitions;
ability to obtain financing or refinance existing debt on favorable terms or at all;
the effect of interest rates;
the dilutive effects of issuing additional securities;
the effect of accounting for the entry of contracts with customers representing a right-to-use the Properties under the Codification Topic “Revenue Recognition;
the outcome of pending or future lawsuits filed against us by tenant groups seeking to limit rent increases and/or seeking large damage awards for our alleged failure to properly maintain certain Properties or other tenant related matters, such as the case currently pending in the California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, Case No. H041913, involving our California Hawaiian manufactured home property, including any further proceedings on appeal or in the trial court; and
other risks indicated from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
These forward-looking statements are based on management’s present expectations and beliefs about future events. As with any projection or forecast, these statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter our forward-looking statements whether as a result of such changes, new information, subsequent events or otherwise.


21



The following chart lists the Properties acquired, invested in, or sold since January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015.
Property
Transaction Date
 
Sites
 
 
 
 
Total Sites as of January 1, 2014
 
 
139,126

Property or Portfolio:
 
 
 
Acquisitions:
 
 
 
Blackhawk
January 7, 2014
 
490

Lakeland
January 24, 2014
 
682

Pine Acres
September 26, 2014
 
421

Echo Farms
September 29, 2014
 
237

Mays Landing
September 30, 2014
 
168

Space Coast
October 1, 2014
 
270

Mesa Spirit
December 30, 2014
 
1,600

Bogue Pines
February 9, 2015
 
150

Whispering Pines
February 9, 2015
 
278

Expansion Site Development and other:
 
 
 
Net sites added (reconfigured) in 2014
 
 
119

Net sites added (reconfigured) in 2015
 
 

Total Sites as of March 31, 2015
 
 
143,541

The gross investment in real estate has increased approximately $23.0 million to $4,411 million as of March 31, 2015 from $4,388 million as of December 31, 2014 primarily due to the acquisition of the Bogue Pines and Whispering Pines Properties.
We actively seek to acquire and are currently engaged in various stages of negotiations relating to the possible acquisition of additional properties, which may include contracts outstanding to acquire such properties that are subject to the satisfactory completion of our due diligence review.
Occupancy in our Properties, as well as our ability to increase rental rates, directly affects revenues. Our revenue streams are predominantly derived from customers renting our Sites on a long-term basis. Some revenue streams are subject to seasonal fluctuations and, accordingly, quarterly interim results may not be indicative of full fiscal year results.
The following table shows the breakdown of our Sites by type. Our community Sites and annual resort Sites are leased on an annual basis. Seasonal Sites are leased to customers generally for three to six months. Transient Sites are leased to customers on a short-term basis. The revenue from seasonal and transient Sites is generally higher during the first and third quarters. We expect to service over 100,000 customers at our transient Sites in 2015 and we consider this revenue stream to be our most volatile as it is subject to weather conditions and other factors affecting the marginal RV customer’s vacation and travel preferences. Sites designated as right-to-use Sites are primarily utilized to service the approximately 95,300 customers who have entered right-to-use contracts. We also have interests in joint venture Properties for which revenue is classified as Equity in income from unconsolidated joint ventures in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
 
Total Sites as of March 31, 2015
Community Sites
70,100

Resort Sites:
 
Annual
25,700

Seasonal
10,100

Transient
10,400

Right-to-use (1)
24,100

Joint Ventures (2)
3,100

 
143,500

_________________________ 
(1) 
Includes approximately 5,100 Sites rented on an annual basis.
(2) 
Joint ventures have approximately 2,200 annual Sites, approximately 400 seasonal Sites and approximately 500 transient Sites.
Our Core Portfolio (“Core Portfolio”) consists of our Properties owned and operated for the same period in 2015 and 2014. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, property operating revenues in our Core Portfolio, excluding deferrals, were up 4.1% and property operating expenses in our Core Portfolio, excluding deferrals and property management, were up 1.3%, resulting in an increase in core net operating income before deferrals and property management of 6.0%. Operating expenses in our Core Portfolio were slightly lower than expected in the quarter as the result of decreased utility expenses, mainly gas expense, driven by lower rates and usage, primarily in California and Florida.
A significant portion of our rental agreements on community Sites have rent increases that are directly or indirectly connected to published CPI statistics that are issued from June through September of the year prior to the increase effective date.

