Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of COPT, the Operating Partnership, their subsidiaries and other entities in which we have a majority voting interest and control.  We also consolidate certain entities when control of such entities can be achieved through means other than voting rights (“variable interest entities” or “VIEs”) if we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of such entities.  We eliminate all significant intercompany balances and transactions in consolidation.

We use the equity method of accounting when we own an interest in an entity and can exert significant influence over the entity’s operations but cannot control the entity’s operations.

We use the cost method of accounting when we own an interest in an entity and cannot exert significant influence over its operations.

These interim financial statements should be read together with the financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary, in the opinion of management, to fairly present our financial position and results of operations.  All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accounting policies described in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Reclassifications

We reclassified certain amounts from prior periods to conform to the current period presentation of our consolidated financial statements with no effect on previously reported net income or equity.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to amend measurement and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements to improve consistency with International Financial Reporting Standards.  This guidance will be effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  We are in the process of evaluating this guidance but currently do not believe that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income that will require us to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity.  This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  We are in the process of evaluating this guidance but currently do not believe that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.