SUI 2012.12.31 10K

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

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
Commission file number 1-12616

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Maryland
 
38-2730780
(State of Incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
27777 Franklin Rd.
 
 
Suite 200
 
 
Southfield, Michigan
 
48034
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(248) 208-2500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per Share
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
7.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01 per Share
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [X]  No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes [ ]  No [X]

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 [ ]

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 [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer [ X ]
Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [   ]
Smaller reporting company [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes[ ]  No [X]







As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $1,100,729,025 (computed by reference to the closing sales price of the Registrant’s common stock as of June 30, 2012). For this computation, the Registrant has excluded the market value of all shares of common stock reported as beneficially owned by executive officers and directors of the Registrant; such exclusion shall not be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an affiliate of the Registrant.

Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding as of February 15, 2013:  31,642,521


SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Table of Contents

Item
Description
Page
 
 
 
Part I.
 
 
Item 1.
Business
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 2.
Properties
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
 Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
Part II.
 
 
Item 5.
Market for the Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
 
 
 
Part III.
 
 
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
 
 
Part IV.
 
 
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules



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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

Sun Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation, together with the Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, a Michigan limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”) and other consolidated subsidiaries are referred to herein as the “Company”, “us”, “we”, and “our”. We are a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”).

We are a fully integrated real estate company which, together with our affiliates and predecessors, has been in the business of acquiring, operating, developing and expanding manufactured housing and recreational vehicle ("RV") communities since 1975. We lease individual parcels of land (“sites”) with utility access for placement of manufactured homes and RVs to our customers. We are also engaged through a taxable subsidiary, Sun Home Services, Inc., a Michigan corporation (“SHS”), in the marketing, selling, and leasing of new and pre-owned homes to current and future residents in our communities. The operations of SHS support and enhance our occupancy levels, property performance, and cash flows.

We own, operate, and develop manufactured housing and RV communities concentrated in the midwestern, southern, and southeastern United States. As of December 31, 2012, we owned and operated a portfolio of 173 properties located in 19 states (the “Properties”, or “Property”), including 149 manufactured housing communities, 13 RV communities, and 11 Properties containing both manufactured housing and RV sites. As of December 31, 2012, the Properties contained an aggregate of 63,697 developed sites comprised of 52,833 developed manufactured home sites, 4,904 permanent RV sites, 5,960 transient RV sites, and approximately 6,900 additional manufactured home sites suitable for development.

Our executive and principal property management office is located at 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 200, Southfield, Michigan 48034 and our telephone number is (248) 208-2500. We have regional property management offices located in Austin, Texas; Dayton, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Elkhart, Indiana; and Orlando, Florida; and we employed an aggregate of 915 full and part time employees as of December 31, 2012.

Our website address is www.suncommunities.com and we make available, free of charge, on or through our website all of our periodic reports, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

STRUCTURE OF THE COMPANY

The Operating Partnership is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT, or UPREIT. In 1993, we contributed our net assets to the Operating Partnership in exchange for the sole general partner interest in the Operating Partnership and the majority of all the Operating Partnership’s initial capital. We substantially conduct our operations through the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership owns, either directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, all of our assets. This UPREIT structure enables us to comply with certain complex requirements under the federal tax rules and regulations applicable to REITs, and to acquire manufactured housing and RV communities in transactions that defer some or all of the sellers’ tax consequences. The financial results of the Operating Partnership and our other subsidiaries are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. The financial results include certain activities that do not necessarily qualify as REIT activities under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). We have formed taxable REIT subsidiaries, as defined in the Code, to engage in such activities. We use taxable REIT subsidiaries to offer certain services to our residents and engage in activities that would not otherwise be permitted under the REIT rules if provided directly by us or by the Operating Partnership. The taxable REIT subsidiaries include our home sales business, SHS, which provides manufactured home sales, leasing and other services to current and prospective tenants of the Properties.

We do not own all of the OP Units. As of December 31, 2012, the Operating Partnership had issued and outstanding 31,824,586 common OP Units, 3,400,000 7.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred OP Units (the "7.125% Series A OP Units"), 1,325,275 preferred OP Units ("Aspen preferred OP Units"), 455,476 Series A-1 preferred OP Units, and 112,400 Series B-3 preferred OP Units. As of December 31, 2012, we held 29,755,264 common OP Units, or approximately 93.5% of the issued and outstanding common OP Units, all of the issued and outstanding 7.125% Series A OP Units, and no Aspen preferred OP Units, Series A-1 preferred OP Units or Series B-3 preferred OP Units. In addition, on February 8, 2013, the Operating Partnership created a new class of OP Units designated as Series A-3 Preferred Units (the "Series A-3 preferred OP Units") and issued all of the authorized 40,267.50 Series A-3 preferred OP Units to a third party.


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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Subject to certain limitations, the holder of each common OP Unit at its option may convert such common OP Unit at any time into one share of our common stock. The holders of common OP Units receive distributions on the same dates and in amounts equal to the dividends paid to holders of our common stock.

Subject to certain limitations, at any time prior to January 1, 2024, the holder of each Aspen preferred OP Unit at its option may convert such Aspen preferred OP Unit into: (a) if the market price of our common stock is $68.00 per share or less, 0.397 common OP Units, or (b) if the market price of our common stock is greater than $68.00 per share, that number of common OP Units determined by dividing (i) the sum of (A) $27.00 plus (B) 25% of the amount by which the market price of our common stock exceeds $68.00 per share, by (ii) the per-share market price of our common stock. The holders of Aspen preferred OP Units generally receive distributions on the same dates as distributions are paid to holders of common OP Units. Each Aspen preferred OP Unit is entitled to receive distributions in an amount equal to the product of (x) $27.00, multiplied by (y) an annual rate equal to the 10-year United States Treasury bond yield plus 239 basis points; provided, however, that the aggregate distribution rate shall not be less than 6.5% nor more than 9%. On January 2, 2024, we are required to redeem all Aspen preferred OP Units that have not been converted to common OP Units. In addition, we are required to redeem the Aspen preferred OP Units of any holder thereof within five days after receipt of a written demand during the existence of certain uncured Aspen preferred OP Unit defaults, including our failure to pay distributions on the Aspen preferred OP Units when due and our failure to provide certain security for the payment of distributions on the Aspen preferred OP Units. We may also redeem Aspen preferred OP Units from time to time if we and the holder thereof agree to do so.

Subject to certain limitations, the holder of each Series A-1 preferred OP Unit at its option may exchange such Series A-1 preferred OP Unit at any time on or after December 31, 2013, into 2.439 shares of our common stock (which exchange rate is subject to adjustment upon stock splits, recapitalizations and similar events). The holders of Series A-1 preferred OP Units generally receive distributions on the same dates as distributions are paid to holders of common OP Units. Each Series A-1 preferred OP Unit is entitled to receive distributions in an amount equal to the product of $100.00 multiplied by an annual rate equal to 5.1% until June 23, 2013, and an annual rate equal to 6.0% thereafter.

Series B-3 preferred OP Units are not convertible. The holders of Series B-3 preferred OP Units generally receive distributions on the same dates as distributions are paid to holders of common OP Units. Each Series B-3 preferred OP Unit is entitled to receive distributions in an amount equal to the product of $100.00 multiplied by an annual rate equal to 8.0%. As of November 5, 2012, there were outstanding 36,700 Series B-3 preferred OP Units which were issued on December 1, 2002, 33,450 Series B-3 preferred OP Units which were issued on January 1, 2003, and 42,250 Series B-3 preferred OP Units which were issued on January 5, 2004. Subject to certain limitations, (x) during the 90-day period beginning on each of the tenth through fifteenth anniversaries of the issue date of the applicable Series B-3 preferred OP Units, (y) at any time after the fifteenth anniversary of the issue date of the applicable Series B-3 preferred OP Units, or (z) after our receipt of notice of the death of the electing holder of a Series B-3 preferred OP Unit, each holder of Series B-3 preferred OP Units may require us to redeem such holder's Series B-3 preferred OP Units at the redemption price of $100.00 per unit. In addition, at any time after the fifteenth anniversary of the issue date of the applicable Series B-3 preferred OP Units we may redeem, at our option, all of the Series B-3 preferred OP Units of any holder thereof at the redemption price of $100.00 per unit.
In connection with the issuance of the 7.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"), the Operating Partnership created the 7.125% Series A OP Units as a new class of OP Units. All of the outstanding 7.125% Series A OP Units are held by us and they have rights, preferences and other terms substantially similar to the Series A Preferred Stock, including rights to receive distributions at the same time and in the same amounts as dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock. The Operating Partnership issued the 7.125% Series A OP Units to us in consideration of our contributing to the Operating Partnership the net proceeds of our November 2012 offering of shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The 7.125% Series A OP Units rank senior in all respects to the Aspen preferred OP Units, the Series A-1 preferred OP Units, the Series A-3 preferred OP Units, the Series B-3 preferred OP Units and the common OP Units. So long as any Aspen preferred OP Units remain issued and outstanding, the Operating Partnership may not issue any OP Units that are not junior to the Aspen preferred OP Units, without the written consent of holders of a majority of the Aspen preferred OP Units. Holders of a majority of the Aspen preferred OP Units have consented to the issuance of up to $150.0 million in OP Units senior to the Aspen preferred OP Units, including the 7.125% Series A OP Units issued to us. Holders of a majority of the Aspen preferred OP Units have previously consented to the issuance of up to approximately an additional $54.5 million of OP Units that are pari passu with the Aspen preferred OP Units.





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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Subject to certain limitations, including certain contractual restrictions contained in the related acquisition agreemnts, the holder of each Series A-3 preferred OP Unit at its option may exchange such Series A-3 preferred OP Unit at any time into 1.8605 shares of our common stock (which exchange rate is subject to adjustment upon stock splits, recapitalizations and similar events). The holders of Series A-3 preferred OP Units generally receive distributions on the same dates as distributions are paid to holders of common OP Units. Each Series A-3 preferred OP Unit is entitled to receive distributions in an amount equal to the product of $100.00 multiplied by an annual rate equal to 4.5%.

THE MANUFACTURED HOUSING COMMUNITY

A manufactured housing community is a residential subdivision designed and improved with sites for the placement of manufactured homes and related improvements and amenities. Manufactured homes are detached, single‑family homes which are produced off‑site by manufacturers and installed on sites within the community. Manufactured homes are available in a wide array of designs, providing owners with a level of customization generally unavailable in other forms of multi-family housing developments.

Modern manufactured housing communities, such as the Properties, contain improvements similar to other garden‑style residential developments, including centralized entrances, paved streets, curbs and gutters, and parkways. In addition, these communities also often provide a number of amenities, such as a clubhouse, a swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, and laundry facilities.

The owner of each home on our Properties leases the site on which the home is located. We own the underlying land, utility connections, streets, lighting, driveways, common area amenities and other capital improvements and are responsible for enforcement of community guidelines and maintenance. Some of the Properties provide water and sewer service through public or private utilities, while others provide these services to residents from on‑site facilities. Each owner of a home within our Properties is responsible for the maintenance of the home and leased site. As a result, capital expenditure needs tend to be less significant relative to multi‑family rental apartment complexes.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Our property management strategy emphasizes intensive, hands‑on management by dedicated, on‑site district and community managers. We believe that this on‑site focus enables us to continually monitor and address resident concerns, the performance of competitive properties and local market conditions. As of December 31, 2012, we employed 915 full and part time employees, of which 748 were located on‑site as property managers, support staff, or maintenance personnel.

Our community managers are overseen by John B. McLaren, our Chief Operating Officer, who has been in the manufactured housing industry since 1995, four Senior Vice Presidents of Operations and Sales, two Division Vice Presidents and 18 Regional Vice Presidents. The Regional Vice Presidents are responsible for semi-annual market surveys of competitive communities, interaction with local manufactured home dealers and regular property inspections.

Each district or community manager performs regular inspections in order to continually monitor the Property’s physical condition and to effectively address tenant concerns. In addition to a district or community manager, each district or property has on-site maintenance personnel and management support staff. We hold mandatory training sessions for all new property management personnel to ensure that management policies and procedures are executed effectively and professionally. All of our property management personnel participate in on-going training to ensure that changes to management policies and procedures are implemented consistently. We offer nearly 300 courses for our team members through our Sun University, which has led to increased knowledge and accountability for daily operations and policies and procedures.

HOME SALES AND LEASING

SHS is engaged in the marketing, selling and leasing of new and pre-owned homes to current and future residents in our communities. Since tenants often purchase a home already on-site within a community, such services enhance occupancy and property performance. Additionally, because many of the homes on the Properties are sold through SHS, better control of home quality in our communities can be maintained than if sales services were conducted solely through third-party brokers. SHS also leases homes to prospective tenants. At December 31, 2012, SHS had 8,110 occupied leased homes in its portfolio. Homes for this rental program (the "Rental Program") are purchased at discounted rates from finance companies that hold repossessed homes within our communities. New homes are purchased as necessary to supplement these repossessed home purchases. Leases associated with the Rental Program generally have a term of one year. This program requires intensive management of costs associated with repair and refurbishment of these homes as the tenants vacate and the homes are re-leased, similar to apartment rentals. We have added repair and service supervisors in areas with high concentrations of rental homes to aggressively pursue cost containment

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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

programs. The program is a strategic response to capture the value inherent in the purchase of substantially discounted repossessed homes in our communities. We receive approximately 27,000 applications each year to live in our Properties, providing a significant "resident boarding" system allowing us to market purchasing a home to the best applicants and to rent to the remainder of approved applicants. Through the Rental Program we are able to demonstrate our product and lifestyle to the renters, while monitoring their payment history and converting qualified renters to owners.

REGULATIONS AND INSURANCE

General

Manufactured housing and RV community properties are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to recreational facilities such as swimming pools, clubhouses and other common areas. We believe that each Property has the necessary operating permits and approvals.

Insurance

Our management believes that the Properties are covered by adequate fire, flood (where appropriate), property and business interruption insurance provided by reputable companies with commercially reasonable deductibles and limits. We maintain a blanket policy that covers all of our Properties. We have obtained title insurance insuring fee title to the Properties in an aggregate amount which we believe to be adequate. Claims made to our insurance carriers that are determined to be recoverable are classified in other receivables as incurred.

SITE LEASES OR USAGE RIGHTS

The typical lease we enter into with a tenant for the rental of a manufactured home site is month‑to‑month or year‑to‑year, renewable upon the consent of both parties, or, in some instances, as provided by statute. A small number of our leases, mainly Florida properties, are tied to consumer price index or other indices as it relates to rent increase. Generally, market rate adjustments are made on an annual basis. These leases are cancelable for non‑payment of rent, violation of community rules and regulations or other specified defaults. During the five calendar years ended December 31, 2012, on average 2.5 percent of the homes in our communities have been removed by their owners and 5.1 percent of the homes have been sold by their owners to a new owner who then assumes rental obligations as a community resident. The cost to move a home is approximately $4,000 to $10,000. The average resident remains in our communities for approximately 20 years, while the average home, which gives rise to the rental stream, remains in our communities for approximately 40 years.

At Properties zoned for RV use, our customers have short-term (“transient”) usage rights or long-term (“permanent”) usage rights. The transient RV customers typically prepay for their stay or leave deposits to reserve a site for the following year, whereas the permanent RV customers prepay or pay on a monthly basis. Many of these RV customers do not live full time on the Property.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and we intend that such forward-looking statements will be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. For this purpose, any statements contained in this filing that relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, trends or prospective events or developments and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts are deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as “forecasts,” “intends,” “intend,” “intended,” “goal,” “estimate,” “estimates,” “expects,” “expect,” “expected,” “project,” “projected,” “projections,” “plans,” “predicts,” “potential,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “anticipated,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “designed to,” “foreseeable future,” “believe,” “believes,” “scheduled” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward looking statements contain these words. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to the matters discussed in this filing. These risks and uncertainties may cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks disclosed under “Risk Factors” contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such risks and uncertainties include:
changes in general economic conditions, the real estate industry and the markets in which we operate;

difficulties in our ability to evaluate, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions, developments and expansions successfully;

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our liquidity and refinancing demands;

our ability to obtain or refinance maturing debt;

our ability to maintain compliance with covenants contained in our debt facilities;

availability of capital;

difficulties in completing acquisitions;

our failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures;

increases in interest rates and operating costs, including insurance premiums and real property taxes;

risks related to natural disasters;

general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of shares of our capital stock;

our failure to maintain our status as a REIT;

changes in real estate and zoning laws and regulations;

legislative or regulatory changes, including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs;

litigation, judgments or settlements;

our ability to maintain rental rates and occupancy levels;

competitive market forces; and

the ability of manufactured home buyers to obtain financing and the level of repossessions by manufactured home lenders

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference into this filing, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in our expectations or otherwise.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our prospects are subject to certain uncertainties and risks. Our future results could differ materially from current results, and our actual results could differ materially from those projected in forward‑looking statements as a result of certain risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth below, other one‑time events, and important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
REAL ESTATE RISKS

General economic conditions and the concentration of our properties in Michigan, Florida, Indiana, and Texas may affect our ability to generate sufficient revenue.

The market and economic conditions in our current markets generally, and specifically in metropolitan areas of our current markets, may significantly affect manufactured home occupancy or rental rates. Occupancy and rental rates, in turn, may significantly affect our revenues, and if our communities do not generate revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our cash flow and ability to pay or refinance our debt obligations could be adversely affected. We derive significant amounts of our rental income from properties located in Michigan, Florida, Indiana, and Texas. As of December 31, 2012, 73 of our 173 Properties, representing approximately 38% of developed sites, are located in Michigan; 27 Properties, representing approximately 20% of developed sites, are located in Florida; 18 Properties, representing approximately 10% of developed sites, are located in Indiana; and 18 Properties, representing approximately 9% of developed sites, are located in Texas. As a result of the geographic concentration of our Properties in Michigan, Florida, Indiana, and Texas, we are exposed to the risks of downturns in the local economy or other local real estate market conditions which could adversely affect occupancy rates, rental rates, and property values of properties in these markets.

Our income would also be adversely affected if tenants were unable to pay rent or if sites were unable to be rented on favorable terms. If we were unable to promptly relet or renew the leases for a significant number of the sites, or if the rental rates upon such renewal or reletting were significantly lower than expected rates, then our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, certain expenditures associated with each Property (such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs) generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the Property. Furthermore, real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, will tend to limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions.

The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the revenues generated by our communities:

the national and local economic climate which may be adversely impacted by, among other factors, plant closings, and industry slowdowns;

local real estate market conditions such as the oversupply of manufactured housing sites or a reduction in demand for manufactured housing sites in an area;

the number of repossessed homes in a particular market;

the lack of an established dealer network;

the rental market which may limit the extent to which rents may be increased to meet increased expenses without decreasing occupancy rates;

the perceptions by prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of our Properties and the neighborhoods where they are located;

zoning or other regulatory restrictions;

competition from other available manufactured housing communities and alternative forms of housing (such as apartment buildings and site‑built single‑family homes);

our ability to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance;


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REAL ESTATE RISKS, CONTINUED

increased operating costs, including insurance premiums, real estate taxes, and utilities; and

the enactment of rent control laws or laws taxing the owners of manufactured homes.

Competition affects occupancy levels and rents which could adversely affect our revenues.

All of our Properties are located in developed areas that include other manufactured housing community properties. The number of competitive manufactured housing community properties in a particular area could have a material adverse effect on our ability to lease sites and increase rents charged at our Properties or at any newly acquired properties. We may be competing with others with greater resources and whose officers and directors have more experience than our officers and directors. In addition, other forms of multi‑family residential properties, such as private and federally funded or assisted multi‑family housing projects and single‑family housing, provide housing alternatives to potential tenants of manufactured housing communities.

Our ability to sell or lease manufactured homes may be affected by various factors, which may in turn adversely affect our profitability.

SHS operates in the manufactured home market offering manufactured home sales and leasing services to tenants and prospective tenants of our communities. The market for the sale and lease of manufactured homes may be adversely affected by the following factors:

downturns in economic conditions which adversely impact the housing market;

an oversupply of, or a reduced demand for, manufactured homes;

the difficulty facing potential purchasers in obtaining affordable financing as a result of heightened lending criteria; and

an increase or decrease in the rate of manufactured home repossessions which provide aggressively priced competition to new manufactured home sales.

Any of the above listed factors could adversely impact our rate of manufactured home sales and leases, which would result in a decrease in profitability.

Increases in taxes and regulatory compliance costs may reduce our revenue.

Costs resulting from changes in real estate laws, income taxes, service or other taxes, generally are not passed through to tenants under leases and may adversely affect our funds from operations and our ability to pay or refinance our debt. Similarly, changes in laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or increasing the restrictions on discharges or other conditions may result in significant unanticipated expenditures, which would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We may not be able to integrate or finance our expansion and development activities.

From time to time, we engage in the construction and development of new communities or expansion of existing communities, and may continue to engage in the development and construction business in the future. Our development and construction business may be exposed to the following risks which are in addition to those risks associated with the ownership and operation of established manufactured housing communities:

we may not be able to obtain financing with favorable terms for community development which may make us unable to proceed with the development;

we may be unable to obtain, or face delays in obtaining, necessary zoning, building and other governmental permits and authorizations, which could result in increased costs and delays, and even require us to abandon development of the community entirely if we are unable to obtain such permits or authorizations;

we may abandon development opportunities that we have already begun to explore and as a result we may not recover expenses already incurred in connection with exploring such development opportunities;

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REAL ESTATE RISKS, CONTINUED

we may be unable to complete construction and lease‑up of a community on schedule resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs;

we may incur construction and development costs for a community which exceed our original estimates due to increased materials, labor or other costs, which could make completion of the community uneconomical and we may not be able to increase rents to compensate for the increase in development costs which may impact our profitability;

we may be unable to secure long‑term financing on completion of development resulting in increased debt service and lower profitability; and

occupancy rates and rents at a newly developed community may fluctuate depending on several factors, including market and economic conditions, which may result in the community not being profitable.

If any of the above occurred, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We may not be able to integrate or finance our acquisitions and our acquisitions may not perform as expected.

We have acquired and intend to continue to acquire manufactured housing and RV communities on a select basis. Our acquisition activities and their success are subject to the following risks:

we may be unable to acquire a desired property because of competition from other well capitalized real estate investors, including both publicly traded real estate investment trusts and institutional investment funds;

even if we enter into an acquisition agreement for a property, it is usually subject to customary conditions to closing, including completion of due diligence investigations to our satisfaction, which may not be satisfied;

even if we are able to acquire a desired property, competition from other real estate investors may significantly increase the purchase price;

we may be unable to finance acquisitions on favorable terms;

acquired properties may fail to perform as expected;

acquired properties may be located in new markets where we face risks associated with a lack of market knowledge or understanding of the local economy, lack of business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures; and

we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations.

If any of the above occurred, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

In addition, we may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if a liability were to be asserted against us based upon ownership of those properties, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our cash flow.

Rent control legislation may harm our ability to increase rents.

State and local rent control laws in certain jurisdictions may limit our ability to increase rents and to recover increases in operating expenses and the costs of capital improvements. Enactment of such laws has been considered from time to time in other jurisdictions. Certain Properties are located, and we may purchase additional properties, in markets that are either subject to rent control or in which rent‑limiting legislation exists or may be enacted.





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REAL ESTATE RISKS, CONTINUED

We may be subject to environmental liability.

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner or operator of real estate is liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous substances at, on, under or in such property. Such laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous substances. The presence of such substances, or the failure to properly remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner’s ability to sell or rent such property, to borrow using such property as collateral or to develop such property. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances also may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at a disposal or treatment facility owned or operated by another person. In addition, certain environmental laws impose liability for the management and disposal of asbestos‑containing materials and for the release of such materials into the air. These laws may provide for third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with asbestos‑containing materials. In connection with the ownership, operation, management, and development of real properties, we may be considered an owner or operator of such properties and, therefore, are potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, and also may be liable for governmental fines and injuries to persons and property. When we arrange for the treatment or disposal of hazardous substances at landfills or other facilities owned by other persons, we may be liable for the removal or remediation costs at such facilities.

All of the Properties have been subject to a Phase I or similar environmental audit (which involves general inspections without soil sampling or ground water analysis) completed by independent environmental consultants. These environmental audits have not revealed any significant environmental liability that would have a material adverse effect on our business. These audits cannot reflect conditions arising after the studies were completed, and no assurances can be given that existing environmental studies reveal all environmental liabilities, that any prior owner or operator of a property or neighboring owner or operator did not create any material environmental condition not known to us, or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist as to any one or more Properties.

Losses in excess of our insurance coverage or uninsured losses could adversely affect our cash flow.

We maintain comprehensive liability, fire, flood (where appropriate), extended coverage, and rental loss insurance on the Properties with policy specifications, limits, and deductibles which are customarily carried for similar properties. Certain types of losses, however, may be either uninsurable or not economically insurable, such as losses due to earthquakes, riots, or acts of war. In the event an uninsured loss occurs, we could lose both our investment in and anticipated profits and cash flow from the affected property. Any loss could adversely affect our ability to repay our debt.

FINANCING AND INVESTMENT RISKS

Our significant amount of debt could limit our operational flexibility or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition.

We have a significant amount of debt. As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately $1.5 billion of total debt outstanding, consisting of approximately $1.3 billion in debt that is collateralized by mortgage liens on 126 of the Properties, $94.4 million that is secured by collateralized receivables, $29.8 million that is collateralized by liens on manufactured homes and $47.3 million that is unsecured debt. If we fail to meet our obligations under our secured debt, the lenders would be entitled to foreclose on all or some of the collateral securing such debt which could have a material adverse effect on us and our ability to make expected distributions, and could threaten our continued viability.

We are subject to the risks normally associated with debt financing, including the following risks:

our cash flow may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest, or require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay our debt and the interest associated with our debt rather than to other areas of our business;

our existing indebtedness may limit our operating flexibility due to financial and other restrictive covenants, including restrictions on incurring additional debt;

it may be more difficult for us to obtain additional financing in the future for our operations, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, debt service or other general requirements;

we may be more vulnerable in the event of adverse economic and industry conditions or a downturn in our business;


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we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

we may not be able to refinance at all or on favorable terms, as our debt matures.

If any of the above risks occurred, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We may incur substantially more debt, which would increase the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

Despite our current indebtedness levels, we may incur substantially more debt in the future. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, an even greater portion of our cash flow will be needed to satisfy our debt service obligations. As a result, the related risks that we now face could intensify and increase the risk of a default on our indebtedness.

The financial condition and solvency of our borrowers may adversely affect our installment notes.

As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately $115.7 million of installment notes, net of reserves, to owners of manufactured homes. These installment loans are collateralized by the manufactured homes. We may invest in additional mortgages and installment loans in the future. By virtue of our investment in the mortgages and the loans, we are subject to the following risks of such investment:

the borrowers may not be able to make debt service payments or pay principal when due;

the value of property securing the installment notes receivable may be less than the amounts owed; and

interest rates payable on the installment notes receivable may be lower than our cost of funds.

If any of the above occurred, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

TAX RISKS

We may suffer adverse tax consequences and be unable to attract capital if we fail to qualify as a REIT.

We believe that since our taxable year ended December 31, 1994, we have been organized and operated, and intend to continue to operate, so as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code. Although we believe that we have been and will continue to be organized and have operated and will continue to operate so as to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we cannot be assured that we have been or will continue to be organized or operated in a manner to so qualify or remain so qualified. Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements (some on an annual and quarterly basis) established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. In addition, frequent changes occur in the area of REIT taxation, which require us to continually to monitor our tax status.

If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we could be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Moreover, unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions,
we also would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. This treatment would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to stockholders because of the additional tax liability to us for the years involved. In addition, distributions to stockholders would no longer be required to be made. Even if we qualify for and maintain our REIT status, we will be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our property and certain of our operations.

We intend for the Operating Partnership to be taxed as a partnership, but we cannot guarantee that it will qualify.

We believe that the Operating Partnership has been organized as a partnership and will qualify for treatment as such under the Code. However, if the Operating Partnership is deemed to be a “publicly traded partnership,” it will be treated as a corporation instead of a partnership for federal income tax purposes unless at least 90% of its income is qualifying income as defined in the Code. The income requirements applicable to REITs and the definition of “qualifying income” for purposes of this 90% test are similar in most respects. Qualifying income for the 90% test generally includes passive income, such as specified types of real property rents, dividends and interest. We believe that the Operating Partnership would meet this 90% test, but we cannot guarantee

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that it would. If the Operating Partnership were to be taxed as a corporation, it would incur substantial tax liabilities, we would fail to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and our ability to raise additional capital could be significantly impaired.

Our ability to accumulate cash may be restricted due to certain REIT distribution requirements.

In order to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (calculated without any deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain) and to avoid federal income taxation, our distributions must not be less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, including capital gains. As a result of the distribution requirements, we do not expect to accumulate significant amounts of cash. Accordingly, these distributions could significantly reduce the cash available to us in subsequent periods to fund our operations and future growth.

Our taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, are subject to special rules that may result in increased taxes.

As a REIT, we must pay a 100% penalty tax on certain payments that we receive if the economic arrangements between us and any of our TRSs are not comparable to similar arrangements between unrelated parties. The Internal Revenue Service may successfully assert that the economic arrangements of any of our inter-company transactions are not comparable to similar arrangements between unrelated parties.

Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates applicable to certain dividends.

The maximum federal tax rate for certain qualified dividends payable to domestic stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, are generally not eligible for this reduced rate. Although this legislation does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends paid by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular qualified corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals, trusts and estates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less competitive than investments in stock of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the comparative value of the stock of REITs, including our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock.

Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities.

To remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy requirements and tests under the tax law concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. In order to meet these tests, we may be required to forego or limit attractive business or investment opportunities and distribute all of our net earnings rather than invest in attractive opportunities or hold larger liquid reserves. Therefore, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely to maximize profits.

Our ability to use net operating loss carryforwards to reduce future tax payments may be limited if we experience a change in ownership, or if taxable income does not reach sufficient levels.

Under Section 382 of the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change” (generally defined as a greater than 50% change (by value) in its equity ownership over a three-year period), the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards to offset its post-change income may be limited. We may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of
this offering and subsequent shifts in our stock ownership. If an ownership change were to occur, we would be limited in the portion of net operating loss carryforwards that we could use in the future to offset taxable income for U.S. Federal income tax purposes.

BUSINESS RISKS

We are a party to a lawsuit regarding title to certain communities we recently purchased and if this lawsuit is decided unfavorably against us, our financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

On February 8, 2013, we acquired ten RV communities and associated assets from certain sellers for a purchase price of $112.8 million, subject to certain adjustments and pro-rations. See Note 2 of our financial statements. MHC Operating Limited Partnership (“MHC”), an affiliate of Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., recorded a “Memorandum of Agreement for an Option to Acquire the Properties” against some or all of the communities and we closed this transaction with knowledge of those memoranda. MHC had also asserted that we improperly interfered with their purported contract rights with respect to the communities. The sellers and

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certain of their affiliates, jointly and severally, have agreed to indemnify us against any and all liabilities and expenses relating to any claims by MHC with respect to the communities and the transaction, provided that we are not entitled to indemnification for loss of our future revenue or income or loss of business reputation or opportunity. The indemnity obligations are secured by certain assets of the indemnitors and their affiliates. On December 26, 2012, we filed a complaint in the Oakland County (Michigan) Circuit Court against MHC, the sellers of the communities and certain of their affiliates seeking declaratory relief concerning MHC's assertion of rights with respect to the communities and MHC's claims against us. On January 23, 2013, MHC filed an answer and counterclaim (and cross claim against the sellers of the communities and certain of their affiliates) seeking to enforce its claimed rights and seeking specific performance against the sellers of the communities (and us to the extent our rights would be affected) of those rights to acquire the communities. MHC's answer and counterclaim did not assert any other substantive claims against us. On February 14, 2013, we filed an amended complaint seeking a declaratory judgment that we have not violated, and our purchase of the communities did not violate, any rights of MHC and further seeking a judgment requiring MHC to cancel the memoranda it recorded. As of February 22, 2013, MHC had not filed an answer to our amended complaint.

We believe that MHC's claims to the communities and any other claims it may bring against us are without merit and we intend to prosecute our claims and defend any counterclaims vigorously, but there can be no assurances that the litigation will be decided favorably for us. We have indemnification rights against the sellers of the communities and their affiliates. However, there can be no assurance that the collateral securing those indemnification obligations would be sufficient to cover our losses, and the indemnity does not cover loss of our future revenue or income or loss of business reputation or opportunity. We have included the expected performance of these properties in our earnings guidance. If MHC's claim for specific performance or any other claims it may bring against us or related to the communities are successful, our financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In addition, this litigation may be costly and may also impose a significant burden on our management and employees.

Some of our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest with respect to certain related party transactions and other business interests.

Ownership of Origen. We own 5,000,000 shares of Origen Financial, Inc. (“Origen”) common stock and Shiffman Origen LLC (which is owned by the Milton M. Shiffman Spouse’s Marital Trust, Gary A. Shiffman (our Chief Executive Officer), and members of Mr. Shiffman’s family) owns 1,025,000 shares of Origen common stock. Gary A. Shiffman is a member of the Board of Directors of Origen and one of our directors, Arthur A. Weiss, is a trustee of the Milton M. Shiffman Spouse’s Marital Trust. Accordingly,
in all transactions involving Origen, Mr. Shiffman and/or Mr. Weiss may have a conflict of interest with respect to their respective obligations as our officer and/or director.

Lease of Executive Offices. Gary A. Shiffman, together with certain family members, indirectly owns a 21 percent equity interest in American Center LLC, the entity from which we lease office space for our principal executive offices. Arthur A. Weiss, one of our directors, owns a 0.75 percent indirect interest in American Center LLC. We lease approximately 48,200 rentable square feet. The term of the lease is until October 31, 2016, with an option to renew for an additional five years. The annual base rent under the current lease is $18.61 per square foot (gross) and will remain this amount through October 31, 2014. From November 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015, the annual base rent will be $18.72 per square foot (gross) and then from September 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016, the annual base rent will be $17.92 per square foot (gross). We also have a temporary lease for $8.48 per square foot (gross)
until April 2013 for 10,500 rentable square feet. Mr. Shiffman and Mr. Weiss may have a conflict of interest with respect to their obligations as our officer and/or director and their ownership interest in American Center LLC.

Loan Funding Agreement with Talmer Bank. Each of Robert H. Naftaly and Arthur A. Weiss, who serve on our board of directors, is also a director of each of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and its primary operating subsidiary, Talmer Bank. Each of Mr. Naftaly, Mr. Weiss and Mr. Shiffman also owns less than one percent of Talmer Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock. In January 2013, we entered into an agreement with Talmer Bank under which we may refer purchasers of homes in our communities to Talmer Bank to obtain loans to finance their home purchases. We do not receive referral fees or other cash compensation under the agreement. If Talmer Bank makes loans to purchasers referred by us under the agreement, those purchasers default on their loans and Talmer Bank repossesses the homes securing such loans, we have agreed to purchase from Talmer Bank each such repossessed home for a price equal to 100% of the amount under each such loan, subject to certain adjustments; provided that the maximum outstanding principal amount of the loans subject to the agreement may not exceed $10 million. In addition, we have agreed to waive all site rent that would otherwise be due from Talmer Bank so long as it owns any homes on which loans were made pursuant to the agreement. The agreement expires November 1, 2013, but may be extended by mutual agreement of Talmer Bank and us. Each of Mr. Shiffman, Mr. Naftaly and Mr. Weiss may have a conflict of interest with respect to his obligations as our officer and/or director and his capacity as a shareholder and/or director of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and Talmer Bank.
  


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Legal Counsel. During 2012, Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss, Professional Corporation acted as our general counsel and represented us in various matters. Arthur A. Weiss, one of our directors, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and a shareholder of such firm. We incurred legal fees and expenses of approximately $3.4 million, $2.5 million and $0.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Tax Consequences Upon Sale of Properties. Gary A. Shiffman holds limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership which were received in connection with the contribution of 24 properties (four of which have been sold) from partnerships previously affiliated with him (the “Sun Partnerships”). Prior to any redemption of these limited partnership interests for our common stock, Mr. Shiffman will have tax consequences different from those of us and our public stockholders on the sale of any of the Sun Partnerships. Therefore, we and Mr. Shiffman may have different objectives regarding the appropriate pricing and timing of any sale of those properties.

We rely on key management.

We are dependent on the efforts of our executive officers, Gary A. Shiffman, John B. McLaren, Karen J. Dearing and Jonathan M. Colman (together, the “Executive Officers”). The loss of services of one or more of our Executive Officers could have a temporary adverse effect on our operations. We do not currently maintain or contemplate obtaining any “key-man” life insurance on the Executive Officers.

Certain provisions in our governing documents may make it difficult for a third-party to acquire us.

9.8% Ownership Limit. In order to qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT, not more than 50% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals. Thus, ownership of more than 9.8%, in number of shares or value, of the issued and outstanding shares of our capital stock by any single stockholder has been restricted, with certain exceptions, for the purpose of maintaining our qualification as a REIT under the Code. Such restrictions in our charter do not apply to Gary A. Shiffman, the Milton M. Shiffman Spouse’s Marital Trust and the Estate of Robert B. Bayer, Gary Shiffman, Milton M. Shiffman, Robert B. Bayer, or trustees, personal representatives and agents acting on their respective behalfs, or certain of their respective relatives.

The 9.8% ownership limit, as well as our ability to issue additional shares of common stock or shares of other stock (which may have rights and preferences over the common stock), may discourage a change of control of the Company and may also: (1) deter tender offers for the common stock, which offers may be advantageous to stockholders; and (2) limit the opportunity for stockholders to receive a premium for their common stock that might otherwise exist if an investor were attempting to assemble a block of common stock in excess of 9.8% of our outstanding shares or otherwise effect a change of control of the Company.

Staggered Board. Our Board of Directors has been divided into three classes of directors. The term of one class will expire each year. Directors for each class will be chosen for a three-year term upon the expiration of such class’s term, and the directors in the other two classes will continue in office. The staggered terms for directors may affect the stockholders’ ability to change control of the Company even if a change in control were in the stockholders’ interest.

Preferred Stock. Our charter authorizes the Board of Directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to establish the preferences and rights (including the right to vote and the right to convert into shares of common stock) of any shares issued. In November 2012, we amended our charter to designate 3,450,000 shares of preferred stock as 7.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, and issued 3,400,000 of such shares of stock. The power to issue preferred stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company even if a change in control were in the stockholders’ interest.

Upon the occurrence of certain change of control events, the result of which is that shares of our common stock and the common securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or ADRs representing such securities) are not listed on the NYSE, the NYSE MKT or NASDAQ or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE MKT or NASDAQ, holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will have the right, subject to certain limitations, to convert some or all of their shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock (or equivalent value of alternative consideration) and under these circumstances we will also have a special optional redemption right to redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Upon such a conversion, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be limited to a maximum number of shares of our common



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stock. If our common stock price, as determined in accordance with our charter for these purposes, is less than $20.97, subject to adjustment, the holders will receive a maximum of 1.1925 shares of our common stock per shares of Series A Preferred Stock,
which may result in a holder receiving value that is less than the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock. These features of the Series A Preferred Stock may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for Sun or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of Sun under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price or that stockholders may otherwise believe is in their best interests.

Rights Plan. We adopted a stockholders’ rights plan in 2008 that provides our stockholders (other than a stockholder attempting to acquire a 15% or greater interest in us) with the right to purchase our stock at a discount in the event any person attempts to acquire a 15% or greater interest in us. Because this plan could make it more expensive for a person to acquire a controlling interest in us, it could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control even if a change in control were in the stockholders’ interest.
Certain provisions of Maryland law could inhibit changes in control, which may discourage third parties from conducting a tender offer or seeking other change of control transactions that could involve a premium price for our common stock or that our stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interest.
Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of such shares, including:
 
“business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our shares or an affiliate thereof or an affiliate or associate of ours who was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of our then outstanding voting stock at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question) for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter impose fair price and/or supermajority and stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and

“control share” provisions that provide that “control shares” of our company (defined as shares that, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of issued and outstanding “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.

The provisions of the MGCL relating to business combinations do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by our board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. As permitted by the statute, our board of directors has by resolution exempted Milton M. Shiffman, Robert B. Bayer, and Gary A. Shiffman, their affiliates and all persons acting in concert or as a group with the foregoing, from the business combination provisions of the MGCL and, consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations between us and these persons. As a result, these persons may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interests of our stockholders without compliance by our company with the supermajority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute.
Also, pursuant to a provision in our bylaws, we have exempted any acquisition of our stock from the control share provisions of the MGCL. However, our board of directors may by amendment to our bylaws opt in to the control share provisions of the MGCL at any time in the future.
Additionally, Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or bylaws, to elect to be subject to certain provisions relating to corporate governance that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium to the market price of our common stock or otherwise be in our stockholders' best interests. We are already subject to certain of these provisions, either by provisions of our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8 or by reason of an election to be subject to certain provisions of Subtitle 8.

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Changes in our investment and financing policies may be made without stockholder approval.

Our investment and financing policies, and our policies with respect to certain other activities, including our growth, debt, capitalization, distributions, REIT status, and operating policies, are determined by our Board of Directors. Although the Board of Directors has no present intention to do so, these policies may be amended or revised from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors without notice to or a vote of our stockholders. Accordingly, stockholders may not have control over changes in our policies and changes in our policies may not fully serve the interests of all stockholders.

Substantial sales of our common stock could cause our stock price to fall.

The sale of substantial amounts of our common stock, whether directly by us or in the secondary market, the perception that such sales could occur or the availability of future issuances of shares of our common stock, OP Units or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock, could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or equity-related securities. In addition, we may issue capital stock that is senior to our common stock in the future for a number of reasons, including to finance our operations and business strategy, to adjust our ratio of debt to equity or for other reasons.

