ROUSE COMPANY
10-K, 1997-04-04
OPERATORS OF NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
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<PAGE>

THIS DOCUMENT IS A COPY OF THE FORM 10-K FILED ON MARCH 31, 1997 PURSUANT TO A 
                     RULE 201 TEMPORARY HARDSHIP EXEMPTION


 
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, DC  20549
                                   FORM 10-K

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) 
             OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)

                  For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
                                       OR
[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
            OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

                           COMMISSION FILE NO 0-1743

                               THE ROUSE COMPANY
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

              MARYLAND                                52-0735512
 ----------------------------------                -------------------  
  (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                   (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                  IDENTIFICATION NO.)

      10275 LITTLE PATUXENT PARKWAY
          COLUMBIA, MARYLAND                            21044-3456
 ----------------------------------------               ----------
 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)               (ZIP CODE)

  Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (410) 992-6000
                                                      --------------

  Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                         NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS                                       ON WHICH REGISTERED
- -------------------                                      ---------------------

Common Stock (par value 1c per share)                    New York Stock Exchange
- -------------------------------------                                 

9 1/4% Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities  New York Stock Exchange
- -------------------------------------------------------                         

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
- ------------------------------------
(par value 1c per share)                                 New York Stock Exchange
- ------------------------                                                      

  Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                      NONE
                                      ----

  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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.__

  As of March 17, 1997, there were outstanding 66,788,842 shares of the
registrant's common stock, par value 1c, which is the only class of common or
voting stock of the registrant.  As of that date, the aggregate market value of
the shares of common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant (based on the
closing price as reported in The Wall Street Journal, Eastern Edition) was
                             ----------------------------------------     
approximately $1,943,623,000.

                      Documents Incorporated by Reference

The specified portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year
  ended December 31, 1996 are incorporated by reference into Parts I, II and IV.

Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on or before
  April 4, 1997 is incorporated by reference into Part III.
<PAGE>
 
                                 PART I
                                 ------

Item 1.  Business.

Item 1(a).  General Development of Business.

  The Rouse Company (the "Company") was incorporated as a business corporation
    under the laws of the State of Maryland in 1956.  Its principal offices are
    located at The Rouse Company Building, Columbia, Maryland 21044.  Its
    telephone number is (410) 992-6000.  The Company, through its subsidiaries
    and affiliates, is engaged in (i) the ownership, management, acquisition and
    development of income-producing and other real estate in the United States,
    including retail centers, office buildings, mixed-use projects, community
    retail centers and two hotels, and the management of one retail center in
    Canada, and (ii) the development and sale of land to builders and other
    developers, primarily around Columbia, Maryland, and Las Vegas, Nevada, for
    residential, commercial and industrial uses.

DEVELOPMENTS IN 1996

  On June 12, 1996, the Company completed the acquisition, through merger, of
    The Hughes Corporation and Howard Hughes Properties, Limited Partnership
    (collectively "Hughes") from the heirs of the late Howard R. Hughes, Jr. and
    others (the "Hughes Owners").  The  Hughes assets include: four large-scale,
    master-planned business parks (three in Las Vegas and one in Los Angles); a
    75 percent partnership interest in an 840,000 square foot regional shopping
    center, Fashion Show Mall, located on the "Strip" in Las Vegas; a 22,500
    acre master-planned, new community development project, Summerlin, which
    extends from northwest Las Vegas west to the Spring Mountain Range; and a
    number of other land parcels and commercial buildings in both Nevada and the
    Los Angeles area.

  The purchase price was approximately $549 million, comprised of   $178 million
    of common stock of the Company (7,742,884 shares valued at $23 per share)
    and $371 million of debt and other liabilities (net of certain receivables
    and other current assets acquired) incurred or assumed by the Company.
    Additional shares of common stock, (or in certain circumstances, Increasing
    Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock) of the Company may be issued to the Hughes
    Owners based on the values of certain specified assets at various
    "termination" dates over a 14-year period and net cash flows generated from
    the development or sale of those assets prior to  the termination dates
    pursuant to terms of a Contingent Stock Agreement.
 

                                      I-1
<PAGE>
 
Item 1.  Business, continued.
 
Item 1(b).  Financial Information About Industry Segments.

  Information required by Item 1(b) is incorporated herein by reference to note
    11 of the notes to consolidated financial  statements included in the 1996
    Annual Report to Shareholders.

  As noted in Item 1(a), the Company is a real estate company engaged in most
    aspects of the real estate industry, including the management, acquisition
    and development of income-producing and other properties, both retail and
    commercial, community development and management, and land sales. These
    business segments are further described below.

                                      I-2
<PAGE>
 
Item 1.  Business, continued.

Item 1(c).  Narrative Description of Business.

  Operating Properties:
  -------------------- 

  As set forth in Item 2, at December 31, 1996, the 58 regional retail centers
    owned, in whole or in part, or operated by subsidiaries or affiliates of the
    Company, aggregated 43,721,000 square feet of leasable space, including
    25,166,000 square feet owned by or leased to department stores and 147,000
    square feet of office space. The activities involved in operating and
    managing retail centers include: negotiating lease terms with present and
    prospective tenants, identifying and attracting desirable new tenants,
    conducting local market and consumer research, developing and implementing
    short- and long-term merchandising and leasing programs, assisting tenants
    in the presentation of their merchandise and the layout of their stores and
    storefronts, and maintaining the buildings and common areas.

  In conjunction with other partners or investors, the Company acquires
    interests in completed retail centers, with the Company having management
    responsibility and earning incentive fees including, in some instances,
    equity interests in the centers. The Company also provides management
    services for centers developed and owned by others under management
    agreements that also provide for incentive fees and, in some instances,
    equity interests in the centers. As of December 31, 1996, the Company
    managed 17 such centers, which are included in the figures in the preceding
    paragraph and aggregated 12,646,000 square feet of leasable space, 7,117,000
    square feet of which was department store space.
   
  The Howard Research And Development Corporation ("HRD", a wholly-  owned
    subsidiary of the Company) and its subsidiaries own and/or manage 14 office
    and industrial buildings with 2,432,000 square feet of leasable space, 9
    community retail centers with 868,000 square feet of leasable retail space
    and other properties and additional commercial space, including the 289-room
    Columbia Inn in Columbia, Maryland.

  The Hughes Corporation ("Hughes", a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company)
    and its subsidiaries and affiliates own and/or manage 53 office and 
    industrial buildings with 3,209,000 square feet of leasable space, a
    community retail center with 36,000 square feet of leasable space and other
    properties in and around Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California.

  Other subsidiaries of the Company own and operate 5 mixed-use projects with a
    total of 1,301,000 square feet of leasable retail space, 1,858,000 square 
    feet of leasable office space and the 148-room Cross Keys Inn located at The
    Village of Cross

                                      I-3
<PAGE>
 
Item 1.  Business, continued.

  Keys in Baltimore, Maryland.  Other subsidiaries of the Company own, in whole
    or in part, 8 office buildings with a total of 1,098,000 square feet of
    leasable office space.  The Company also has a 5% interest in Rouse-Teachers
    Properties, Inc., which owns 29 office/industrial buildings with 4,608,000
    square feet of space and 303 acres of land.  A wholly-owned affiliate of the
    Company is responsible for the operation, management and development of all
    buildings and land owned by Rouse-Teachers Properties, Inc.

  Development:
  ----------- 

  The Company renovates and expands existing retail centers and develops 
    suburban and downtown retail centers, mixed-use projects and master-planned
    business parks, primarily for ownership. In addition, the Company is capable
    of serving as the master developer for certain mixed-use projects, with the
    Company generally owning at least the retail component of such projects. The
    activities involved in the development, renovation and expansion of retail
    centers, mixed-use projects and master-planned business parks include:
    initial market and consumer research, evaluating and acquiring land sites,
    obtaining necessary public approvals, engaging architectural and engineering
    firms to design the project, estimating development costs, developing and
    testing pro forma operating statements, selecting a general contractor,
    arranging construction and permanent financing, identifying and obtaining
    department stores and other tenants, negotiating lease terms, negotiating
    partnership and joint venture agreements and promoting new, renovated or
    expanded retail centers, mixed-use projects and master-planned business
    parks.

  The Company and certain subsidiaries or affiliates are in the construction or
    development stage of announced projects, primarily the construction of a new
    retail center in Orlando, Florida, expansions of existing retail centers and
    expansions of existing master-planned business parks in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  Land Sales:
  ---------- 

  HRD is the developing entity of Columbia, Maryland, which is located in the
    Baltimore-Washington corridor. HRD owns approximately 2,000 developable
    acres (1,741 saleable acres) of land in and around Columbia, and, through
    its subsidiaries and affiliates, develops and sells this land to builders
    and other developers for residential, commercial and industrial uses. Hughes
    is the developing entity of Summerlin, Nevada, which is located immediately
    north and west of Las Vegas. Hughes owns approximately 16,500 developable
    acres(11,500 saleable acres) of land in Summerlin, and develops and sells
    this land to builders and other developers for residential and commercial

                                      I-4
<PAGE>
 
Item 1.  Business, continued.

    uses.  The Company may also retain some of this land for its own development
    purposes.  The Company, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, also is
    presently involved in community development and related land sales elsewhere
    in Maryland, and is developing for sale parcels of land elsewhere in Nevada
    and California.

  In all aspects of the Company's business pertaining to the ownership,
    management, acquisition or development of income-producing and other real
    estate, the Company operates in highly competitive markets.  With respect to
    the leasing and operation or management of developed properties, each
    project faces market competition from existing and future developments in
    its geographical market area. The Company competes with developers and other
    buyers with respect to the acquisition of development sites or centers and
    for financing opportunities in the money markets. The Company also faces
    competition in and around Columbia, Maryland and Las Vegas, Nevada with
    respect to the development and sale of land for residential, commercial and
    industrial uses.

  Neither the Company's business, taken as a whole, nor any of its industry
    segments, is seasonal in nature.

  Federal, state and local statutes and regulations relating to the protection
    of the environment have previously had no material effect on the Company's
    business. Future development opportunities of the Company may involve
    additional capital and other expenditures in order to comply with such
    statutes and regulations.  It is impossible at this time to predict with any
    certainty the magnitude of any such expenditures or the long-range effect,
    if any, on the Company's operations. Compliance with such laws has had no
    material adverse effect on the operating results or competitive position of
    the Company in the past; the Company anticipates that they will have no
    material adverse effect on its future operating results or its competitive
    position in the industry.

  None of the Company's industry segments depends upon a single customer or a
    few customers, the loss of which would have a materially adverse effect on
    the segment. No customer accounts for 10 percent or more of the consolidated
    revenues of the Company.

  The Company and its subsidiaries had 4,287 full-time and part-time employees
    at December 31, 1996.

                                      I-5
<PAGE>
 
Item 2.  Properties.

  The Company leases its headquarters building (approximately 127,000 square
    feet) in Columbia, Maryland for an initial term of 30 years which expires in
    2003 with options for two 15-year renewal periods. The lease on the
    headquarters building is accounted for as a capital lease.

  Information respecting the Company's operating properties is incorporated
    herein by reference to the "Projects of The Rouse Company" table on pages 64
    through 67 of Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K. The ownership of virtually all
    properties is subject to mortgage financing. The table of projects includes
    retail centers managed by the Company for a fee as identified in notes (c)
    and (d) to the table. Excluding such managed centers, certain of the
    remaining properties are subject to leases which provide an option to
    purchase (or repurchase) the property and/or to renew the leases for one or
    more renewal periods. The years of expiration indicated below assume all
    options to extend the terms of the leases are exercised. The properties
    subject to such leases in whole or in part are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             Year of
                                      Nature of            expiration
Property                               interest             of lease
- --------                              ---------            -----------
<S>                           <C>                         <C>
 
 Arizona Center               Leasehold                   Various dates
                                                          from 2017 to
                                                                   2050
 
 Augusta Mall                 Leasehold                            2068
 
 Bayside Marketplace          Leasehold by joint venture           2062
 
 Columbia Mall, Inc. -
  American City Building      Leasehold and fee                    2000
 
 Columbia Mall, Inc. -
  Columbia Cinema             Leasehold and fee                    2003
 
 Columbia Mall, Inc. -
  Exhibit Building            Leasehold and fee                    2012
 
 Columbia Mall, Inc. -
  Oakland Building            Leasehold                            2062
 
 Echelon Mall                 Leasehold                            2008
 
 Faneuil Hall Marketplace     Leasehold                            2074
 
 First National Bank Plaza    Leasehold                            2013
</TABLE>

                                      I-6
<PAGE>
 
Item 2.  Properties, continued.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                Year of
                                  Nature of                   expiration
         Property                  interest                     of lease
         --------                  --------                    ----------
<S>                            <C>                            <C> 
 Franklin Park                 Leasehold and fee by
                               joint venture                      2024
                                                                  
 The Gallery at Market East    Leasehold                          2082
                                                                  
 Governor's Square             Leasehold by joint venture         2054
                                                                  
 Greengate Mall                Leasehold                          2070
                                                                  
 Harborplace                   Leasehold                          2054
                                                                  
 Harundale Mall                Leasehold and fee owned            
                               jointly with others                2059
                                                                  
 Highland Mall                 Leasehold and fee by               
                               joint venture                      2070
                                                                  
 The Jacksonville Landing      Leasehold                          2057
                                                                  
 Mall St. Matthews             Leasehold                          2053
                                                                  
 Midtown Square                Leasehold                          2055
                                                                  
 Pioneer Place                 Leasehold                          2076
                                                                  
 Plymouth Meeting              Leasehold and fee                  2063
                                                                  
 Riverwalk                     Leasehold by joint venture         2076
                                                                  
 St. Louis Union Station       Leasehold                          2060
                                                                  
 South Street Seaport          Leasehold                          2031
                                                                  
 Tampa Bay Center              Leasehold and fee                  2047
                                                                  
 Westlake Center               Leasehold by joint venture         2043
</TABLE>

                                      I-7
<PAGE>
 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

  None.

                                      I-8
<PAGE>
 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

  None.

                                      I-9
<PAGE>
 
Directors and Executive Officers.

The executive officers of the Company as of March 31, 1997 are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                               Present office and       Date of election      Business or professional
                                position with the       or appointment to    experience during the past
Executive Officer      Age           Company            present office               five years
- ---------------------  ---  -------------------------   -----------------  -----------------------------
<S>                    <C>  <C>                        <C>                 <C>
 
Anthony W. Deering      52  Chairman of the Board,            2/25/97      Chairman of the Board,
                            President and                     2/25/93      President and Chief Executive
                            Chief Executive Officer           2/23/95      Officer of the Company;
                                                                           formerly President and Chief
                                                                           Executive Officer of the
                                                                           Company; President and Chief
                                                                           Operating Officer of the
                                                                           Company; and Executive Vice
                                                                           President - Finance and
                                                                           Administration and Chief
                                                                           Financial Officer of the
                                                                           Company
  
Jeffrey H. Donahue      50  Senior Vice-President,            9/23/93      Senior Vice-President and
                            Chief Financial Officer           9/23/93      Chief Financial Officer of the
                            and Director of the               8/17/93      Company and Director of the
                            Finance Division                               Finance Division; formerly
                                                                           Vice-President and Treasurer
                                                                           of the Company
  
John L. Goolsby         55  President and Chief               9/1/88       President and Chief Executive
                            Executive Officer of                           Officer of The Howard Hughes
                            The Howard Hughes                              Corporation
                            Corporation, a wholly
                            owned subsidiary of the
                            Company

Duke S. Kassolis        45  Senior Vice-President             9/23/93      Senior Vice-President and
                            and Director of Office            8/17/93      Director of Office and Mixed-
                            and Mixed-Use Operations                       Use Operations of the Company;
                                                                           formerly Vice-President and
                                                                           Director of Office and
                                                                           Commercial Properties of the
                                                                           Company
</TABLE> 
 

                                      I-10
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
 
                               Present office and       Date of election      Business or professional
                                position with the       or appointment to    experience during the past
Executive Officer      Age           Company            present office               five years
- ---------------------  ---  -------------------------   -----------------  -----------------------------
<S>                    <C>  <C>                        <C>                 <C>
Paul I. Latta, Jr.      53  Senior Vice-President             9/23/93      Senior Vice-President and
                            and Director of Retail            8/17/93      Director of Retail Operations
                            Operations                                     of the Company; formerly Vice-
                                                                           President and Associate
                                                                           Division Director, Operating
                                                                           Properties Division of the
                                                                           Company
  
Douglas A. McGregor     54  Executive Vice-President          8/17/93      Executive Vice-President for
                            for Development and                            Development and Operations of
                            Operations                                     the Company; formerly
                                                                           Executive Vice-President -
                                                                           Development and Director of
                                                                           the Office and Community
                                                                           Development Division of the
                                                                           Company
 
Robert Minutoli         46  Senior Vice-President             9/23/93      Senior Vice-President and
                            and Director of                   8/17/93      Director of Acquisitions of
                            Acquisitions                                   the Company; formerly Vice-
                                                                           President for Development of
                                                                           the Company
 
Robert D. Riedy         51  Senior Vice-President             9/23/93      Senior Vice-President and
                            and Director of Retail            8/17/93      Director of Retail Leasing of
                            Leasing                                        the Company; formerly Vice-
                                                                           President for Development of
                                                                           the Company 
</TABLE>

                                      I-11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>                                                                                                   
<CAPTION>                                                                                                 
                                                                                                          
                               Present office and       Date of election      Business or professional    
                                position with the       or appointment to    experience during the past   
Executive Officer      Age           Company            present office               five years           
- ---------------------  ---  -------------------------   -----------------  -----------------------------  
<S>                    <C>  <C>                        <C>                 <C>                             
Alton J. Scavo         50   Senior Vice-President,            9/23/93      Senior Vice-President and       
                            Director of the                   8/17/93      Director of the Community       
                            Community Development                          Development Division of the     
                            Division and General                           Company and General Manager of  
                            Manager of Columbia                            Columbia; formerly Vice-        
                                                                           President and Associate         
                                                                           Director of the Community       
                                                                           Development Division of the     
                                                                           Company                          

Jerome D. Smalley      47   Senior Vice-President             9/23/93      Senior Vice-President and       
                            and Director of the               8/17/93      Director of the Commercial and  
                            Commercial and Office                          Office Development Division of  
                            Development Division                           the Company; formerly Vice-     
                                                                           President for Development        

George L. Yungmann     54   Senior                            9/23/93      Senior Vice-President and     
                            Vice-President,                   7/26/72      Controller of the Company and 
                            Controller and                    7/26/72      Director of the Controller's  
                            Director of the                                Division; formerly Vice-      
                            Controller's Division                          President, Controller and     
                                                                           Director of the Controller's  
                                                                           Division                       
</TABLE>

The term of office of each officer is until election of a successor or otherwise
at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

There is no arrangement or understanding between any of the above-listed
officers and any other person pursuant to which any such officer was elected as
an officer.

                                      I-12
<PAGE>
 
Directors and Executive Officers.

The executive officers of the Company as of March 31, 1997 are:
<TABLE>                                                                                                   
<CAPTION>                               
                               Present office and       Date of election      Business or professional    
                                position with the       or appointment to    experience during the past   
Executive Officer      Age           Company            present office               five years           
- ---------------------  ---  -------------------------   -----------------  -----------------------------  
<S>                    <C>  <C>                        <C>                 <C>                             

</TABLE> 
None of the above-listed officers has any family relationship with any director
or other executive officer.

                                      I-13
<PAGE>
 
                                Part II 
                                -------

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
        Stockholder Matters.

        Information required by Item 5 is incorporated herein by reference to
        page 51 of Exhibit 13.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

        Information required by Item 6 is incorporated herein by reference to
        page 51 of Exhibit 13.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
        of Operations.

        Information required by Item 7 is incorporated herein by reference to
        pages 52 through 59 of Exhibit 13.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

        Financial Statements required by Item 8 are set forth in the Index to
        Financial Statements and Schedules on page IV-2.

        Supplementary data required by Item 8 are incorporated herein by
        reference to page 51 of Exhibit 13.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
        Financial Disclosure.

        None.

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   Part III
                                   --------

The information required by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 (except that information
regarding executive officers called for by Item 10 that is contained in Part I)
is incorporated herein by reference from the definitive proxy statement that the
Company intends to file pursuant to Regulation 14A on or before April 4, 1997.

                                      III-1
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV
                                    -------


Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
         Form 8-K.

  (a) 1 and 2.  Financial Statements and Schedules:

         Reference is made to the Index to Financial Statements and 
           Schedules on page IV-2.

      3. Exhibits:  Reference is made to the Exhibit Index.

  (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:

       None.

                                      IV-1

<PAGE>
 
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  Index to Financial Statements and Schedules
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                              Page
                                                                           ---------
<S>                              <C>                                       <C> 
  Independent Auditors' Report                                             IV-3
 
  Report of Independent Real Estate Consultants included on
  page 23 of Exhibit 13 incorporated herein by reference
 
  Financial Statements:
   The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries included on pages 24
   through 50 of Exhibit 13 incorporated herein by
   reference:
    Consolidated Cost Basis and Current Value Basis
     Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995
    Consolidated Cost Basis Statements of Operations
     for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
    Consolidated Cost Basis Statements of Shareholders'
     Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995
     and 1994
    Consolidated Cost Basis Statements of Cash Flows for
     the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
    Consolidated Current Value Basis Statements of
     Changes in Revaluation Equity for the Years Ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
  Schedules:
 
   The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31,
    1996 or for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
    and 1994:
 
   Schedule II    Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                        IV-4
   Schedule III   Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation                 IV-5

  All other schedules have been omitted as not applicable
   or not required, or because the required information is 
   included in the consolidated financial statements or 
   notes thereto.


</TABLE> 

                                      IV-2
<PAGE>
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                          ----------------------------


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
The Rouse Company:

We have audited the consolidated cost basis financial statements and the related
financial statement schedules of The Rouse Company and subsidiaries as listed in
the accompanying index.  We have also audited the supplemental consolidated
current value basis financial statements listed in the index.  These
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedules based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated cost basis financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Rouse Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.  Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules,
when considered in relation to the basic consolidated cost basis financial
statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.

As more fully described in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the
supplemental consolidated current value basis financial statements referred to
above have been prepared by management to present relevant financial information
about The Rouse Company and its subsidiaries which is not provided by the cost
basis financial statements and are not intended to be a presentation in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  In addition, as more
fully described in note 1, the supplemental consolidated current value basis
financial statements do not purport to present the net realizable, liquidation
or market value of the Company as a whole.  Furthermore, amounts ultimately
realized by the Company from the disposal of properties may vary from the
current values presented.

