form10q.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-07094

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC.

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

		MARYLAND	13-2711135
		(State or other jurisdiction	(I.R.S. Employer
		of incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

		190 EAST CAPITOL STREET
		SUITE 400
		JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI	39201
		(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

		Registrant’s telephone number: (601) 354-3555

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 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 whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer (x) Accelerated Filer ( ) 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)

The number of shares of common stock, $.0001 par value, outstanding as of April 24, 2012 was 28,264,303.

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2012

		Page
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Consolidated Balance Sheets, March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011	3

	Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	4

	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (unaudited)	5

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	6

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	13

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	24

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	25

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	25

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	26

Item 6.	Exhibits	26

SIGNATURES

Authorized signatures		27

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Real estate properties	$	1,569,459			1,550,444
Development		112,703			112,149
		1,682,162			1,662,593
Less accumulated depreciation		(464,873	)		(451,805	)
		1,217,289			1,210,788

Unconsolidated investment		2,846			2,757
Cash		205			174
Other assets		72,301			72,797
TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,292,641			1,286,516

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

LIABILITIES
Mortgage notes payable	$	672,393			628,170
Unsecured term loan payable		50,000			50,000
Notes payable to banks		118,917			154,516
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		19,885			31,205
Other liabilities		16,926			17,016
Total Liabilities		878,121			880,907

EQUITY
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common shares; $.0001 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 28,101,565 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and 27,658,059 at December 31, 2011		3			3
Excess shares; $.0001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued		–			–
Additional paid-in capital on common shares		637,635			619,386
Distributions in excess of earnings		(225,932	)		(216,560	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		411,706			402,829
Noncontrolling interest in joint ventures		2,814			2,780
Total Equity		414,520			405,609
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	1,292,641			1,286,516

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
REVENUES
Income from real estate operations	$	46,784			43,255
Other income		14			23
		46,798			43,278
EXPENSES
Expenses from real estate operations		13,101			12,460
Depreciation and amortization		15,929			14,247
General and administrative		3,116			2,969
Acquisition costs		19			–
		32,165			29,676
OPERATING INCOME		14,633			13,602
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense		(9,441	)		(8,878	)
Other		171			178
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		5,363			4,902

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Loss from real estate operations		(8	)		–
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax		167			–
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS		159			–

NET INCOME		5,522			4,902
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventures		(119	)		(110	)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS		5,403			4,792
Other comprehensive income		–			–
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	5,403			4,792

BASIC PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	$	.19			.18
Income from discontinued operations		.01			.00
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	.20			.18

Weighted average shares outstanding		27,647			26,809

DILUTED PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	$	.19			.18
Income from discontinued operations		.00			.00
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	.19			.18

Weighted average shares outstanding		27,718			26,873

AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	$	5,244			4,792
Income from discontinued operations		159			–
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	5,403			4,792


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)


			Additional			Distributions			Noncontrolling
	Common		Paid-In			In Excess			Interest in
	Stock		Capital			Of Earnings			Joint Ventures			Total

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2011	$	3		619,386			(216,560	)		2,780			405,609
Net income		–		–			5,403			119			5,522
Common dividends declared – $.52 per share		–		–			(14,775	)		–			(14,775	)
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures		–		1,492			–			–			1,492
Issuance of 368,158 shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses		–		17,516			–			–			17,516
Issuance of 1,068 shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan		–		53			–			–			53
Withheld 17,927 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock		–		(812	)		–			–			(812	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest		–		–			–			(85	)		(85	)
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2012	$	3		637,635			(225,932	)		2,814			414,520

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	5,522			4,902
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations		15,929			14,247
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations		17			–
Stock-based compensation expense		1,334			815
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued income and other assets		991			240
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid rent		(11,073	)		(6,067	)
Other		(300	)		(80	)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		12,420			14,057

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Real estate development		(12,584	)		(2,786	)
Purchases of real estate		(3,475	)		–
Real estate improvements		(3,902	)		(6,288	)
Proceeds from sales of real estate investments		539			–
Changes in accrued development costs		158			157
Changes in other assets and other liabilities		(2,475	)		(1,908	)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(21,739	)		(10,825	)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from bank borrowings		63,895			85,224
Repayments on bank borrowings		(99,494	)		(32,296	)
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable		54,000			–
Principal payments on mortgage notes payable		(9,736	)		(41,269	)
Debt issuance costs		(793	)		(34	)
Distributions paid to stockholders		(14,908	)		(13,972	)
Proceeds from common stock offerings		16,284			–
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		–			6
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan		64			61
Other		38			(981	)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES		9,350			(3,261	)


INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		31			(29	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		174			137
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	205			108

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized of $1,042 and $839 for 2012 and 2011, respectively	$	8,967			8,649
Fair value of common stock awards issued to employees and directors, net of forfeitures		4,492			3,536



See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of EastGroup Properties, Inc. (“EastGroup” or “the Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in the 2011 annual report on Form 10-K and the notes thereto.

Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2011 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2012 presentation.

(2) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EastGroup, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its investment in any joint ventures in which the Company has a controlling interest. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had a controlling interest in two joint ventures: the 80% owned University Business Center and the 80% owned Castilian Research Center. The Company records 100% of the joint ventures’ assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests provided for in accordance with the joint venture agreements. The equity method of accounting is used for the Company’s 50% undivided tenant-in-common interest in Industry Distribution Center II. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

(3) USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(4) REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES

EastGroup has one reportable segment – industrial properties. These properties are concentrated in major Sunbelt markets of the United States, primarily in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina, have similar economic characteristics and also meet the other criteria that permit the properties to be aggregated into one reportable segment.

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows (including estimated future expenditures necessary to substantially complete the asset) expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company determined that no impairment charges on the Company’s real estate properties were necessary.

Depreciation of buildings and other improvements, including personal property, is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of generally 40 years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for improvements and personal property. Building improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Significant renovations and improvements that improve or extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized. Depreciation expense for continuing and discontinued operations was $13,079,000 and $12,089,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company’s real estate properties at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Real estate properties:
Land	$	237,851			235,394
Buildings and building improvements		1,069,005			1,056,783
Tenant and other improvements		262,603			258,267
Development		112,703			112,149
		1,682,162			1,662,593
Less accumulated depreciation		(464,873	)		(451,805	)
	$	1,217,289			1,210,788

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(5) DEVELOPMENT

During the period in which a property is under development, costs associated with development (i.e., land, construction costs, interest expense, property taxes and other direct and indirect costs associated with development) are aggregated into the total capitalized costs of the property. Included in these costs are management’s estimates for the portions of internal costs (primarily personnel costs) deemed directly or indirectly related to such development activities. As the property becomes occupied, depreciation commences on the occupied portion of the building, and costs are capitalized only for the portion of the building that remains vacant. When the property becomes 80% occupied or one year after completion of the shell construction (whichever comes first), capitalization of development costs ceases. The properties are then transferred to real estate properties, and depreciation commences on the entire property (excluding the land).

(6) BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES

Upon acquisition of real estate properties, the Company applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations, which requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received. The Codification also provides guidance on how to properly determine the allocation of the purchase price among the individual components of both the tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values. Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management's determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models. The Company determines whether any financing assumed is above or below market based upon comparison to similar financing terms for similar properties. The cost of the properties acquired may be adjusted based on indebtedness assumed from the seller that is determined to be above or below market rates.

The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets: the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships. The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term, and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease. The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values. These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.

Amortization expense for in-place lease intangibles was $1,069,000 and $557,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization of above and below market leases decreased rental income by $120,000 and $100,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

During the first three months of 2012, EastGroup acquired Madison Distribution Center in Tampa for $3,475,000, of which $3,273,000 was allocated to real estate properties. The Company allocated $495,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Tampa market. The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (see Note 15 for additional information on ASC 820). Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows: $190,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $20,000 to above market leases (both included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets), and $8,000 to below market leases (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets). These costs are amortized over the remaining lives of the associated leases in place at the time of acquisition.