Based on the applicable conversion ratios then in effect, as of February 15, 2013, in the future we may issue to the limited partners of the Operating Partnership, up to approximately 2.1 million shares of our common stock in exchange for their common OP Units, up to approximately 0.5 million shares of our common stock in exchange for their Aspen preferred OP Units, up to approximately 0.1 million shares of our common stock in exchange for their Series A-3 preferred OP Units and up to approximately 1.1 million shares of our common stock in exchange for their Series A-1 preferred OP Units, although the Series A-1 preferred OP Units may not be converted into shares of common stock until December 31, 2013. The limited partners may sell such shares pursuant to registration rights or an available exemption from registration. As of February 15, 2013, options to purchase 51,450 shares of our common stock were outstanding under our 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan, our 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, our 2004 Non-Employee Director Option Plan and our Long-Term Incentive Plan. We currently have the authority to issue restricted stock awards or options to purchase up to an additional 600,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to our 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. In addition, we entered into an “at-the-market” Sales Agreement in May 2012 to issue and sell shares of common stock. As of February 15, 2013, our board of directors had authorized us to sell approximately an additional $88.5 million of
common stock under this agreement. No prediction can be made regarding the effect that future sales of shares of our common stock or our other securities will have on the market price of shares.

An increase in interest rates may have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

One of the factors that may influence the price of our common stock in the public market will be the annual distributions to stockholders relative to the prevailing market price of the common stock. An increase in market interest rates may tend to make the common stock less attractive relative to other investments, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

The volatility in economic conditions and the financial markets may adversely affect our industry, business and financial performance.

Although demand in the U.S. improved in 2012, the U.S. macroeconomic environment remains uncertain and was the primary factor in a slowdown starting in 2008. The global economy remains unstable, and we expect the economic environment to continue to be challenging as continued economic uncertainty has generally given the marketplace less confidence.  In particular, the financial crisis that affected the banking system and financial markets and the current uncertainty in global economic conditions have resulted
in a tightening in the credit markets, a low level of liquidity in many financial markets and volatility in credit, equity and fixed income markets. If such conditions are experienced in future periods, our industry, business and results of operations may be severely impacted.  The slow recovery and possible impact of automatic sequesters or a failure to raise the “debt ceiling” in the U.S., as well as the impact of the sovereign debt crisis and resulting austerity measures in Europe, may continue to adversely impact us. The other risk factors presented in this Form 10-K discuss some of the principal risks inherent in our business, including liquidity risks, operational risks, and credit risks, among others. The turbulence in financial markets has accentuated each of these risks and magnified their potential effect on us. If these economic developments continue to rebound slowly or worsen, there could be an adverse impact on our access to capital, stock price and our operating results.




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Our business operations may not generate the cash needed to make distributions on our capital stock or to service our indebtedness, and we may adjust our common stock dividend policy.

Our ability to make distributions on our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock and payments on our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to make distributions on our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock, to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.

The decision to declare and pay dividends on shares of our common stock in the future, as well as the timing, amount and composition of any such future dividends, will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, debt maturities, the availability of debt and equity capital, applicable REIT and legal restrictions and the general overall economic conditions and other factors. Any change in our dividend policy could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Our ability to pay dividends is limited by the requirements of Maryland law.
Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock is limited by the laws of Maryland. Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally may not make a distribution if, after giving effect to the distribution, the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business, or the corporation's total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus, unless the corporation's charter provides otherwise, the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution, provided, however, that a Maryland corporation may make a distribution from: (i) its net earnings for the fiscal year in which the distribution is made; (ii) its net earnings for the preceding fiscal year; or (iii) the sum of its net earnings for its preceding eight fiscal quarters even if, after such distribution, the corporation's total assets would be less than its total liabilities. Accordingly, we generally may not make a distribution on our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock if, after giving effect to the distribution, we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business or, unless paid from one of the permitted sources of net earnings as described above, our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus, unless the terms of such class or series of stock provide otherwise, the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of the holders of shares of any class or series of stock then outstanding, if any, with preferential rights upon dissolution senior to those of our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock.
We may not be able to pay distributions upon events of default under our financing documents.

Some of our financing documents contain restrictions on distributions upon the occurrence of events of default thereunder. If such an event of default occurs, such as our failure to pay principal at maturity or interest when due for a specified period of time, we would be prohibited from making payments on our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock.

Our share price could be volatile and could decline, resulting in a substantial or complete loss on our stockholders' investment.

The stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), on which we list our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. As a result, the market price of our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock could be similarly volatile, and investors in our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock may experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. The price of our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors, including:

any increases in prevailing interest rates, which may negatively affect the market for shares of our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock;

the market for similar securities;

issuances of other series or classes of preferred stock or other equity securities;

our operating performance and the performance of other similar companies;


19

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

BUSINESS RISKS, CONTINUED

our ability to maintain compliance with covenants contained in our debt facilities;

actual or anticipated variations in our operating results, funds from operations, cash flows or liquidity;

changes in our earnings estimates or those of analysts;

changes in our dividend policy;

publication of research reports about us or the real estate industry generally;

increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of our common stock to demand a higher dividend yield;

changes in market valuations of similar companies;

adverse market reaction to the amount of our debt outstanding at any time, the amount of our debt maturing in the near- and medium-term and our ability to refinance our debt, or our plans to incur additional debt in the future;

additions or departures of key management personnel;

speculation in the press or investment community;

actions by institutional stockholders; and

general market and economic conditions.

Many of the factors listed above are beyond our control. Those factors may cause the market price of our common stock to decline significantly, regardless of our financial condition, results of operations and prospects. It is impossible to provide any assurance that the market price of our common stock will not fall in the future, and it may be difficult for holders to resell shares of our common stock at prices they find attractive, or at all. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management's attention and resources.
Our Series A Preferred Stock has not been rated.
We have not sought to obtain a rating for our Series A Preferred Stock. No assurance can be given, however, that one or more rating agencies might not independently determine to issue such a rating or that such a rating, if issued, would not adversely affect the market price of the Series A Preferred Stock. In addition, we may elect in the future to obtain a rating of the Series A Preferred Stock, which could adversely affect the market price of the Series A Preferred Stock. Ratings only reflect the views of the rating agency or agencies issuing the ratings and such ratings could be revised downward, placed on a watch list or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency if in its judgment circumstances so warrant. Any such downward revision, placing on a watch list or withdrawal of a rating could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Series A Preferred Stock.

Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and that of our tenants and clients and personally identifiable information of our employees, in our facility and on our network. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our network and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and cause a loss of confidence, which could adversely affect our business.





20

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of December 31, 2012, the Properties consisted of 149 manufactured housing communities, 13 RV communities, and 11 properties containing both manufactured housing and RV sites located in 19 states. As of December 31, 2012, the Properties contained an aggregate of 63,697 developed sites comprised of 52,833 developed manufactured home sites, 4,904 permanent RV sites, 5,960 transient RV sites, and approximately 6,900 additional manufactured home sites suitable for development. Most of the Properties include amenities oriented toward family and retirement living. Of the 173 Properties, 80 have more than 300 developed manufactured home sites; with the largest having 1,039 developed manufactured home sites. See "Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Schedule III" for detail on Properties that are encumbered.

As of December 31, 2012, the Properties had an occupancy rate of 87.3 percent excluding transient RV sites. Since January 1, 2012, the Properties have averaged an aggregate annual turnover of homes (where the home is moved out of the community) of approximately 2.5 percent and an average annual turnover of residents (where the resident-owned home is sold and remains within the community, typically without interruption of rental income) of approximately 4.9 percent. The average renewal rate for residents in our Rental Program was 60.6 percent for the year ended December 31, 2012.

We believe that our Properties’ high amenity levels contribute to low turnover and generally high occupancy rates. All of the Properties provide residents with attractive amenities with most offering a clubhouse, a swimming pool, and laundry facilities. Many of the Properties offer additional amenities such as sauna/whirlpool spas, tennis, shuffleboard and basketball courts and/or exercise rooms.

We have concentrated our communities within certain geographic areas in order to achieve economies of scale in management and operation. The Properties are principally concentrated in the midwestern, southern, and southeastern United States. We believe that geographic diversification helps to insulate the portfolio from regional economic influences.

The following tables set forth certain information relating to the properties owned as of December 31, 2012. The occupancy percentage includes manufactured home sites (“MH Sites”) and permanent RV sites, and excludes transient RV sites.

Property
MH/RV
City
State
MH and Permanent RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Transient RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/11
Occupancy as of 12/31/10
MIDWEST
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Michigan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Academy/West Pointe (1)
MH
Canton
MI
441


93
%
 
88
%
 
88
%
 
Allendale Meadows Mobile Village
MH
Allendale
MI
352


80
%
 
78
%
 
74
%
 
Alpine Meadows Mobile Village
MH
Grand Rapids
MI
403


91
%
 
87
%
 
83
%
 
Apple Carr Village
MH
Muskegon
MI
529


76
%
 
72
%
 
N/A

 
Bedford Hills Mobile Village
MH
Battle Creek
MI
339


72
%
 
71
%
 
73
%
 
Brentwood Mobile Village
MH
Kentwood
MI
195


97
%
 
99
%
 
98
%
 
Brookside Village
MH
Kentwood
MI
196


97
%
 
95
%
 
N/A

 
Byron Center Mobile Village
MH
Byron Center
MI
143


89
%
 
93
%
 
92
%
 
Candlewick Court
MH
Owosso
MI
211


70
%
 
73
%
 
74
%
 
Cider Mill Crossings
MH
Fenton
MI
262


51
%
 
19
%
 
N/A

 
Cider Mill Village
MH
Middleville
MI
258


77
%
 
67
%
 
N/A

 
College Park Estates
MH
Canton
MI
230


77
%
 
73
%
 
70
%
 
Continental Estates
MH
Davison
MI
385


39
%
 
40
%
 
38
%
 
Continental North
MH
Davison
MI
474


51
%
 
53
%
 
54
%
 
Country Acres Mobile Village
MH
Cadillac
MI
182


90
%
 
86
%
 
84
%
 
Country Hills Village
MH
Hudsonville
MI
239


93
%
 
74
%
 
N/A

 
Country Meadows Mobile Village
MH
Flat Rock
MI
577


95
%
 
94
%
 
91
%
 

21

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Property
MH/RV
City
State
MH and Permanent RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Transient RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/11
Occupancy as of 12/31/10
Country Meadows Village
MH
Caledonia
MI
307


88
%
 
77
%
 
N/A

 
Countryside Village
MH
Perry
MI
359


61
%
 
58
%
 
67
%
 
Creekwood Meadows
MH
Burton
MI
336


73
%
 
65
%
 
63
%
 
Cutler Estates Mobile Village
MH
Grand Rapids
MI
259


96
%
 
98
%
 
93
%
 
Davison East
MH
Davison
MI
190


43
%
 
44
%
 
45
%
 
Dutton Mill Village
MH
Caledonia
MI
307


98
%
 
91
%
 
N/A

 
East Village Estates
MH
Washington Twp.
MI
708


93
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Falcon Pointe
MH
East Lansing
MI
142


13
%
(2) 
13
%
(2) 
15
%
(2) 
Fisherman’s Cove
MH
Flint
MI
162


91
%
 
87
%
 
87
%
 
Grand Mobile Estates
MH
Grand Rapids
MI
230


72
%
 
75
%
 
73
%
 
Hamlin
MH
Webberville
MI
209


83
%
(3) 
75
%
(3) 
73
%
(3) 
Hickory Hills Village
MH
Battle Creek
MI
283


94
%
 
84
%
 
N/A

 
Hidden Ridge RV Resort
RV
Hopkins
MI

276

N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Holiday West Village
MH
Holland
MI
341


99
%
 
93
%
 
N/A

 
Holly Village/Hawaiian Gardens (1)
MH
Holly
MI
425


96
%
 
98
%
 
98
%
 
Hunters Crossing
MH
Capac
MI
114


89
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Hunters Glen
MH
Wayland
MI
280


69
%
(2) 
63
%
(2) 
59
%
(2) 
Kensington Meadows
MH
Lansing
MI
290


96
%
 
90
%
 
85
%
 
Kings Court Mobile Village
MH
Traverse City
MI
639


100
%
 
100
%
 
98
%
 
Knollwood Estates
MH
Allendale
MI
161


89
%
 
82
%
 
81
%
 
Lafayette Place
MH
Metro Detroit
MI
254


68
%
 
66
%
 
65
%
 
Lakeview
MH
Ypsilanti
MI
392


98
%
 
97
%
 
93
%
 
Leisure Village
MH
Belmont
MI
237


100
%
 
97
%
 
N/A

 
Lincoln Estates
MH
Holland
MI
191


93
%
 
92
%
 
85
%
 
Meadow Lake Estates
MH
White Lake
MI
425


92
%
 
88
%
 
84
%
 
Meadowbrook Estates
MH
Monroe
MI
453


92
%
 
92
%
 
92
%
 
Northville Crossings
MH
Northville
MI
756


82
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Oak Island Village
MH
East Lansing
MI
250


95
%
 
84
%
 
N/A

 
Pinebrook Village
MH
Grand Rapids
MI
185


93
%
 
91
%
 
N/A

 
Presidential Estates Mobile Village
MH
Hudsonville
MI
364


95
%
 
90
%
 
88
%
 
Richmond Place
MH
Metro Detroit
MI
117


83
%
 
84
%
 
83
%
 
River Haven Village
MH
Grand Haven
MI
721


60
%
 
60
%
 
57
%
 
Rudgate Clinton
MH
Clinton Township
MI
667


90
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Rudgate Manor
MH
Sterling Heights
MI
931


89
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Scio Farms Estates
MH
Ann Arbor
MI
913


95
%
 
94
%
 
93
%
 
Sheffield Estates
MH
Auburn Hills
MI
228


96
%
 
98
%
 
98
%
 
Sherman Oaks
MH
Jackson
MI
366


72
%
 
74
%
 
72
%
 
Silver Springs
MH
Clinton Township
MI
546


89
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Southwood Village
MH
Grand Rapids
MI
394


97
%
 
94
%
 
N/A

 
St. Clair Place
MH
Metro Detroit
MI
100


75
%
 
75
%
 
74
%
 
Sunset Ridge
MH
Portland Township
MI
190


95
%
 
96
%

95
%
 

22

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Property
MH/RV
City
State
MH and Permanent RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Transient RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/11
Occupancy as of 12/31/10
Sycamore Village
MH
Mason
MI
396


91
%
 
85
%
 
N/A

 
Tamarac Village
MH
Ludington
MI
293


98
%
 
95
%
 
N/A

 
Tamarac Village
RV
Ludington
MI
108

9

100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
N/A

 
Timberline Estates
MH
Grand Rapids
MI
296


87
%
 
83
%
 
80
%
 
Town & Country Mobile Village
MH
Traverse City
MI
192


99
%
 
98
%
 
98
%
 
Village Trails
MH
Howard City
MI
100


97
%
 
97
%
 
92
%
 
Warren Dunes Village
MH
Bridgman
MI
188


91
%
 
77
%
 
N/A

 
Waverly Shores Village
MH
Holland
MI
326


100
%
 
97
%
 
N/A

 
West Village Estates
MH
Romulus
MI
628


93
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
White Lake Mobile Home Village
MH
White Lake
MI
315


98
%
 
96
%
 
98
%
 
White Oak Estates
MH
Mt. Morris
MI
480


65
%
 
66
%
 
68
%
 
Windham Hills Estates
MH
Jackson
MI
402


78
%
(3) 
77
%
(3) 
70
%
(3) 
Windsor Woods Village
MH
Wayland
MI
314


83
%
 
78
%
 
N/A

 
Woodhaven Place
MH
Metro Detroit
MI
220


97
%
 
98
%
 
95
%
 
Michigan Total
 
 
 
24,096

285

85
%
 
81
%
 
79
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indiana
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brookside Mobile Home Village
MH
Goshen
IN
570


65
%
 
66
%
 
64
%
 
Carrington Pointe
MH
Ft. Wayne
IN
320


80
%
(3) 
80
%
(3) 
79
%
(3) 
Clear Water Mobile Village
MH
South Bend
IN
227


82
%
 
77
%
 
73
%
 
Cobus Green Mobile Home Park
MH
Elkhart
IN
386


66
%
 
66
%
 
64
%
 
Deerfield Run
MH
Anderson
IN
175


62
%
(3) 
61
%
(3) 
64
%
(3) 
Four Seasons
MH
Elkhart
IN
218


86
%
 
82
%
 
80
%
 
Holiday Mobile Home Village
MH
Elkhart
IN
326


71
%
 
75
%
 
75
%
 
Liberty Farms
MH
Valparaiso
IN
220


99
%
 
98
%
 
98
%
 
Maplewood
MH
Lawrence
IN
207


67
%
 
69
%
 
70
%
 
Meadows
MH
Nappanee
IN
330


51
%
 
50
%
 
51
%
 
Pebble Creek (4)
MH
Greenwood
IN
257


98
%
 
93
%
 
89
%
 
Pine Hills
MH
Middlebury
IN
129


87
%
 
91
%
 
88
%
 
Roxbury Park
MH
Goshen
IN
398


88
%
 
84
%
 
85
%
 
Timberbrook
MH
Bristol
IN
567


52
%
 
55
%
 
56
%
 
Valley Brook
MH
Indianapolis
IN
798


53
%
 
54
%
 
53
%
 
West Glen Village
MH
Indianapolis
IN
552


76
%
 
72
%
 
71
%
 
Woodlake Estates
MH
Ft. Wayne
IN
338


57
%
 
53
%
 
50
%
 
Woods Edge Mobile Village
MH
West Lafayette
IN
598


52
%
(3) 
52
%
(3) 
53
%
(3) 
Indiana Total
 
 
 
6,616


68
%
 
67
%
 
66
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Apple Creek Manufactured Home Community and Self Storage
MH
Amelia
OH
176


95
%
 
95
%
 
100
%
 
Byrne Hill Village
MH
Toledo
OH
236


88
%
 
91
%
 
86
%
 
Catalina
MH
Middletown
OH
462


59
%
 
59
%
 
56
%
 
East Fork  (4)
MH
Batavia
OH
215


99
%

97
%

94
%


23

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Property
MH/RV
City
State
MH and Permanent RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Transient RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/11
Occupancy as of 12/31/10
Oakwood Village
MH
Miamisburg
OH
511


96
%
 
92
%
 
89
%
 
Orchard Lake
MH
Milford
OH
147


98
%
 
97
%
 
96
%
 
Westbrook Senior Village
MH
Toledo
OH
112


99
%
 
96
%
 
98
%
 
Westbrook Village
MH
Toledo
OH
344


96
%
 
96
%
 
95
%
 
Willowbrook Place
MH
Toledo
OH
266


87
%
 
91
%
 
95
%
 
Woodside Terrace
MH
Holland
OH
439


83
%
 
79
%
 
82
%
 
Worthington Arms
MH
Lewis Center
OH
224


96
%
 
98
%
 
96
%
 
Ohio Total
 
 
 
3,132


88
%
 
87
%
 
86
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOUTH
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Blazing Star
RV
San Antonio
TX

260

N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Boulder Ridge
MH
Pflugerville
TX
526


98
%
 
95
%
 
79
%
 
Branch Creek Estates
MH
Austin
TX
392


100
%
 
99
%
 
100
%
 
Casa del Valle
MH
Alamo
TX
120


100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Casa del Valle
RV
Alamo
TX
98

178

100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
Chisholm Point Estates
MH
Pflugerville
TX
417


99
%
 
99
%
 
100
%
 
Comal Farms (4)
MH
New Braunfels
TX
350


97
%
 
99
%
 
91
%
 
Kenwood RV and Mobile Home Plaza
MH
LaFeria
TX
41


100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Kenwood RV and Mobile Home Plaza
RV
LaFeria
TX
43

196

100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
Oak Crest
MH
Austin
TX
335


99
%
 
98
%
 
88
%
 
Pecan Branch
MH
Georgetown
TX
69


93
%
 
91
%
 
99
%
 
Pine Trace
MH
Houston
TX
403


99
%
 
98
%
 
98
%
 
River Ranch (4)
MH
Austin
TX
266


79
%
(3) 
98
%
 
99
%
 
River Ridge
MH
Austin
TX
515


97
%
 
74
%
(3) 
99
%
 
Saddle Brook
MH
Austin
TX
260


97
%
 
98
%
 
87
%
 
Snow to Sun
MH
Weslaco
TX
184


99
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Snow to Sun
RV
Weslaco
TX
132

159

100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
Stonebridge (4)
MH
San Antonio
TX
335


99
%
 
99
%
 
98
%
 
Summit Ridge (4)
MH
Converse
TX
369


67
%
 
98
%
 
98
%
 
Sunset Ridge (4)
MH
Kyle
TX
170


99
%
 
98
%
 
100
%
 
Woodlake Trails (4)
MH
San Antonio
TX
227


70
%
(3) 
98
%
 
97
%
 
Texas Total
 
 
 
5,252

793

94
%
 
96
%
 
95
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOUTHEAST
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Arbor Terrace RV Park
RV
Bradenton
FL
153

242

100
%
(5) 
98
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 
Ariana Village Mobile Home Park
MH
Lakeland
FL
208


92
%
 
92
%
 
92
%
 
Blueberry Hill
RV
Bushnell
FL
24

381

100
%
(5) 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Buttonwood Bay
MH
Sebring
FL
407


100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Buttonwood Bay
RV
Sebring
FL
376

157

100
%
(5) 
98
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 

24

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Property
MH/RV
City
State
MH and Permanent RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Transient RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/11
Occupancy as of 12/31/10
Club Naples
RV
Naples
FL
114

191

100
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 
N/A

 
Gold Coaster
MH
Homestead
FL
453

92

99
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
Grand Lakes
RV
Citra
FL
37

364

100
%
(5) 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Groves RV Resort
RV
Ft. Myers
FL
153

124

100
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 
Holly Forest Estates
MH
Holly Hill
FL
402


99
%
 
99
%
 
100
%
 
Indian Creek Park
MH
Ft. Myers Beach
FL
353


100
%
 
99
%
 
100
%
 
Indian Creek Park
RV
Ft. Myers Beach
FL
961

125

100
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 
Island Lakes
MH
Merritt Island
FL
301


100
%
 
99
%
 
100
%
 
Kings Lake
MH
Debary
FL
245


99
%
 
96
%
 
97
%
 
Lake Juliana Landings
MH
Auburndale
FL
274


98
%
 
97
%
 
98
%
 
Lake San Marino RV Park
RV
Naples
FL
185

224

100
%
(5) 
96
%
(5) 
98
%
(5) 
Meadowbrook Village
MH
Tampa
FL
257


100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Naples RV Resort
RV
Naples
FL
32

134

100
%
(5) 
94
%
(5) 
N/A

 
North Lake
RV
Moore Haven
FL
173

98

100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
N/A

 
Orange City RV Resort
MH
Orange City
FL
4


100
%
 
100
%
 
N/A

 
Orange City RV Resort
RV
Orange City
FL
181

340

100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
N/A

 
Orange Tree Village
MH
Orange City
FL
246


99
%
 
100
%
 
99
%
 
Rainbow RV Resort
MH
Frostproof
FL
37


100
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Rainbow RV Resort
RV
Frostproof
FL
128

333

100
%
(5) 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Royal Country
MH
Miami
FL
864


100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Saddle Oak Club
MH
Ocala
FL
376


99
%
 
99
%
 
99
%
 
Siesta Bay RV Park
RV
Ft. Myers Beach
FL
715

82

100
%
(5) 
98
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 
Silver Star Mobile Village
MH
Orlando
FL
406


98
%
 
98
%
 
99
%
 
Tampa East
MH
Dover
FL
31


100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Tampa East
RV
Dover
FL
193

476

100
%
(5) 
96
%
(5) 
99
%
(5) 
Three Lakes
RV
Hudson
FL
124

184

100
%
(5) 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Water Oak Country Club Estates
MH
Lady Lake
FL
1,039


99
%
 
100
%
 
99
%
 
Florida Total
 
 
 
9,452

3,547

99
%
 
99
%
 
99
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Autumn Ridge
MH
Ankeny
IA
413


99
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Bell Crossing
MH
Clarksville
TN
239


79
%
(3) 
72
%
(3) 
64
%
(3) 
Candlelight Village
MH
Chicago Heights
IL
309


97
%
 
99
%
 
95
%
 
Cave Creek
MH
Evans
CO
289


99
%
 
91
%
 
76
%
(2) 
Countryside Atlanta
MH
Lawrenceville
GA
271


100
%
(6) 
100
%
(6) 
99
%
(6) 
Countryside Gwinnett
MH
Buford
GA
331


98
%
 
96
%
 
94
%
 
Countryside Lake Lanier
MH
Buford
GA
548


86
%
 
84
%
 
83
%
 
Creekside (4)
MH
Reidsville
NC
45


62
%
(2) 
64
%
(2) 
67
%
(2) 
Desert View Village
MH
West Wendover
NV
93


44
%
(2) 
47
%
(2) 
48
%
(2) 
Eagle Crest
MH
Firestone
CO
441


99
%
 
94
%
 
76
%
(2) 
Edwardsville
MH
Edwardsville
KS
634


70
%
 
69
%
 
67
%
 
Forest Meadows
MH
Philomath
OR
75


100
%
 
99
%
 
100
%
 
Glen Laurel (4)
MH
Concord
NC
260


77
%
(2) 
67
%
(2) 
61
%
(2) 

25

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Property
MH/RV
City
State
MH and Permanent RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Transient RV Sites as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/12
Occupancy as of 12/31/11
Occupancy as of 12/31/10
High Pointe
MH
Frederica
DE
411


96
%
 
93
%
 
92
%
 
Lake In Wood
RV
Narvon
PA

425

N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Meadowbrook (4)
MH
Charlotte
NC
177


99
%
 
99
%
 
98
%
 
North Point Estates
MH
Pueblo
CO
108


84
%
(2) 
76
%
(2) 
63
%
(2) 
Palm Creek
MH
Casa Grande
AZ
118


97
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Palm Creek
RV
Casa Grande
AZ
838

907

100
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Pheasant Ridge
MH
Lancaster
PA
553


100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Pin Oak Parc
MH
O’Fallon
MO
502


83
%
 
82
%
 
82
%
 
Pine Ridge
MH
Petersburg
VA
245


97
%
 
98
%
 
98
%
 
Sea Air
MH
Rehoboth Beach
DE
372


100
%
 
100
%
 
99
%
 
Sea Air
RV
Rehoboth Beach
DE
136

3

100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
100
%
(5) 
Southfork
MH
Belton
MO
474


61
%
 
62
%
 
65
%
 
Sun Villa Estates
MH
Reno
NV
324


98
%
 
100
%
 
99
%
 
Timber Ridge
MH
Ft. Collins
CO
585


100
%
 
98
%
 
95
%
 
Woodland Park Estates
MH
Eugene
OR
398


100
%
 
100
%
 
98
%
 
Other Total
 
 
 
9,189

1,335

91
%
 
89
%
 
86
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL / AVERAGE
 
 
 
57,737

5,960

87
%
 
85
%
 
84
%
 

(1) Properties have two licenses but operate as one community.
(2) Occupancy in these Properties reflects the fact that these communities are ground-up developments and have not reached full occupancy.
(3) Occupancy in these Properties reflects the fact that these communities are in a lease-up phase following an expansion.
(4) This Property is owned by an affiliate of SunChamp LLC, a joint venture that owns 11 of our consolidated manufactured home communities, in which we own approximately a 79.5 percent equity interest as of December 31, 2012.
(5) Occupancy percentage excludes transient RV sites. Percentage calculated by dividing revenue producing sites by developed sites. A revenue producing site is defined as a site that is occupied by a paying resident. A developed site is defined as an adequate sized parcel of land that has road and utility access which is zoned and licensed (if required) for use as a home site.
(6) The number of developed sites and occupancy percentage at this Property includes sites that have been covered under our comprehensive insurance coverage (subject to deductibles and certain limitations) for both property damage and business interruption from a flood that caused substantial damage to this Property.


26

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On February 8, 2013, we acquired ten RV communities and associated assets from Gwynns Island RV Resort LLC, Indian Creek RV Resort LLC, Lake Laurie RV Resort LLC, Newpoint RV Resort LLC, Peters Pond RV Resort Inc., Seaport LLC, Virginia Tent LLC, Wagon Wheel Maine LLC, Westward Ho RV Resort LLC and Wild Acres LLC (collectively, the "Contributors") for a purchase price of $112.8 million, subject to certain adjustments and pro-rations. See Note 2 of our financial statements. MHC recorded a “Memorandum of Agreement for an Option to Acquire the Properties” against some or all of the communities and we closed this transaction with knowledge of those memoranda. MHC had also asserted that we improperly interfered with their purported contract rights with respect to the communities. The Contributors and their affiliates Ideal Private Resorts LLC, Robert C. Morgan, Robert Moser, Robyn Morgan and Herbert Morgan, jointly and severally, have agreed to indemnify us against any and all liabilities and expenses relating to any claims by MHC with respect to the communities or the transaction, subject to certain limitations. The indemnity obligations are secured by certain assets of the indemnitors and their affiliates. On December 26, 2012, we filed a complaint in the Oakland County (Michigan) Circuit Court against MHC, the Contributors and certain of their affiliates seeking declaratory relief concerning MHC's assertion of rights with respect to the communities and MHC's claim against us. On January 23, 2013, MHC filed an answer and counterclaim (and cross claim against the Contributors and certain of their affiliates) seeking to enforce its claimed rights and seeking specific performance against the Contributors (and us to the extent our rights would be affected) of those rights to acquire the communities. MHC's answer and counterclaim did not assert any other substantive claims against us. On February 14, 2013, we filed an amended complaint seeking a declaratory judgment that we have not violated, and our purchase of the communities did not violate, any rights of MHC and further seeking a judgment requiring MHC to cancel the memoranda it recorded. As of February 22, 2013, MHC had not filed an answer to our amended complaint.


We are involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. All such proceedings, taken together, are not expected to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

PART II

ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock has been listed on the NYSE since December 8, 1993, and traded under the symbol “SUI”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share for the common stock for the periods indicated as reported by the NYSE and the distributions per share paid by us with respect to each period:
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
High
 
Low
 
Distributions
 
1st Quarter
 
$
43.90

 
$
35.06

 
$
0.63

 
2nd Quarter
 
44.68

 
39.15

 
0.63

 
3rd Quarter
 
47.84

 
43.37

 
0.63

 
4th Quarter
 
44.64

 
36.15

 
0.63

(a) 

Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
High
 
Low
 
Distributions
 
1st Quarter
 
$
35.73

 
$
31.85

 
$
0.63

 
2nd Quarter
 
40.21

 
35.01

 
0.63

 
3rd Quarter
 
40.00

 
30.49

 
0.63

 
4th Quarter
 
39.45

 
33.00

 
0.63

(b) 

 (a) Paid on January 18, 2013, to stockholders of record on December 31, 2012
(b) Paid on January 20, 2012, to stockholders of record on December 31, 2011


27

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

On February 15, 2013, the closing share price of our common stock was $45.69 per share on the NYSE, and there were 245 holders of record for the 31,642,521 million outstanding shares of common stock. On February 15, 2013, the Operating Partnership had (i) 2,069,322 common OP Units issued and outstanding which were convertible into an equal number of shares of our common stock, (ii) 1,325,275 Aspen preferred OP Units issued and outstanding which were exchangeable for 526,212 shares of our common stock, (iii) 455,476 Series A-1 preferred OP Units issued and outstanding which on or after December 31, 2013 will be exchangeable for 1,111,361 shares of our common stock and (iv) 40,267.50 Series A-3 preferred OP Units issued and outstanding which were exchangeable for 74,918 shares of our common stock.

We have historically paid regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock and common OP Units. In addition, we are obligated to make distributions to holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Aspen preferred OP Units, Series A-1 preferred OP Units, Series A-3 preferred OP Units and Series B-3 preferred OP Units. See “Structure of the Company” under Item 1 above. Our ability to make distributions on our common and preferred stock and payments on our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. The decision to declare and pay dividends on shares of our common stock in the future, as well as the timing, amount and composition of any such future dividends, will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, debt maturities, the availability of debt and equity capital, applicable REIT and legal restrictions and the general overall economic conditions and other factors.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table reflects information about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2012.
 
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column a)
 Plan Category
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
 
55,950

 
29.19

 
763,400

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders
 

 

 

Total
 
55,950

 
29.19

 
763,400


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In November 2004, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock.  We have 400,000 common shares remaining in the repurchase program.  No common shares were repurchased under this program during 2012. There is no expiration date specified for the buyback program.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

From time to time, we may issue shares of common stock in exchange for OP Units that may be tendered to the Operating Partnership for redemption in accordance with the terms and provisions of the limited partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership. Such shares are issued based on the exchange ratios and formulas described in “Structure of the Company” under Item 1 above.

Holders of common OP Units have converted 2,400 units, 10,249 units and 57,881 units to common stock for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In February 2013, our Operating Partnership issued 40,267.50 Series A-3 preferred OP Units in connection with our acquisition of ten RV communities. See Note 2 to our financial statements for other consideration paid in the transaction. The Series A-3 preferred OP Units are convertible, but not redeemable. The holders of the Series A-3 preferred OP Units can convert each Series A-3 preferred OP Unit at any time, subject to certain contractual restrictions contained in the acquisition agreements, into 1.8605 shares of our common stock (which exchange rate is subject to adjustment upon stock splits, recapitalizations and similar events). The Series A-3 preferred OP Unit holders receive an annual preferred return of 4.5%.

In June, 2011, our Operating Partnership issued 455,476 Series A-1 preferred OP Units in connection with our acquisition of the Kentland Communities ("Kentland"). See Note 2 to our financial statements for other consideration paid in the transaction. The

28

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Series A-1 preferred OP Units are convertible, but not redeemable. The holders of the Series A-1 preferred OP Units can convert each Series A-1 preferred OP Units at any time after December 31, 2013 into 2.439 shares of common stock (which exchange rate is subject to adjustment upon stock splits, recapitalizations and similar events). The Series A-1 preferred OP Unit holders receive an annual preferred return of 5.1% until June 23, 2013 and 6.0% thereafter.

All of the securities described above were issued in private placements in reliance on Section 4a(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including Regulation D promulgated there under. No underwriters were used in connection with any of such issuances.

Performance Graph

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock against the cumulative total return of a broad market index composed of all issuers listed on the NYSE and an industry index comprised of fifteen publicly traded residential real estate investment trusts, for the five year period ending on December 31, 2012. This line graph assumes a $100 investment on December 31, 2007, a reinvestment of dividends and actual increase of the market value of our common stock relative to an initial investment of $100. The comparisons in this table are required by the SEC and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of our common stock.

 
 
As of December 31,
Index
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
Sun Communities, Inc.
 
100.00
 
77.22
 
129.38
 
240.63
 
287.93
 
333.62
SNL US REIT Residential
 
100.00
 
74.56
 
100.03
 
146.93
 
168.3
 
179.07
NYSE Market Index
 
100.00
 
60.85
 
78.24
 
88.88
 
85.62
 
99.45
SUI Peer Group Index
 
100.00
 
77.39
 
101.56
 
144.45
 
166.76
 
180.26



29

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

The information included under the heading “Performance Graph” is not to be treated as “soliciting material” or as “filed” with the SEC, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that is made on, before or after the date of filing of this Form 10-K.

30

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected financial and operating information on a historical basis. The historical financial data has been derived from our historical financial statements. The following information should be read in conjunction with the information included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and the financial statements and accompanying notes included herein.

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010 (a)
 
2009 (a)
 
2008 (a)
 
(In thousands, except for share related data)
OPERATING DATA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
339,616

 
$
289,185

 
$
265,970

 
$
259,021

 
$
255,404

Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
4,958

 
(1,086
)
 
(2,883
)
 
(6,099
)
 
(29,209
)
Net income (loss)
4,958

 
(1,086
)
 
(2,883
)
 
(6,302
)
 
(34,448
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share - basic and diluted
$
0.18

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(1.61
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per common share (b)
$
2.52

 
$
3.15

 
$
2.52

 
$
2.52

 
$
2.52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment property before accumulated depreciation
$
2,177,305

 
$
1,794,605

 
$
1,580,544

 
$
1,565,700

 
$
1,549,339

Total assets
1,754,117

 
1,367,974

 
1,165,342

 
1,184,234

 
1,209,683

Total debt and lines of credit
1,453,501

 
1,397,225

 
1,258,139

 
1,253,907

 
1,229,571

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
212,990

 
(100,655
)
 
(132,384
)
 
(111,308
)
 
(59,882
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating income (NOI) (c) from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real property operations
$
167,715

 
$
146,876

 
$
135,222

 
$
131,131

 
$
130,222

Home sales and home rentals
18,677

 
12,954

 
12,981

 
13,410

 
12,051

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds from operations (FFO) (c)
$
92,409

 
$
73,691

 
$
62,765

 
$
56,073

 
$
26,903

Adjustment to FFO
4,296

 
1,564

 
874

 
3,419

 
30,127

FFO excluding certain items
$
96,705

 
$
75,255

 
$
63,639

 
$
59,492

 
$
57,030

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FFO per share excluding certain items - fully diluted
$
3.19

 
$
3.13

 
$
2.97

 
$
2.86

 
$
2.78


(a)
Financial information has been restated to reflect the reclassification of our cable television service business as a discontinued operation. Additionally, financial information has been restated to reflect certain reclassifications in prior periods to conform to current period presentation.
(b)
In 2011, we paid $2.52 in cash dividends per common share and declared $3.15 in dividends per common share.
(c)
Refer to Item 7, Supplemental Measures, for information regarding the presentation of the net operating income (“NOI”) financial measure and funds from operations (“FFO”) financial measure.



31

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

The following discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in this Form 10-K.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We are a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed REIT. We own, operate, and develop manufactured housing and RV communities concentrated in the midwestern, southern, and southeastern United States. As of December 31, 2012, we owned and operated a portfolio of 173 developed properties located in 19 states, including 149 manufactured housing communities, 13 RV communities, and 11 properties containing both manufactured housing and RV sites.

We are have been in the business of acquiring, operating, developing and expanding manufactured housing and RV communities since 1975. We lease individual sites with utility access for placement of manufactured homes and RVs to our customers. We are also engaged through SHS in the marketing, selling, and leasing of new and pre-owned homes to current and future residents in our communities. The operations of SHS support and enhance our occupancy levels, property performance, and cash flows.

Property Operations:

Portfolio Information:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Occupancy % - Total Portfolio - MH and Perm RV
 
87.3
%
 
85.3
%
 
84.3
%
Occupancy % - Same Site - MH and Perm RV
 
86.3
%
 
85.5
%
 
84.3
%
Funds from operations excluding certain items(1)
 
$
3.19

 
$
3.13

 
$
2.97

NOI(1) - Total Portfolio
 
$
167,715

 
$
146,876

 
$
135,222

NOI(1) - Same Site
 
$
147,821

 
$
140,058

 
$
135,222

Homes Sold
 
1,742

 
1,439

 
1,375

Number of Occupied Rental Homes
 
8,110

 
7,047

 
6,141

(1) 
Refer to Item 7, Supplemental Measures, for information regarding the presentation of the NOI financial measure and funds from operations excluding certain items financial measure.

Our same site properties continue to achieve revenue and occupancy increases which drive continued NOI growth. Home sales are at their historical high and we expect to continue to increase the number of homes sold in our portfolio.

Acquisition Activity:

We acquired seven manufactured housing communities comprised of 4,350 developed sites, five RV communities comprised of 1,799 developed sites, and two communities with both manufactured housing and RV sites comprised of 2,361 developed sites for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $249.3 million, net of approximately $62.8 million of assumed debt encumbering six of the acquired properties.

Besides the noted activity in 2012, we acquired 23 communities, or $121.9 million of Properties, net of assumed debt in 2011. We continue to experience an active pipeline of acquisition opportunities and will seek to enhance the growth of the company through continued selective acquisitions.

Development Activity:

We expanded 354 sites at three properties in 2012.

We continue to expand our properties and expect to construct approximately 1,300 to 1,400 additional sites in 2013, located primarily in Texas and Colorado which have current occupancies in excess of 95 percent.




32

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Capital Activity:

We closed two underwritten registered public offerings totaling 7.6 million shares of common stock with net proceeds of approximately $289.7 million after deducting offering related expenses.

We closed an underwritten registered public offering of 3.4 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock with net proceeds of approximately $82.2 million after deducting offering related expenses.

Proceeds from capital raises allowed for not only the acquisition of properties but also, strengthening our balance sheet by taking measured steps to de-lever our assets. We have improved our leverage and coverage ratios and may opportunistically access capital markets to improve liquidity and further improve credit metrics in the future.

 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discuss our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimate and judgment of certain amounts included in the financial statements. Nevertheless, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes the following significant accounting policies, among others, affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements:
    
Investment Property

Investment property is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Circumstances that may prompt a test of recoverability may include a significant decrease in the anticipated market price, an adverse change to the extent or manner in which an asset may be used or in its physical condition or other such events that may significantly change the value of the long-lived asset. An impairment loss is recognized when a long-lived asset’s carrying value is not recoverable and exceeds estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value of our long lived assets based on future cash flows and any potential disposition proceeds for a given asset. Forecasting cash flows requires management to make estimates and assumptions about such variables as the estimated holding period, rental rates, occupancy, development and operating expenses during the holding period, as well as disposition proceeds. Management uses its best judgment when developing these estimates and assumptions, but the development of the projected future cash flows is based on subjective variables. Future events could occur which would cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist, and significant adverse changes in national, regional, or local market conditions or trends may cause us to change the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment analysis. The results of an impairment analysis could be material to our financial statements.