22



Twenty-seven properties, including 19 of our 49 California Properties, our seven Delaware Properties and one of our five Massachusetts Properties are affected by state and local rent control regulations. The impact of the rent control regulations is to limit our ability to implement rent increases based on prevailing market conditions. The regulations generally permit us to increase rates by a percentage of the increase in the CPI. The limit on rent increases may range from 60% to 100% of CPI with certain maximum limits depending on the jurisdiction.
In the years following the disruption in the site-built housing market, our home sales business was negatively affected by our customers’ inability to sell their existing site-built homes and relocate to their retirement destination. As a result, we focused on home rental rather than sales as our primary source of occupancy upon turnover. As we managed and expanded our portfolio of rental homes, we placed homes in communities where we believed we could successfully sell homes as the market improved. We continue to allocate capital to home purchases based on our assessment of market conditions and emphasize home sales in that assessment. We continue to see population growth in our key markets, increased access to distribution channels for our products, and a renewed willingness by our customers to commit to us for a longer period of time. We have also seen a decrease in homes coming back to us, which generally means that our residents have the opportunity to resell their homes.
We continue to focus on the quality of occupancy growth by increasing the number of homeowners in our Core portfolio. As of March 31, 2015, we increased occupancy in our Core Portfolio by 235 sites, with an increase in homeowner occupancy of 591 sites compared with occupancy at March 31, 2014.
Since 2013, we have experienced an increase in the sales volume of new and used homes in our communities. We attribute this increase to various factors including management’s focus on increasing the number of homeowners within our communities, changes to incentive structures for our on-site personnel to emphasize home sales rather than rentals and willingness of an increasing number of customers to commit their capital to purchase a home in our communities. New home sales in the manufactured home communities in our Core Portfolio during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 increased by 34 over the same period in the prior year. The recent new home sales have been primarily in our California, Colorado and Florida communities. Used home sales in the manufactured home communities in our Core Portfolio during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 decreased 3.0% over the same period in the prior year. The used home sales increase is 9.4% more than the first quarter of 2013.
During 2013 we formed a joint venture, ECHO Financing, LLC (the “ECHO JV”), with a home manufacturer to buy and sell homes, as well as to offer another financing option to purchasers of homes at our Properties. The ECHO JV may also rent homes to customers in our communities. In the manufactured housing industry, chattel financing options available today include community owner funded programs or third party lender programs that provide subsidized financing to customers and require the community owner to provide a guarantee for customer defaults. Third party lender programs have stringent underwriting criteria, sizable down payment requirements, short loan amortization and high interest rates.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we had 5,170 occupied rental homes in our manufactured home communities. For the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, home rental program net operating income was approximately $8.6 million and $9.1 million, respectively, net of rental asset depreciation expense of approximately $2.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively. The net operating income and rental asset depreciation expense does not include the revenue and expense associated with our ECHO JV. Approximately $9.4 million and $10.0 million of home rental operations revenue was included in community base rental income for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We believe at this time we compete effectively with other types of rentals (i.e., apartments). We continue to evaluate home rental operations and expect to continue to invest in additional units.
In our RV resorts, we are focused on engaging with our existing customers and providing them the lifestyle they seek as well as attracting additional customers interested in our Properties. We continue to experience growth in our annual revenues as a result of our ability to increase rental rates and occupancy. Our first quarter Core Portfolio annual revenues were 5.7% higher than the first quarter of last year. Our customer base is loyal and engaged in the lifestyle we offer at our Properties. We have annual customers who have stayed over ten years with us and our member base includes members who have camped with us for more than twenty years. Our social media presence has increased within this member base.

In the spring of 2010, we introduced low-cost membership products that focus on the installed base of approximately nine million RV owners. Such products include right-to-use contracts that entitle the customer to use certain Properties. We are offering a Thousand Trails Camping Pass (“TTC”) (formerly Zone Park Pass), which can be purchased for one to five geographic areas of the United States and requires an annual payment. In 2015, the required annual payment is $545. The TTC replaces high cost products that were typically entered into at Properties prior to 2010 after tours and lengthy sales presentations. Prior to 2010, we incurred significant costs to generate leads, conduct tours and make sales presentations. A single zone TTC requires no additional upfront payment while additional zones may be purchased for modest additional upfront payments. Since inception we have entered into approximately 60,100 TTCs. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we entered into approximately 4,200 TTCs, or a 51.7% increase from approximately 2,800 TTCs for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. Of the 4,200 TTCs activated during the quarter

23



ended March 31, 2015, approximately 2,000 were sold to dues paying members and the remainder were activated through select RV dealers.

