The following discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

- Revenues continue to improve as a result of drivers implemented by us, including:

- Our Customer Care Center, which answers sales inquiries and makes reservations for all of our properties on a centralized basis,

- The Uncle Bob's truck move-in program, under which, at present, 259 of our stores offer a free Uncle Bob's truck to assist our customers in moving into their spaces, and

- An increase in internet marketing and sales.

- In addition to increasing revenue, we have worked to improve services and amenities at our stores. While this has caused operating expenses to increase over the past five years, it has resulted in a superior storage experience for our customers. Our managers are better qualified and receive a significantly higher level of training than they did five years ago, customer access and security are greatly enhanced as a result of advances in technology, and property appearance and functionality have been improved.

- Our customized property management systems enable us to improve our ability to track trends, set optimal pricing levels, enjoy considerable economies of scale in vendor and supply pricing, and control collections and accounts receivable.

B. Acquiring additional stores:

- In conjunction with the joint venture agreement entered in late May 2008, potential acquisition opportunities over the first nine months of the agreement will be offered to the joint venture. The Company's acquisitions over this period will therefore be limited to facilities that do not fit the joint venture's investment objectives, but do meet ours.

- Our objective is to acquire new stores one or two at a time in markets we currently operate in. By so doing, we can add to our existing base, which should improve market penetration in those areas, and contribute to the benefits achieved from economies of scale.

- We may also enter new markets if we can do so by acquiring a group of stores in those markets. We feel that our marketing efforts and control systems would enhance even those portfolios that have been managed efficiently by independent operators, and that attractive returns can be generated by such acquisitions.

C. Expanding our management business:

- We see our management business as a source of future acquisitions. We may develop additional joint ventures in which we are minority owners and managers of the self-storage facilities acquired by these joint ventures. The joint venture agreements will give us first right of refusal to purchase the managed properties in the event they are offered for sale.

D. Expanding and enhancing our existing stores:

- Over the past four years, we have undertaken an announced program of expanding and enhancing our properties. Primarily, we have worked to add premium storage (i.e., air-conditioned and/or humidity controlled) space to our portfolio. In 2007, we expended approximately $25 million to add some 444,000 square feet of such space to our properties; in 2008, we spent approximately $26 million to add 403,000 square feet and to convert 95,000 square feet to premium storage. The program entailed construction of new buildings, acquisition of parcels of land contiguous to stores deemed suitable for expansion, and demolition of certain structures to make room for more optimally configured spaces. In 2009, we expect to curtail our expansion program with new expenditures of approximately $15 million on projects that began in 2008.

Supply and Demand
We believe the supply and demand model in the self-storage industry is micro market specific in that a majority of our business comes from within a five mile radius of our stores. The current turmoil in the credit markets has resulted in a decrease in new supply on a national basis. With the decrease of debt and equity capital brought about by the credit market tightening in the past year, we have seen capitalization rates on acquisitions (expected annual return on investment) increase to approximately 7.5% and expect continued increases in 2009. From 2003 to 2007 the historically low interest rates available to developers resulted in increased supply on a national basis. We experienced some of this excess supply in certain markets in Texas and Florida from 2003 to 2007, but because of the demand model, we did not see a widespread effect on our stores in those years. In 2008, the Florida market was negatively effected by the current economic downturn and we expect many markets will be effected in 2009 as consumers continue to pull back spending. Operating Trends
In 2008 and 2007, our industry experienced some softness in demand. This was due to the economic slowdown that began in late 2007, and in part to regional issues, such as the reduction of hurricane driven demand in Florida and the Gulf Coast states, and to an overall slowdown in the housing sector. We believe the housing slowdown has impacted our industry in two ways: 1.) a reduction in lease-up activity resulting from fewer residential real estate transactions (both buyers and sellers of residences use our product in times of transition) and 2.) a contraction of housing construction activity which has reduced the number of people working in the