Capitalized Costs

We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with the development, redevelopment, capital enhancement and leasing of our properties. Management is required to use professional judgment in determining whether such costs meet the criteria for immediate expense or capitalization. The amounts are dependent on the volume and timing of such activities and the costs associated with such activities. Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements to properties are expensed when incurred. Renovations and improvements to properties are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives and construction costs related to the development of new community or expansion sites are capitalized until the property is substantially complete. Costs incurred to renovate repossessed homes for our Rental Program are capitalized and costs incurred to refurbish the homes at turnover and repair the homes while occupied are expensed. Certain expenditures to dealers and residents related to obtaining lessees in our communities are capitalized and amortized over a seven year period based on the anticipated term of occupancy of a resident. Costs associated with implementing our computer systems are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related software and hardware. Costs incurred to obtain new financing are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the related loan agreement using the straight-line method (which approximates the effective interest method).




33

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Notes and Other Receivables

We provide financing to purchasers of manufactured homes generally located in our communities. The notes are collateralized by the underlying manufactured home sold. Notes receivable include both installment loans retained by the Company as well as transferred loans that have not met the requirements for sale accounting which are presented herein as collateralized receivables (See Note 5 to our financial statements for additional information). For purposes of accounting policy, all notes receivable are considered one homogeneous segment, as the notes are typically underwritten using the same requirements and terms. Notes receivable are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balance adjusted for an allowance for loan loss. Interest income is accrued based upon the unpaid principal balance of the loans.

Past due status of our notes receivable is determined based upon the contractual terms of the note. When a note receivable becomes 60 days delinquent, we stop accruing interest on the note receivable. The interest on nonaccrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans on a nonaccrual status were immaterial at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The ability to collect our notes receivable is measured based on current and historical information and events. We consider numerous factors including: length of delinquency, estimated costs to lease or sell, and repossession history. Our experience supports a high recovery rate for notes receivable; however there is some degree of uncertainty about the recoverability of our investment in these notes receivable. We are generally able to recover our recorded investment in uncollectible notes receivable by repossessing the homes on the notes retained by us and repurchasing the homes on the collateralized receivables, and subsequently selling or leasing these homes to potential residents in our communities. We have established a loan loss reserve based on our estimated unrecoverable costs associated with repossessed/repurchased homes. We estimate our unrecoverable costs to be the repurchase price of the home collateralizing the note receivable plus repair and remarketing costs in excess of the estimated selling price of the home being repossessed. A historical average of this excess cost is calculated based on prior repossessions/repurchases and is applied to our estimated annual future repossessions to create the allowance for both installment and collateralized notes receivable. See Note 6 to our financial statements for additional information.

We evaluate the collectability of a loan based on our ability to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We generally see that if the obligor is delinquent on the loan they are also delinquent on site rent. If the scheduled payment is delinquent more than five to seven days, dependent on state law, we begin the repossession and eviction process simultaneously. This process generally takes 30 to 45 days; due to the short time frame from delinquent loan to repossession we do not evaluate the notes receivables for impairments. No loans were considered impaired as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

We evaluate the credit quality of our notes receivable at the inception of the receivable. We consider the following factors in order to determine the credit quality of the applicant - rental payment history; home debt to income ratio; total debt to income ratio; length of employment; previous landlord references; and FICO scores.

Other receivables are generally comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and related charges, home sale proceeds receivable from sales near year end and various other miscellaneous receivables. Accounts receivable from residents are typically due within 30 days and stated at amounts due from residents net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. We evaluate the recoverability of our receivables whenever events occur or there are changes in circumstances such that management believes it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan and lease agreements. Receivables related to community rents are reserved when we believe that collection is less than probable, which is generally after a resident balance reaches 60 to 90 days past due.

Investment in Affiliates

Investments in affiliates in which we do not have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest, but can exercise significant influence over the entity with respect to its operations and major decisions, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of our investment is adjusted for our proportionate share of the affiliate’s net income or loss and reduced by distributions received. We review the carrying value of our investment in affiliates for other than temporary impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Financial condition, operational performance, and other economic trends are some of the factors we consider when we evaluate the existence of impairment indicators. When we have a carrying value of zero for our investment, we suspend the equity method of accounting until such time that the affiliate’s net income equals or exceeds the share of net losses not recognized during the time in which the equity method of accounting was suspended.




34

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Revenue Recognition

Rental income attributable to site and home leases is recorded on a straight-line basis when earned from tenants. Leases entered into by tenants are generally for one year terms but may range from month-to-month to two years and are renewable by mutual agreement from us and the resident, or in some cases, as provided by state statute. Revenue from the sale of manufactured homes is recognized upon transfer of title at the closing of the sales transaction. Interest income on notes receivable is recorded on a level yield basis over the life of the notes. We report certain taxes collected from the resident and remitted to taxing authorities in revenue. These taxes include certain Florida property and fire taxes.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives are 30 years for land improvements and buildings, 10 years for rental homes, seven to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and seven years for intangible assets.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We have three derivative contracts consisting of one interest rate swap agreement with a total notional amount of $20.0 million, and two interest rate cap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $162.4 million as of December 31, 2012. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. For those hedges that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, we adjust our balance sheet on a quarterly basis to reflect current fair market value of our derivatives. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in earnings or comprehensive income (loss), as appropriate. The ineffective portion of these hedges are immediately recognized in earnings to the extent that the change in value of a derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the instrument being hedged. The effective portion of these hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We use standard market conventions to determine the fair values of derivative instruments, including the quoted market prices or quotes from brokers or dealers for the same or similar instruments. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value and such value may never actually be realized.

Income Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT as defined under Section 856(c) of the Code. In order for us to qualify as a REIT, at least ninety-five percent (95%) of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes at the corporate level if we distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of our REIT ordinary taxable income to our stockholders. From the time we started paying dividends, we have distributed greater than 100% of our taxable income to our shareholders and intend to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to Federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We remain subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and property as well as Federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

We are subject to certain state taxes that are considered income taxes and have certain subsidiaries that are taxed as regular corporations. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is established if based on available evidence it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-03, “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements” (ASU 2011-03) which amends ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing.  The updated guidance in ASC Topic 860 removes from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 860 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption was not permitted.  The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (ASU 2011-04) which amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement.  The updated guidance in ASC Topic 820 changes the wording used to describe the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and

35

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

for disclosing information about fair value measurements.   The updated guidance in ASC Topic 820 is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption was not permitted.  The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

SUPPLEMENTAL MEASURES

In addition to the results reported in accordance with GAAP, we have provided information regarding Net Operating Income (“NOI”) in the following tables. NOI is derived from revenues minus property operating and maintenance expenses and real estate taxes. We use NOI as the primary basis to evaluate the performance of our operations. A reconciliation of NOI to net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. is included in “Results of Operations” below.

We believe that NOI is helpful to investors and analysts as a measure of operating performance because it is an indicator of the return on property investment, and provides a method of comparing property performance over time. We use NOI as a key management tool when evaluating performance and growth of particular properties and/or groups of properties. The principal limitation of NOI is that it excludes depreciation, amortization, interest expense, and non-property specific expenses such as general and administrative expenses, all of which are significant costs, and therefore, NOI is a measure of the operating performance of our properties rather than of the Company overall.  We believe that these costs included in net income (loss) often have no effect on the market value of our property and therefore limit its use as a performance measure. In addition, such expenses are often incurred at a parent company level and therefore are not necessarily linked to the performance of a real estate asset.

NOI should not be considered a substitute for the reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. NOI should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indicator of our financial performance, or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity; nor is it indicative of funds available for our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions.  NOI, as determined and presented by us, may not be comparable to related or similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

We also provide information regarding Funds From Operations (“FFO”).  We consider FFO an appropriate supplemental measure of the financial performance of an equity REIT. Under the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) definition, FFO represents net income, excluding extraordinary items (as defined under GAAP), and gain (loss) on sales of depreciable property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of financing costs), and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Management also uses FFO excluding certain items, a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes certain gain and loss items that management considers unrelated to the operational and financial performance of our core business. We believe that this provides investors with another financial measure of our operating performance that is more comparable when evaluating period over period results. A discussion of FFO, FFO excluding certain items, a reconciliation of FFO to net income (loss), and FFO to FFO excluding certain items are included in the presentation of FFO in “Results of Operations” following the “Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011”.



36

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We report operating results under two segments: Real Property Operations and Home Sales and Rentals.  The Real Property Operations segment owns, operates, and develops manufactured housing communities and RV communities concentrated in the midwestern, southern, and southeastern United States and is in the business of acquiring, operating, and expanding manufactured housing and RV communities.  The Home Sales and Rentals segment offers manufactured home sales and leasing services to tenants and prospective tenants of our communities.  We evaluate segment operating performance based on NOI and Gross Profit.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those applied in the Consolidated Financial Statements, except for the use of NOI. We may allocate certain common costs, primarily corporate functions, between the segments differently than we would for stand alone financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. These allocated costs include expenses for shared services such as information technology, finance, communications, legal, and human resources. We do not allocate interest expense and certain other corporate costs not directly associated with the segments’ NOI and Gross Profit.

COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

REAL PROPERTY OPERATIONS – TOTAL PORTFOLIO

The following tables reflect certain financial and other information for our Total Portfolio as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:
 
Years Ended December 31,
Financial Information (in thousands)
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
% Change
Income from Real Property
$
255,761

 
$
223,613

 
$
32,148

 
14.4
%
Property operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payroll and benefits
19,410

 
16,503

 
2,907

 
17.6
%
Legal, taxes, & insurance
3,216

 
3,200

 
16

 
0.5
%
Utilities
29,445

 
25,146

 
4,299

 
17.1
%
Supplies and repair
10,085

 
8,852

 
1,233

 
13.9
%
Other
6,683

 
5,489

 
1,194

 
21.8
%
Real estate taxes
19,207

 
17,547

 
1,660

 
9.5
%
Property operating expenses
88,046

 
76,737

 
11,309

 
14.7
%
Real Property NOI
$
167,715

 
$
146,876

 
$
20,839

 
14.2
%

 
As of December 31,
Other Information
2012
 
2011
 
Change
Number of properties
173

 
159

 
14

Developed sites
63,697

 
54,811

 
8,886

Occupied sites (1) (2)
50,412

 
44,204

 
6,208

Occupancy % (1)
87.3
%
 
85.3
%
 
2.0
%
Weighted average monthly site rent - MH (3)
$
434

 
$
420

 
$
14

Weighted average monthly site rent - Permanent RV (3)
$
406

 
$
418

 
(12
)
Sites available for development
6,969

 
6,443

 
526


(1)   
Occupied sites and occupancy % include manufactured housing and permanent RV sites, and exclude transient RV sites.
(2)  
Occupied sites include 4,814 sites acquired during 2011 and 5,139 sites acquired in 2012.
(3) 
Weighted average rent pertains to manufactured housing and permanent RV sites and excludes transient RV sites.

Real Property NOI increased $20.8 million, from $146.9 million to $167.7 million or 14.2 percent. The growth in NOI is primarily due to $13.0 million from newly acquired properties and $7.8 million from same site properties as detailed below.


37

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

REAL PROPERTY OPERATIONS – SAME SITE

A key management tool used when evaluating performance and growth of our properties is a comparison of Same Site communities. Same Site communities consist of properties owned and operated for the same period in both years for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.  The Same Site data may change from time-to-time depending on acquisitions, dispositions, management discretion, significant transactions, or unique situations.

In order to evaluate the growth of the Same Site communities, management has classified certain items differently than our GAAP statements. The reclassification difference between our GAAP statements and our Same Site portfolio is the reclassification of water and sewer revenues from income from real property to utilities.  A significant portion of our utility charges are re-billed to our residents. We reclassify these amounts to reflect the utility expenses associated with our Same Site portfolio net of recovery.

The following tables reflect certain financial and other information for our Same Site communities as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:
 
Years Ended December 31,
Financial Information (in thousands)
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
% Change
Income from Real Property
$
207,849

 
$
198,806

 
$
9,043

 
4.5
 %
Property operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payroll and benefits
15,766

 
15,414

 
352

 
2.3
 %
Legal, taxes, & insurance
2,652

 
2,993

 
(341
)
 
(11.4
)%
Utilities
11,288

 
11,004

 
284

 
2.6
 %
Supplies and repair
8,428

 
8,163

 
265

 
3.2
 %
Other
5,737

 
5,119

 
618

 
12.1
 %
Real estate taxes
16,157

 
16,055

 
102

 
0.6
 %
Property operating expenses
60,028

 
58,748

 
1,280

 
2.2
 %
Real Property NOI
$
147,821

 
$
140,058

 
$
7,763

 
5.5
 %
 
As of December 31,
Other Information
2012
 
2011
 
Change
Number of properties
136

 
136

 

Developed sites
48,222

 
47,850

 
372

Occupied sites (1)
39,860

 
39,230

 
630

Occupancy % (1) (2)
86.7
%
 
85.8
%
 
0.9
%
Weighted average monthly rent per site - MH (3)
$
437

 
$
425

 
$
12

Weighted average monthly rent per site - Permanent RV (3)
$
453

 
$
431

 
22

Sites available for development
4,908

 
5,247

 
(339
)
(1)   
Occupied sites and occupancy % include manufactured housing and permanent RV sites, and exclude transient RV sites.
(2)  
Occupancy % excludes recently completed but vacant expansion sites.
(3) 
Weighted average rent pertains to manufactured housing and permanent RV sites and excludes transient RV sites.

Real Property NOI increased $7.8 million, from $140.1 million to $147.8 million, or 5.5 percent. The growth in NOI is primarily due to increased revenues of $9.0 million partially offset by an $1.2 million increase in expenses.

Income from real property revenue consists of manufactured home and RV site rent, and miscellaneous other property revenues.  Income from real property revenues increased $9.0 million, from $198.8 million to $207.8 million, or 4.5 percent.  The growth in income from real property was due to a combination of factors.  Revenue from our manufactured home and RV portfolio increased $9.5 million due to average rental rate increases of 2.8 percent and the increased number of occupied home sites and was partially offset by rent concessions offered to new residents and current residents who convert from home renters to home owners.  Additionally, other revenues decreased $0.5 million due to a decrease in cable television royalties and utility income partially offset by an increase in other charges and fees.

Property operating expenses increased $1.2 million, from $58.8 million to $60.0 million, or 2.2 percent. Other expenses increased $0.6 million primarily due to increased operational meeting expenses, general office expenses, security service expenses, regional manager travel expenses and resident relations expenses. Payroll and benefits increased by $0.4 million due to increased salaries partially offset by decreased health and life insurance costs. Supplies and repairs increased $0.2 million primarily due to increased lawn services and community maintenance expenses. Utilities expenses increased $0.2 million primarily due to increased cable, telephone and internet expenses. Real estate taxes increased $0.1 million. These increases were offset by a $0.3 million decrease in property insurance expenses.

38

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

HOME SALES AND RENTALS

We acquire pre-owned and repossessed manufactured homes generally located within our communities from lenders and dealers at substantial discounts.  We lease or sell these value priced homes to current and prospective residents.  We also purchase new homes to lease and sell to current and prospective residents.  

The following table reflects certain financial and other information for our Rental Program as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except for certain items marked with *):

 
Years Ended December 31,
Financial Information
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
% Change
Rental home revenue
$
26,589

 
$
22,290

 
$
4,299

 
19.3
%
Site rent from Rental Program (1)
38,636

 
31,897

 
6,739

 
21.1
%
Rental Program revenue
65,225

 
54,187

 
11,038

 
20.4
%
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions
2,207

 
1,908

 
299

 
15.7
%
Repairs and refurbishment
9,002

 
8,080

 
922

 
11.4
%
Taxes and insurance
3,467

 
3,100

 
367

 
11.8
%
Marketing and other
3,465

 
3,108

 
357

 
11.5
%
Rental Program operating and maintenance
18,141

 
16,196

 
1,945

 
12.0
%
Rental Program NOI
$
47,084

 
$
37,991

 
$
9,093

 
23.9
%
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of occupied rentals, end of period*
8,110

 
7,047

 
1,063

 
15.1
%
Investment in occupied rental homes
$
287,261

 
$
237,383

 
$
49,878

 
21.0
%
Number of sold rental homes*
953

 
789

 
164

 
20.8
%
Weighted average monthly rental rate*
$
782

 
$
756

 
$
26

 
3.4
%

(1)  
The renter’s monthly payment includes the site rent and an amount attributable to the leasing of the home. The site rent is reflected in the Real Property Operations segment. For purposes of management analysis, the site rent is included in the Rental Program revenue to evaluate the incremental revenue gains associated with implementation of the Rental Program, and assess the overall growth and performance of Rental Program and financial impact to our operations.

Rental Program NOI increased $9.1 million from $38.0 million to $47.1 million, or 23.9 percent, due to increased revenues of $11.0 million, offset by increased expenses of $1.9 million. Revenues increased $11.0 million primarily due to the increased number of residents participating in the Rental Program and from increased monthly rental rates as indicated in the table above.

The increase in operating and maintenance expenses of $1.9 million was due to several factors.  Refurbishment costs for occupant turnover increased $0.5 million, personal property and use taxes increased $0.4 million due to the additional homes and occupants in the program, bad debt expenses increased $0.4 million, and repair costs on occupied home rentals increased $0.4 million. Commissions increased $0.3 million due to the increased number of new leases. These increases are partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in advertising costs.



39

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

The following table reflects certain financial and statistical information for our Home Sales Program for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except for statistical information):
 
Years Ended December 31,
Financial Information
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
% Change
New home sales
$
5,380

 
$
2,062

 
$
3,318

 
> 100%

Pre-owned home sales
39,767

 
30,190

 
9,577

 
31.7
 %
Revenue from homes sales
45,147

 
32,252

 
12,895

 
40.0
 %
New home cost of sales
4,553

 
1,700

 
2,853

 
> 100%

Pre-owned home cost of sales
30,365

 
23,692

 
6,673

 
28.2
 %
Cost of home sales
34,918

 
25,392

 
9,526

 
37.5
 %
NOI / Gross profit
$
10,229

 
$
6,860

 
$
3,369

 
49.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit – new homes
827

 
362

 
465

 
>100%

Gross margin % – new homes
15.4
%
 
17.6
%
 
(2.2
)%
 
(12.5
)%
Gross profit – pre-owned homes
9,402

 
6,498

 
2,904

 
44.7
 %
Gross margin % – pre-owned homes
23.6
%
 
21.5
%
 
2.1
 %
 
9.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statistical Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home sales volume:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New home sales
76

 
28

 
48

 
> 100%

Pre-owned home sales
1,666

 
1,411

 
255

 
18.1
 %
Total homes sold
1,742

 
1,439

 
303

 
21.1
 %

Home Sales NOI increased $3.3 million, from $6.9 million to $10.2 million, or 49.1 percent. Gross profit on new home sales increased from $0.4 million to $0.8 million and gross profit on pre-owned home sales increased from $6.5 million to $9.4 million primarily due to increased sales volume.



40

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

OTHER INCOME STATEMENT ITEMS

Other revenues include other income, interest income, and ancillary revenues, net.  Other revenues increased $1.1 million, from $11.0 million to $12.1 million, or 10.0 percent.  This was primarily due to an increase in interest income of $0.9 million from collateralized receivables, a $0.5 million increase in interest income from installment note receivables, a $0.1 million increase from gain on sale of land, a $0.1 million decrease in the adjustment to our loan loss reserve, and a $0.5 million decrease in management fees and other miscellaneous income.

Real Property general and administrative costs increased $0.3 million, from $19.7 million to $20.0 million, or 1.5 percent, due to an increase in training and recruiting expenses of $0.5 million, an increase in rent of $0.2 million, and an increase of $0.1 million in each of the following categories: travel, software support and maintenance costs, hardware maintenance costs, licenses and dues, contributions, entertainment and various miscellaneous expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in corporate insurance and legal expenses of $0.4 million and payroll costs of $0.7 million.

Home Sales and Rentals general and administrative costs increased $0.9 million, from $8.1 million to $9.0 million, or 9.8 percent, due to increased salary, commission and bonus costs.

Acquisition related costs increased $2.3 million. These costs have been incurred for both completed and potential acquisitions (See Note 2 of our financial statements).

Depreciation and amortization costs increased $15.5 million, from $74.2 million to $89.7 million, or 20.9 percent, due to increased depreciation on investment property for use in our Rental Program of $4.9 million and increased other depreciation and amortization of $10.6 million primarily due to the newly acquired properties (See Note 2 of our financial statements).

Interest expense on debt, including interest on mandatorily redeemable debt, increased $3.2 million, from $67.9 million to $71.2 million, or 4.7 percent, due to an increase in expense associated with our secured borrowing arrangements of $0.9 million, an increase of $4.2 million in our mortgage interest due to debt associated with the acquired properties (see Note 2 of our financial statements) and a higher rate on our FNMA debt and an increase of $0.1 million in amortized financing costs, offset by a decrease of $2.0 million in interest on our lines of credit. 

Distributions from affiliate increased $1.8 million, from $2.1 million to $3.9 million. We suspended equity accounting in 2010 on our affiliate, Origen, as our investment balance is zero.  The income recorded in 2012 and 2011 is dividend income. See Note 7 of our financial statements.


41

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

REAL PROPERTY OPERATIONS – TOTAL PORTFOLIO

The following tables reflect certain financial and other information for our Total Portfolio as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
Years Ended December 31,
Financial Information (in thousands)
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
Income from Real Property
$
223,613

 
$
204,498

 
$
19,115

 
9.3
%
Property operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payroll and benefits
16,503

 
15,249

 
1,254

 
8.2
%
Legal, taxes, & insurance
3,200

 
2,934

 
266

 
9.1
%
Utilities
25,146

 
22,879

 
2,267

 
9.9
%
Supplies and repair
8,852

 
7,597

 
1,255

 
16.5
%
Other
5,489

 
4,335

 
1,154

 
26.6
%
Real estate taxes
17,547

 
16,282

 
1,265

 
7.8
%
Property operating expenses
76,737

 
69,276

 
7,461

 
10.8
%
Real Property NOI
$
146,876

 
$
135,222

 
$
11,654

 
8.6
%

 
As of December 31,
Other Information
2011
 
2010
 
Change
Number of properties
159

 
136

 
23

Developed sites
54,811

 
47,683

 
7,128

Occupied sites (1) (2)
44,204

 
38,498

 
5,706

Occupancy % (1)
85.3
%
 
84.3
%
 
1.0
%
Weighted average monthly site rent - MH (3)
$
420

 
$
413

 
$
7

Weighted average monthly site rent - Permanent RV (3)
$
418

 
$
422

 
$
(4
)
Sites available for development
6,443

 
5,939

 
504


(1)   
Occupied sites and occupancy % include manufactured housing and permanent RV sites and exclude transient RV sites.
(2)  
Occupied sites include 4,814 sites acquired during 2011.
(3) 
Weighted average rent pertains to manufactured housing and permanent recreational vehicle sites and excludes transient recreational vehicle sites.

Real Property NOI increased $11.7 million, from $135.2 million to $146.9 million or 8.6 percent. The growth in NOI is primarily due to $6.9 million from newly acquired properties and $4.8 million from same site properties as detailed below.

42

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

REAL PROPERTY OPERATIONS – SAME SITE

A key management tool used when evaluating performance and growth of our properties is a comparison of Same Site communities. Same Site communities consist of properties owned and operated for the same period in both years for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.  The Same Site data may change from time-to-time depending on acquisitions, dispositions, management discretion, significant transactions, or unique situations.

In order to evaluate the growth of the Same Site communities, management has classified certain items differently than our GAAP statements.  The reclassification difference between our GAAP statements and our Same Site portfolio is the reclassification of water and sewer revenues from income from real property to utilities.  A significant portion of our utility charges are re-billed to our residents.   We reclassify these amounts to reflect the utility expenses associated with our Same Site portfolio net of recovery.

The following tables reflect certain financial and other information for our Same Site communities as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
Years Ended December 31,
Financial Information (in thousands)
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
Income from Real Property
$
198,806

 
$
193,070

 
$
5,736

 
3.0
 %
Property operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payroll and benefits
15,414

 
15,250

 
164

 
1.1
 %
Legal, taxes, & insurance
2,993

 
2,934

 
59

 
2.0
 %
Utilities
11,004

 
11,451

 
(447
)
 
(3.9
)%
Supplies and repair
8,163

 
7,597

 
566

 
7.5
 %
Other
5,119

 
4,334

 
785

 
18.1
 %
Real estate taxes
16,055

 
16,282

 
(227
)
 
(1.4
)%
Property operating expenses
58,748

 
57,848

 
900

 
1.6
 %
Real Property NOI
$
140,058

 
$
135,222

 
$
4,836

 
3.6
 %
 
As of December 31,
Other Information
2011
 
2010
 
Change
Number of properties
136

 
136

 

Developed sites
47,850

 
47,683

 
167

Occupied sites (1)
39,230

 
38,498

 
732

Occupancy % (1) (2)
85.8
%
 
84.5
%
 
1.3
%
Weighted average monthly rent per site - MH (3)
$
425

 
$
413

 
$
12

Weighted average monthly rent per site - Permanent RV (3)
$
431

 
$
422

 
9

Sites available for development
5,247

 
5,441

 
(194
)
(1)   
Occupied sites and occupancy % include manufactured housing and permanent RV sites, and exclude transient RV sites.
(2)  
Occupancy % excludes recently completed but vacant expansion sites.
(3) 
Weighted average rent pertains to manufactured housing and permanent recreational vehicle sites and excludes transient recreational vehicle sites.

Real Property NOI increased $4.8 million, from $135.2 million to $140.0 million, or 3.6 percent. The growth in NOI is primarily due to increased revenues. Income from real property revenue consists of manufactured home and RV site rent, and miscellaneous other property revenues.  Income from real property revenues increased $5.7 million, from $193.1 million to $198.8 million, or 3.0 percent.  The growth in income from real property was due to a combination of factors.  Revenue from our manufactured home and RV portfolio increased $5.3 million due to average rental rate increases of 2.7 percent and due to the increased number of occupied home sites. This growth in revenue was partially offset by rent concessions offered to new residents and current residents converting from home renters to home owners.  Additionally, we experienced increased miscellaneous other property revenues of $0.4 million primarily due to revenue realized on cable television royalties and revenue from late fee and non-sufficient funds charges.

Property operating expenses increased $0.9 million, from $57.8 million to $58.7 million, or 1.6 percent. The growth in property operating expenses was due to several factors. Payroll and benefits increased by $0.3 million due to increased wages from annual merit increases. Supplies and repairs increased by $0.6 million primarily due to increased cost of lawn services and community maintenance. Utility costs reported net of rebilled water/sewer revenue, primarily related to water, electricity charges, and rubbish removal, decreased $0.4 million due to increased water and sewer income. Real estate taxes decreased by $0.2 million primarily due to reduced real estate taxes in Indiana and Illinois. Legal, taxes and insurance remained nearly constant. Other operating expenses increased by $0.6 million due to increased bank charges, resident relation expenses, and bad debt expense.

43

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

HOME SALES AND RENTALS

We acquire pre-owned and repossessed manufactured homes generally located within our communities from lenders and dealers at substantial discounts.  We lease or sell these value priced homes to current and prospective residents.  We also purchase new homes to lease and sell to current and prospective residents.  

The following table reflects certain financial and other information for our Rental Program as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except for certain items marked with *):

 
Years Ended December 31,
Financial Information
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
Rental home revenue
$
22,290

 
$
20,480

 
$
1,810

 
8.8
 %
Site rent from Rental Program (1)
31,897

 
28,585

 
3,312

 
11.6
 %
Rental Program revenue
54,187

 
49,065

 
5,122

 
10.4
 %
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions
1,908

 
1,655

 
253

 
15.3
 %
Repairs and refurbishment
8,080

 
7,671

 
409

 
5.3
 %
Taxes and insurance
3,100

 
3,127

 
(27
)
 
(0.9
)%
Marketing and other
3,108

 
2,961

 
147

 
5.0
 %
Rental Program operating and maintenance
16,196

 
15,414

 
782

 
5.1
 %
Rental Program NOI
$
37,991

 
$
33,651

 
$
4,340

 
12.9
 %
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of occupied rentals, end of period*
7,047

 
6,141

 
906

 
14.8
 %
Investment in occupied rental homes
$
237,383

 
$
199,110

 
$
38,273

 
19.2
 %
Number of sold rental homes*
789

 
762

 
27

 
3.5
 %
Weighted average monthly rental rate*
$
756

 
$
735

 
$
21

 
2.9
 %

(1)  
The renter’s monthly payment includes the site rent and an amount attributable to the leasing of the home. The site rent is reflected in the Real Property Operations segment. For purposes of management analysis, the site rent is included in the Rental Program revenue to evaluate the incremental revenue gains associated with implementation of the Rental Program, and assess the overall growth and performance of Rental Program and financial impact to our operations.

Rental Program NOI increased $4.3 million from $33.7 million to $38.0 million, or 12.9 percent due to increased revenues of $5.1 million, offset by increased expenses of $0.8 million. Revenues increased $5.1 million primarily due to the increased number of residents participating in the Rental Program as indicated in the table above and from increased market rates from the site rent.

The increase in operating and maintenance expenses of $0.8 million was due to several factors.  Commissions increased by $0.3 million due to increased number of new leases and increased lease renewal rate. Repairs costs on occupied home rentals increased by $0.3 million due to the increased number of homes in the Rental Program. Refurbishment costs increased by $0.1 million. Marketing and other costs increased by $0.1 million due an increase in bad debt expense partially offset by a decrease in utility expense.




44

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

The following table reflects certain financial and statistical information for our Home Sales Program for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except for statistical information):
 
Years Ended December 31,
Financial Information
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
New home sales
$
2,062

 
$
2,396

 
$
(334
)
 
(13.9
)%
Pre-owned home sales
30,190

 
29,549

 
641

 
2.2
 %
Revenue from homes sales
32,252

 
31,945

 
307

 
1.0
 %
New home cost of sales
1,700

 
2,044

 
(344
)
 
(16.8
)%
Pre-owned home cost of sales
23,692

 
21,986

 
1,706

 
7.8
 %
Cost of home sales
25,392

 
24,030

 
1,362

 
5.7
 %
NOI / Gross profit
$
6,860

 
$
7,915

 
$
(1,055
)
 
(13.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit – new homes
362

 
352

 
10

 
2.8
 %
Gross margin % – new homes
17.6
%
 
14.7
%
 
2.9
 %
 
19.7
 %
Gross profit – pre-owned homes
6,498

 
7,563

 
(1,065
)
 
(14.1
)%
Gross margin % – pre-owned homes
21.5
%
 
25.6
%
 
(4.1
)%
 
(16.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statistical Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home sales volume:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New home sales
28

 
36

 
(8
)
 
(22.2
)%
Pre-owned home sales
1,411

 
1,339

 
72

 
5.4
 %
Total homes sold
1,439

 
1,375

 
64

 
4.7
 %

Home Sales NOI decreased by $1.0 million, from $7.9 million to $6.9 million, or 13.3 percent primarily due to reduced profit margins on pre-owned homes.

The gross profit margin on new home sales slightly increased due to the increased average selling price per new home sold. The gross profit margin on pre-owned home sales decreased 4.1 percent from 25.6 percent to 21.5 percent.  We decreased the average margin of our pre-owned homes to stimulate sales thereby accelerating the recycling of the capital invested in inventory and the Rental Program. Approximately 90 percent of these home sales are financed by third party lenders or are paid for in cash.




45

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

OTHER INCOME STATEMENT ITEMS

Other revenues include other income (loss), interest income, and ancillary revenues, net.  Other revenues increased by $2.0 million, from $9.0 million to $11.0 million, or 22.2 percent.  This was due to an increase in interest income of $1.5 million from collateralized receivables, a $0.4 million increase in other income, primarily due to the sale of certain raw water rights, and a $0.1 million increase in ancillary revenues, net.

Real Property general and administrative costs increased by $2.5 million, from $17.2 million to $19.7 million, or 14.5 percent due to increased wages, bonus, payroll taxes and health benefits of $1.5 million mainly from additional resources from acquisition and growth, employee relation expenses of $0.1 million, training and travel expense of $0.1 million, office expenses of $0.1 million and increased tax expense of $0.7 million. Tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 included a $0.7 million reversal of a state tax provision recorded in December of 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2011 does not contain such a reversal.  

Home Sales and Rentals general and administrative costs increased by $0.5 million, from $7.6 million to $8.1 million, or 6.6 percent due to increased salary, commission costs and payroll tax of $0.4 million and increased inventory utility costs of $0.1 million.

Acquisition related costs increased to $2.0 million (See Note 2 to our financial statements).

Depreciation and amortization costs increased by $5.3 million, from $68.9 million to $74.2 million, or 7.7 percent due to increased depreciation on investment property for use in our Rental Program of $1.9 million and increased other depreciation and amortization of $3.4 million primarily due to the newly acquired properties (See Note 2 to our financial statements).

Interest expense on debt, including interest on mandatorily redeemable debt, increased by $2.5 million, from $65.4 million to $67.9 million, or 3.8 percent due to increased expense associated with our secured borrowing arrangements of $1.5 million, an increase in our mortgage interest of $0.8 million, an increase in interest on our lines of credit of $0.3 million and a $2.0 million increase due to acquisition related debt (See Note 2 to our financial statements). This was offset by a $0.1 million reduction in bank service charges and a $2.0 million reduction in interest expense primarily due to the settlement with FNMA (See Note 9 to our financial statements).

Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates increased by $3.2 million, from a loss of $1.1 million to income of $2.1 million due to the suspension of equity accounting in 2010 as our investment below is zero. The income recorded in 2011 is dividend income.


46

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

The following table is a summary of our consolidated financial results which were discussed in more detail in the preceding paragraphs (in thousands):
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Real Property NOI
 
$
167,715

 
$
146,876

 
$
135,222

Rental Program NOI
 
47,084

 
37,991

 
33,651

Home Sales NOI/Gross Profit
 
10,229

 
6,860

 
7,915

Site rent from Rental Program (included in Real Property NOI)
 
(38,636
)
 
(31,897
)
 
(28,585
)
NOI/Gross profit
 
186,392

 
159,830

 
148,203

Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other revenues
 
12,119

 
11,030

 
9,047

General and administrative
 
(29,017
)
 
(27,860
)
 
(24,810
)
Acquisition related costs
 
(4,296
)
 
(1,971
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
(89,674
)
 
(74,193
)
 
(68,868
)
Asset impairment charge
 

 
(1,382
)
 

Interest expense
 
(71,180
)
 
(67,939
)
 
(65,427
)
Provision for state income taxes
 
(249
)
 
(150
)
 
(512
)
Distributions from affiliate
 
3,900

 
2,100

 
500

Loss from affiliate
 

 

 
(1,646
)
Net income
 
7,995

 
(535
)
 
(3,513
)
Less:  preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units
 
2,329

 
1,222

 

Less:  amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(318
)
 
(671
)
 
(630
)
Less: Series A Preferred Stock Distributions
 
$
1,026

 
$

 
$

Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders
 
$
4,958

 
$
(1,086
)

$
(2,883
)


47

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

We provide information regarding FFO as a supplemental measure of operating performance.  FFO is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") as net income (loss) (computed in accordance GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of depreciable operating property, plus real estate-related depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Due to the variety among owners of identical assets in similar condition (based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), we believe excluding gains and losses related to sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, impairment and excluding real estate asset depreciation and amortization, provides a better indicator of our operating performance.  FFO is a useful supplemental measure of our operating performance because it reflects the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, and operating costs, providing perspective not readily apparent from net income (loss).  Management believes that the use of FFO has been beneficial in improving the understanding of operating results of REITs among the investing public and making comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Management, the investment community, and banking institutions routinely use FFO, together with other measures, to measure operating performance in our industry. Further, management uses FFO for planning and forecasting future periods.

Because FFO excludes significant economic components of net income (loss) including depreciation and amortization, FFO should be used as an adjunct to net income (loss) and not as an alternative to net income (loss). The principal limitation of FFO is that it does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by GAAP and is a supplemental measure of performance that does not replace net income (loss) as a measure of performance or net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. In addition, FFO is not intended as a measure of a REIT’s ability to meet debt principal repayments and other cash requirements, nor as a measure of working capital. FFO only provides investors with an additional performance measure. FFO is compiled in accordance with its 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.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to FFO data for diluted purposes for the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders
$
4,958

 
$
(1,086
)
 
$
(2,883
)
Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units
2,329

 
1,222

 

Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
(318
)
 
(671
)
 
(630
)
Depreciation and amortization
90,577

 
75,479

 
70,578

Asset impairment charge

 
1,382

 

Gain on disposition of assets, net
(5,137
)
 
(2,635
)
 
(4,300
)
Funds from operations ("FFO")
$
92,409

 
$
73,691

 
$
62,765

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
State income tax adjustment(1)

 
(407
)
 
(772
)
Equity affiliate adjustment

 

 
1,646

Acquisition related costs
4,296

 
1,971

 

FFO excluding certain items
$
96,705

 
$
75,255

 
$
63,639

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
26,970

 
21,147

 
19,168

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
Common OP Units
2,071

 
2,075

 
2,114

Restricted stock
285

 
235

 
153

Common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A-1 preferred OP units
1,111

 
580

 

Common stock issuable upon conversion of stock options
17

 
16

 
9

Weighted average common shares outstanding - fully diluted
30,454

 
24,053

 
21,444

 
 
 
 
 
 
FFO per share - fully diluted
$
3.05

 
$
3.06

 
$
2.93

FFO per share excluding certain items - fully diluted
$
3.19

 
$
3.13

 
$
2.97

(1) 
The state income tax adjustment for the period ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 represents the reversal of the corporate and business tax expense previously excluded from FFO in a prior period.

48

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal liquidity demands have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, distributions to our stockholders and the unitholders of the Operating Partnership, capital improvements of properties, the purchase of new and pre-owned homes, property acquisitions, development and expansion of properties, and debt repayment.

Subject to market conditions, we intend to continue to look for opportunities to expand our development pipeline and acquire existing communities. We also intend to continue to strengthen our capital and liquidity positions by continuing to focus on our core fundamentals, which are generating positive cash flows from operations, maintaining appropriate debt levels and leverage ratios, and controlling overhead costs. We intend to meet our liquidity requirements through available cash balances, cash flows generated from operations, draws on our secured credit facility, and the use of debt and equity offerings under our automatic shelf registration statement.

We completed seven acquisitions in 2012 in which we acquired 14 properties in total, seven manufactured housing communities, five RV communities and two communities containing both manufactured housing and RV communities. See Note 2 to our financial statements for details on the acquisitions and Note 9 to our financial statements for related debt transactions.  We will continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities that meet our criteria for acquisition. Should additional investment opportunities arise in 2013, we intend to finance the acquisitions through secured financing, draws on our credit facilities, the assumption of existing debt on the properties and the issuance of certain equity securities.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we have invested $57.5 million in the acquisition of homes intended for the Rental Program net of proceeds from third party financing from homes sales.  Expenditures for 2013 will be dependent upon the condition of the markets for repossessions and new home sales, as well as rental homes. We finance new home purchases with a $12.0 million floor plan facility. Our ability to purchase homes for sale or rent may be limited by cash received from third party financing of our home sales, available floor plan financing and working capital available on our secured lines of credit.

Our cash flow activities are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
87,251

 
63,311

 
58,349

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
(375,219
)
 
(159,328
)
 
(42,612
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
 
311,619

 
93,454

 
(11,813
)

Operating Activities

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $23.7 million from $5.9 million as of December 31, 2011, to $29.5 million as of December 31, 2012. Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $24.0 million from $63.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $87.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Our net cash flows provided by operating activities from continuing operations may be adversely impacted by, among other things: (a) the market and economic conditions in our current markets generally, and specifically in metropolitan areas of our current markets; (b) lower occupancy and rental rates of our properties; (c) increased operating costs, such as wage and benefit costs, insurance premiums, real estate taxes and utilities, that cannot be passed on to our tenants; (d) decreased sales of manufactured homes and (e) current volatility in economic conditions and the financial markets.  See “Risk Factors” in our 2012 Annual Report.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $375.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $159.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The difference is primarily due to increased acquisitions of $172.1 million (see Note 2 to our financial statements), a decrease in proceeds from the disposition of homes, assets and land of $2.8 million, an increase in notes receivable of $5.4 million, and increased investment in property of $37.4 million, largely due to homes purchased for the Rental Program primarily in the acquired communities and expansion projects, offset by an increase in proceeds from affiliate dividend distribution of $1.8 million.


49

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $311.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to of $93.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The difference is due to increased net proceeds received from the issuance of additional shares of $324.5 million, increased proceeds from issuance of other debt net of repayments on other debt of $40.0 million and decreased payments of deferred financing costs of $1.5 million, partially offset by decreased net borrowings on the line of credit of $133.8 million, increased distributions to our stockholders and OP unitholders of $13.3 million and decreased net proceeds from stock option exercises of $0.7 million.

We continually evaluate our debt maturities, and, based on management's current assessment, believe we have viable financing and refinancing alternatives that will not materially adversely impact our expected financial results. The credit environment has slowly improved and we continue to pursue borrowing opportunities with a variety of different banks. We have noticed a continuing trend that although pricing and loan-to-value ratios remain dependent on specific deal terms, generally spreads for non-recourse mortgage financing are compressing and loan-to-value ratios are gradually increasing from levels a year ago. The unsecured debt markets are functioning well and credit spreads are at manageable levels. We continue to assess 2013 and beyond to ensure we are prepared if current credit market conditions deteriorate.