EastGroup expensed acquisition-related costs of $19,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The Company did not expense any acquisition-related costs during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of goodwill (at least annually) and the recoverability of other intangibles (on a quarterly basis) for possible impairment. In management’s opinion, no impairment of goodwill and other intangibles existed at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(7) REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE/DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company considers a real estate property to be held for sale when it meets the criteria established under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, including when it is probable that the property will be sold within a year. Real estate properties held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated while they are held for sale. In accordance with the guidelines established under the Codification, the results of operations for the properties sold or held for sale during the reported periods are shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Interest expense is not generally allocated to the properties held for sale or whose operations are included under Discontinued Operations unless the mortgage is required to be paid in full upon the sale of the property.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, EastGroup’s taxable REIT subsidiary sold two properties in Tampa, which collectively contain 10,500 square feet, for $578,000 and recognized an after-tax gain of $167,000 during the first quarter. The Company did not sell any real estate properties during 2011.

(8) OTHER ASSETS

A summary of the Company’s Other Assets follows:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)

Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$	40,549			39,297
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs		(17,064	)		(16,603	)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization		23,485			22,694

Straight-line rents receivable		21,429			20,959
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable		(448	)		(351	)
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts		20,981			20,608

Accounts receivable		3,670			3,949
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable		(536	)		(522	)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts		3,134			3,427

Acquired in-place lease intangibles		10,991			12,157
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles		(4,214	)		(4,478	)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization		6,777			7,679

Acquired above market lease intangibles		2,831			2,904
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles		(1,062	)		(929	)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization		1,769			1,975

Mortgage loans receivable		4,150			4,154
Discount on mortgage loans receivable		(41	)		(44	)
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount		4,109			4,110

Loan costs		8,376			7,662
Accumulated amortization of loan costs		(4,647	)		(4,433	)
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization		3,729			3,229

Goodwill		990			990
Prepaid expenses and other assets		7,327			8,085
	$	72,301			72,797

(9) ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

A summary of the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses follows:

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)

Property taxes payable	$	5,518		9,840
Development costs payable		6,086		5,928
Interest payable		2,958		2,736
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock		1,282		1,415
Other payables and accrued expenses		4,041		11,286
	$	19,885		31,205

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(10) OTHER LIABILITIES

A summary of the Company’s Other Liabilities follows:

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)

Security deposits	$	9,105		9,184
Prepaid rent and other deferred income		6,923		6,373
Other liabilities		898		1,459
	$	16,926		17,016

(11) EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company applies ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, which requires companies to present basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). Basic EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. The Company’s basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

Diluted EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and to each share that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The Company calculates diluted EPS by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and stock options had the options been exercised. The dilutive effect of stock options and their equivalents (such as unvested restricted stock) was determined using the treasury stock method which assumes exercise of the options as of the beginning of the period or when issued, if later, and assumes proceeds from the exercise of options are used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.

Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$	5,403		4,792
Denominator – weighted average shares outstanding		27,647		26,809
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$	5,403		4,792
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding		27,647		26,809
Common stock options		4		8
Unvested restricted stock		67		56
Total Shares		27,718		26,873

(12) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Equity Incentive Plan

In May 2004, the stockholders of the Company approved the EastGroup Properties, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) that authorized the issuance of up to 1,900,000 shares of common stock to employees in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock units, performance shares, bonus stock or stock in lieu of cash compensation. The Plan was further amended by the Board of Directors in September 2005 and December 2006. Total shares available for grant were 1,331,876 at March 31, 2012. Typically, the Company issues new shares to fulfill stock grants or upon the exercise of stock options.

Stock-based compensation cost was $1,492,000 and $794,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, of which $233,000 and $39,000 were capitalized as part of the Company’s development costs.

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Equity Awards

In March 2012, the Compensation Committee evaluated the Company’s performance compared to a variety of goals for the year ended December 31, 2011. Based on the evaluation, 44,789 shares were awarded to the Company’s executive officers at a weighted average grant date fair value of $48.75 per share. These shares vested 20% on the dates shares were determined and awarded and will vest 20% per year on January 1 of the subsequent four years. The shares will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period.

Also in March 2012, the Committee evaluated the Company’s absolute and relative total shareholder return for the five-year period ended December 31, 2011. Based on the evaluation, 47,418 shares were awarded to the Company’s executive officers at a grant date fair value of $48.75 per share. These shares vested 25% on the dates shares were determined and awarded and will vest 25% per year on January 1 in years 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to a special vesting provision adopted by the Company’s Compensation Committee, shares issued to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, David H. Hoster II, will become fully vested no later than January 1, 2015.

Following is a summary of the total restricted shares granted, forfeited and delivered (vested) to employees with the related weighted average grant date fair value share prices. Of the shares that vested in the first quarter of 2012, the Company withheld 17,927 shares to satisfy the tax obligations for those employees who elected this option as permitted under the applicable equity plan. As of the vesting date, the fair value of shares that vested during the first quarter of 2012 was $3,191,000.

Award Activity:	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period		235,929		$	38.90
Granted		92,207			48.75
Forfeited		–			–
Vested		(70,877	)		41.27
Unvested at end of period		257,259		$	41.77

Directors Equity Plan

The Company has a directors equity plan that was approved by stockholders and adopted in 2005 (the 2005 Plan), which authorizes the issuance of up to 50,000 shares of common stock through awards of shares and restricted shares granted to non-employee directors of the Company. The 2005 Plan was further amended by the Board of Directors in May 2006, May 2008 and May 2011. Stock-based compensation expense for directors was $75,000 and $60,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(13) RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The state of the overall economy can significantly impact the Company’s operational performance and thus impact its financial position. Should EastGroup experience a significant decline in operational performance, it may affect the Company’s ability to make distributions to its shareholders, service debt, or meet other financial obligations.

(14) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

EastGroup has evaluated all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs apply to the Company.

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, which provides guidance about how fair value should be applied where it is already required or permitted under U.S. GAAP. The ASU does not extend the use of fair value or require additional fair value measurements, but rather provides explanations about how to measure fair value. ASU 2011-04 requires prospective application and was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has adopted the provisions and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2012.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in equity and requires that all nonowner changes in equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 requires retrospective application and was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-05 and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2012.

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. Under this ASU, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2011-08 was effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has adopted the provisions and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2012.

(15) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also provides guidance for using fair value to measure financial assets and liabilities. The Codification requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, including measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active (Level 2), and significant valuation assumptions that are not readily observable in the market (Level 3).

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	205		205		174		174
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount		4,109		4,316		4,110		4,317
Financial Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable		672,393		721,420		628,170		674,462
Unsecured term loan payable		50,000		50,626		50,000		50,000
Notes payable to banks		118,917		118,492		154,516		153,521

Carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as indicated in the notes below.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.

Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount (included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets): The fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities (Level 2 input).

Mortgage notes payable: The fair value of the Company’s mortgage notes payable is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers (Level 2 input).

Unsecured term loan payable: The fair value of the Company’s unsecured term loan payable is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers (Level 2 input).

Notes payable to banks: The fair value of the Company’s notes payable to banks is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at current market rates (Level 2 input).

(16) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 2, 2012, the Company repaid a mortgage loan with a balance of $8.7 million, an interest rate of 7.98%, and a maturity date of June 1, 2012.

As of April 25, 2012, EastGroup issued and sold 143,213 shares of common stock under its continuous common equity program during the second quarter of 2012 at an average price of $50.62 per share with net proceeds to the Company of $7.2 million. The proceeds were used to reduce variable rate bank borrowings. As of April 25, 2012, the Company has 901,652 shares of common stock remaining to sell under the program.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

OVERVIEW

EastGroup’s goal is to maximize shareholder value by being a leading provider in its markets of functional, flexible and quality business distribution space for location sensitive tenants primarily in the 5,000 to 50,000 square foot range. The Company acquires, develops and operates distribution facilities, the majority of which are clustered around major transportation features in supply constrained submarkets in major Sunbelt regions. The Company’s core markets are in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina.