construction trades (trades people are a measurable part of our usual tenant base.)
While we enjoyed same store revenue growth of approximately 3% to 5% in each of the prior five years, we were only able to achieve 0.5% same store revenue growth in 2008, primarily because of the aforementioned issues. We expect conditions in most of our markets to remain challenging and are forecasting -1% to -2% revenue growth on a same store basis in 2009.
Expenses related to operating a self-storage facility have increased substantially over the last five years as a result of expanded hours, increased health care costs, property insurance costs, and the costs of amenities (such as Uncle Bob's trucks). While we do not foresee further expansion of our cost base, we do expect the trend of increasing expenses to continue at a pace commensurate with CPI growth. Because almost all of our costs are fixed, should revenue growth fall significantly, operating margins will be reduced.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and the accompanying notes. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to carrying values of storage facilities, bad debts, and contingencies and litigation. We base these estimates on experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Carrying value of storage facilities: We believe our judgment regarding the impairment of the carrying value of our storage facilities is a critical accounting policy. Our policy is to assess any impairment of value whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a storage facility may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances would include negative operating cash flow or significant declining revenue per storage facility. Impairment is evaluated based upon comparing the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the storage facility, on a property by property basis. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. If cash flow projections are inaccurate and in the future it is determined that storage facility carrying values are not recoverable, impairment charges may be required at that time and could materially affect our operating results and financial position. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, no assets had been determined to be impaired under this policy.
Estimated useful lives of long-lived assets: We believe that the estimated lives used for our depreciable, long-lived assets is a critical accounting policy. Changes in estimated useful lives of these assets could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Qualification as a REIT: We operate, and intend to continue to operate, as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), but no assurance can be given that we will at all times so qualify. To the extent that we continue to qualify as a REIT, we will not be taxed, with certain limited exceptions, on the taxable income that is distributed to our shareholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, any requirement to pay federal income taxes could have a material adverse impact on our financial conditions and results of operations.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 We recorded rental revenues of $195.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of $8.6 million or 4.6% when compared to 2007 rental revenues of $186.6 million. Of the increase in rental revenue, $1.2 million resulted from a 0.7% increase in rental revenues at the 326 core properties considered in same store sales (those properties included in the consolidated results of operations since January 1, 2007). The increase in same store rental revenues was achieved primarily through rate increases on select units averaging 1.9%, offset by a decrease in square foot occupancy of 150 basis points, which we believe resulted from general economic conditions,

