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Mid-America Apartment Communities

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FY2001 Annual Report · Mid-America Apartment Communities
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A FUTURE IN PLACE

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
Annual Report 2001

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Dollars in thousands, except per share data

Total revenues

Years Ended December 31

2001

2000

1999

$ 228,039

$ 224,640

$ 226,322

Funds from operations per share, diluted

Dividends per share

$

$

2.80

2.34

$

$

2.80 

2.32 

$

$

Weighted average common shares, diluted

Weighted average shares and units, diluted

17,532

20,464

17,597 

20,551 

2.74

2.30

18,808

21,817

Real estate owned, at cost

Construction in progress

Investment in real estate joint venture

Total debt

$1,449,720

$1,430,378 

$1,396,743 

$

$

10,915

7,045

$

$

28,523 

7,630 

$

$

58,840 

8,054 

$ 779,664

$ 781,089 

$ 744,238 

Shareholders’ equity and minority interest

$ 442,260

$ 485,376 

$ 519,944

Market capitalization (shares and units)

$ 709,224

$ 634,903 

$ 639,095

Number of properties with ownership interest

122

124 

129

Number of apartment units with ownership interest

33,411

33,612 

33,901

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS
PER SHARE – BASIC
(SINCE IPO)

DIVIDEND
PER COMMON SHARE

ANNUALIZED COMMON
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

$1.00

$0.50

$2.40

$2.20

$2.00

$1.80

$1.60

$1.40

$1.20

20%

16%

12%

8%

4%

94

01

94

01

SINCE
IPO

3-YEAR
RETURNS

CONTENTS LETTER  TO  OUR  SHAREHOLDERS  2 A  FUTURE  IN  PLACE  6 MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  12 FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS  16
INDEPENDENT  AUDITORS’  REPORT  19 INVESTOR  INFORMATION  20 OFFICERS  AND  DIRECTORS  20 CIVIC  AND  INDUSTRY  AWARDS  21

MID-AMERICA LOCATIONS

P R O P E R T Y   L O C A T I O N S

T R A I N I N G   C E N T E R S

33,459 apartments in 12 states 
(including 48 units still under development)

Mid-America’s  market  focus  on  the  southeast  and  south  central  U.S.  provides

access to the most stable job growth and apartment housing markets in the country. By

proactively diversifying our portfolio throughout this steady growth region and position-

ing  in  large,  middle  and  selective  small  markets,  we  maintain  a  solid  foundation  for

growth  in  shareholder  value…despite  the  ups  and  downs  of  the  economic  cycles  and

capital markets.

With our strong regional focus we are better positioned to remain alert to changing

market trends and neighborhood shifts. As experienced operators, we take a proactive

approach to creating value at each and every property.

EXISTING LOCATIONS

KENTUCKY

Bowling Green

Florence

Lexington 4

Louisville

MISSISSIPPI

Grenada

Jackson 6

Southaven 2

NORTH CAROLINA

Greensboro

Raleigh

Winston-Salem

OHIO

Cincinnati

SOUTH CAROLINA

Aiken 2 

Anderson

Charleston

Columbia 2

Greenville 5

Spartanburg

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga 4

Jackson 5

Memphis 11

Nashville Metro 4

ALABAMA

Birmingham

Huntsville 2

Montgomery

ARKANSAS

Little Rock 3

FLORIDA

Daytona Beach

Gainesville

Jacksonville 9

Lakeland

Melbourne

Ocala

Orlando

Panama City Beach

Tallahassee

Tampa Metro 4

GEORGIA

Athens

Atlanta Metro 6

Augusta 3

Brunswick

Columbus 2 

LaGrange

Macon/Warner Robins 4

Savannah

St. Simons Island

Thomasville

Valdosta

TEXAS

Austin 4

Dallas Metro 7

Houston Metro 4

VIRGINIA

Hampton

REGIONAL OFFICES
AND TRAINING CENTERS

Atlanta, GA

Dallas, TX

Greenville, SC

Jacksonville, FL

Memphis, TN

Nashville, TN

BELOW, FROM LEFT: THE TERRACES

AT FIELDSTONE, CONYERS, GA; THE

PADDOCK CLUB, BRANDON, FL; AND

THE RESERVE AT DEXTER LAKE,

MEMPHIS, TN.

h

At  Mid-America  Apartment  Communities
the future is firmly in place – for our

residents, our associates and our investors.
The Company has a strong and expe-

rienced management team to lead us into

the future. Our award-winning communities
continue to thrive, with new develop-

ments  completed  and  steadily  adding  to

earnings.  And  our  investors  can  feel
secure knowing that, even in a year

of economic fluctuation rarely seen, Mid-

America  outperformed  most  of  our  com-

petitors. Our business has always focused

on “Creating Great Places to Live,”SM and
our future, and that of our residents

and our investors, is being built on these
great places.

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

UNDER THE FORMAL SUCCESSION

In  a  year  that  brought  unprecedented  world  events  and  economic

PLAN SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED

trends no one could have predicted, Mid-America remained strong. The year

OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, H. ERIC

2001 ushered in a renewed sense of rational investing and a realization that

BOLTON JR. (ABOVE RIGHT) BECAME

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE

OFFICER OF MID-AMERICA IN

OCTOBER 2001, SUCCEEDING GEORGE

E. CATES (ABOVE LEFT) WHO WILL

REMAIN AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

OF DIRECTORS UNTIL HIS PLANNED

RETIREMENT IN OCTOBER OF 2002. 