In 2012, we initiated a program with RV dealers to feature our TTC as part of the dealers’ sales and marketing efforts. We provide the dealer with a TTC membership to give to their customers in connection with the purchase of an RV. No cash is received from the member during the first year of membership for memberships activated through the RV dealer program. Since inception, we have activated 17,988 TTCs through the RV dealer program. Our renewal rate for these RV dealer memberships is approximately 19%.
Existing customers are eligible to upgrade their right-to-use contract from time-to-time. An upgrade is distinguishable from a new right-to-use contract that a customer would enter by, depending on the type of upgrade, offering (1) increased length of consecutive stay by 50% (i.e., up to 21 days); (2) ability to make earlier advance reservations; (3) discounts on rental units; (4) access to additional Properties, which may include use of Sites at non-membership RV resorts and (5) membership in discount travel programs. Each upgrade contract requires a nonrefundable upfront payment. We may finance the nonrefundable upfront payment.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Refer to the 2014 Form 10-K for a discussion of our critical accounting policies, which includes impairment of real estate assets and investments, revenue recognition and business combinations. There have been no changes to these policies during the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

Supplemental Measures
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations include certain non-GAAP financial measures that in management’s view of the business we believe are meaningful as they allow the investor the ability to understand key operating details of our business both with and without regard to certain accounting conventions or items that may not always be indicative of recurring annual cash flow of the portfolio. These non-GAAP financial measures as determined and presented by us may not be comparable to related or similarly titled measures reported by other companies and include Income from property operations, Funds from Operations (“FFO”) and Normalized Funds from Operations (“Normalized FFO”).
Income from property operations represents rental income, utility income and right-to-use income less property operating and maintenance, real estate taxes, sales and marketing, and property management expenses. We believe that Income from property operations is helpful to investors and analysts as a direct measure of the actual operating results of our manufactured home and RV communities. A discussion of FFO, Normalized FFO and a reconciliation to net income are included in the presentation of FFO following our “Results of Operations.”
The following table reconciles Income before equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures to Income from property operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
 
 
Total Portfolio
 
 
Quarters Ended
 
 
March 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2014
Income from property operations
 
$
107,607

 
$
99,741

Income from home sales operations and other
 
1,390

 
1,040

Total other income and expenses, net
 
(78,068
)
 
(58,778
)
Income before equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
 
$
30,929

 
$
42,003



24



Comparison of the Quarter Ended March 31, 2015 to the Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
Income from Property Operations
The following table summarizes certain financial and statistical data for the Core Portfolio and the total portfolio for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands). The Core Portfolio may change from time-to-time depending on acquisitions, dispositions and significant transactions or unique situations. The Core Portfolio in this Form 10-Q includes all Properties acquired prior to December 31, 2013 and which we have owned and operated continuously since January 1, 2014. Core Portfolio growth percentages exclude the impact of GAAP deferrals of upfront payments from right-to-use contracts and related commissions.
 
Core Portfolio
 
Total Portfolio
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
Community base rental income
$
109,209

 
$
106,045

 
$
3,164

 
3.0
 %
 
$
109,270

 
$
106,045

 
$
3,225

 
3.0
 %
Rental home income
3,554

 
3,757

 
(203
)
 
(5.4
)%
 
3,554

 
3,757

 
(203
)
 
(5.4
)%
Resort base rental income
48,231

 
44,323

 
3,908

 
8.8
 %
 
51,645

 
44,949

 
6,696

 
14.9
 %
Right-to-use annual payments
10,981

 
11,214

 
(233
)
 
(2.1
)%
 
10,981

 
11,214

 
(233
)
 
(2.1
)%
Right-to-use contracts current period, gross
2,797

 
3,081

 
(284
)
 
(9.2
)%
 
2,797

 
3,081

 
(284
)
 
(9.2
)%
Utility and other income
18,822

 
17,570

 
1,252

 
7.1
 %
 
19,082

 
17,571

 
1,511

 
8.6
 %
Property operating revenues, excluding deferrals
193,594

 
185,990

 
7,604

 
4.1
 %
 
197,329

 
186,617

 
10,712

 
5.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Property operating and maintenance
59,840

 
58,592

 
1,248

 
2.1
 %
 
61,117

 
58,696

 
2,421

 
4.1
 %
Rental home operating and maintenance
1,669

 
1,908

 
(239
)
 
(12.5
)%
 
1,669

 
1,908

 
(239
)
 
(12.5
)%
Real estate taxes
12,445

 
12,444

 
1

 
 %
 
12,594

 
12,485

 
109

 
0.9
 %
Sales and marketing, gross
2,519

 
2,563

 
(44
)
 
(1.7
)%
 
2,522

 
2,563

 
(41
)
 
(1.6
)%
Property operating expenses, excluding deferrals and Property management
76,473

 
75,507

 
966

 
1.3
 %
 
77,902

 
75,652

 
2,250

 
3.0
 %
Income from property operations, excluding deferrals and Property management (1)
117,121

 
110,483

 
6,638

 
6.0
 %
 
119,427

 
110,965

 
8,462

 
7.6
 %
Property management
11,290

 
10,632

 
658

 
6.2
 %
 
11,290

 
10,632

 
658

 
6.2
 %
Income from property operations, excluding deferrals (1)
105,831

 
99,851

 
5,980

 
6.0
 %
 
108,137

 
100,333

 
7,804

 
7.8
 %
Right-to-use contracts, deferred and sales and marketing, deferred, net
530

 
592

 
(62
)
 