The operations of the Company improved during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period of 2011. Occupancy has stabilized and is currently improving, but the Company still experiences decreases in rental rates. The Company is able to obtain financing at attractive rates, but lenders’ underwriting standards have become stricter. The Company believes its current operating cash flow and lines of credit provide the capacity to fund the operations of the Company for the remainder of 2012. The Company also believes it can issue common and/or preferred equity and obtain mortgage financing from insurance companies and financial institutions as evidenced by the closing of a $54 million, non-recourse first mortgage loan in January 2012 and the continuous common equity offering program, which provided net proceeds to the Company of $17.5 million in the first quarter of 2012, as described in Liquidity and Capital Resources.

The Company’s primary revenue is rental income; as such, EastGroup’s primary challenge is leasing space. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, leases expired on 1,523,000 square feet (5.1%) of EastGroup’s total square footage of 30,120,000, and the Company was successful in renewing or re-leasing 86% of the expiring square feet. In addition, EastGroup leased 568,000 square feet of other vacant space during this period. During the first quarter of 2012, average rental rates on new and renewal leases decreased by 0.1%. Property net operating income from same properties increased 2.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the same quarter in 2011.

EastGroup’s total leased percentage was 94.5% at March 31, 2012, compared to 91.5% at March 31, 2011. Leases scheduled to expire for the remainder of 2012 were 11.2% of the portfolio on a square foot basis at March 31, 2012, and this figure was reduced to 8.7% as of April 24, 2012.

The Company generates new sources of leasing revenue through its acquisition and development programs. During the first three months of 2012, the Company acquired one operating property (72,000 square feet) in Tampa, Florida, and 28.5 acres of development land in Tampa, Florida, and Chandler (Phoenix), Arizona, for $6.2 million.

EastGroup continues to see targeted development as a contributor to the Company’s long-term growth. The Company mitigates risks associated with development through a Board-approved maximum level of land held for development and by adjusting development start dates according to leasing activity. During the first quarter of 2012, the Company began construction of one development project containing 88,000 square feet in Orlando. Also in the first quarter, EastGroup transferred two properties (184,000 square feet) in Houston from its development program to real estate properties with costs of $11.5 million at the date of transfer. As of March 31, 2012, EastGroup’s development program consisted of eight projects (475,000 square feet) located in Houston, Orlando and San Antonio. The projected total cost for the development projects, which were collectively 19% leased as of April 24, 2012, is $38.4 million, of which $10.3 million remained to be invested as of March 31, 2012.

During the first three months of 2012, the Company initially funded its acquisition and development programs through its $225 million lines of credit (as discussed in Liquidity and Capital Resources). As market conditions permit, EastGroup issues equity, including preferred equity, and/or employs fixed-rate debt to replace short-term bank borrowings.

EastGroup has one reportable segment – industrial properties. These properties are primarily located in major Sunbelt regions of the United States, have similar economic characteristics and also meet the other criteria permitting the properties to be aggregated into one reportable segment. The Company’s chief decision makers use two primary measures of operating results in making decisions: (1) property net operating income (PNOI), defined as income from real estate operations less property operating expenses (before interest expense and depreciation and amortization), and (2) funds from operations attributable to common stockholders (FFO), defined as net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of depreciable real estate property and impairment losses, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. The Company calculates FFO based on the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts’ (NAREIT) definition.

PNOI is a supplemental industry reporting measurement used to evaluate the performance of the Company’s real estate investments. The Company believes the exclusion of depreciation and amortization in the industry’s calculation of PNOI provides a supplemental indicator of the properties’ performance since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions. PNOI as calculated by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled but differently calculated measures for other real estate investment trusts (REITs). The major factors influencing PNOI are occupancy levels, acquisitions and sales, development properties that achieve stabilized operations, rental rate increases or decreases, and the recoverability of operating expenses. The Company’s success depends largely upon its ability to lease space and to recover from tenants the operating costs associated with those leases.

PNOI is comprised of Income from real estate operations, less Expenses from real estate operations. PNOI was calculated as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)

Income from real estate operations	$	46,784			43,255
Expenses from real estate operations		(13,101	)		(12,460	)
PROPERTY NET OPERATING INCOME	$	33,683			30,795

Income from real estate operations is comprised of rental income, pass-through income and other real estate income including lease termination fees. Expenses from real estate operations is comprised of property taxes, insurance, utilities, repair and maintenance expenses, management fees, other operating costs and bad debt expense. Generally, the Company’s most significant operating expenses are property taxes and insurance. Tenant leases may be net leases in which the total operating expenses are recoverable, modified gross leases in which some of the operating expenses are recoverable, or gross leases in which no expenses are recoverable (gross leases represent only a small portion of the Company’s total leases). Increases in property operating expenses are fully recoverable under net leases and recoverable to a high degree under modified gross leases. Modified gross leases often include base year amounts and expense increases over these amounts are recoverable. The Company’s exposure to property operating expenses is primarily due to vacancies and leases for occupied space that limit the amount of expenses that can be recovered.

The following table presents reconciliations of Net Income to PNOI for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
NET INCOME	$	5,522			4,902
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investment		(89	)		(86	)
Interest income		(82	)		(83	)
Other income		(14	)		(23	)
Gain on sales of land		–			(9	)
Income from discontinued operations		(159	)		–
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations		15,929			14,247
Interest expense		9,441			8,878
General and administrative expense		3,116			2,969
Acquisition costs		19			–
PROPERTY NET OPERATING INCOME	$	33,683			30,795

The Company believes FFO is a meaningful supplemental measure of operating performance for equity REITs. The Company believes excluding depreciation and amortization in the calculation of FFO is appropriate since real estate values have historically increased or decreased based on market conditions. FFO is not considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of the Company’s financial performance, nor is it a measure of the Company’s liquidity or indicative of funds available to provide for the Company’s cash needs, including its ability to make distributions. In addition, FFO, as reported by the Company, may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition. The Company’s key drivers affecting FFO are changes in PNOI (as discussed above), interest rates, the amount of leverage the Company employs and general and administrative expense. The following table presents reconciliations of Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders to FFO for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands, except per share data)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$	5,403			4,792
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations		15,929			14,247
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations		17			–
Depreciation from unconsolidated investment		33			33
Noncontrolling interest depreciation and amortization		(61	)		(54	)
FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (FFO) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$	21,321			19,018

Net income attributable to common stockholders per diluted share	$	.19			.18
Funds from operations (FFO) attributable to common stockholders per diluted share		.77			.71
Diluted shares for earnings per share and funds from operations		27,718			26,873

The Company analyzes the following performance trends in evaluating the progress of the Company:

The FFO change per share represents the increase or decrease in FFO per share from the current period compared to the same period in the prior year. FFO per share for the first quarter of 2012 was $.77 per share compared with $.71 per share for the same period of 2011, an increase of 8.5% per share.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, PNOI increased by $2,888,000, or 9.4%, compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to increases in PNOI of $1,696,000 from 2011 and 2012 acquisitions, $856,000 from same property operations and $338,000 from newly developed properties.

Same property net operating income change represents the PNOI increase or decrease for the same operating properties owned during the entire current period and prior year reporting period. PNOI from same properties increased 2.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period of 2011.

Occupancy is the percentage of leased square footage for which the lease term has commenced as compared to the total leasable square footage as of the close of the reporting period. Occupancy at March 31, 2012, was 94.0%. Quarter-end occupancy ranged from 90.5% to 94.0% over the period from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012.

·	Rental rate change represents the rental rate increase or decrease on new and renewal leases compared to the prior leases on the same space. Rental rate decreases on new and renewal leases (6.2% of total square footage) averaged 0.1% for the first quarter of 2012.

·	Termination fee income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $170,000 compared to $455,000 for the same period of 2011. Bad debt expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $223,000 compared to $134,000 for the same quarter last year.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company’s management considers the following accounting policies and estimates to be critical to the reported operations of the Company.

Real Estate Properties

The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets based on their respective fair values. Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management’s determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models. The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets: the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships. The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease. The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values. These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.