2

hard assets, cash flow and solid dividend payments matter. These fundamentals,

which provide the bedrock for true value growth and preservation of principal,

remained  as  the  driving  force  for  Mid-America  during  this  year  of  economic

recession and worries. Consequently, Mid-America owners were rewarded with

a 26.9 percent investment return for 2001 – far above conventional perform-

ance yardsticks and among the best in the apartment industry. 

The near completion of our development pipeline, which is now fully

funded  and  becoming  increasingly  productive,  continues  to  strengthen  Mid-

America’s balance sheet. We entered 2002 with 365 newly developed apart-

ments in inventory. Although the leasing and operating environment remains

very competitive, we anticipate completing lease up and stabilization of newly

developed properties during the coming year.

The year 2001 also generated an interest rate environment unlike any

we’ve  seen.  We  took  advantage  of  the  opportunities  created  and  refinanced

more than $200 million of debt. With 89 percent of the total debt now under

fixed  rate  terms  at  an  average  rate  of  6.8  percent,  our  balance  sheet  was

strengthened during the year. We are very comfortable with our balance sheet
structure.  Unlike  many  other  apartment  REITs  that  are  carrying  large  new

development pipelines, we have significantly lower operating and development

risk inherent within our operation. Looking back, we believe the decision made

two years ago to pull back on our new construction starts was a good one. As

operators in this business for more than 20 years, we understand the cyclical

nature of our industry and our markets – critical skills for preservation of capital

THE YEAR 2001 USHERED IN A

and steady growth in value over the long haul.

RENEWED SENSE OF RATIONAL

Just as the deployment of capital in new development and acquisitions

INVESTING AND A REALIZATION THAT

is  critical,  so  are  the  judgments  pertaining  to  reinvesting  capital  in  existing

properties. This industry is littered with examples of property owners “robbing”

properties of annual recurring capital needs and enjoying short term, benefits,

only  to  face  real  problems  later  when  trying  to  operate  or  sell  the  “capital

starved” property. Your portfolio of Mid-America properties is in great condition,

and at an average of 12.3 years old, one of the “youngest” in the business.

One of the best assessments of proper capital allocation decisions is

Return on Assets (ROA). By looking clearly at the return generated on all capital

employed (regardless of the source) in purchasing, developing and maintaining
assets, one can best evaluate the efficacy of capital allocation decisions. Our

ROA for 2001, even while being inescapably diminished by the impact of the

new development pipeline prior to its full productivity, was 8.8 percent, in line

with our industry average. We expect to see steady growth in the performance

over the course of 2002, and for our ROA performance to once again exceed

the apartment sector average, 8.8 percent in 2001. Another indication of the

tremendous condition and quality of our properties is evidenced by the numerous

civic and industry awards received by our properties and staff, examples of which

are listed on the back inside cover of this report.

As  experienced  operators  in  this  business,  we  fully  appreciate  the

highly competitive nature of our industry. Operating productivity and vigilant

expense control are critical to steady growth in profits and value. Our property

management team continues to generate very impressive results in this area.

For all of 2001, on a same store basis, property operating expense was up only

1.3 percent. This compares to an equally strong prior year performance of 2.1

percent in same store expense growth in 2000 and 2.9 percent in 1999. Our

aggressive focus on utility expense management programs has been part of our

success in this area. In addition, our rapid development and expanded use of the

Internet for various leasing, transaction and reporting activities has contributed

to gains in personnel productivity. 

A large part of our long term success and solid performance for more

than 20 years is the strong foundation and culture of our company, centered on

property operations and a focus on what’s happening at each of the individual

properties.  We  call  it  “hands-on  operations.”  Throughout  our  company,  the

focus is to be intimately knowledgeable of and involved with our markets, our

properties and our on-site personnel. We realize that our success as a company
is ultimately a function of the success we have on site at each of our properties.

While  our  operation  has  certainly  grown  and  our  markets  expanded  over  the

years, we work diligently to remain very close to our properties and to stick to

our  knitting.  During  the  past  few  years,  when  many  other  apartment  REITs

tried to diversify and deploy capital into the latest high-tech start up ventures

HARD ASSETS, CASH FLOW AND SOLID

DIVIDEND PAYMENTS ARE CRUCIAL.

3

THE AVERAGE APARTMENT INDUSTRY

– subsequently writing off millions of dollars – we remained focused on steady

EXPERIENCE AMONG OUR MULTISITE

value growth and a very disciplined use of capital. 

MANAGEMENT TEAM IS 14 YEARS –

EIGHT YEARS WITH MID-AMERICA.

Mid-America’s management team is strong and experienced. The aver-

age apartment industry experience among our multisite management team is

14 years – eight years with Mid-America. Our Board of Directors is one of the

strongest in the industry. The level of experience and success represented by

its members in public company leadership, capital allocation and multifamily

real estate is unparalleled in the industry. We are grateful for their wise counsel

and stewardship. But experience doesn’t stop with the management team and

board of directors. Employee training and development is a cornerstone com-

ponent of any successful operating company and Mid-America is no exception.

We have a strong tradition of developing the best in our people and in formal
training of our hands-on operating techniques. We are one of the few in the

industry with an in-house Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) training program

– a National Apartment Association designation. In 2001, 39 of our employees

achieved their CAM certification. And during 2001, our training staff completed

a total of 20,700 hours of training and associate development.

We had a good year in 2001 during a time of capital markets uncer-

tainty  and  worry.  Our  balance  sheet  is  strong  and  getting  stronger.  Our  new

properties  are  becoming  increasingly  productive.  Our  dividend  coverage  is

ample and strengthening. Our ability to capture new opportunities and value

for you is improving. Thank you for your support and confidence.