(10.5
)%
 
530

 
592

 
(62
)
 
(10.5
)%
Income from property operations 
$
105,301

 
$
99,259

 
$
6,042

 
6.1
 %
 
$
107,607

 
$
99,741

 
$
7,866

 
7.9
 %
__________________________
(1)     Non-GAAP measure.
The 3.0% increase in Core Portfolio community base rental income primarily reflects a 2.7% growth from rate increases and a 0.3% growth from occupancy gains. The average monthly base rent per site increased to approximately $564 in 2015 from approximately $550 in 2014. The average occupancy increased to 92.3% in 2015 from 92.1% in 2014. The increase in Core property operating and maintenance expenses was primarily due to higher bad debt expense, resulting from the one-time impact in 2014 related to the change in our reserve methodology, as well as increased repair and maintenance expenses. The increase in repair and maintenance was primarily driven by snow removal expenses in the North and Northeast regions.
The decrease in rental home income and rental home operating and maintenance are discussed in further detail in the Rental Operations table below.
Resort base rental income is comprised of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
Core Portfolio
 
Total Portfolio
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
Annual
$
25,776

 
$
24,397

 
$
1,379

 
5.7
%
 
$
27,928

 
$
25,023

 
$
2,905

 
11.6
%
Seasonal
14,117

 
12,776

 
1,341

 
10.5
%
 
14,983

 
12,776

 
2,207

 
17.3
%
Transient
8,338

 
7,150

 
1,188

 
16.6
%
 
8,734

 
7,150

 
1,584

 
22.2
%
Resort base rental income
$
48,231

 
$
44,323

 
$
3,908

 
8.8
%
 
$
51,645

 
$
44,949

 
$
6,696

 
14.9
%
The 2.1% decrease in right-to-use annual payments is primarily due to a slight decrease in member count since the first quarter of 2014. Right-to-use contracts current period, gross, net of sales and marketing, gross, decreased as a result of lower

25



upgrade revenue and an increase in commissions. During the first quarter of 2015 there were 597 upgrade sales with an average price per sale of $4,688. This compares to 658 upgrade sales with an average price per sale of $4,684 for the first quarter of 2014.
The following table summarizes the growth rate percentages excluding property management expense (amounts in thousands): 
 
Core Portfolio
 
Total Portfolio
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
Property operating revenues, excluding Right-to-use contracts current period, gross
$
190,797

 
$
182,909

 
$
7,888

 
4.3
%
 
$
194,532

 
$
183,536

 
$
10,996

 
6.0
%
Property operating expenses, excluding Sales and marketing, gross
73,954

 
72,944

 
1,010

 
1.4
%
 
75,380

 
73,089

 
2,291

 
3.1
%
Income from property operations, excluding Right-to-use contracts current period, gross and Sales and marketing, gross
$
116,843

 
$
109,965

 
$
6,878

 
6.3
%
 
$
119,152

 
$
110,447

 
$
8,705

 
7.9
%
The increase in total portfolio income from property operations is due primarily to increases in Core community base rental income, Core resort base rental income and the contribution from property operations related to the 2014 and 2015 acquisitions, partially offset by an overall increase in expenses, with the most significant increases relating to bad debt expense, resulting from the one-time impact in 2014 related to the change in our reserve methodology, payroll expenses and repair and maintenance.
Home Sales Operations
The following table summarizes certain financial and statistical data for the Home Sales Operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands, except home sales volumes).
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
Gross revenues from new home sales (1)
$
2,930

 
$
1,994

 
$
936

 
46.9
 %
Cost of new home sales (1)
(2,745
)
 
(1,812
)
 
(933
)
 
(51.5
)%
Gross profit from new home sales
185

 
182

 
3

 
1.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross revenues from used home sales
4,007

 
3,184

 
823

 
25.8
 %
Cost of used home sales
(3,979
)
 
(3,556
)
 
(423
)
 
(11.9
)%
Gross profit (loss) from used home sales
28

 
(372
)
 
400

 
107.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered resale revenues and ancillary services revenues, net
1,982

 
1,799

 
183

 
10.2
 %
Home selling expenses
(805
)
 
(569
)
 
(236
)
 
(41.5
)%
Income from home sales operations and other
$
1,390

 
$
1,040

 
$
350

 
33.7
 %
Home sales volumes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total new home sales(2)
86

 
45

 
41

 
91.1
 %
               New Home Sales Volume - ECHO JV
39

 
14

 
25

 
178.6
 %
Used home sales
381

 
380

 
1

 
0.3
 %
Brokered home resales
205

 
226

 
(21
)
 
(9.3
)%
_________________________
(1) New home sales gross revenues and costs of new home sales does not include the revenues and costs associated with our ECHO JV.
(2) Total new home sales volume includes home sales from our ECHO JV for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The increase in income from home sales operations and other is primarily due to an increase in gross profits from used home sales and income from ancillary services.