The Company reviews its real estate investments for impairment of value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If any real estate investment is considered permanently impaired, a loss is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the property to its estimated fair value. Real estate assets to be sold are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less selling costs. The evaluation of real estate investments involves many subjective assumptions dependent upon future economic events that affect the ultimate value of the property. Currently, the Company’s management knows of no impairment issues nor has it experienced any impairment issues in recent years. EastGroup currently has the intent and ability to hold its real estate investments and to hold its land inventory for future development. In the event of impairment, the property’s basis would be reduced, and the impairment would be recognized as a current period charge on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Valuation of Receivables

The Company is subject to tenant defaults and bankruptcies that could affect the collection of outstanding receivables. In order to mitigate these risks, the Company performs credit reviews and analyses on prospective tenants before significant leases are executed and on existing tenants before properties are acquired. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates outstanding receivables and estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts. Management specifically analyzes aged receivables, customer credit-worthiness, historical bad debts and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company believes its allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate for its outstanding receivables for the periods presented. In the event the allowance for doubtful accounts is insufficient for an account that is subsequently written off, additional bad debt expense would be recognized as a current period charge on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Tax Status

EastGroup, a Maryland corporation, has qualified as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code and intends to continue to qualify as such. To maintain its status as a REIT, the Company is required to distribute at least 90% of its ordinary taxable income to its stockholders. If the Company has a capital gain, it has the option of (i) deferring recognition of the capital gain through a tax-deferred exchange, (ii) declaring and paying a capital gain dividend on any recognized net capital gain resulting in no corporate level tax, or (iii) retaining and paying corporate income tax on its net long-term capital gain, with shareholders reporting their proportional share of the undistributed long-term capital gain and receiving a credit or refund of their share of the tax paid by the Company. The Company distributed all of its 2011 taxable income to its stockholders and expects to distribute all of its taxable income in 2012. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes was necessary in 2011, nor is any significant income tax provision expected to be necessary for 2012.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

EastGroup’s assets were $1,292,641,000 at March 31, 2012, an increase of $6,125,000 from December 31, 2011. Liabilities decreased $2,786,000 to $878,121,000, and equity increased $8,911,000 to $414,520,000 during the same period. The paragraphs that follow explain these changes in detail.

Assets

Real Estate Properties

Real Estate Properties increased $19,015,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to the purchase of the operating property detailed below, capital improvements at the Company’s properties and the transfer of two properties from Development, as detailed under Development below. These increases were offset by the sale of two properties in Tampa, which were held in the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiary, for $578,000; the Company recognized an after-tax gain of $167,000 in connection with the sale.

REAL ESTATE PROPERTY ACQUIRED IN 2012	Location	Size		Date Acquired	Cost (1)
		(Square feet)			(In thousands)
Madison Distribution Center	Tampa, FL		72,000	01/31/12	$	3,273

(1)

Total cost of the property acquired was $3,475,000, of which $3,273,000 was allocated to Real Estate Properties as indicated above. Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows: $190,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $20,000 to above market leases (both included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) and $8,000 to below market leases (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets). All of these costs are amortized over the remaining lives of the associated leases in place at the time of acquisition. During the first quarter of 2012, the Company expensed acquisition-related costs of $19,000.

The Company made capital improvements of $4,070,000 on existing and acquired properties (included in the Capital Expenditures table under Results of Operations). Also, the Company incurred costs of $512,000 on development properties subsequent to transfer to Real Estate Properties; the Company records these expenditures as development costs on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Development

EastGroup’s investment in development at March 31, 2012 consisted of properties in lease-up and under construction of $28,138,000 and prospective development (primarily land) of $84,565,000. The Company’s total investment in development at March 31, 2012 was $112,703,000 compared to $112,149,000 at December 31, 2011. Total capital invested for development during the first three months of 2012 was $12,584,000, which consisted of costs of $11,963,000 and $109,000 as detailed in the development activity table and costs of $512,000 on development properties subsequent to transfer to Real Estate Properties.

During the first quarter of 2012, EastGroup purchased 28.5 acres of development land in Tampa, Florida, and Chandler (Phoenix), Arizona, for $2,715,000. Costs associated with development land acquisitions are included in the development activity table. The Company transferred two development properties to Real Estate Properties during the first three months of 2012 with a total investment of $11,518,000 as of the date of transfer.

		Costs Incurred
DEVELOPMENT	Size	Costs Transferred in 2012(1)	For the Three Months Ended 3/31/12	Cumulative as of 3/31/12	Estimated Total Costs
	(Square feet)	(In thousands)

LEASE-UP
World Houston 31A, Houston, TX	44,000	$	–		208	4,051		4,600
Southridge IX, Orlando, FL	76,000		–		808	6,170		7,100
Total Lease-Up	120,000		–		1,016	10,221		11,700
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Thousand Oaks 1, San Antonio, TX	36,000		–		665	3,074		4,600
Thousand Oaks 2, San Antonio, TX	73,000		–		794	3,958		5,000
World Houston 31B, Houston, TX	35,000		–		1,154	2,514		3,900
Beltway Crossing IX, Houston, TX	45,000		–		608	1,749		2,500
Beltway Crossing X, Houston, TX	78,000		–		1,068	3,074		4,500
Southridge XI, Orlando, FL	88,000		2,298		1,250	3,548		6,200
Total Under Construction	355,000		2,298		5,539	17,917		26,700
PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPMENT (PRIMARILY LAND)
Phoenix, AZ	524,000		–		1,629	5,090		39,900
Tucson, AZ	70,000		–		–	417		4,900
Fort Myers, FL	659,000		–		108	17,311		48,100
Orlando, FL	1,426,000		(2,298	)	1,291	23,590		93,000
Tampa, FL	519,000		–		1,333	5,819		30,800
Jackson, MS	28,000		–		–	706		2,000
Charlotte, NC	95,000		–		18	1,264		7,100
Dallas, TX	70,000		–		16	780		4,100
El Paso, TX	251,000		–		–	2,444		9,600
Houston, TX	2,044,000		–		917	22,032		129,600
San Antonio, TX	484,000		–		96	5,112		32,200
Total Prospective Development	6,170,000		(2,298	)	5,408	84,565		401,300
	6,645,000	$	–		11,963	112,703		439,700
DEVELOPMENTS COMPLETED AND TRANSFERRED
TO REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES DURING 2012
Beltway Crossing VIII, Houston, TX	88,000	$	–		43	5,242
World Houston 32, Houston, TX	96,000		–		66	6,276
Total Transferred to Real Estate Properties	184,000	$	–		109	11,518	(2)

(1) Represents costs transferred from Prospective Development (primarily land) to Under Construction during the period.

(2) Represents cumulative costs at the date of transfer.

Accumulated Depreciation

Accumulated depreciation on real estate and development properties increased $13,068,000 during the first three months of 2012 due to depreciation expense.

Other Assets decreased $496,000 during the first quarter of 2012. A summary of Other Assets follows:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)

Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$	40,549			39,297
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs		(17,064	)		(16,603	)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization		23,485			22,694

Straight-line rents receivable		21,429			20,959
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable		(448	)		(351	)
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts		20,981			20,608

Accounts receivable		3,670			3,949
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable		(536	)		(522	)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts		3,134			3,427

Acquired in-place lease intangibles		10,991			12,157
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles		(4,214	)		(4,478	)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization		6,777			7,679

Acquired above market lease intangibles		2,831			2,904
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles		(1,062	)		(929	)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization		1,769			1,975

Mortgage loans receivable		4,150			4,154
Discount on mortgage loans receivable		(41	)		(44	)
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount		4,109			4,110

Loan costs		8,376			7,662
Accumulated amortization of loan costs		(4,647	)		(4,433	)
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization		3,729			3,229

Goodwill		990			990
Prepaid expenses and other assets		7,327			8,085
	$	72,301			72,797

Liabilities

Mortgage Notes Payable increased $44,223,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase resulted from a $54,000,000 mortgage loan executed by the Company in January 2012, offset by regularly scheduled principal payments of $6,273,000, the repayment of one mortgage of $3,463,000 and mortgage loan premium amortization of $41,000.