In our opinion, the supplemental consolidated current value basis financial
statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein on the basis of accounting described in note 1 to
the consolidated financial statements.



                                  KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

Baltimore, Maryland
February 25, 1997

                                      IV-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Schedule II
                                                                     -----------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>           
                                                                      Additions
                                                               ------------------------
                                                  Balance at   Charged to   Charged to                 Balance at 
                                                  beginning    costs and      other                      end of
        Descriptions                               of year      expenses    accounts     Deductions       year   
        ------------                             ----------    ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------   
                                                                      (in thousands)
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>  
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Allowance for doubtful receivables                 $24,468     $ 3,688      $1,161        $1,164 (1)    $28,153
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
 
Valuation allowance - properties held for sale     $15,589     $25,825      $             $5,743 (2)    $35,671
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
 
Preconstruction reserve                            $15,379     $ 2,700      $    -        $1,762 (3)    $16,317
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
 
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Allowance for doubtful receivables                 $25,124     $ 3,318      $    -        $3,974 (1)    $24,468
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
 
Valuation allowance - properties held for sale     $     -     $15,589      $    -        $    -        $15,589
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
 
 Preconstruction reserve                           $14,109     $ 3,800      $    -        $2,530 (3)    $15,379
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
 
Year ended December 31, 1994:
Allowance for doubtful receivables                 $24,036     $ 5,185      $    -        $4,097 (1)    $25,124
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
 
Valuation allowance - properties held for sale     $     -     $     -      $    -        $   -         $    -
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
 
Preconstruction reserve                            $12,822     $ 3,400      $    -        $2,113 (3)    $14,109
                                                   =======     =======      =======       ======        =======
</TABLE>
Notes:

(1)  Balances written off as uncollectible.

(2)  Allowance related to properties sold.

(3)  Costs of unsuccessful projects written off.

                                      IV-4
<PAGE>
 
 
                                                                  Schedule III
                                                                  ------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)

                               December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>               
                                                               Cost capitalized
                                         Initial cost to         subsequent to
                                            Company               acquisition
                                       -------------------  ---------------------- 
                                                 Buildings                       
                                                   and                   Carrying        
                         Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-      costs          
Description                (note 4)      Land     ments      ments       (note 2)   
- -----------              ------------  --------  ---------  --------  -------------   
                                            (in thousands) 
<S>                      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>   
Operating Properties:                                                        
                                                                             
Woodbridge Center          $135,835    $26,301   $    --    $117,092   $    --       
  Retail Center                                                              
  Woodbridge, NJ                                                             
                                                                             
South Street Seaport         52,000         --        --     141,248        --         
  Retail Center                                                              
  New York, NY                                                               
                                                                             
Arizona Center              112,464         97        --     138,871        --         
  Mixed-use project                                                          
  Phoenix, AZ                                                                
                                                                             
Fashion Show Mall            76,786     28,908    104,741        833        --       
  Retail Center                                                              
  Las Vegas, NV                                                              
                                                                             
Pioneer Place                97,140         --        --     122,423        --       
  Mixed-use project                                                                 
  Portland, OR                                                                      
                                                                                    
Westlake Center              94,678     10,582        --     101,758        --       
  Mixed-use project                                                                 
  Seattle, WA                                                                       
                                                                                    
The Gallery at              109,095      6,648        --     103,554        --       
  Harborplace                                                                       
  Mixed-use project                                                                 
  Baltimore, MD                                                                     
                                                                                    
Owings Mills                 61,000     13,408        --      86,841        --  
  Retail Center                                                                     
  Baltimore, MD                                                                     
                                                                                    
Bayside Marketplace          83,850         --        --      98,196        --  
  Retail Center                                                              
  Miami, FL                                                                  
 
</TABLE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                       Life on
                         Gross amount at which carried                                   which
                             at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-
                         ------------------------------   lated                         ciation
                                   Buildings              depre-   Date of             in latest
                                      and                ciation   comple-              income
                                    Improve-               and     tion of              state-
                                     ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is
                           Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed 
                         --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------        
                                                        (in thousands)
<S>                      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C> 
Operating Properties:  
                       
Woodbridge Center         $26,301   $117,092  $143,393  $21,676     03/71       N/A      Note 8            
  Retail Center                                                                              
  Woodbridge, NJ                                                                             
                                                                                             
South Street Seaport           --    141,248   141,248   24,641     07/83       N/A      Note 8         
  Retail Center                                                                              
  New York, NY                                                                               
                                                                                             
Arizona Center                 97    138,871   138,968   22,839     07/83       N/A      Note 8         
  Mixed-use project                                                                          
  Phoenix, AZ                                                                                
                                                                                             
Fashion Show Mall          28,908    105,574   134,482    1,313     03/81      06/96     Note 8            
  Retail Center                                                                              
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                              
                                                                                             
Pioneer Place                  --    122,423   122,423   20,104     03/90       N/A      Note 8            
  Mixed-use project                                                                          
  Portland, OR                                                                               
                                                                                             
Westlake Center            10,582    101,758   112,340   21,779     10/88       N/A      Note 8            
  Mixed-use project                                                                          
  Seattle, WA                                                                                
                                                                                             
The Gallery at              6,648    103,554   110,202   22,330     09/87       N/A      Note 8            
  Harborplace                                                                                
  Mixed-use project                                                                          
  Baltimore, MD                                                                              
                                                                                             
Owings Mills               13,408     86,841   100,249   10,213     07/86       N/A      Note 8   
  Retail Center                                                                              
  Baltimore, MD                                                                              
                                                                                             
Bayside Marketplace            --     98,196    98,196   16,382     04/87       N/A      Note 8    
  Retail Center        
  Miami, FL            

</TABLE> 

                                      IV-5
<PAGE>
 
                                                       Schedule III, continued
                                                       -----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES                     
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)              
                                                                              
                               December 31, 1996                              
<TABLE>                                                                       
<CAPTION>                                                                     
                                                                              
                                                             Cost capitalized               
                                         Initial cost to       subsequent to                
                                            Company             acquisition                 
                                       -------------------  ------------------              
                                                 Buildings                                  
                                                   and                Carrying              
                         Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs               
Description                (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)              
- -----------              ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------              
                                                 (in thousands)        
<S>                      <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                   
Mall St. Matthews              72,797        --         --    94,200        --                          
 Retail Center                                                                                        
 Louisville, KY                                                                                       
                                                                                                      
Paramus Park                   70,353    13,475         --    69,177        --                        
 Retail Center                                                                                        
 Paramus, NJ                                                                                          
                                                                                                      
White Marsh                    57,576     2,627         --    73,667        --                        
 Retail Center                                                                                        
 Baltimore, MD                                                                                        
                                                                                                      
Santa Monica Place                 --     5,088         --    68,079        --                        
 Retail Center                                                                                        
 Santa Monica, CA                                                                                     
                                                                                                      
Faneuil Hall Marketplace       54,412        --         --    72,170        --                        
 Retail Center                                                                                        
 Boston, MA                                                                                           
                                                                                                      
Cherry Hill Mall               79,780    14,767         --    56,729        --                        
 Retail Center                                                                                        
 Cherry Hill, NJ                                                                                      
                                                                                                      
Oakwood Center                 54,576    14,750         --    56,098        --                        
 Retail Center                                                                                        
 Gretna, LA                                                                                           
                                                                                                      
Hulen Mall                     65,458     5,064         --    64,712        --                        
 Retail Center                                                                                        
 Ft. Worth, TX                                                                                        
                                                                                                      
Riverwalk                      10,433        --         --    69,597        --                        
 Retail Center                                                          
 New Orleans, LA                                                        
 
</TABLE>
                                                                             
<TABLE>                                                                      
<CAPTION>                                                                    
                                                                                         Life on        
                          Gross amount at which carried                                   which         
                              at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-         
                          ------------------------------   lated                         ciation        
                                     Buildings              depre-   Date of             in latest      
                                        and                ciation   comple-              income        
                                      Improve-               and     tion of              state-        
                                       ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is       
                             Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed      
                           --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------        
                           (in thousands)                                                               
<S>                        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>             
Mall St. Matthews                --     94,200    94,200    12,751      03/62     N/A       Note 8                         
 Retail Center                                                                             
 Louisville, KY                                                                            
                                                                                           
Paramus Park                 13,475     69,177    82,652     6,687      03/74     N/A       Note 8   
 Retail Center                                                                                       
 Paramus, NJ                                                                                         
                                                                                                     
White Marsh                   2,627     73,667    76,294    12,387      08/81     N/A       Note 8   
 Retail Center                                                                                       
 Baltimore, MD                                                                                       
                                                                                                     
Santa Monica Place            5,088     68,079    73,167     8,949      10/80     N/A       Note 8   
 Retail Center                                                                                       
 Santa Monica, CA                                                                                    
                                                                                                     
Faneuil Hall Marketplace         --     72,170    72,170    10,108      08/76     N/A       Note 8   
 Retail Center                                                                                       
 Boston, MA                                                                                          
                                                                                                     
Cherry Hill Mall             14,767     56,729    71,496    16,103      10/61     N/A       Note 8   
 Retail Center                                                                                       
 Cherry Hill, NJ                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
Oakwood Center               14,750     56,098    70,848     6,827      10/82     N/A       Note 8   
 Retail Center                                                                                       
 Gretna, LA                                                                                          
                                                                                                     
Hulen Mall                    5,064     64,712    69,776     9,179      08/77     N/A       Note 8   
 Retail Center                                                                                       
 Ft. Worth, TX                                                                                       
                                                                                                     
Riverwalk                        --     69,597    69,597     9,091      08/86     N/A       Note 8   
 Retail Center                                                                                    
 New Orleans, LA                                                                                  
</TABLE> 
         
                                      IV-6
<PAGE>
 

                                                         Schedule III, continued
                                                         -----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1) 
                                                                 
                               December 31, 1996                 
<TABLE>                                                          
<CAPTION>                                                        
                                                                 
                                                                Cost capitalized               
                                            Initial cost to       subsequent to                
                                               Company             acquisition                 
                                          -------------------  ------------------              
                                                    Buildings                                  
                                                      and                Carrying              
                            Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs               
Description                   (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)              
- -----------                 ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------              
                                                    (in thousands)
<S>                         <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                              
Augusta Mall                      55,366     5,390        --     63,065       --    
  Retail Center                                                                         
  Augusta, GA                                                                         
                                                                                      
St. Louis Union Station               --        --        --     66,987       --    
  Retail Center                                                                       
  St. Louis, MO                                                                       
                                                                                      
Echelon Mall                      61,181     6,160        --     54,234       --    
  Retail Center                                                                       
  Voorhees, NJ                                                                        
                                                                                      
The Mall in Columbia              24,308     4,788        --     46,856       --    
  Retail Center                                                                       
  Columbia, MD                                                                        
                                                                                      
Beachwood Place                   40,671     7,188        --     40,971       --    
  Retail Center                                                                       
  Beachwood, OH                                                                       
                                                                                      
3800 Howard                                                                           
Hughes Parkway                    40,514     4,109    43,604        427       --    
  Office Building                                                                     
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                       
                                                                                      
Village of Cross Keys                 --     1,100        --     44,619       --    
  Mixed-use project                                                                  
  Baltimore, MD                                                                       
                                                                                      
Blue Cross &                                                                          
Blue Shield Building I            35,437     1,000        --     44,713       --    
  Office Building                                                                     
  Baltimore, MD                                                                       
                                                                                      
Harborplace                       32,508        --        --     44,806       --    
  Retail Center                                                          
  Baltimore, MD                                                           

</TABLE> 
          
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                         Life on         
                          Gross amount at which carried                                   which          
                              at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-          
                          ------------------------------   lated                         ciation         
                                     Buildings              depre-   Date of             in latest       
                                        and                ciation   comple-              income         
                                      Improve-               and     tion of              state-         
                                       ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is        
                             Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed       
                           --------  ---------  --------- --------  ---------  --------  ----------      
                           (in thousands)                                                                
<S>                        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>              
Augusta Mall                  5,390     63,065     68,455    5,739    08/78      N/A       Note 8              
  Retail Center                                                                                    
  Augusta, GA                                                                                    
                                                                                                 
St. Louis Union Station          --     66,987     66,987   16,454    08/85      N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                                                  
  St. Louis, MO                                                                                  
                                                                                                 
Echelon Mall                  6,160     54,234     60,394   10,530    09/70      N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                                                  
  Voorhees, NJ                                                                                   
                                                                                                 
The Mall in Columbia          4,788     46,856     51,644   10,505    08/71      N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                                                  
  Columbia, MD                                                                                   
                                                                                                 
Beachwood Place               7,188     40,971     48,159    7,019    08/78      N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                                                  
  Beachwood, OH                                                                                  
                                                                                                 
3800 Howard                                                                                      
Hughes Parkway                4,109     44,031     48,140      849    11/86     06/96      Note 8
  Office Building                                                                                
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                                  
                                                                                                 
Village of Cross Keys         1,100     44,619     45,719   15,501    09/65      N/A       Note 8
  Mixed-use project                                                                              
  Baltimore, MD                                                                                  
                                                                                                 
Blue Cross &                                                                                     
Blue Shield Building I        1,000     44,713     45,713    7,840    07/89      N/A       Note 8
  Office Building                                                                                
  Baltimore, MD                                                                                  

Harborplace                      --     44,806     44,806   10,713    07/80      N/A       Note 8 
  Retail Center          
  Baltimore, MD          
</TABLE> 
                                      IV-7



<PAGE>
 
                                                         Schedule III, continued
                                                         -----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)
                                                                
                               December 31, 1996                
<TABLE>                                                         
<CAPTION>                                                       
                                                                
                                                                Cost capitalized               
                                            Initial cost to       subsequent to                
                                                Company            acquisition                 
                                          -------------------  ------------------              
                                                    Buildings                                  
                                                      and                Carrying              
                            Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs               
Description                   (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)              
- -----------                 ------------  --------- ---------  --------  --------              
                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                         <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                              

The Jacksonville Landing          15,211         --        --    34,444        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                   
  Jacksonville, FL                                                                
                                                                                  
Tampa Bay Center                  47,281        920        --    30,607        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                   
  Tampa, FL                                                                       
                                                                                  
Gateway Commerce Center #20           --      6,200        --    23,497        -- 
  Industrial Building                                                             
  Columbia, MD                                                                    
                                                                                  
North Star                            --        168        --    28,050        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                   
  San Antonio, TX                                                                 
                                                                                  
Plymouth Meeting                  14,352        702        --    27,312        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                   
  Montgomery County, PA                                                           
                                                                                  
Exton Square                       8,274      1,408        --    26,490        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                   
  Exton, PA                                                                       
                                                                                  
Governor's Square                 27,787         --        --    27,234        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                   
  Tallahassee, FL                                                                 
                                                                                  
Alexander &                                                                       
Alexander Building I              21,639      1,000        --    24,507        -- 
  Office Building                                                                 
  Baltimore, MD                                                                   
                                                                                  
Ryland Group Headquarters         21,000        856        --    24,280        -- 
  Office Building                                                         
  Columbia, MD                                                                 
  
</TABLE>
        
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                                     Life on     
                               Gross amount at which carried                                   which      
                                   at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-      
                               ------------------------------   lated                         ciation     
                                          Buildings             depre-   Date of             in latest   
                                            and                ciation   comple-              income     
                                          Improve-               and     tion of              state-     
                                           ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is    
                                 Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed   
                              --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------   
                             (in thousands)                                                                
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>           
The Jacksonville Landing           --      34,444    34,444    10,127     06/87      N/A       Note 8            
  Retail Center                                                                                                        
  Jacksonville, FL                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                       
Tampa Bay Center                   920     30,607    31,527     9,279     08/79      N/A       Note 8            
  Retail Center                                                                                                        
  Tampa, FL                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                       
Gateway Commerce Center #20      6,200     23,497    29,697     4,509      N/A       08/93     Note 8            
  Industrial Building                                                                                                  
  Columbia, MD                                                                                                         
                                                                               
North Star                         168     28,050    28,218     7,282     09/60       N/A      Note 8            
  Retail Center                                                                                                    
  San Antonio, TX                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                   
Plymouth Meeting                   702     27,312    28,014    11,342     02/66       N/A      Note 8            
  Retail Center                                                                                                    
  Montgomery County, PA                                                                                            
                                                                                                                   
Exton Square                     1,408     26,490    27,898     8,423     03/73       N/A      Note 8            
  Retail Center                                                                                                    
  Exton, PA                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                   
Governor's Square                   --     27,234    27,234     4,489      08/79      N/A      Note 8            
  Retail Center                                                                                                    
  Tallahassee, FL                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                   
Alexander &                                                                                                        
Alexander Building I             1,000     24,507    25,507     5,137      09/87      N/A      Note 8            
  Office Building                                                                                                  
  Baltimore, MD                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                   
Ryland Group Headquarters          856     24,280    25,136     3,689      06/92      N/A      Note 8            
  Office Building                                                                                          
  Columbia, MD                                                                                                  
                                                                                                            
</TABLE> 
                                      IV-8



<PAGE>


                                                        Schedule III, continue
                                                        ----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES     
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)     

                               December 31, 1996      
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                                   
                                                                                            
                                                                Cost capitalized               
                                            Initial cost to       subsequent to                
                                                Company            acquisition                 
                                          -------------------  ------------------              
                                                    Buildings                                  
                                                      and                Carrying              
                            Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs               
Description                   (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)              
- -----------                 ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------              
                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                         <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                              
The Gallery at Market East            --         --        --    23,799        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Philadelphia, PA                                                               
                                                                                 
3773 Howard                                                                      
Hughes Parkway                    23,000      1,574    20,485     1,056        -- 
  Office Building                                                                
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                  
                                                                                 
Perimeter Mall                        --         --        --    21,880        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Atlanta, GA                                                                    
                                                                                 
Willowbrook                       33,750        853        --    20,943        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Wayne, NJ                                                                      
                                                                                 
Franklin Park                     24,500        653        --    20,728        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Toledo, OH                                                                     
                                                                                 
Columbia Inn                          --      1,384        --    19,187        -- 
  Hotel                                                                          
  Columbia, MD                                                                   
                                                                                 
The Grand Avenue                   8,542         --        --    20,556        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Milwaukee, WI                                                                  
                                                                                 
Mondawmin                          5,795      2,251        --    17,766        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Baltimore, MD                                                                  
                                                                                 
RWD Building                      11,456      2,596        --    16,385        -- 
  Office Building                                                        
  Columbia, MD                                                             
 
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                                                
                                                                                              Life on     
                               Gross amount at which carried                                   which      
                                   at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-      
                               ------------------------------   lated                         ciation     
                                          Buildings             depre-   Date of             in latest   
                                            and                ciation   comple-              income     
                                          Improve-               and     tion of              state-     
                                           ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is    
                                 Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed   
                              --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------   
                             (in thousands)                                                                
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>           
The Gallery at Market East          --     23,799    23,799     6,579    08/77       N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                               
  Philadelphia, PA                                                            
                                                                              
3773 Howard                                                                   
Hughes Parkway                   1,574     21,541    23,115       274    11/95      06/96      Note 8
  Office Building                                                             
  Las Vegas, NV                                                               
                                                                              
Perimeter Mall                      --     21,880    21,880     5,861    08/71       N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                               
  Atlanta, GA                                                                 
                                                                              
Willowbrook                        853     20,943    21,796     7,800    09/69       N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                               
  Wayne, NJ                                                                   
                                                                              
Franklin Park                      653     20,728    21,381     4,677    07/71       N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                               
  Toledo, OH                                                                  
                                                                              
Columbia Inn                     1,384     19,187    20,571     6,799    06/72       N/A       Note 8
  Hotel                                                                       
  Columbia, MD                                                                
                                                                              
The Grand Avenue                    --     20,556    20,556     9,329    08/82       N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                               
  Milwaukee, WI                                                               
                                                                              
Mondawmin                        2,251     17,766    20,017     6,121    01/78       N/A       Note 8
  Retail Center                                                               
  Baltimore, MD                                                               
                                                                              
RWD Building                     2,596     16,385    18,981     5,578    07/86       N/A       Note 8
  Office Building          
  Columbia, MD            
</TABLE> 
                                      IV-9
<PAGE>
 
                                                Schedule III, continued 
                                                -----------------------
            

                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)

                               December 31, 1996            
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            
                                                                Cost capitalized               
                                            Initial cost to       subsequent to                
                                                Company            acquisition                 
                                          -------------------  ------------------              
                                                    Buildings                                  
                                                      and                Carrying              
                            Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs               
Description                   (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)              
- -----------                 ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------              
                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                         <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                              
Blue Cross &                                                              
Blue Shield Building II           12,926      1,000        --    16,559        --    
  Office Building                                                                
  Baltimore, MD                                                                  
                                                                                 
Alexander &                                                                      
Alexander Building II             12,278        650        --    16,683        -- 
  Office Building                                                                
  Baltimore, MD                                                                  
                                                                                 
Highland Mall                      6,634         13        --    16,932        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Austin, TX                                                                     
                                                                                 
3753/3763 Howard                                                                 
Hughes Parkway                    11,431      4,064    12,707        25        -- 
  Office Building                                                                
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                  
                                                                                 
Parkside                          11,863        463        --    15,196        -- 
  Office Building                                                                
  Columbia, MD                                                                   
                                                                                 
Gateway Commerce Center #2            --      1,947        --    12,379        -- 
  Industrial Building                                                            
  Columbia, MD                                                                   
                                                                                 
Midtown Square                        --         --        --    14,226        -- 
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Charlotte, NC                                                                  
                                                                                 
3930 Howard                                                                      
Hughes Parkway                     7,950      2,809    10,192         4        -- 
  Office Building                                                         
  Las Vegas, NV                                                             
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Life on     
                               Gross amount at which carried                                   which      
                                   at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-      
                               ------------------------------   lated                         ciation     
                                          Buildings             depre-   Date of             in latest   
                                            and                ciation   comple-              income     
                                          Improve-               and     tion of              state-     
                                           ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is    
                                Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed   
                              --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------   
                             (in thousands)                                                                
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>           
Blue Cross &                     1,000     16,559    17,559     2,517     08/90      N/A       Note 8
Blue Shield Building II                                                         
  Office Building                                                               
  Baltimore, MD                                                                 
                                                                                