26



Rental Operations
The following table summarizes certain financial and statistical data for manufactured home Rental Operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands, except rental unit volumes).
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
Manufactured homes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Home
$
5,137

 
$
5,825

 
$
(688
)
 
(11.8
)%
Used Home
7,814

 
7,892

 
(78
)
 
(1.0
)%
Rental operations revenue (1)
12,951

 
13,717

 
(766
)
 
(5.6
)%
Rental home operating and maintenance
(1,669
)
 
(1,908
)
 
239

 
(12.5
)%
Income from rental operations
11,282

 
11,809

 
(527
)
 
(4.5
)%
Depreciation on rental homes (2)
(2,706
)
 
(2,750
)
 
44

 
(1.6
)%
Income from rental operations, net of depreciation
$
8,576

 
$
9,059

 
$
(483
)
 
(5.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross investment in new manufactured home rental units (3)
$
108,694

 
$
113,470

 
$
(4,776
)
 
(4.2
)%
Gross investment in used manufactured home rental units
$
62,191

 
$
64,334

 
$
(2,143
)
 
(3.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment in new manufactured home rental units
$
89,985

 
$
99,237

 
$
(9,252
)
 
(9.3
)%
Net investment in used manufactured home rental units
$
45,361

 
$
53,890

 
$
(8,529
)
 
(15.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of occupied rentals – new, end of period (4)
2,045

 
2,097

 
(52
)
 
(2.5
)%
Number of occupied rentals – used, end of period
3,125

 
3,429

 
(304
)
 
(8.9
)%
______________________
(1) 
Approximately $9.4 million and $10.0 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of Site rental income are included in Community base rental income in the Income from Property Operations table. The remainder of home rental income is included in Rental home income in the Income from Property Operations table.
(2) 
Included in depreciation on real estate and other costs in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
(3) 
New home cost basis does not include the costs associated with our ECHO JV. Our investment in the ECHO JV was $10.4 million and $5.2 million at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(4) 
Includes 55 and four homes rented through our ECHO JV in 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The decrease in income from rental operations is due primarily to a decrease in occupancy of both new and used rental units. In the ordinary course of business, we acquire used homes from customers through purchase, foreclosure of a lien, or abandonment. In a vibrant new home sales market, used homes may be sold in place or removed from sites and replaced with new homes. Used homes may also be rented either in the condition received or after warranted rehabilitation. While we continue to focus on selling homes, we continue to evaluate rental units, and based on market conditions, we expect to invest in additional new homes for customer rentals.
Other Income and Expenses
The following table summarizes other income and expenses for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands).
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
%
Change
Depreciation on real estate and rental homes
$
(28,116
)
 
$
(27,642
)
 
$
(474
)
 
(1.7
)%
Amortization of in-place leases
(665
)
 
(1,315
)
 
650

 
49.4
 %
Interest income
1,820

 
2,697

 
(877
)
 
(32.5
)%
Income from other investments, net
1,119

 
1,601

 
(482
)
 
(30.1
)%
General and administrative (excluding transaction costs)
(6,974
)
 
(5,270
)
 
(1,704
)
 
(32.3
)%
Transaction costs
(432
)
 
(490
)
 
58

 
11.8
 %
Property rights initiatives
(553
)
 
(311
)
 
(242
)
 
(77.8
)%
Early debt retirement
(16,991
)
 

 
(16,991
)
 
100.0
 %
Interest and related amortization
(27,276
)
 
(28,048
)
 
772

 
2.8
 %
Total other income and expenses, net
$
(78,068
)
 
$
(58,778
)
 
$
(19,290
)
 
(32.8
)%
Depreciation on real estate and rental homes increased primarily due to the acquisitions that occurred subsequent to the first quarter of 2014 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for additional detail regarding our recent acquisition activity).