Notes Payable to Banks decreased $35,599,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012, as a result of repayments of $99,494,000 exceeding advances of $63,895,000. The Company’s credit facilities are described in greater detail under Liquidity and Capital Resources.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses decreased $11,320,000 during the first quarter of 2012. A summary of the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses follows:

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)

Property taxes payable	$	5,518		9,840
Development costs payable		6,086		5,928
Interest payable		2,958		2,736
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock		1,282		1,415
Other payables and accrued expenses		4,041		11,286
	$	19,885		31,205

Other Liabilities decreased $90,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012. A summary of the Company’s Other Liabilities follows:

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)

Security deposits	$	9,105		9,184
Prepaid rent and other deferred income		6,923		6,373
Other liabilities		898		1,459
	$	16,926		17,016

Equity

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Distributions in Excess of Earnings increased $9,372,000 as a result of dividends on common stock of $14,775,000 exceeding Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders of $5,403,000.

Additional Paid-In Capital increased $18,249,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase primarily resulted from the issuance of 368,158 shares of common stock under EastGroup’s continuous common equity program with net proceeds to the Company of $17,516,000. See Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the changes in Additional Paid-In Capital on Common Shares resulting from stock-based compensation.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Comments are for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.)

Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2012, was $5,403,000 ($.20 per basic and $.19 per diluted share) compared to $4,792,000 ($.18 per basic and diluted share) for the same period in 2011. PNOI increased by $2,888,000, or 9.4%, for the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to increases in PNOI of $1,696,000 from 2011 and 2012 acquisitions, $856,000 from same property operations and $338,000 from newly developed properties. Bad debt expense exceeded termination fee income by $53,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Termination fee income exceeded bad debt expense by $321,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Property expense to revenue ratios, defined as Expenses from Real Estate Operations as a percentage of Income from Real Estate Operations, were 28.0% and 28.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company’s percentage of leased square footage was 94.5% at March 31, 2012, compared to 91.5% at March 31, 2011. Occupancy at March 31, 2012 was 94.0% compared to 90.5% at March 31, 2011.

Interest Expense increased $563,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The following table presents the components of Interest Expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011			Increase (Decrease)
	(In thousands, except rates of interest)
Average bank borrowings	$	107,345			115,982			(8,637	)
Weighted average variable interest rates (excluding loan cost amortization)		1.52	%		1.46	%

VARIABLE RATE INTEREST EXPENSE
Bank loan interest (excluding loan cost amortization)	$	406			418			(12	)
Amortization of bank loan costs		86			77			9
Total variable rate interest expense		492			495			(3	)

FIXED RATE INTEREST EXPENSE
Mortgage loan interest (excluding loan cost amortization)		9,298			9,018			280
Unsecured term loan interest (excluding loan cost amortization)		486			–			486
Amortization of mortgage loan costs		197			204			(7	)
Amortization of unsecured term loan costs		10			–			10
Total fixed rate interest expense		9,991			9,222			769

Total interest		10,483			9,717			766
Less capitalized interest		(1,042	)		(839	)		(203	)

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE	$	9,441			8,878			563

EastGroup’s fixed rate interest expense increased by $769,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase was mainly due to increased fixed rate borrowings. The Company obtained an unsecured term loan in December 2011 which has a balance of $50,000,000, a fixed interest rate of 3.91%, and a seven year term. The Company expensed $486,000 for unsecured term loan interest in the first quarter of 2012 compared to zero for the first quarter of 2011. A listing of new mortgages and mortgages repaid in 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 follows:

NEW MORTGAGES IN 2011 AND 2012	Interest Rate			Date	Maturity Date	Amount

America Plaza, Central Green, Glenmont I & II, Interstate I, II & III, Rojas, Stemmons Circle, Venture, West Loop I & II and World Houston 3-9		4.75	%	05/31/11	06/05/21	$	65,000,000
Arion 18, Beltway VI & VII, Commerce Park II & III, Concord, Interstate V, VI & VII, Lakeview, Ridge Creek II, Southridge IV & V and World Houston 32		4.09	%	01/04/12	01/05/22		54,000,000
Weighted Average/Total Amount		4.45	%			$	119,000,000

MORTGAGE LOANS REPAID IN 2011 AND 2012	Interest Rate			Date Repaid	Payoff Amount
Butterfield Trail, Glenmont I & II, Interstate I, II & III, Rojas, Stemmons Circle, Venture and West Loop I & II		7.25	%	01/31/11	$	36,065,000
America Plaza, Central Green and World Houston 3-9		7.92	%	05/10/11		22,832,000
Oak Creek Distribution Center IV		5.68	%	03/01/12		3,463,000
Weighted Average/Total Amount		7.41	%		$	62,360,000

Interest costs incurred during the period of construction of real estate properties are capitalized and offset against interest expense. Capitalized interest increased $203,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the same quarter of 2011 due to increased activity in the Company’s development program.

Depreciation and Amortization expense from continuing operations increased $1,682,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011. Straight-lining of rent increased income by $525,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $564,000 for the same period in 2011.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for the Company’s operating properties for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Estimated Useful Life	2012		2011
		(In thousands)

Upgrade on Acquisitions	40 yrs	$	104		22
Tenant Improvements:
New Tenants	Lease Life		1,543		2,511
New Tenants (first generation) (1)	Lease Life		29		652
Renewal Tenants	Lease Life		970		1,186
Other:
Building Improvements	5-40 yrs		670		1,236
Roofs	5-15 yrs		589		91
Parking Lots	3-5 yrs		44		235
Other	5 yrs		121		22
Total Capital Expenditures		$	4,070		5,955

(1)	First generation refers to space that has never been occupied under EastGroup’s ownership.

Capitalized Leasing Costs

The Company’s leasing costs (principally commissions) are capitalized and included in Other Assets. The costs are amortized over the terms of the associated leases and are included in Depreciation and Amortization expense. Capitalized leasing costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Estimated Useful Life	2012		2011
		(In thousands)

Development	Lease Life	$	777		260
New Tenants	Lease Life		904		912
New Tenants (first generation) (1)	Lease Life		63		95
Renewal Tenants	Lease Life		851		815
Total Capitalized Leasing Costs		$	2,595		2,082

Amortization of Leasing Costs		$	1,798		1,601

(1)	First generation refers to space that has never been occupied under EastGroup’s ownership.

Discontinued Operations

The results of operations for the properties sold or held for sale during the periods reported are shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. During 2012, the Company sold two properties, Tampa East Distribution Center III and Tampa West Distribution Center VIII, in Tampa. During 2011, the Company did not sell any properties.

See Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to discontinued operations and gain on sales of real estate investments. The following table presents the components of revenue and expense for the properties sold or held for sale during 2012 and 2011.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Discontinued Operations	2012			2011
	(In thousands)

Income from real estate operations	$	15			–
Expenses from real estate operations		(6	)		–
Property net operating income from discontinued operations		9			–

Depreciation and amortization		(17	)		–

Loss from real estate operations		(8	)		–
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax		167			–

Income from discontinued operations	$	159			–

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

EastGroup has evaluated all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs apply to the Company.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operating activities was $12,420,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The primary other sources of cash were from bank borrowings, proceeds from mortgage notes payable and proceeds from common stock offerings. The Company distributed $14,908,000 in common stock dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Other primary uses of cash were for bank debt repayments, the construction and development of properties, mortgage note repayments, capital improvements at various properties and the acquisition of properties.

Total debt at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is detailed below. The Company’s bank credit facilities and unsecured term loan have certain restrictive covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage and leverage ratios and maintaining insurance coverage, and the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Mortgage notes payable – fixed rate	$	672,393		628,170
Unsecured term loan payable – fixed rate		50,000		50,000
Notes payable to banks – variable rate		118,917		154,516
Total debt	$	841,310		832,686

EastGroup has a $200 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of seven banks that matures in January 2013. The interest rate on the facility is based on the LIBOR index and varies according to total liability to total asset value ratios (as defined in the credit agreement), with an annual facility fee of 15 to 20 basis points. The interest rate on each tranche is usually reset on a monthly basis and as of March 31, 2012, was LIBOR plus 85 basis points with an annual facility fee of 20 basis points. At March 31, 2012, the weighted average interest rate was 1.100% on a balance of $116,000,000.

EastGroup also has a $25 million unsecured revolving credit facility with PNC Bank, N.A. that matures in January 2013. The interest rate on this facility is based on the LIBOR index and varies according to total liability to total asset value ratios (as defined in the credit agreement), with no annual facility fee. The interest rate is reset on a daily basis and as of March 31, 2012, was LIBOR plus 165 basis points. At March 31, 2012, the interest rate was 1.891% on a balance of $2,917,000.