Alexander &                        650     16,683    17,333     5,106     11/88      N/A       Note 8
Alexander Building II                                                           
  Office Building                                                               
  Baltimore, MD                                                                 
                                    13     16,932    16,945     5,096     08/71      N/A       Note 8
Highland Mall                                                                   
  Retail Center                                                                 
  Austin, TX                                                                    
                                                                                
3753/3763 Howard                 4,064     12,732    16,796       211     10/91      06/96     Note 8
Hughes Parkway                                                                  
  Office Building                                                               
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                 
                                   463     15,196    15,659     3,052     11/89      N/A       Note 8
Parkside                                                                        
  Office Building                                                               
  Columbia, MD                                                                  
                                 1,947     12,379    14,326     2,113     N/A        08/93     Note 8
Gateway Commerce Center #2                                                      
  Industrial Building                                                           
  Columbia, MD                                                                  
                                    --     14,226    14,226     9,658     10/59      N/A       Note 8
Midtown Square                                                                  
  Retail Center                                                                 
  Charlotte, NC                                                                 
                                                                                
3930 Howard                      2,809     10,196    13,005       261     12/94      06/96     Note 8
Hughes Parkway              
  Office Building          
  Las Vegas, NV            
</TABLE> 
                                       IV-10

<PAGE>
 

                                                       Schedule III, continued
                                                       -----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES                     
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)              
                                                                              
                               December 31, 1996                              
<TABLE>                                                                       
<CAPTION>                                                                     

                                                                              
                                                                Cost capitalized    
                                            Initial cost to       subsequent to     
                                                Company            acquisition      
                                          -------------------  ------------------   
                                                    Buildings                       
                                                      and                Carrying   
                            Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs    
Description                   (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)   
- -----------                 ------------  --------- ---------  --------  --------   
                                                                         (in thousand)
<S>                         <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       
30 Corporate Center                8,592      1,160        --    11,578       --    
  Office Building                                                                  
  Columbia, MD                                                                     
                                                                                   
6601 Center Drive West            11,675        646    11,354        41       --    
  Office Building                                                                  
  Los Angeles, CA                                                                  
                                                                                   
Amdahl Building                    3,573        927        --    10,374       --    
  Office Building                                                                  
  Columbia, MD                                                                     
                                                                                   
Hickory Ridge                                                                      
Village Center                     9,341        907        --    10,200       --    
  Village Center                                                                   
  Columbia, MD                                                                     
                                                                                   
American City Building                --         --        --    10,858       --    
  Office Building                                                                  
  Columbia, MD                                                                     
                                                                                   
Dorsey Search                                                                      
Village Center                    10,230        911        --     9,893       --    
  Village Center                                                                   
  Columbia, MD                                                                     
                                                                                   
Montgomery Ward                    6,440        695     8,257        23       --    
  Office/Industrial                                                                
   Building                                                                        
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                    
                                                                                           
10 Corporate Center                   --        753        --     8,167       --            
  Office Building                                                                             
  Columbia, MD                                                                                  
           
    
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Life on     
                               Gross amount at which carried                                   which      
                                   at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-      
                               ------------------------------   lated                         ciation     
                                          Buildings             depre-   Date of             in latest   
                                            and                ciation   comple-              income     
                                          Improve-               and     tion of              state-     
                                           ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is    
                                 Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed   
                              --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------   
                             (in thousands)                                                                
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                                   
30 Corporate Center              1,160     11,578    12,738     4,089     04/86       N/A       Note 8
  Office Building                                                              
  Columbia, MD                                                                 
                                                                               
6601 Center Drive West             646     11,395    12,041       187     12/91      06/96      Note 8
  Office Building                                                              
  Los Angeles, CA                                                              
                                                                               
Amdahl Building                    927     10,374    11,301     4,171     06/81       N/A       Note 8
  Office Building                                                              
  Columbia, MD                                                                 
                                                                               
Hickory Ridge                                                                  
Village Center                     907     10,200    11,107     1,358     06/92       N/A       Note 8
  Village Center                                                               
  Columbia, MD                                                                 
                                                                               
American City Building              --     10,858    10,858     8,222     03/69       N/A       Note 8
  Office Building                                                              
  Columbia, MD                                                                 
                                                                               
Dorsey Search                                                                  
Village Center                     911      9,893    10,804     2,031     09/89       N/A       Note 8
  Village Center                                                               
  Columbia, MD                                                                 
                                                                               
Montgomery Ward                    695      8,280     8,975       123     10/95      06/96      Note 8
  Office/Industrial                                                            
   Building                                                                    
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                
                                                                               
10 Corporate Center                753      8,167     8,920     3,422     09/81       N/A       Note 8
  Office Building         
  Columbia, MD             
</TABLE> 
                                      IV-11
<PAGE>
 
                                                         Schedule III, continued
                                                         -----------------------

                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES     
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)  

                               December 31, 1996
                                            
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                Cost capitalized     
                                            Initial cost to       subsequent to      
                                                Company            acquisition       
                                          -------------------  ------------------    
                                                    Buildings                        
                                                      and                Carrying    
                            Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs     
Description                   (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)    
- -----------                 ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------    
                                            (in thousands)
<S>                         <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        
Crossing Business                                                                    
Center Phase I                   8,073    1,221      7,322         28        --       
  Office Building                                                                   
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                     
                                                                                    
King's Contrivance                                                                  
Village Center                      --    1,072         --      7,433        --       
  Village Center                                                                    
  Columbia, MD                                                                      
                                                                                    
3770 Howard                                                                         
Hughes Parkway                   5,750      659      7,633        147        --       
  Office Building                                                                   
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                     
                                                                                    
Metro Plaza                        920      202          -      8,014        --       
  Retail Center                                                                     
  Baltimore, MD                                                                     
                                                                                    
Wilde Lake                                                                          
Village Center                      --    1,486         --      6,116        --       
  Village Center                                                                    
  Columbia, MD                                                                      
                                                                                    
Plaza East                       4,990    1,040      6,053          1        --       
  Office Building                                                                   
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                     
                                                                                    
Crossing Business                                                                   
Center Phase II                  5,780      332      6,750       (186)       --       
  Office Building                                                                   
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                     
                                                                                    
First National Bank Plaza        5,410       --         --      6,330        --       
  Office Building                                                                  
  Mt. Prospect, IL                                                                         
          
  
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                              Life on     
                               Gross amount at which carried                                   which      
                                   at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-      
                               ------------------------------   lated                         ciation     
                                          Buildings             depre-   Date of             in latest   
                                            and                ciation   comple-              income     
                                          Improve-               and     tion of              state-     
                                           ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is    
                                 Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed   
                              --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------   
                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                              
Crossing Business          
Center Phase I                   1,221      7,350     8,571       112    12/94      06/96    Note 8
  Office Building                                                                
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                  
                                                                                 
King's Contrivance                                                               
Village Center                   1,072      7,433     8,505     2,344    06/86       N/A     Note 8
  Village Center                                                                 
  Columbia, MD                                                                   
                                                                                 
3770 Howard                                                                      
Hughes Parkway                     659      7,780     8,439       173    10/90      06/96    Note 8
  Office Building                                                                
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                  
                                                                                 
Metro Plaza                        202      8,014     8,216     3,179      N/A      12/82    Note 8
  Retail Center                                                                  
  Baltimore, MD                                                                  
                                                                                 
Wilde Lake                                                                       
Village Center                   1,486      6,116     7,602     2,871    07/67        N/A    Note 8
  Village Center                                                                 
  Columbia, MD                                                                   
                                                                                 
Plaza East                       1,040      6,054     7,094        94    12/93      06/96    Note 8
  Office Building                                                                
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                  
                                                                                 
Crossing Business                                                                
Center Phase II                    332      6,564     6,896        98    12/95      06/96    Note 8
  Office Building                                                                
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                  
                                                                                 
First National Bank Plaza           --      6,330     6,330     1,594    07/81        N/A    Note 8
  Office Building                       
  Mt. Prospect, IL                      
  
</TABLE>

                                      IV-12
<PAGE>
 
                                                       Schedule III, continued
                                                       -----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES                     
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)              
                                                                              
                               December 31, 1996                              
<TABLE>                                                                       
<CAPTION>                                                                     
                                                                              
                                                                Cost capitalized               
                                            Initial cost to       subsequent to                
                                                Company            acquisition                 
                                          -------------------  ------------------              
                                                    Buildings                                  
                                                      and                Carrying              
                            Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs               
Description                   (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)              
- -----------                 ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------              
                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                         <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                               
Crossing Business                                                                   
Center Phase III                   8,810    1,913       --        4,374       --  
  Office Building                                                               
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                 
                                                                                
980 Kelly Johnson Drive            3,483      874    5,120           --       --      
  Office/Industrial                                                             
   Building                                                                     
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                 
                                                                                
420 Pilot Road                        --    1,098       --        4,845       --     
  Office/Industrial                                                             
   Building                                                                     
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                 
                                                                                
Joseph Square                                                                   
Village Center                    4,878       546       --        5,345       --     
  Village Center                                                                
  Columbia, MD                                                                  
                                                                                
975 Kelly Johnson Drive           4,475       389    5,360           --       --     
  Office/Industrial                                                             
   Building                                                                     
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                 
                                                                                
6590 Bermuda Road                 2,583     1,562    3,970           --       --     
  Office/Industrial                                                             
   Building                                                                     
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                 
                                                                                
950 Pilot Road                    2,079       883    4,608           --       --     
  Office/Industrial                                                             
   Building                                                                     
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                 
                                                                                
Raytheon Building                    --       344    4,977           --       --     
  Office/Industrial                                                             
   Building                                                                     
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                 
                                                                                
Plaza West                        4,662       174    4,792           --       --     
  Office Building                                                               
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                  
</TABLE> 
<TABLE>  
<CAPTION>

                                                                                              Life on     
                               Gross amount at which carried                                   which      
                                   at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-      
                               ------------------------------   lated                         ciation     
                                          Buildings             depre-   Date of             in latest   
                                            and                ciation   comple-              income     
                                          Improve-               and     tion of              state-     
                                           ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is    
                                 Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed   
                              --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------   
                             (in thousands)                                                                
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>           
Crossing Business          
Center Phase III                 1,913      4,374     6,287        62     09/96     06/96      Note 8 
  Office Building                                           
  Las Vegas, NV            
                           
980 Kelly Johnson Drive            874      5,120     5,994        83     05/92     06/96      Note 8
  Office/Industrial Building                                                  
  Las Vegas, NV            
                           
420 Pilot Road             
  Office/Industrial Building     1,098      4,845     5,943        51     09/96     06/96      Note 8   
  Las Vegas, NV                                              
                           
Joseph Square              
Village Center                     546      5,345     5,891     2,320     09/71       N/A      Note 8   
  Village Center           
  Columbia, MD             
                                  
975 Kelly Johnson Drive                                       
  Office/Industrial Building       389      5,360     5,749        91    11/90       06/96     Note 8  
  Las Vegas, NV            
                                   
6590 Bermuda Road                1,562      3,970     5,532        68    08/90       06/96     Note 8                  
  Office/Industrial Building        
  Las Vegas, NV            
                           
950 Pilot Road                     883      4,608     5,491        79    09/90       06/96     Note 8   
  Office/Industrial                                           
   Building                
  Las Vegas, NV            
                           
Raytheon Building                  344      4,977     5,321        80    11/92       06/96     Note 8  
  Office/Industrial Building             
  Las Vegas, NV            
                           
Plaza West                         174      4,792     4,966        68    11/95       06/96     Note 8      
  Office Building          
  Las Vegas, NV                   
</TABLE> 

                                      IV-13
<PAGE>
 
                                                        Schedule III, continued
                                                        -----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)

                               December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>               
                                                             Cost capitalized
                                         Initial cost to       subsequent to
                                            Company             acquisition
                                       -------------------  ------------------ 
                                                 Buildings                       
                                                   and                Carrying        
                         Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs          
Description                (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)   
- -----------              -------------  -------- --------- --------- ---------   
                                                                      (in thousands) 
<S>                     <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>    
Investments in             
unconsolidated real        
estate ventures                 21,811       --   32,713     49,044        --
                                                                          
Receivables under                                                   
finance leases                   3,470       --       --     94,876        --
                                                                                                                                 
Other properties and                                                
related investments                                                 
less than 5% of total          162,254   21,488   57,379     82,567        --
                             ---------  -------  -------  ---------   -------
                                                                    
Total Operating                                                     
Properties                   2,203,166  244,243  358,017  2,772,716        --
                             ---------  -------  -------  ---------   -------

</TABLE>
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                       Life on
                         Gross amount at which carried                                   which
                             at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-
                         ------------------------------   lated                         ciation
                                   Buildings              depre-   Date of             in latest
                                      and                ciation   comple-              income
                                    Improve-               and     tion of              state-
                                     ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is
                           Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed 
                         --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------        
                    (in thousands)
<S>                      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C> 

Investments in                --     81,757     81,757       --     Various   Various      N/A
unconsolidated real                                                                        
estate ventures                                                                             
                                                                                     
Receivables under             --     94,876     94,876       --     Various   Various      N/A
finance leases   
                 
Other properties and      21,488    139,946    161,434   31,413                       
related investments      -------  ---------  ---------  -------                       
less than 5% of total                                                                       
                                                                                            
                         244,243  3,130,733  3,374,976  552,201                       
Total Operating          -------  ---------  ---------  -------                        
Properties                  

</TABLE> 


                                      IV-14                    
<PAGE>

                                                         Schedule III, continued
                                                         -----------------------

                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)

                               December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>               
                                                                      Cost capitalized
                                                  Initial cost to       subsequent to
                                                     Company             acquisition
                                                -------------------  ------------------ 
                                                          Buildings                       
                                                            and                Carrying        
                                  Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs          
Description                         (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)   
- -----------                       ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------   
                                                                      (in thousands) 
<S>                               <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>    
Properties in Development:               
                                         
Beachwood Place Expansion               35,002   1,149          --     41,545       -- 
  Expansion of retail center                                                           
  Beachwood, OH                                                                        
                                                                                       
Various Office Park Expansions              --  18,507          --     21,402       -- 
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                        
                                                                                       
Orlando                                     --   2,355          --     17,952       -- 
  Retail Center under development                                                      
  Orlando, FL                                                                          
                                                                                       
Arizona Center                              --      --          --     16,184       -- 
  Developed/developable land                                                           
  under master lease                                                                   
  Phoenix, AZ                                                                          
                                                                                       
Canyon Center                               --   2,104          --      7,296       -- 
  Office Building under development                                                    
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                        
                                                                                       
White Marsh Expansion                       --   3,373          --      5,519       -- 
  Repositioning of department stores                                                   
  Baltimore, MD                                                                        
                                                                                       
Willowbrook Expansion                       --      --          --      7,122       -- 
  Repositioning of department stores                                                   
  Wayne, NJ                                                                            
                                                                                       
Plymouth Meeting Mall Expansion             --      --          --      5,046       -- 
  Expansion of retail Center                                                           
  Montgomery County, PA                                                                
</TABLE> 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         Life on
                                           Gross amount at which carried                                   which
                                               at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-
                                           ------------------------------   lated                         ciation
                                                     Buildings              depre-   Date of             in latest
                                                        and                ciation   comple-              income
                                                      Improve-               and     tion of              state-
                                                       ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is
                                             Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed 
                                           --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------        
                                      (in thousands)
<S>                                        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C> 



Properties in Development:                  
                                                                                                           
Beachwood Place Expansion                    1,149     41,545    42,694      --        N/A        N/A        N/A 
  Expansion of Retail Center                                                                               
  Beachwood, OH                             
                                                                                                           
Various Office Park Expansions              18,507     21,402    39,909      --        N/A       06/96       N/A 
  Las Vegas, NV                              
                                                                                                           
Orlando                                      2,355     17,952    20,307      --        N/A        N/A        N/A 
  Retail Center under development                                                                          
  Orlando, FL                                
                                                                                                           
Arizona Center                                  --     16,184    16,184      N/A       N/A        N/A        N/A 
  Developed/developable land                                                                               
  under master lease                                                                                       
  Phoenix, AZ                                
                                                                                                           
Canyon Center                                2,104      7,296     9,400      --        N/A       06/96       N/A
  Office Building under development                                                                        
  Las Vegas, NV                              
                                                                                                           
White Marsh Expansion                        3,373      5,519     8,892      --        N/A       08/95       N/A 
  Repositioning of department stores                                                                       
  Baltimore, MD                              
                                                                                                           
Willowbrook Expansion                           --      7,122     7,122      --        N/A        N/A        N/A 
  Repositioning of department stores                                                                       
  Wayne, NJ                                 
                                                                                                           
Plymouth Meeting Mall Expansion                 --      5,046     5,046      --        N/A        N/A        N/A 
  Expansion of Retail Center             
  Montgomery County, PA                         
</TABLE> 

                                              IV-15
<PAGE>
 
                                                        Schedule III, continued
                                                        -----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)

                               December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>               
                                                                     Cost capitalized
                                                 Initial cost to       subsequent to
                                                    Company             acquisition
                                               -------------------  ------------------ 
                                                         Buildings                       
                                                           and                Carrying        
                                 Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs          
Description                        (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)   
- -----------                      ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------   
                                                                      (in thousands) 
<S>                              <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>    
Preconstruction costs -            
  Various projects                     --          --         --     22,158       --
                                                                                    
Preconstruction reserve                --          --         --    (16,317)      --
                                                                                    
Other projects,                                                                     
  less than 5% of total                --      13,544         --      7,121       --
                                   ------      ------     ------    -------    -----
                                                                                    
Total Properties                                                               
  in Development                   35,002      41,032         --    135,028       --
                                   ------      ------     ------    -------    -----
                                                                                    
Properties held for sale:                                                           
                                                                                    
Salem Mall                         36,097       1,285         --     20,617       --
  Retail Center                                                                     
  Dayton, OH                                                                        
                                                                                    
Northwest Mall                     22,839       6,649         --     12,339       --
  Retail Center                                                                     
  Houston, TX                                                                       
                                                                                    
Almeda Mall                            --       4,641         --     14,145       --
  Retail Center                                                                     
  Houston, TX                                                                       
                                                                                    
Other properties held for sale,                                                     
less than 5% of total               6,587       1,453         --     11,951       --
                                   ------      ------     ------    -------    -----
                                                                                    
Total properties held for sale     65,523      14,028         --     59,052       --
                                   ------      ------     ------    -------    -----
</TABLE>
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                    Life on
                                      Gross amount at which carried                                   which
                                          at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-
                                      ------------------------------   lated                         ciation
                                                Buildings              depre-   Date of             in latest
                                                   and                ciation   comple-              income
                                                 Improve-               and     tion of              state-
                                                  ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is
                                        Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed 
                                      --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------        
                                (in thousands)
<S>                                   <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C> 


Preconstruction costs -           
  Various projects                      --        22,158    22,158      N/A        N/A        N/A       N/A         
                                                                                              
Preconstruction reserve                 --       (16,317)  (16,317)     N/A        N/A        N/A       N/A         
                                                                                              
Other projects,                                                                                                                   
  less than 5% of total             13,544         7,121    20,665      N/A        N/A        N/A       N/A         
                                    ------       -------   -------                                  
                                                                                              
Total Properties                                                                         
  in Development                    41,032       135,028   176,060                                 
                                    ------       -------   -------                                  
                                                                                              
Properties held for sale:                                                                     
                                                                                              
Salem Mall                           1,285        20,617    21,902      --         10/66      N/A       Note 8      
  Retail Center                                                                               
  Dayton, OH                                                                                  
                                                                                              
Northwest Mall                       6,649        12,339    18,988      --         10/68      N/A       Note 8      
  Retail Center                                                                               
  Houston, TX                                                                                 
                                                                                              
Almeda Mall                          4,641        14,145    18,786      --         10/68      N/A       Note 8      
  Retail Center                                                                               
  Houston, TX                                                                                 
                                                                                              
Other properties held for sale,                                                               
less than 5% of total                1,453        11,951    13,404                                 
                                    ------       -------   -------                                  
                                                                                              
Total properties held for sale      14,028        59,052    73,080                                 
                                    ------       -------   -------                                   
</TABLE> 

                                     IV-16
<PAGE>
 
                                                         Schedule III, continued
                                                         -----------------------
                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (note 1)

                               December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>               
                                                                       Cost capitalized
                                                   Initial cost to       subsequent to
                                                       Company            acquisition
                                                 -------------------  ------------------ 
                                                           Buildings                       
                                                             and                Carrying        
                                   Encumbrances            Improve-   Improve-    costs          
Description                          (note 4)      Land     ments      ments    (note 2)   
- -----------                        ------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------   
                                                                                (in thousands)
<S>                                <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>   
Land held for development and sale:
                                  
Columbia                                12,550   53,000         --      56,449       --   
  Land in various stages                                                         
  of development                                                                 
  Columbia, MD                                                                   
                                                                                 
Summerlin                                   --   89,076         --          --       --   
  Land in various stages of                                                      
  development                                                                    
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                  
                                                                                 
Canyon Springs                              --   16,000         --       8,716       --   
  Land held for development                                                      
  Riverside County, CA                                                           
                                                                                 
Nevada Investment Land                      --   20,631         --          --       --   
                                                                                 
Other properties,                                                                
  less than 5% of total                     --      245         --          --       --   
                                    ---------- --------   --------  ----------  -------   
                                                                                 
Total land held for                                                               
  development and sale                  12,550  178,952         --      65,165       --   
                                    ---------- --------   --------  ----------  -------   
Total Property                      $2,316,241 $478,255   $358,017  $3,031,961  $    --  
                                    ========== ========   ========  ==========  =======
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                     Life on
                                       Gross amount at which carried                                   which
                                           at December 31, 1996         Accumu-                       depre-
                                       ------------------------------   lated                         ciation
                                                 Buildings              depre-   Date of             in latest
                                                    and                ciation   comple-              income
                                                  Improve-               and     tion of              state-
                                                   ments               amorti-  construc-    Date     ment is
                                         Land    (note 3)     Total    zation      tion    acquired   computed 
                                       --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------        
                                (in thousands)
<S>                                    <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C> 


Land held for development and sale:
                                   
Columbia                              109,449         --    109,449      N/A        N/A      09/85        N/A        
  Land in various stages                                                               
  of development                    
  Columbia, MD                                                                         
                                                                                       
Summerlin                              89,076         --     89,076      N/A        N/A      06/96        N/A 
  Land in various stages of                                                            
  development                       
  Las Vegas, NV                                                                        
                                                                                       
Canyon Springs                         24,716         --     24,716      N/A        N/A      07/89        N/A 
  Land held for development         
  Riverside County, CA                                                                 
                                                                                       
Nevada Investment Land                 20,631         --     20,631      N/A        N/A      06/96        N/A 

Other properties,                                                                      
  less than 5% of total                   245         --        245      N/A        N/A     Various       N/A
                                     -------- ---------- ---------- --------     
                                   
Total land held for                
  development and sale                244,177         --    244,117      N/A        
                                     -------- ---------- ---------- --------     
Total Property                       $543,420 $3,324,813 $3,868,233 $552,201            
                                     ======== ========== ========== ========             

</TABLE> 
                                    IV-17
 



<PAGE>
 
                                                         Schedule III, continued
                                                         -----------------------

                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Note 1)

                               December 31, 1996

Notes:

  (1) Reference is made to notes 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13 and 16 to the
consolidated financial statements.  Land was generally acquired one to three
years before completion of construction.