in particular the housing sector. The remaining $7.4 million increase in rental revenues resulted from the acquisition of three stores during 2008 and from having the 31 stores acquired in 2007 included for a full year of operations. Other income, which includes merchandise sales, insurance commissions, truck rentals, management fees and acquisition fees, increased in 2008 primarily as a result of $1.1 million of management and acquisition fees generated from our unconsolidated joint venture, Sovran HHF Storage Holdings LLC.
Property operating and real estate tax expense increased $5.1 million, or 7.3%, in 2008 compared to 2007. Of this increase, $2.7 million were expenses incurred by the facilities acquired in 2008 and from having expenses from the 2007 acquisitions included for a full year of operations. $2.4 million of the increase was due to increased payroll, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance expenses at the 326 core properties considered same stores. We expect same-store operating costs to increase only moderately in 2009 with increases primarily attributable to utilities and property taxes.
General and administrative expenses increased $2.0 million or 13.4% from 2007 to 2008. The increase primarily resulted from the costs associated with operating the properties acquired in 2008 and 2007, and from managing the 25 properties acquired by our joint venture in 2008.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $34.4 million in 2008 from $33.9 million in 2007, primarily as a result of additional depreciation taken on real estate assets acquired in 2008, and a full year of depreciation on 2007 acquisitions, offset by a decrease in amortization of in-place customers leases relating to these acquisitions.
Interest expense increased from $33.9 million in 2007 to $38.1 million in 2008 as a result of additional borrowings under our line of credit and term notes to purchase three stores in 2008, as well as an increase in interest rates as a result of our debt refinancing in June 2008.
As described in Note 5 to the financial statements, in 2008, the Company sold one non-strategic storage facility located in Michigan for net cash proceeds of $7.0 million resulting in a gain of $0.7 million. The 2007 operations of this facility are reported as discontinued operations.
The decrease in preferred stock dividends from 2007 to 2008 was a result of the conversion of all remaining 1,200,000 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock into 920,244 shares of common stock in July 2007.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 We recorded rental revenues of $186.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of $26.6 million or 16.6% when compared to 2006 rental revenues of $160.0 million. Of the increase in rental revenue, $4.8 million resulted from a 3.2% increase in rental revenues at the 284 core properties considered in same store sales (those properties included in the consolidated results of operations since January 1, 2006). The increase in same store rental revenues was achieved primarily through rate increases on select units averaging 4.4%, offset by a decrease in square foot occupancy of 175 basis points, which we believe resulted from general economic conditions, in particular the housing sector, and the return to normalcy in Florida after the hurricanes. As of April 1, 2006, the consolidated income statement includes the results of a previously unconsolidated joint venture (Locke Sovran I, LLC) that has been consolidated as a result of an additional investment in that entity by us. The rental income related to Locke Sovran I that was included in our results for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $1.7 million higher than that included in 2006 as a result of the consolidation in April 2006. The remaining $20.1 million increase in rental revenues resulted from the acquisition of 31 stores during 2007 and from having the 42 stores acquired in 2006 included for a full year of operations. Other income increased $0.9 million due to increased merchandise and insurance sales and the additional incidental revenue generated by truck rentals.
Property operating and real estate tax expense increased $10.7 million, or 18.1%, in 2007 compared to 2006. Of this increase, $8.2 million were expenses incurred by the facilities acquired in 2007 and from having expenses from the 2006 acquisitions included for a full year of operations. $1.9 million of the increase was due to increased property insurance, utilities, maintenance expenses, and increased property taxes at the 284 core properties

considered same stores. The property operating and real estate tax expense related to Locke Sovran I that was included in our results for the year ended December 31, 2007, was $0.6 million higher than that included in 2006 as a result of the consolidation in April 2006.
General and administrative expenses increased $1.1 million or 8.1% from 2006 to 2007. The increase primarily resulted from the costs associated with operating the properties acquired in 2007 and 2006.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $33.9 million in 2007 from $25.2 million in 2006, primarily as a result of additional depreciation taken on real estate assets acquired in 2007, a full year of depreciation on 2006 acquisitions, and the amortization of in-place customers leases relating to these acquisitions.
Interest expense increased from $29.5 million in 2006 to $33.9 million in 2007 as a result of higher interest rates, additional borrowings under our line of credit and term notes to purchase 31 stores in 2007, and the consolidation of Locke Sovran I, LLC as of April 1, 2006.
The casualty gain recorded in 2007 relates to insurance proceeds received in excess of the carrying value of a building damaged by a fire at one of our facilities.
The decrease in preferred stock dividends from 2006 to 2007 was a result of the conversion of all remaining 1,200,000 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock into 920,244 shares of common stock in July 2007.
FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS We believe that Funds from Operations ("FFO") provides relevant and meaningful information about our operating performance that is necessary, along with net earnings and cash flows, for an understanding of our operating results. FFO adds back historical cost depreciation, which assumes the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably in the future. In fact, real estate asset values increase or decrease with market conditions. Consequently, we believe FFO is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating our operating performance by disregarding (or adding back) historical cost depreciation.
FFO is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. ("NAREIT") as net income computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), excluding gains or losses on sales of properties, plus depreciation and amortization and after adjustments to record unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures on the same basis. We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO should be compared with our reported net income and cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our consolidated financial statements.
Our computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of our performance, as an alternative to net cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, or as an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Funds From Operations