27



Amortization of in-place leases decreased primarily due to the expected one-year life of in-place leases. The variance is further driven by the increased rate of amortization relating to the 2014 in-place leases which were fully amortized prior to the first quarter of 2015.
General and administrative expenses increased primarily due to the timing of the 2015 restricted stock awards (see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for additional detail regarding our stock-based compensation plan).
Early debt retirement expense increased as a result of the defeasance and prepayment activity that occurred during the first quarter of 2015 (see Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for additional detail regarding our first quarter defeasance and refinancing activity).     
A decrease in secured debt and lower weighted average interest rates contributed to the decrease in interest and related amortization.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Our primary demands for liquidity include payment of operating expenses, debt service, including principal and interest, capital improvements on properties, purchasing both new and pre-owned homes, acquisitions of new Properties, and distributions. We expect similar demands for liquidity will continue for the short-term and long-term. Our commitment to capital improvements on existing assets is anticipated to be consistent with last year. Our primary sources of cash include operating cash flows, proceeds from financings, borrowings under our LOC and proceeds from issuance of equity and debt securities. We have entered into equity distribution agreements with sales agents, pursuant to which we may sell, from time-to-time, shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $125.0 million. We have not sold any common stock to date under the equity distribution agreements. In addition, we have available liquidity in the form of authorized and unissued preferred stock of approximately 9.9 million shares and approximately 115.8 million shares of authorized but unissued common stock registered for sale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by a shelf registration statement which was automatically effective when filed with the SEC. Our charter allows for us to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.
One of our stated objectives is to maintain financial flexibility. Achieving this objective allows us to take advantage of strategic opportunities that may arise.  We believe effective management of our balance sheet, including maintaining various access points to raise capital, manage future debt maturities and borrow at competitive rates enables us to meet this objective.  We believe we currently have sufficient liquidity, in the form of $102.7 million in available cash as of March 31, 2015 and $400.0 million available on our LOC, to satisfy our near term obligations. On July 17, 2014, we amended our LOC to increase the borrowing capacity under the LOC from $380.0 million to $400.0 million with the option to increase the borrowing capacity by $100.0 million, subject to certain conditions (see Note 7 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q).
We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements, including all distributions, generally through available cash as well as net cash provided by operating activities and availability under our existing LOC. We consider these resources to be adequate to meet our operating requirements for capital improvements, amortizing debt and payment of dividends and distributions.
We expect to meet certain long-term liquidity requirements such as scheduled debt maturities, property acquisitions and capital improvements by use of our current cash balance, long-term collateralized and uncollateralized borrowings including borrowings under the existing LOC and the issuance of debt securities or additional equity securities, in addition to net cash provided by operating activities. As of March 31, 2015, we have approximately $35.4 million of scheduled debt maturities in 2015 (excluding scheduled principal payments on debt maturing in 2015 and beyond). We expect to satisfy our 2015 maturities with existing cash, anticipated operating cash flow and refinancing proceeds.    
    
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we closed on loans with gross proceeds of $395.3 million. The loans have a weighted average maturity of 21 years, are secured by 26 manufactured home properties and RV resorts and carry a weighted average interest rate of 3.93% per annum. Proceeds from the financings were used to retire by defeasance and prepayment approximately $370.2 million of loans maturing at various times throughout 2015 and 2016, which were secured by 32 manufactured home properties and RV resorts with a weighted average interest rate of 5.58% per annum. We incurred approximately $17.0 million in early debt retirement expense related to these loans. We also paid off one maturing mortgage of approximately $13.3 million secured by a manufactured home property with a stated average interest rate of 5.20% per annum. Additionally, on April 8, 2015, we paid off a maturing mortgage loan of approximately $35.4 million secured by three RV resorts with a stated interest rate of 5.93% per annum.

28



The table below summarizes cash flow activity for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands).
 
Quarters Ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
109,215

 
$
93,229

Net cash used in investing activities
(31,579
)
 
(41,164
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(48,647
)
 
(54,065
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
$
28,989

 
$
(2,000
)
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $16.0 million to $109.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, from $93.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. This overall increase in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to an increase in Income from property operations of $7.9 million and an increase in escrow deposits, goodwill and other assets of $7.1 million, primarily driven by the escrow deposits related to acquisition and refinancing activity.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $31.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to $41.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. Significant components of net cash used in investing activities include:
We paid approximately $12.2 million in 2015 to acquire the Bogue Pines manufactured home property and Whispering Pines RV resort. We paid approximately $44.2 million in 2014 to acquire the Blackhawk and Lakeland RV resorts as well as the Colony Cove land purchase (see Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for a description of our recent acquisitions).
We received approximately $10.6 million in 2014 of the net deferred exchange deposits which were used to acquire the Blackhawk and Lakeland RV resorts.
We contributed approximately $4.0 million to our ECHO JV in 2015 compared to the $2.5 million we invested in 2014. (see Note 5 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for a description of our joint ventures).
We received approximately $2.6 million of repayments on notes receivable in 2015 compared to $7.1 million in 2014 partially offset by new notes receivable of $1.7 million in 2015 compared to $2.2 million in 2014 (see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for further discussion).
We paid approximately $16.3 million and $10.0 million for capital improvements during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively (see Capital Improvements table below).
Capital Improvements
The table below summarizes capital improvements activity for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands).
 
Quarters Ended
March 31,
(1)
 
2015
 
2014
Recurring Capital Expenditures (2)
$
7,443

 
$
4,312

Property upgrades and site development
1,091

 
307

New home investments (3)
5,518

 
2,469

Used home investments
1,855

 
2,537

Total Property
15,907

 
9,625

Corporate
353

 
375

Total Capital improvements
$
16,260

 
$
10,000

______________________
(1) 
Excludes non-cash activity of approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million of used homes acquired by repossessions of Chattel Loans collateral for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(2) 
Recurring capital expenditures are primarily comprised of common area improvements, furniture, and mechanical improvements.
(3) 
Excludes new home investments associated with our ECHO JV.