H. Eric Bolton Jr.

George E. Cates

PRESIDENT AND CEO

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

4

A FUTURE IN PLACE

A FUTURE IN PLACE

MID-AMERICA EMPLOYEES, SUCH AS

The future is in place at Mid-America Apartment Communities. Each

LEAD SERVICE TECHNICIAN ALTON B.

of our more than 33,000 apartment homes in 122 communities throughout the

WINGATE (ABOVE), SEE TO IT THAT

southeast and south central U.S. receives Mid-America’s hands-on attention

EVERY DETAIL IS IN PLACE – DETAILS

LIKE AWARD-WINNING LANDSCAPING

AND HIGH-SPEED INTERNET CONNEC-

TIONS THAT MAKE OUR APARTMENT

COMMUNITIES GREAT PLACES TO LIVE.

6

and is served by a skilled staff of more than 1,100 associates. We take pride

in  our  quality  assets,  and  our  innovative  management  practices  have  been

instrumental in winning numerous civic and industry awards. 

As one of our guiding principles, we strive to exceed expectations in

every way. Our locations, superior buildings, industry-leading landscaping and

overall curb appeal initially attract residents, but our focus on “Creating Great

Places to Live”SM goes beyond those first impressions. We provide added value

at every turn.

From  virtual  leasing  offices  open  24-7,  to  the  park-like  atmosphere

and  responsive  on-site  staff,  we’re  so  confident  in  our  services  that  we  give

new  residents  30  days  to  change  their  minds  and  leave  us,  penalty  free,  if

they’re not completely satisfied. Our Hassle Free Guarantee™ assures that main-

tenance problems are taken care of within 24 hours, and every Mid-America

community has a trained service technician on call 24 hours a day. We offer

high-speed  Internet  connections  and  web  partnerships  for  on-line  purchase

savings.  Personal  intranet  sites  allow  residents  to  set  up  their  utilities  and

other  services,  as  well  as  browse  through  more  than  20  service  and  product

offerings. Convenience adds value to our residents’ daily lives.

We  are  also  dedicated  to  creating  an  old-fashioned  neighborhood

experience. While residents enjoy privacy in our comfortable apartments, they

also  have  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  Community  Awareness  programs,

including  volunteer  opportunities,  social  events,  children’s  activities,  health

fairs  and  educational  seminars.  This  sense  of  community  increases  resident

retention. The number one reason that residents leave us is to purchase a home.
And if they’ve been with us for three years or more, our First Down program

pays $1,000 toward their down payment.

Our focus on a better future also extends to the communities around us.

Open Arms™, the 501(c)(3) foundation created and directed by Mid-America

associates,  provides  comfortable  housing  and  peace  of  mind  to  families  in

WHILE RESIDENTS ENJOY PRIVACY IN

OUR APARTMENTS, THEY ALSO HAVE

THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN

COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROGRAMS,

INCLUDING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNI-

TIES, SOCIAL EVENTS, CHILDREN’S

ACTIVITIES, HEALTH FAIRS AND EDU-

CATIONAL SEMINARS. THIS SENSE OF

COMMUNITY ISN’T JUST FOR WARM

FUZZIES EITHER. IT INCREASES OUR

RESIDENT RETENTION.

7

OUR “HANDS-ON” MANAGEMENT

STYLE FLOWS FROM THE TOP DOWN.

EXECUTIVES, SUCH AS TOM GRIMES,

GINNY DOANE (BELOW) AND LEE

LITTLE (RIGHT) FROM OUR PROPERTY

OPERATIONS GROUP, REGULARLY

TOUR OUR PROPERTIES HELPING 

TO ENSURE THAT WE KEEP THEM IN 

TOP-NOTCH CONDITION.

8

medical  crises  far  from  home.  Two-bedroom,  fully  furnished  apartments  are

IT IS WITH THE DILIGENT EFFORTS OF

provided free of charge to qualifying families referred by local hospitals. The

OPERATIONS TEAM MEMBERS (MID-

28 Open Arms homes located throughout the Mid-America network provided

DLE, FROM LEFT) DAVID NISCHWITZ,

more than 6,000 nights of calm for families in 2001.

The future of Mid-America as a company is firmly in place. Our $300

million development pipeline nears completion, and as new properties continue

to mature, greater balance sheet flexibility and share value are created. Our

award-winning  portfolio  is  in  outstanding  condition  and  business  is  sound.

While quality assets and innovative programs help ensure a bright future, it is

only top-notch associates who can lead us there. Under the formal succession

plan  successfully  implemented  over  the  past  five  years,  H.  Eric  Bolton  Jr.

became President and Chief Executive Officer of Mid-America in October 2001,

succeeding  George  E.  Cates  who  will  remain  as  Chairman  of  the  Board  of

Directors until his planned retirement in October of 2002. Our highly skilled

management team averages 14 years of multifamily experience – eight of that

with Mid-America. We are confident in their abilities.

Management participates in frequent and thorough “property walks”

as  part  of  our  extensive  hands-on  operation.  Shareholders  can  rest  assured

that we are firmly in touch and involved with every property – where the real

long-term success of the company is determined.

The contribution of our outstanding support staff is also highly valued.

Extensive  internal  training  is  available  in  regional  centers  as  well  as  with

online learning options to help develop excellence in our associates. Regional

meetings and our Annual Leadership Conference provide motivation and infor-

mation about the latest trends and products. In 2001, 39 Mid-America prop-

erty  managers  achieved  Certified  Apartment  Manager  (CAM)  certification,  a

National Apartment Association designation. We are proud to have one of the
few in-house programs in the industry for CAM. 