                                                                  For Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)                    2008              2007              2006              2005              2004
Net income                             $ 37,399          $ 39,214          $ 36,610          $ 34,790          $ 32,004
Minority interest in income               2,284             2,631             2,434             1,529             1,542
Depreciation of real estate and
amortization of intangible
assets exclusive of deferred
financing fees                           34,421            33,851            25,121            21,040            19,002
Depreciation of real estate
included in discontinued
operations                                   46               185               184               182               263
Depreciation and amortization
from unconsolidated joint
ventures                                    333                59               168               484               473
Casualty gain                                 -              (114 )               -                 -                 -
Gain on sale of real estate                (716 )               -                 -                 -            (1,137 )
Preferred stock dividends                     -            (1,256 )          (2,512 )          (4,123 )          (7,168 )
Redemption amount in excess of
carrying value of Series B
Preferred Stock                               -                 -                 -                 -            (1,415 )
Funds from operations allocable
to minority interest in
Operating Partnership                    (1,366 )          (1,425 )          (1,450 )          (1,519 )          (1,333 )
Funds from operations allocable
to minority interest in Locke
Sovran I and Locke Sovran II             (1,564 )          (1,848 )          (1,785 )          (1,499 )          (1,475 )

Funds from operations available
to common shareholders                 $ 70,837          $ 71,297          $ 58,770          $ 50,884          $ 40,756

funds under those arrangements. As part of the agreements, we entered into a $250 million unsecured term note maturing in June 2012 bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.625%. The proceeds from this term note were used to repay the Company's previous line of credit that was to mature in September 2008, the Company's term note that was to mature in September 2009, the term note maturing in July 2008, and to provide for working capital. The new agreements also provide for a $125 million (expandable to $150 million) revolving line of credit maturing June 2011 bearing interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.375%, and requires a 0.25% facility fee. The revolving line of credit maturity can be extended at our option until June 2012. At December 31, 2008, there was $111 million available on the unsecured line of credit.
We also maintain a $80 million term note maturing September 2013 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 6.26%, a $20 million term note maturing September 2013 bearing interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%, and a $150 million unsecured term note maturing in April 2016 bearing interest at 6.38%.
In April 2006, the Company entered into a $150 million unsecured term note maturing in April 2016 bearing interest at 6.38%. The proceeds from this term note were used to pay down the outstanding balance on the Company's line of credit, to repay a $25 million term note entered in January 2006 and a $15 million term note entered in April 2006, and to make an additional investment into Locke Sovran I, LLC and Locke Sovran II, LLC (consolidated joint ventures). In December 2006, we issued 2.3 million shares of our common stock and realized net proceeds of $122.4 million. A portion of the proceeds were used to repay the entire outstanding balance on our line of credit that had been drawn on to finance acquisitions subsequent to April 2006. The remaining proceeds from the 2006 common stock offering were used along with 2007 borrowings under our line of credit to fund 2007 acquisitions.
The line of credit facility and term notes currently have investment grade ratings from Standard and Poor's (BBB-) and Fitch (BBB-).
Our line of credit and term notes require us to meet certain financial covenants, including prescribed leverage, fixed charge coverage, minimum net worth, limitations on additional indebtedness and limitations on dividend payouts. As of December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all covenants.
In addition to the unsecured financing mentioned above, our consolidated financial statements also include $109.3 million of mortgages payable as detailed below:
* 7.80% mortgage note due December 2011, secured by 11 self-storage facilities (Locke Sovran I) with an aggregate net book value of $43.8 million, principal and interest paid monthly. The outstanding balance at December 31, 2008 on this mortgage was $29.0 million.
* 7.19% mortgage note due March 2012, secured by 27 self-storage facilities (Locke Sovran II) with an aggregate net book value of $81.2 million, principal and interest paid monthly. The outstanding balance at December 31, 2008 on this mortgage was $42.6 million. . . .