29



Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $48.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $54.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. Significant components of net cash used in financing activities include:
We received $395.3 million in financing proceeds in 2015 (see Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q for a description of our borrowing arrangements).
We paid approximately $9.4 million of amortizing principal debt, approximately $13.3 million of maturing mortgages, defeased approximately $370.2 million of debt and paid a total of approximately $23.1 million in debt issuance and defeasance costs as well as early debt retirement costs in 2015. This compares to the approximately $8.5 million of amortizing principal debt and approximately $20.7 million of maturing mortgages paid in 2014 (see Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for a description of our borrowing arrangements).
We made distributions of approximately $31.9 million in 2015 to common stockholders, common OP unitholders and preferred stockholders and paid approximately $0.1 million for offering costs and other expenses, offset by proceeds received of approximately $4.1 million from the exercise of stock options and the sale of shares through the employee stock purchase plan (see Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for a description of our equity transactions).
We made distributions of approximately $25.1 million in 2014 to common stockholders, common OP unitholders and preferred stockholders and paid approximately $0.1 million for other expenses, offset by proceeds received of approximately $0.3 million from the exercise of stock options and the sale of shares through the employee stock purchase plan (see Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q for a description of our equity transactions).
Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2015, we were subject to certain contractual payment obligations as described in the table below (amounts in thousands):
 
Total (5)
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
Thereafter
Long Term Borrowings (1)
$
2,200,226

 
$
63,338

 
$
119,077

 
$
97,484

 
$
229,997

 
$
231,341

 
$
1,458,989

Interest Expense (2)
770,661

 
78,018

 
100,329

 
92,494

 
83,257

 
68,575

 
347,988

Operating Lease
13,239

 
1,409

 
1,961

 
1,993

 
2,039

 
1,925

 
3,912

LOC Maintenance Fee (3)
2,673

 
611

 
811

 
811

 
440

 

 

Ground Lease (4)
18,978

 
1,456

 
1,948

 
1,955

 
1,955

 
1,963

 
9,701

Total Contractual Obligations
$
3,005,777

 
$
144,832

 
$
224,126

 
$
194,737

 
$
317,688

 
$
303,804

 
$
1,820,590

Weighted average interest rates - Long Term Borrowings
4.44
%
 
4.82
%
 
4.79
%
 
4.72
%
 
4.63
%
 
4.42
%
 
4.35
%
 ______________________________
(1) 
Balance excludes note premiums of $11.5 million. Balances include debt maturing and scheduled periodic principal payments.
(2) 
Amounts include interest expected to be incurred on our secured debt based on obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2015.
(3) 
As of March 31, 2015, assumes we will not exercise our one year extension option on July 17, 2018 and assumes we will maintain our current leverage ratios as defined by the LOC.
(4) 
We also lease land under non-cancelable operating leases at certain of the Properties expiring in various years from 2015 to 2054. The majority of the lease terms require twelve equal payments per year plus additional rents calculated as a percentage of gross revenues.
(5) 
We do not include insurance, property taxes and cancelable contracts in the contractual obligations table.
We believe that we will be able to refinance our maturing debt obligations on a secured or unsecured basis; however, to the extent we are unable to refinance our debt as it matures, we believe that we will be able to repay such maturing debt through available cash as well as operating cash flow, asset sales and/or the proceeds from equity issuances. With respect to any refinancing of maturing debt, our future cash flow requirements could be impacted by significant changes in interest rates or other debt terms, including required amortization payments.
Inflation
Substantially all of the leases at the Properties allow for monthly or annual rent increases which provide us with the opportunity to achieve increases, where justified by the market, as each lease matures. Such types of leases generally minimize our risks of inflation. In addition, our resort Properties are not generally subject to leases and rents are established for these Sites