Mid-America’s financial future is firmly in place. New development is

virtually complete and will now provide a source of growing value and new rev-

enues  for  the  future.  Disciplined  spending  on  capital  improvements  assures

that  we  remain  very  competitive  in  all  markets,  while  we  avoid  the  deferred

KEVIN PERKINS, JAMES MACLIN,

NANCY ROBERTS AND KEITH ACTON

THAT MID-AMERICA SUCCESSFULLY

MANAGES MORE THAN 33,000 APART-

MENT HOMES IN 122 COMMUNITIES.

9

FINANCE TEAM MEMBERS (ABOVE,

maintenance temptation that traps so many other property owners. We strive

FROM LEFT) AL CAMPBELL, SHELTON

for steady improvement in productivity and solid expense control. Our strong

BARRON, SIMON WADSWORTH AND

return on asset performance is evidence of the prudent deployment of capital,

RICK BARTON SHARE THE CREDIT FOR

and we expect performance to grow in 2001.

A YEAR IN WHICH MID-AMERICA OUT-

PERFORMED MOST OF OUR COMPETI-

TORS, IN SPITE OF UNPRECEDENTED

ECONOMIC FLUCTUATION. KENWOOD

CLUB (MIDDLE), KATY, TX, COMPLETED

LEASE-UP IN 2001. PICTURED ABOVE

RIGHT IS THE VILLAGE, LEXINGTON, KY.

10

Our proactive focus on innovative new systems and programs resulted in

improved productivity in 2001. These include our new Internet-based operating,

reporting  and  leasing  systems  and  our  aggressive  utility  management  and

billing systems. Same-store expense growth in 2001 was only 1.3 percent, as

compared to 2.1 percent in 2000 and 2.9 percent in 1999.

At an average age of 12.3 years, our portfolio is among the “youngest”

in the industry. A maturing baby boom generation increasingly attracted to has-

sle-free living, a steadily growing immigration trend and an influx of new work-

ers  and  household  formations  expected  from  the  “echo  boom”  generation  all

help to create a healthy and growing demand for multifamily housing that will

continue  throughout  the  coming  decade.  Mid-America  is  well  positioned  to

capitalize on that growing market.

Steadily  increasing  value  per  share  is  our  major  financial  objective.

Strategically,  we  focus  on  the  needs  of  the  people  we  serve  –  residents,

employees and investors alike – creating optimum opportunities for profitability

and  value  growth.  Tactically,  we  are  flexible  and  forward  thinking,  working

always to stay one step ahead. Our Board of Directors is one of the strongest and

most experienced in the industry. Each member brings a record of exemplary

success and stewardship in both the public and private business sectors, and

they serve your interests well. As evidence of our strong belief in the future of

the Company, insider ownership has risen to 16 percent.

An investment in Mid-America is more than financially sound – it’s an

investment you can be proud of. We touch people’s lives in a positive way by
creating great places to live, work and build a future and by reaching out to

the larger communities around us. Though we never lose our focus on steady

growth in shareholder value, secure dividends and a strong balance sheet, we

also know that it’s important to strengthen and maintain the time-honored values

on which great companies and partnerships have always been built.

BECAUSE THE FUTURE IS IN PLACE AT

MID-AMERICA APARTMENT COMMUNI-

TIES, OUR INVESTORS CAN FEEL

SECURE THAT THEIR INVESTMENT

FUTURES ARE IN PLACE AS WELL.

11

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION

FROM LEFT: AL CAMPBELL, VICE

Q. Mid-America is known throughout the apartment industry for main-

PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL

taining its properties in excellent condition. You reported that the spending on

PLANNING; ERIC BOLTON, PRESIDENT

recurring capital needs at your properties in 2001 was $375 per unit, which

AND CEO; AND SIMON WADSWORTH,

is down from $410 per unit in 2000. Does this decreased spending indicate

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

12

any sort of compromise on your commitment to maintaining asset quality?

A. “Not at all. We are more committed than ever to maintaining the
high quality of our properties. We achieved this $1 million reduction in spend-

ing in 2001 as a result of several factors:

Our asset quality and average property age has been improving as a

result of our consistent, systematic practice of selectively selling older prop-

erties,  coupled  with  the  addition  of  our  newly  developed  properties  over  the

last four years.

(cid:2) We have strengthened our regional capital management operations,

renegotiated a number of our service contracts and expanded the use of our bulk

contracting capabilities…we’re getting more accomplished with fewer dollars.

And  finally,  as  a  result  of  a  very  detailed  physical  assessment

process that is part of our “property walk system,” we’ve developed a proac-

tive  preventive  maintenance  program  and  detailed  three-year  capital  needs
assessment for each of our properties. This program is providing a better plat-

form from which to make efficient capital spending decisions.”

Kevin Perkins / Vice President, Director of Capital Improvements and Maintenance Operations

Q. You  reported  in  your  fourth  quarter  earnings  announcement  that

markets are soft, but that you are forecasting an improvement in the latter half

of 2002. How much of your forecast for 2002 depends on market recovery?