Financial Flexibility

We have a secured revolving line of credit facility with a maximum borrowing capacity of $150.0 million, subject to certain borrowing base calculations. As of December 31, 2012, we did not have an outstanding balance on the line of credit. The outstanding balance on the line of credit as of December 31, 2011 was $107.5 million. Borrowings under the line of credit bear a floating interest rate based on Eurodollar plus a margin that is determined based on our leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the line of credit agreement, which can range from 2.25% to 2.95%.  During 2012, the highest balance on the line of credit was $107.5 million.  The borrowings under the line of credit mature October 1, 2015, assuming the election of a one year extension that is available at our discretion, subject to certain conditions. Although the secured revolving line of credit is a committed facility, the financial failure of one or more of the participating financial institutions may reduce the amount of available credit for use by us.

Our line of credit provides us with the ability to issue letters of credit. Our issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under our line of credit, but it does reduce the borrowing amount available. At December 31, 2012, we had outstanding letters of credit to back standby letters of credit totaling approximately $4.0 million, leaving approximately $146.0 million available under our secured line of credit.

Pursuant to the terms of the line of credit facility, we are subject to various financial and other covenants. We are currently in compliance with these covenants. The most restrictive financial covenants for the line of credit facility are as follows:

Covenant
 
Must Be
 
As of 12/31/12
Maximum Leverage Ratio
 
<70.0%
 
55.3%
Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
 
>1.45
 
1.68
Minimum Tangible Net Worth
 
>$705,742
 
$866,522
Maximum Dividend Payout Ratio
 
<95.0%
 
71.2%
Secured Recourse Indebtedness - Total Debt
 
<$300,000
 
$192,835

Market and Economic Conditions
Although demand in the U.S. improved in 2012, the U.S. macroeconomic environment remains uncertain and was the primary factor in a slowdown starting in 2008. The global economy remains unstable, and we expect the economic environment to continue to be challenging as continued economic uncertainty has generally given the marketplace less confidence.  In particular, the financial crisis that affected the banking system and financial markets and the current uncertainty in global economic conditions have resulted in a tightening in the credit markets, a low level of liquidity in many financial markets and volatility in credit, equity and fixed income markets. If such conditions are experienced in future periods, our industry, business and results of operations may be severely impacted.  The slow recovery and possible impact of automatic sequesters or a failure to raise the “debt ceiling” in the U.S., as well as the impact of the sovereign debt crisis and resulting austerity measures in Europe may continue to adversely impact us. We believe this risk is somewhat mitigated because we are able to utilize various forms of capital to fund our operations making availability to one specific form of capital less vital and have adequate working capital provided by operating activities as noted

50

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

above. We anticipate meeting our long-term liquidity requirements, such as scheduled debt maturities, large property acquisitions, and Operating Partnership unit redemptions through the issuance of certain debt or equity securities and/or the collateralization of our properties. We currently have 47 unencumbered Properties with an estimated market value of $340.0 million, 31 of these Properties support the borrowing base for our $150.0 million secured line of credit.  From time to time, we may also issue shares of our capital stock, issue equity units in our Operating Partnership, obtain debt financing, or sell selected assets. Our ability to finance our long-term liquidity requirements in such a manner will be affected by numerous economic factors affecting the manufactured housing community industry at the time, including the availability and cost of mortgage debt, our financial condition, the operating history of the properties, the state of the debt and equity markets, and the general national, regional, and local economic conditions. When it becomes necessary for us to approach the credit markets, the volatility in those  markets could make borrowing more difficult to secure, more expensive, or effectively unavailable.  See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A.  If we are unable to obtain additional debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be adversely impacted.

Contractual Cash Obligations

Our primary long-term liquidity needs are principal payments on outstanding indebtedness. As of December 31, 2012, our outstanding contractual obligations, including interest expense, were as follows:
 
 
 
Payments Due By Period
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Contractual Cash Obligations
Total Due
 
<1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
After 5 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Collateralized term loans - CMBS
724,059

 
46,020

 
193,792

 
301,463

 
182,784

 Collateralized term loans - FNMA
369,810

 
5,024

 
14,891

 
17,034

 
332,860

 Aspen preferred OP Units and Series B-3 preferred OP Units
47,322

 
7,315

 
4,225

 

 
35,782

 Lines of credit
29,781

 
29,781

 

 

 

 Secured borrowing
94,409

 
4,123

 
9,544

 
11,619

 
69,123

 Mortgage notes, other
186,565

 
14,376

 
20,678

 
76,068

 
75,444

 Total principal payments
1,451,946

 
106,639

 
243,130

 
406,184

 
695,993

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest expense (1)
461,495

 
74,542

 
127,596

 
93,846

 
165,511

 Operating leases
3,384

 
917

 
1,748

 
720

 

 Total contractual obligations
1,916,825

 
182,098

 
372,474

 
500,750

 
861,504


(1) Our contractual cash obligation related to interest expense is calculated based on the current debt levels, rates and maturities as of December 31, 2012 excluding secured borrowings, and actual payments required in future periods may be different than the amounts included above.

As of December 31, 2012, our debt to total market capitalization approximated 53.4 percent (assuming conversion of all Common Operating Partnership Units to shares of common stock). Our debt has a weighted average maturity of approximately 6.8 years and a weighted average interest rate of 5.2 percent.

Capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 included recurring capital expenditures of $9.1 million and $8.2 million, respectively. We are committed to the continued upkeep of our Properties and therefore do not expect a significant decline in our recurring capital expenditures during 2013.


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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our principal market risk exposure is interest rate risk. We mitigate this risk by maintaining prudent amounts of leverage, minimizing capital costs and interest expense while continuously evaluating all available debt and equity resources and following established risk management policies and procedures, which include the periodic use of derivatives. Our primary strategy in entering into derivative contracts is to minimize the variability interest rate changes could have on our future cash flows. We generally employ derivative instruments that effectively convert a portion of our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

We have three derivative contracts consisting of one interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $20.0 million, and two interest rate cap agreements with a total notional amount of $162.4 million as of December 31, 2012. The swap agreement fixes $20.0 million of variable rate borrowings at 4.02 percent through January 2014. The first interest rate cap agreement has a cap rate of 11.27 percent, a notional amount of $152.4 million, and a termination date of April 2015.  The second interest rate cap agreement has a cap rate of 11.02 percent, a notional amount of $10.0 million through October 2016.

Our remaining variable rate debt totals $222.4 million and $322.8 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which bear interest at Prime or various LIBOR rates. If Prime or LIBOR increased or decreased by 1.0 percent during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we believe our interest expense would have increased or decreased by approximately $2.4 million and $2.6 million based on the $237.8 million and $257.7 million average balances outstanding under our variable rate debt facilities for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial statements and supplementary data are filed herewith under Item 15.

ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

ITEM 9A.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures as defined in the rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Gary A. Shiffman, and Chief Financial Officer, Karen J. Dearing, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012, to ensure that information we are required to disclose in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Design and Evaluation of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we have included a report of management’s assessment of the design and effectiveness of our internal controls as part of this Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. Our independent registered public accounting firm also attested to, and reported on, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report and the independent registered public accounting firm’s attestation report are included in our 2012 financial statements under the captions entitled “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarterly period ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

None.


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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors and Committees

Pursuant to the terms of our charter, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) is divided into three classes. The class up for election at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2013 will hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2016. A second class will hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2014 and a third class will hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2015. Each director will hold office for the term to which such director is elected and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified. At each of our annual meeting of the shareholders, the successors to the class of directors whose terms expire at such meeting will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders held in the third year following the year of their election.

The Board meets quarterly, or more often as necessary. The Board met eight times during 2012 and took various actions pursuant to resolutions adopted by unanimous written consent. All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and each committee on which they served. All of our board members attended the annual meeting of shareholders held on July 19, 2012.

Several important functions of the Board may be performed by committees that are comprised of members of the Board. Our Bylaws authorize the formation of these committees and grant the Board the authority to prescribe the functions of each committee and the standards for membership of each committee. In addition, the Board appoints the members of each committee. The Board has four standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and an Executive Committee. You may find copies of the charters of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee under the “Investors-Officers and Directors” section of our website at www.suncommunities.com. You may also find a copy of our corporate governance guidelines and its code of business ethics under the “Investors-Officers and Directors” section of our website at www.suncommunities.com. All of the committee charters, our corporate governance guidelines and our code of business ethics are available in print to any shareholder who requests them.

The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a third amended and restated charter that was approved by the Board in December 2007, and is reviewed annually. It is available under the “Investors-Officers and Directors” section of our website at www.suncommunities.com. The Audit Committee, among other functions, (i) has the sole authority to appoint, retain, terminate and determine the compensation of our independent accountants, (ii) reviews with our independent accountants the scope and results of the audit engagement, (iii) approves professional services provided by our independent accountants, (iv) reviews the independence of our independent accountants, and (v) directs and controls our internal audit functions. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Robert H. Naftaly, Clunet R. Lewis (Chairman) and Ms. Stephanie W. Bergeron, all of whom are “independent” as that term is defined in the rules of the SEC and applicable rules of the NYSE. The Audit Committee held four formal meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by SEC rules.

The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a charter that was approved by the Board in March 2004. A copy of the Compensation Committee Charter is available under the “Investors-Officers and Directors” section of our website at www.suncommunities.com. The Compensation Committee, among other functions, (i) reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and such other executive officers as may be designated by the Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the performance of such officers in light of such goals and objectives, and determines and approves the compensation of such officers based on these evaluations, (ii) approves the compensation of our other executive officers, (iii) recommends to the Board for approval the compensation of the non-employee directors and (iv) oversees our incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans. The current members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Robert H. Naftaly (Chairman), Clunet R. Lewis and Paul D. Lapides, all of whom are independent directors under the NYSE rules. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Compensation Committee held two formal meetings and took various actions by unanimous written consent. See “Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation.”

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “NCG Committee”) operates pursuant to a charter that was approved by the Board in March 2004. A copy of the NCG Committee Charter is available under the “Investors-Officers and Directors” section of our website at www.suncommunities.com. The NCG Committee, among other functions, is responsible for (i) identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, consistent with criteria approved by the Board, (ii) recommending that the Board select the committee-recommended nominees for election at each annual meeting of shareholders, (iii) developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to us, and (iv) periodically reviewing such guidelines and recommending any changes, and overseeing the evaluation of the Board. The current members of the NCG Committee are

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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Messrs. Paul D. Lapides (Chairman), Clunet R. Lewis and Ronald L. Piasecki, all of whom are independent under the NYSE rules. The NCG Committee held one formal meeting during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. The NCG Committee considers diversity and skills in identifying nominees for service on our Board. Regarding diversity, the NCG Committee considers the entirety of the board and a wide range of economic, social and ethnic backgrounds and does not nominate representational directors from any specific group.

The Executive Committee was established to generally manage our day-to-day business and affairs between regular Board meetings. In no event may the Executive Committee, without the prior approval of the Board acting as a whole: (i) recommend to the shareholders an amendment to our charter; (ii) amend our Bylaws; (iii) adopt an agreement of merger or consolidation; (iv) recommend to the shareholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of our property and assets; (v) recommend to the shareholders our dissolution or a revocation of a dissolution; (vi) fill vacancies on the Board; (vii) fix compensation of the directors for serving on the Board or on a committee of the Board; (viii) declare dividends or authorize the issuance of our stock; (ix) approve or take any action with respect to any related party transaction involving us; or (x) take any other action which is forbidden by our Bylaws. All actions taken by the Executive Committee must be promptly reported to the Board as a whole and are subject to ratification, revision and alteration by the Board, except that no rights of third persons created in reliance on authorized acts of the Executive Committee can be affected by any such revision or alteration. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Gary A. Shiffman and Arthur A. Weiss. The Executive Committee did not hold any formal meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

The Board oversees and implements its risk management function several different ways. Specifically, the Audit Committee discusses our risk assessment and risk management policies with the Chief Financial Officer and other accounting staff, our internal auditor and our independent accountants in conjunction with its review of our financial statements as they deem necessary. In addition, the Board discusses the general risks facing us, the risk factors disclosed in our annual and period reports and our risk management policies with our executive management team from time to time throughout the year. In the event that a specific risk is identified, the Board or the Audit Committee directs management to assess, evaluate and provide remedial recommendations to the Board, or the Audit Committee, with respect to such risk which may include suggested public disclosure.

Independence of Non-Employee Directors

The NYSE rules require that a majority of the Board consist of members who are independent. There are different measures of director independence—independence under NYSE rules, under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and under Section 162(m) of the Code. The Board has reviewed information about each of our non-employee directors and determined that Ms. Stephanie W. Bergeron and Messrs. Paul D. Lapides, Clunet R. Lewis, Robert H. Naftaly, and Ronald L. Piasecki are independent directors. The independent directors meet on a regular basis in executive sessions without management participation. In 2012, the executive sessions occurred after some of the regularly scheduled meetings of the entire Board and may occur at such other times as the independent directors deem appropriate or necessary. The Board appoints a lead director on an annual basis to serve for a term of one year. Clunet R. Lewis is currently serving as lead director. The lead director calls and presides at the executive sessions of our independent directors, acts as a liaison between our management team and the Board and is responsible for identifying, analyzing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to certain strategic and extraordinary matters.

Consideration of Director Nominees

Board Membership Criteria

The Board of Directors has established criteria for Board membership. These criteria include the following specific, minimum qualifications that the NCG Committee believes must be met by an NCG Committee-recommended nominee for a position on the Board:

The candidate must have experience at a strategic or policymaking level in a business, government, non-profit or academic organization of high standing;

The candidate must be highly accomplished in his or her field, with superior credentials and recognition;

The candidate must be well regarded in the community and must have a long-term reputation for high ethical and moral standards;

The candidate must have sufficient time and availability to devote to our affairs, particularly in light of the number of boards on which the nominee may serve; and

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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.


The candidate’s principal business or occupation must not be such as to place the candidate in competition with us or conflict with the discharge of a director’s responsibilities to us or to our shareholders.

In addition to the minimum qualifications for each nominee set forth above, the NCG Committee will recommend director candidates to the full Board for nomination, or present director candidates to the full Board for consideration, to help ensure that:

A majority of the Board of Directors shall be “independent” as defined by the NYSE rules;

Each of its Audit, Compensation and NCG Committees shall be comprised entirely of independent directors; and

At least one member of the Audit Committee shall have such experience, education and qualifications necessary to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the SEC.

Consideration of Shareholder Nominated Directors

The NCG Committee’s current policy is to review and consider any director candidates who have been recommended by shareholders in compliance with the procedures established from time to time by the NCG Committee. All shareholder recommendations for director candidates must be submitted in writing to our Secretary at Sun Communities, Inc., 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 200, Southfield, MI 48034, who will forward all recommendations to the NCG Committee. All shareholder recommendations for director candidates for election at the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders must be submitted to our Secretary not earlier than the 120th day and not later than the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the 2013 annual meeting provided, however, that if the 2014 annual meeting is more than 30 days earlier or later than the first anniversary of the 2013 annual meeting, notice by the shareholder must be delivered not earlier than the 120th day and not later than the 90th day prior to the date of the 2014 annual meeting or, if the first public announcement of the date of the 2014 annual meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of the 2013 annual meeting, the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2014 annual meeting is first made by us. All shareholder recommendations for director candidates must include the following information:

The shareholder’s name, address, number of shares owned, length of period held and proof of ownership;

The name, age, business and residential address, educational background, current principal occupation or employment, and principal occupation or employment for the preceding five full fiscal years of the proposed director candidate;

A description of the qualifications and background of the proposed director candidate which addresses the minimum qualifications and other criteria for Board membership as approved by the Board from time to time;

A description of all arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and the proposed director candidate;

The consent of the proposed director candidate (1) to be named in the proxy statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders and (2) to serve as a director if elected at such annual meeting; and

Any other information regarding the proposed director candidate that is required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the rules of the SEC.

Identifying and Evaluating Nominees

The NCG Committee may solicit recommendations for director nominees from any or all of the following sources: non-management directors, executive officers, third-party search firms or any other source it deems appropriate. The NCG Committee will review and evaluate the qualifications of any proposed director candidate that it is considering or has been recommended to it by a shareholder in compliance with the NCG Committee’s procedures for that purpose, and conduct inquiries it deems appropriate into the background of these proposed director candidates. When nominating a sitting director for re-election, the NCG Committee will consider the director’s performance on the Board and the director’s qualifications in respect to the criteria set forth above. Other than circumstances in which we are legally required by contract or otherwise to provide third parties with the ability to nominate directors, the NCG Committee will evaluate all proposed director candidates based on the same criteria and in substantially the same manner, with no regard to the source of the initial recommendation of the proposed director candidate.




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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Board of Directors

The following list identifies each incumbent director and describes each person’s principal occupation for at least the past five years. Each of the directors has served continuously from the date of his or her election to the present time.

Name
 
 Age
 
 Office
Gary A. Shiffman
 
58
 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
Stephanie W. Bergeron
 
59
 
Director
Paul D. Lapides
 
58
 
Director
Clunet R. Lewis
 
66
 
Director
Robert H. Naftaly
 
75
 
Director
Ronald L. Piasecki
 
73
 
Director
Arthur A. Weiss
 
64
 
Director
 
Gary A. Shiffman is our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President, and has been an executive officer since our inception. He has been actively involved in the management, acquisition, construction and development of manufactured housing communities and has developed an extensive network of industry relationships over the past twenty years. He has overseen the acquisition, rezoning, development and marketing of numerous manufactured home expansion projects, as well as other types of income producing real estate. Additionally, Mr. Shiffman has significant direct holdings in various real estate asset classes, which include office, multi-family, industrial, residential and retail. Mr. Shiffman is an executive officer and a director of SHS and all of our other corporate subsidiaries. Mr. Shiffman is also a director of Origen Financial, Inc. (OTCBB: ORGN.BB).

Stephanie W. Bergeron has been a director since May 2007. She is currently a member of our Audit Committee. Ms. Bergeron, a registered certified public accountant, also serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Walsh College. Additionally, Ms. Bergeron serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bluepoint Partners, LLC, a firm providing financial consulting services. From December 1998 to December 2003, Ms. Bergeron served as Vice President and Treasurer and then Senior Vice President-Corporate Financial Operations of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (“Goodyear”). Prior to joining Goodyear, Ms. Bergeron was a Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of DaimlerChrysler Corporation. She has also served on Audit Committees of several publicly traded companies (including as chairman) and a number of not for profit organizations. During her business career, Ms. Bergeron directed staff responsible for accounting, treasury, investor relations and tax matters. Crain’s Detroit Business named Bergeron one of its “Most Influential Women” in 1997 and in 2007.

Paul D. Lapides has been a director since December 1993. He is currently the chairman of our NCG Committee and a member of our Compensation Committee. Mr. Lapides is Director of the Corporate Governance Center in the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, where he is a professor of management and entrepreneurship. Mr. Lapides is a director of OnBoard, Inc., and a member of the advisory boards of the Newman Real Estate Institute at Baruch College and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Mr. Lapides has extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of real estate and corporate governance. Mr. Lapides, a certified public accountant, has been involved in real-estate related activities including the management of a $3.0 billion national portfolio of income-producing real estate. As a published author or co-author of more than 100 articles and twelve books, Mr. Lapides is considered a well-respected authority in management and corporate governance related issues.

Clunet R. Lewis has been a director since December 1993. He is currently the chairman of our Audit Committee, a member of our Compensation Committee and our NCG Committee, and he serves as the Lead Independent Director. Mr. Lewis has also chaired Special Committees of our Independent Directors formed to review and evaluate strategic alternatives. Mr. Lewis is a retired commercial lawyer. While in private practice, Mr. Lewis specialized in mergers and acquisitions, debt financings, issuances of equity and debt securities, and corporate governance and control issues. Mr. Lewis has also served as Board Member, General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, President, and Managing Director of other public and private companies.

Robert H. Naftaly has been a director since October 2006. He is currently the chairman of our Compensation Committee and a member of our Audit Committee. Mr. Naftaly is retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of PPOM, an independent operating subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (“BCBSM”) and as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of BCBSM. Previously, Mr. Naftaly served as Vice President and General Auditor of Detroit Edison Company and was the Director of the Department of Management and Budget for the State of Michigan. He was a managing partner and founder of Geller, Naftaly, Herbach & Shapiro, a certified public accounting firm. In addition, Mr. Naftaly has served as a director of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:MIG) since 2002 where he is currently the Chairman of the Compensation Committee

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and a member of the Audit Committee and Finance Committee. Mr. Naftaly is a director of Walsh College, a non-profit institution that offers business and technology degrees and programs. Mr. Naftaly also serves as a director and the chair of the Audit Committee at Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and Talmer Bank. Mr. Naftaly, a certified public accountant, draws upon a wide experience of board membership and leadership experiences. Mr. Naftaly was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, as Chairperson, State Tax Commission of the State of Michigan in 2002. Mr. Naftaly is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. In 2002, he received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants.

Ronald L. Piasecki has been a director since May 1996, upon completion of our acquisition of twenty-five manufactured housing communities (the “Aspen Properties”) owned by affiliates of Aspen Enterprises, Ltd. (“Aspen”). He is currently a member of our NCG Committee. Mr. Piasecki was a director of Aspen Properties, which he co-founded in 1974. From 1974 until its sale to us in 1996, Mr. Piasecki was the managing partner in charge of property financing, legal and accounting relationships, resident relations, lobbying and syndication and sale of registered private equity limited partnership and participating mortgage interests. Prior to our acquisition, Aspen was one of the largest privately-held developers and owners of manufactured housing communities in the U.S. Mr. Piasecki has been involved in real estate development and management since 1968 when he began working in the tax department of the then accounting firm of Lybrand, Ross Brothers and Montgomery in Detroit. Mr. Piasecki then practiced law, specializing in real estate development, syndication and management, until 1980 when he became a full time partner in Aspen. Mr. Piasecki is currently engaged in the financing, development and management of real estate properties.

Arthur A. Weiss has been a director since October 1996. Since 1976, Mr. Weiss has practiced law with the law firm of Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, Professional Corporation, which represents us in various matters. Mr. Weiss is currently Chairman of the firm and a shareholder of Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, Professional Corporation. Mr. Weiss practices law in the area of business planning, taxation, estate planning and real estate law. Mr. Weiss is a director of several closely-held companies in the real estate industry, steel industry and technology industry and currently serves as a director of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and Talmer Bank. Mr. Weiss is also a director and officer of a number of closely held public and private nonprofit corporations, which include the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where he is on the executive committee, and serves as a treasurer and board member. Mr. Weiss received a MBA in finance and a post graduate LLM degree from New York University in taxation. In addition to being an author and frequent lecturer in the Detroit area, Mr. Weiss previously was an Adjunct Professor of Law at Wayne State University. Mr. Weiss was recognized in 2008 as one of the nation’s Top 100 Attorneys by Worth magazine and has been chosen over the last 10 years as one of the Super Lawyers.

In addition to each director’s qualifications, experience and skills outlined in their biographical data above and the minimum Board qualifications set forth above, our NCG Committee looked for certain attributes in each director nominee and based on these attributes, and the mix of attributes of the other incumbent directors, determined that each director nominee should serve on our Board. The NCG Committee does not require that each director nominee possess all of these attributes but rather that the Board is comprised of directors that, taken together, provide us with a variety and depth of knowledge, judgment and experience necessary to provide effective oversight and vision. These attributes include: (a) significant leadership skills as a chief executive officer and/or relevant board member experience, (b) real estate industry experience, (c) transactional experience, especially within the real estate industry, (d) relevant experience in property operations, (e) financial expertise, and (f) legal or regulatory experience. The following table lists the attributes of each director, as determined by the NCG Committee:
Director
 
CEO/Board Experience
 
Real Estate Industry
 
Transactional Experience
 
Property Operations
 
Financial Expertise
 
Legal / Regulatory
Gary A. Shiffman
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
 
Stephanie W. Bergeron
 
X
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
X
 
 
Paul D. Lapides
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
Clunet R. Lewis
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
 
 
X
 
X
Robert H. Naftaly
 
X
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
X
 
 
Ronald L. Piasecki
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
Arthur A. Weiss
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
 
 
X
 
X

To the best of our knowledge, as of the date of this Form 10-K, there are no material proceedings to which any director or nominee is currently a party, or has a material interest, adverse to the Company. Except as described below, to the best of our knowledge, during the past ten years: (i) there have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions that are material to the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any director or nominee, (ii) no director or nominee has been the subject of a or a party to any judicial or administrative proceedings relating to an alleged violation of (a) mail or wire fraud; (b) fraud in connection with any business entity; (c) violations of federal or state securities, commodities, banking or

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insurance laws and regulations, and (iii) no director or nominee has been the subject of a or a party to any sanction or order of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.

As announced on February 27, 2006, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) completed its inquiry regarding the accounting for our SunChamp investment during 2000, 2001 and 2002, and the entry of an agreed-upon Administrative Order (the “Order”). The Order required us to cease and desist from violations of certain non-intent based provisions of the federal securities laws, without admitting or denying any such violations. On February 27, 2006, the SEC filed a civil action against Mr. Shiffman, in his capacity as our Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey P. Jorissen, our then (and now former as of February 2008) Chief Financial Officer and a former Controller in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan alleging various claims generally consistent with the SEC’s findings set forth in the Order. On July 21, 2008, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan approved a settlement whereby the SEC dismissed its civil lawsuit against Mr. Shiffman and our former Controller. The SEC concurrently reached a settlement with Mr. Jorissen.

Executive Officers

The persons listed below are our executive officers who served during the last completed fiscal year. Each is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Board.
Name
 
 Age
 
 Office
Gary A. Shiffman
 
58
 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President
Karen J. Dearing
 
48
 
Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
John B. McLaren
 
42
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Jonathan M. Colman
 
57
 
Executive Vice President

Background information for Gary A. Shiffman is provided above. Background information for the other three current executive officers is set forth below.

Karen J. Dearing joined us in October 1998 as the Director of Finance where she worked extensively with accounting and finance matters related to our ground up developments and expansions. Ms. Dearing became our Corporate Controller in 2002, a Senior Vice President in 2006, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2008. She was responsible for the overall management of our information technology, accounting and finance departments, and all internal and external financial reporting. Prior to working for us, Ms. Dearing had eight years of experience as the Financial Controller of a privately-owned automotive supplier specializing in critical automotive fasteners and five years’ experience as a certified public accountant with Deloitte & Touche.

John B. McLaren has been in the manufactured housing industry since 1995. Prior to his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in February 2008, Mr. McLaren served, since August 2005, as Senior Vice President of SHS with overall responsibility for homes sales and leasing. Prior to that, Mr. McLaren was a Regional Vice President for Apartment Investment & Management Company (“AIMCO”), a Real Estate Investment Trust engaged in leasing apartments. Prior to AIMCO, Mr. McLaren spent approximately three years as Vice President of Leasing & Service for SHS with responsibility for developing and leading our rental home program.

Jonathan M. Colman joined us in 1994 as Vice President-Acquisitions and became a Senior Vice President in 1995 and an Executive Vice President in March 2003. A certified public accountant, Mr. Colman has over twenty years of experience in the manufactured housing community industry. He has been involved in the acquisition, financing and management of over 75 manufactured housing communities for two of the 10 largest manufactured housing community owners, including Uniprop, Inc. during its syndication of over $90.0 million in public limited partnerships in the late 1980s. Mr. Colman is also a Vice President of all of our corporate subsidiaries.

To the best of our knowledge, as of the date of this Form 10-K, there are no material proceedings to which any executive officer is currently a party, or has a material interest, adverse to us. To the best of our knowledge, except with respect to Mr. Shiffman (as described above), during the past ten years: (i) there have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions that are material to the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any executive officer, (ii) no executive officer has been the subject of a or a party to any judicial or administrative proceedings relating to an alleged violation of (a) mail or wire fraud; (b) fraud in connection with any business entity; (c) violations of federal or state securities, commodities, banking

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or insurance laws and regulations, and (iii) no any executive officer has been the subject of a or a party to any sanction or order of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, requires our directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our capital stock to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the SEC and the NYSE. Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports received by us, and written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe, that, during the year ended December 31, 2012, our directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our Common Stock have complied with all filing requirements applicable to them.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Committee Composition and Charter

The Compensation Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for determining the compensation offered to our executive officers. The Compensation Committee, among other functions:

consults with executive management in developing a compensation philosophy;

reviews and approves the goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers ensuring those goals are aligned with our short and long-term objectives;

reviews and approves salary, annual and long-term incentive compensation performance objectives and payments for the executive officers;

evaluates the performance of the executives in light of the goals and objectives of our executive compensation plans and establishes future compensation levels based upon this evaluation;

reviews and approves grants and awards to the executive officers and other participants under our equity based compensation plans; and

reviews and approves any employment agreements and severance agreements to be made with any existing or prospective executive officer.

The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain and terminate independent, third-party compensation consultants and to obtain independent advice and assistance from internal and external legal, accounting and other advisors. The Compensation Committee utilized the services of a compensation consultant in crafting its compensation policies for the 2011 compensation year and did not engage a compensation consultant firm for 2012. Each member of the Compensation Committee is independent under NYSE rules. A copy of the Compensation Committee Charter is available under the “Investors-Officers and Directors” section of our website at www.suncommunities.com.

In late 2010, the Compensation Committee engaged FPL Associates (“FPL”), a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in the real estate industry, to: (1) assist the Compensation Committee with identifying a peer group; (2) assess the overall framework of our executive compensation program; (3) assess the compensation levels compared to the selected peer group; and (4) provide guidance and recommendations in establishing the overall compensation structure and individual compensation opportunities that were in place during 2010 and those established for 2011. The compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer were reviewed and compared to a Public REIT Peer Group (the “Peer Group”) generally comparable to Sun in terms of asset class, size and/or geography. The Peer Group contained the following companies:

Associated Realty Corporation
Colonial Properties Trust
EastGroup Properties, Inc.
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Glimcher Realty Trust
Home Properties, Inc.
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
Post Properties, Inc.
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
UMH Properties, Inc.

The compensation data for each company was reviewed over a three-year period and compared to our compensation data for the same period. Each compensation component and total compensation of our three officers generally ranked between the 25th percentile to median of the total compensation levels of the Peer Group. The Compensation Committee believed this to be an appropriate level of compensation, although the Compensation Committee does not set a specific target level of compensation for our officers in relation to peers. As part of the review, FPL and the Compensation Committee discussed long-term equity plans with multi-year performance components including the types of programs being utilized in the marketplace, an analysis of all the peer long-term incentive plans, and key considerations with regards to such a plan for us. The Compensation Committee evaluated the possibility of adding a long-term equity plan with multi-year performance metrics as a component of our compensation program in future years. FPL has not provided any other services to us.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The goals and objectives of our executive compensation program are to attract and retain a skilled executive team to manage, lead and direct our personnel and capital to obtain the best possible economic results.

The executive compensation program supports our commitment to providing superior shareholder value. This program is designed to:

attract, retain and reward executives who have the motivation, experience and skills necessary to lead us effectively and encourage them to make career commitments to us;

base executive compensation levels on our overall financial and operational performance and the individual contribution of an executive officer to our success;

create a link between the performance of our stock and executive compensation; and

position executive compensation levels to be competitive with other similarly situated public companies including the real estate industry in general and manufactured housing REITs in particular.
 
Annual salary and incentive awards are intended to be competitive in the marketplace to attract and retain executives. Stock options and restricted stock awards are intended to provide longer-term motivation which has the effect of linking stock price performance to executive compensation. Restricted stock is also intended to provide post-retirement financial security in lieu of other forms of more costly supplemental retirement programs. We have not implemented any policies related to stock ownership guidelines for our executive management or for members of the Board.

Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions

The Compensation Committee makes all decisions regarding the compensation of executive officers, including cash-based and equity-based incentive compensation programs. The Compensation Committee reviews the performance, and determines the annual incentive compensation, of the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee and the Chief Executive Officer annually review the performance metrics of the short and long-term performance plans and the performance of the other executive officers. The conclusions reached and recommendations based on the reviews of the other executive officers, including with respect to annual incentive and equity award amounts, are presented by the Chief Executive Officer to the Compensation Committee, which can exercise its discretion in modifying any recommended incentive or equity awards. From time to time, the Compensation Committee may request our Senior Vice President of Human Resources or Chief Financial Officer to collect publicly available information on compensation levels and programs for executives. In addition, our Chief Financial Officer analyzes implications of various executive compensation awards or plan designs.





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Compensation Components and Processes

In order to implement our executive compensation philosophy, the Compensation Committee exercises its independent discretion in reviewing and approving the executive compensation program as a whole, as well as specific compensation levels for each executive officer. Final aggregate compensation determinations for each fiscal year are generally made after the end of the fiscal year, after financial statements for such year become available. At that time, the Compensation Committee determines the annual incentive award, if any, for the past year’s performance, sets base salaries for those executive officers whose base salaries are not bound by employment agreements for the following fiscal year and makes awards of equity-based compensation, if any. Prior to the engagement of FPL in late 2010, the Compensation Committee did not formally benchmark executive compensation but did, on occasion, review salary and compensation information for companies with comparable market capitalization, number of employees and business sectors as published in the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Compensation Survey (the “NAREIT Survey”) and various other compensation studies and surveys. The Compensation Committee used this information to gain a general understanding of current compensation practices and guidelines and did not tie its compensation decisions to any particular target or level of compensation noted in the NAREIT Survey or other surveys. The Compensation Committee considers (a) internal equity among executive officers, (b) market data for the positions held by these executives, (c) each executive’s duties, responsibilities, and experience level, (d) each executive’s performance and contribution to our success, and (e) cost to us when determining levels of compensation.

The Compensation Committee also considered the results of the advisory vote by shareholders on executive compensation, or the "say-on-pay" proposal, presented to shareholders at our July 19, 2012 Annual Meeting. As reported in our Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 25, 2012, approximately 98% of the shares that voted on the say-on-pay proposal approved our 2011 executive compensation. Based on the votes from our 2012 Annual Meeting, we will continue to offer an annual non-binding advisory vote on the executive compensation. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee made no direct changes to the Company's executive compensation program as a result of the say-on-pay vote and our executive compensation program for the year ended December 31, 2012 continued to focus on the factors and objectives described above.

The key components of executive officer compensation are base salary, annual incentive awards, and long-term equity incentive awards. Base salary is generally based on factors such as an individual officer’s level of responsibility, prior years’ compensation, comparison to compensation of other officers, and compensation provided at competitive companies and companies of similar size.

Annual incentive awards are cash bonuses that motivate the executive officers to maximize our annual operating and financial performance and reward participants based on annual performance. The Compensation Committee annually reviews the performance measures for determining award levels which include individual performance, our performance against budget and growth in FFO and CNOI, in each case as measured against targets established by the Compensation Committee. A definition of FFO and NOI is included under the heading “Supplemental Measures” in Item 7, and CNOI is described further below. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may make adjustments to the NAREIT definition of FFO in determining FFO performance targets and achievement. The specific performance measures of the 2012 annual incentive award plan are further enumerated below.

Long-term equity incentive awards are provided to the executive officers in order to increase their personal stake in our success and motivate them to enhance our long-term value while better aligning their interests with those of other shareholders. Equity awards are generally awarded in the form of restricted stock although stock options are utilized from time to time. The value of the restricted shares awarded is the price of a share of our stock as of the close of business on the grant date. On an annual basis the Compensation Committee reviews and approves the equity incentives to be issued to each of the executive officers for the prior year’s performance. There is no established target for long-term equity incentive awards for any of the executive officers either as a dollar value or percentage of their total compensation. Rather, the Compensation Committee reviews this component of each executive officer’s total compensation on an annual basis. As such, in December 2012, the Compensation Committee awarded 20,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Shiffman.

Equity incentive awards were awarded in relation to Company and individual performance in February 2013. Grants of restricted shares of 40,000, 15,000, 3,000, and 15,000 were awarded to Messrs. Shiffman, McLaren, Colman and Ms. Dearing, respectively. Restricted stock awards generally begin to vest after three to four years from the date of grant and then vest over the following four to five years. Our executive officers (as well as our employees that receive restricted stock awards) receive dividends on the restricted stock awards that have been granted to date, including restricted stock awards that have not vested.




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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Employment Agreements

Gary A. Shiffman

In 2005, we entered into an employment agreement with Gary A. Shiffman pursuant to which Mr. Shiffman serves as our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President. Mr. Shiffman’s employment agreement is for an initial term ending December 31, 2011 and is automatically renewable for successive one year terms thereafter unless either party timely terminates the agreement. Pursuant to this employment agreement, Mr. Shiffman is paid an annual base salary of $545,000, which will be increased by an annual cost of living adjustment beginning with calendar year 2006. In addition to his base salary and in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement, and in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, Mr. Shiffman is entitled to annual incentive compensation of up to 75% of his then current base salary if he satisfies certain individual and Company performance criteria established from time to time by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Shiffman also is entitled to annual incentive compensation of up to 25% of his then current base salary in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. The non-competition clauses of Mr. Shiffman’s employment agreement preclude him from engaging, directly or indirectly: (a) in the real estate business or any ancillary business during the period he is employed by us; and (b) in the manufactured housing community business or any ancillary business for a period of eighteen months following the period he is employed by us. However, Mr. Shiffman’s employment agreement does allow him to make passive investments relating to real estate in general or the housing industry in particular (other than in manufactured housing communities) during the period he is employed by us.

The initial term of the employment agreement of Mr. Shiffman expired on December 31, 2011 and the agreement was automatically renewed for a one-year term in both 2012 and 2013. The Compensation Committee has been negotiating the terms of a new employment agreement with Mr. Shiffman and expects that a new agreement will be finalized in the near term.

A copy of Mr. Shiffman’s employment agreement is attached as an exhibit to our periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

Karen J. Dearing  

On March 7, 2011 with an effective date of January 1, 2011 (the “Effective Date”), we entered into an employment agreement with Karen J. Dearing pursuant to which Ms. Dearing serves as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer. Ms. Dearing’s employment agreement is for an initial term commencing on the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2015. The employment agreement is automatically renewable for successive one year terms thereafter unless either party timely terminates the agreement. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Ms. Dearing is paid an annual base salary of $335,000 thereafter, subject to adjustments in accordance with the annual cost of living provided that if the base salary for the calendar year 2014 is less than 115% of the base salary for calendar year 2011, for 2014 and 2015 only, the annual increase in the base salary shall be the greater of five percent or the otherwise applicable cost of living adjustment. Upon signing the employment agreement, Ms. Dearing was paid a one-time signing bonus of $150,000. In addition to her base salary and in accordance with the terms of her employment agreement and in sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, Ms. Dearing is eligible for annual incentive compensation of up to 50% of her base salary if certain annual individual and/or Company performance criteria, as established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, are met and up to 50% of her base salary at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. The clawback clause of Ms. Dearing’s employment agreement deems that the bonus payment or any other incentive compensation is not deemed fully earned and vested, and Ms. Dearing shall reimburse us if previously paid, to the extent such incentive compensation becomes subject to clawback pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or NYSE rules. The non-competition clauses of Ms. Dearing’s employment agreement preclude her from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the development, ownership, leasing, management, financing, or sales of manufactured housing communities or manufactured homes anywhere in the continental United States or Canada during the period she is employed by us and for a period of up to twenty four months following the period she is employed by us; provided, however, that if Ms. Dearing is terminated without “cause” the period of non-competition shall be reduced to twelve months following the period she is employed by us. Notwithstanding, Ms. Dearing’s employment agreement does allow her to make passive investments in publicly-traded entities engaged in our business during the period she is employed by us. See “Change in Control and Severance Payments” for a description of the terms of the employment agreement relating to change of control and severance payments.

A copy of Ms. Dearing’s employment agreement is attached as an exhibit to our periodic filings under the Exchange Act.







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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

John B. McLaren  

On March 7, 2011 but effective as of the Effective Date, we entered into an employment agreement with John B. McLaren pursuant to which Mr. McLaren serves as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. McLaren’s employment agreement is for an initial term commencing on the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2015. The employment agreement is automatically renewable for successive one year terms thereafter unless either party timely terminates the agreement. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. McLaren is paid an annual base salary of $345,000 in the first year, $375,000 in the second year, $400,000 in the third year, and $425,000 thereafter, subject to adjustments in accordance with the annual cost of living. Upon signing the employment agreement, Mr. McLaren was paid a one-time signing bonus of $150,000. In addition to his base salary and in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement and sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, Mr. McLaren is eligible for annual incentive compensation of up to 50% of his base salary if certain annual individual and/or Company performance criteria, as established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, are met and up to 50% of his base salary at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. The clawback clause of Mr. McLaren’s employment agreement deems that the bonus payment or any other incentive compensation is not deemed fully earned and vested, and Mr. McLaren shall reimburse us if previously paid, to the extent such incentive compensation becomes subject to clawback pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or NYSE rules. The non-competition clauses of Mr. McLaren’s employment agreement preclude him from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the development, ownership, leasing, management, financing, or sales of manufactured housing communities or manufactured homes anywhere in the continental United States or Canada during the period he is employed by us and for a period of up to twenty four months following the period he is employed by us; provided, however, that if Mr. McLaren is terminated without “cause” the period of non-competition shall be reduced to twelve months following the period he is employed by us. Notwithstanding, Mr. McLaren’s employment agreement does allow him to make passive investments in publicly-traded entities engaged in our business during the period he is employed by us. See “Change in Control and Severance Payments” for a description of the terms of the employment agreement relating to change of control and severance payments.