As market conditions permit, EastGroup issues equity, including preferred equity, and/or employs fixed-rate debt to replace the short-term bank borrowings. Even though mortgage loan proceeds as a percentage of property values have decreased and lenders’ underwriting standards have become stricter, the Company is able to obtain financing at attractive amounts and rates. The Company believes its current operating cash flow and lines of credit provide the capacity to fund the operations of the Company for the remainder of 2012. The Company also believes it can obtain mortgage financing from insurance companies and financial institutions and issue common and/or preferred equity.

On January 4, 2012, EastGroup closed a $54 million, non-recourse first mortgage loan with a fixed interest rate of 4.09%, a 10-year term and a 20-year amortization schedule. The loan is secured by properties containing 1.4 million square feet. The Company used the proceeds of this mortgage loan to reduce variable rate bank borrowings.

On March 1, 2012, the Company repaid a mortgage loan with a balance of $3.5 million, an interest rate of 5.68%, and a maturity date of June 1, 2012. Subsequent to quarter-end, EastGroup repaid a mortgage loan with a balance of $8.7 million, an interest rate of 7.98%, and a maturity date of June 1, 2012.

In March 2011, the Company entered into Sales Agency Financing Agreements (the “Agreements”) with BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell up to two million shares of its common stock from time to time. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, EastGroup issued and sold 368,158 shares of common stock at an average price of $48.21 per share with gross proceeds to the Company of $17,751,000. The Company incurred offering-related costs of $235,000, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $17,516,000 which were used to reduce variable rate bank borrowings.

As of April 25, 2012, EastGroup issued and sold 143,213 shares of common stock under its continuous common equity program during the second quarter of 2012 at an average price of $50.62 per share with net proceeds to the Company of $7.2 million. The proceeds were used to reduce variable rate bank borrowings. Total shares sold since the start of the continuous equity program in July 2011 were 1,098,348 shares at an average price of $46.16 per share. As of April 25, 2012, the Company has 901,652 shares of common stock remaining to sell under the program.

The Company anticipates that its current cash balance, operating cash flows, borrowings under its lines of credit, proceeds from new mortgage debt and/or proceeds from the issuance of equity instruments will be adequate for (i) operating and administrative expenses, (ii) normal repair and maintenance expenses at its properties, (iii) debt service obligations, (iv) maintaining compliance with its debt covenants, (v) distributions to stockholders, (vi) capital improvements, (vii) purchases of properties, (viii) development, and (ix) any other normal business activities of the Company, both in the short and long-term.

Contractual Obligations

EastGroup’s fixed, noncancelable obligations as of December 31, 2011, did not materially change during the three months ended March 31, 2012, except for the increase in Mortgage Notes Payable and decrease in Notes Payable to Banks discussed above.

INFLATION AND OTHER ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Most of the Company's leases include scheduled rent increases. Additionally, most of the Company's leases require the tenants to pay their pro rata share of operating expenses, including real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance, thereby reducing the Company's exposure to increases in operating expenses resulting from inflation. In the event inflation causes increases in the Company’s general and administrative expenses or the level of interest rates, such increased costs would not be passed through to tenants and could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

EastGroup's financial results are affected by general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company's properties are located. The current state of the economy, or other adverse changes in general or local economic conditions, could result in the inability of some of the Company's existing tenants to make lease payments and may therefore increase bad debt expense. It may also impact the Company’s ability to (i) renew leases or re-lease space as leases expire, or (ii) lease development space. In addition, the economic downturn or recession could also lead to an increase in overall vacancy rates or decline in rents the Company can charge to re-lease properties upon expiration of current leases. In all of these cases, EastGroup’s cash flows would be adversely affected.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of its lines of credit and long-term debt maturities. This debt is used to maintain liquidity and fund capital expenditures and expansion of the Company’s real estate investment portfolio and operations. The Company’s objective for interest rate risk management is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower its overall borrowing costs. To achieve its objectives, the Company borrows at fixed rates but also has two variable rate bank lines as discussed under Liquidity and Capital Resources. The table below presents the principal payments due and weighted average interest rates for both the fixed rate and variable rate debt.

	April – December 2012			2013			2014			2015			2016			Thereafter			Total			Fair Value
Fixed rate mortgage debt (in thousands)	$	60,528			62,014			98,920			102,287			92,716			255,928			672,393			721,420	(1)
Weighted average interest rate		6.58	%		5.07	%		5.66	%		5.36	%		5.79	%		5.27	%		5.51	%

Fixed rate unsecured term loan (in thousands)	$	–			–			–			–			–			50,000			50,000			50,626	(1)
Weighted average interest rate		–			–			–			–			–			3.91	%		3.91	%

Variable rate debt (in thousands)	$	–			118,917	(2)		–			–			–			–			118,917			118,492	(3)
Weighted average interest rate		–			1.12	%		–			–			–			–			1.12	%

(1)	The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers.

(2)	The variable rate debt matures in January 2013 and is comprised of two lines of credit with balances of $116,000,000 on the $200 million line of credit and $2,917,000 on the $25 million working capital line of credit as of March 31, 2012.

(3)	The fair value of the Company’s variable rate debt is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at current market rates.

As the table above incorporates only those exposures that existed as of March 31, 2012, it does not consider those exposures or positions that could arise after that date. If the weighted average interest rate on the variable rate bank debt as shown above changes by 10% or approximately 11 basis points, interest expense and cash flows would increase or decrease by approximately $133,000 annually.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this report may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, development activity, the acquisition or sale of properties, general conditions in the geographic areas where the Company operates and the availability of capital, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which the Company cannot predict, including, without limitation: changes in general economic conditions; the extent of tenant defaults or of any early lease terminations; the Company's ability to lease or re-lease space at current or anticipated rents; the availability of financing; changes in the supply of and demand for industrial/warehouse properties; increases in interest rate levels; increases in operating costs; natural disasters, terrorism, riots and acts of war, and the Company's ability to obtain adequate insurance; changes in governmental regulation, tax rates and similar matters; and other risks associated with the development and acquisition of properties, including risks that development projects may not be completed on schedule, development or operating costs may be greater than anticipated or acquisitions may not close as scheduled, and those additional factors discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of this report and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions at the time made, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will be achieved. The Company assumes no obligation whatsoever to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. See also the information contained in the Company’s reports filed or to be filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(i) Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings.

(ii) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the Company's first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in EastGroup’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. For a full description of these risk factors, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Period

Total Number

of Shares Purchased

Average Price Paid Per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

01/01/12 thru 01/31/12

11,880

(1)

43.48

–

02/01/12 thru 02/29/12

–

03/01/12 thru 03/31/12

6,047

(1)

48.76

–

(2)

Total

17,927

45.26

–

(1)

As permitted under the Company's equity compensation plans, these shares were withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding obligations for those employees who elected this option in connection with the vesting of shares of restricted stock. Shares withheld for tax withholding obligations do not affect the total number of remaining shares available for repurchase under the Company’s common stock repurchase plan.

(2)

During the first quarter of 2012, EastGroup's Board of Directors terminated its previous plan which authorized the repurchase of up to 1,500,000 shares of its outstanding common stock. Under the common stock repurchase plan, the Company purchased a total of 827,700 shares for $14,170,000 (an average of $17.12 per share). The Company has not repurchased any shares under this plan since 2000.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

(a)	Form 10-Q Exhibits:

	(31)	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

		(a)	David H. Hoster II, Chief Executive Officer

		(b)	N. Keith McKey, Chief Financial Officer

	(32)	Section 1350 Certifications (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

		(a)	David H. Hoster II, Chief Executive Officer

		(b)	N. Keith McKey, Chief Financial Officer

	(101)	The following materials from EastGroup Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
		the quarter ended March 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):
		(i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income,
		(iii) consolidated statement of changes in equity, (iv) consolidated statements of cash flows, and
		(v) the notes to the consolidated financial statements.**

		** 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 Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability
		under those sections.

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.

Date: April 25, 2012

		EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC.