30



on an annual basis. Our right-to-use contracts generally provide for an annual dues increase, but dues may be frozen under the terms of certain contracts if the customer is over 61 years of age.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of March 31, 2015, we have no off balance sheet arrangements.
Funds From Operations
Funds from Operations (“FFO”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe FFO, as defined by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), is generally an appropriate measure of performance for an equity REIT. While FFO is a relevant and widely used measure of operating performance for equity REITs, it does not represent cash flow from operations or net income as defined by GAAP, and it should not be considered as an alternative to these indicators in evaluating liquidity or operating performance.
We define FFO as net income, computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains and actual or estimated losses from sales of Properties, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization, impairments, if any, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures are calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis. We receive up-front non-refundable payments from the entry of right-to-use contracts. In accordance with GAAP, the up-front non-refundable payments and related commissions are deferred and amortized over the estimated customer life. Although the NAREIT definition of FFO does not address the treatment of non-refundable right-to-use payments, we believe that it is appropriate to adjust for the impact of the deferral activity in our calculation of FFO.
Normalized Funds from Operations (“Normalized FFO”) is a non-GAAP measure. We define Normalized FFO as FFO excluding the following non-operating income and expense items: a) the financial impact of contingent consideration; b) gains and losses from early debt extinguishment, including prepayment penalties and defeasance costs; c) property acquisition and other transaction costs related to mergers and acquisitions; and d) other miscellaneous non-comparable items.
We believe that FFO and Normalized FFO are helpful to investors as supplemental measures of the performance of an equity REIT. We believe that by excluding the effect of depreciation, amortization and actual or estimated gains or losses from sales of real estate, all of which are based on historical costs and which may be of limited relevance in evaluating current performance, FFO can facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and among other equity REITs. We further believe that Normalized FFO provides useful information to investors, analysts and our management because it allows them to compare our operating performance to the operating performance of other real estate companies and between periods on a consistent basis without having to account for differences not related to our operations. For example, we believe that excluding the early extinguishment of debt, property acquisition and other transaction costs related to mergers and acquisitions and the change in fair value of our contingent consideration asset from Normalized FFO allows investors, analysts and our management to assess the sustainability of operating performance in future periods because these costs do not affect the future operations of the Properties. In some cases, we provide information about identified non-cash components of FFO and Normalized FFO because it allows investors, analysts and our management to assess the impact of those items.
Investors should review FFO and Normalized FFO along with GAAP net income and cash flow from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities, when evaluating an equity REIT’s operating performance. We compute FFO in accordance with our interpretation of standards established by NAREIT, which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do. Normalized FFO presented herein is not necessarily comparable to normalized FFO presented by other real estate companies due to the fact that not all real estate companies use the same methodology for computing this amount. FFO and Normalized FFO do not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP, nor do they represent cash available to pay distributions and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, determined in accordance with GAAP, as an indication of our financial performance, or to cash flow from operating activities, determined in accordance with GAAP, as a measure of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions.
    





31



The following table presents a calculation of FFO and Normalized FFO for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
 
Quarters Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Computation of funds from operations:
 
 
 
Net income available for common shares
$
27,185

 
$
38,099

Income allocated to common OP units
2,331

 
3,481

Right-to-use contract upfront payments, deferred, net
773

 
1,147

Right-to-use contract commissions, deferred, net
(243
)
 
(555
)
Depreciation on real estate assets
25,410

 
24,892

Depreciation on rental homes
2,706

 
2,750

Amortization of in-place leases
665

 
1,315

Depreciation on unconsolidated joint ventures
243

 
227

FFO available for common shares
59,070

 
71,356

Change in fair value of contingent consideration asset

 
(65
)
Transaction costs
432

 
490

Early debt retirement
16,991

 

Normalized FFO available for common shares
$
76,493

 
$
71,781

Weighted average common shares outstanding – fully diluted
91,777

 
91,353



32



Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk
We disclosed a quantitative and qualitative analysis regarding market risk in Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. There have been no material changes in the assumptions used or results obtained regarding market risk since December 31, 2014.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2015. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to give reasonable assurances to the timely collection, evaluation and disclosure of information relating to us that would potentially be subject to disclosure under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder as of March 31, 2015.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within us to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in our periodic reports.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the first quarter of 2015, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



33



Part II – Other Information

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors
    
There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Our Performance and Common Stock Value Are Subject to Risks Associated With the Real Estate Industry.

We included a risk factor in our 2014 Form 10-K related to our insurance coverage - Some Potential Losses Are Not Covered by Insurance, whereby we disclosed that our then current property and casualty insurance policies were to expire on April 1, 2015 and that we planned to renew those policies. Those policies that were in effect on March 31, 2015, were renewed on April 1, 2015. We have a $100 million loss limit with respect to our all-risk property insurance program including named windstorms, which include, for example, hurricanes. This loss limit is subject to additional sub-limits as set forth in the policy form, including, among others, a $25 million loss limit for an earthquake in California. Policy deductibles primarily range from a $125,000 minimum to 5% per unit of insurance for most catastrophic events. A deductible indicates our maximum exposure, subject to policy limits and sub-limits, in the event of a loss.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    
None.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosure
None.

Item 5.
Other Information
None.



34



Item 6.
Exhibit Index
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101
The following materials from Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, filed herewith.



35



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.
 
 
EQUITY LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES, INC.
 
 
 
Date: April 29, 2015
By:
/s/ Marguerite Nader
 
 
Marguerite Nader
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
Date: April 29, 2015
By:
/s/ Paul Seavey
 
 
Paul Seavey
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


36