A copy of Mr. McLaren’s employment agreement is attached as an exhibit to our periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

2012 Compensation
The base salaries for the named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2012, were paid in accordance with existing employment agreements or arrangements.
For 2012, the Compensation Committee established the following targets for the executive officers in relation to annual incentive awards. The achievement of such targets was used to determine a portion of the executive’s annual incentive award. As indicated in each executive’s employment agreement, the payment of any or all of the incentive compensation, whether or not set targets are achieved, is in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. The structure of the bonus plans for Mr. Shiffman and Ms. Dearing are set forth in the tables below:

CEO Bonus Plan
 
 
% of Salary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30%
 
60%
 
100%
 
 
 
 
Item
Allocation of Base Salary
 
Met
 
Exceed
 
Excel
 
Maximum Discretionary Award (2)
 
Total Bonus Awarded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Achievement of individual goals
$
164,375

 
$
49,313

 
$
98,625

 
$
164,375

 

 
$
164,375

Company achievement of FFO (1)
328,750

 
98,625

 
197,250

 
328,750

 

 

Compensation Committee Discretion (2)
164,375

 

 

 

 
164,375

 
150,625

Total
$
657,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
315,000




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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

CFO Bonus Plan
 
 
% of Salary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30%
 
60%
 
100%
 
 
 
 
Item
Allocation of Base Salary
 
Met
 
Exceed
 
Excel
 
Maximum Discretionary Award (2)
 
Total Bonus Awarded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Achievement of individual goals
$
86,430

 
$
25,929

 
$
51,858

 
$
86,430

 

 
$
86,430

Company achievement of FFO (1)
172,860

 
51,858

 
103,716

 
172,860

 

 

Compensation Committee Discretion (2)
86,430

 

 

 

 
86,430

 
48,570

Total
$
345,720

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
135,000


(1) See Target Level Table below for achievement ranges.
(2) The Compensation Committee has the discretion to award the CEO and CFO a cash bonus in any amount up to a maximum of 25% of their base salary.

Based on the results achieved in 2012, including significant community acquisitions, capital transactions and improvements to the Company's balance sheet, the Compensation Committee, elected to exercise its sole discretion to award Mr. Shiffman and Ms. Dearing additional discretionary amounts of $150,625 and $48,750, respectively, bringing their total annual incentive bonuses to $315,000 and $135,000, respectively.

The individual goals for Mr. Shiffman were focused on strategic leadership of the organization and communication of our mission and values, implementation of systems and processes that assure physical, financial and human resources of our organization, providing strategic planning and guidance for growth through acquisitions and expansions and opportunistically accessing capital markets to fund growth and strengthen the balance sheet. The individual goals for Ms. Dearing were focused on evaluation and implementation of strategies associated with our capital requirements and structure including debt and equity transactions, effectively leading our accounting, tax and information technology departments, and creating and communicating along with the other executive officers, our strategic vision. The Compensation Committee determined that for fiscal year 2012 both Mr. Shiffman and Ms. Dearing “excelled” in the achievement of their individual goals and as such, achieved annual incentive awards of $164,375 and $86,430, respectively, for the achievement of this target.

The following tables provide a summary of the various target levels that we established compared to the actual results to evaluate the achievement of certain executive goals:
 
Target Ranges
Achievement Level
FFO
CNOI(2)
Revenue Producing Sites (“RPS”)
Met
$3.19 - $3.21
$178,899,120
> 1,174
Exceed
$3.22 - $3.25
$179,793,616
> 1,224
Excel
$3.26 or greater
$180,688,111
> 1,274

 
Company Results
 
Revised FFO(1)
 
CNOI(2)
 
Revenue Producing Sites (“RPS”)
Result
$3.14
 
$177,659,435
 
1,069
Achievement Level
Not achieved
 
Not achieved
 
Not achieved

(1) The reconciliation for Revised FFO as deemed by the Compensation Committee is below.
(2) CNOI is comprised of NOI/Gross Profit excluding any Gross Profit (Loss) on fixed asset home sales.











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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

The following table provides information regarding the charge that was excluded from the Compensation Committee’s calculation of Revised FFO (shown as diluted per share):

 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 Funds from operations (FFO)
3.05

     Acquisition related costs
0.14

     Benefit for state income taxes
 
     Adjustments to reflect unbudgeted acquisitions and capital events
(0.05
)
 Revised FFO as deemed by the Compensation Committee
$
3.14


Targets for FFO achievement were developed from the Company's budget prior to any additional community acquisitions or the issuance of common and preferred stock. Adjustments were made to remove results from acquired properties, increase interest expense, reduce preferred distributions and reduce outstanding shares to calculate revised FFO using similar assumptions as used to create the original targets.

We achieved Revised FFO/share of $3.14 as adjusted by the Compensation Committee and as such Messrs. Shiffman and McLaren and Ms. Dearing did not receive an incentive payout with respect to this target.

The structure of the annual incentive plan for Mr. McLaren is set forth in the table below:

COO Bonus Plan
 
 
% of Salary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30%
 
60%
 
100%
 
 
 
 
Item
Allocation of Base Salary
 
Minimum
 
Target
 
Maximum
 
Maximum Discretionary Award (2)
 
Total Bonus Awarded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CNOI(1)
$
93,750

 
$
28,125

 
$
56,250

 
$
93,750

 

 
 
Company achievement of FFO
75,000

 
22,500

 
45,000

 
75,000

 

 

Achievement of Revenue Producing Sites (“RPS”)
18,750

 
5,625

 
11,250

 
18,750

 

 

Compensation Committee Discretion (2)
187,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
187,500

 
150,000

Total
$
375,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
150,000


(1) See Target Ranges Table above for achievement ranges and definition of CNOI.
(2) The Compensation Committee has the discretion to award the COO a cash bonus in any amount up to a maximum of 25% of his base salary.

Combined net operating income for this purpose may not be the same as net operating income as disclosed in the accompanying financial statements as certain items that are not under Mr. McLaren’s control or that are recorded solely for GAAP financial purposes are excluded from the computation of combined net operating income. Mr. McLaren did not achieve an annual incentive award for CNOI, FFO, or Revenue Producing Sites. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, elected to award Mr. McLaren a discretionary bonus of $150,000 due to his significant efforts with respect to our core portfolio, acquired communities and leadership of the operations, sales and human resource departments.

For Jonathan M. Colman:

Mr. Colman’s annual incentive award is determined in the sole discretion of the CEO and recommended to the Compensation Committee after review of his overall responsibilities, his individual performance during the year, the annual incentives of the other executive officers and his overall compensation. For the fiscal year 2012, the CEO recommended and the Compensation Committee approved an annual incentive award of $175,000 related to his work on the acquisition of the 14 communities completed in 2012.




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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Tax and Accounting Implications

Deductibility of Executive Compensation.

Section 162(m) of the Code limits the deductibility on our tax return of compensation over $1.0 million to any of our named executive officers. In 2012, we paid compensation of approximately $0.3 million to Mr. Shiffman that was subject to section 162(m). We believe that, because we qualify as a REIT under the Code and therefore are not subject to federal income taxes on our income to the extent distributed, the payment of compensation that does not satisfy the requirements of section 162(m) has not and will not generally affect our net income. However, to the extent that compensation does not qualify for deduction of section 162(m), a larger portion of shareholder distributions may be subject to federal income taxation as dividend income rather than return of capital. We do not believe that section 162(m) has materially affected or will materially affect the taxability of shareholder distributions, although no assurance can be given in this regard due to the variety of factors that affect the tax position of each shareholder. For these reasons, section 162(m) is not a significant factor in the Compensation Committee’s compensation policy and practices.

409A Considerations.

We have also taken into consideration Code Section 409A in the design and implementation of our compensation programs. If an executive is entitled to nonqualified deferred compensation benefits that are subject to Section 409A, and such benefits do not comply with Section 409A, then the benefits are taxable in the first year they are not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. In such case, the executive is subject to regular federal income tax, interest and an additional federal income tax of 20% of the benefit includible in income.

Risks Arising from Compensation Policies and Practices

Our senior management has assessed the enterprise-wide risks facing us and processes and procedures to mitigate such risks. In connection with such enterprise risk management process, our compensation programs were assessed, including program features that could potentially encourage excessive or imprudent risk taking and the specific aspects of our compensation policies and procedures which mitigate some of the material risks that might otherwise arise from such policies and procedures. Following this review, our management, Compensation Committee and full Board of Directors affirmatively determined that there were no risks arising from the compensation policies and practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.

Director Compensation Tables 
Directors who are also employees receive no additional compensation for their services as directors. During 2012, we paid directors that are not our employees the following annual fees: 

 
Chairman
 
Member
Annual Retainer
$

 
$
60,000

Audit Committee
$
32,500

 
$
30,000

Compensation Committee
$
10,000

 
$
5,000

NCG Committee
$
10,000

 
$
5,000

Executive Committee
$
5,000

 
$
















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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

The following tables provide compensation information for each member of the Board for the year ended on December 31, 2012.

Name
 
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
 
July 2012 Restricted Stock Award (1)
 
Total
Stephanie W. Bergeron
 
$
90,000

 
$
74,080

 
$
164,080

Paul D. Lapides
 
$
69,521

 
$
74,080

 
$
143,601

Clunet R. Lewis
 
$
102,500

 
$
74,080

 
$
176,580

Robert H. Naftaly
 
$
100,000

 
$
74,080

 
$
174,080

Ronald L. Piasecki
 
$
65,000

 
$
74,080

 
$
139,080

Ted J. Simon(2)
 
$
56,250

 
$

 
$
56,250

Arthur A. Weiss
 
$
62,260

 
$
74,080

 
$
136,340

 
(1) 
This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to these grants, refer to Note 11 to our financial statements.
(2) 
Ted J. Simon served as a director until July 19, 2012.
Name
 
July 2012
Restricted Stock Award (1)
 
Aggregate number of options outstanding at December 31, 2012
Stephanie W. Bergeron
 
$
74,080

 
7,500

Paul D. Lapides
 
$
74,080

 
11,000

Clunet R. Lewis
 
$
74,080

 
12,000

Robert H. Naftaly
 
$
74,080

 
7,500

Ronald L Piasecki
 
$
74,080

 
4,500

Arthur A. Weiss
 
$
74,080

 
3,000


(1) 
This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to these grants, refer to Note 11 of our financial statements.

In February 2013, each of our non-employee directors was granted 1,800 shares of restricted stock as provided for in the First Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Plan. All of the shares will vest on February 15, 2016.











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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Summary Compensation Table
The following table includes information concerning compensation for our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
Name and Principal Position
 Year
 
Salary
 
Bonus (1)
 
Stock Awards (2)
 
All Other Compensation (3)
 
Total
Gary A. Shiffman, Chairman,
2012
 
$
657,500

 
$
315,000

 
$
769,200

 
$
59,666

 
$
1,801,366

Chief Executive Officer, and
2011
 
$
637,385

 
$
637,385

 
$
1,882,000

 
$
47,571

 
$
3,204,341

President
2010
 
$
615,012

 
$
135,000

 
$

 
$
47,370

 
$
797,382

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Karen J. Dearing, Executive Vice
2012
 
$
345,720

 
$
135,000

 
$
204,000

 
$
5,502

 
$
690,222

President, Treasurer, Chief
2011
 
$
335,000

 
$
402,925

 
$
834,575

 
$
5,145

 
$
1,577,645

Financial Officer and Secretary
2010
 
$
290,096

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,594

 
$
295,690

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John B. McLaren, Executive Vice
2012
 
$
375,000

 
$
150,000

 
$
408,000

 
$
5,279

 
$
938,279

President and Chief Operating
2011
 
$
345,000

 
$
381,150

 
$
1,113,925

 
$
5,194

 
$
1,845,269

Officer
2010
 
$
277,628

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,397

 
$
282,025

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jonathan M. Colman, Executive
2012
 
$
195,388

 
$
175,000

 
$

 
$
2,982

 
$
373,370

Vice President
2011
 
$
191,521

 
$
75,000

 
$

 
$
2,210

 
$
268,731

 
2010
 
$
186,864

 
$
15,000

 
$

 
$
2,777

 
$
204,641


(1) 
See “2012 Compensation” above for additional information regarding annual incentive payments awarded in 2012. Although the annual incentive payments were earned for 2012, 2011 and 2010 such payments were made in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The bonus in 2011 for Ms. Dearing and Mr. McLaren includes the $150,000 signing bonus as provided for in their respective employment agreements.

(2) 
This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to these grants, refer to Note 11 of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.

(3) 
Includes matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan of $5,000, $5,000, $2,703 and $5,000 for each of Messrs. Shiffman, McLaren, Colman and Ms. Dearing, respectively; for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. Includes matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan of $3,862, $4,900, $1,916 and $4,851 for each of Messrs. Shiffman, McLaren, Colman and Ms. Dearing, respectively; for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. Includes matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan of $4,775, $3,805, $2,489 and $4,900 for each of Messrs. Shiffman, McLaren, Colman and Ms. Dearing, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Also includes premiums for life insurance and accidental death and disability insurance in the amount of $279 for each of Messrs. Shiffman, McLaren, Colman and Ms. Dearing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012; $294 for each of Messrs. Shiffman, McLaren, Colman and Ms. Dearing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011; and $288 for each of Messrs. Shiffman, McLaren and Colman and Ms. Dearing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Includes perquisites for sporting events valued in the amounts of $8,637 and $223 for Mr. Shiffman and Ms. Dearing respectively; for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. Includes perquisites for sporting events valued in the amounts of $3,415 for Mr. Shiffman for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. Includes perquisites for sporting events valued in the amounts of $3,307, $304, and $406 for Messrs. Shiffman and McLaren and Ms. Dearing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Includes $45,750, $40,000, and $39,000 paid to Mr. Shiffman by Origen Financial, Inc. for service on its Board of Directors for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Grants of Plan Based Awards

We made the following grants of restricted shares of our common stock to certain named executive officers in 2012. The shares granted on February 20, 2012 vest 20 percent on February 20, 2016, 30 percent on February 20, 2017, 35 percent on February 20, 2018, 10 percent on February 20, 2019 and five percent on February 20, 2020. One-third of the shares granted on December 14, 2012 vest on each of December 14, 2016, 2017 and 2018.


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SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Name
 
 Grant Date
 
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stocks or Units (#)
 
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Option Awards (1)
Gary A. Shiffman
 
12/14/2012
 
20,000

 
$
769,200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Karen J. Dearing
 
2/20/2012
 
5,000

 
$
204,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John B. McLaren
 
2/20/2012
 
10,000

 
$
408,000

(1) Pursuant to SEC rules, this column represents the total fair market value of restricted stock awards, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table provides certain information with respect to the value of all restricted share awards previously granted our named executive officers. None of the named executive officers hold any unexercised options.


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End as of December 31, 2012

 
 
Share Awards (1)
 
 Name
 
Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested
 
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (2)
 
Gary A. Shiffman
 
3,502

 
$
139,695

(3) 
 
 
1,000

 
$
39,890

(4) 
 
 
60,000

 
$
2,393,400

(6) 
 
 
50,000

 
$
1,994,500

(8) 
 
 
20,000

 
$
797,800

(10) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Karen J. Dearing
 
350

 
$
13,962

(4) 
 
 
6,500

 
$
259,285

(5) 
 
 
10,000

 
$
398,900

(6) 
 
 
7,500

 
$
299,175

(7) 
 
 
10,000

 
$
398,900

(8) 
 
 
5,000

 
$
199,450

(9) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John B. McLaren
 
6,500

 
$
259,285

(5) 
 
 
10,000

 
$
398,900

(6) 
 
 
12,500

 
$
498,625

(7) 
 
 
7,500

 
$
299,175

(8) 
 
 
10,000

 
$
398,900

(9) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jonathan M. Colman
 
500

 
$
19,945

(4) 

 (1) 
All share awards begin to vest after either the third or fourth anniversary of the date of grant.

(2) 
Value based on $39.89, the closing price of our common stock on NYSE on December 31, 2012.

(3) 
Shares will vest on July 15, 2014.

(4) 
Shares will vest on May 10, 2014.

(5) 
3,500 shares vest on February 5, 2013, 2,000 shares vest on February 5, 2014 and the remaining 1,000 shares will vest in two equal installments on February 5, 2015 and February 5, 2018.

70

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.


(6) 
One-third of the shares vest on each of July 29, 2013, July 30, 2014 and July 31, 2015.

(7) 
One-third of the shares vest on each of January 1, 2015, January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017.

(8) 
One-third of the shares vest on each of May 6, 2015, May 6, 2016 and May 6, 2017.

(9) Twenty percent of the shares vest on February 20, 2016, thirty percent of the shares vest on February 20, 2017, thirty-five percent of the shares vest on February 20, 2018, ten percent of the shares vest on February 20, 2019 and five percent of the shares vest on February 20, 2020.

(10) 
One-third of the shares vest on each of December 14, 2016, December 14, 2017 and December 14, 2018.

 
Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Last Fiscal Year

The following table sets forth certain information concerning shares held by our named executive officers that vested during the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2012:
 
 
Stock Awards
 
 Name
 
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting
 
Value Realized on Vesting
 
Karen J. Dearing
 
3,500

 
$
144,393

(1) 
 
 
2,500

 
$
109,538

(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John B. McLaren
 
3,500

 
$
144,393

(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
(1) 
Value based on the average of the high and low of the share price on the vesting date, or the next business day if the vesting date was on a weekend.
(2) 
Represents an award of phantom stock where a cash bonus is paid on the vesting date in lieu of shares. The cash bonus value is based on a 10 day average of our closing stock price prior to the vesting date.

Change in Control and Severance Payments
 
Messrs. Shiffman and McLaren and Ms. Dearing have contractual arrangements with us providing for severance and change in control payments. If any such executive is terminated without “cause,” he or she is entitled to any accrued but unpaid salary, incentive compensation and benefits through the date of termination and a continuation of salary for up to eighteen months after termination in the case of Mr. Shiffman and up to twelve months in the case of Ms. Dearing and Mr. McLaren, subject to the execution of a general release and continued compliance with his or her non-competition and confidentiality covenants. If Messrs. Shiffman’s or McLaren’s or Ms. Dearing’s employment is terminated due to death or disability, he or she or his or her heirs, is entitled to any accrued but unpaid salary, incentive compensation and benefits through the date of termination or death and a continuation of salary for up to twenty four months, in the case of Mr. Shiffman and Ms. Dearing and in the case of Mr. McLaren eighteen months if the permanent disability or death is on or before the third anniversary of the Effective Date of his employment agreement, and up to twenty four months if such permanent disability or death occurs after the third anniversary of the Effective Date of his employment agreement. Upon a change of control and if Messrs. Shiffman or McLaren or Ms. Dearing is terminated within two years after the date of such change of control or in the case of Mr. Shiffman, less than two years remain under the term of his employment agreement and in the case of Ms. Dearing and Mr. McLaren, less than 18 months remain under the term of his or her employment agreement, then he or she would receive 2.99 times his or her annual salary and a continuation of health and insurance benefits for one year. Under any of the foregoing events of termination or change of control, all stock options and other stock based compensation awarded to the executive shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable.

The following tables describe the potential payments upon termination without cause, a termination due to death or disability or after a change of control (and associated termination of the executives) for the following named executive officers:
 




71

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Termination Without Cause
Name
 
Cash Payment (1)
 
Acceleration of Vesting of Stock Awards (2)
 
Benefits (3)
 
Total
Gary A. Shiffman
 
$
986,257

 
$
5,365,285

 
$

 
$
6,351,542

Karen J. Dearing
 
$
345,720

 
$
1,569,672

 
$

 
$
1,915,392

John B. McLaren
 
$
375,000

 
$
1,854,885

 
$

 
$
2,229,885

Jonathan M. Colman
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


Termination Due to Death or Disability
Name
 
Cash Payment (1)
 
Acceleration of Vesting of Stock Awards (2)
 
Benefits (3)
 
Total
Gary A. Shiffman
 
$
1,315,010

 
$
5,365,285

 
$

 
$
6,680,295

Karen J. Dearing
 
$
691,440

 
$
1,569,672

 
$

 
$
2,261,112

John B. McLaren
 
$
562,500

 
$
1,854,885

 
$

 
$
2,417,385

Jonathan M. Colman
 
$

 
$
19,945

 
$

 
$
19,945


Change of Control
Name
 
Cash Payment (1)
 
Acceleration of Vesting of Stock Awards (2)
 
Benefits (3)
 
Total
Gary A. Shiffman
 
$
1,965,940

 
$
5,365,285

 
$
10,899

 
$
7,342,124

Karen J. Dearing
 
$
1,033,703

 
$
1,569,672

 
$
279

 
$
2,603,654

John B. McLaren
 
$
1,121,249

 
$
1,854,885

 
$
10,899

 
$
2,987,033

Jonathan M. Colman
 
$

 
$
19,945

 
$

 
$
19,945

 
(1) 
Assumes a termination on December 31, 2012 and payments based on base salary (without taking into account any accrued incentive based compensation) as of December 31, 2012 for each executive for the periods specified above.

(2) 
Calculated based on a termination as of December 31, 2012 and the fair market value of our common stock on NYSE as of December 31, 2012.

(3) 
Reflects continuation of health benefits, life insurance and accidental death and disability insurance for the periods specified above.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of the Compensation Committee has been or will be one of our officers or employees. We do not have any interlocking relationships between our executive officers and the Compensation Committee and the executive officers and compensation committees of any other entities, nor has any such interlocking relationship existed in the past.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Form 10-K.

Respectfully submitted,
Members of the Compensation Committee:
Robert H. Naftaly
Clunet R. Lewis
Paul D. Lapides

72

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth, based upon information available to us, as of February 15, 2013, the shareholdings of: (a) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of our common stock; (b) each of our directors; (c) each named executive officer listed in the Summary Compensation Table; and (d) all of our named executive officers and directors as a group:
 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Percent of
Outstanding Shares(1)
Gary A. Shiffman
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
1,909,898

(2)
5.94
%
Karen J. Dearing
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
60,149

 
*

Jonathan M. Colman
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
32,206

 
*

John B. McLaren
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
62,165

 
*

Paul D. Lapides
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
15,874

(3)
*

Clunet R. Lewis
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
65,476

(4)
*

Ronald L. Piasecki
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
79,312

(5)
*

Arthur A. Weiss
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
753,645

(6)
2.37
%
Robert H. Naftaly
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 2500
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
17,400

(7)
*

Stephanie W. Bergeron
27777 Franklin Road
Suite 200
Southfield, Michigan 48034
 
15,400

(8)
*

FMR LLC and Edward C. Johnson 3d (9)
        82 Devonshire Street
        Boston, MA 02109
 
4,457,106

 
14.09
%
The Vanguard Group, Inc. (10)
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
 
3,471,436

 
10.97
%
Vanguard Specialized Funds - Vanguard REIT Index Fund (11)
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
 
1,869,953

 
5.91
%
BlackRock, Inc. (12)
        40 East 52nd Street
        New York, NY 10022
 
2,042,206

 
6.45
%
Anchor Capital Advisors LLC (13)
        One Post Office Square, Suite 3850
        Boston, MA 02109
 
2,099,860

 
6.64
%
All executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons)(14)
 
2,415,890

 
7.50
%

* Less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares.



73

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

 
(1)
In accordance with SEC regulations, the percentage calculations are based on 31,642,521 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of February 15, 2013 plus shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable, common OP Units and Aspen preferred OP Units of Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership that are indirectly convertible into common stock, within 60 days of February 15, 2013, by each individual or group listed. As of February 15, 2013, each Aspen preferred OP Unit was indirectly convertible into 0.397 shares of common stock.
 
(2)
Includes: (a) 394,141 Common OP Units convertible into 394,141 shares of common stock; (b) 453,841 shares of common stock owned by certain limited liability companies of which Mr. Shiffman is a member and a manager, and (c) 141,794 Common OP Units convertible into 141,794 shares of common stock owned by certain limited liability companies of which Mr. Shiffman is a member and a manager.
 
(3)
Includes 9,500 shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2013.
 
(4)
Includes (a) 20,000 Common OP Units convertible into 20,000 shares of common stock, and (b) 6,000 shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2013.
 
(5)
Includes: (a) 17,437 Common OP Units convertible into 17,437 shares of common stock, (b) 139,735 Series A-1 preferred OP Units convertible into 139,735 Common OP Units, which in turn were convertible into 55,475 shares of common stock as of February 15, 2013, and (c) 3,000 shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2013.
 
(6)
Includes (a) 6,938 Common OP Units convertible into 6,938 shares of common stock, (b) 2,000 shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2013, (c) 453,841 shares of common stock owned by certain limited liability companies of which Mr. Weiss is a manager, (d) 141,794 Common OP Units convertible into 141,794 shares of common stock owned by a limited liability company of which Mr. Weiss is a manager, (e) 3,327 shares of common stock held by the 1997 Shiffman Charitable Remainder Unitrust for which Mr. Weiss is a Co-Trustee, (f) a beneficial interest only in 10,000 Common OP Units convertible into 10,000 shares of common stock, and (g) 86,810 shares of common stock and 40,287 common OP Units convertible into 40,287 shares of common stock held by the Gary A. Shiffman 2012 Irrevocable Family Trust, of which Mr. Weiss is the Trustee.  Mr. Weiss does not have a pecuniary interest in any of the 1997 Shiffman Charitable Remainder Unitrust, the Gary A. Shiffman 2012 Irrevocable Family Trust or the limited liability companies described above and, accordingly, Mr. Weiss disclaims beneficial ownership of the 543,978 shares of common stock and the 182,081 common OP Units held by such entities.
 
(7)
Includes 6,000 shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2013.
 
(8)
Includes 6,000 shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2013.
 
(9)
According to the Schedule 13G/A for the year ended December 31, 2012 and filed with the SEC on February 14, 2013, both FMR LLC, in its capacity as a parent holding company or control person, and Edward C. Johnson 3d, the Chairman of FMR LLC, beneficially own 4,457,106 shares of our common stock. According to the same filing, Fidelity Management & Research Company, a subsidiary of FMR LLC, in its capacity as an investment advisor, beneficially owns 2,801,420 shares of our common stock.
 
(10)
According to the Schedule 13G/A for the year ended December 31, 2012 and filed with the SEC on February 11, 2013, The Vanguard Group, Inc., in its capacity as an investment advisor, beneficially owns 3,471,436 shares of our common stock.
 
(11)
According to the Schedule 13G/A for the year ended December 31, 2012 and filed with the SEC on February 14, 2013, Vanguard Specialized Funds- Vanguard REIT Index Fund, in its capacity as an investment advisor, beneficially owns 1,869,953 shares of our common stock.
 
(12)
According to the Schedule 13G/A for the year ended December 31, 2012 and filed with the SEC on February 5, 2013, BlackRock, Inc., in its capacity as a parent holding company or control person, beneficially owns 2,042,206 shares of our common stock.
 
(13)
According to the Schedule 13G/A for the year ended December 31, 2012 and filed with the SEC on February 13, 2013, Anchor Capital Advisors LLC, in its capacity as an investment advisor, beneficially owns 2,099,860 shares of our common stock.
 
(14)
Includes (a) 630,597 common OP Units convertible into 630,597 shares of common stock, (b) 139,735 Series A-1 preferred OP Units convertible into 139,735 common OP Units, which in turn were convertible into 55,475 shares of common stock as of February 15, 2013, and (c) 32,500 shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2013.
   

74

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

 ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Relationship with Equity Affiliates

We have entered into the following transactions with Origen Financial Services, LLC (“OFS LLC”):

Investment in OFS LLC. We entered into an agreement with four unrelated companies and contributed cash of approximately $0.6 million towards the formation of a limited liability company. OFS LLC purchased the origination platform of Origen. The purpose of the venture is to originate manufactured housing installment contracts for its members. We accounted for our investment in OFS LLC using the equity method of accounting which we have since suspended. As of December 31, 2012, we had an ownership interest in OFS LLC of 22.9 percent, and the carrying value of our investment was zero.

Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement. OFS LLC agreed to fund loans that meet our underwriting guidelines and then transfer those loans to us pursuant to a Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement. We paid OFS LLC a fee of approximately $650 per loan pursuant to a Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement which totaled approximately $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. We purchased, at par, $6.4 million of these loans during the year ended December 31, 2012.

We have entered into the following transactions with Origen:

Investment in Origen: We own 5,000,000 shares of Origen common stock and Shiffman Origen LLC (which is owned by the Milton M. Shiffman Spouse’s Marital Trust, Gary A. Shiffman (our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), and members of Mr. Shiffman’s family) owns 1,025,000 shares of Origen common stock. We accounted for our investment in Origen using the equity method of accounting which we have since suspended. As of December 31, 2012 we had an ownership interest in Origen of approximately 19 percent, and the carrying value of our investment was zero.

Board Membership. Gary A. Shiffman, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is a board member of Origen.
 
Lease of Principal Executive Offices

Gary A. Shiffman, together with certain of his family members, indirectly owns a 21 percent equity interest in American Center LLC, the entity from which we lease office space for our principal executive offices. Arthur A. Weiss, one of our directors, owns less than one percent indirect interest in American Center LLC. As of October 2011, we lease approximately 48,200 rentable square feet. The term of the lease is until October 31, 2016, with an option to renew for an additional five years. The annual base rent under the current lease is $18.61 per square foot (gross) and will remain this amount through October 31, 2014. From November 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015, the annual base rent will be $18.72 per square foot (gross) and then from September 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016, the annual base rent will be $17.92 per square foot (gross). We also have a temporary lease for $9.58 per square foot (gross) until April 2013 on 10,500 rentable square feet. Mr. Shiffman and Mr. Weiss may have a conflict of interest with respect to their obligations as one of our officers and/or directors and their ownership interest in American Center LLC.

Loan Funding Agreement with Talmer Bank

Each of Robert H. Naftaly and Arthur A. Weiss, who serve on our board of directors, is also a director of each of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and its primary operating subsidiary, Talmer Bank. Each of Mr. Naftaly, Mr. Weiss and Mr. Shiffman also owns less than one percent of Talmer Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock. In January 2013, we entered into an agreement with Talmer Bank under which we may refer purchasers of homes in our communities to Talmer Bank to obtain loans to finance their home purchases. We do not receive referral fees or other cash compensation under the agreement. If Talmer Bank makes loans to purchasers referred by us under the agreement, those purchasers default on their loans and Talmer Bank repossesses the homes securing such loans, we have agreed to purchase from Talmer Bank each such repossessed home for a price equal to 100% of the amount under each such loan, subject to certain adjustments; provided that the maximum outstanding principal amount of the loans subject to the agreement may not exceed $10 million. In addition, we have agreed to waive all site rent that would otherwise be due from Talmer Bank so long as it owns any homes on which loans were made pursuant to the agreement. The agreement expires November 1, 2013, but may be extended by mutual agreement of Talmer Bank and us.





75

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Legal Counsel

During 2012, Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer &Weiss, Professional Corporation acted as our general counsel and represented us in various matters. Arthur A. Weiss, one of our directors, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and a shareholder of such firm. We incurred legal fees and expenses of approximately $3.4 million in 2012 in connection with services rendered by Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer &Weiss, Professional Corporation. 

Tax Consequences Upon Sale of Properties

Gary A. Shiffman holds limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership which were received in connection with the contribution of 24 properties (four of which have been sold) from partnerships previously affiliated with him (the “Sun Partnerships”). Prior to any redemption of these limited partnership interests for our common stock, Mr. Shiffman will have tax consequences different from those of us and our public stockholders on the sale of any of the Sun Partnerships. Therefore, we have different objectives than Mr. Shiffman regarding the appropriate pricing and timing of any sale of those properties.

Policies and Procedures for Approval of Related Party Transactions

None of our executive officers or directors (or any family member or affiliate of such executive officer or director) may enter into any transaction or arrangement with us that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest without the prior approval of the NCG Committee. Any such transaction or arrangement must be promptly reported to the NCG Committee or the full Board. Any such disclosure provided by an executive officer or director is reviewed by the NCG Committee and approved or disapproved. In determining whether to approve such a transaction or arrangement, the NCG Committee takes into account, among other factors, whether the transaction was on terms no less favorable to us than terms generally available to third parties and the extent of the executive officer’s or director’s involvement in such transaction or arrangement.

The current policy was adopted and approved in 2004. All related party transactions disclosed above were approved by either the NCG Committee or the full Board.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Fees

Aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Grant Thornton, LLP, our independent auditors, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

Category
 
FYE 12/31/12
 
FYE 12/31/11
Audit Fees: For professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s financial statements, the audit of internal controls relating to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the reviews of the quarterly financial statements and consents
 
$
734,170

 
$
601,908

Audit-Related Fees: For professional services rendered for accounting assistance with new accounting standards and potential transactions and other SEC related matters
 
$
7,019

 
$
32,020

Tax Fees
 
$

 
$

All Other Fees
 
$

 
$


The Audit Committee has a policy concerning the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent auditors. The policy requires that all services provided by the independent auditors to us, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services, must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. In some cases, pre-approval is provided by the full Audit Committee for up to a year, and relates to a particular category or group of services and is subject to a particular budget. In other cases, specific pre-approval is required. The Audit Committee approved all audit and non-audit related services provided to us by Grant Thornton during the 2011 and 2012 fiscal years.


76

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following documents are filed herewith as part of this Form 10-K:

1.    Financial Statements.
A list of the financial statements required to be filed as a part of this Form 10‑K is shown in the “Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” filed herewith.

2.    Financial Schedules
A list of the financial statement schedules required to be filed as a part of this Form 10‑K is shown in the “Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” filed herewith.

3.    Exhibits.
A list of the exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S‑K to be filed as a part of this Form 10-K is shown on the “Exhibit Index” filed herewith.


77

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.


 
SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: February 25, 2013
By
/s/
Gary A. Shiffman
 
 
 
Gary A. Shiffman
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 
Name
 
Capacity
 
Date
/s/
Gary A. Shiffman
 
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
February 25, 2013
 
Gary A. Shiffman
 
 
 
 
/s/
Karen J. Dearing
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and Principal Accounting Officer
 
February 25, 2013
 
Karen J. Dearing
 
 
 
 
/s/
Stephanie W. Bergeron
 
Director
 
February 25, 2013
 
Stephanie W. Bergeron
 
 
 
 
/s/
Paul D. Lapides
 
Director
 
February 25, 2013
 
Paul D. Lapides
 
 
 
 
/s/
Clunet R. Lewis
 
Director
 
February 25, 2013
 
Clunet R. Lewis
 
 
 
 
/s/
Robert H. Naftaly
 
Director
 
February 25, 2013
 
Robert H. Naftaly
 
 
 
 
/s/
Ronald L. Piasecki
 
Director
 
February 25, 2013
 
Ronald L. Piasecki
 
 
 
 
/s/
Arthur A. Weiss
 
Director
 
February 25, 2013
 
Arthur A. Weiss
 
 
 
 




78

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
Method of Filing
2.1
 
Master Contribution Agreement dated April 1, 2011 by and among Sun Communities, Inc., Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, and Kentland Corporation, Wilbur A. Lettinga, William B. Lettinga and Michael Lettinga
 
(23)
2.2
 
Contribution Agreement (Tamarac Village) dated as of May 5, 2011 by and among Tamarac Village Holding Company MHP Holding Company #2, LLC, Tamarac Village Holding Company MHP Holding Company #1, LLC, Tamarac Village Mobile Home Park Limited Partnership, and  Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership (form of Contribution Agreement for the following properties: Apple Carr Village, Brookside Village, Dutton Mill Village, Hickory Hills Village, Holiday West Village, Leisure Village, Oak Island Village, Southwood Village, Sycamore Village, Warren Dunes Village and Waverly Shores Village)
 
(23)
2.3
 
Contribution Agreement (Country Meadows Village) dated as of May 5, 2011 by and among Country Meadows Village Holding Company MHP Holding Company #2, LLC, Country Meadows Village Holding Company MHP Holding Company #1, LLC, Country Meadows Village Mobile Home Park Limited Partnership, and  Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership (form of Contribution Agreement for the following properties: Cider Mill Village, Country Hills Village, Hidden Ridge RV Park, Pinebrook Village and Windsor Woods Village)
 
(23)
2.4
 
Agreement of Sale dated July 27, 2012 between Northville Crossing Venture L.L.C. and Sun Northville Crossing LLC
 
(29)
2.5
 
Contribution Agreement dated October 3, 2012, among Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, Rudgate Silver Springs Company, L.L.C., Rudgate West Company Limited Partnership, Rudgate East Company Limited Partnership, Rudgate East Company II Limited Partnership and Rudgate Hunters Crossing, LLC
 
(30)
2.6
 
Limited Liability Company Interests Assignment Agreement dated October 22, 2012, among Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, PCGRV, LLC and Keith Amigos, Inc.
 