A. “The markets were noticeably weaker in the latter part of the third
quarter  and  all  of  the  fourth  quarter  of  2001.  The  weakness  in  the  overall
economy,  pockets  of  overbuilding  in  several  markets  and  the  prolonging  of

strong single family home buying trends, generated a greater than anticipated

slow down in new leasing traffic during the traditionally slow winter season. To

put  the  slowdown  in  perspective,  we  saw  occupancy  within  our  same  store

portfolio decline from 94.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2000 to 93.2 percent

(cid:2)
(cid:2)
in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2001.  The  combination  of  higher  vacancy  loss  and

higher leasing concession costs for the full year 2001, over 2000, generated

roughly $3 million or 15 cents per share variance to earlier estimates. In fore-

casting  2002  we  have  assumed  only  a  0.5  percent  growth  in  net  operating

income for the year, coming off the 1.2 percent growth generated in 2001. We

actually expect net operating income from our same store group of properties

to be slightly negative over the first half of the year. As the economy and job

growth resume their growth patterns over the last half of 2002, we expect to

see some recovery. Over the latter part of 2002, with only 0.5 percent growth

for  the  entire  year,  we  aren’t  counting  on  significant  market  recovery  in  our

forecast. In addition, we have built in no assumptions regarding new acquisitions

in 2002, which if completed, would provide additional earnings.”

BELMERE, TAMPA, FL

Al Campbell / Vice President, Director of Financial Planning 

Q. Mid-America  has  consistently  demonstrated  strong  property  level

operating expense control. Have you captured most of the savings in this area,

or do you foresee additional opportunities to keep operating expense growth

trends below inflation growth?

A. “Our aggressive focus on expense control and productivity enhance-
ments is an integral part of everything we do in property operations. Some of the

biggest success we’ve had in this area is due to our utility expense management

programs and resident billing initiatives. We feel that we have captured roughly

75 percent of the overall identified opportunity thus far...but of course, new

opportunities, technologies and ideas are continually emerging. Additionally, the

rapid growth of new Internet-based operating systems covering leasing activities,

reporting processes and resident service support are still relatively new, and we

continue to explore opportunities for further productivity gains in this area as well.”

James Maclin / Vice President, Director of Asset Management 

Q. Can Mid-America sustain the current level of dividend? What are

the prospects for future dividend increases?

A. “We  believe  that  our  dividend  payout  is  secure.  It  would  take  a
significant reduction in our projected earnings – from the current 0.5 percent

NOI  growth  estimate,  an  event  we  think  is  highly  unlikely  –  to  cause  us  to

reduce our dividend. Also, because we have surplus balance sheet capacity,

we can acquire income-producing properties that will further enhance earnings

and cash flow coverage. In our January decision to hold the current dividend

level, we noted that we will reconsider the possibility of an increase later in

2002 if the anticipated recovery in the economy occurs. However, we are very

committed to strengthening the ratio of funds available for distribution to the

current dividend payout level and thus would anticipate an increase, if any, to

be minimal in 2002.”

Simon Wadsworth / Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

13

Q. You’ve said that the completion of the development program adds

balance sheet capacity. What does that mean and will this cause the company

to increase leverage?

A. “Having non-earning or not yet fully productive construction assets
on  the  balance  sheet,  coupled  with  the  funding  obligations  associated  with

projects still under construction, consumes a portion of a company’s capacity to

generate current earnings from assets owned, as well as to acquire additional

apartments. This is one of the reasons that a predominantly development REIT

should carry less debt than a REIT that is not burdened with funding a develop-

ment pipeline, and thus bears lower business risk. As our remaining develop-

ment pipeline becomes fully productive over the course of 2002, we will begin

to generate a higher level of current earnings and cash flow as a percentage of
our asset base. This will generate additional borrowing capacity, while main-

taining  the  same  overall  leverage.  In  addition,  the  lower  “non-development”

risk  profile  of  our  balance  sheet  and  overall  operation  can  also  comfortably

carry a little more leverage if we want to do so. However, we do not anticipate

any appreciable debt increase on our corporate balance sheet in 2002.”

Simon Wadsworth / Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Q. Mid-America has a number of properties located in small or tertiary

cities. Have these proven to be good investments as compared to investments

in larger cities?

A. “The smaller city investments have often provided better opportu-
nities to create value in the acquisition phase through an ability to acquire at

a steep discount to replacement value. Once stabilized, property performance

in  most  small  markets  tends  to  remain  fairly  consistent.  Capturing  and  ulti-

mately  realizing  the  value  in  many  of  these  investments  has  been  achieved

through the disposition process, as opposed to prolonged hold strategy. So in

general terms most of the investments we have in smaller markets, which have

gone through the full investment cycle (through disposition), have been just as

good an investment for us as have those properties in larger markets. The dif-

ference between investment performance in larger versus smaller markets is to

some degree more a function of how and where the return and value is created;

during the acquisition and disposition phase for the smaller markets, or during

the hold-operating period and disposition phase for the larger markets.”

Eric Bolton / President and Chief Executive Officer

HUNTINGTON CHASE 

WARNER ROBINS, GA

14

Q. What is the strategic focus for Mid-America? In what ways do you

PICTURED FROM LEFT: SAVANNAHS AT

plan to grow and continue to increase value?

A. “We  believe  that  the  best  opportunities  for  us  over  the  next  few
years  lie  in  acquiring  and  redeveloping  under-valued  properties.  Acquiring,

JAMES LANDING, MELBOURNE, FL;

HUNTER’S RIDGE, JACKSONVILLE, FL;

AND THE PADDOCK CLUB, PANAMA

repositioning and creating value through our “hands-on” operating practices is

CITY BEACH, FL.

a strong core competency of our company. As our new development pipeline

becomes increasingly productive we have improving flexibility and capabilities to

pursue these opportunities. We will become increasingly proactive in harvesting

and capturing full value from a number of our investments in our smaller markets

and will be redeploying capital in larger markets which will generate a more

balanced  portfolio  performance  in  all  phases  of  the  real  estate  investment

value cycle: acquisition, development, disposition or hold.”