  (2) The determination of these amounts is not practicable and, accordingly,
they are included in improvements.

  (3) Buildings and improvements include deferred costs of $113,904,000 at
December 31, 1996.

  (4) Encumbrances on office buildings are included in operating property
encumbrances.

  (5) The changes in total cost of properties for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  1996         1995          1994
                                               -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>          <C>
 Balance at beginning of year                  $3,219,277   $3,144,015    $3,010,195
 Additions, at cost                               158,205       73,155        88,259
 Cost of properties acquired                      613,100       78,605        93,705
 Additions to land held for
  development and sale                             48,474       16,091        16,270
 Cost of land sales                               (57,204)     (14,214)      (15,804)
 Retirements, sales and other
  dispositions                                    (85,167)     (75,787)      (30,049)
 Additions to preconstruction reserve              (2,700)      (3,800)       (3,400)
 Receivables under finance leases, net              3,088          224          (632)
 Investments in unconsolidated real
  estate ventures, net                             (3,015)      16,577       (12,317)
 Provision for loss on operating properties       (25,825)     (15,589)       (2,212)
                                               ----------   ----------    ----------
 Balance at end of year                        $3,868,233   $3,219,277    $3,144,015
                                               ==========   ==========    ==========
 
</TABLE>
In 1996, non-cash consideration of $34,610,000 in the form of purchase money
loans and debt assumed was given in acquisitions of properties.

                                     IV-18
<PAGE>
 
                                                         Schedule III, continued
                                                         -----------------------

                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Note 1)

                               December 31, 1996


Notes, continued:


 (6) The changes in accumulated depreciation and amortization for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                        1996        1995        1994
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
 
Balance at beginning of year          $519,319    $490,158    $429,070
Depreciation and amortization
 charged to operations                  79,990      73,062      74,186
Retirements, sales and other, net      (47,108)    (43,901)    (13,098)
                                      --------    --------    --------
Balance at end of year                $552,201    $519,319    $490,158
                                      ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 (7) The aggregate cost of properties for Federal income tax purposes is
approximately $3,834,130,000 at December 31, 1996.

 (8) Reference is made to note 2(c) to the consolidated financial statements for
information related to depreciation.

 (9) Reference is made to note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for
information related to provisions for losses on real estate assets.

                                      IV-19
<PAGE>
 
                                   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.

 The Rouse Company



 By:   /s/Anthony W. Deering
      -------------------------------------
     Anthony W. Deering                               March 31, 1997
     Chairman of the Board, President
       and Chief Executive Officer


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
 report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
 Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 Principal Executive Officer:



   /s/Anthony W. Deering
  -------------------------------------
 Anthony W. Deering                                   March 31, 1997
 Chairman of the Board, President
   and Chief Executive Officer


 Principal Financial Officer:



     /s/Jeffrey H. Donahue
   -------------------------------------
 Jeffrey H. Donahue                                   March 31, 1997
 Senior Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer


 Principal Accounting Officer:



     /s/George L. Yungmann
   -------------------------------------
 George L. Yungmann                                   March 31, 1997
 Senior Vice President and Controller

                                      IV-20
<PAGE>
 
 Board of Directors:

    David H. Benson, Jeremiah E. Casey, Anthony W. Deering, Rohit M. Desai,
 Mathias J. DeVito, Juanita T. James, William R. Lummis, Thomas J. McHugh, Hanne
 M. Merriman, Roger W. Schipke, Alexander B. Trowbridge and Gerard J. M. Vlak.


 By:    /s/Anthony W. Deering
      -------------------------------
      Anthony W. Deering                              March 31, 1997     
      For Himself and as
      Attorney-in-fact for
      the above-named persons

                                      IV-21
<PAGE>
 
              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
              ---------------------------------------------------



The Board of Directors
The Rouse Company:


  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of
The Rouse Company on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 2-83612, 33-56231, 33-56233 and
33-56235), Form S-3 (Registration Nos. 2-78898, 2-95596, 33-52458, 33-57347, 33-
57707 and 333-20781) and Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-1693) of our report
dated February 25, 1997, relating to the consolidated financial statements and
related schedules of The Rouse Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996
and 1995 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1996, which report appears in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Rouse
Company for the year ended December 31, 1996.



                                      KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP



Baltimore, Maryland
March 31, 1997

                                      IV-22
<PAGE>
 
                 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REAL ESTATE CONSULTANTS
                 ----------------------------------------------



The Board of Directors
The Rouse Company:

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements of The Rouse Company (the "Company") on Form S-8 (Registration Nos.
2-83612, 33-56231, 33-56233 and 33-56235), Form S-3 (Registration Nos. 2-78898,
2-95596, 33-52458, 33-57347, 33-57707 and 333-20781) and Form S-4 (Registration
No. 333-1693) of our report dated February  25, 1997 on our concurrence with the
Company's estimates of the total current value of its equity and other interests
in certain real property owned and/or managed by the Company and its
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, which report appears in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1996.

                                      LANDAUER ASSOCIATES, INC.



                                      Deborah A. Jackson
                                      Senior Vice President
                                      Director of Retail Valuation



New York, New York
March 31, 1997

                                      IV-23
<PAGE>
 
                                 Exhibit Index



Exhibit No.
- -----------

     3          Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

    10          Material Contracts

    11          Statement re computation of per share earnings

    12.1        Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    12.2        Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
                Preferred stock dividend requirements

    13          Annual report to security holders

    21          Subsidiaries of the Registrant

    24          Power of Attorney

    27          Financial Data Schedule
 
    99          Additional Exhibits:

    99.1        Form 11-K Annual Report of The Rouse Company
                Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 1996

    99.2        Factors affecting future operating results

                                     

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 3.  Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.


The Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation of The Rouse Company adopted May
 26, 1988 and the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of The Rouse
 Company, dated May 27, 1988, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to
 the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31,
 1988.

The Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
 of The Rouse Company, which Articles of Amendment were effective January 10,
 1991, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Form 10-
 K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990.

The Articles Supplementary to the Charter of The Rouse Company, dated February
 17, 1993, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Form
 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992.

The Articles Supplementary to the Charter of The Rouse Company, dated September
 26, 1994, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Form
 S-3 Registration Statement (No. 33-57707).

The Articles Supplementary to the Charter of The Rouse Company, dated December
 27, 1994, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Form
 S-3 Registration Statement (No. 33-57707).

The Articles Supplementary to the Charter of The Rouse Company, dated June 5,
 1996, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Form S-3
 Registration Statement (No. 333-20781).

The Articles Supplementary to the Charter of The Rouse Company, dated June 11,
 1996, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Form S-3
 Registration Statement (No. 333-20781).

The Articles Supplementary to the Charter of The Rouse Company, dated February
 21, 1997, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibit to the Company's
 Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 26, 1997.

The Bylaws of The Rouse Company, as amended November 19, 1996 and January 30,
 1997, are incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Form S-3
 Registration Statement (No. 333-20781).

All documents referred to above may be found in Commission file number 0-1743.

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 10.  Material Contracts.


The Company's 1985 Stock Option Plan and 1985 Stock Bonus Plan are incorporated
 by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to
 Regulation 14A on April 27, 1985, and the Amendment to The Rouse Company 1985
 Stock Option Plan, effective as of May 12, 1994 is incorporated by reference
 from the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December
 31, 1994.

The Company's 1990 Stock Option Plan and 1990 Stock Bonus Plan are incorporated
 by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to
 Regulation 14A on April 12, 1990, and the Amendment to The Rouse Company 1990
 Stock Option Plan, effective as of May 12, 1994, is incorporated by reference
 from the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December
 31, 1994.

The Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference from the
 Company's definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on April
 5, 1994.

The Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan of The Rouse
 Company, made as of January 1, 1985 and further amended and restated as of
 September 24, 1992, March 4, 1994, and May 10, 1995, is attached.

The Contingent Stock Agreement, effective as of January 1, 1996, by the Company
 in favor of and for the benefit of the Holders and Representatives named
 therein is incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Form S-
 4 Registration Statement (No. 333-1693).

The Rouse Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors (Amended and
 Restated), dated as of May 23, 1996, is attached.

The memorandum of agreement, dated December 19, 1996, between the Company and
 Mathias J. DeVito, then Chairman of the Board of the Company, is attached.


All documents referred to above may be found in Commission file number 0-1743.
<PAGE>
 
                               THE ROUSE COMPANY

                           DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

                             FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS

                             (AMENDED AND RESTATED)



                                    PURPOSE
                                    -------

  The Rouse Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors is
established (i) to enable an eligible Director to defer receipt of fees
otherwise payable by the Company for service in his or her capacity as a
Director or as a member of a committee of the Board of Directors and (ii) to
provide a program of credits to a Common Stock account for each Director based
on his or her period of service as a Director.


                                   SECTION 1
                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------

 In this Plan, the following terms have the meanings stated:
 
 (a) "Board of Directors" means the board of directors of the Company.

 (b) "Company" means The Rouse Company and any affiliated, subsidiary or
successor corporation of or to The Rouse Company.

 (c) "Deferred Compensation" means all compensation earned by a Participant
during the period of his or her participation in the Plan for services as a
Director or as a member of a committee of the Board of Directors, or so much
thereof as a Participant elects to defer.  Deferred Compensation does not
include amounts payable to a Participant for reimbursement of expenses.

 (d) "Deferred Compensation Account" means an account maintained under this
Plan by the Company for each Participant to which Deferred Compensation and
additional compensation is credited.

 (e) "Deferred Retainer Account" means an account maintained under this Plan by
the Company for each Participant to which Retainer Contributions and, if
applicable, an Initial Contribution are made by the Company.

 (f) "Director" means a member of the Board of Directors.

 (g) "Initial Contribution" means an amount credited to a Deferred Retainer
Account as provided in Section 4(a)(1)(A).

 (h) "Participant" means a Director who is participating in the Plan as provided
in Section 2.
<PAGE>
 
  (i) "Plan" means The Rouse Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside
Directors (Amended and Restated) as set forth herein and as amended from time to
time.

  (j) "Retainer Contribution" means an amount credited to a Deferred Retainer
Account as provided in Sections 4(a)(1)(B) and 4(a)(2).


                                   SECTION 2
                           PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN
                           -------------------------

  A Director who is not an employee of the Company and who is receiving the
standard director's compensation:

  (1) shall have a Deferred Retainer Account established for him or her upon
being elected as a director, and

  (2) shall, upon giving the Company notice substantially in the form of Exhibit
A, have a Deferred Compensation Account established for him or her.


                                   SECTION 3
                         DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCOUNT
                         -----------------------------

  (a) A Participant's Deferred Compensation shall be credited to his or her
Deferred Compensation Account.  Effective May 12, 1994, and subject to such
rules as the Secretary of the Company, as Plan Administrator, shall establish, a
Participant may specify that his or her Deferred Compensation Account shall be
treated as if it were invested in any of the investment alternatives that are
available under The Rouse Company Savings Plan, as amended from time to time,
and such Deferred Compensation Account shall be credited with investment
earnings, gains or losses accordingly until the balance in the Deferred
Compensation Account has been fully distributed as provided in Section 6.  A
Participant shall designate in writing to the Secretary of the Company:

   (1) the percentage of his or her compensation as a Director that is to be
 credited to the Plan as Deferred Compensation; and

   (2) the percentage of Deferred Compensation that is to be credited to each
 investment alternative elected by the Participant.

  (b) Effective the first day of the next calendar quarter, a Participant may by
written notice to the Secretary of the Company substantially in the form of
Exhibit B to the Plan change any of the percentages specified in the preceding
sentence and reallocate any portion of the investment balances in his or her
Deferred Compensation Account.
<PAGE>
 
                                   SECTION 4
                           DEFERRED RETAINER ACCOUNT
                           -------------------------

 (a) A Participant's Deferred Retainer Account shall be credited with the
following amounts:

   (1) a Director who is eligible to participate in the Plan on May 23, 1996
 shall have credited to his or her Deferred Retainer Account:

    (A) on May 23, 1996, an Initial Contribution equal to $2,750 multiplied by
  such person's full years of service as a director as of May 23, 1996; and

    (B) on each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year,
  beginning on June 30, 1996, or on the next succeeding business day if any such
  day is not a business day, a Retainer Contribution equal to 2 1/2% of the
  annual director's retainer in effect on such date; and

   (2) a Director who becomes eligible to participate in the Plan after May 23,
 1996 shall have credited to his or her Deferred Retainer Account on each March
 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, or on the next
 succeeding business day if any such day is not a business day, a Retainer
 Contribution equal to 2 1/2% of the annual director's retainer in effect on
 such date.

  (b)  With respect to a Director who is eligible to participate in the Plan on
May 23, 1996, the value of such Director's Deferred Retainer Account at the time
of his or her termination of participation as provided in Section 5 shall be the
greater of:

   (1) the value of the Deferred Retainer Account based on the Initial
 Contribution, any subsequent Retainer Contributions, dividends, other
 investment earnings, and investment gains or losses, all as provided in
 Sections 4(a) and 4(c); and

   (2)  the present value of the projected retirement benefit of the Director at
 the time of his or her termination of participation based on the Board of
 Directors retirement program as in effect immediately prior to May 23, 1996,
 and utilizing the interest rates and mortality tables that are used to
 calculate lump sum payments under The Rouse Company Pension Plan as of the date
 of the director's termination of participation.

  (c) All amounts credited to a Participant's Deferred Retainer Account shall be
treated as if they were invested in Common Stock of the Company and shall be
credited with dividends and any other investment earnings.

  (d) If the Company's Common Stock changes as a result of stock dividends,
split-ups, recapitalization or the like, proportionate adjustments shall be made
automatically in the number of shares credited to each Participant's Deferred
Retainer Account. If the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock are
changed into
<PAGE>
 
or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities or
property (including cash) of the Company or of another corporation for any
reason, including by reason of reorganization, merger, sale or transfer of all
or substantially all of the Company's assets to another corporation, or exchange
of shares or consolidation, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the number
and kind of shares, other securities, or property credited to each Participant's
Deferred Retainer Account.

  (e) For purposes of this Section and Section 6, the value of a share of the
Company's Common Stock shall be the closing New York Stock Exchange price on the
applicable date as reported in The Wall Street Journal (Eastern Edition).
                               ----------------------------------------- 


                                   SECTION 5
                          TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION
                          ----------------------------

  (a) Participation in the Plan will terminate if (i) the Participant ceases to
be a Director or becomes an employee of the Company or (ii) the Participant
dies, whichever event occurs first.

  (b) A Director whose participation in the Plan has terminated under Section
5(a)(i) may elect to participate in the Plan again, provided he or she again
becomes eligible to participate under Section 2.


                                   SECTION 6
                DISTRIBUTION FROM DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCOUNT
                -----------------------------------------------
                         AND DEFERRED RETAINER ACCOUNT
                         -----------------------------

  (a) At the time a Director becomes a Participant in the Plan, with respect to
a Deferred Retainer Account, or elects to participate in the Plan, with respect
to a Deferred Compensation Account, he or she shall elect the timing of
distributions from his or her Deferred Compensation Account or Deferred Retainer
Account, as applicable.  Such election regarding the timing of distributions may
be changed by a Director if federal income tax laws then permit such a new
election without affecting the taxability of fees deferred or credited under the
Plan. Distributions will commence as provided in (b) and (c) below and will be
made in one lump sum or in up to 10 annual installments. If a Director chooses
payment in more than one installment, the amount of each installment shall be
equal to the amount in the Deferred Compensation Account or Deferred Retainer
Account on the date each installment is to be paid, divided by the number of
annual installments remaining. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion and
notwithstanding any election by the Director to the contrary, accelerate the
payment of any or all installments of a Director's Deferred Compensation Account
or Deferred Retainer Account once distribution of the Account has begun.

  (b) Except as provided in Section 6(c), distribution from a Director's
Deferred Compensation Account or Deferred Retainer Account will commence on the
first day of the Director's tax year following termination of the Director's
participation in the Plan
<PAGE>
 
as provided in Section 5(a) above. Any subsequent installments will be paid on
each anniversary date of the initial installment until the Director has been
paid the balance of his or her Deferred Compensation Account or Deferred
Retainer Account. All distributions from a Director's Deferred Compensation
Account or Deferred Retainer Account shall be in cash.  Payments to a Director
shall be suspended if the Director again becomes a Participant as provided in
Section 5(b) and will be resumed when the Director's participation later ceases.

  (c) If a Director dies before receiving full payment of his or her Deferred
Compensation Account or Deferred Retainer Account, the balance of the Deferred
Compensation Account or Deferred Retainer Account on the date of his or her
death will be paid in cash to the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated by the
Director, or, if no designation has been made, to the Director's estate. The
unpaid balance will be paid within six months following the death of the
Director, regardless of any election by the Director to receive annual
installments. A Director may change his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries by
written notice to the Secretary of the Company substantially in the form of
Exhibit B to the Plan.

                                   SECTION 7
                               NON-ASSIGNABILITY
                               -----------------

  No assignment or transfer by any Director, former Director or his or her legal
representative of any interest under the Plan will be recognized (except by
designation of a beneficiary under the Plan or by will or the laws of descent
and distribution).

                                   SECTION 8
                          OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION
                          ----------------------------

  The Plan shall be operated under the direction of the Board of Directors and
administered by the Secretary of the Company, whose decision on all matters
involving the interpretation and application of the Plan shall be final and
binding.

                                   SECTION 9
                          AMENDMENT AND DISCONTINUANCE
                          ----------------------------

  The Board of Directors may from time to time amend, suspend or discontinue the
Plan; provided, however, that no amendment, suspension or discontinuance of the
Plan may reduce any Deferred Compensation Account or Deferred Retainer Account
of a Participant or former Participant as of the date of the amendment,
suspension or discontinuance or, except with the consent of a Participant or
former Participant, result in the payment of amounts in a Deferred Compensation
Account or Deferred Retainer Account prior to the time provided in the Plan to a
person who is a Participant or former Participant at the time of the amendment,
suspension or discontinuance.
<PAGE>
 
 SECTION 10
                                PLAN NOT FUNDED
                                ---------------

  The Plan is not funded. The Company will not reserve or otherwise set aside
funds or Common Stock for the payment of amounts in Deferred Compensation
Accounts or Deferred Retainer Accounts.  Benefits will be paid solely from the
Company's general funds and are not secured by any form of trust, escrow or
otherwise.

                                   SECTION 11
                                    NOTICES
                                    -------

  All notices and consents shall be in writing, shall be given to the Secretary
of the Company and shall, except as otherwise stated in the notice or consent or
the Plan, take effect upon receipt.


                                   SECTION 12
                           COPIES OF PLAN; STATEMENTS
                           --------------------------

  Copies of the Plan and any and all amendments will be provided upon request by
the Secretary of the Company to the Directors and to any former Participant who
has an unpaid balance in his or her Deferred Compensation Account or Deferred
Retainer Account, and are available for inspection during normal business hours
at the office of the Secretary of the Company. A statement of transactions in a
Participant's or former Participant's Deferred Compensation Account or Deferred
Retainer Account shall be provided by the Company annually and upon a
Participant's or former Participant's request.

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has duly executed The Rouse Company Deferred
Compensation Plan for Outside Directors (Amended and Restated) as of the 23rd
day of May, 1996.  The Secretary of the Company has joined herein for the
purpose of indicating acceptance hereof.

ATTEST:                                  THE ROUSE COMPANY

____________________________             By:______________________

WITNESS:                                 PLAN ADMINISTRATOR FOR
                                         THE ROUSE COMPANY
                                         DEFERRED COMPENSATION
                                         PLAN FOR OUTSIDE
                                         DIRECTORS


____________________________             By:______________________
                                            Secretary
<PAGE>
 
                               THE ROUSE COMPANY
                           DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
                             FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS

                    NOTICE OF ELECTION TO DEFER COMPENSATION


  I, a Director of The Rouse Company and/or of affiliated or subsidiary
corporations of The Rouse Company (collectively, the "Company"), elect under The
Rouse Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors (the "Plan") to
defer receipt of ___% [specify a percent up to 100%] of my compensation as a
Director, as a member of Committees of the Board of Directors of the Company
and, if applicable, as Chairman of any Committee of the Board of Directors,
earned after   ____________________, 19__.



  I further elect that such compensation shall be allocated within my Deferred
Compensation Account as follows:

   1.    Equity Account - Common Stock --                       ___ %
   2.    TRC 9 1/4% Quarterly Income Preferred
         Securities                                             ___ %
   3.    Long-Term Income Fund --                               ___ %
   4.    T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve
         (Money Market) Fund --                                 ___ %
   5.    T. Rowe Price Spectrum Income Fund --                  ___ %

   6.    T. Rowe Price Spectrum Growth Fund --                  ___ %

   7.    T. Rowe Price New Horizons Fund --                     ___ %

   8.    T. Rowe Price International
         Stock Fund --                                          ___ %
   9.    T. Rowe Price Equity Index Fund --                     ___ %

  10.    T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund --                  ___ %
 
  11.    T. Rowe Price New America Growth Fund --               ___ %
 
  12.    T. Rowe Price Balanced Fund --                         ___ %

  13.    Ariel Growth Fund                                      ___ %
<PAGE>
 
  I elect that all amounts deferred under the Plan, together with accumulated
additional compensation, shall be distributed to me in the following manner:

  /  / in one lump sum

  /  / in ____ [specify a number between 2 and 10, inclusive] annual
 installments

 [IF YOU DO NOT WISH AMOUNTS CONTAINED IN YOUR DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCOUNT TO
 BE PAID TO YOUR ESTATE UPON YOUR DEATH, PROVIDE THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ONE OR
 MORE BENEFICIARIES IN THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH.]