(31)
2.7
 
Omnibus Agreement, dated December 9, 2012, by and among Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, certain wholly owned subsidiaries of Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, Robert C. Morgan, Robert Moser, Ideal Private Resorts LLC and Morgan Fiesta Key LLC, Gwynns Island RV Resort LLC, Indian Creek RV Resort LLC, Lake Laurie RV Resort LLC, Newpoint RV Resort LLC, Peters Pond RV Resort Inc., Seaport LLC, Virginia Tent LLC, Wagon Wheel Maine LLC, Westward Ho RV Resort LLC and Wild Acres LLC, as amended by a First Amendment dated December 13, 2012 and a Second Amendment dated February 8, 2013
 
(22)
2.8
 
Contribution Agreement, dated December 9, 2012, by and among Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, certain wholly owned subsidiaries of Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, Indian Creek RV Resort LLC, Lake Laurie RV Resort LLC, Wagon Wheel Maine LLC and Wild Acres LLC, as amended by a First Amendment dated December 13, 2012, a Second Amendment dated December 20, 2012 and a Third Amendment dated February 8, 2013
 
(22)
2.9
 
Contribution Agreement, dated December 9, 2012, by and among Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, certain wholly owned subsidiaries of Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, Gwynns Island RV Resort LLC, Newpoint RV Resort LLC, Peters Pond RV Resort Inc., Seaport LLC, Virginia Tent LLC and Westward Ho RV Resort LLC, as amended by a First Amendment dated December 13, 2012, a Second Amendment dated December 31, 2012, a Third Amendment dated January 28, 2013 and a Fourth Amendment dated February 8, 2013
 
(22)
2.10
 
Amended and Restated Indemnity Agreement, dated February 8, 2013
 
(22)
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Sun Communities, Inc
 
(1)
3.2
 
Articles Supplementary, dated October 16, 2006
 
(12)
3.3
 
First Amended and Restated Bylaws
 
(16)
3.4
 
Articles of Amendment dated June 13, 1997
 
(32)
3.5
 
Articles Supplementary designating 7.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock dated November 9, 2012
 
(32)
4.1
 
Articles Supplementary of Board of Directors of Sun Communities, Inc. Designating a Series of Preferred Stock
 
(6)
4.2
 
Articles Supplementary of Board of Directors of Sun Communities, Inc. Designating a Series of Preferred Stock and Fixing Distribution and other Rights in such Series
 
(15)
4.3
 
Rights Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2008, between Sun Communities, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. as Rights Agent
 
(15)
4.4
 
Sun Communities, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan#
 
(17)
4.5
 
Form of Senior Indenture
 
(19)
4.6
 
Form of Subordinated Indenture
 
(19)
4.7
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated June 23, 2011 among Sun Communities, Inc., and the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Units that are parties thereto
 
(23)
4.8
 
Form of certificate evidencing common stock
 
(32)
4.9
 
Form of certificate evidencing 7.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
 
(32)
4.10
 
Articles Supplementary canceling and reclassifying 9.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock dated November 9, 2012
 
(33)
4.11
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated February 8, 2013 among Sun Communities, Inc., and the holders of Series A-3 Preferred Units that are parties thereto
 
(22)
10.1
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement between Sun Communities, Inc. and certain directors, officers and other individuals#
 
(1)
10.2
 
Amended and Restated 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan#
 
(2)
10.3
 
Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement between Sun Communities, Inc. and certain directors#
 
(2)
10.4
 
Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership
 
(3)
10.5
 
Long Term Incentive Plan#
 
(4)

79

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
Method of Filing
10.6
 
Second Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan#
 
(5)
10.7
 
One Hundred Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership
 
(6)
10.8
 
One Hundred Eleventh Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership
 
(7)
10.9
 
One Hundred Thirty-Sixth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership
 
(7)
10.10
 
One Hundred Forty-Fifth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership
 
(7)
10.11
 
Lease, dated November 1, 2002, by and between the Operating Partnership as Tenant and American Center LLC as Landlord
 
(8)
10.12
 
Form of Loan Agreement dated June 9, 2004 by and between Sun Pool 8 LLC, as Borrower, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Lender
 
(9)
10.13
 
Schedule identifying substantially identical agreements to Exhibit 10.12
 
(9)
10.14
 
Form of Loan Agreement dated June 9, 2004 by and between Sun Continental Estates LLC as Borrower, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Lender
 
(9)
10.15
 
Schedule identifying substantially identical agreements to Exhibit 10.14
 
(9)
10.16
 
Form of Loan Agreement dated June 9, 2004 by and between Sun Indian Creek LLC, as Borrower, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Lender
 
(9)
10.17
 
Schedule identifying substantially identical agreements to Exhibit 10.16
 
(9)
10.18
 
Fixed Facility Note dated April 5, 2004 made by Sun Secured Financing LLC, Aspen – Ft. Collins Limited Partnership and Sun Secured Financing Houston Limited Partnership, in favor of ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., L.P., in the original principal amount of $77,362,500
 
(9)
10.19
 
Fixed Facility Note dated April 28, 2004 made by Sun Secured Financing LLC, Sun Secured Financing Houston Limited Partnership, Aspen – Ft. Collins Limited Partnership, Sun Communities Finance LLC, Sun Holly Forest LLC and Sun Saddle Oak LLC, in favor of ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., L.P., in the original principal amount of $100,000,000
 
(9)
10.20
 
Variable Facility Note dated April 28, 2004 made by Sun Secured Financing LLC, Sun Secured Financing Houston Limited Partnership, Aspen – Ft. Collins Limited Partnership, Sun Communities Finance LLC, Sun Holly Forest LLC and Sun Saddle Oak LLC, in favor of ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., L.P., in the original principal amount of $60,275,000
 
(9)
10.21
 
One Hundred Seventy-Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership
 
(10)
10.22
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement#
 
(10)
10.23
 
Employment Agreement between Sun Communities, Inc. and Gary A. Shiffman, dated as of January 1, 2005#
 
(11)
10.24
 
Future Advance, Renewal and Consolidation Promissory Note dated November 15, 2006 made by Miami Lakes Venture Associates in favor of Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB in the original principal amount of $54,000,000
 
(13)
10.25
 
Notice of Future Advance, Mortgage Modification, Extension and Spreader Agreement and Security Agreement dated November 15, 2006 made by Miami Lakes Venture Associates in favor of Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB
 
(13)
10.26
 
Promissory Note dated January 4, 2007 made by High Point Associates, L.P., in favor of Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB in the original principal amount of $17,500,000
 
(13)
10.27
 
Mortgage and Security Agreement dated January 4, 2007 made by High Point Associates, L.P., in favor of Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB
 
(13)
10.28
 
Promissory Note dated January 5, 2007 made by Sea Breeze Limited Partnership in favor of Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB in the original principal amount of $20,000,000
 
(13)
10.29
 
Mortgage and Security Agreement dated January 5, 2007 made by Sea Breeze Limited Partnership in favor of Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB
 
(13)
10.30
 
Restricted Stock  Award Agreement between Sun Communities, Inc. and John B. McLaren, dated February 5, 2008#
 
(14)
10.31
 
Restricted Stock  Award Agreement between Sun Communities, Inc. and Karen J. Dearing, dated February 5, 2008#
 
(14)
10.32
 
Loan Agreement dated March 1, 2011 among Sun Siesta Bay LLC, Sun Pheasant Ridge Limited Partnership, Sun/York L.L.C., Sun Richmond LLC, Sun Groves LLC, Sun Lake Juliana LLC, Sun Lake San Marino LLC, Sun Candlelight Village LLC, Sun Southfork LLC, Sun  Four Seasons LLC and Sun Lafayette Place LLC, as Borrowers, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Lender
 
(20)
10.33
 
Promissory Note dated March 1, 2011 in the principal amount of $115,000,000 by Sun Siesta Bay LLC, Sun Pheasant Ridge Limited Partnership, Sun/York L.L.C., Sun Richmond LLC, Sun Groves LLC, Sun Lake Juliana LLC, Sun Lake San Marino LLC, Sun Candlelight Village LLC, Sun Southfork LLC, Sun Four Seasons LLC and Sun Lafayette Place LLC, as Borrowers, in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Lender
 
(20)
10.34
 
Employment Agreement dated March 7, 2011 among Sun Communities, Inc., Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership and John B. McLaren#
 
(21)
10.35
 
Employment Agreement dated March 7, 2011 among Sun Communities, Inc., Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership and Karen J. Dearing#
 
(21)
10.36
 
Two Hundred Seventy Fifth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership dated as of June 23, 2011
 
(23)
10.37
 
Second Amended and Restated Master Credit Facility Agreement dated July 27, 2011, among Sun Secured Financing LLC, Aspen-Ft. Collins Limited Partnership, Sun Secured Financing Houston Limited Partnership, Sun Communities Finance, LLC, Sun Holly Forest LLC, Sun Saddle Oak LLC, PNC Bank, National Association and Fannie Mae
 
(24)

80

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
Method of Filing
10.38
 
Credit Agreement dated September 28, 2011, among Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, as Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager and Fifth Third Bank, as Syndication Agent
 
 
(25)
10.39
 
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Master Credit Facility Agreement dated October 3, 2011, among Sun Secured Financing LLC, Aspen-Ft. Collins Limited Partnership, Sun Secured Financing Houston Limited Partnership, Sun Communities Finance, LLC, Sun Holly Forest LLC, Sun Saddle Oak LLC, PNC Bank, National Association and Fannie Mae
 
(26)
10.40
 
Variable Facility Note dated January 3, 2012 made by Sun Secured Financing LLC, Aspen-Ft. Collins Limited Partnership, Sun Secured Financing Houston Limited Partnership, Sun Communities Finance, LLC, Sun Holly Forest LLC, and Sun Saddle Oak LLC in favor of PNC Bank, National Association, in the original principal amount of $152,362,500
 
(27)
10.41
 
Variable Facility Note dated January 3, 2012 made by Sun Secured Financing LLC, Aspen-Ft. Collins Limited Partnership, Sun Secured Financing Houston Limited Partnership, Sun Communities Finance, LLC, Sun Holly Forest LLC, and Sun Saddle Oak LLC in favor of PNC Bank, National Association, in the original principal amount of $10,000,000
 
(27)
10.42
 
Third Lease Modification dated October 31, 2011 by and between the Operating Partnership as Tenant and American Center LLC as Landlord
 
(35)
10.43
 
First Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Option Plan#
 
(28)
10.44
 
Loan commitment letter dated October 3, 2012, among Sun Rudgate Lender LLC, Rudgate Village Company Limited Partnership, Rudgate Clinton Company Limited Partnership and Rudgate Clinton Estates L.L.C and certain guarantors named therein
 
(30)
10.45
 
Two Hundred Eighty Third Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership dated November 14, 2012
 
(33)
10.46
 
Loan Agreement dated November 15, 2012 among Ladder Capital Finance LLC, Rudgate Village SPE, LLC, Rudgate Clinton SPE, LLC and Rudgate Clinton Estates SPE, LLC
 
(34)
10.47
 
Promissory Note dated November 15, 2012 made by Rudgate Village SPE, LLC, Rudgate Clinton SPE, LLC and Rudgate Clinton Estates SPE, LLC, in favor of Ladder Capital Finance LLC, in the original principal amount of $45,900,000
 
(34)
10.48
 
Guaranty of Recourse Obligations dated November 15, 2012 made by Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership in favor of Ladder Capital Finance LLC
 
(34)
10.49
 
Mezzanine Loan Agreement dated November 14, 2012 among Sun Rudgate Lender LLC, Rudgate Village Holdings, LLC, Rudgate Clinton Holdings, LLC and Rudgate Clinton Estates Holdings, LLC
 
(34)
10.50
 
Promissory Note (Mezzanine) dated November 14, 2012 made by Rudgate Village Holdings, LLC, Rudgate Clinton Holdings, LLC and Rudgate Clinton Estates Holdings, LLC, in favor of Sun Rudgate Lender LLC, in the maximum principal amount of up to $25,000,000
 
(34)
10.51
 
Future Advance Promissory Note (Mezzanine) dated November 14, 2012 made by Rudgate Village Holdings, LLC, Rudgate Clinton Holdings, LLC and Rudgate Clinton Estates Holdings, LLC, in favor of Sun Rudgate Lender LLC, in the maximum principal amount of up to $15,000,000
 
(34)
10.52
 
Property Management Agreement dated November 14, 2012 between Rudgate Village SPE, LLC and Sun Home Services, Inc.
 
(34)
10.53
 
Property Management Agreement dated November 14, 2012 among Rudgate Clinton SPE, LLC, Rudgate Clinton Estates SPE, LLC and Sun Home Services, Inc.
 
(34)
10.54
 
Credit Agreement, dated February 6, 2013, by and among Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, Sun Communities, Inc., certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent and lender, and BMO Capital Markets, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager
 
(22)
10.55
 
At the Market Offering Sales Agreement, dated May 10, 2012, among Sun Communities, Inc., Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Liquidnet, Inc.
 
(18)
10.56
 
Two Hundred Eighty Seventh Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership dated as of February 8, 2013
 
(22)
21.1
 
List of Subsidiaries of Sun Communities, Inc.
 
(36)
23.1
 
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
 
(36)
23.2
 
Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
 
(36)
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(36)
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(36)
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(36)
99.1
 
Financial Statements of Origen Financial, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012
 
(36)
101.1*
 
The following Sun Communities, Inc. financial information, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010; (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vi) Schedule III – Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation.
 
(36)

#
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

*
Users of this data are advised that pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.


81

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

(1)    Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Registration Statement No. 33‑69340
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Registration Statement No. 33‑80972

(3)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 1996

(4)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 1997

(5)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Proxy Statement, dated April 20, 1999

(6)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8‑K dated September 29, 1999

(7)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2001

(8)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2002, as amended

(9)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004

(10)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004

(11)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 23, 2005

(12)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 16, 2006

(13)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007

(14)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 4, 2008

(15)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-A dated June 3, 2008

(16)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8‑K dated April 30, 2009

(17)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8‑K dated July 22, 2009

(18)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8‑K dated May 10, 2012

(19)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Registration Statement No. 333-181315

(20)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2011

(21)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 7, 2011

(22)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2013

(23)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 2011

(24)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2011

(25)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 2011

(26)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011

(27)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 3, 2012

(28)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 19, 2012

(29)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2012

(30)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 3, 2012

(31)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012

(32)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-A dated November 9, 2012

(33)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 9, 2012

82

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.


(34)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2012

(35)
Incorporated by reference to Sun Communities, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011

(36)
Filed herewith


83

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE



 
Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
F-2
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-3
Financial Statements:
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
F-6
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
F-7
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
F-8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-10
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
F-42



F - 1

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and directors; and

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material adverse effect on the financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, management used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting set forth in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management determined that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, and their report is included herein.


F - 2

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sun Communities, Inc.

We have audited Sun Communities, Inc. (a Maryland Corporation) and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Sun Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Sun Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Sun Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Sun Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, and the related financial statement schedule, and our report dated February 25, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion.



/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
GRANT THORNTON LLP

Southfield, Michigan
February 25, 2013



F - 3

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sun Communities, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sun Communities, Inc. (a Maryland Corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. Our audits of the basic financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sun Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 25, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion.


/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
GRANT THORNTON LLP

Southfield, Michigan
February 25, 2013


F - 4



SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
As of December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investment property, net (including $56,326 and $0 for consolidated variable interest entities, respectively)
$
1,518,136

 
$
1,196,606

Cash and cash equivalents
29,508

 
5,857

Inventory of manufactured homes
7,527

 
5,832

Notes and other receivables
139,067

 
114,884

Other assets
59,879

 
44,795

TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,754,117

 
$
1,367,974

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Debt (including $45,900 and $0 for consolidated variable interest entities, respectively)
$
1,423,720

 
$
1,268,191

Lines of credit
29,781

 
129,034

Other liabilities
87,626

 
71,404

TOTAL LIABILITIES
$
1,541,127

 
$
1,468,629

Commitments and contingencies

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized (December 31, 2012 and 2011, 3,400 and 0 shares issued, respectively)
$
34

 
$

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000 shares authorized (December 31, 2012 and 2011, 31,557 and 23,612 shares issued, respectively)
316

 
236

Additional paid-in capital
940,202

 
555,981

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(696
)
 
(1,273
)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings
(683,734
)
 
(617,953
)
Treasury stock, at cost  (December 31, 2012 and 2011, 1,802 shares)
(63,600
)
 
(63,600
)
Total Sun Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)
192,522

 
(126,609
)
Noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
Series A-1 preferred OP units
45,548

 
45,548

Common OP units
(24,572
)
 
(19,594
)
Consolidated variable interest entities
(508
)
 

Total Noncontrolling Interests
20,468

 
25,954

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
212,990

 
(100,655
)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
$
1,754,117

 
$
1,367,974




See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


F - 5


SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)


 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
Income from real property
$
255,761

 
$
223,613

 
$
204,498

Revenue from home sales
45,147

 
32,252

 
31,945

Rental home revenue
26,589

 
22,290

 
20,480

Ancillary revenues, net
484

 
592

 
505

Interest
11,018

 
9,509

 
8,053

Other income, net
617

 
929

 
489

Total revenues
339,616

 
289,185

 
265,970

COSTS AND EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
Property operating and maintenance
68,839

 
59,190

 
52,994

Real estate taxes
19,207

 
17,547

 
16,282

Cost of home sales
34,918

 
25,392

 
24,030

Rental home operating and maintenance
18,141

 
16,196

 
15,414

General and administrative - real property
20,037

 
19,704

 
17,182

General and administrative - home sales and rentals
8,980

 
8,156

 
7,628

Acquisition related costs
4,296

 
1,971

 

Depreciation and amortization
89,674

 
74,193

 
68,868

Asset impairment charge

 
1,382

 

Interest
67,859

 
64,606

 
62,136

Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt
3,321

 
3,333

 
3,291

Total expenses
335,272

 
291,670

 
267,825

Income (loss) before income taxes and distributions from affiliate
4,344

 
(2,485
)
 
(1,855
)
Provision for state income taxes
(249
)
 
(150
)
 
(512
)
Distributions from affiliate
3,900

 
2,100

 
500

Loss from affiliate

 

 
(1,646
)
Net income (loss)
7,995

 
(535
)
 
(3,513
)
Less:  Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units
2,329

 
1,222

 

Less:  Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
(318
)
 
(671
)
 
(630
)
Less:  Series A Preferred Stock Distributions
1,026

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders
$
4,958

 
$
(1,086
)
 
$
(2,883
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
27,255

 
21,147

 
19,168

Diluted
27,272

 
21,147

 
19,168

Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.18

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.15
)
Diluted
$
0.18

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.15
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per common share:
$
2.52

 
$
3.15

 
$
2.52

 
 
 
 
 
 


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


F - 6


SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)


 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Net income (loss)
$
7,995

 
$
(535
)
 
$
(3,513
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
643

 
1,048

 
(411
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
8,638

 
513

 
(3,924
)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(252
)
 
(576
)
 
(673
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.
$
8,890

 
$
1,089

 
$
(3,251
)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


F - 7


SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands)

 
7.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Officer's Notes
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings
 
Treasury Stock
 
Non-controlling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Balance as of December 31, 2009
$

 
$
206

 
$
463,811

 
$
(5,028
)
 
$
(1,858
)
 
$
(498,370
)
 
$
(63,600
)
 
$
(6,469
)
 
$
(111,308
)
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net

 

 
211

 

 

 

 

 

 
211

Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net

 
11

 
29,907

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
29,917

Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures

 

 
1,402

 

 

 
69

 

 

 
1,471

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 
(2,883
)
 

 
(630
)
 
(3,513
)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps

 

 

 

 
(368
)
 

 

 
(43
)
 
(411
)
Repayment of officer's notes

 

 

 
5,028

 

 

 

 

 
5,028

Cash distributions

 

 

 

 

 
(48,441
)
 

 
(5,338
)
 
(53,779
)
Balance as of December 31, 2010
$

 
$
217

 
$
495,331

 
$

 
$
(2,226
)
 
$
(549,625
)
 
$
(63,600
)
 
$
(12,481
)
 
$
(132,384
)
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net

 

 
841

 

 

 

 

 

 
841

Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net

 
19

 
58,347

 

 

 

 

 

 
58,366

Issuance of preferred OP units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
45,548

 
45,548

Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures

 

 
1,462

 

 

 
79

 

 

 
1,541

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 
136

 

 
(671
)
 
(535
)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps

 

 

 

 
953

 

 

 
95

 
1,048

Distributions declared

 

 

 

 

 
(68,543
)
 

 
(6,537
)
 
(75,080
)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
$

 
$
236

 
$
555,981

 
$

 
$
(1,273
)
 
$
(617,953
)
 
$
(63,600
)
 
$
25,954

 
$
(100,655
)
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net

 

 
166

 

 

 

 

 

 
166

Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net

 
80

 
300,554

 

 

 

 

 

 
300,634

Issuance and associated costs of Series A preferred stock
34

 

 
82,166

 

 

 

 

 

 
82,200

Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures

 

 
1,335

 

 

 
90

 

 

 
1,425

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 
8,313

 

 
(318
)
 
7,995

Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps

 

 

 

 
577

 

 

 
66

 
643

Distributions declared

 

 

 

 

 
(74,184
)
 

 
(5,234
)
 
(79,418
)
Balance as of December 31, 2012
$
34

 
$
316

 
$
940,202

 
$

 
$
(696
)
 
$
(683,734
)
 
$
(63,600
)
 
$
20,468

 
$
212,990




See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


F - 8


SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
7,995

 
$
(535
)
 
$
(3,513
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
(Gain) loss from land disposition
(99
)
 

 
12

Asset impairment charges

 
1,382

 

(Gain) loss on valuation of derivative instruments
(4
)
 
13

 
10

Stock compensation expense
1,463

 
1,609

 
1,593

Depreciation and amortization
86,487

 
73,484

 
66,873

Amortization of deferred financing costs
1,619

 
1,707

 
1,648

Distributions from affiliate
(3,900
)
 
(2,100
)
 
(500
)
Loss from affiliate

 

 
1,646

Change in notes receivable from financed sales of inventory homes, net of repayments
(8,583
)
 
(5,868
)
 
(4,207
)
Change in inventory, other assets and other receivables, net
(1,211
)
 
(18,461
)
 
(3,647
)
Change in accounts payable and other liabilities
3,484

 
12,080

 
(1,566
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
87,251

 
63,311

 
58,349

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment in properties
(125,075
)
 
(87,720
)
 
(50,863
)
Acquisitions
(249,317
)
 
(77,171
)
 

Proceeds related to affiliate dividend distribution
3,900

 
2,100

 
500

Proceeds related to disposition of land
172

 

 
1

Proceeds related to disposition of assets and depreciated homes, net
936

 
3,859

 
3,891

Increase in notes receivable, net
(5,835
)
 
(396
)
 
3,859

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(375,219
)
 
(159,328
)
 
(42,612
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, OP units, and preferred OP units, net
300,634

 
58,366

 
29,917

Net proceeds from stock option exercise
166

 
841

 
211

Net proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock
82,200

 

 

Distributions to stockholders, OP unit holders, and preferred OP unit holders
(73,371
)
 
(60,034
)
 
(53,779
)
Payments to retire preferred operating partnership units

 

 
(925
)
Borrowings on lines of credit
253,195

 
214,631

 
137,059

Payments on lines of credit
(352,448
)
 
(180,124
)
 
(136,997
)
Proceeds from issuance of other debt
192,278

 
200,615

 
27,208

Payments on other debt
(89,004
)
 
(137,330
)
 
(14,114
)
Payments for deferred financing costs
(2,031
)
 
(3,511
)
 
(393
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
311,619

 
93,454

 
(11,813
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
23,651

 
(2,563
)
 
3,924

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
5,857

 
8,420

 
4,496

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
29,508

 
$
5,857

 
$
8,420

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
79,400

 
$
55,560

 
$
53,316

Cash paid for interest on mandatorily redeemable debt
$
3,326

 
$
3,331

 
$
3,288

Cash paid for state income taxes
$
320

 
$
523

 
$
582

Noncash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
$
643

 
$
1,048

 
$
(411
)
Reduction in secured borrowing balance
$
13,680

 
$
11,104

 
$
7,999

Dividends declared
$
21,093

 
$
15,046

 
$

Noncash investing and financing activities at the date of acquisition:
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions - Series A-1 preferred OP units issued
$

 
$
45,548

 
$

Acquisitions - debt assumed
$
62,826

 
$
52,398

 
$

Acquisitions - other liabilities
$
880

 
$
4,982

 
$


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F - 9

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

We own, operate, and develop manufactured housing and recreational vehicle communities concentrated in the midwestern, southern, and southeastern United States. As of December 31, 2012, we owned and operated a portfolio of 173 properties located in 19 states (the “Properties”), including 149 manufactured housing communities, 13 RV communities, and 11 properties containing both manufactured housing and RV sites. As of December 31, 2012, the Properties contained an aggregate of 63,697 developed sites comprised of 52,833 developed manufactured home sites, 4,904 permanent RV sites, 5,960 transient RV sites, and approximately 6,900 additional manufactured home sites suitable for development.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements include our accounts and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries, including entities in which we have a controlling interest or have been determined to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). All inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Any subsidiaries, in which we have an ownership percentage equal to or greater than 50 percent, but less than 100 percent, represent subsidiaries with a noncontrolling interest. The noncontrolling interests in our subsidiaries are allocated their proportionate share of the subsidiaries’ financial results. This allocation is recorded as the noncontrolling interest in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions related to the reported amounts included in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying footnote disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to current period presentation.

Subsequent Events

We have evaluated our financial statements for subsequent events.

Investment Property

Investment property is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Circumstances that may prompt a test of recoverability may include a significant decrease in the anticipated market price, an adverse change to the extent or manner in which an asset may be used or in its physical condition or other such events that may significantly change the value of the long-lived asset. An impairment loss is recognized when a long-lived asset’s carrying value is not recoverable and exceeds estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value of our long lived assets based on discounted future cash flows and any potential disposition proceeds for a given asset. Forecasting cash flows requires management to make estimates and assumptions about such variables as the estimated holding period, rental rates, occupancy and operating expenses during the holding period, as well as disposition proceeds. Management uses its best judgment when developing these estimates and assumptions, but the development of the projected future cash flows is based on subjective variables. Future events could occur which would cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist, and significant adverse changes in national, regional, or local market conditions or trends may cause us to change the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment analysis. The results of an impairment analysis could be material to our financial statements.









F - 10

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

We periodically receive offers from interested parties to purchase certain of our properties. These offers may be the result of an active program initiated by us to sell the property, or from an unsolicited offer to purchase the property. The typical sale process involves a significant negotiation and due diligence period between us and the potential purchaser. As the intent of this process is to determine if there are items that would cause the purchaser to be unwilling to purchase or we would be unwilling to sell, it is not unusual for such potential offers of sale/purchase to be withdrawn as such issues arise. We classify assets as “held for sale” when it is probable, in our opinion, that a sale transaction will be completed within one year. This typically occurs when all significant contingencies surrounding the closing have been resolved, which often corresponds with the closing date.

We allocate the purchase price of properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on their fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize an independent third party to value the net tangible and identified intangible assets in connection with the acquisition of the respective property. We provide historical and pro forma financial information obtained about each property, as well as any other information needed in order for the third party to ascertain the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets (including in-place leases) acquired.

Other Capitalized Costs

We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with the development, redevelopment, capital enhancement and leasing of our properties. Management is required to use professional judgment in determining whether such costs meet the criteria for immediate expense or capitalization. The amounts are dependent on the volume and timing of such activities and the costs associated with such activities. Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements to properties are expensed when incurred. Renovations and improvements to properties are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives and construction costs related to the development of new community or expansion sites are capitalized until the property is substantially complete. Costs incurred to renovate repossessed homes for our Rental Program are capitalized and costs incurred to refurbish the homes at turnover and repair the homes while occupied are expensed. Certain expenditures to dealers and residents related to obtaining lessees in our communities are capitalized and amortized over a seven year period based on the anticipated term of occupancy of a resident. Costs associated with implementing our computer systems are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related software and hardware. Costs incurred to obtain new financing are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the related loan agreement using the straight-line method (which approximates the effective interest method).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents. The maximum amount of credit risk arising from cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts was approximately $1.8 million as of December 31, 2011. We did not have any cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts as of December 31, 2012. From time to time, we may have cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts.

Inventory

Inventory of manufactured homes is stated at lower of specific cost or market based on the specific identification method.

Investments in Affiliates

Investments in affiliates in which we do not have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest, but can exercise significant influence over the entity with respect to its operations and major decisions, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of our investment is adjusted for our proportionate share of the affiliate’s net income or loss and reduced by distributions received. We review the carrying value of our investment in affiliates for other than temporary impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Financial condition, operational performance, and other economic trends are some of the factors we consider when we evaluate the existence of impairment indicators. When we have a carrying value of zero for our investment, we suspend the equity method of accounting until such time that the affiliate’s net income equals or exceeds the share of net losses not recognized during the time in which the equity method of accounting was suspended. See Note 7 for additional information.






F - 11

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Notes and Other Receivables

We provide financing to purchasers of manufactured homes generally located in our communities. The notes are collateralized by the underlying manufactured home sold. Notes receivable include both installment loans retained by the Company as well as transferred loans that have not met the requirements for sale accounting which are presented herein as collateralized receivables (See Note 5 for additional information). For purposes of accounting policy, all notes receivable are considered one homogenous segment, as the notes are typically underwritten using the same requirements and terms. Notes receivable are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balance adjusted for an allowance for loan loss. Interest income is accrued based upon the unpaid principal balance of the loans.

Past due status of our notes receivable is determined based upon the contractual terms of the note. When a note receivable becomes 60 days delinquent, we stop accruing interest on the note receivable. The interest on nonaccrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans on a nonaccrual status were immaterial at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The ability to collect our notes receivable is measured based on current and historical information and events. We consider numerous factors including: length of delinquency, estimated costs to lease or sell, and repossession history. Our experience supports a high recovery rate for notes receivable; however there is some degree of uncertainty about the recoverability of our investment in these notes receivable. We are generally able to recover our recorded investment in uncollectible notes receivable by repossessing the homes on the notes retained by us and repurchasing the homes on the collateralized receivables, and subsequently selling or leasing these homes to potential residents in our communities. We have established a loan loss reserve based on our estimated unrecoverable costs associated with repossessed/repurchased homes. We estimate our unrecoverable costs to be the repurchase price of the home collateralizing the note receivable plus repair and remarketing costs in excess of the estimated selling price of the home being repossessed. A historical average of this excess cost is calculated based on prior repossessions/repurchases and is applied to our estimated annual future repossessions to create the allowance for both installment and collateralized notes receivable. See Note 5 for additional information.

We evaluate the collectability of a loan based on our ability to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We generally see that if the obligor is delinquent on the loan they are also delinquent on site rent. If the scheduled payment is delinquent more than five to seven days, dependent on state law, we begin the repossession and eviction process simultaneously. This process generally takes 30 to 45 days; due to the short time frame from delinquent loan to repossession we do not evaluate the notes receivables for impairments. No loans were considered impaired as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

We evaluate the credit quality of our notes receivable at the inception of the receivable. We consider the following factors in order to determine the credit quality of the applicant - rental payment history; home debt to income ratio; total debt to income ratio; length of employment; previous landlord references; and FICO scores.

Other receivables are generally comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and related charges, home sale proceeds receivable from sales near year end and various other miscellaneous receivables. Accounts receivable from residents are typically due within 30 days and stated at amounts due from residents net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. We evaluate the recoverability of our receivables whenever events occur or there are changes in circumstances such that management believes it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan and lease agreements. Receivables related to community rents are reserved when we believe that collection is less than probable, which is generally after a resident balance reaches 60 to 90 days past due.

Other Assets

Included in other assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is restricted cash in the amount $8.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively. Restricted cash consists of amounts held in deposit at a financial institution to collateralize derivative instruments in a liability position and deposits for tax, insurance and repair escrows held by lenders in accordance with certain debt agreements.







F - 12

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Deferred Tax Assets

We are subject to certain state taxes that are considered to be income taxes and have certain subsidiaries that are taxed as regular corporations. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is established if, based on the available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 14 for additional information.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards is measured based on the closing share price of our common stock on the date of grant. Share-based compensation cost for stock options is estimated at the grant date based on each option’s fair-value as calculated by the Binomial (lattice) option-pricing model. The Binomial (lattice) option-pricing model incorporates various assumptions including expected volatility, expected life, dividend yield, and interest rates. Share based compensation cost for phantom share awards is re-measured based on the closing share price of our common stock at the end of each reporting period. See Note 11 for additional information.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, derivative instruments, and debt. We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  See Note 18 for additional information regarding the estimates and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument.

Revenue Recognition

Rental income attributable to site and home leases is recorded on a straight-line basis when earned from tenants. Leases entered into by tenants are generally for one year terms but may range from month-to-month to two years and are renewable by mutual agreement from us and the resident, or in some cases, as provided by state statute. Revenue from the sale of manufactured homes is recognized upon transfer of title at the closing of the sales transaction. Interest income on notes receivable is recorded on a level yield basis over the life of the notes. We report certain taxes collected from the resident and remitted to taxing authorities in revenue. These taxes include certain Florida property and fire taxes.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, we had advertising costs of $2.5 million, $2.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives are 30 years for land improvements and buildings, 10 years for rental homes, 7 to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and 7 years for intangible assets.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. We adjust our balance sheet on a quarterly basis to reflect the current fair market value of our derivatives. For those hedges that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, we adjust our balance sheet on a quarterly basis to reflect current fair market value of our derivatives. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in earnings or comprehensive income, as appropriate. The ineffective portion of the hedge is immediately recognized in earnings to the extent that the change in value of a derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the instrument being hedged. The effective portion of the hedge is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. We use standard market conventions to determine the fair values of derivative instruments, including the quoted market prices or quotes from brokers or dealers for the same or similar instruments. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value and such value may never actually be realized. See Note 17 for additional information. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the same category as the cash flows of the underlying hedged items, which are in the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

F - 13

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2.      Real Estate Acquisitions

The amount of revenue and net income included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 for all acquisitions detailed below is set forth in the following table (in thousands):

 
Revenue
 
Net Income
Years Ended December 31, 2012
$
38,557

 
$
290


2012 Activity:

In February 2012, we acquired Three Lakes RV Resort, Blueberry Hill RV Resort and Grand Lake Estates (collectively, the “Additional Florida Properties”), one of which is located in Hudson, Florida, one of which is located in Bushnell, Florida and one of which is located in Orange Lake, Florida, comprised of 1,114 RV sites in the aggregate.

In July 2012, we acquired Blazing Star RV Resort ("Blazing Star"), an RV community with 260 sites located in San Antonio, Texas.

In July 2012, we also acquired Northville Crossing Manufactured Home Community ("Northville Crossing"), a manufacturing housing community with 756 sites located in Northville, Michigan.
In October 2012, we acquired Rainbow RV Resort ("Rainbow"), an RV community with approximately 500 sites located in Frostproof, Florida.
In November 2012, we acquired four manufactured home communities (the "Rudgate Acquisition Properties") with approximately 1,996 sites located in southeast Michigan. We also entered into management agreements with Rudgate Village Company Limited Partnership, Rudgate Clinton Company Limited Partnership and Rudgate Clinton Estates L.L.C. under which we manage and operate two other manufactured home communities (the "Rudgate Managed Properties") which are located in southeast Michigan and contain approximately 1,598 sites. In addition we provided mezzanine financing to the Rudgate Managed Properties. The Rudgate Managed Properties are accounted for as variable interest entities and are included in our 2012 acquisition activity (See Note 8 for details).
In December 2012, we acquired Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort ("Palm Creek"), a community with 283 manufactured home sites, 1,580 RV sites and expansion potential of approximately 550 manufactured housing or 990 RV sites located in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Also in December 2012, we acquired Lake-In-Wood Camping Resort ("Lake In Wood"), an RV community with approximately 425 sites located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Subsequent to year end on February 8, 2013, we acquired ten RV communities from Gwynns Island RV Resort LLC, Indian Creek RV Resort LLC, Lake Laurie RV Resort LLC, Newpoint RV Resort LLC, Peters Pond RV Resort Inc., Seaport LLC, Virginia Tent LLC, Wagon Wheel Maine LLC, Westward Ho RV Resort LLC and Wild Acres LLC (collectively, "Morgan RV Properties"), with approximately 3,700 sites located in Ohio, Virginia, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Wisconsin for a purchase price of $112.8 million, which was paid by the issuance of $4.0 million of newly created Series A-3 Preferred OP Units and the remainder paid in cash. Subject to certain contractual restrictions contained in the acquisition agreements, the Series A-3 Preferred OP Units carry an annual yield of 4.5% and are exchangeable into shares of common stock at a price of $53.75 per share.














F - 14

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2.      Real Estate Acquisitions, continued

The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for the 2012 acquisitions above (in thousands):

At Acquisition Date
 
Addtl Florida Properties
 
Blazing Star
 
Northville Crossing
 
Rainbow
 
Rudgate Acquisition and Managed Properties
 
Palm Creek
 
Lake In Wood
Total
Investment in property
 
$
25,384

 
$
6,913

 
$
30,814

 
$
7,572

 
$
123,754

 
$
87,979

 
$
14,457

$
296,873

Inventory of manufactured homes
 
112

 
220

 
187

 
679

 
2,978

 

 

4,176

Notes
 

 

 
1,169

 

 
3,002

 

 

4,171

In-place leases
 
180

 

 
260

 
40

 
8,110

 
2,058

 

10,648

Other assets
 

 
193

 

 

 
745

 
686

 
43

1,667

Other liabilities
 
(1,194
)
 
(179
)
 
(221
)
 
(331
)
 
(1,832
)
 
(880
)
 
(755
)
(5,392
)
Assumed debt
 

 
(4,104
)
 

 

 
(15,103
)
 
(43,619
)
 

(62,826
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed
 
$
24,482

 
$
3,043

 
$
32,209

 
$
7,960

 
$
121,654

 
$
46,224

 
$
13,745

$
249,317

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Consideration
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash (1)
 
$
24,482

 
$
3,043

 
$
32,209

 
$
7,351

 
$
54,054

 
$
10,247

 
$
13,745

$
145,131

New debt proceeds (2)
 

 

 

 
609

 
67,600

 
35,977

 

104,186

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of total consideration transferred
 
$
24,482

 
$
3,043

 
$
32,209

 
$
7,960

 
$
121,654

 
$
46,224

 
$
13,745

$
249,317


(1) Subsequent to the acquisition, on March 30, 2012, the Additional Florida Properties were encumbered with a $19.0 million loan. On September 28, 2012, Northville Crossing was encumbered with a $21.7 million loan. (See Note 9)
(2) Subsequent to the acquisition, in January 2013, we paid off the $36.0 million sellers note for Palm Creek. (See Note 9)

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of either the results of operations that would have actually occurred or the future results of operations (in thousands, except per-share data). (1) 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(unaudited)
 
2012
 
2011
Total revenues
$
367,710

 
$
323,473

Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders
13,666

 
6,677

Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic
0.50

 
0.31

Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted
0.50

 
0.30


(1) Below are nonrecurring expenses that have been adjusted for the pro forma results above:
(a) Certain sellers had management fees of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 that have been excluded from above as these fees will not continue going forward.
(b) Transaction costs related to the acquisitions are not expected to have a continuing impact and therefore have been excluded from 2012 and included in 2011 for acquisitions completed in 2012.






F - 15

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2.      Real Estate Acquisitions, continued

2011 Activity:

In May 2011, we acquired Orange City RV Resort (“Orange City”), a Florida RV community comprised of 525 developed sites located in Orange City, Florida.  

In June 2011, we closed on the acquisition of Kentland Communities (“Kentland”), comprised of 17 manufactured home communities and one recreational vehicle community.  The 18 acquired communities are located in western Michigan and contain 5,434 developed sites.  

In November 2011, we acquired Cider Mill Crossings (“Cider Mill”), a Michigan manufactured home community with 262 developed sites through an auction. Cider Mill is located in Fenton, Michigan.

In December 2011, we acquired three Florida RV communities, Club Naples RV Resort, Kountree RV Resort, and North Lake RV Resort (collectively the “Florida Properties”), two of which are in Naples, Florida and one of which is in Moore Haven, Florida, comprised of 740 developed sites.

The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for the 2011 acquisitions (in thousands):
At Acquisition Date

Kentland
 
Orange City

Cider Mill

Florida Properties
Total
Investment in property

$
131,228

 
$
6,460

 
$
2,088

 
$
24,027

$
163,803

Inventory of manufactured homes

1,150

 

 

 
36

1,186

Notes
 
3,542

 

 

 

3,542

In-place leases

9,200

 
10

 

 
190

9,400

Other assets

1,269

 

 

 
97

1,366

Other liabilities

(2,067
)
 

 
(1,678
)
 
(1,237
)
(4,982
)
Assumed debt

(52,398
)
 

 

 

(52,398
)
 

 

 
 
 

 


Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

$
91,924

 
$
6,470


$
410


$
23,113

$
121,917

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Consideration
 
 









 
 
 








 
 
 
Cash
 
$
27,383

 
$
2,533

 
$
410

 
$
6,113

$
36,439

Series A-1 preferred OP units

45,548

 

 

 

45,548

New debt proceeds
 
18,993

 
3,937

 

 
17,000

39,930

 




 
 


 
 


Fair value of total consideration transferred

$
91,924


$
6,470


$
410


$
23,113

$
121,917













F - 16

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2.      Real Estate Acquisitions, continued

The results of operations of the acquisitions detailed above are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2010. The unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of either the results of operations that would have actually occurred or the future results of operations (in thousands, except per-share data). (1) 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(unaudited)
 
2011
 
2010
Total revenues
$
304,730

 
$
293,982

Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders
1,005

 
(2,326
)
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic
0.05

 
(0.12
)
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted
0.05

 
(0.12
)

(1) Below are nonrecurring expenses that have been adjusted for the pro forma results above:
(a) The sellers had management fees of $0.8 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 that have been excluded from above as these fees will not continue going forward.
(b) Transaction costs related to the acquisitions are not expected to have a continuing impact and therefore have been excluded from 2011 and included in 2010 for acquisitions completed in 2011.

Acquisition related costs of approximately $4.3 million and $2.0 million have been incurred for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are presented as “Acquisition related costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of December 31, 2012, the total residual value of the acquired in-place leases above is $17.8 million. The amortization period is seven years.

We have completed the purchase price allocation for Kentland, Orange City, Cider Mill and the Florida Properties. The purchase price allocations for the Additional Florida Properties, Blazing Star, Northville Crossing, Rainbow, Rudgate Acquisition and Managed Properties, Palm Creek and Lake In Wood are preliminary and may be adjusted as final costs and final valuations are determined.

3.      Investment Property

The following table sets forth certain information regarding investment property (in thousands):

 
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Land
 
$
182,682

 
$
140,230

Land improvements and buildings
 
1,608,825

 
1,342,325

Rental homes and improvements
 
305,838

 
246,245

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
 
54,354

 
41,172

Land held for future development
 
25,606

 
24,633

Investment property
 
2,177,305

 
1,794,605

Accumulated depreciation
 
(659,169
)
 
(597,999
)
Investment property, net
 
$
1,518,136

 
$
1,196,606


Land improvements and buildings consist primarily of infrastructure, roads, landscaping, clubhouses, maintenance buildings and amenities.







F - 17

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


3.      Investment Property, continued

In December 2011, we recorded impairment charges of $1.4 million associated with a long-lived asset for our manufactured housing community in Reidsville, North Carolina. This community consists of 45 developed sites. Based on our impairment analysis, we reviewed the carrying value of the long-lived asset to be held and used for impairment which indicated a possible impairment. Circumstances that prompted this test of recoverability included a decrease in the net operating income and an adverse judgment that limits the number of rental homes in the community. We considered both of these factors and determined that we will not be expanding the community. We recognized the impairment loss because the long-lived asset's carrying value was deemed not recoverable and exceeded estimated fair value. We estimated the fair value of the long-lived asset based on discounted future cash flows and any potential disposition proceeds for the given asset. We used variables such as estimated holding period, rental rates, occupancy and operating expenses during the holding period, as well as disposition proceeds to forecast future cash flows. This transaction is classified as Asset Impairment Charge within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

See Note 2 for details on acquisitions.

4.      Transfers of Financial Assets

We completed various transactions with an unrelated entity involving our notes receivable during 2012 and 2011 under which we received a total of $26.4 million and $21.5 million , respectively, of cash proceeds in exchange for relinquishing our right, title and interest in certain notes receivable. We have no further obligations or rights with respect to the control, management, administration, servicing, or collection of the installment notes. However, we are subject to certain recourse provisions requiring us to purchase the underlying homes collateralizing such notes, in the event of a note default and subsequent repossession of the home by the unrelated entity. The recourse provisions are considered to be a form of continuing involvement, and therefore these transferred loans did not meet the requirements for sale accounting. We continue to recognize these transferred loans on our balance sheet and refer to them as collateralized receivables as a transfer of financial assets. The proceeds from the transfer have been recognized as a secured borrowing.

In the event of note default, and subsequent repossession of a manufactured home by the unrelated entity, the terms of the agreement require us to repurchase the manufactured home. Default is defined as the failure to repay the installment note according to contractual terms. The repurchase price is calculated as a percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the collateralized receivable, plus any outstanding late fees, accrued interest, legal fees, and escrow advances associated with the installment note.  The percentage used to determine the repurchase price of the outstanding principal balance on the installment note is based on the number of payments made on the note. In general, the repurchase price is determined as follows:

Number of Payments
 
Repurchase %
Less than or equal to 15
 
100
%
Greater than 15 but less than 64
 
90
%
Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120
 
65
%
120 or more
 
50
%

The transferred assets have been classified as collateralized receivables in Notes and Other Receivables (see Note 5) and the cash proceeds received from these transactions have been classified as a secured borrowing in Debt (see Note 9) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balance of the collateralized receivables was $93.8 million (net of allowance of $0.6 million) and $81.2 million (net of allowance of $0.5 million) as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The outstanding balance on the secured borrowing was $94.4 million and $81.7 million as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.












F - 18

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


4.      Transfers of Financial Assets, continued

The balances of the collateralized receivables and secured borrowings fluctuate. The balances increase as additional notes receivable are transferred and exchanged for cash proceeds. The balances are reduced as the related collateralized receivables are collected from the customers, or as the underlying collateral is repurchased. The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the collateralized receivables is as follows (in thousands):

 
Year Ended
 
Year Ended
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Beginning balance
$
81,682

 
$
71,278

Financed sales of manufactured homes
26,406

 
21,509

Principal payments and payoffs from our customers
(5,662
)
 
(4,425
)
Principal reduction from repurchased homes
(8,017
)
 
(6,680
)
Total activity
12,727

 
10,404

Ending balance
$
94,409

 
$
81,682


The collateralized receivables earn interest income and the secured borrowings accrue interest expense at the same interest rates. The amount of interest income and expense recognized was $9.4 million and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  

5.      Notes and Other Receivables

The following table sets forth certain information regarding notes and other receivables (in thousands):

 
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net
 
$
21,898

 
$
13,417

Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 4)
 
93,834

 
81,176

Other receivables, net
 
23,335

 
20,291

Total notes and other receivables
 
$
139,067

 
$
114,884


Installment Notes Receivable on Manufactured Homes

The installment notes of $21.9 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) and $13.4 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, are collateralized by manufactured homes. The notes represent financing provided by us to purchasers of manufactured homes primarily located in our communities and require monthly principal and interest payments. The notes have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 8.6 percent and 11.0 years as of December 31, 2012, and 7.9 percent and 10.3 years as of December 31, 2011.