		/s/ BRUCE CORKERN
		Bruce Corkern, CPA
		Senior Vice President, Controller and
		Chief Accounting Officer

		/s/ N. KEITH MCKEY
		N. Keith McKey, CPA
		Executive Vice President,
		Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES [Abstract]
Amortization expense for lease intangibles	$ 1,069,000	$ 557,000
Above and below market leases Increase (decrease) rental Income	(120,000)	(100,000)
Business Acquisiton [Line Items]
Acquisition-related costs expensed	19,000
Madison Distribution Center [Member]
Business Acquisiton [Line Items]
Total cost of properties purchased	3,475,000
Amount of total cost allocated to real estate properties	3,273,000
Amount of total cost allocated to land	495,000
Madison Distribution Center [Member] \| Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Business Acquisiton [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate	190,000
Madison Distribution Center [Member] \| Leases, Above Market [Member]
Business Acquisiton [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate	20,000
Madison Distribution Center [Member] \| Leases, Below Market [Member]
Business Acquisiton [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate	$ 8,000

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2012
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION [Abstract]
Consolidation Policy	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EastGroup, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its investment in any joint ventures in which the Company has a controlling interest. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had a controlling interest in two joint ventures: the 80% owned University Business Center and the 80% owned Castilian Research Center. The Company records 100% of the joint ventures' assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests provided for in accordance with the joint venture agreements. The equity method of accounting is used for the Company's 50% undivided tenant-in-common interest in Industry Distribution Center II. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES [Abstract]
Depreciation Expense During the Period	$ 13,079,000	$ 12,089,000
Estimated useful lives for buildings (in years)	40
Estimated useful lives of improvements and personal property - minimum (in years)	3
Estimated useful lives of improvements and personal property - maximum (in years)	15
Real estate properties component balances [Abstract]
Land	237,851,000		235,394,000
Buildings and building improvements	1,069,005,000		1,056,783,000
Tenant and other improvements	262,603,000		258,267,000
Development	112,703,000		112,149,000
Real estate and development properties	1,682,162,000		1,662,593,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(464,873,000)		(451,805,000)
Real estate, net	$ 1,217,289,000		$ 1,210,788,000

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 25, 2012
Common stock issuance - Continous common equity program [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent event date	April 25, 2012
Common shares issued and sold (in shares)	143,213
Average price (in dollars per share)	$ 50.62
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		$ 7,200,000.0
Common stock remaining to sell under the program (in shares)		901,652
Repayment of mortgage loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Loan balance repayment	$ 8,700,000.0
Interest rate	7.98%
Maturity date	Jun. 01, 2012
Subsequent event date	April 2, 2012

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	Mar. 31, 2012
BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited financial statements of EastGroup Properties, Inc. ("EastGroup" or "the Company") have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in the 2011 annual report on Form 10-K and the notes thereto. Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2011 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2012 presentation.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer	Exhibit 31(a)
EastGroup Properties, Inc.

	/s/ DAVID H. HOSTER II
	DAVID H. HOSTER II
	Chief Executive Officer
	April 25, 2012

Certification of Chief Financial Officer	Exhibit 31(b)
EastGroup Properties, Inc.

	/s/ N. KEITH MCKEY
	N. KEITH MCKEY
	Chief Financial Officer
	April 25, 2012

Certification of Chief Executive Officer	Exhibit 32(a)
EastGroup Properties, Inc.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer	Exhibit 32(b)
EastGroup Properties, Inc.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial Assets
Cash	$ 205	$ 174
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash	205	174
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	4,109	4,110
Financial Liabilities
Mortgage notes payable Fair Value Disclosure	672,393	628,170
Unsecured term loan payable	50,000	50,000
Notes payable To Banks Fair Value Disclosure	118,917	154,516
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash	205	174
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	4,316	4,317
Financial Liabilities
Mortgage notes payable Fair Value Disclosure	721,420	674,462
Unsecured term loan payable	50,626	50,000
Notes payable To Banks Fair Value Disclosure	$ 118,492	$ 153,521

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of accounts payable and accrued expenses [Abstract]
Property taxes payable	$ 5,518	$ 9,840
Development costs payable	6,086	5,928
Interest payable	2,958	2,736
Dividends payable on nonvested restricted stock	1,282	1,415
Other payables and accrued expenses	4,041	11,286
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 19,885	$ 31,205

OTHER LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Liabilities Components [Abstract]
Security deposits	$ 9,105	$ 9,184
Prepaid rent and other deferred income	6,923	6,373
Other liabilities	898	1,459
Other Liabilities - total	$ 16,926	$ 17,016

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Real Estate Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations [Policy Text Block]	The Company considers a real estate property to be held for sale when it meets the criteria established under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, including when it is probable that the property will be sold within a year. Real estate properties held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated while they are held for sale. In accordance with the guidelines established under the Codification, the results of operations for the properties sold or held for sale during the reported periods are shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Interest expense is not generally allocated to the properties held for sale or whose operations are included under Discontinued Operations unless the mortgage is required to be paid in full upon the sale of the property.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS [Abstract]
Numerator - net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 5,403	$ 4,792
Denominator - weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	27,647	26,809
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS [Abstract]
Numerator - net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 5,403	$ 4,792
Denominator - weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	27,647	26,809
Common stock options (in shares)	4	8
Nonvested restricted stock (in shares)	67	56
Total Shares	27,718	26,873

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest, amount capitalized	$ 1,042	$ 839

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Decimal Integer
REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Number of real estate properties transferred to held for sale and sold	2
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	10,500
Property sales price	$ 578,000
Gains on Sales of Investment Real Estate, net of tax	$ 167,000

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Real estate properties	$ 1,569,459	$ 1,550,444
Development	112,703	112,149
Real estate and development properties	1,682,162	1,662,593
Less accumulated depreciation	(464,873)	(451,805)
Real estate, net	1,217,289	1,210,788
Unconsolidated investment	2,846	2,757
Cash	205	174
Other assets	72,301	72,797
TOTAL ASSETS	1,292,641	1,286,516
LIABILITIES
Mortgage notes payable	672,393	628,170
Unsecured term loan payable	50,000	50,000
Notes payable to banks	118,917	154,516
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	19,885	31,205
Other liabilities	16,926	17,016
Total Liabilities	878,121	880,907
Stockholders' Equity:
Common shares; $.0001 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 28,101,565 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and 27,658,059 at December 31, 2011	3	3
Excess shares; $.0001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	0	0
Additional paid-in capital on common shares	637,635	619,386
Distributions in excess of earnings	(225,932)	(216,560)
Total Stockholders' Equity	411,706	402,829
Noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	2,814	2,780
Total Equity	414,520	405,609
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 1,292,641	$ 1,286,516

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Management Incentive Plan 2004 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized shares of common stock (in shares)	1,900,000
Shares available for grant (in shares)	1,331,876
Stock-based compensation cost	$ 1,492,000	$ 794,000
Stock-based compensation costs capitalized as development costs	233,000	39,000
Management Incentive Plan 2004 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share awards granted (in shares)	92,207
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 48.75
Shares withheld for tax obligations (in shares)	17,927
Fair value of shares vested	3,191,000
Restricted Stock Activity [Roll Forward]
Nonvested at Start of period (in shares)	235,929
Granted (in shares)	92,207
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Vested (in shares)	(70,877)
Nonvested at end of period (in shares)	257,259
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested at beginning of period (per share)	$ 38.90
Granted (per share)	$ 48.75
Forfeited (per share)	$ 0.00
Vested (per share)	$ 41.27
Nonvested at end of period (per share)	$ 41.77
Management Incentive Plan 2004 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| Company Performance Awards [Member] \| Executive Officers [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share awards granted (in shares)	44,789
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 48.75
Vesting Rights	shares vested 20% on the dates shares were determined and awarded and will vest 20% per year on January 1 of the subsequent four years
Restricted Stock Activity [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	44,789
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (per share)	$ 48.75
Management Incentive Plan 2004 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| Shareholder Return Awards [Member] \| Executive Officers [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share awards granted (in shares)	47,418
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 48.75
Vesting Rights	shares vested 25% on the dates shares were determined and awarded and will vest 25% per year on January 1 in years 2013, 2014 and 2015
Restricted Stock Activity [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	47,418
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (per share)	$ 48.75
Directors Equity Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized shares of common stock (in shares)	50,000
Stock-based compensation cost	$ 75,000	$ 60,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholder's Equity
Common dividends declared - per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52
Issuance of shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses (in shares)	368,158
Issuance of shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)	1,068
Withheld shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock (in shares)	17,927