  I designate the following person(s) as my beneficiary(ies) under the Plan:

  ____________________________________________________

  ____________________________________________________

  ____________________________________________________


  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed my name on ______________, 19__.



                               ______________________________
                                         (Signature)
<PAGE>
 
                               THE ROUSE COMPANY
                           DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
                             FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS

                         NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ELECTIONS


  Effective the first day of the next calendar quarter following receipt by the
Company of this Notice of Change of Elections, I elect to make the following
changes in my previous elections under the Plan [COMPLETE ONLY THOSE ITEMS AS TO
WHICH YOU ARE CHANGING YOUR PREVIOUS ELECTION]:


  A.   I elect to defer receipt of ____% [specify a percent up to 100%] of my
compensation as a Director, as a member of Committees of the Board of Directors
and, if applicable, as Chairman of any Committee of the Board of Directors.


  B.   I elect that my director's fees that are deferred in the future shall be
allocated within my Deferred Compensation Account as follows:

   1.    Equity Account - Common Stock --                       ___ %

   2.    TRC 9-1/4% Quarterly Income  Preferred Securities --   ___ %
 
   3.    Long-Term Income Fund --                               ___ %

   4.    T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve
         (Money Market) Fund --                                 ___ %

   5.    T. Rowe Price Spectrum Income Fund --                  ___ %

   6.    T. Rowe Price Spectrum Growth Fund --                  ___ %

   7.    T. Rowe Price New Horizons Fund --                     ___ %

   8.    T. Rowe Price International
         Stock Fund --                                          ___ %

   9.    T. Rowe Price Equity Index Fund --                     ___ %
 
  10.    T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund --                  ___ %
 
  11.    T. Rowe Price New America Growth Fund --               ___ %
 
  12.    T. Rowe Price Balanced Fund --                         ___ %
 
  13.    Ariel Growth Fund --                                   ___ %
<PAGE>
 
  C.   I elect to reallocate the balances in my Deferred Compensation Account as
follows:

   1. Equity Account - Common Stock --            ___ %
                                            
   2. TRC 9-1/4% Quarterly Income            
      Preferred Securities --                     ___ %
                                            
   3. Long-Term Income Fund --                    ___ %
                                            
   4. T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve            
      (Money Market) Fund --                      ___ %

   5. T. Rowe Price Spectrum Income Fund --       ___ %

   6. T. Rowe Price Spectrum Growth Fund --       ___ %

   7. T. Rowe Price New Horizons Fund --          ___ %

   8. T. Rowe Price International
      Stock Fund --                               ___ %
 
   9. T. Rowe Price Equity Index Fund --          ___ %
 
  10. T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund --       ___ %

  11. T. Rowe Price New America Growth Fund --    ___ %

  12. T. Rowe Price Balanced Fund --              ___ %

  13. Ariel Growth Fund --                        ___ %
 
  D.   I designate the following person(s) as my beneficiary(ies) under the
Plan and revoke all previous designations:

  _______________________________________________________

  _______________________________________________________

  _______________________________________________________

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed my name on ________________________, 19__.




                                          ______________________________
                                          (Signature)
<PAGE>
 
       December 19, 1996


TO:    Mathias J. DeVito

FROM:  Anthony W. Deering

RE:    Service on Board of Directors
       -----------------------------


       This memorandum is intended to set forth our understanding with regard to
your service on the Board of Directors.

   1. You will retire as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Rouse Company
      at the February 1997 Board meeting, at which time you will assume the
      honorary title of Chairman Emeritus.  Until your retirement from the Board
      at age 70 (May, 2001, the "Retirement Date"), you will continue to be
      Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board, but you will not be a
      member of any other standing committee of the Board.

   2. You will remain on the Contributions Committee until such time as I
      determine that a different composition of the Committee would be
      desirable, and you will remain Chairman of that Committee until such time
      as I designate someone to succeed you as Chairman.

   3. You will receive your current Board compensation of $100,000 per year
      through December 31, 1997. Commencing January 1, 1998 and continuing until
      your retirement from the Board, you will receive a Board fee of $50,000
      per annum which shall be paid in lieu of all Board and meeting fees which
      would otherwise be payable to you as a member of the Board. This annual
      fee shall be increased in proportion to any general increase in Board
      retainers, meeting or committee fees.

If the foregoing accurately sets forth our understandings, please acknowledge
by signing below.

                                      By:  /s/ Anthony W. Deering
                                           ----------------------              
                                           Anthony W. Deering

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:



By:  /s/ Mathias J. DeVito
     ---------------------
     Mathias J. DeVito

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 11.  Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings

                       THE ROUSE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                Computation of Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share
               (Unaudited, in thousands except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                   Years ended December 31,
                                                 ----------------------------
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 --------  --------  --------
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
 
Earnings before extraordinary losses             $17,886   $ 5,850   $ 6,606
 
Add after tax interest expense applicable to
 convertible subordinated debentures               4,859     4,859     4,859
                                                 -------   -------   -------
 
Earnings before extraordinary losses,
 as adjusted                                      22,745    10,709    11,465
 
Extraordinary losses, net of related income
 tax benefits                                     (1,453)   (8,631)   (4,447)
                                                 -------   -------   -------
 
Net earnings, as adjusted                        $21,292   $ 2,078   $ 7,018
                                                 =======   =======   =======
 
Shares:
- -----------------------------------------------
 
Weighted average number of common shares
 outstanding                                      55,572    47,814    47,565
Assuming conversion of convertible
 Preferred stock                                   7,587    10,600    10,600
Assuming conversion of convertible
 subordinated debentures                           4,541     4,541     4,541
 
Assuming exercise of options and warrants
 reduced by the number of shares which
 could have been purchased with the
 proceeds from the exercise of such options        1,224       247       175
                                                 -------   -------   -------
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
 as adjusted                                      68,924    63,202    62,881
                                                 =======   =======   =======
 
Earnings per common share assuming full
 dilution:
 Earnings before extraordinary losses            $   .33   $   .17   $   .18
 Extraordinary losses                               (.02)     (.14)     (.07)
                                                 -------   -------   -------
 
 Net earnings                                    $   .31   $   .03   $   .11
                                                 =======   =======   =======
 
</TABLE>


This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulation S-K item 601 (b)
(11) although it is contrary to paragraph 40 of APB Opinion No. 15 because it
produces an anti-dilutive result.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 12.1
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries

               Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                             (dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                  Year ended December 31,
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                     1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary loss
 and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle           $ 43,605   $ 10,169   $ 13,336   $  3,072   $(20,783)
 
Fixed charges:
 Interest costs                                                     230,960    219,838    220,971    219,705    221,907
 Capitalized interest                                               (10,579)    (6,875)    (7,388)    (8,899)   (15,098)
 Amortization of debt issuance costs                                  2,066      2,527      2,146      2,801      3,571
 Distributions on Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
  preferred securities of a trust holding solely Parent Company
  subordinated debt securities                                       12,719      1,204         --         --         --
 Portion of rental expense representative of
  interest factor (1)                                                 8,487      8,266     10,788     15,988     14,739
 Support for debt service costs provided to affiliates
  accounted for under the equity method                                  --         --         --         31        389
 
Adjustments to earnings (loss):
 Minority interest in earnings of majority-owned subsidiaries
  having fixed charges                                                1,164      2,026      2,234      1,909      1,747
 Undistributed earnings of less than 50%-owned subsidiaries             (88)      (189)      (564)       (68)       (84)
 Previously capitalized interest amortized into earnings:
  Depreciation of operating properties (2)                            3,866      3,764      3,670      3,605      3,474
  Cost of land sales (3)                                              1,778      1,421      1,580      1,627      1,295
                                                                   ________   ________   ________   ________   ________
   Earnings available for fixed charges                            $293,978   $242,151   $246,773   $239,771   $211,157
                                                                   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
 
Fixed charges:
 Interest costs                                                    $230,960   $219,838   $220,971   $219,705   $221,907
 Amortization of debt issuance costs                                  2,066      2,527      2,146      2,801      3,571
 Distributions on Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
  preferred securities of a trust holding solely Parent Company
  subordinated debt securities                                       12,719      1,204         --         --         --
 Portion of rental expense representative of
  interest factor (1)                                                 8,487      8,266     10,788     15,988     14,739
 Support for debt service costs provided to affiliates
  accounted for under the equity method                                  --         --         --         31        389
                                                                   ________   ________   ________   ________   ________
   Total fixed charges                                             $254,232   $231,835   $233,905   $238,525   $240,606
                                                                   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (4)                                 1.16       1.04       1.06       1.01         --
                                                                   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE> 

(1)  Includes (a) 80% of minimum rentals, the portion of such rentals considered
     to be a reasonable estimate of the interest factor and (b) 100% of
     contingent rentals of $3,844,000, $3,644,000, $6,232,000, $10,006,000 and
     $8,106,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and
     1992, respectively.
(2)  Represents an estimate of depreciation of capitalized interest costs based
     on the Company's established depreciation policy and an analysis of
     interest costs capitalized since 1971.
(3)  Represents 10% of cost of Columbia land sales, the portion of such cost
     considered to be a reasonable estimate of the interest factor.
(4)  Total fixed charges exceeded the Company's earnings available for fixed
     charges by $29,449,000 for the year ended December 31, 1992.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 12.2
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries

           Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges
                   and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements
                             (dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Year ended December 31,  
                                                                      ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        1996       1995          1994          1993        1992
                                                                      --------    --------     --------      --------    ---------
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>
Earnings (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary loss 
 and cumulative effect of change in  accounting principle             $ 43,605    $ 10,169     $ 13,336      $  3,072    $ (20,783)

Fixed charges:
 Interest costs                                                        230,960     219,838      220,971       219,705      221,907  
 Capitalized interest                                                  (10,579)     (6,875)      (7,388)       (8,899)     (15,098)
 Amortization of debt issuance costs                                     2,066       2,527        2,146         2,801        3,571  
 Distributions on Company-obligated  mandatorily redeemable                                                          
  preferred securities of a trust holding solely Parent Company                                                     
  subordinated debt securities                                          12,719       1,204           --            --           --
Portion of rental expense representative of interest                                          
 factor (1)                                                              8,487       8,266       10,788        15,988       14,739  
Support for debt service costs provided to affiliates 
 accounted for under the equity method                                     --          --           --            31          389

Adjustments to earnings  (loss): 
  Minority interest in earnings of majority-owned subsidiaries
  having fixed charges                                                   1,164       2,026        2,234         1,909       1,747
 Undistributed earnings of less than 50%-owned 
  subsidiaries                                                             (88)       (189)        (564)          (68)        (84)
 Previously capitalized interest amortized into earnings: 
  Depreciation of operating properties (2)                               3,866       3,764        3,670         3,605       3,474
  Cost of land sales (3)                                                 1,778       1,421        1,580         1,627       1,295
                                                                      --------    --------     --------      --------    --------   

   Earnings available for fixed charges and 
     Preferred stock dividend requirements                            $293,978    $242,151     $246,773      $239,771    $211,157  
                                                                      ========    ========     ========      ========    ======== 
 
Combined fixed charges and Preferred stock dividend 
 requirements: 
 Interest costs                                                       $230,960    $219,838     $220,971      $219,705    $221,907
 Amortization of debt issuance costs                                     2,066       2,527        2,146         2,801       3,571 
 Distributions on Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable 
  preferred securities of a trust holding solely Parent Company 
  subordinated debt securities                                          12,719       1,204           --            --          --  
 Portion of rental expense representative of 
   interest factor(1)                                                    8,487       8,266       10,788        15,988      14,739
 Support for debt service costs provided to 
  affiliates accounted for under the  equity method                         --          --           --            31         389 
 Preferred stock dividend requirements                                  17,555      24,402       21,802        18,968          -- 
                                                                      --------    --------     --------      --------    --------   
   Total combined fixed charges and Preferred
    stock dividend requirements                                       $271,787    $256,237     $255,707      $257,493    $240,606 
                                                                      ========    ========     ========      ========    ========

Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and Preferred stock 
 dividend requirements (5)                                                1.08          --           --            --          --
                                                                      ========    ========     ========      ========    ======== 
</TABLE>
(1)  Includes (a) 80% of minimum rentals, the portion of such rentals considered
     to be a reasonable estimate of the interest factor and (b) 100% of
     contingent rentals of $3,844,000, $3,644,000, $6,232,000, $10,006,000 and
     $8,106,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and
     1992, respectively.
(2)  Represents an estimate of depreciation of capitalized interest costs based
     on the Company's established depreciation policy and an analysis of
     interest costs capitalized since 1971.
(3)  Represents 10% of cost of Columbia land sales, the portion of such cost
     considered to be a reasonable estimate of the interest factor.
(4)  Represents estimated pre-tax earnings required to cover Preferred stock
     dividend requirements.  All amounts are calculated based on actual
     Preferred stock dividends and an estimated effective tax rate of 40%.
(5)  Total combined fixed charges and Preferred stock dividend requirements
     exceeded the Company's earnings available for combined fixed charges and
     Preferred stock dividend requirements by $14,086,000, $8,934,000,
     $17,722,000 and $29,449,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994,
     1993 and 1992, respectively.

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 13.  Annual report to security holders



The annual report to shareholders has not been completed as of this filing and
will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in its entirety on or
before April 4, 1997.

The financial section of the annual report, which is incorporated by reference,
is final and is enclosed as Exhibit 13.  This financial section includes all the
information incorporated by reference in Parts I, II and IV of this Form 10-K
Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
<PAGE>
                 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REAL ESTATE CONSULTANTS


Landauer Associates, Inc.
666 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10103


KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP AND
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS
THE ROUSE COMPANY:

We have reviewed estimates of the market value of equity and other interests in
certain real property owned and/or managed by The Rouse Company (the Company)
and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. The properties reviewed
at December 31, 1996 include all the projects identified as "In Operation" on
the "Projects of The Rouse Company" table on pages 64 through 66 of the Annual
Report for 1996, investment land and land held for development and sale, and
certain parcels of land in development and certain other properties held for
sale. The properties reviewed at December 31, 1995 were the same, except for the
properties which were acquired or disposed during 1996.

  The total values of its equity and other interests estimated by the Company
were $2,839,570,000 and $2,444,218,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

  Based upon our review, we concur with the Company's estimates of the total
value of the property interests appraised. In our opinion, the aggregate value
estimated by the Company varies less than 10% from the aggregate value we would
estimate in a full and complete appraisal of the same interests. A variation of
less than 10% between appraisers implies substantial agreement as to the most
probable market value of such property interests.

  The data used in our review were supplied to us in summary form by the
Company. We have relied upon the Company's interpretation and summaries of
leases, operating agreements, mortgages and partnership, joint venture and
management agreements. We have had complete and unrestricted access to all
underlying documents and have confirmed certain information by reference to such
documents. We have found no discrepancies in the data and, to the best of our
knowledge, believe all such data to be accurate and complete. The basic
assumptions used by the Company and the individual value estimates prepared by
the Company were, in our opinion, fair and reasonable. No assumption has been
made with respect to a bulk sale of the entire holdings or groups of property
interests. We have also physically inspected, within the past three years,
substantially all of the properties which were reviewed.

  We certify that neither Landauer Associates, Inc. nor the undersigned have any
present or prospective interest in the Company's properties, and we have no
personal interest or bias with respect to the parties involved. To the best of
our knowledge and belief, the facts upon which the analysis and conclusions were
based are materially true and correct. No one, other than the undersigned
assisted by members of our staff, performed the analyses and reached the
conclusions resulting in the opinion expressed in this letter. Our fee for this
assignment was not contingent on any action or event resulting from the
analyses, opinions, or conclusions in, or the use of, this review. Our review
has been prepared in conformity with the Uniform Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice.

Sincerely,
Landauer Associates, Inc.


/s/ James C. Kafes            /s/ Deborah A. Jackson

James C. Kafes, MAI, CRE      Deborah A. Jackson
Managing Director             Senior Vice President
                              Director of Retail Valuation

February 25, 1997

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries


                          CONSOLIDATED COST BASIS AND
                       CURRENT VALUE BASIS BALANCE SHEETS
                   December 31, 1996 and 1995 (in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                     1996                        1995
                                          -------------------------   --------------------------
                                          Current Value      Cost     Current Value      Cost
                                          Basis (note 1)    Basis     Basis (note 1)     Basis
                                           ------------   ---------   -------------   ----------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>         <C>             <C>
Assets
Property (notes 5, 9, 16 and 17):
 Operating properties:
  Property and deferred costs
   of projects                               $4,662,590   $3,374,976     $4,323,010    $3,006,356
 
  Less accumulated depreciation
   and amortization                                          552,201                      519,319
                                           ------------   ----------     ----------    ----------
                                              4,662,590    2,822,775      4,323,010     2,487,037
 Properties in development                      181,368      176,060         62,030        56,151
 Properties held for sale                        73,080       73,080         22,687        22,687
 Investment land and land held for
  development and sale                          322,136      244,117        149,239       134,083
                                           ------------   ----------     ----------    ----------
  Total property                              5,239,174    3,316,032      4,556,966     2,699,958
                                           ------------   ----------     ----------    ----------
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and
 other assets                                   196,952      187,689        160,854       151,068
Accounts and notes receivable (note 6)           92,369       92,369         36,751        36,751
Investments in marketable securities              3,596        3,596          2,910         2,910
Cash and cash equivalents                        43,766       43,766         94,922        94,922
                                           ------------   ----------     ----------    ----------
 Total                                       $5,575,857   $3,643,452     $4,852,403    $2,985,609
                                           ============   ==========     ==========    ==========

</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                              1996                        1995
                                                   --------------------------   ---------------------------
                                                   Current Value      Cost      Current Value       Cost
                                                   Basis (note 1)     Basis     Basis (note 1)     Basis
                                                    ------------   ----------   -------------   -----------
<S>                                                <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
Liabilities
Debt (note 9):
 Property debt not carrying a Parent
  Company guarantee of repayment                      $2,290,406   $2,290,406      $1,990,041    $1,990,041
                                                    ------------   ----------    ------------   -----------
 Parent Company debt and debt carrying a
 Parent Company guarantee of repayment:
   Property debt                                         179,540      179,540         138,488       138,488
   Convertible subordinated debentures                   133,419      130,000         126,750       130,000
   Other debt                                            244,491      235,300         231,884       221,000
                                                    ------------   ----------    ------------   -----------
                                                         557,450      544,840         497,122       489,488
                                                    ------------   ---------     ------------   ----------
   Total debt                                          2,847,856    2,835,246       2,487,163     2,479,529
                                                    ------------   ----------    ------------   -----------
Obligations under capital leases (note 16)                60,201       60,201          58,786        58,786
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and
 other liabilities                                       298,562      298,562         185,561       185,561
 
Deferred income taxes (note 12)                          410,928      134,794         445,613        81,649
 
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
 preferred securities of a trust holding
 solely Parent Company subordinated
 debt securities (note 10)                               139,563      137,500         136,125       137,500
 
Commitments and contingencies (notes 16 and 17)
 
Shareholders' equity (notes 14, 15 and 18)
Series A Convertible Preferred stock with
 a liquidation preference of $225,250 in 1995                 --           --              45            45
Common stock of 1c par value per share;
 250,000,000 shares authorized; issued
 66,742,871 shares in 1996 and
 47,922,749 shares in 1995                                   667          667             479           479
Additional paid-in capital                               488,849      488,849         309,943       309,943
Accumulated deficit                                     (312,367)    (312,367)       (267,883)     (267,883)
Revaluation equity                                     1,641,598           --       1,496,571            --
                                                    ------------   ----------    ------------   -----------
 Total shareholders' equity                            1,818,747      177,149       1,539,155        42,584
                                                    ------------   ----------    ------------   -----------
 
 Total...........................................     $5,575,857   $3,643,452      $4,852,403    $2,985,609
                                                    ============   ==========    ============    ==========
 
</TABLE>

                                      25

<PAGE>
 
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries


                CONSOLIDATED COST BASIS STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                     (in thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  
                                                                               1996       1995       1994
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>
 
Revenues                                                                     $831,917   $672,821   $671,171
 
Operating expenses, exclusive of provision for bad debts,
 depreciation and amortization                                                468,366    347,560    356,958
Interest expense (note 9)                                                     220,381    212,963    213,583
Provision for bad debts                                                         3,688      3,318      5,185
Depreciation and amortization (note 5)                                         79,990     73,062     74,186
Gain (loss) on dispositions of assets and other provisions, net (note 13)     (15,887)   (25,749)    (7,923)
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
 
 Earnings before income taxes and extraordinary losses                         43,605     10,169     13,336
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
 
Income taxes (note 12):
 Current--primarily state                                                         123        620        735
 Deferred--primarily Federal                                                   25,596      3,699      5,995
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
                                                                               25,719      4,319      6,730
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
 
 Earnings before extraordinary losses                                          17,886      5,850      6,606
 
Extraordinary losses, net of related income tax benefits (note 9)               1,453      8,631      4,447
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
 Net earnings (loss)                                                         $ 16,433   $ (2,781)  $  2,159
                                                                             ========   ========   ========
 
 Net earnings (loss) applicable to common shareholders                       $  5,900   $(17,422)  $(10,922)
                                                                             ========   ========   ========
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock after
 dividends on Preferred stock (note 14):
 Earnings (loss) before extraordinary losses                                 $    .14   $   (.18)  $   (.14)
 Extraordinary losses                                                            (.03)      (.18)      (.09)
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
 Total                                                                       $    .11   $   (.36)  $   (.23)
                                                                             ========   ========   ========
 
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries


           CONSOLIDATED COST BASIS STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
          Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 (in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                  Series A
                                                Convertible           Additional
                                                 Preferred   Common     paid-in    Accumulated
                                                   stock      stock     capital      deficit
                                                -----------  ------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>
 
Balance at December 31, 1993                         $40       $476     $281,533     $(168,898)
 
Net earnings                                          --         --           --         2,159
Dividends declared:                                            
 Common stock -- $ .68 per share                      --         --           --       (32,349)
 Preferred stock -- $3.25 per share                   --         --           --       (13,081)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net          --         --          108            --
Amortization of restricted common stock               --         --        2,225            --
Issuance of Preferred stock (note 14)                  5         --       22,808            --
                                                     ---       ----     --------     --------- 
 
Balance at December 31, 1994                          45        476      306,674      (212,169)
                                                                
Net loss                                              --         --           --        (2,781)
Dividends declared:                                             
 Common stock -- $ .80 per share                      --         --           --       (38,292)
 Preferred stock -- $3.25 per share                   --         --           --       (14,641)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net          --          3        2,139            --
Amortization of restricted common stock               --         --        1,130            --
                                                     ---       ----     --------     --------- 
 