The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the installment notes is as follows (in thousands):

 
Year Ended
 
Year Ended
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Beginning balance
$
13,545

 
$
9,466

Financed sales of manufactured homes
7,453

 
3,362

Acquired notes (see Note 2)
4,171

 
3,542

Principal payments and payoffs from our customers
(2,292
)
 
(1,728
)
Principal reduction from repossessed homes
(858
)
 
(1,097
)
Total activity
8,474

 
4,079

Ending balance
$
22,019

 
$
13,545




F - 19

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


5.      Notes and Other Receivables, continued

Collateralized Receivables

Collateralized receivables represent notes receivable that were transferred to a third party, but did not meet the requirements for sale accounting (see Note 4). The receivables have a balance of $93.8 million (net of allowance of $0.6 million) and $81.2 million(net of allowance of $0.5 million ) as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The receivables have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 11.0 percent and 13.2 years as of December 31, 2012, and 11.2 percent and 13.2 years as of December 31, 2011.

Subsequent to year end in January 2013, we entered into an agreement with Talmer Bank under which we may refer purchasers of homes in our communities to Talmer Bank to obtain loans to finance their home purchases. We do not receive referral fees or other cash compensation under the agreement. If Talmer Bank makes loans to purchasers referred by us under the agreement, those purchasers default on their loans and Talmer Bank repossesses the homes securing such loans, we have agreed to purchase from Talmer Bank each such repossessed home for a price equal to 100% of the amount under each such loan, subject to certain adjustments; provided that the maximum outstanding principal amount of the loans subject to the agreement may not exceed $10.0 million. In addition, we have agreed to waive all site rent that would otherwise be due from Talmer Bank so long as it owns any homes on which loans were made pursuant to the agreement. The agreement expires November 1, 2013, but may be extended by mutual agreement of Talmer Bank and us.

Allowance for Losses for Collateralized and Installment Notes Receivable

The following table sets forth the allowance for losses for collateralized and installment notes receivable as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 
Year Ended
 
Year Ended
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Beginning balance
$
(635
)
 
$
(303
)
Lower of cost or market write-downs
243

 
84

Increase to reserve balance
(305
)
 
(416
)
Total activity
(62
)
 
(332
)
Ending balance
$
(697
)
 
$
(635
)

Other Receivables

As of December 31, 2012 other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $3.3 million (net of allowance of $0.5 million), home sale proceeds of $6.1 million, insurance receivables of $1.7 million, insurance settlement of $3.7 million, rebates and other receivables of $3.5 million and a note receivable of $5.0 million. The $5.0 million note, which was loaned to the principals of the Florida Properties, bears interest at LIBOR plus 475 basis points, and is secured by all of the equity interests in entities that own four RV communities. The extended maturity date of the note is February 28, 2013. As of December 31, 2011 other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $3.0 million (net of allowance of $0.4 million), home sale proceeds of $3.3 million, insurance receivables of $0.8 million, rebates receivable in association of FNMA agreement of $4.9 million, insurance settlement of $3.7 million, note receivable related to Kentland acquisition of $0.9 million (see Note 2), and rebates and other receivables of $3.7 million.

6.
Intangibles

Our intangible assets are in-place leases from acquisitions and capitalized costs in relation to leasing costs. These intangible assets are recorded within Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. They are amortized over a seven year amortization period. The gross carrying amount was $35.3 million and $25.3 million at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The accumulated amortization is $11.8 million and $10.8 million at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Aggregate net amortization expense related to intangible assets was $3.6 million, $2.5 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. We anticipate the amortization expense for the existing intangible assets to be $4.3 million, $4.0 million, $3.8 million, $3.6 million and $3.4 million for the next five years.



F - 20

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


7.      Investment in Affiliates

Origen Financial Services, LLC (“OFS LLC”)

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had a 22.9 percent ownership interest in OFS LLC, an entity formed to originate manufactured housing installment contracts.  We have suspended equity accounting as the carrying value of our investment is zero.


Origen Financial, Inc. (“Origen”)

Through Sun OFI, LLC, a taxable REIT subsidiary, we own 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Origen which approximates an ownership interest of 19 percent. Although it is no longer originating or servicing loans, Origen continues to manage an existing portfolio of manufactured home loans and asset backed securities. We have suspended equity accounting for this investment as the carrying value of our investment is zero. We do, however, receive income from dividends on our shares of Origen common stock.  The dividend payments are funded through normal operations and certain other transactions such as swap terminations and selling of securities. Our investment in Origen had a market value of approximately $7.3 million based on a quoted market closing price of $1.45 per share as reported on the OTC Pink Marketplace as of December 31, 2012.

The unaudited revenue and expense amounts in the table below represent actual results through November 2012 and budgeted December 2012 results.

In January 2013, we were advised by Origen that it would be restating their 2011 financial statements to correct its results from operations. This adjustment has no impact to our financial statements since we have suspended equity accounting.

The following table sets forth certain summarized unaudited financial information for Origen (amounts in thousands):

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(unaudited)
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Revenues
$
64,838

 
$
67,094

 
$
74,401

Expenses
(66,215
)
 
(77,598
)
 
(90,995
)
Net loss
$
(1,377
)
 
$
(10,504
)
 
$
(16,594
)

 
As of December 31,
 
(unaudited)
ASSETS
2012
 
2011
Loans receivable
$
543,420

 
$
628,708

Other assets
19,824

 
22,924

Total assets
$
563,244

 
$
651,632

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Warehouse and securitization financing
$
491,720

 
$
559,420

Other liabilities
48,389

 
51,625

Total liabilities
$
540,109

 
$
611,045


8. Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

On November 14, 2012, we guaranteed certain non-recourse carveouts under a $45.9 million mortgage loan (the “Senior Loan”) from Ladder Capital Finance LLC to Rudgate Village SPE, LLC, Rudgate Clinton SPE, LLC and Rudgate Clinton Estates SPE, LLC (the “Rudgate Borrowers”). The Senior Loan is secured by the Rudgate Managed Properties, which are located in southeast Michigan.  In addition, we entered into a Mezzanine Loan Agreement with the sole members of the Rudgate Borrowers under



F - 21

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


8. Consolidated Variable Interest Entities, continued

which we agreed to provide mezzanine financing in the amount of $15.0 million in respect of the Rudgate Managed Properties, and entered into property management agreements to manage and operate these two communities.  We believe these arrangements represent variable interests in the Rudgate Managed Properties that were evaluated under the guidance set forth in ASC 810 Consolidation.  As a result of the qualitative and quantitative analysis performed, we determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary and holds a controlling financial interest in these entities due to the Company's power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities, as well as its obligation to absorb the most significant losses and its rights to receive significant benefits from these entities.  As such, the transactions and accounts of these VIEs are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from November 14, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

Included in our consolidated balances after appropriate eliminations were amounts related to the VIEs at December 31, 2012 as follows (in thousands):

 
December 31, 2012
ASSETS
 
Investment property, net
$
56,326

Other assets
4,598

   Total Assets
$
60,924

 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Debt
$
45,900

Other liabilities
1,773

Noncontrolling interests
(508
)
   Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
47,165


Investment property, net, of $56.3 million related to the consolidated VIEs comprised approximately 3.2% of our consolidated total assets at December 31, 2012. Debt of $45.9 million and other liabilities of $1.8 million comprised approximately 3.1% of our consolidated total liabilities at December 31, 2012. Noncontrolling interest related to the consolidated VIEs, comprised less than 1.0% of our consolidated total equity at December 31, 2012.

9.      Debt and Lines of Credit

The following table sets forth certain information regarding debt (in thousands):
 
Principal
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
Years to Maturity
 
Weighted Average
Interest Rates
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Collateralized term loans - CMBS
$
725,951

 
$
629,229

 
4.5

 
5.0

 
5.2
%
 
5.5
%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA
369,810

 
364,581

 
10.3

 
11.3

 
3.8
%
 
3.6
%
Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP Units
47,322

 
48,822

 
8.4

 
9.2

 
6.9
%
 
6.9
%
Secured borrowing (see Note 4)
94,409

 
81,682

 
12.8

 
13.2

 
11.0
%
 
11.2
%
Mortgage notes, other
186,228

 
143,877

 
6.2

 
3.2

 
4.3
%
 
3.8
%
Total debt
$
1,423,720

 
$
1,268,191

 
6.8

 
7.3

 
5.2
%
 
5.2
%

Collateralized Term Loans

In July 2012, we assumed a collateralized mortgage backed security, or "CMBS", agreement with a principal balance of $4.1 million, as a result of the Blazing Star acquisition (See Note 2 for acquisition details), which has a weighted average maturity of 3.0 years and bears an interest rate of 5.64%.



F - 22

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


9.      Debt and Lines of Credit, continued


In September 2012, we completed a secured debt agreement for $21.7 million bearing an interest rate of 3.89% and a maturity date of October 1, 2022. This loan is secured by Northville Crossing (See Note 2 for acquisition details).

In March, 2011, we completed a CMBS financing for $115.0 million bearing interest at a rate of 5.84% and a maturity date of March 1, 2021. This loan is secured by 11 properties. The loan refinanced $104.8 million of CMBS debt which was scheduled to mature in July 2011 and was collateralized using the same property pool.

In May 2011, we completed a refinancing agreement for $23.6 million. This debt bears interest at a rate of 5.38% and has a maturity date of June 1, 2021. This loan is secured by three properties. The loan refinanced $17.9 million of debt which was scheduled to mature in June 2012 and was collateralized using the same property pool.

In July 2011, we reached an agreement with Fannie Mae (“FNMA”) and PNC Bank, National Association, regarding the settlement of the litigation we commenced in November 2009 over certain fees charged when the variable rate loan facility was extended in April 2009. The agreement became effective January 3, 2012 and the litigation was dismissed. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, we have the option to extend the maturity date of our entire $367.0 million credit facility with PNC Bank and FNMA from 2014 to 2023, subject to compliance with certain underwriting criteria. This agreement also provided a reduction in the facility fee charged on our variable rate facility for 2011. In addition we entered into and drew on a $10.0 million variable rate facility, which matures on May 1, 2023 and provides for interest-only payments until May 1, 2014, after which principal and interest payments will be due based on a 30-year amortization.  The interest rate for the $10.0 million variable rate facility is equal to the 90-day LIBOR index, plus an investor spread equal to 95 basis points, plus a variable facility fee equal to 172 basis points through maturity.

The collateralized term loans totaling $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2012, are secured by 102 properties comprised of 39,153 sites representing approximately $692.3 million of net book value.

Aspen preferred OP Units and Series B-3 preferred OP units

The Aspen preferred OP units are convertible into 526,212 common shares based on a conversion price of $68 per share with a redemption date of January 1, 2024. The current preferred rate is 6.5 percent.

We redeemed $1.0 million of Series B-3 preferred OP units in May 2012.

Secured Borrowing

See Note 4 for additional information regarding our collateralized receivables and secured borrowing transactions.

Mortgage Notes

In March 2012, we paid off a $2.7 million mortgage loan secured by a manufactured housing community in Belmont, Michigan which was due to mature on April 1, 2012.

In June 2012, we completed a variable refinancing agreement for $14.1 million. This debt bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus a 2.0% margin (effective rate at December 31, 2012 was 2.21%) and has a maturity of September 1, 2016, assuming the election of the two successive one-year extensions at our option. The loan is secured by two properties and refinanced $14.0 million of debt which matured in June 2012.

In November 2012, we entered into a $21.7 million financing agreement to fund the acquisition of the Rudgate Acquisition Properties. The debt was secured by one property. The maturity is 9.7 years and the interest rate is 4.65%.`

In November 2012, we also assumed secured debt with a principal balance of $15.4 million, as a result of the Rudgate acquisition (See Note 2). This secured debt was recorded at fair value on the date of the acquisition. The debt is secured by two properties. The maturity is 9.1 years and the interest rate is 4.3%.




F - 23

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


9.      Debt and Lines of Credit, continued

In December 2012, we assumed secured debt with a principal balance of $41.7 million, as a result of the Palm Creek acquisition (See Note 2). This secured debt was recorded at fair value on the date of the acquisition. The debt is secured by one property. The maturity is 9.5 years and the interest rate is 5.25%.

In December 2012, we entered into a sellers note with a principal balance of $36.0 million, as a result of the Palm Creek acquisition (See Note 2). The debt is secured by one property. The interest rate was 2.0%. We paid this note off in January 2013.

In September 2012, we paid off a mortgage loan of approximately $25.0 million secured by four properties which was due to mature on June 20, 2013.

In June 2011, we assumed secured debt with a principal balance of $52.4 million, as a result of the Kentland acquisition (see Note 2). This secured debt was recorded at fair value on the date of the acquisition which was equal to the assumed principal balance. This debt is secured by 12 properties. The weighted average maturity is 3.4 years and the weighted average annual variable interest rate of 5.61%.

In June 2011, we entered into a $22.9 million variable financing agreement to fund the Kentland and Orange City acquisitions (see Note 2). The debt was collateralized by six properties – five Kentland properties and Orange City.

On February 1, 2012, we paid off $4.5 million of this agreement which was collateralized by Orange City. In September 2012, we paid off the remaining approximately $18.1 million mortgage agreement which was due to mature on June 1, 2015.

In December 2011, we entered into a $17.0 million variable financing agreement. In March 2012, we amended and restated the variable financing agreement which added an additional $19.0 million , (the "$36.0 Million Facility"). The debt is collateralized by all six of the Florida Properties and Additional Florida Properties (see Note 2). The weighted average maturity is 4.0 years and the weighted average annual variable interest rate is 2.71%. As of June 30, 2012, we were not in compliance with the debt service coverage ratio contained in the $36.0 Million Facility. This non-compliance did not result in an Event of Default under the $36.0 Million Facility. On October 4, 2012, we entered into a loan modification agreement with the lenders, pursuant to which the lenders waived compliance with the debt service coverage ratio covenant through December 31, 2012 and modified the covenant for the quarter ending March 31, 2013.  As a condition to the loan modification, until we are in compliance with the debt service coverage ratio covenant for three consecutive quarters, the Operating Partnership agreed to remove the limitation on its guaranty and to provide full guaranty of repayment of the indebtedness. On October 4, 2012, pursuant to the loan modification agreement, we also paid down $6.0 million of the outstanding principal of the $36.0 Million Facility. In January 2013, we paid off this loan.

The mortgage notes totaling $186.2 million as of December 31, 2012, are collateralized by 24 properties comprised of 7,066 sites representing approximately $311.2 million of net book value.

Lines of Credit

In September 2011, we entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A., and certain other lenders in the amount of $130.0 million (the "Facility"), which replaced our $115.0 million revolving line of credit.  The Facility is secured by a first priority lien on all of our equity interests in each entity that owns all or a portion of the properties constituting the borrowing base and collateral assignments of our senior and mezzanine debt positions in certain borrowing base properties. The Facility has a built-in accordion feature allowing up to $20.0 million in additional borrowings and a one-year extension option, both at our discretion. In December 2012, we increased the amount of the Facility to $150.0 million in accordance with the terms of the loan documents. The Facility matures on October 1, 2015, assuming the election of an extension at our option. The Facility bears interest at a floating rate based on Eurodollar plus a margin that is determined based on our leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the Facility, which can range from 2.25% to 2.95%. Based on our calculation of the leverage ratio as of December 31, 2012, the margin is 2.50% . The outstanding balance on the line of credit was zero and $107.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In addition, $4.0 million of availability was used to back standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $146.0 million and $18.5 million, respectively, were available to be drawn under the Facility based on the calculation of the borrowing base at each date.




F - 24

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


9.      Debt and Lines of Credit, continued

We have a $20.0 million secured line of credit agreement collateralized by a portion of our rental home portfolio. In December 2012, we increased this line of credit to $50.0 million. The net book value of the rental homes pledged as security for the loan must meet or exceed 200 percent of the outstanding loan balance. The terms of the agreement require interest only payments for the first 5 years, with the remainder of the term being amortized based on a 10 year term. The interest rate is the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal adjusted the first day of each calendar month plus 200 basis points with a minimum rate of 5.5 percent.

At December 31, 2012, the effective interest rate is 5.5 percent. The outstanding balance was $25.0 million as of December 31, 2012. The outstanding balance was $16.0 million as of December 31, 2011.

We have a $12.0 million manufactured home floor plan facility renewable indefinitely until our lender provides us at least 12 months notice of its intent to terminate the agreement. The interest rate is 100 basis points over the greater of the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of each month or 6.0 percent (effective rate 7.0 percent at December 31, 2012).  The outstanding balance was $4.8 million and $5.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Subsequent to year end, on February 6, 2013, we entered into a $61.5 million credit agreement. The facility matures on February 6, 2014, assuming the election of an extension at our option. The interest rate is a floating rate based on Eurodollar plus a margin based on our leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the agreement, which can range from 1.5% to 2.25%.

As of December 31, 2012, the total of maturities and amortization of our debt, gross of premiums or discounts, and lines of credit during the next five years are as follows (in thousands):
 
Maturities and Amortization By Year
 
Total Due
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
After 5 years
Lines of credit
$
29,781

 
$
29,781

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Mortgage loans payable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturities
1,112,625

 
45,827

 
185,809

 
3,834

 
306,585

 
54,949

 
515,621

Principal amortization
167,809

 
19,593

 
19,986

 
19,732

 
18,312

 
14,719

 
75,467

Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP units
47,322

 
7,315

 
4,225

 

 

 

 
35,782

Secured borrowing
94,409

 
4,123

 
4,528

 
5,016

 
5,557

 
6,062

 
69,123

Total
$
1,451,946

 
$
106,639

 
$
214,548

 
$
28,582

 
$
330,454

 
$
75,730

 
$
695,993


The most restrictive of our debt agreements place limitations on secured borrowings and contain minimum fixed charge coverage, leverage, distribution and net worth requirements. As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all covenants.

10.      Equity Transactions

In January 2012, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 4,600,000 shares of common stock at a price of $35.50 per share. The net proceeds from the offering were $156.0 million after deducting underwriting discounts and the expenses related to the offering. The net proceeds of the offering were primarily used to repay $123.5 million of outstanding debt and to fund $25.0 million of the purchase price of the Additional Florida Properties (See Note 2 for additional information), which were subsequently encumbered with a loan of $19.0 million.

In May 2012, pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, we registered with the SEC the sale of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units consisting of two or more of the aforementioned securities. This shelf registration statement was effective upon filing and replaced our previous shelf registration statement which was scheduled to expire in May 2012.
In May 2012, we entered into an "at-the-market" sales agreement with BMO Capital Markets Corp and Liquidnet Inc. to issue and sell shares of common stock from time to time. The current authorization allows for the sale of our common stock up to an aggregate amount of $100 million. There were 252,833 shares of common stock sold through December 31, 2012. The shares of common stock were sold at the prevailing market price of our common stock at the time of each sale with a weighted average sale price of $46.07 and we received net proceeds of approximately $11.5 million.  The proceeds were used to pay down our line of credit.

F - 25

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


10.      Equity Transactions, continued

In September 2012, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 3,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $44.06 per share. The net proceeds from the offering were $132.0 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and expenses related to the offering. We primarily used the net proceeds of the offering to repay $78.0 million of our senior secured revolving credit facility and we used $43.1 million to repay single mortgages secured by nine communities.

In November 2012, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 3,400,000 shares of Series A preferred stock at a price of $25.00 per share. The net proceeds from the offering were $82.2 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and expenses related to the offering. We used $55.3 million of the net proceeds of the offering to fund the acquisition of the Rudgate Acquisition Properties. We used the remaining net proceeds of the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Subsequent to year end on February 8, 2013, we issued $4.0 million of newly created Series A-3 Preferred OP Units. The Series A-3 Preferred OP Units carry an annual yield of 4.5% and are exchangeable into shares of common stock at a price of $53.75 per share. Net proceeds from the issue were used to fund the acquisition of the Morgan RV Properties (see Note 2).

In November 2004, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock.  We have 400,000 common shares remaining in the repurchase program.  No common shares were repurchased during 2012 or 2011.  There is no expiration date specified for the buyback program.
 
Common OP Unit holders can convert their Common OP units into an equivalent number of shares of common stock at any time.  During the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, holders of Common OP Units converted 2,400 and 10,249 units, respectively to common stock.

Under our previous shelf registration statement on Form S-3 we had an "at-the-market" sales agreement to issue and sell shares
of common stock. We issued 40,524 shares of common stock from January 1, 2012 through May 9, 2012, when the sales agreement was terminated.  The shares of common stock were sold at the prevailing market price of our common stock at the time of each sale with a weighted average sale price of $37.22 and we received net proceeds of approximately $1.5 million.  The proceeds were used to pay down our line of credit.

On August 6, 2010, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement with REIT Opportunity, Ltd. (“REIT Ltd.”), which provided that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the purchase agreement, REIT Ltd. could purchase shares of our common stock.  In January, 2011 we sold 915,827 shares of common stock at a weighted average sale price of $32.76 and received net proceeds of $30.0 million.  The funds were used to pay down our line of credit. The purchase agreement expired September 1, 2012.

In June 2011, we issued $45.5 million of Series A-1 preferred OP units as a result of the Kentland acquisition (see Note 2).  Series A-1 preferred OP unit holders can exchange each Series A-1 preferred OP unit for 2.439 shares of common stock (which the exchange rate is subject to adjustment upon stock splits, recapitalizations and similar events) at any time after December 31, 2013.  These Series A-1 preferred OP units are not redeemable.  The Series A-1 preferred OP unit holders receive a preferred return of 5.1% until June 23, 2013 and 6.0% thereafter.

Cash dividends of $2.52 per share were declared for the year ended December 31, 2012. Cash payments for aggregate dividends, distributions and dividend equivalents made to common stockholders, common OP unitholders and restricted stockholders were $71.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

On January 18, 2013, aggregate dividends, distributions and dividend equivalents of $20.0 million were made to common stockholders, common OP unitholders, and restricted stockholders of record as of December 31, 2012.

11.      Share-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2012, we have two share-based compensation plans approved by stockholders: Sun Communities, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (“2009 Equity Plan”) and the First Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Option Plan (“Director Plan”). We believe granting equity awards will provide certain key employees and directors additional incentives to promote our financial success, and promote employee and director retention by providing an opportunity to acquire or increase the direct proprietary interest of those individuals in our operations and future.



F - 26

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


11.      Share-Based Compensation, continued

The 2009 Equity Plan was approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 29, 2009. The 2009 Equity Plan replaced the Sun Communities, Inc. Stock Option Plan adopted in 1993, as amended and restated in 1996 and 2000 (“1993 Plan”), and terminates automatically July 29, 2019.

Upon the approval of the 2009 Equity Plan by our stockholders, the Board of Directors terminated the 1993 Plan with respect to new awards. Outstanding awards previously granted under the 1993 Plan were not affected by the termination of the 1993 Plan, and the terms of the 1993 Plan shall continue to govern such previously granted awards.

The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2009 Equity Plan is 950,000 shares, with 673,000 shares remaining for future issuance.

The types of awards that may be granted under the 2009 Equity Plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock based awards. The 1993 Plan provided for the same types of equity awards as the 2009 Plan.

The Director Plan was approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 19, 2012. The Director Plan amended and restated in its entirety our 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.

Upon the approval of the Director Plan by our stockholders, our Second Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Director Plan") was terminated with respect to new awards. Outstanding awards previously granted under the 1993 Director Plan were not affected by the termination of the 1993 Director Plan, and the terms of the 1993 Director Plan shall continue to govern such previously granted awards.

The types of awards that may be granted under the Director Plans are options, restricted stock and OP units. Only non-employee directors are eligible to participate in the Director Plan. The maximum number of options, restricted stock and OP units that may be issued under the Director Plan is 175,000 shares, with 90,400 shares remaining for future issuance.

We have recognized compensation costs associated with shared based awards of $1.5 million, $1.6 million, and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively.

Restricted Stock

The majority of our share-based compensation is awarded as restricted stock grants to key employees. We have also awarded restricted stock to our non-employee directors. We measure the fair value associated with these awards using the closing price of our common stock as of the grant date to calculate compensation cost. Employee awards typically vest over several years and are subject to continued employment by the employee. Award recipients receive dividend payments on unvested shares of restricted stock. We may also award performance-based restricted stock which is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions related to our financial performance. If achievement of the performance targets is not probable, any compensation cost related to these awards that has been recognized is reversed.

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2012:

 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2012
275,871

 
$
28.93

      Granted
44,600

 
$
40.93

      Vested
(8,750
)
 
$
19.92

      Forfeited
(1,214
)
 
$
37.04

Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2012
310,507

 
$
30.88


Total compensation cost recognized for restricted stock was $1.4 million, $1.5 million, and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested was $0.2 million, $0.8 million, and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The remaining net compensation cost related to our


F - 27

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


11.      Share-Based Compensation, continued

unvested restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012 was approximately $6.5 million. That expense is expected to be recognized $1.5 million in 2013, $1.5 million in 2014, $1.2 million in 2015 and $2.3 million thereafter.

Subsequent to year end in February 2013, restricted stock was granted to executive officers and directors. The total granted was 83,800 shares, which had a grant date fair value of $45.69.

Options

We have granted stock options to certain employees and non-employee directors. Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock as of the grant date. Stock options generally vest over a three year period from the date of grant and have a maximum term of 10 years. We have granted 10,500 options to our non-employee directors during each of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and no grants were made in 2012. We issue new shares at the time of share option exercise (or share unit conversion).

The weighted average fair value of the options issued is estimated on the date of the grant using the Binomial (lattice) option pricing model, with the following weighted average assumptions used for the grants in the periods indicated:

 
July 2011 Award
 
July 2010 Award
Estimated fair value per share of options granted
$
9.70

 
$
6.93

Number of options granted
10,500

 
10,500

 
 
 
 
Assumptions:
 
 
 
      Annualized dividend yield
6.70
%
 
8.50
%
      Common stock price volatility
45.20
%
 
40.77
%
      Risk-free rate of return
1.52
%
 
2.40
%
      Expected option terms (in years)
5.0

 
7.3


The following table summarizes our option activity during the year ended December 31, 2012:

 
Number of
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(per common share)
 
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Term
(in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in 000's)
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012
77,086

 
$
29.64

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(16,256
)
 
30.12

 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired
(4,880
)
 
33.16

 
 
 
 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012
55,950

 
$
29.19

 
5.6
 
$
599

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options vested and expected to vest
55,950

 
$
29.19

 
5.6
 
$
599

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2012
45,450

 
$
27.91

 
5.0
 
$
545


The options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 consist of 700 employee options and 55,250 non-employee director options. The compensation expense associated with non-vested stock option awards was not significant for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of our closing share price as of December 31, 2012 in excess of the weighted-average exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value excludes the effect of stock options that have a zero or negative intrinsic value.



F - 28

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


11.      Share-Based Compensation, continued

Phantom Awards

We have granted phantom awards to certain key employees. Employee awards typically vest over several years and are subject to continued employment by the employee. A cash bonus is paid when the awards vest which is based on a 10 day average of our closing stock price prior to the vesting date. The awards also pay cash bonuses per unvested share equal to the amount of dividend paid per share of common stock.

The value of the awards is re-measured at each reporting date. As our stock price rises, the phantom awards increase in value, along with the associated compensation expense. Accordingly, as our stock price declines, the phantom awards decrease in value, along with the associated compensation expense.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, we recorded compensation expense of less than $0.1 million related to phantom awards. The following table summarizes the phantom award activity for the year ended December 31, 2012:

 
Number of
Shares
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
(in 000's)
Unvested phantom awards at January 1, 2012
2,588

 
$
95

Granted

 
 
Vested
(2,588
)
 
(95
)
Forfeited

 
 
Unvested phantom awards at December 31, 2012

 
$


12.      Other Income

The components of other income are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Brokerage commissions
$
605

 
$
513

 
$
476

Other income (loss), net
12

 
416

 
13

Total other income (loss), net
$
617

 
$
929

 
$
489



F - 29

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


13.    Segment Reporting

Our consolidated operations can be segmented into Real Property Operations and Home Sales and Rentals.  Transactions between our segments are eliminated in consolidation.  Transient RV revenue is included in Real Property Operations’ revenues and is approximately $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This transient revenue is recognized 48% in the first quarter, 14% in the second quarter, 14% in the third quarter and 24% in the fourth quarter of 2012.

A presentation of segment financial information is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
Years Ended December 31, 2012
 
Real Property Operations
 
Home Sales and Home Rentals
 
Consolidated
Revenues
$
255,761

 
$
71,736

 
$
327,497

Operating expenses/Cost of sales
88,046

 
53,059

 
141,105

Net operating income/Gross profit
167,715

 
18,677

 
186,392

Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Other revenues
11,635

 
484

 
12,119

General and administrative
(20,037
)
 
(8,980
)
 
(29,017
)
Acquisition related costs
(4,296
)
 

 
(4,296
)
Depreciation and amortization
(61,039
)
 
(28,635
)
 
(89,674
)
Interest expense
(71,077
)
 
(103
)
 
(71,180
)
Distributions from affiliate
3,900

 

 
3,900

Provision for state income tax
(249
)
 

 
(249
)
Net income (loss)
26,552

 
(18,557
)
 
7,995

Less:  Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units
2,329

 

 
2,329

Less:  Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
1,640

 
(1,958
)
 
(318
)
Less:  Series A Preferred Stock Distributions
1,026

 

 
1,026

Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.
$
21,557

 
$
(16,599
)
 
$
4,958
























F - 30

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


13.    Segment Reporting, continued

 
Years Ended December 31, 2011
 
Real Property Operations
 
Home Sales and Home Rentals
 
Consolidated
Revenues
$
223,613

 
$
54,542

 
$
278,155

Operating expenses/Cost of sales
76,737

 
41,588

 
118,325

Net operating income/Gross profit
146,876

 
12,954

 
159,830

Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Other revenues
10,438

 
592

 
11,030

General and administrative
(19,704
)
 
(8,156
)
 
(27,860
)
Acquisition related costs
(1,971
)
 

 
(1,971
)
Depreciation and amortization
(51,063
)
 
(23,130
)
 
(74,193
)
Asset impairment charge
(1,382
)
 

 
(1,382
)
Interest expense
(66,949
)
 
(990
)
 
(67,939
)
Distributions from affiliate
2,100

 

 
2,100

Provision for state income tax
(150
)
 

 
(150
)
Net income (loss)
18,195

 
(18,730
)
 
(535
)
Less:  Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units
1,222

 

 
1,222

Less:  Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
1,003

 
(1,674
)
 
(671
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.
$
15,970

 
$
(17,056
)
 
$
(1,086
)































F - 31

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


13.    Segment Reporting, continued

 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
Real Property Operations
 
Home Sales and Home Rentals
 
Consolidated
Revenues
$
204,498

 
$
52,425

 
$
256,923

Operating expenses/Cost of sales
69,276

 
39,444

 
108,720

Net operating income/Gross profit
135,222

 
12,981

 
148,203

Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Other revenues
8,542

 
505

 
9,047

General and administrative
(17,182
)
 
(7,628
)
 
(24,810
)
Acquisition related costs

 

 

Depreciation and amortization
(47,584
)
 
(21,284
)
 
(68,868
)
Interest expense
(64,772
)
 
(655
)
 
(65,427
)
Distributions from affiliates
500

 

 
500

Loss from affiliate
(1,646
)
 

 
(1,646
)
Provision for state income tax
(512
)
 

 
(512
)
Net income (loss)
12,568

 
(16,081
)
 
(3,513
)
       Less:  Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
967

 
(1,597
)
 
(630
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.
$
11,601

 
$
(14,484
)
 
$
(2,883
)



 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Real Property Operations
 
Home Sales and Home Rentals
 
Consolidated
 
Real Property Operations
 
Home Sales and Home Rentals
 
Consolidated
Identifiable assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment property, net
$
1,296,753

 
$
221,383

 
$
1,518,136

 
$
1,028,575

 
$
168,031

 
$
1,196,606

Cash and cash equivalents
29,071

 
437

 
29,508

 
5,972

 
(115
)
 
5,857

Inventory of manufactured homes

 
7,527

 
7,527

 

 
5,832

 
5,832

Notes and other receivables
130,217

 
8,850

 
139,067

 
109,436

 
5,448

 
114,884

Other assets
55,231

 
4,648

 
59,879

 
41,843

 
2,952

 
44,795

Total assets
$
1,511,272

 
$
242,845

 
$
1,754,117

 
$
1,185,826

 
$
182,148

 
$
1,367,974


14.    Income Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) as defined under Section 856(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”), as amended. In order for us to qualify as a REIT, at least ninety-five percent (95%) of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources. In addition, a REIT must distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of its REIT ordinary taxable income to its stockholders.

Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements (some on an annual and quarterly basis) established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. In addition, frequent




F - 32

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


14.    Income Taxes, continued

changes occur in the area of REIT taxation which requires us to continually monitor our tax status. We analyzed the various REIT tests and confirmed that we continued to qualify as a REIT for the year ended December 31, 2012.

As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes at the corporate level on the ordinary taxable income we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, our taxable income could be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax). Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local income taxes and to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

For income tax purposes, distributions paid to common stockholders consist of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, distributions paid per share were taxable as follows (unaudited):

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Amount
 
Percentage
 
Amount
 
Percentage
 
Amount
 
Percentage
Ordinary income
$
0.92

 
48.7
%
 
$
0.74

 
23.5
%
 
$
0.52

 
20.5
%
Capital gain

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
Return of capital
0.97

 
51.3
%
 
2.41

 
76.5
%
 
2.00

 
79.5
%
Total distributions declared
$
1.89

 
100.0
%
 
$
3.15

 
100.0
%
 
$
2.52

 
100.0
%

Sun Home Services, Inc. ("SHS"), our taxable REIT subsidiary, is subject to U.S. federal income taxes. Our deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the bases of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance to the amount where realization is more likely than not assured after considering all available evidence. Our temporary differences primarily relate to net operating loss carryforwards and depreciation.

The deferred income tax assets included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following tax effects of temporary differences (in thousands):

 
As of December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
$
22,340

 
$
19,723

Real estate assets
19,512

 
17,297

Amortization of intangibles
(128
)
 
(128
)
Gross deferred tax assets
41,724

 
36,892

Valuation allowance
(40,724
)
 
(35,892
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
1,000

 
$
1,000


SHS has net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $65.7 million at December 31, 2012. The loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2021 through 2031 if not offset by future taxable income. Management believes its net deferred tax asset will be realized but realization is continuously subject to an assessment as to recoverability in the future. The deferred tax asset will be used when we generate sufficient taxable income. No federal tax expense was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. We expect no significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to changes in tax positions within one year of December 31, 2012.

We classify certain state taxes as income taxes for financial reporting purposes.  We record Texas Margin Tax as income tax in our financial statements. In 2011 we were also subject to Michigan Business Tax that was replaced in May 2011 by a Michigan corporate

F - 33

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


14.    Income Taxes, continued

income tax. We believe that we will not have any Michigan corporate income tax liability. We recorded a provision for state income taxes of approximately $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively.

No deferred tax liability is recorded in relation to the Texas Margin Tax as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

We and our subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various state jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. Federal, State and Local, examinations by tax authorities before 2008.

Our policy is to report income tax penalties and income tax related interest expense as a component of income tax expense.  No interest or penalty associated with any unrecognized income tax benefit or provision was accrued, nor was any income tax related interest or penalty recognized during the year ended December 31, 2012.

15.    Earnings (Loss) Per Share

We have outstanding stock options and unvested restricted shares, and our Operating Partnership has Common OP Units, convertible Series A-1 preferred OP units and Aspen preferred OP Units, which if converted or exercised, may impact dilution. 

Computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
Years Ended December 31,
Numerator
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Basic earnings: net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
4,958

 
$
(1,086
)
 
$
(2,883
)
Add: amounts attributable to common noncontrolling interests

 

 

Diluted earnings: net income (loss) available to common stockholders and unitholders
$
4,958

 
$
(1,086
)
 
$
(2,883
)
Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
26,970

 
21,147

 
19,168

Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding
285

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares and unvested restricted stock outstanding
27,255

 
21,147

 
19,168

Add: dilutive securities
17

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares and securities
27,272

 
21,147

 
19,168

Earnings (loss) per share available to common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.18

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.15
)
Diluted
$
0.18

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.15
)















F - 34

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


15.    Earnings (Loss) Per Share, continued

We excluded certain securities from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the inclusion of these securities would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.  The following table presents the number of outstanding potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2012 , 2011 and 2010 (amounts in thousands):

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Stock options

 
77

 
140

Unvested restricted stock

 
276

 
142

Common OP units
2,071

 
2,072

 
2,082

A-1 preferred OP units
1,111

 
1,111

 

Aspen preferred OP units
526

 
526

 
526

Total securities
3,708

 
4,062

 
2,890


The figures above represent the total number of potentially dilutive securities, and do not necessarily reflect the incremental impact to the number of diluted weighted average shares outstanding that would be computed if the impact to us had been dilutive to the calculation of earnings per share available to common stockholders.


F - 35

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


16.    Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following is a condensed summary of our unaudited quarterly results for years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Income (loss) per share for the year may not equal the sum of the fiscal quarters' income (loss) per share due to changes in basic and diluted shares outstanding.

 
Quarters
 
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
83,128

 
$
82,379

 
$
83,124

 
$
90,985

Total expenses
77,432

 
81,747

 
83,915

 
92,178

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss) from affiliates
5,696

 
632

 
(791
)
 
(1,193
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity income and distributions from affiliates (1)
750

 
1,900

 
600

 
650

Income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders
5,377

 
1,663

 
(650
)
 
(1,432
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.21

 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Diluted
$
0.21

 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
69,714

 
$
68,262

 
$
74,723

 
$
76,486

Total expenses
67,348

 
70,358

 
75,044

 
78,920

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss) from affiliates
2,366

 
(2,096
)
 
(321
)
 
(2,434
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity income and distributions from affiliates (1)
350

 
850

 
450

 
450

Income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders
2,400

 
(890
)
 
(373
)
 
(2,223
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.12

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.10
)
Diluted
$
0.11

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.10
)

(1) 
Refer to Note 7 for more information regarding Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates.

17.    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Our objective in using interest rate derivatives is to manage exposure to interest rate movements thereby minimizing the effect of interest rate changes and the effect they could have on future cash flows. Interest rate swaps and caps are used to accomplish this objective. We require hedging derivative instruments to be highly effective in reducing the risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. We formally designate any instrument that meets these hedging criteria as a hedge at the inception of the derivative contract.

As of December 31, 2012, we had three derivative contracts consisting of one interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $20.0 million and two interest rate cap agreements with a total notional amount of $162.4 million. We generally employ derivative instruments that effectively convert a portion of our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt and to cap the maximum interest rate on certain variable rate borrowings. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.




F - 36

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


17.    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued

The following table provides the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts that were in effect as of December 31, 2012:

Type
 
Purpose
 
Effective Date
 
Maturity Date
 
 Notional
 (in millions)
 
Based on
 
Variable Rate
 
Fixed Rate
 
Spread
 
Effective Fixed Rate
Swap
 
Floating to Fixed Rate
 
1/1/2009
 
1/1/2014
 
20.0

 
3 Month LIBOR
 
0.3585%
 
2.1450%
 
1.8700%
 
4.0150%
Cap
 
Cap Floating Rate
 
4/1/2012
 
4/1/2015
 
152.4

 
3 Month LIBOR
 
0.3603%
 
11.2650%
 
—%
 
N/A
Cap
 
Cap Floating Rate
 
10/3/2011
 
10/3/2016
 
10.0

 
3 Month LIBOR
 
0.3603%
 
11.0200%
 
—%
 
N/A

Generally, our financial derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and the effective portion of the gain or loss on such hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent that the hedging relationship is not effective or does not qualify as a cash flow hedge, the ineffective portion is recorded in interest expense. Hedges that received designated hedge accounting treatment are evaluated for effectiveness at the time that they are designated as well as through the hedging period.

In accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, we have recorded the fair value of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the balance sheet. See Note 18 for information on the determination of fair value for the derivative instruments.  The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Interest rate swap and caps agreement
Other assets
 
$

 
$

 
Other liabilities
 
459

 
1,106

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
459

 
1,106


These valuation adjustments will only be realized under certain situations. For example, if we terminate the swaps prior to maturity or if the derivatives fail to qualify for hedge accounting, we would need to amortize amounts currently included in other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense over the terms of the derivative contracts.  We do not intend to terminate the swaps prior to maturity and, therefore, the net of valuation adjustments through the various maturity dates will approximate zero, unless the derivatives fail to qualify for hedge accounting.

Our hedges were highly effective and had minimal effect on income.  The following table summarizes the impact of derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 as recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
Derivatives in
cash flow hedging
 
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
OCI (Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Interest rate swap and caps agreement
 
$
643

 
$
1,048

 
$
(411
)
 
Interest expense
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
Interest expense
 
$
4

 
$
(13
)
 
$
(10
)
Total
 
$
643

 
$
1,048

 
$
(411
)
 
Total
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
Total
 
$
4

 
$
(13
)
 
$
(10
)



F - 37

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


17.    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued

Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to provide ongoing collateralization on derivative instruments in a liability position.  As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had collateral deposits recorded in other assets of approximately $1.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

18.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, derivative instruments, and debt.