Eric Bolton / President and Chief Executive Officer 

15

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Dollars in thousands

ASSETS

Real estate assets:

Land

Buildings and improvements

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation

Land held for future development

Commercial properties, net

Investment in and advances to real estate joint venture

Real estate assets, net

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Deferred financing costs, net

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Liabilities:

Notes payable

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Security deposits

Deferred gain on disposition of properties

Total liabilities and deferred gain

Minority interest

Shareholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,

$173,470,750 or $25 per share liquidation preference:

2,000,000 shares at 9.5% Series A Cumulative 

1,938,830 shares at 8.875% Series B Cumulative

2,000,000 shares at 9.375% Series C Cumulative 

1,000,000 shares at 9.5% Series E Cumulative 

Common stock, $.01 par value authorized 50,000,000 shares;

issued 17,452,678 and 17,506,968 shares at

December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively

Additional paid-in capital

Other

Accumulated distributions in excess of net income

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

16

December 31

2001

2000

$ 124,993

$ 124,867

1,265,327

1,231,603

32,290

10,915

29,094

28,523

1,433,525

1,414,087

(229,913)

(183,652)

1,203,612

1,230,435

1,366

4,910

7,045

1,366

5,044

7,630

1,216,933

1,244,475

12,192

11,240

10,415

12,708

16,095

17,472

9,700

16,029

$1,263,488

$1,303,771

$ 779,664

$ 781,089

1,219

31,691

4,514

4,140

1,740

26,589

4,611

4,366

821,228

818,395

46,431

51,383

20

19

20

10

175

550,176

(774)

(145,061)

(8,756)

395,829

20

19

20

10

175

551,809

(1,171)

(116,889)

—

433,993

$1,263,488

$1,303,771

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Dollars in thousands, except per share data

Revenues:

Rental revenues

Other property revenues

Total property revenues

Interest and other non-property income

Management and development income, net

Equity in loss of real estate joint venture

Total revenues

Expenses:

Property operating expenses:

Personnel

Building repairs and maintenance

Real estate taxes and insurance

Utilities

Landscaping

Other operating

Depreciation and amortization

Property management expenses

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Amortization of deferred financing costs

Total expenses

Income before gain on dispositions, minority interest 

in operating partnership income and extraordinary items

Gain on dispositions, net

Income before minority interest in operating

partnership income and extraordinary items

Minority interest in operating partnership income

Income before extraordinary items

Extraordinary items – loss on debt extinguishment, net of minority interest 

Net income

Preferred dividend distribution

Net income available for common shareholders

Net income available per common share

Basic (in thousands):

Average common shares outstanding

Basic earnings per share:

Year Ended December 31

2001

2000

1999

$223,410

$219,039 

$221,342

2,860

226,270

3,493

222,532

2,872

224,214

1,310

755

(296)

1,526

739

(157)

1,388

751

(31)

228,039

224,640

226,322

24,704

9,443

26,594

7,164

6,278

10,401

52,051

24,268

9,701

25,021

7,635

6,027

10,794

51,844

25,239

10,107

24,561

9,119

5,634

10,225

49,903

136,635

135,290

134,788

10,204

5,879

52,598

2,352

9,509

5,317

50,736

2,758

9,360

5,119

48,302

2,854

207,668

203,610

200,423

20,371

11,933

32,304

2,573

29,731

(1,033)

28,698

16,113

21,030

11,587

32,617

2,626

29,991

(204)

29,787

16,114

25,899

10,237

36,136

2,497

33,639

(67)

33,572

16,114

$ 12,585

$ 13,673

$ 17,458

17,427

17,544

18,784

Net income available per common share before extraordinary items

Extraordinary items

Net income available per common share

Diluted (in thousands):

Average common shares outstanding

Effect of dilutive stock options

Average dilutive common shares outstanding

Diluted earnings per share:

Net income available per common share before extraordinary items

Extraordinary items

Net income available per common share

$

$

$

$

0.78

(0.06)

0.72

17,427

105

17,532

0.78

(0.06)

0.72

$

$

$

$

0.79

(0.01)

0.78

17,544

53

17,597

0.79

(0.01)

0.78

$

$

0.93

—

0.93

18,784

24

18,808

$

0.93

—

$

0.93

17

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Dollars in thousands, except per share data

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

Year Ended December 31

OPERATING DATA

Total revenues

Expenses:

$ 228,039

$ 224,640  $ 226,322

$ 215,543

$ 139,116

Property operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization

84,584

52,051

General, administrative and property management expenses

16,083

Interest

Amortization of deferred financing costs

Gain on dispositions, net

Income before minority interest in operating

partnership income and extraordinary items

Minority interest in operating partnership income

Extraordinary items

Net income

Preferred dividends

52,598

2,352

11,933

32,304

(2,573)

(1,033)

28,698

16,113

83,446

51,844

14,826 

50,736 

2,758 

11,587

32,617 

(2,626)

(204)

29,787

16,114 

84,885

49,903

14,479 

48,302 

2,854 

10,237

36,136 

(2,497)

(67)

33,572

16,114 

79,917

46,021

11,960 

45,704 

2,348 

408

30,001 

(2,254)

(990)

26,757

11,430

Net income available for common shareholders

$

12,585

$

13,673

$

17,458

$

15,327

$

PER SHARE DATA

Basic and diluted:

Before extraordinary items

Extraordinary items

Net income available per common share

Dividends declared

$

$

$

0.78

$

0.79  $

0.93  $

0.87  $

(0.06)

0.72

2.340

$

$

(0.01)

—

(0.05)