Balance at December 31, 1995                          45        479      309,943      (267,883)
 
Net earnings                                          --         --           --        16,433
Dividends declared:                                             
 Common stock -- $ .88 per share                      --         --           --       (50,384)
 Preferred stock -- $2.44 per share                   --         --           --       (10,533)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net          --          4        1,038            --
Amortization of restricted common stock               --         --        1,903            --
Conversion of Preferred stock (note 14)              (45)       106          (61)           --
Purchases of common stock                             --         (2)      (7,005)           --
Common stock issued in acquisition of
 The Hughes Corporation (note 3)                      --         78      178,008            --
Common stock issued pursuant to
 Contingent Stock Agreement (note 15)                 --          2        5,023            --
                                                     ---       ----     --------     --------- 
 
Balance at December 31, 1996                         $--       $667     $488,849     $(312,367)
                                                     ===       ====     ========     =========
 
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries



                CONSOLIDATED COST BASIS STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
          Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 (in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                     1996        1995        1994
                                                                  ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                                               <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Rents and other revenues received                                 $ 685,990   $ 625,373   $ 622,033
Proceeds from land sales                                            122,245      33,233      37,482
Interest received                                                    11,939      10,323      10,297
Land development expenditures                                       (50,099)    (16,874)    (16,760)
Operating expenditures:
 Operating properties                                              (349,947)   (308,425)   (315,607)
 Land sales, development and corporate                              (35,358)    (18,738)    (11,880)
Interest paid:
 Operating properties                                              (206,870)   (202,120)   (195,751)
 Land sales, development and corporate                               (9,774)    (15,771)    (16,039)
                                                                  ---------   ---------   --------- 
 Net cash provided by operating activities                          168,126     107,001     113,775
                                                                  ---------   ---------   --------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Expenditures for properties in development and improvements to
 existing properties funded by debt                                (123,985)    (61,591)    (78,628)
Expenditures for acquisition of The Hughes Corporation,
 net of acquired cash                                               (36,331)         --          --
Expenditures for property acquisitions                              (18,152)    (28,206)    (94,113)
Expenditures for improvements to existing properties funded
 by cash provided by operating activities:
  Tenant leasing and remerchandising                                 (8,095)     (8,344)     (8,121)
  Building and equipment                                            (12,691)     (4,688)     (5,155)
Proceeds from sales of operating properties                          26,345          --          --
Purchases of marketable securities                                   (8,903)     (5,411)    (70,189)
Proceeds from redemptions or sales of marketable securities           8,217      32,650      74,443
Other                                                                (9,400)     10,595       3,212
                                                                  ---------   ---------   --------- 
 Net cash used in investing activities                             (182,995)    (64,995)   (178,551)
                                                                  ---------   ---------   --------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of property debt                             291,373     288,851     446,628
Repayments of property debt:
 Scheduled principal payments                                       (39,048)    (36,446)    (46,750)
 Other payments                                                    (251,807)   (413,438)   (304,977)
Proceeds from issuance of other debt                                141,337     124,831          --
Repayments of other debt                                           (109,685)    (42,440)     (8,968)
Proceeds from issuance of Company-obligated mandatorily
 redeemable preferred securities                                         --     132,951          --
Purchases of common stock                                            (7,007)         --          --
Proceeds from exercise of stock options                               1,042       2,142         108
Dividends paid                                                      (60,917)    (52,933)    (45,423)
Other                                                                (1,575)         --          --
                                                                  ---------   ---------   --------- 
 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                (36,287)      3,518      40,618
                                                                  ---------   ---------   --------- 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                (51,156)     45,524     (24,158)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                       94,922      49,398      73,556
                                                                  ---------   ---------   --------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                          $  43,766   $  94,922   $  49,398
                                                                  =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS) TO NET CASH
PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                                                      1996              1995          1994
                                                                    --------          --------      -------
<S>                                                                 <C>               <C>           <C>        
Net earnings (loss)                                                 $ 16,433          $ (2,781)     $  2,159
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization                                        79,990            73,062        74,186
 (Gain) loss on dispositions of assets and other provisions, net      15,887            25,749         7,923
 Extraordinary losses, net of related income tax benefits              1,453             8,631         4,447
 Additions to preconstruction reserve                                  2,700             3,800         3,400
 Provision for bad debts                                               3,688             3,318         5,185
 Decrease (increase) in: 
  Accounts and notes receivable                                      (26,862)           (3,836)       (3,150)
  Other assets                                                        (5,694)            1,357         5,323
 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses
  and other liabilities                                               54,729           (10,690)        5,754
 Deferred income taxes                                                25,596             3,699         5,995
 Other, net                                                              206             4,692         2,553
                                                                    --------          --------      --------
 
Net cash provided by operating activities                           $168,126          $107,001      $113,775
                                                                    ========          ========      ========
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                                                      1996              1995          1994
                                                                    --------          --------      -------
<S>                                                                 <C>               <C>           <C>        
 
Debt and other liabilities assumed in acquisition of The Hughes
 Corporation, net (note 3)                                          $334,155          $     --      $    --
Common stock issued in acquisition of The Hughes
 Corporation (note 3)                                                178,086                --           --
Common stock issued pursuant to Contingent Stock
 Agreement (note 15)                                                   5,025                --           --
Debt assumed by purchasers of land                                   (16,991)               --           --
Notes received from sales of operating properties                      8,440                --           --
Value of noncash consideration given in acquisitions of
 interests in properties                                              13,520            79,811        1,129
Mortgage and other debt assumed in acquisitions of
 interests in properties                                              21,090             6,175           --
Mortgage debt extinguished on dispositions
 of interests in properties                                               --            20,779       15,681
Capital lease obligations incurred                                     3,789             1,837          613
Series A Convertible Preferred stock issued in
 satisfaction of mortgage debt                                            --                --       23,000
                                                                    ========          ========     ========
 
</TABLE>

                                      29
<PAGE>
 
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries


                 CONSOLIDATED CURRENT VALUE BASIS STATEMENTS OF
                         CHANGES IN REVALUATION EQUITY
          Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 (in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1996         1995         1994
                                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Revaluation equity at beginning of year                                $1,496,571   $1,519,219   $1,412,455
Revaluation equity attributable to interests in operating
 properties sold or disposed                                               (5,493)       3,082        5,609
                                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                                        1,491,078    1,522,301    1,418,064
                                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
Value of acquired interests in properties                                 114,887        8,152           --
Change in value of interests in other operating properties,
 including properties held for sale                                       (41,680)      39,233      101,168
Change in value of land in development and investment land and land
 held for development and sale, including effects of sales and
 transfers to operating properties                                         (1,580)      (5,827)       1,007
                                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
        Change in value of interests in operating properties,
         land in development and investment land and land held for
         development and sale                                              71,627       41,558      102,175
 
Change in value of other property                                            (523)       1,053         (337)
Change in value attributable to debt, exclusive of operating
 debt, and redeemable preferred securities                                 (8,414)     (34,509)      32,068
Change in present value of potential income taxes, net of cost
 basis deferred income taxes                                               87,830      (33,832)     (32,751)
                                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                                          150,520      (25,730)     101,155
                                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
 
Revaluation equity at end of year                                      $1,641,598   $1,496,571   $1,519,219
                                                                       ==========   ==========   ==========
 
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                      30
<PAGE>
 
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

(1)  CURRENT VALUE BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(a) CURRENT VALUE REPORTING

The Company's interests in operating properties, land held for development and
sale and certain other assets have appreciated in value and, accordingly, their
aggregate current value substantially exceeds their aggregate cost basis net
book value determined in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. The current value basis financial statements present information
about the current values to the Company of its assets and liabilities and the
changes in such values. The current value basis financial statements are not
intended to present the current liquidation values of assets or liabilities of
the Company or its net assets taken as a whole.

  Management believes that the current value basis financial statements more
realistically reflect the underlying financial strength of the Company. The
current values of the Company's interests in operating properties, including
interests in unconsolidated real estate ventures, represent management's
estimates of the value of these assets primarily as investments. These values
will generally be realized through future cash flows generated by the operation
of these properties over their economic lives. The current values of land held
for development and sale represent management's estimates of the value of these
assets under long-term development and sales programs.

  Shareholders' equity on a current value basis was $1,818,747,000 or $27.25 per
share of common stock at December 31, 1996 and $1,539,155,000 or $26.30 per
share of common stock at December 31, 1995. The per share calculation at
December 31, 1995 assumes conversion of the Preferred stock.

  The process for estimating the current values of the Company's assets and
liabilities requires significant estimates and judgments by management. These
estimates and judgments are made based on information and assumptions considered
by management to be adequate and appropriate in the circumstances; however, they
are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may change from
time to time as economic and market factors, and management's evaluation of
them, change.

  The current value basis financial statements are not presented as part of the
Company's quarterly reports to shareholders. The extensive market research,
financial analyses and testing of results required to produce reliable current
value information make it impractical to report this information on an interim
basis.

(b) BASES OF VALUATION

INTERESTS IN OPERATING PROPERTIES--The current value of the Company's interests
in operating properties is the Company's share of each property's equity value
plus the outstanding balance of debt specifically related to the properties.
Equity values are determined based on the present values of forecasted net cash
flows and residual values, if applicable, or on the application of a
capitalization rate to stabilized net operating income (primarily for office
properties in 1996). The current value of the Company's interests in
unconsolidated real estate ventures is the present value of the Company's share
of forecasted net cash flow, including incentive management fees, and residual
value of the respective real estate ventures.

  The forecasts of net cash flow generally cover periods of eleven years, are
based on an evaluation of the history and future of each property and are
supported by market studies, analyses of tenant lease terms and projected sales
performance and detailed estimates of revenues and operating expenses. The
internal rates of return used in determining present values and capitalization
rates vary by project and between years as investor yield requirements change.
The resulting values recognize the considerable differences between properties
in terms of quality, age, outlook and risk as well as the prevailing yield
requirements of investors for income-producing properties.

PROPERTIES IN DEVELOPMENT--Properties in development are carried at the same
amounts as in the cost basis financial statements except that certain parcels of
land are carried at their estimated current values. Management believes that
properties in development have values in excess of their historical cost, but
has followed a practice of not recognizing any value increment until these
properties are completed and operating.

INVESTMENT LAND AND PROPERTIES HELD FOR SALE--Investment land and properties
held for sale are carried at their estimated fair values less costs to sell.
Fair values are based on contract prices,

                                      31
<PAGE>
 
negotiations with prospective purchasers or management's estimates of future
cash flows from operations and/or sale of the properties, where appropriate.

LAND HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT AND SALE--The current value of land held for
development and sale is based on the present value of forecasted net cash flows
under development and sales programs. These programs set forth the proposed
timing and cost of all improvements necessary to bring the properties to
saleable condition, the pace and price of sales and the costs to administer the
programs and sell the properties.

DEBT--Debt and obligations under capital leases specifically related to
interests in operating properties are carried at the same amount as in the cost
basis balance sheets since the value of the Company's equity interest in each
property is based on net cash flow after payments on the debt or leases. The
current values of publicly-traded debt not specifically related to interests in
properties are determined using quoted market prices. The current values of
other debt and obligations under capital leases are carried at the same amount
as in the cost basis balance sheets since the difference between the stated and
estimated market interest rates for such obligations is not material.

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES--Because the current value basis financial statements are
prepared on the assumption that values will generally be realized over the long-
term through operating cash flows and not through liquidation, the deferred
income tax obligation on a current value basis is the estimated present value of
income tax payments which may be made based primarily on long-term projections
of taxable income. The projections of taxable income reflect all allowable
deductions and the Company's state income tax planning strategies. The discount
rates used to compute the present value of income tax payments are based on the
Company's assessment of the uncertainty with respect to the ultimate timing and
amounts of income tax payments.

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES--Substantially all other assets and liabilities are
carried in the current value basis balance sheets at the lower of cost or net
realizable value or, where applicable, fair value less costs to sell--the same
stated value as in the cost basis balance sheets.

(c) REVALUATION EQUITY

The aggregate difference between the current value basis and cost basis of the
Company's assets and liabilities is reported as revaluation equity in the
shareholders' equity section of the consolidated current value basis balance
sheets.

  The components of revaluation equity at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996          1995
                                                         -----------   -----------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
Value of interests in operating properties:
 Retail centers                                          $ 2,042,670   $ 2,038,316
 Office, mixed-use and other                                 440,868       256,165
Value of investment land and land held for
 development and sale                                        309,693       134,012
Value of land in development                                  46,339        15,725
                                                         -----------   -----------
 Total equity value                                        2,839,570     2,444,218
Debt related to equity interests                           2,328,203     2,141,610
                                                         -----------   -----------
 Total asset value                                         5,167,773     4,585,828
Depreciated cost of interests in operating properties
 and costs of investment land and land held for
 development and sale, land in development
 and certain other assets                                 (3,244,632)   (2,728,820)
Present value of potential income taxes related
 to revaluation equity, net of cost basis
 deferred income taxes                                      (276,134)     (363,964)
Other, net                                                    (5,409)        3,527
                                                         -----------   -----------
 Total revaluation equity                                $ 1,641,598   $ 1,496,571
                                                         ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
(2)   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
      ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

The Company acquires, develops and/or manages income-producing properties
located throughout the United States and develops and sells land for
residential, commercial and other uses, primarily in Columbia, Maryland and Las
Vegas, Nevada. The income-producing properties consist of retail centers, office
buildings, mixed-use and other properties. The retail centers are primarily
regional shopping centers in suburban market areas, but also include specialty
marketplaces in certain downtown areas and several village centers primarily in
Columbia. The office properties are primarily suburban buildings in the
Columbia, Baltimore and Las Vegas market areas or components of large-scale
mixed-use properties located in urban markets which also include retail, parking
and other uses. Land development and sales operations are predominantly related
to large-scale, long-term community developments.

 The proportionate revenues of the Company's lines of business are summarized as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                          1996   1995   1994
                                          ----   ----   ----
<S>                                       <C>    <C>    <C>
Retail centers                              61%    73%    73%
Office, mixed-use and other properties      22     22     22
Land sales                                  17      5      5
                                          ----   ----   ----
 Total                                     100%   100%   100%
                                          ====   ====   ====
</TABLE> 

(b) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Rouse Company,
all subsidiaries and partnerships in which it has a majority interest and
control and the Company's proportionate share of the assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses of unincorporated real estate ventures in which it has
joint interest and control with other venturers. Investments in other ventures
are accounted for using the equity or cost methods as appropriate in the
circumstances. Significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated
in consolidation.

  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of
contingencies at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses
recognized during the reporting period. Significant estimates are inherent in
the preparation of the Company's historical cost basis financial statements in a
number of areas, including evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets
(including operating properties to be held and used, investment land and land
held for development and sale), determination of useful lives of assets subject
to depreciation or amortization, evaluation of collectibility of accounts and
notes receivable, measurement of pension and postretirement obligations and
evaluation of whether deferred tax assets will be realized. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.

  Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform with the
presentation for 1996.

(c) PROPERTY

In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-
Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." Statement No. 121
establishes new standards for measurement and recognition of impairment of long-
lived assets. Initial adoption of the Statement by the Company in 1996 did not
have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations
reported by the Company.

  Properties to be developed or held and used in operations are carried at cost
reduced for impairment losses, where appropriate. Properties held for sale are
carried at cost reduced for valuation allowances, where appropriate.
Acquisition, development and construction costs of operating properties,
properties in development and land development projects are capitalized
including, where applicable, salaries and related costs, real estate taxes,
interest and preconstruction costs. The preconstruction stage of development of
an operating property (or an expansion of an existing property) includes efforts
and related costs to secure land control and zoning, evaluate feasibility and
complete other initial tasks which are essential to development. These costs are
transferred to construction and development in progress when the precon-

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
struction tasks are completed. Provision is made for potentially unsuccessful
preconstruction efforts by charges to operations. Costs of significant
improvements, replacements and renovations at operating properties are
capitalized, while costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
Certain costs associated with financing and leasing of operating properties are
capitalized as deferred costs and amortized over the periods benefited by the
expenditures.

  Depreciation of operating properties is computed using the straight-line
method. The annual rate of depreciation for most of the Company's retail centers
is based on a 55-year composite life and a salvage value of approximately 10%,
producing an effective annual rate of depreciation for new properties of 1.6%.
The other retail centers, all office buildings and other properties are
generally depreciated using composite lives of 40 years producing an effective
annual rate of depreciation for such properties of 2.5%.

  If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an operating
property to be held and used or a land development project may be impaired, a
recoverability analysis is performed based on estimated nondiscounted future
cash flows to be generated from the property or project. If the analysis
indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, the
property or project is written down to estimated fair value and an impairment
loss is recognized.

  Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of their carrying value
(i.e., cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment loss recognized,
where applicable) or estimated fair value less costs to sell. The net carrying
values of operating properties are classified as properties held for sale when
marketing of the properties for sale is authorized by management. Depreciation
of these properties is discontinued at that time, but operating revenues,
interest and other operating expenses continue to be recognized until the time
of sale.

(d) SALES OF PROPERTY

Gains from sales of operating properties and revenues from land sales are
recognized using the full accrual method provided that various criteria relating
to the terms of the transactions and any subsequent involvement by the Company
with the properties sold are met. Gains or revenues relating to transactions
which do not meet the established criteria are deferred and recognized when the
criteria are met or using the installment or cost recovery methods, as
appropriate in the circumstances. For land sale transactions under terms of
which the Company is required to perform additional services and incur
significant costs after title has passed, revenues and costs of sales are
recognized proportionately on a percentage of completion basis.

  Cost of land sales is generally determined as a specified percentage of land
sales recognized for each land development project. The cost percentages used
are based on estimates of development costs and sales revenues to completion of
each project and are revised periodically for changes in estimates or in
development plans. The specific identification method is used to determine cost
of sales of certain parcels of land.

(e) LEASES

Leases which transfer substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership to
tenants are considered finance leases and the present values of the minimum
lease payments and the estimated residual values of the leased properties, if
any, are accounted for as receivables. Leases which transfer substantially all
the risks and benefits of ownership to the Company are considered capital leases
and the present values of the minimum lease payments are accounted for as
property and debt. Direct costs of negotiating and consummating tenant leases
are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related leases.

  In general, minimum rent revenues are recognized when due from tenants;
however, estimated collectible minimum rent revenues under leases which provide
for varying rents over their terms are averaged over the terms of the leases.

(f) INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method.
Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary
differences between the financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities and
their respective tax bases and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts

                                      34
<PAGE>
 
are realized or settled. However, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the
extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realized based on
consideration of available evidence, including tax planning strategies and other
factors. The effects of changes in tax laws or rates on deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.

(g) INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Company's investment policy defines authorized investments and establishes
various limitations on the maturities, credit quality and amounts of investments
held. Authorized investments include U.S. government and agency obligations,
certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances, repurchase agreements, commercial
paper, money market mutual funds and corporate debt and equity securities.

  Investments with maturities at dates of purchase in excess of three months are
classified as marketable securities and carried at amortized cost as it is the
Company's intention to hold these investments until maturity. Short-term
investments with maturities at dates of purchase of three months or less are
classified as cash equivalents, except that any such investments purchased with
the proceeds of loans which may be expended only for specified purposes are
classified as investments in marketable securities. At December 31, 1996 and
1995, investments in marketable securities consist primarily of U.S. government
and agency obligations with maturities of less than one year which are held for
restricted uses.

(h) INTEREST RATE EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS

The Company makes limited use of interest rate exchange agreements, including
interest rate caps and swaps, primarily to manage interest rate risk associated
with variable rate debt. Under interest rate cap agreements, the Company makes
initial premium payments to the counterparties in exchange for the right to
receive payments from them if interest rates on the related variable rate debt
exceed specified levels during the agreement period. Premiums paid are amortized
to interest expense over the terms of the agreements using the interest method
and payments receivable from the counterparties are accrued as reductions of
interest expense. Under interest rate swap agreements, the Company and the
counterparties agree to exchange the difference between fixed rate and variable
rate interest amounts calculated by reference to specified notional principal
amounts during the agreement period. Notional principal amounts are used to
express the volume of these transactions, but the cash requirements and amounts
subject to credit risk are substantially less. Amounts receivable or payable
under swap agreements are accounted for as adjustments to interest expense on
the related debt.

  Parties to interest rate exchange agreements are subject to market risk for
changes in interest rates and risk of credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by the counterparty. The Company does not require any collateral under these
arrangements but deals only with highly rated financial institution
counterparties (which, in certain cases, are also the lenders on the related
debt) and does not expect that any counterparties will fail to meet their
obligations.

(i) OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair values of financial instruments approximate their carrying value in the
financial statements except for debt and related interest rate exchange
agreements for which fair value information is provided in note 9.

(j) EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

Earnings (loss) per share of common stock is computed by dividing net earnings
(loss), after deducting dividends on Preferred stock, by the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. The numbers of
shares used in the computations were 55,572,000 for 1996, 47,814,000 for 1995,
and 47,565,000 for 1994. Common stock equivalents have not been used in
computing earnings (loss) per common share because their effects are not
material or are anti-dilutive.

                                      35
<PAGE>
 
(k) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company uses the intrinsic value method to account for stock-based employee
compensation plans. Under this method, compensation cost is recognized for
awards of shares of common stock to employees only if the quoted market price of
the stock at the grant date (or other measurement date, if later) is greater
than the amount the employee must pay to acquire the stock.

  In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." Statement No. 123 permits companies to adopt a new fair value-
based method to account for stock-based employee compensation plans or to
continue using the intrinsic value method. Information concerning the pro forma
effects on net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share of common stock of
using a fair value-based method to account for stock-based compensation plans,
as permitted by Statement No. 123, is provided in note 15.


(3) ACQUISITION OF
    THE HUGHES CORPORATION
    AND RELATED MATTERS


On June 12, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding equity interests
in The Hughes Corporation and its affiliated partnership, Howard Hughes
Properties, Limited Partnership (together, "Hughes"). In connection with the
acquisition, the Company issued 7,742,884 shares of common stock valued at
$178,086,000 and incurred or assumed debt and other liabilities of $370,486,000
(net of certain receivables and other current assets acquired). As discussed in
note 15, additional shares of common stock (or, in certain circumstances,
Increasing Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock) may be issued to the former Hughes
owners or their successors pursuant to terms of a Contingent Stock Agreement.
The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. The total purchase
cost approximated the aggregate fair value of the assets acquired which consist
primarily of a regional shopping center and a large-scale, master-planned
community in Las Vegas, Nevada, and four large-scale, master-planned business
parks and various other properties in Nevada and Southern California.