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes guidance fair value hierarchy that requires the use of observable market data, when available, and prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in the following categories:

Level 1—Quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all observable inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

Level 3—Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable, including assumptions developed by us.

We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Derivative Instruments
The derivative instruments held by us are interest rate swaps and cap agreements for which quoted market prices are indirectly available. For those derivatives, we use model-derived valuations in which all observable inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets provided by brokers or dealers to determine the fair values of derivative instruments on a recurring basis.

Installment Notes on Manufactured Homes
The net carrying value of the installment notes on manufactured homes estimates the fair value as the interest rates in the portfolio are comparable to current prevailing market rates.

Long Term Debt and Lines of Credit
The fair value of long term debt (excluding the secured borrowing) is based on the estimates of management and on rates currently quoted and rates currently prevailing for comparable loans and instruments of comparable maturities.

Collateralized Receivables and Secured Borrowing
The fair value of these financial instruments offset each other as our collateralized receivables represent a transfer of financial assets and the cash proceeds received from these transactions have been classified as a secured borrowing in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net carrying value of the collateralized receivables estimates the fair value as the interest rates in the portfolio are comparable to current prevailing market rates.

Other Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their fair market values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.








F - 38

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


18.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued

The table below sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that required disclosure of their fair values on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012.  The table presents the carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 that were measured using the valuation techniques described above. The table excludes other financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable because the carrying values associated with these instruments approximate fair value since their maturities are less than one year.

 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Financial assets
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Installment notes on manufactured homes, net
21,898

 
21,898

 
13,417

 
13,417

Collateralized receivables, net
93,834

 
93,834

 
81,176

 
81,176

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
459

 
459

 
1,106

 
1,106

Long term debt (excluding secured borrowing)
1,329,311

 
1,355,331

 
1,186,509

 
1,175,261

Secured borrowing
94,409

 
94,409

 
81,682

 
81,682

Lines of credit
29,781

 
29,781

 
129,034

 
129,034


The table below sets forth, by level, our financial assets and liabilities that were required to be carried at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012.

Assets
 
Total Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Derivative instruments
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Total assets
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
 
$
459

 
$

 
$
459

 
$

Total liabilities
 
$
459

 
$

 
$
459

 
$


19.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-03, “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements” (ASU 2011-03) which amends ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing.  The updated guidance in ASC Topic 860 removes from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 860 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption was not permitted.  The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (ASU 2011-04) which amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement.  The updated guidance in ASC Topic 820 changes the wording used to describe the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements.   The updated guidance in ASC Topic 820 is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption was not permitted.  The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.



F - 39

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


20.    Commitments and Contingencies

On June 4, 2010 we settled all of the claims arising out of the litigation filed in 2004 by TJ Holdings, LLC in the Superior Court of Guilford County, North Carolina and the associated arbitration proceeding commenced by TJ Holdings in Southfield, Michigan. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, in which neither party admitted any liability whatsoever, we paid TJ Holdings $360,000. In addition, pursuant to this settlement, TJ Holdings’ percentage ownership interest in Sun/Forest, LLC will be increased on a one time basis, in the event of a sale or refinance of all of the SunChamp Properties, to between 9.03% and 28.99% depending on our average closing stock price as reported by the NYSE during the 30 days preceding the sale or refinance of all the SunChamp Properties. Once this percentage ownership interest has been adjusted, there will be no further adjustments from subsequent sales or refinances of the SunChamp Properties. The likelihood of a sale or refinancing of all of the SunChamp properties is not probable as these properties continue to see growth potential nor do we have a need to refinance all of the properties, so we do not expect it to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

We are involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. All such proceedings, taken together, are not expected to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

21.
Related Party Transactions

We have entered into the following transactions with OFS LLC:

Investment in OFS LLC. We entered into an agreement with four unrelated companies and we contributed cash of approximately $0.6 million towards the formation of OFS LLC. OFS LLC purchased the loan origination platform of Origen. The purpose of the venture is to originate manufactured housing installment contracts for its members. We accounted for our investment in OFS LLC using the equity method of accounting which we have since suspended. As of December 31, 2012, we had an ownership interest in the OFS LLC of 22.9 percent, and the carrying value of our investment was zero.

Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement. OFS LLC agreed to fund loans that meet our underwriting guidelines and then transfer those loans to us pursuant to a Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement. We paid OFS LLC a fee of $650 per loan pursuant to a Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement which totaled approximately $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We purchased, at par, $6.4 million and $3.0 million of these loans during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We have entered into the following transactions with Origen:

Investment in Origen. We own 5,000,000 shares of Origen common stock and Shiffman Origen LLC (which is owned by the Milton M. Shiffman Spouse's Marital Trust, Gary A. Shiffman (our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), and members of Mr. Shiffman's family owns 1,025,000 shares of Origen common stock. Gary A. Shiffman is a member of the Board of Directors of Origen and Arthur A. Weiss, our director, is a trustee of the Milton M. Shiffman Spouse's Marital Trust. We accounted for our investment in Origen using the equity method of accounting which we have since suspended. As of December 31, 2012 we had an ownership interest in Origen of approximately 19 percent, and the carrying value of our investment was zero.

Board Membership. Gary A. Shiffman, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is a board member of Origen.

In addition to the transactions with Origen described above, Gary A. Shiffman and his affiliates and/or Arthur A. Weiss, one of our directors, have entered into the following transactions with us:

Lease of Executive Offices. Gary A. Shiffman, together with certain of his family members, indirectly owns a 21 percent equity interest in American Center LLC, the entity from which we lease office space for our principal executive offices. Arthur A. Weiss owns a less than one percent indirect interest in American Center LLC. As of October 2011, we lease approximately 48,200 rentable square feet. The term of the lease is until October 31, 2016, with an option to renew for an additional five years. The annual base rent under the current lease is $18.61 per square foot (gross) and will remain this amount through October 31, 2014. From November 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015, the annual base rent will be $18.72 per square foot (gross) and then from September 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016, the annual base rent will be $17.92 per square foot (gross). Our annual rent expense associated with the lease of our executive offices was approximately $0.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Our future annual rent expense will be approximately $0.9 million through 2016. We have also have a temporary lease for $8.48 per square foot (gross) until April 2013 on 10,500 rentable square feet. Each of Mr. Shiffman and Mr. Weiss may have a conflict of interest with respect to his obligations as our officer and/or director and his ownership interest in American Center LLC.


F - 40

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


21.
Related Party Transactions, continued

Loan Funding Agreement with Talmer Bank. Each of Robert H. Naftaly and Arthur A. Weiss, who serve on our board of directors, is also a director of each of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and its primary operating subsidiary, Talmer Bank. Each of Mr. Naftaly, Mr. Weiss and Mr. Shiffman also owns less than one percent of Talmer Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock. In January 2013, we entered into an agreement with Talmer Bank under which we may refer purchasers of homes in our communities to Talmer Bank to obtain loans to finance their home purchases. We do not receive referral fees or other cash compensation under the agreement. If Talmer Bank makes loans to purchasers referred by us under the agreement, those purchasers default on their loans and Talmer Bank repossesses the homes securing such loans, we have agreed to purchase from Talmer Bank each such repossessed home for a price equal to 100% of the amount under each such loan, subject to certain adjustments; provided that the maximum outstanding principal amount of the loans subject to the agreement may not exceed $10.0 million. In addition, we have agreed to waive all site rent that would otherwise be due from Talmer Bank so long as it owns any homes on which loans were made pursuant to the agreement. The agreement expires November 1, 2013, but may be extended by mutual agreement of Talmer Bank and us. Each of Mr. Shiffman, Mr. Naftaly and Mr. Weiss may have a conflict of interest with respect to his obligations as our officer and/or director and his capacity as a shareholder and/or director of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and Talmer Bank.

Legal Counsel. During 2010-2012, Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss, Professional Corporation (“JRH&W”) acted as our general counsel and represented us in various matters. Arthur A. Weiss is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and a shareholder of such firm. We incurred legal fees and expenses of approximately $3.4 million, $2.5 million and $0.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Tax Consequences Upon Sale of Properties. Gary A. Shiffman holds limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership which were received in connection with the contribution of 24 properties (four of which have been sold) from partnerships previously affiliated with him (the “Sun Partnerships”). Prior to any redemption of these limited partnership interests for our common stock, Mr. Shiffman will have tax consequences different from those of us and our public stockholders on the sale of any of the Sun Partnerships. Therefore, we and Mr. Shiffman may have different objectives regarding the appropriate pricing and timing of any sale of those properties.


F - 41

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, SCHEDULE III
DECEMBER 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)





 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial Cost to Company
 
Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to Acquisition
(Improvements)
 
Gross Amount Carried
at December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Name
 
Location
 
Encumbrance
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Total
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Date
 
Acquired (A) or
Constructed (C)
Academy/Westpoint
 
Canton, MI
 
A
 
1,485

 
14,278

 

 
6,535

 
1,485

 
20,813

 
22,298

 
(8,066
)
 
2000
 
(A)
Allendale
 
Allendale, MI
 
A
 
366

 
3,684

 

 
8,624

 
366

 
12,308

 
12,674

 
(5,517
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Alpine
 
Grand Rapids, MI
 
B
 
729

 
6,692

 

 
7,765

 
729

 
14,457

 
15,186

 
(6,307
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Apple Carr Village
 
Muskegon, MI
 
3,807
 
800

 
6,172

 

 
1,827

 
800

 
7,999

 
8,799

 
(431
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Apple Creek
 
Amelia, OH
 
 
543

 
5,480

 

 
1,329

 
543

 
6,809

 
7,352

 
(2,739
)
 
1999
 
(A)
Arbor Terrace
 
Bradenton, FL
 
B
 
456

 
4,410

 

 
1,315

 
456

 
5,725

 
6,181

 
(2,746
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Ariana Village
 
Lakeland, FL
 
B
 
240

 
2,195

 

 
976

 
240

 
3,171

 
3,411

 
(1,679
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Autumn Ridge
 
Ankeny, IA
 
A
 
890

 
8,054

 
(34
)
 
2,401

 
856

 
10,455

 
11,311

 
(5,028
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Bedford Hills
 
Battle Creek, MI
 
 
1,265

 
11,562

 

 
2,628

 
1,265

 
14,190

 
15,455

 
(7,485
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Bell Crossing
 
Clarksville, TN
 
 
717

 
1,916

 
(12
)
 
7,345

 
705

 
9,261

 
9,966

 
(3,083
)
 
1999
 
(A)
Blazing Star
 
San Antonio, TX
 
4,073
 
750

 
6,163

 

 
123

 
750

 
6,286

 
7,036

 
(113
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Blueberry Hill
 
Bushnell, FL
 
4,218
 
3,830

 
3,240

 

 
333

 
3,830

 
3,573

 
7,403

 
(76
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Boulder Ridge
 
Pflugerville, TX
 
A
 
1,000

 
500

 
3,323

 
24,394

 
4,323

 
24,894

 
29,217

 
(9,368
)
 
1998
 
(C)
Branch Creek
 
Austin, TX
 
A
 
796

 
3,716

 

 
5,288

 
796

 
9,004

 
9,800

 
(4,408
)
 
1995
 
(A)
Brentwood
 
Kentwood, MI
 
B
 
385

 
3,592

 

 
2,320

 
385

 
5,912

 
6,297

 
(2,824
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Brookside Village
 
Goshen, IN
 
A
 
260

 
1,080

 
385

 
11,283

 
645

 
12,363

 
13,008

 
(5,902
)
 
1985
 
(A)
Brookside Village
 
Kentwood, MI
 
2,564
 
170

 
5,564

 

 
684

 
170

 
6,248

 
6,418

 
(339
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Buttonwood Bay
 
Sebring, FL
 
B
 
1,952

 
18,294

 

 
4,052

 
1,952

 
22,346

 
24,298

 
(8,524
)
 
2001
 
(A)
Byrne Hill Village
 
Toledo, OH
 
B
 
383

 
3,903

 

 
1,496

 
383

 
5,399

 
5,782

 
(2,191
)
 
1999
 
(A)
Byron Center
 
Byron Center, MI
 
B
 
253

 
2,402

 

 
1,926

 
253

 
4,328

 
4,581

 
(1,919
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Candlelight Village
 
Sauk Village, IL
 
C
 
600

 
5,623

 

 
5,689

 
600

 
11,312

 
11,912

 
(4,823
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Candlewick Court
 
Owosso, MI
 
B
 
125

 
1,900

 
131

 
2,906

 
256

 
4,806

 
5,062

 
(2,388
)
 
1985
 
(A)
Carrington Pointe
 
Ft. Wayne, IN
 
A
 
1,076

 
3,632

 
(1
)
 
6,317

 
1,075

 
9,949

 
11,024

 
(4,526
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Casa Del Valle
 
Alamo, TX
 
B
 
246

 
2,316

 

 
1,086

 
246

 
3,402

 
3,648

 
(1,346
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Catalina
 
Middletown, OH
 
B
 
653

 
5,858

 

 
3,619

 
653

 
9,477

 
10,130

 
(5,164
)
 
1993
 
(A)
Cave Creek
 
Evans, CO
 
5,730
 
2,241

 
15,343

 

 
8,407

 
2,241

 
23,750

 
25,991

 
(5,725
)
 
2004
 
(A)
Chisholm Point
 
Pflugerville, TX
 
A
 
609

 
5,286

 

 
5,911

 
609

 
11,197

 
11,806

 
(5,394
)
 
1995
 
(A)
Cider Mill Crossings
 
Fenton, MI
 
 
520

 
1,568

 

 
5,603

 
520

 
7,171

 
7,691

 
(326
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Cider Mill Village
 
Middleville, MI
 
 
250

 
3,590

 

 
1,165

 
250

 
4,755

 
5,005

 
(273
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Clearwater Village
 
South Bend, IN
 
A
 
80

 
1,270

 
60

 
4,165

 
140

 
5,435

 
5,575

 
(2,408
)
 
1986
 
(A)
Club Naples
 
Naples, FL
 
5,763
 
5,780

 
4,952

 

 
246

 
5,780

 
5,198

 
10,978

 
(292
)
 
2011
 
(A)

F - 42

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, SCHEDULE III
DECEMBER 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)


 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial Cost to Company
 
Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to Acquisition
(Improvements)
 
Gross Amount Carried
at December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Name
 
Location
 
Encumbrance
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Total
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Date
 
Acquired (A) or
Constructed (C)
Cobus Green
 
Osceola, IN
 
 
762

 
7,037

 

 
3,609

 
762

 
10,646

 
11,408

 
(5,864
)
 
1993
 
(A)
College Park Estates
 
Canton, MI
 
 
75

 
800

 
174

 
8,147

 
249

 
8,947

 
9,196

 
(4,332
)
 
1978
 
(A)
Comal Farms
 
New Braunfels, TX
 
 
1,455

 
1,732

 

 
8,956

 
1,455

 
10,688

 
12,143

 
(3,377
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
Continental Estates
 
Davison, MI
 
B
 
1,625

 
16,581

 
150

 
1,649

 
1,775

 
18,230

 
20,005

 
(9,409
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Continental North (1)
 
Davison, MI
 
B
 

 

 

 
9,328

 

 
9,328

 
9,328

 
(4,595
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Corporate Headquarters
 
Southfield, MI
 
 

 

 

 
13,750

 

 
13,750

 
13,750

 
(7,945
)
 
Various
Country Acres
 
Cadillac, MI
 
B
 
380

 
3,495

 

 
2,161

 
380

 
5,656

 
6,036

 
(2,669
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Country Hills Village
 
Hudsonville, MI
 
 
340

 
3,861

 

 
2,490

 
340

 
6,351

 
6,691

 
(349
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Country Meadows
 
Flat Rock, MI
 
A
 
924

 
7,583

 
296

 
16,715

 
1,220

 
24,298

 
25,518

 
(11,337
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Country Meadows Village
 
Caledonia, MI
 
 
550

 
5,555

 

 
2,448

 
550

 
8,003

 
8,553

 
(461
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Countryside Atlanta
 
Lawrenceville, GA
 
12,950
 
1,274

 
10,957

 

 
1,492

 
1,274

 
12,449

 
13,723

 
(3,685
)
 
2004
 
(A)
Countryside Gwinnett
 
Buford, GA
 
10,492
 
1,124

 
9,539

 

 
4,206

 
1,124

 
13,745

 
14,869

 
(4,164
)
 
2004
 
(A)
Countryside Lake Lanier
 
Buford, GA
 
16,850
 
1,916

 
16,357

 

 
5,394

 
1,916

 
21,751

 
23,667

 
(6,249
)
 
2004
 
(A)
Countryside Village
 
Perry, MI
 
 
275

 
3,920

 
185

 
4,610

 
460

 
8,530

 
8,990

 
(4,416
)
 
1987
 
(A)
Creekside
 
Reidsville, NC
 
 
350

 
1,423

 
(331
)
 
(1,208
)
 
19

 
215

 
234

 
(21
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
Creekwood Meadows
 
Burton, MI
 
C
 
808

 
2,043

 
404

 
11,740

 
1,212

 
13,783

 
14,995

 
(6,529
)
 
1997
 
(C)
Cutler Estates
 
Grand Rapids, MI
 
 
749

 
6,941

 

 
2,882

 
749

 
9,823

 
10,572

 
(4,717
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Davison East (1)
 
Davison, MI
 
B
 

 

 

 
1,261

 

 
1,261

 
1,261

 
(723
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Deerfield Run
 
Anderson, IN
 
 
990

 
1,607

 

 
4,576

 
990

 
6,183

 
7,173

 
(2,519
)
 
1999
 
(A)
Desert View Village
 
West Wendover, NV
 
 
1,119

 

 
(1,042
)
 
228

 
77

 
228

 
305

 
(107
)
 
1998
 
(C)
Dutton Mill Village
 
Caledonia, MI
 
3,677
 
370

 
8,997

 

 
1,617

 
370

 
10,614

 
10,984

 
(558
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Eagle Crest
 
Firestone, CO
 
A
 
2,015

 
150

 

 
38,355

 
2,015

 
38,505

 
40,520

 
(11,425
)
 
1998
 
(C)
East Fork
 
Batavia, OH
 
 
1,280

 
6,302

 

 
7,394

 
1,280

 
13,696

 
14,976

 
(4,845
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
East Village Estates
 
Washington Twp., MI
 
21,700
 
1,410

 
25,413

 

 
507

 
1,410

 
25,920

 
27,330

 
(457
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Edwardsville
 
Edwardsville, KS
 
 
425

 
8,805

 
541

 
6,410

 
966

 
15,215

 
16,181

 
(7,716
)
 
1987
 
(A)
Falcon Pointe
 
East Lansing, MI
 
2,265
 
450

 
4,049

 
(300
)
 
(2,529
)
 
150

 
1,520

 
1,670

 
(246
)
 
2003
 
(A)
Fisherman's Cove
 
Flint, MI
 
B
 
380

 
3,438

 

 
3,018

 
380

 
6,456

 
6,836

 
(3,339
)
 
1993
 
(A)
Forest Meadows
 
Philomath, OR
 
B
 
1,031

 
2,050

 

 
791

 
1,031

 
2,841

 
3,872

 
(1,215
)
 
1999
 
(A)
Four Seasons
 
Elkhart, IN
 
C
 
500

 
4,811

 

 
2,058

 
500

 
6,869

 
7,369

 
(2,733
)
 
2000
 
(A)
Glen Laurel
 
Concord, NC
 
 
1,641

 
453

 

 
11,424

 
1,641

 
11,877

 
13,518

 
(3,517
)
 
2001
 
(A&C)
Goldcoaster
 
Homestead, FL
 
B
 
446

 
4,234

 
172

 
3,016

 
618

 
7,250

 
7,868

 
(3,233
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Grand
 
Grand Rapids, MI
 
B
 
374

 
3,587

 

 
1,989

 
374

 
5,576

 
5,950

 
(2,695
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Grand Lakes
 
Citra, FL
 
6,130
 
5,280

 
4,501

 

 
669

 
5,280

 
5,170

 
10,450

 
(105
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Groves
 
Ft. Myers, FL
 
C
 
249

 
2,396

 

 
1,346

 
249

 
3,742

 
3,991

 
(1,674
)
 
1997
 
(A)

F - 43

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, SCHEDULE III
DECEMBER 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)


 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial Cost to Company
 
Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to Acquisition
(Improvements)
 
Gross Amount Carried
at December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Name
 
Location
 
Encumbrance
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Total
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Date
 
Acquired (A) or
Constructed (C)
Hamlin
 
Webberville, MI
 
B
 
125

 
1,675

 
536

 
8,702

 
661

 
10,377

 
11,038

 
(3,756
)
 
1984
 
(A)
Hickory Hills Village
 
Battle Creek, MI
 
4,484
 
760

 
7,697

 

 
1,685

 
760

 
9,382

 
10,142

 
(505
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Hidden Ridge
 
Hopkins, MI
 
 
440

 
893

 

 
56

 
440

 
949

 
1,389

 
(57
)
 
2011
 
(A)
High Point
 
Frederica, DE
 
17,500
 
898

 
7,031

 

 
5,582

 
898

 
12,613

 
13,511

 
(4,279
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Holiday Village
 
Elkhart, IN
 
A
 
100

 
3,207

 
143

 
2,670

 
243

 
5,877

 
6,120

 
(3,215
)
 
1986
 
(A)
Holiday West Village
 
Holland, MI
 
3,513
 
340

 
8,067

 

 
1,545

 
340

 
9,612

 
9,952

 
(519
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Holly/Hawaiian Gardens
 
Holly, MI
 
B
 
1,514

 
13,596

 

 
2,427

 
1,514

 
16,023

 
17,537

 
(4,336
)
 
2004
 
(A)
Holly Forest
 
Holly Hill, FL
 
A
 
920

 
8,376

 

 
536

 
920

 
8,912

 
9,832

 
(4,522
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Hunters Crossing
 
Capac, MI
 
 
430

 
1,092

 

 
103

 
430

 
1,195

 
1,625

 
(21
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Hunters Glen
 
Wayland, MI
 
 
1,102

 
11,926

 

 
3,940

 
1,102

 
15,866

 
16,968

 
(4,711
)
 
2004
 
(A)
Indian Creek
 
Ft. Myers Beach, FL
 
B
 
3,832

 
34,660

 

 
5,131

 
3,832

 
39,791

 
43,623

 
(20,377
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Island Lake
 
Merritt Island, FL
 
B
 
700

 
6,431

 

 
485

 
700

 
6,916

 
7,616

 
(3,901
)
 
1995
 
(A)
Kensington Meadows
 
Lansing, MI
 
A
 
250

 
2,699

 

 
8,060

 
250

 
10,759

 
11,009

 
(4,541
)
 
1995
 
(A)
Kenwood
 
La Feria, TX
 
 
145

 
1,842

 

 
248

 
145

 
2,090

 
2,235

 
(909
)
 
1999
 
(A)
King's Court
 
Traverse City, MI
 
A
 
1,473

 
13,782

 
(11
)
 
3,858

 
1,462

 
17,640

 
19,102

 
(8,980
)
 
1996
 
(A)
King's Lake
 
Debary, FL
 
B
 
280

 
2,542

 

 
2,803

 
280

 
5,345

 
5,625

 
(2,499
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Knollwood Estates
 
Allendale, MI
 
2,745
 
400

 
4,061

 

 
2,586

 
400

 
6,647

 
7,047

 
(2,539
)
 
2001
 
(A)
Lafayette Place
 
Warren, MI
 
C
 
669

 
5,979

 

 
4,221

 
669

 
10,200

 
10,869

 
(4,339
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Lake In Wood
 
Narvon, PA
 
 
7,360

 
7,097

 

 
1

 
7,360

 
7,098

 
14,458

 
(134
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Lake Juliana
 
Auburndale, FL
 
C
 
335

 
3,048

 

 
1,681

 
335

 
4,729

 
5,064

 
(2,388
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Lake San Marino
 
Naples, FL
 
C
 
650

 
5,760

 

 
1,750

 
650

 
7,510

 
8,160

 
(3,428
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Lakeview
 
Ypsilanti, MI
 
 
1,156

 
10,903

 

 
4,086

 
1,156

 
14,989

 
16,145

 
(4,181
)
 
2004
 
(A)
Leisure Village
 
Belmont, MI
 
 
360

 
8,219

 

 
207

 
360

 
8,426

 
8,786

 
(443
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Liberty Farms
 
Valparaiso, IN
 
B
 
66

 
1,201

 
116

 
3,008

 
182

 
4,209

 
4,391

 
(2,076
)
 
1985
 
(A)
Lincoln Estates
 
Holland, MI
 
B
 
455

 
4,201

 

 
2,585

 
455

 
6,786

 
7,241

 
(3,071
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Maplewood Mobile
 
Indianapolis, IN
 
B
 
275

 
2,122

 

 
2,080

 
275

 
4,202

 
4,477

 
(2,286
)
 
1989
 
(A)
Meadow Lake Estates
 
White Lake, MI
 
A
 
1,188

 
11,498

 
127

 
7,848

 
1,315

 
19,346

 
20,661

 
(10,042
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Meadowbrook
 
Charlotte, NC
 
 
1,310

 
6,570

 

 
5,453

 
1,310

 
12,023

 
13,333

 
(4,916
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
Meadowbrook Estates
 
Monroe, MI
 
B
 
431

 
3,320

 
379

 
10,615

 
810

 
13,935

 
14,745

 
(6,819
)
 
1986
 
(A)
Meadowbrook Village
 
Tampa, FL
 
B
 
519

 
4,728

 

 
722

 
519

 
5,450

 
5,969

 
(3,302
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Meadows
 
Nappanee, IN
 
B
 
287

 
2,300

 
(1
)
 
3,959

 
286

 
6,259

 
6,545

 
(3,401
)
 
1987
 
(A)
Naples Gardens
 
Naples, FL
 
3,729
 
3,640

 
2,020

 

 
316

 
3,640

 
2,336

 
5,976

 
(122
)
 
2011
 
(A)
North Lake Estates
 
Moore Haven, FL
 
4,464
 
4,150

 
3,486

 

 
138

 
4,150

 
3,624

 
7,774

 
(202
)
 
2011
 
(A)
North Point Estates
 
Pueblo, CO
 
 
1,582

 
3,027

 
1

 
4,241

 
1,583

 
7,268

 
8,851

 
(2,302
)
 
2001
 
(C)

F - 44

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, SCHEDULE III
DECEMBER 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)


 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial Cost to Company
 
Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to Acquisition
(Improvements)
 
Gross Amount Carried
at December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Name
 
Location
 
Encumbrance
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Total
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Date
 
Acquired (A) or
Constructed (C)
Northville Crossing
 
Northville, MI
 
21,616
 
1,250

 
29,564

 

 
2,611

 
1,250

 
32,175

 
33,425

 
(570
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Oak Crest
 
Austin, TX
 
 
4,311

 
12,611

 

 
5,226

 
4,311

 
17,837

 
22,148

 
(6,220
)
 
2002
 
(A)
Oak Island Village
 
East Lansing, MI
 
3,500
 
320

 
6,843

 

 
1,601

 
320

 
8,444

 
8,764

 
(468
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Oakwood Village
 
Miamisburg, OH
 
A
 
1,964

 
6,401

 
(1
)
 
12,045

 
1,963

 
18,446

 
20,409

 
(6,924
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Orange City
 
Orange City, FL
 
 
920

 
5,540

 

 
678

 
920

 
6,218

 
7,138

 
(334
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Orange Tree
 
Orange City, FL
 
B
 
283

 
2,530

 
15

 
934

 
298

 
3,464

 
3,762

 
(1,925
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Orchard Lake
 
Milford, OH
 
 
395

 
4,025

 
(15
)
 
627

 
380

 
4,652

 
5,032

 
(1,902
)
 
1999
 
(A)
Palm Creek
 
Casa Grande, AZ
 
41,726
 
11,836

 
76,143

 

 

 
11,836

 
76,143

 
87,979

 
(1,464
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Pebble Creek
 
Greenwood, IN
 
 
1,030

 
5,074

 

 
6,490

 
1,030

 
11,564

 
12,594

 
(4,340
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
Pecan Branch
 
Georgetown, TX
 
 
1,379

 

 
235

 
4,995

 
1,614

 
4,995

 
6,609

 
(1,936
)
 
1999
 
(C)
Pheasant Ridge
 
Lancaster, PA
 
C
 
2,044

 
19,279

 

 
441

 
2,044

 
19,720

 
21,764

 
(6,948
)
 
2002
 
(A)
Pin Oak Parc
 
O'Fallon, MO
 
A
 
1,038

 
3,250

 
467

 
8,177

 
1,505

 
11,427

 
12,932

 
(5,015
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Pine Hills
 
Middlebury, IN
 
 
72

 
544

 
60

 
2,806

 
132

 
3,350

 
3,482

 
(1,747
)
 
1980
 
(A)
Pine Ridge
 
Prince George, VA
 
B
 
405

 
2,397

 

 
3,378

 
405

 
5,775

 
6,180

 
(2,809
)
 
1986
 
(A)
Pine Trace
 
Houston, TX
 
8,245
 
2,907

 
17,169

 
(7
)
 
3,763

 
2,900

 
20,932

 
23,832

 
(5,885
)
 
2004
 
(A)
Pinebrook Village
 
Grand Rapids   , MI
 
 
130

 
5,692

 

 
512

 
130

 
6,204

 
6,334

 
(347
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Presidential
 
Hudsonville, MI
 
A
 
680

 
6,314

 

 
5,473

 
680

 
11,787

 
12,467

 
(5,125
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Rainbow RV
 
Frostproof, FL
 
 
1,890

 
5,682

 

 
41

 
1,890

 
5,723

 
7,613

 
(107
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Richmond
 
Richmond, MI
 
C
 
501

 
2,040

 

 
1,724

 
501

 
3,764

 
4,265

 
(1,601
)
 
1998
 
(A)
River Haven
 
Grand Haven, MI
 
 
1,800

 
16,967

 

 
4,812

 
1,800

 
21,779

 
23,579

 
(8,303
)
 
2001
 
(A)
River Ranch
 
Austin, TX
 
 
4,690

 
843

 
(4
)
 
17,620

 
4,686

 
18,463

 
23,149

 
(3,343
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
River Ridge
 
Austin, TX
 
9,926
 
3,201

 
15,090

 
(2,351
)
 
8,797

 
850

 
23,887

 
24,737

 
(6,735
)
 
2002
 
(A)
River Ridge Expansion
 
Austin, TX
 
 

 

 
2,351

 
4,290

 
2,351

 
4,290

 
6,641

 
(168
)
 
2010
 
(C)
Roxbury
 
Goshen, IN
 
A
 
1,057

 
9,870

 
1

 
2,440

 
1,058

 
12,310

 
13,368

 
(4,649
)
 
2001
 
(A)
Royal Country
 
Miami, FL
 
54,000
 
2,290

 
20,758

 

 
1,572

 
2,290

 
22,330

 
24,620

 
(13,644
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Rudgate Clinton
 
Clinton Township, MI
 
28,171
 
1,090

 
23,664

 

 
572

 
1,090

 
24,236

 
25,326

 
(425
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Rudgate Manor
 
Sterling Heights, MI
 
17,183
 
1,440

 
31,110

 

 
470

 
1,440

 
31,580

 
33,020

 
(558
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Saddle Oak Club
 
Ocala, FL
 
A
 
730

 
6,743

 

 
1,147

 
730

 
7,890

 
8,620

 
(4,550
)
 
1995
 
(A)
Saddlebrook
 
San Marcos, TX
 
 
1,703

 
11,843

 

 
6,672

 
1,703

 
18,515

 
20,218

 
(6,119
)
 
2002
 
(A)
Scio Farms
 
Ann Arbor, MI
 
B
 
2,300

 
22,659

 
(11
)
 
11,772

 
2,289

 
34,431

 
36,720

 
(16,676
)
 
1995
 
(A)
Sea Air
 
Rehoboth Beach, DE
 
20,000
 
1,207

 
10,179

 

 
2,041

 
1,207

 
12,220

 
13,427

 
(4,341
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Sheffield
 
Auburn Hills, MI
 
6,825
 
778

 
7,165

 

 
891

 
778

 
8,056

 
8,834

 
(1,981
)
 
1986
 
(A)
Sherman Oaks
 
Jackson, MI
 
 
200

 
2,400

 
240

 
6,593

 
440

 
8,993

 
9,433

 
(4,578
)
 
1986
 
(A)
Siesta Bay
 
Ft. Myers Beach, FL
 
C
 
2,051

 
18,549

 

 
2,407

 
2,051

 
20,956

 
23,007

 
(10,920
)
 
1996
 
(A)

F - 45

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, SCHEDULE III
DECEMBER 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)


 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial Cost to Company
 
Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to Acquisition
(Improvements)
 
Gross Amount Carried
at December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Name
 
Location
 
Encumbrance
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Total
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Date
 
Acquired (A) or
Constructed (C)
Silver Springs
 
Clinton Township, MI
 
8,524
 
861

 
16,595

 

 
1,007

 
861

 
17,602

 
18,463

 
(304
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Silver Star
 
Orlando, FL
 
B
 
1,022

 
9,306

 

 
874

 
1,022

 
10,180

 
11,202

 
(5,389
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Snow to Sun
 
Weslaco, TX
 
B
 
190

 
2,143

 
13

 
1,220

 
203

 
3,363

 
3,566

 
(1,515
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Southfork
 
Belton, MO
 
C
 
1,000

 
9,011

 

 
4,247

 
1,000

 
13,258

 
14,258

 
(5,620
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Southwood Village
 
Grand Rapids, MI
 
5,847
 
300

 
11,517

 

 
1,261

 
300

 
12,778

 
13,078

 
(679
)
 
2011
 
(A)
St. Clair Place
 
St. Clair, MI
 
B
 
501

 
2,029

 

 
1,273

 
501

 
3,302

 
3,803

 
(1,599
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Stonebridge
 
San Antonio, TX
 
 
2,515

 
2,096

 
(615
)
 
8,571

 
1,900

 
10,667

 
12,567

 
(3,796
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
Stonebridge
 
Richfield Twp., MI
 
 
2,044

 

 
2,130

 
70

 
4,174

 
70

 
4,244

 

 
1998
 
(C)
Summit Ridge
 
Converse, TX
 
 
2,615

 
2,092

 
(883
)
 
9,939

 
1,732

 
12,031

 
13,763

 
(3,566
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
Sun Villa
 
Reno, NV
 
18,300
 
2,385

 
11,773

 
(1,100
)
 
749

 
1,285

 
12,522

 
13,807

 
(5,963
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Sunset Ridge
 
Kyle, TX
 
 
2,190

 
2,775

 

 
7,118

 
2,190

 
9,893

 
12,083

 
(3,649
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
Sunset Ridge
 
Portland, MI
 
 
2,044

 

 
(9
)
 
15,592

 
2,035

 
15,592

 
17,627

 
(5,597
)
 
1998
 
(C)
Sycamore Village
 
Mason, MI
 
6,220
 
390

 
13,341

 

 
2,110

 
390

 
15,451

 
15,841

 
(818
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Tamarac Village
 
Ludington, MI
 
5,753
 
300

 
12,028

 
86

 
1,055

 
386

 
13,083

 
13,469

 
(696
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Tampa East
 
Dover, FL
 
 
734

 
6,310

 

 
2,240

 
734

 
8,550

 
9,284

 
(2,287
)
 
2005
 
(A)
Three Lakes
 
Hudson, FL
 
5,250
 
5,050

 
3,361

 

 
349

 
5,050

 
3,710

 
8,760

 
(77
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Timber Ridge
 
Ft. Collins, CO
 
A
 
990

 
9,231

 

 
6,348

 
990

 
15,579

 
16,569

 
(6,883
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Timberbrook
 
Bristol, IN
 
 
490

 
3,400

 
101

 
8,275

 
591

 
11,675

 
12,266

 
(6,706
)
 
1987
 
(A)
Timberline Estates
 
Coopersville, MI
 
A
 
535

 
4,867

 
1

 
3,691

 
536

 
8,558

 
9,094

 
(4,202
)
 
1994
 
(A)
Town and Country
 
Traverse City, MI
 
B
 
406

 
3,736

 

 
1,468

 
406

 
5,204

 
5,610

 
(2,554
)
 
1996
 
(A)
Valley Brook
 
Indianapolis, IN
 
A
 
150

 
3,500

 
1,277

 
13,485

 
1,427

 
16,985

 
18,412

 
(8,857
)
 
1989
 
(A)
Village Trails
 
Howard City, MI
 
B
 
988

 
1,472

 
(50
)
 
2,205

 
938

 
3,677

 
4,615

 
(1,667
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Warren Dunes Village
 
Bridgman, MI
 
2,630
 
310

 
3,350

 

 
1,389

 
310

 
4,739

 
5,049

 
(269
)
 
2011
 
(A)
Water Oak
 
Lady Lake, FL
 
A
 
2,834

 
16,706

 
101

 
12,593

 
2,935

 
29,299

 
32,234

 
(14,951
)
 
1993
 
(A)
Waverly Shores Village
 
Holland, MI
 
5,244
 
340

 
7,267

 

 
458

 
340

 
7,725

 
8,065

 
(420
)
 
2011
 
(A)
West Glen Village
 
Indianapolis, IN
 
B
 
1,100

 
10,028

 

 
4,466

 
1,100

 
14,494

 
15,594

 
(7,590
)
 
1994
 
(A)
West Village Estates
 
Romulus, MI
 
6,858
 
884

 
19,765

 

 
458

 
884

 
20,223

 
21,107

 
(360
)
 
2012
 
(A)
Westbrook
 
Toledo, OH
 
A
 
1,110

 
10,462

 

 
3,175

 
1,110

 
13,637

 
14,747

 
(5,646
)
 
1999
 
(A)
Westbrook Senior
 
Toledo, OH
 
A
 
355

 
3,295

 

 
306

 
355

 
3,601

 
3,956

 
(1,355
)
 
2001
 
(A)
White Lake
 
White Lake, MI
 
A
 
672

 
6,179

 
1

 
8,372

 
673

 
14,551

 
15,224

 
(6,121
)
 
1997
 
(A)
White Oak
 
Mt. Morris, MI
 
A
 
782

 
7,245

 
112

 
6,477

 
894

 
13,722

 
14,616

 
(6,401
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Willowbrook
 
Toledo, OH
 
A
 
781

 
7,054

 
1

 
2,437

 
782

 
9,491

 
10,273

 
(4,252
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Windham Hills
 
Jackson, MI
 
A
 
2,673

 
2,364

 

 
13,433

 
2,673

 
15,797

 
18,470

 
(6,168
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Windsor Woods Village
 
Wayland, MI
 
 
270

 
5,835

 

 
1,401

 
270

 
7,236

 
7,506

 
(410
)
 
2011
 
(A)

F - 46

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, SCHEDULE III
DECEMBER 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)


 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial Cost to Company
 
Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to Acquisition
(Improvements)
 
Gross Amount Carried
at December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Name
 
Location
 
Encumbrance
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
Assets
 
Land
 
Depreciable
 Assets
 
Total
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Date
 
Acquired (A) or
Constructed (C)
Woodhaven Place
 
Woodhaven, MI
 
A
 
501

 
4,541

 

 
3,218

 
501

 
7,759

 
8,260

 
(3,267
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Woodlake Estates
 
Yoder, IN
 
B
 
632

 
3,674

 
(283
)
 
434

 
349

 
4,108

 
4,457

 
(968
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Woodlake Trails
 
San Antonio, TX
 
 
1,186

 
287

 
(282
)
 
9,397

 
904

 
9,684

 
10,588

 
(1,897
)
 
2000
 
(A&C)
Woodland Park Estates
 
Eugene, OR
 
3,116
 
1,592

 
14,398

 
1

 
1,161

 
1,593

 
15,559

 
17,152

 
(7,399
)
 
1998
 
(A)
Woods Edge
 
West Lafayette, IN
 
B
 
100

 
2,600

 
3

 
10,176

 
103

 
12,776

 
12,879

 
(5,880
)
 
1985
 
(A)
Woodside Terrace
 
Holland, OH
 
A
 
1,064

 
9,625

 
(1
)
 
3,948

 
1,063

 
13,573

 
14,636

 
(6,361
)
 
1997
 
(A)
Worthington Arms
 
Lewis Center, OH
 
A
 
376

 
2,624

 

 
2,640

 
376

 
5,264

 
5,640

 
(2,618
)
 
1990
 
(A)
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
201,313

 
$
1,234,728

 
$
6,975

 
$
734,289

 
$
208,288

 
$
1,969,017

 
$
2,177,305

 
$
(659,169
)
 
 
 
 

A These communities collateralize $369.8 million of secured debt.
B These communities collateralize $345.4 million of secured debt.
C These communities collateralize $112.5 million of secured debt.
(1) The initial cost for this property is included in the initial cost reported for Continental Estates.


F - 47

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, SCHEDULE III
DECEMBER 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)



The change in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 Beginning balance
$
1,794,605

 
$
1,580,544

 
$
1,565,700

 Community and land acquisitions, including immediate improvements
302,487

 
167,326

 

 Community expansion and development
13,424

 
5,931

 
3,462

 Improvements, other
110,029

 
78,844

 
46,460

 Asset impairment

 
(1,584
)
 

 Dispositions and other
(43,240
)
 
(36,456
)
 
(35,078
)
 Ending balance
$
2,177,305

 
$
1,794,605

 
$
1,580,544



The change in accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 Beginning balance
$
597,999

 
$
548,218

 
$
501,395

 Depreciation for the period
80,124

 
67,286

 
62,628

 Asset impairment

 
(202
)
 

 Dispositions and other
(18,954
)
 
(17,303
)
 
(15,805
)
 Ending balance
$
659,169

 
$
597,999

 
$
548,218




F - 48