0.78  $

0.93  $

0.82  $

2.325  $

2.305  $

2.225  $

2.155

52,404

27,737

6,602

28,943

888

—

22,542

(2,693)

(8,622)

11,227

5,252

5,975

1.05

(0.62)

0.43 

BALANCE SHEET DATA

Real estate owned, at cost

Real estate owned, net

Total assets

Total debt

Minority interest

Shareholders’ equity

Weighted average common shares (000’s):

Basic

Diluted

OTHER DATA (AT END OF PERIOD)

$1,449,720

$1,430,378  $1,396,743  $1,434,733  $1,211,693

$1,216,933

$1,244,475  $1,248,051  $1,315,368  $1,134,704

$1,263,488

$1,303,771  $1,298,823  $1,366,427  $1,193,870

$ 779,664

$ 781,089

$ 744,238

$ 753,427

$ 632,213

$

46,431

$

51,383

$

56,060  $

61,441

$

62,865

$ 395,829

$ 433,993

$ 463,884

$ 517,299

$ 461,300

17,427

17,532

17,544 

17,597

18,784

18,808

18,725

18,770

13,892

13,955

Market capitalization (shares and units)

$ 709,224

$ 634,903

$ 639,095

$ 670,123

$ 710,175

Number of properties with ownership interest

122

124 

129

129

116

Number of apartment units with ownership interest

33,411

33,612

33,901

33,831

30,579

18

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS
MID-AMERICA APARTMENT COMMUNITIES, INC.

We have audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted

in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheets of Mid-America

Apartment Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December

31,  2001,  and  2000,  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,

shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period

ended  December  31,  2001  (not  presented  herein);  and  in  our  report  dated

February  13,  2002,  we  expressed  an  unqualified  opinion  on  those  consolidated

financial statements.

In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated

financial statements is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the con-

solidated financial statements from which it has been derived.

Memphis, Tennessee

February 13, 2002

KPMG LLP

19

INVESTOR INFORMATION

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

George E. Cates

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
(also serve on Board of Directors)

H. Eric Bolton Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer

Simon R.C. Wadsworth
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer

INDEPENDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

O. Mason Hawkins
(since October 1993)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Southeastern Asset Management, Inc.

Robert F. Fogelman
(since July 1994)
President
Fogelman Investment Company

John F. Flournoy
(since November 1997)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Flournoy Development Company

John S. Grinalds
(since November 1997)
President
The Citadel

Ralph Horn
(since April 1998)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
First Tennessee National Corporation

Michael S. Starnes
(since July 1998)
President
M.S. Carriers, a subsidiary of Swift Transportation

20

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
6584 Poplar Avenue, Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38138
(901) 682-6600
www.maac.net

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
Mid-America  Apartment  Communities,  Inc.  will  hold  its  2002  annual  meeting  of
shareholders on Monday,  June 10th, at 4:00 p.m. CST in the clubhouse at The Reserve
at Dexter Lake, Memphis, TN.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K
A copy of Mid-America’s Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2001, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will be sent without
charge upon written request to the corporate headquarters address, attention Investor
Relations, and is available on the Internet at www.maac.net.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
First Union National Bank

Shareholders who have questions about their accounts or who wish to change
ownership or address of stock; to report lost, stolen or destroyed certificates; or wish to
sign up for our dividend reinvestment plan, should contact the stock transfer agent at
800-829-8432.

Limited  partners  wishing  to  convert  units  into  shares  should  contact  Mid-

America directly at the corporate headquarters listed above.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG LLP, Memphis, TN

GENERAL COUNSEL
Bass, Berry & Sims, Memphis, TN

STOCK LISTING AND COMMON STOCK PRICE
Mid-America’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Its common stock is
listed under the stock symbol MAA. Its Cumulative Preferred Stock is under the symbols
MAA Pr A, MAA Pr B, and MAA Pr C. 

Sales Prices Dividends

Sales Prices Dividends

Fiscal 2001

High

Low Declared 

Fiscal 2000

High

Low Declared 

First Quarter

$23.88  $21.73  $0.585 

First Quarter

$23.38  $22.00  $0.580 

Second Quarter $25.75  $22.42  $0.585 

Second Quarter $24.50  $22.38  $0.580 

Third Quarter

$26.42  $24.40  $0.585 

Third Quarter

$24.88  $23.00  $0.580 

Fourth Quarter $26.76  $24.40  $0.585 

Fourth Quarter $23.88  $21.25  $0.585 

CORPORATE CHARITY
Open Arms Foundation 

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CIVIC AND INDUSTRY AWARDS

ABBINGTON PLACE
SOUTH POINTE, AL
Beautification Award
Huntsville Beautification Board

AUSTIN CHASE
MACON, GA
Beautification Award, Macon-
Bibb Beautiful Commission

BALCONES WOODS
AUSTIN, TX
Property of the Year
Austin Apartment Association

BRADFORD CHASE
JACKSON, TN
Best Property, City Beautiful
Award, Jackson, TN

BRENTWOOD DOWNS
NASHVILLE, TN
1st Place Beautification Award
Nashville Apartment Association

CEDAR MILL
MEMPHIS, TN
2nd Place Beautification Award
Older Conventional; Memphis
Apartment Association

THE CORNERS
WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Property of the Year
Triad Apartment Association
Diamond Awards

THE CROSSINGS
MEMPHIS, TN
Beautification Award, Memphis
City Beautiful Commission

EAGLE RIDGE
BIRMINGHAM, AL
Beautification Award, Greater
Birmingham Association of Home
Builders Multifamily Council

FAIRWAYS AT HARTLAND
BOWLING GREEN, KY
City Beautification Award 
City of Bowling Green, KY