  The consolidated cost basis statement of operations for the year ended
December 31, 1996 includes revenues and costs and expenses from the date of
acquisition. The Company's unaudited pro forma consolidated results of
operations for the years ended December 31,1996 and 1995, assuming the
acquisition of Hughes occurred on January 1, 1995, are summarized as follows (in
thousands, except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996      1995
                                            --------  --------
<S>                                         <C>       <C>
Revenues                                    $883,686  $956,094
Earnings before extraordinary losses          20,990    29,504
Net earnings                                  19,537    20,873
Earnings per share of common stock after
 dividends on Preferred stock:
 Earnings before extraordinary losses            .17       .26
 Net earnings                                    .15       .11
                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>

  The unaudited pro forma revenues and earnings summarized above are not
necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the
acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 1995 or of future results of
operations of the combined companies.


(4) REAL ESTATE VENTURES


The Company has joint interest and control with other venturers in various
operating properties which are accounted for using the proportionate share
method. These projects are managed by the Company. The consolidated financial
statements include the Company's proportionate share of its historical cost of
these projects and depreciation based on the Company's depreciation policies
which differ, in certain cases, from those of the joint ventures.

                                      36
<PAGE>
 
  The condensed, combined balance sheets of these ventures and the Company's
proportionate share of their assets, liabilities and equity at December 31, 1996
and 1995 and the condensed, combined statements of earnings of these ventures
and the Company's proportionate share of their revenues and expenses for 1996,
1995 and 1994 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Combined       Proportionate Share
                                                               ------------------  -------------------
                                                                 1996      1995      1996       1995
                                                               --------  --------  --------   --------
<S>                                                            <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       
Total assets, primarily property                               $296,232  $339,121   $119,702  $151,195
                                                               ========  ========   ========  ========
Liabilities, primarily long-term debt                          $223,480  $313,282   $ 98,436  $145,113
Venturers' equity                                                72,752    25,839     21,266     6,082
                                                               --------  --------  --------   --------
Total liabilities and venturers' equity                        $296,232  $339,121   $119,702  $151,195
                                                               ========  ========   ========  ========
 
                                                     Combined               Proportionate Share
                                           ----------------------------  -----------------------------
                                             1996      1995      1994      1996       1995      1994
                                           --------  --------  --------  --------   --------  --------
Revenues                                   $118,360  $128,979  $143,573  $ 56,105   $ 58,085  $ 65,650
Operating and interest expenses              65,862    77,223    83,492    29,535     35,336    38,592
Depreciation and amortization                11,257    13,071    13,281     2,588      3,472     3,680
                                           --------  --------  --------  --------   --------  --------
Net earnings                               $ 41,241  $ 38,685  $ 46,800  $ 23,982   $ 19,277  $ 23,378
                                           ========  ========  ========  ========   ========  ========
</TABLE>

  The Company holds minority interests in certain real estate ventures which are
accounted for using the equity or cost methods, as appropriate. Most of these
projects are managed by the Company and the agreements relating to them
generally provide for preference returns to the Company when operating results
or sale or refinancing proceeds exceed specified levels. The condensed, combined
balance sheets of these ventures at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and their
condensed combined statements of earnings for 1996, 1995 and 1994 are summarized
as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996        1995
                                                    ----------  ----------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>
Total assets, primarily property                    $1,340,699  $1,507,438
                                                    =========== ========== 
Liabilities, primarily long-term debt               $  540,418  $  481,528
Venturers' equity                                      800,281   1,025,910
                                                    ----------- ---------- 
 Total liabilities and venturers' equity            $1,340,699  $1,507,438
                                                    ==========  ========== 

                                                        1996        1995       1994
                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------   
Revenues                                              $202,879    $209,100    $200,728
Operating and interest expenses                        138,460     141,509     133,470
Depreciation and amortization                           35,634      39,701      37,701
Loss on disposition                                         --          --      25,722
                                                      --------    --------    --------
 Net earnings                                         $ 28,785    $ 27,890    $  3,835
                                                      ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

  The Company's share of net earnings of these ventures was $4,348,000,
$5,691,000 and $2,926,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

(5) PROPERTY

Operating properties and deferred costs of projects at December 31, 1996 and
1995 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1996        1995
                                                      ----------  ----------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>
Buildings and improvements                            $2,822,164  $2,516,625
Land                                                     244,243     185,265
Deferred costs                                           113,904     118,930
Receivables under finance leases                          94,876      81,632
Investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures        81,757      84,772
Furniture and equipment                                   18,032      19,132
                                                      ----------  ----------
 Total                                                $3,374,976  $3,006,356
                                                      ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  Depreciation expense for 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $66,689,000, $59,247,000, and
$59,914,000, respectively. Amortization expense for 1996, 1995 and 1994 was
$13,301,000, $13,815,000, and $14,272,000, respectively.

  Properties in development include construction and development in progress and
preconstruction costs, net. The construction and development in progress
accounts include land and land improvements of $41,032,000 at December 31, 1996
and $16,056,000 at December 31, 1995.

  Changes in preconstruction costs, net, for 1996 and 1995 are summarized as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1996        1995
                                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>
Balance at beginning of year, before
 preconstruction reserve                                                      $ 21,463     $20,633
Costs incurred                                                                  20,189      12,451
Costs transferred to construction and development                                         
 in progress                                                                   (16,742)     (7,405)
Costs transferred to operating properties                                         (990)     (1,686)
Costs of unsuccessful projects written off                                      (1,762)     (2,530)
                                                                              --------    --------
                                                                                22,158      21,463
Less preconstruction reserve                                                    16,317      15,379
                                                                              --------    -------- 
 Balance at end of year, net                                                  $  5,841     $ 6,084
                                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE> 

 Properties held for sale at December 31, 1996 and 1995 is summarized as
  follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                1996         1995
                                                                              --------    -------- 
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C> 
Retail centers (six properties in 1996 and
 four properties in 1995)                                                     $ 70,775    $ 15,493
Office and other properties                                                      2,305       7,194
                                                                              --------    -------- 
 Total                                                                        $ 73,080    $ 22,687
                                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>

  Revenues relating to properties held for sale were $29,600,000 in 1996 and
$8,355,000 in 1995, and operating losses relating to these properties were
$810,500 in 1996 and $1,174,000 in 1995. All of the properties held for sale at
December 31, 1996 are expected to be sold in 1997.

  Investment land and land held for development and sale at December 31, 1996
and 1995 is summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                        1996      1995
                                                      --------  --------
<S>                                                   <C>       <C>
Land under development                                $ 87,301  $ 49,106
Finished land                                           59,913    45,388
Raw land                                                96,903    39,589
                                                      --------  --------
 Total                                                $244,117  $134,083
                                                      ========  ========
</TABLE> 

(6)   ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE

Accounts and notes receivable at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are summarized as 
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                1996       1995
                                                                              --------   -------- 
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C> 
Accounts receivable, primarily accrued rents and
 income under tenant leases                                                   $ 67,527   $ 58,916
Notes receivable from sales of properties                                       16,929      1,900
Notes receivable from sales of land                                             36,066        403
                                                                              --------   -------- 
                                                                               120,522     61,219
Less allowance for doubtful receivables                                         28,153     24,468
                                                                              --------   --------  
  Total                                                                       $ 92,369   $ 36,751
                                                                              ========   ======== 
</TABLE>
  Accounts and notes receivable due after one year were $41,654,000 and
$13,967,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
  Credit risk with respect to receivables from tenants is not highly
concentrated due to the large number of tenants and the geographic
diversification of the Company's operating properties. The Company performs
credit evaluations of prospective new tenants and requires security deposits in
certain circumstances. Tenants' compliance with the terms of their leases is
monitored closely, and the allowance for doubtful receivables is established
based on analyses of the risk of loss on specific tenant accounts, historical
trends and other relevant information. Notes receivable from sales of land are
primarily due from builders operating at the Company's Summerlin project in Las
Vegas. The Company performs credit evaluations of the builders and requires
substantial down payments (20% or more) on all land sales that it finances.
These notes and notes from sales of operating properties are generally secured
by first liens on the related properties.

(7)   PENSION PLANS

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan (the "funded plan") covering
substantially all employees. The Company's policy is to fund, at a minimum,
current service costs and amortization of unfunded accrued liabilities subject
to the limits of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the Company has
separate, nonqualified unfunded retirement plans (the "unfunded plans") covering
directors and employees whose defined benefits exceed the limits of the funded
plan. Benefits under the pension plans are based on the participants' years of
service and compensation.

 The net pension cost includes the following components (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                           1996      1995      1994
                                                                                         --------  --------  -------- 
<S>                                                                                      <C>       <C>       <C>
Service cost                                                                              $ 2,989   $ 2,382   $ 2,904
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations                                              3,107     3,309     3,425
Actual return on funded plan assets                                                        (4,997)   (5,422)   (1,930)
Other, net                                                                                  4,022     3,262       927
                                                                                         --------  --------  -------- 
 Net pension cost                                                                         $ 5,121   $ 3,531   $ 5,326
                                                                                         ========  ========  ========
</TABLE> 

The funded status of the pension plans at December 31, 1996 and 1995 is 
summarized as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                      1996                 1995
                                                ------------------    ------------------
                                                 Funded   Unfunded     Funded   Unfunded
                                                  Plan     Plans        Plan     Plans
                                                --------  --------    --------  --------   
                                                <S>       <C>         <C>       <C> 
Accumulated benefit obligations:
 Vested                                         $ 30,589  $  2,610    $ 31,045  $  4,658
 Nonvested                                         3,386       193       2,983       393
                                                --------  --------    --------  --------   
  Total                                         $ 33,975  $  2,803    $ 34,028  $  5,051
                                                ========  ========    ========  ========
Projected benefit obligations                   $ 38,567  $  4,322    $ 38,808  $  6,801
Plan assets at fair value                        (38,990)       --     (34,084)       --
                                                --------  --------    --------  --------    
Excess of projected benefit
 obligations over plan assets                       (423)    4,322       4,724     6,801
Unamortized prior service cost                    (1,888)   (2,081)     (2,124)   (3,067)
Unrecognized net loss                             (8,513)     (330)    (10,783)   (1,077)
Unrecognized net obligation at                                                    
 January 1, 1987, net of                                                          
  amortization                                      (598)     (676)       (664)     (810)
Additional minimum liability                          --     1,568          --     3,204
                                                --------  --------    --------  --------    
  Accrued (prepaid) pension cost                $(11,422) $  2,803    $ (8,847) $  5,051
                                                ========  ========    ========  ========
</TABLE>
         
  The projected benefit obligations for the plans were determined using discount
rates of 7.75% and 7.25% in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The rate of 
compensation increases assumed was 4.5% in 1996 and 1995. The expected long-term
rate of return on plan assets of the funded plan was 8% in 1996 and 11% in 1995.
The assets of the funded plan consist primarily of pooled separate accounts with
an insurance company and marketable equity securities.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
  The Company also has a deferred compensation program which permits directors
and certain management employees to defer portions of their compensation on a
pretax basis. The participants designate the investment of the deferred funds,
based on various alternatives, and under certain of the plans, the Company
matches a percentage of the participants' contributions in common stock. Total
deferred compensation liabilities at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were $6,584,000
and $4,416,000, respectively.

(8) OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company has a retiree benefits plan that provides postretirement medical and
life insurance benefits to full-time employees who meet minimum age and service
requirements. The Company pays a portion of the cost of participants' life
insurance coverage and makes contributions based on years of service to the cost
of participants' medical insurance coverage, subject to a maximum annual
contribution.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

 The postretirement benefit cost includes the following components (in thousands):

 
                                                                                                           1996      1995      1994
                                                                                                          ------   -------   ------
<S>                                                                                                       <C>      <C>       <C>
Service cost                                                                                              $  640   $  607    $  741
Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation                                                              932      853       823
Amortization of transition obligation at January 1, 1993                                                     333      484       485
Amortization of net gain                                                                                      --      (26)       --
                                                                                                          ------   ------    ------
 Net postretirement benefit cost                                                                          $1,905   $1,918    $2,049
                                                                                                          ======   ======    ======
</TABLE> 

 The status of the postretirement benefit plan at December 31, 1996 and 1995 
is summarized as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                            1996      1995
                                                                                                           -------   -------
<S>                                                                                                        <C>       <C> 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
 Retirees                                                                                                  $ 8,475   $ 3,195
 Other fully eligible participants                                                                           1,514     1,720 
 Other active participants                                                                                   6,138     8,186
                                                                                                           -------   -------
                                                                                                            16,127    13,101
Unrecognized net gain (loss)                                                                                   987      (502)
Unrecognized transition obligation                                                                          (5,331)   (8,235)
                                                                                                           -------   -------
 Accrued postretirement benefit cost                                                                       $11,783   $ 4,364
                                                                                                           =======   =======
</TABLE>

  The net increase in the accrued postretirement benefit cost in 1996 includes
the effects of the admission of former employees of Hughes to the plan (with
credit for prior service) and an amendment to the plan to reduce the Company's
share of life insurance premium costs effective January 1, 1996.

  The weighted average discount rates used to determine the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation were 7.75% and 7.25% in 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The transition obligation at January 1, 1993 is being amortized to
postretirement benefit cost over 20 years. Because the Company's contributions
are fixed, health care cost trend rates do not affect the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation.

(9) DEBT

In recognition of the various characteristics of real estate financing, debt is
classified as follows:
(a) "Property debt not carrying a Parent Company guarantee of repayment" which
    is subsidiary company debt having no express written obligation which would
    require the Company to repay the principal amount of such debt during the
    full term of the loan (nonrecourse loans); and
(b) "Parent Company debt and debt carrying a Parent Company guarantee of
    repayment" which is debt of the Company and subsidiary company debt with an
    express written obligation of the Company to repay the principal amount of
    such debt during the full term of the loan (Company and recourse loans).

  With respect to nonrecourse loans, the Company has in the past and may in the
future, under some circumstances, support those subsidiary companies whose
annual obligations, including debt service, exceed operating revenues. At
December 31, 1996 and 1995, nonrecourse loans include $475,754,000 and
$443,440,000, respectively, of mortgages and bonds relating to operating
properties of subsidiary companies which are subject to agreements with

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
  lenders requiring the Company to provide support for operating and debt
service costs, where necessary, for defined periods or until specified
conditions relating to the operating results of the properties are met.

 Debt at December 31, 1996 and 1995 is summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                          1996        1995
                                       ----------  ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>
Mortgages and bonds                    $2,279,971  $1,997,998
Convertible subordinated debentures       130,000     130,000
Medium-term notes                         115,300     100,300
Credit line borrowings                     64,000          --
Other loans                               245,975     251,231
                                       ----------  ----------
 Total                                 $2,835,246  $2,479,529
                                       ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

  Mortgages and bonds are secured by deeds of trust or mortgages on properties
and general assignments of rents. This debt matures at various dates through
2025 and, at December 31, 1996, bears interest at a weighted average effective
rate of 8.68%, including lender participations. At December 31, 1996,
approximately $594,482,000 of this debt is subject to payment of additional
interest based on the operating results of the related properties in excess of
stated levels. In addition, certain of this debt provides for payments to
lenders of shares of the related properties' residual values, if any, upon sale
or refinancing or at maturity. At December 31, 1996, approximately
$1,035,000,000 of the mortgages and bonds were payable to one lender.

  The convertible subordinated debentures bear interest at 5.75% and mature in
2002. The debentures are convertible at the option of holders into one share of
common stock for each $28.63 of par value and are redeemable at the option of
the Company at any time at a price equal to par value plus accrued interest.

  The Company has registered $150,000,000 of unsecured, medium-term notes which
may be issued to the public from time to time. The notes may be issued, subject
to market conditions, for varying terms (nine months to 30 years) and at fixed
or variable interest rates based on market indices at the time of issuance. The
notes outstanding at December 31, 1996, mature at various dates from 1997 to
2015, bear interest at a weighted average effective rate of 7.52% (including an
average rate of 6.36% on $43,800,000 of variable rate notes) and have a weighted
average maturity of 5.6 years.

  The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have credit lines from banks and
other lenders aggregating $248,120,000, including outstanding borrowings at
December 31, 1996. These credit lines are unsecured, bear interest at variable
rates based on specified market indices and may be used for various purposes,
including land and project development costs, property acquisitions and other
corporate needs, subject to specific use limitations and/or lender approvals in
certain cases. The credit line borrowings outstanding at December 31, 1996, are
due at various dates in 1999 and 2000 and bear interest at a weighted average
effective rate of 6.96%.

  Other loans include $120,000,000 of 8.5% unsecured notes due in 2003, various
property acquisition and land loans and certain other borrowings. These loans
include aggregate unsecured borrowings of $209,705,000 and $229,372,000 at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and at December 31, 1996, bear
interest at a weighted average effective rate of 8.76%.

  The agreements relating to the medium-term notes, certain of the lines of
credit, the 8.5% unsecured notes, and certain other loans impose limitations on
the Company. The most restrictive of these limit the Company's ability to incur
certain types of additional debt if the Company does not maintain specified debt
service coverage ratios. The agreements also impose restrictions on sale, lease
and certain other transactions, subject to various exclusions and limitations.
These restrictions have not limited the Company's normal business activities.

                                      41
<PAGE>
 
 The annual maturities of debt at December 31, 1996 are summarized as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       Nonrecourse   Company and
                          Loans     Recourse Loans    Total
                       -----------  --------------  ----------
<S>                    <C>          <C>             <C>
1997                    $  113,218        $ 11,307  $  124,525
1998                        70,726          22,624      93,350
1999                       174,884          32,824     207,708
2000                       171,099          58,285     229,384
2001                       130,733          40,838     171,571
Subsequent to 2001       1,629,746         378,962   2,008,708
                        ----------       ---------  ----------
 Total                  $2,290,406        $544,840  $2,835,246
                        ==========       =========  ==========
</TABLE>

  The nonrecourse loans maturing in 1997 include two retail center mortgages
aggregating $58,250,000 due in the second quarter. The Company is in the process
of obtaining securitized mortgage loans to refinance these loans and has
received a commitment from a lender for an interim loan for up to six months
pending completion of the securitized loans. The Company expects to repay the
mortgages at their scheduled maturity date.

  At December 31, 1996, the Company had interest rate cap agreements which
effectively limit the average interest rate on $66,050,000 of mortgages to 9.72%
through April 1997. The Company also had an interest rate cap agreement related
to a line of credit. The agreement effectively limits the interest rate on
advances up to $55,000,000 to 10% through April 1998 and to 9.08% on advances up
to $60,000,000 thereafter until April 1999.

  The interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 1996 were not
material. Interest rate exchange agreements did not have a material effect on
the weighted average effective interest rates on debt at December 31, 1996 and
1995 or interest expense for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

  Total interest costs were $230,960,000 in 1996, $219,838,000 in 1995, and
$220,971,000 in 1994 of which $10,579,000, $6,875,000, and $7,388,000 were
capitalized, respectively.

  During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company incurred extraordinary losses, related
to extinguishments of debt prior to scheduled maturity or required partial early
redemptions of debt of $2,236,000, $13,278,000, and $6,824,000, respectively,
less related deferred income tax benefits of $783,000, $4,647,000, and
$2,377,000, respectively. The sources of funds used to pay the debt and fund the
prepayment penalties, where applicable, were provided by refinancings of
properties, the medium-term notes and the Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities issued in 1995 and the 8.5% unsecured notes and
Preferred stock issued in 1993.

  The estimated fair value of debt is determined based on quoted market prices
for publicly-traded debt and on the discounted estimated future cash payments to
be made for other debt. The discount rates used approximate current market rates
for loans or groups of loans with similar maturities and credit quality. The
estimated future payments include scheduled principal and interest payments,
cash flows under interest rate exchange agreements, where applicable, and
lenders' participations in operating results and residual values of the related
properties, where applicable. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of
the Company's debt at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 are summarized as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                 1996                     1995
                         ----------------------  ----------------------
                          Carrying   Estimated    Carrying   Estimated
                           Amount    Fair Value    Amount    Fair Value
                         ---------   ----------  ---------   ----------
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Fixed rate debt          $2,405,382  $2,466,854  $2,195,137  $2,249,968
Variable rate debt          429,864     429,864     284,392     284,392
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                         $2,835,246  $2,896,718  $2,479,529  $2,534,360
                         ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

  Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, are subjective in
nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. Settlement
of the Company's debt obligations at fair value may not be possible and may not
be a prudent management decision.

                                      42
<PAGE>
 
(10)  COMPANY-OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES


The redeemable preferred securities consist of 5,500,000 Cumulative Quarterly
Income Preferred Securities (preferred securities), with a liquidation amount of
$25 per security, which were issued in November 1995 by a statutory business
trust that is wholly-owned by the Company. The trust used the proceeds of the
preferred securities and other assets to purchase at par $141,753,000 of junior
subordinated debentures (debentures) of the Company due in November 2025, which
are the sole assets of the trust.

  Payments to be made by the trust on the preferred securities are dependent on
payments that the Company has undertaken to make, particularly the payments to
be made by the Company on the debentures. Compliance by the Company with its
undertakings, taken together, would have the effect of providing a full,
irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of the trust's obligations under the
preferred securities.

  Distributions on the preferred securities are payable from interest payments
received on the debentures and are due quarterly at a rate of 9.25% of the
liquidation amount, subject to deferral for up to five years under certain
conditions. Distributions payable are included in operating expenses.
Redemptions of the preferred securities are payable at the liquidation amount
from redemption payments received on the debentures.

  The Company may redeem the debentures at par at any time after November 27,
2000, but redemptions at or prior to maturity are payable only from the proceeds
of issuance of capital stock of the Company or of securities substantially
comparable in economic effect to the preferred securities.