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	3 Months Ended
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	Mar. 31, 2012
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	(14) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS EastGroup has evaluated all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs apply to the Company. 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, which provides guidance about how fair value should be applied where it is already required or permitted under U.S. GAAP. The ASU does not extend the use of fair value or require additional fair value measurements, but rather provides explanations about how to measure fair value. ASU 2011-04 requires prospective application and was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has adopted the provisions and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2012. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in equity and requires that all nonowner changes in equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 requires retrospective application and was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-05 and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2012. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. Under this ASU, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2011-08 was effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has adopted the provisions and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2012.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (Details)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
University Business Center [Member]
Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Joint venture ownership interest (in hundredths)	80.00%	80.00%
Joint ventures' assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%
Castilian Research Center [Member]
Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Joint venture ownership interest (in hundredths)	80.00%	80.00%
Joint ventures' assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%
Industry Distribution Center II [Member]
Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Tenant-in-common interest (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	Mar. 31, 2012
SubsequentEventsAbstract
Subsequent Events	(16) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On April 2, 2012, the Company repaid a mortgage loan with a balance of $8.7 million, an interest rate of 7.98%, and a maturity date of June 1, 2012. As of April 25, 2012, EastGroup issued and sold 143,213 shares of common stock under its continuous common equity program during the second quarter of 2012 at an average price of $50.62 per share with net proceeds to the Company of $7.2 million. The proceeds were used to reduce variable rate bank borrowings. As of April 25, 2012, the Company has 901,652 shares of common stock remaining to sell under the program.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 5,522	$ 4,902
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations	15,929	14,247
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations	17	0
Stock-based compensation expense	1,334	815
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued income and other assets	991	240
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid rent	(11,073)	(6,067)
Other	(300)	(80)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	12,420	14,057
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Real estate development	(12,584)	(2,786)
Purchases of real estate	(3,475)	0
Real estate improvements	(3,902)	(6,288)
Proceeds from sales of real estate investments	539	0
Changes in accrued development costs	(158)	(157)
Changes in other assets and other liabilities	(2,475)	(1,908)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(21,739)	(10,825)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from bank borrowings	63,895	85,224
Repayments on bank borrowings	(99,494)	(32,296)
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable	54,000	0
Principal payments on mortgage notes payable	(9,736)	(41,269)
Debt issuance costs	(793)	(34)
Distributions paid to stockholders	(14,908)	(13,972)
Proceeds from common stock offerings	16,284	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	6
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan	64	61
Other	38	(981)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	9,350	(3,261)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	31	(29)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	174	137
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	205	108
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized of $1,042 and $839 for 2012 and 2011, respectively	8,967	8,649
Fair value of common stock awards issued to employees and directors, net of forfeitures	$ 4,492	$ 3,536

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract]
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common shares, authorized (in shares)	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common shares, issued (in shares)	28,101,565	27,658,059
Common shares, outstanding (in shares)	28,101,565	27,658,059
Excess shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Excess shares, authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Excess shares, issued (in shares)	0	0

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 24, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EastGroup Properties Inc
Entity Central Index Key	0000049600
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,104,183,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28,264,303
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Unaudited (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
REVENUES
Income from real estate operations	$ 46,784	$ 43,255
Other income	14	23
Revenues	46,798	43,278
EXPENSES
Expenses from real estate operations	13,101	12,460
Depreciation and amortization	15,929	14,247
General and administrative	3,116	2,969
Acquisition costs	19	0
Expenses	32,165	29,676
OPERATING INCOME	14,633	13,602
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(9,441)	(8,878)
Other	171	178
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	5,363	4,902
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Income (loss) from real estate operations	(8)	0
Gain on sales of real estate investments	167	0
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	159	0
NET INCOME	5,522	4,902
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	(119)	(110)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	5,403	4,792
Other comprehensive income	0	0
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	5,403	4,792
BASIC PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.18
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.00
Net income attributable to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.18
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	27,647	26,809
DILUTED PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.18
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Net income attributable to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.18
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	27,718	26,873
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	5,244	4,792
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	159	0
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 5,403	$ 4,792

USE OF ESTIMATES	3 Months Ended
USE OF ESTIMATES	Mar. 31, 2012
USE OF ESTIMATES [Abstract]
USE OF ESTIMATES	(3) USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

DEVELOPMENT	3 Months Ended
DEVELOPMENT	Mar. 31, 2012
DEVELOPMENT [Abstract]
Development	(5) DEVELOPMENT During the period in which a property is under development, costs associated with development (i.e., land, construction costs, interest expense, property taxes and other direct and indirect costs associated with development) are aggregated into the total capitalized costs of the property. Included in these costs are management's estimates for the portions of internal costs (primarily personnel costs) deemed directly or indirectly related to such development activities. As the property becomes occupied, depreciation commences on the occupied portion of the building, and costs are capitalized only for the portion of the building that remains vacant. When the property becomes 80% occupied or one year after completion of the shell construction (whichever comes first), capitalization of development costs ceases. The properties are then transferred to real estate properties, and depreciation commences on the entire property (excluding the land).

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES	3 Months Ended
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES	Mar. 31, 2012
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES [Abstract]
Risks and Uncertainties	(13) RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The state of the overall economy can significantly impact the Company's operational performance and thus impact its financial position. Should EastGroup experience a significant decline in operational performance, it may affect the Company's ability to make distributions to its shareholders, service debt, or meet other financial obligations.

USE OF ESTIMATES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
USE OF ESTIMATES (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2012
USE OF ESTIMATES [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

OTHER ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Other Assets [Abstract]
Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$ 40,549	$ 39,297
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(17,064)	(16,603)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	23,485	22,694
Straight-line rents receivable	21,429	20,959
Straight-line rent receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	(448)	(351)
Straight-line rent receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	20,981	20,608
Accounts receivable	3,670	3,949
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(536)	(522)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	3,134	3,427
Acquired in-place lease intangibles	10,991	12,157
Acquired in place lease intangibles, accumulated amortization	(4,214)	(4,478)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	6,777	7,679
Acquired above market lease intangibles	2,831	2,904
Accumulated amortization - Acquired above market lease intangibles	(1,062)	(929)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,769	1,975
Mortgage loans receivable	4,150	4,154
Discount - Mortgage loans receivable	(41)	(44)
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	4,109	4,110
Loan costs	8,376	7,662
Accumulated amortization of loan costs	(4,647)	(4,433)
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	3,729	3,229
Goodwill	990	990
Prepaid expenses and other assets	7,327	8,085
Other Assets Total	$ 72,301	$ 72,797

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Unaudited (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Distributions in Excess of Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures	Total
BEGINNING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 3	$ 619,386	$ (216,560)	$ 2,780	$ 405,609
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	0	0	5,403	119	5,522
Common dividends declared - per share	0	0	(14,775)	0	(14,775)
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	0	1,492	0	0	1,492
Stock Issued During Period Value New Issues	0	17,516	0	0	17,516
Stock Issued During Period Value Dividend Reinvestment Plan	0	53	0	0	53
Withheld shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock	0	(812)	0	0	(812)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	(85)	(85)
ENDING BALANCE at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 3	$ 637,635	$ (225,932)	$ 2,814	$ 414,520

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION	3 Months Ended
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION	Mar. 31, 2012
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	(2) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EastGroup, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its investment in any joint ventures in which the Company has a controlling interest. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had a controlling interest in two joint ventures: the 80% owned University Business Center and the 80% owned Castilian Research Center. The Company records 100% of the joint ventures' assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests provided for in accordance with the joint venture agreements. The equity method of accounting is used for the Company's 50% undivided tenant-in-common interest in Industry Distribution Center II. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.