FAIRWAYS AT ROYAL OAK
CINCINNATI, OH
Best Property
City of Cincinnati, OH

GEORGETOWN GROVE
SAVANNAH, GA
Silver Award
Savannah Apartment Association

GLENEAGLES
MEMPHIS, TN
1st Place Beautification Award
Southeast Memphis Betterment
Association

THE GRAND RESERVE
LEXINGTON, KY
Kentucky Derby Award
Lexington Apartment Association

HAMILTON POINTE
CHATTANOOGA, TN
2nd Place, Newer Property
Chattanooga Apartment Association

HICKORY FARM
MEMPHIS, TN
Beautification Award, Memphis
City Beautiful Commission

HIDDEN CREEK
CHATTANOOGA, TN
Best Newer Property
Chattanooga Apartment Association

HIDDEN LAKE
UNION CITY, GA
Top 1000 High-Performing
Multifamily Properties, Secretary
of Housing & Urban Development

HIGH RIDGE
ATHENS, GA
Clean & Beautiful Award
Athens/Clark County

HIGHLAND RIDGE
GREENVILLE, SC
1st Place Beautification Award
Upper State (SC) Apartment
Association (USAA)

LAKEPOINTE
LEXINGTON, KY
Triple Crown Award
Lexington Apartment Association

LAKESHORE LANDING
RIDGELAND, MS
2nd Place Beautification Award
Mississippi Multifamily Council

LANE AT TOWNE CROSSING
MESQUITE, TX
City Beautiful Award
City of Mesquite, TX

LINCOLN ON THE GREEN
MEMPHIS, TN
1st Place Beautification Award
Memphis Apartment Association

THE MANSION
LEXINGTON, KY
Triple Crown Award
Lexington Apartment Association

NAPA VALLEY
LITTLE ROCK, AR
City Beautiful Award

THE PADDOCK CLUB
HUNTSVILLE, AL
Beautification Award
City of Huntsville Honor Roll
(five consecutive years)

THE PADDOCK CLUB
JACKSONVILLE, FL
Best Management Company
Jacksonville, FL

THE PADDOCK CLUB
LAKELAND, FL
1st Place Beautification Award
City of Lakeland

THE PADDOCK CLUB
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
Best New Property
Chamber of Commerce

THE PADDOCK CLUB
MURFREESBORO, TN
Beautification Award
Rutherford County Property
Management Association

THE PADDOCK CLUB
COLUMBIA, SC
Best New Property, USAA

SUTTON PLACE
SOUTHAVEN, MS
Community Pride Award
Top of Mississippi
MS Chamber of Commerce

TANGLEWOOD
ANDERSON, SC
2nd Place Beautification Award
USAA

TERRACES AT TOWNE LAKE
WOODSTOCK, GA
“Best of the Best”, Cherokee
County, GA Towne Laker magazine
(four consecutive years) 

TOWNSHIP
HAMPTON, VA
Best Overall Community
Peninsula Apartment Council of
the Peninsula Housing and
Builders Association

THE VILLAGE
LEXINGTON, KY
Keeneland Award
Lexington Apartment Association

THE VISTAS
MACON, GA
Beautification Award, Macon-
Bibb Beautiful Commission

WHISPERWOOD
COLUMBUS, GA
Best Apartment Community
Reader’s Choice Award
Columbus Ledger Enquirer
(six consecutive years) 

WILDWOOD
THOMASVILLE, GA
Best of Thomas & Grady
Counties, Reader’s Choice
Awards, Thomasville Times-
Enterprise

WINDRIDGE
CHATTANOOGA, TN
1st Place Beautification Award
Chattanooga Apartment
Association

WOODRIDGE
JACKSON, MS
3rd Place Beautification Award
Mississippi Multifamily Council

PADDOCK PARK
OCALA, FL
Best Apartment Community
Star Banner

THE PARK AT HERMITAGE
HERMITAGE, TN
2nd Place Beautification Award
Nashville Apartment Association

PARK ESTATE
MEMPHIS, TN
City Beautiful Award (Apartments)
Memphis City Beautiful
Commission

PARK PLACE
SPARTANBURG, SC
1st Place Beautification Award
USAA

PARK HAYWOOD
GREENVILLE, SC
1st Place Floral Design
USAA

PEAR ORCHARD
RIDGELAND, MS
1st Place Beautification Award
Mississippi Multifamily Council

REFLECTION POINTE
JACKSON, MS
Best Entry Award
Mississippi Multifamily Council

RESERVE AT DEXTER LAKE
MEMPHIS, TN
Beautification Award, New Large
Conventional; Memphis
Apartment Association, 2nd Place

RIVERHILLS
GRENADA, MS
Civic Pride Award, Grenada
County Chamber of Commerce

RIVER TRACE
MEMPHIS, TN
Beautification Award, Memphis
City Beautiful Commission

RUNAWAY BAY
MT. PLEASANT, SC
Civic Pride Award
Mt. Pleasant Pride Committee

SAVANNAHS AT JAMES LANDING
MELBOURNE, FL
Best Property Runner-up
City of Melbourne

SPRING CREEK
GREENVILLE, SC
2nd Place Beautification Award
USAA

STEEPLECHASE
CHATTANOOGA, TN
Show Award, Chattanooga
Apartment Association

STONEMILL VILLAGE
LOUISVILLE, KY
Landscape Awards Program
Winner, Beautification League of
Louisville and Jefferson County

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

6584 Poplar Avenue, Suite 300

Memphis, TN 38138

901-682-6600

www.maac.net