(11)  OPERATING RESULTS AND ASSETS BY LINE OF BUSINESS

Operating results before gain (loss) on dispositions of assets and other
provisions, net, income taxes and extraordinary losses are summarized by line of
business as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1996       1995       1994
                                               --------   --------   --------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
Operating properties:
 Revenues                                      $690,569   $636,646   $633,047
 Operating expenses, exclusive of provision
  for bad debts, depreciation and
  amortization                                  345,863    313,525    322,278
 Interest expense                               205,750    197,249    196,690
 Provision for bad debts                          3,688      3,318      5,185
 Depreciation and amortization                   79,990     73,062     74,186
                                               --------   --------   --------
                                                 55,278     49,492     34,708
                                               --------   --------   --------
 
Land sales:
 Revenues                                       137,853     33,403     35,232
 Operating costs and expenses                   107,787     17,827     19,877
 Interest expense                                 1,658      5,071      5,028
                                               --------   --------   --------
                                                 28,408     10,505     10,327
                                               --------   --------   --------
 
Development:
 Operating costs and expenses                     4,964      7,288      6,494
 Interest expense                                   361        358        495
                                               --------   --------   --------
                                                 (5,325)    (7,646)    (6,989)
                                               --------   --------   --------
 
Corporate:
 Interest income                                  3,495      2,772      2,892
 Interest expense                                12,612     10,285     11,370
 Other expenses                                   9,752      8,920      8,309
                                               --------   --------   --------
                                                (18,869)   (16,433)   (16,787)
                                               --------   --------   --------
 Operating income                              $ 59,492   $ 35,918   $ 21,259
                                               ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>

                                      43
<PAGE>
 
 The assets by line of business at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 are as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           1996        1995        1994
                        ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                     <C>         <C>         <C>
Operating properties    $3,084,445  $2,656,527  $2,617,045
Land sales                 308,014     141,275     136,986
Development                178,076      63,732      68,863
Corporate                   72,917     124,075      92,966
                        ----------  ----------  ----------
 Total                  $3,643,452  $2,985,609  $2,915,860
                        ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

(12)   INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense is reconciled to the amount computed by applying the Federal
corporate tax rate as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1996      1995       1994
                                                                   -------   --------   --------
<S>                                                                <C>       <C>        <C>
Tax at statutory rate on earnings                                  
 before income taxes and extraordinary losses                      $15,262   $  3,560   $  4,668
State income taxes, net of Federal income                          
 tax benefit                                                         1,023        759      2,062
Nondeductible portion of distributions                             
 under Contingent Stock Agreement                                    9,434         --         --
                                                                   -------   --------   --------
Income tax expense                                                 $25,719   $  4,319   $  6,730
                                                                   =======   ========   ========
Effective rate                                                        58.9%      42.5%      50.5%
                                                                   =======   ========   ========
</TABLE> 

 The net deferred tax liability at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consists of the 
following (in thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                     1996       1995
                                                   --------   --------
<S>                                                <C>        <C> 
Total deferred tax liabilities                     $355,182   $299,717
Total deferred tax assets                           220,388    218,068
                                                   --------   --------
 Net deferred tax liability                        $134,794   $ 81,649
                                                   ========   ========
</TABLE>

 The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that are included
in the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 1996 and 1995 relate to the
following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996       1995
                                                             ---------  --------- 
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>         
Property, primarily differences in depreciation and
 amortization, the tax basis of acquired assets and
 treatment of interest and certain other costs               $ 329,413  $ 273,585
Accounts and notes receivable, primarily
 differences in timing of recognition of rent
 revenues and doubtful receivables                               4,368      5,684
Accrued expenses, primarily differences in timing of
 recognition of interest, compensation and pension
 expenses                                                        4,296     (4,925)
Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards                   (203,283)  (192,695)
                                                             ---------   -------- 
 
 Total                                                       $ 134,794   $ 81,649
                                                             =========   =========
</TABLE>

  The net operating losses carried forward from December 31, 1996 for Federal
income tax purposes aggregate approximately $568,000,000.

  As indicated above, the deferred tax assets relate primarily to operating loss
carryforwards for Federal income tax purposes. These loss carryforwards will
begin to expire in 1998, and the ultimate realization of these assets is
dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income to use the
loss carryforwards before they expire. Based on projections of future taxable
income over the loss carryfoward period (which projections reflect, among other
things, the effects of numerous significant transactions completed in the last
several years, including debt refinancings and restructurings for various
properties, acquisitions/expansions of new and existing properties and
dispositions of several properties that were generating operating losses) and
the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (particularly those relating
to depreciation

                                      44
<PAGE>
 
of property), management believes that it is more likely than not that the
Company will realize the benefits of the operating loss carryforwards at
December 31, 1996. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable
could be reduced, however, if estimates of future taxable income are reduced.

(13)  GAIN (LOSS) ON DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS AND OTHER PROVISIONS, NET


Gain (loss) on dispositions of assets and other provisions, net, is summarized
as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1996       1995       1994
                                    --------   --------   -------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>    
Litigation judgment                 $  8,716   $(12,321)  $    --
Net loss on operating properties     (25,903)   (13,210)   (7,496)
Other, net                             1,300       (218)     (427)
                                    --------   --------   -------
 Total                              $(15,887)  $(25,749)  $(7,923)
                                    ========   ========   =======
</TABLE>

  The litigation judgment relates to the matter involving a former tenant at the
Riverwalk Shopping Center discussed in note 17. In 1996, a portion of the
provision recorded in 1995 was reversed following settlement of the matter.

  The net loss on operating properties in 1996 relates primarily to provisions
for losses recognized on five retail centers the Company decided to sell.

  The net loss on operating properties in 1995 relates primarily to provisions
for losses recognized on four retail centers the Company decided to sell
($15,589,000). These provisions were partially offset by a gain on disposition
of a retail center ($2,379,000).

  The net loss on operating properties in 1994 relates primarily to losses
incurred on dispositions of interests in two retail centers, a hotel and an
office building ($8,045,000) and a provision for loss on an industrial building
($2,212,000). These losses were partially offset by a gain on disposition of an
interest in a retail center ($2,761,000).

(14)   PREFERRED STOCK


The Company has authorized 50,000,000 shares of Preferred stock of 1c par value
per share of which (a) 4,505,168 shares have been classified as Series A
Convertible Preferred; (b) 10,000,000 shares have been classified as Increasing
Rate Cumulative Preferred; and (c) 37,362 shares have been classified as 10.25%
Junior Preferred, Series 1996. In February 1997, 4,600,000 shares were
classified as Series B Convertible Preferred and 4,000,000 of these shares were
issued (see note 18).

  The Company sold 4,025,000 shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred stock
in a public offering in 1993 and issued 480,168 shares valued at $23,000,000 in
1994 in connection with a modification of terms of a debt agreement related to a
retail center. The shares of Series A Convertible Preferred stock had a
liquidation preference of $50 per share and earned dividends at an annual rate
of 6.5% of the liquidation preference. Each share was convertible into shares of
the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of approximately 2.35 shares of
common stock for each share of Preferred stock, subject to certain conditions.
On September 30, 1996, the Company redeemed all of the then outstanding shares
of Series A Convertible Preferred stock. In 1996 and 1995, the Company issued
10,598,721 and 75 shares respectively, of common stock in exchange for 4,504,579
and 32 shares, respectively, of Series A Convertible Preferred stock. If all of
the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred stock had been converted to shares
of common stock on January 1, 1994, the pro forma earnings (loss) per share of
common stock would have been $0.26 in 1996, $(0.05) in 1995 and $0.04 in 1994.

  Shares of the Increasing Rate Cumulative Preferred stock are issuable only to
former Hughes owners or their successors pursuant to the Contingent Stock
Agreement described in note 15. These shares are issuable only in limited
circumstances, and at December 31, 1996, no shares of Increasing Rate Cumulative
Preferred stock were outstanding. There were also no shares of 10.25% Junior
Preferred stock, Series 1996, outstanding at December 31, 1996.

                                      45
<PAGE>
 
(15)   COMMON STOCK

At December 31, 1996, shares of authorized and unissued common stock are
reserved as follows: (a) 19,801,763 shares for issuance under the Contingent
Stock Agreement discussed below; (b) 3,151,084 shares for issuance under the
Company's stock option and stock bonus plans; (c) 4,540,692 shares for
conversion of the convertible subordinated debentures; and (d) 500,000 shares
for exercise of the warrants discussed below.

  In connection with the acquisition of Hughes, the Company entered into a
Contingent Stock Agreement for the benefit of the former Hughes owners or their
successors (the beneficiaries). Under terms of the agreement, additional shares
of common stock (or in certain circumstances, Increasing Rate Cumulative
Preferred Stock) are issuable to the beneficiaries based on the appraised values
of four defined groups of assets acquired in the purchase of Hughes at specified
"termination dates" from 2000 to 2009 and/or cash flows generated from the
development and/or sale of those assets prior to the termination dates (the
"earnout periods"). The distributions of additional shares, based on cash flows,
are payable semiannually as of June 30 and December 31 and, at December 31,
1996, a distribution of approximately 591,000 shares ($16,697,000) was payable
to the beneficiaries. The Contingent Stock Agreement is, in substance, an
arrangement under which the Company and the beneficiaries will share in cash
flows from development and/or sale of the defined assets during their respective
earnout periods and the Company will issue additional shares of common stock to
the beneficiaries based on the value, if any, of the defined asset groups at the
termination dates. The Company accounts for the beneficiaries' share of earnings
from the assets subject to the Contingent Stock Agreement as an operating
expense and will account for any distributions to the beneficiaries as of the
termination dates as an additional cost to acquire the related assets (i.e.,
contingent consideration). At the time of acquisition of Hughes, the Company
reserved 20,000,000 shares of common stock for possible issuance under the
Contingent Stock Agreement. The number of shares reserved was determined based
on conservative estimates in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement.
The actual number of shares issuable will be determinable only from events
occurring over the term of the Agreement and could differ significantly from the
number of shares reserved.

  Under the Company's stock option plans, options to purchase shares of common
stock and stock appreciation rights may be awarded to directors, officers and
employees. Stock options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to
the market price of the common stock on the date of grant, typically vest over a
three- to five-year period, subject to certain conditions, and have a maximum
term of ten years. The Company has not granted any stock appreciation rights. A
summary of changes in options outstanding under the plans is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                 1996                      1995                    1994
                                                         ---------------------   -----------------------    ---------------------
                                                                     Weighted-                 Weighted-                Weighted-
                                                                      average                   average                  average
                                                                     Exercise                  Exercise                 Exercise
                                                          Shares       Price       Shares        Price       Shares       Price
                                                         ---------   ---------   ----------    ---------    ---------   --------- 
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>
Balance at beginning of year                             2,227,400      $19.89    2,228,102      $19.68     1,709,302      $20.10
Options granted                                            654,000       21.09      200,500       18.63       566,000       18.59
Options exercised                                          (87,371)      18.61     (179,452)       5.36        (8,700)      13.04
Options canceled                                           (28,250)      22.82      (21,750)      24.41       (38,500)      24.13
                                                         ---------   ---------   ----------     --------    ---------    -------- 
 Balance at end of year                                  2,765,779      $20.18    2,227,400      $19.89     2,228,102      $19.68
                                                         =========   =========   ==========     ========    =========    ========
</TABLE> 

 A summary of information about stock options
  outstanding at December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                      Options Outstanding                   Options Exercisable
                                                          ------------------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                                        Weighted-
    Range of                                                             average         Weighted-                     Weighted-
    Exercise                                                            Remaining         average                      average
     Prices                                                Shares      Life (Years)   Exercise Price     Shares     Exercise Price
- -----------------                                         ---------    ------------   --------------  -----------  ----------------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>          <C> 
$13.50 to $19.875                                         1,931,279             7.4           $18.38      755,344            $17.75
$23.75 to $27.00                                            834,500             4.4            24.34      694,500             24.21
                                                          ---------         -------       ----------  -----------        ----------
                                                          2,765,779             6.5           $20.18    1,449,844            $20.84
                                                          =========         =======       ==========  ===========        ==========
</TABLE> 

                                      46
<PAGE>
 
  At December 31, 1995 and 1994, options to purchase 1,229,000 and 1,063,000
shares, respectively, were exercisable at weighted average prices of $21.50 and
$20.96, respectively.

  The per share weighted-average estimated fair value of options granted during
1996 and 1995 was $5.44 and $5.24, respectively. These fair values were
estimated on the dates of each grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rates of 6.0% in 1996
and 7.2% in 1995; dividend yield of 4% in both years; expected lives of 7 years
in both years; and volatility of 28% in both years.

  The option prices were equal to the market prices at the date of grant for all
of the options granted in 1996 and 1995 and, accordingly, no compensation cost
has been recognized for stock options in the financial statements. If the
Company had applied a fair value-based method to account for options granted,
net earnings for 1996 would have been $15,369,000 ($.09 per share of common
stock) and the net loss for 1995 would have been $3,036,000 ($.37 per share of
common stock). The pro forma amounts reflect only options granted in 1996 and
1995. Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock
options under a fair value-based method is not reflected in the pro forma
amounts because compensation cost is reflected over the options' vesting periods
and compensation cost for options granted prior to January 1, 1995 is not
required to be considered.

  Under the Company's stock bonus plans, shares of common stock may be awarded
to officers and employees. Shares awarded under the plans are typically subject
to forfeiture restrictions which lapse at defined annual rates. Awards granted
in 1996 and 1995 aggregated 415,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively, with a
weighted average market value per share of $20.99 and $18.63, respectively. In
connection with the stock bonus plan awards, the Company typically makes loans
to the recipients for the payment of related income taxes, which loans are
forgiven in installments subject to the recipients' continued employment. The
total loans outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were $6,565,000 and
$3,829,000, respectively.

  The Company recognizes any forgiven loan installments, amortization of the
fair value of the stock awarded and certain related costs as compensation costs
over the terms of the awards. Such costs amounted to $4,923,000 in 1996,
$2,763,000 in 1995 and $1,663,000 in 1994.

  In 1992, seven investors acquired 8,500,000 shares of the Company's common
stock in a private placement from a stockholder. Stock warrants allowing the
seller to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $18 per share
until September 1997 were issued by the Company to facilitate the transaction.

(16) LEASES

The Company, as lessee, has entered into operating leases expiring at various
dates through 2076. Rents under such leases aggregated $9,648,000 in 1996,
$9,421,000 in 1995, and $11,927,000 in 1994, including contingent rents, based
on the operating performance of the related properties, of $3,844,000,
$3,644,000, and $6,232,000, respectively. In addition, real estate taxes,
insurance and maintenance expenses are obligations of the Company. The minimum
rent payments due under operating leases in effect at December 31, 1996 are
summarized as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>
1997                  $  5,744
1998                     5,687
1999                     5,663
2000                     5,672
2001                     5,680
Subsequent to 2001     237,851
                      --------
 Total                $266,297
                      ========
</TABLE>

  Obligations under capital leases relate to the Company's headquarters building
and certain operating properties and equipment. The property and other asset
accounts include costs of $67,718,000 and $66,790,000 and accumulated
depreciation of $19,632,000 and $19,531,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, related to these leases. The mini-

                                      47
<PAGE>
 
mum rent payments due under capital leases and their present value at December
31, 1996 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                                      <C>
1997                                                     $   9,898
1998                                                         9,250
1999                                                         8,620
2000                                                         8,239
2001                                                         7,906
Subsequent to 2001                                         187,901
                                                         ---------
                                                           231,814
Imputed interest at rates ranging from 8.49% to 13.0%     (171,613)
                                                         ---------
 Obligations under capital leases                        $  60,201
                                                         =========
</TABLE>

  Space in the Company's operating properties is leased to approximately 6,400
tenants. In addition to minimum rents, the majority of the retail center leases
provide for percentage rents when the tenants' sales volumes exceed stated
amounts, and the majority of the retail center and office leases provide for
other rents which reimburse the Company for certain of its operating expenses.
Rents from tenants are summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                      1996       1995       1994
                    --------   --------   --------
<S>                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Minimum rents       $348,296   $310,149   $303,425
Percentage rents      14,830     15,362     17,144
Other rents          223,949    217,037    220,532
                    --------   --------   --------
 Total              $587,075   $542,548   $541,101
                    ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>

  The minimum rents to be received from tenants under operating leases in effect
at December 31, 1996 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>
1997                  $  352,048
1998                     305,798
1999                     271,053
2000                     238,937
2001                     199,534
Subsequent to 2001       566,794
                      ----------
 Total                $1,934,164
                      ==========
</TABLE>

  Certain of the Company's tenant leases are accounted for as finance leases
since the terms of the leases transfer substantially all of the risks and
benefits of ownership to the tenants. Rents under such leases aggregated
$9,645,000 in 1996, $8,780,000 in 1995, and $8,511,000 in 1994. The net
investment in finance leases at December 31, 1996 is summarized as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996       1995
                                                  --------   -------- 
<S>                                               <C>        <C>
Total minimum rent payments to be received
 over lease terms                                 $178,275   $167,050
Estimated residual values of leased properties       7,567      3,123
Unearned income                                    (90,966)   (88,541)
                                                  --------   -------- 
  Net investment in finance leases                $ 94,876   $ 81,632
                                                  ========   ========
</TABLE>

  The minimum rent payments to be received from tenants under finance leases in
effect at December 31, 1996 are $10,551,000, $10,626,000, $10,643,000,
$10,729,000 and $11,480,000 for 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively.

                                      48
<PAGE>
 
(17) OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments for the construction and development of land and properties in the
ordinary course of business and other commitments not set forth elsewhere amount
to approximately $47,000,000 at December 31, 1996.

  At December 31, 1996, subsidiaries of the Company have contingent liabilities
of approximately $21,320,000 with respect to future minimum rents under long-
term lease obligations of certain joint ventures and approximately $4,069,000
with respect to bank letters of credit issued to secure their obligations under
certain agreements. In addition, the Company had contingent liabilities with
respect to debt of certain joint ventures aggregating approximately $19,824,000.

  On November 6, 1990, Robert P. Guastella Equities, Inc. ("Plaintiff"), a
former tenant at the Riverwalk Shopping Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
("Riverwalk"), which is owned and operated by New Orleans Riverwalk Associates,
an affiliate of the Company ("NORA"), filed suit in the Civil District Court of
Orleans Parish, Louisiana against NORA, the Company, two Company affiliates, and
a partner of NORA (collectively, "Defendants"). Plaintiff alleged that
Defendants breached Plaintiff's lease agreement with NORA for the operation of a
restaurant at Riverwalk and that as a result of these breaches it suffered
losses and could not pay the rentals due under the lease agreement, as a result
of which the lease and its tenancy were terminated by NORA. Plaintiff sought
damages of approximately $600,000 for these alleged breaches.

  In addition, on September 3, 1992, Plaintiff claimed $33,000,000 for alleged
lost future profits which it claimed it would have earned had its lease not been
terminated. The Defendants filed answers denying the claims of Plaintiff and
asserting other defenses. NORA also asserted a counterclaim against Plaintiff
and its individual guarantors for past due rentals and other charges in the
approximate amount of $300,000 plus interest and attorneys' fees as provided for
in the lease agreement. The case was tried before a jury and, on October 28,
1993, the jury returned a verdict against Defendants upon which judgment was
entered by the trial court on January 7, 1994, in the total net amount of
approximately $9,128,000 (including a net award for lost future profits of
approximately $8,640,000) plus interest and attorneys' fees. On May 6, 1994, the
trial court denied all post-trial motions of both Plaintiff and Defendants. The
trial court also entered an amended judgment in which it awarded the Plaintiff
$450,000 in attorneys' fees and awarded Defendants $25,000 in attorneys' fees.

  On May 23, 1994, Defendants appealed this judgment to the Louisiana Court of
Appeal, Fourth Circuit. On November 16, 1995, the Louisiana Court of Appeal
reduced the judgment by $240,000, but otherwise affirmed the damage award to
Plaintiff. Defendants subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration with the
Louisiana Court of Appeal, which was denied on December 19, 1995. On January 18,
1996, Defendants filed a petition requesting the Louisiana Supreme Court to
consider a further appeal of this judgment. On April 8, 1996, the Louisiana
Supreme Court granted Defendants' petition. Subsequently, the parties entered
into settlement discussions which culminated in a July 25, 1996 Settlement
Agreement which dismissed all claims and counterclaims with prejudice. The
Company recorded a pre-tax provision in the amount of $12,321,000 in 1995,
representing the full amount of the modified award (including attorneys' fees)
plus interest, less pre-tax provisions previously recorded totaling $1,150,000.
Additional provisions for interest totaling $295,000 were recorded in the six
months ended June 30, 1996. The Company satisfied its financial and other
obligations under the Settlement Agreement in July 1996 and reversed $8,716,000
of the previously recorded provision for loss on this matter in the third
quarter of 1996.

  The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in various other
litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which
involve claims for damages that are substantial in amount. Some of these
litigation matters are covered by insurance. In the opinion of management,
adequate provision has been made for losses with respect to all litigation
matters, where appropriate, and the ultimate resolution of all such litigation
matters is not likely to have a material effect on the consolidated financial
position of the Company. Due to the Company's modest and fluctuating net
earnings (loss) it is not possible to predict whether the resolution of these
matters is likely to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated net
earnings (loss) and it is, therefore, possible that the resolution of these
matters could have such a material effect in any future quarter or year.

  On December 14, 1996, Riverwalk Shopping Center was struck by a grain
freighter, causing significant damage to the property and requiring the Company
to close the entire retail

                                      49
<PAGE>
 
center for a period of several weeks. Work to repair the property damage is in
process, and substantially all of the repair costs will be covered by related
insurance. There is also insurance covering loss of tenant rental revenues as
result of this incident. Due to uncertainties as to when certain tenants will be
able to reopen for business and how certain portions of the loss will be
measured, it is not possible to estimate the amount of this claim at this time;
however, the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a
material effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations
of the Company.

  In connection with the acquisition of Hughes, the Company obtained minority,
limited partner interests in two partnerships which own a property known as
Playa Vista in Los Angeles, California. The partnerships are in the preliminary
stages of developing a master-planned community on the property (which includes
approximately 1,100 acres of land) and have experienced significant financial
losses. As a result, the partners have been involved in extensive negotiations
with lenders and others to restructure and recapitalize the partnerships. Under
the partnership agreements, the Company is not required to make additional
capital contributions to the partnerships and has no obligations, fixed or
contingent, with respect to their business, properties or other assets. Under
the Contingent Stock Agreement, the Company is obligated to make payments of
$10,000,000 with respect to Playa Vista. These payments may be in the form of
contributions to the partnerships (subject to certain conditions) or, if
aggregate contributions are less than $10,000,000 at the date the obligation
terminates, the balance is distributable in stock to the beneficiaries pursuant
to the Agreement. The Company recorded the obligation under the Agreement in
accounting for the purchase of Hughes and, at December 31, 1996, the unpaid
balance was approximately $8,963,000. While the outcome of the partnerships'
negotiations with lenders and others is not predictable, the Company's
obligations with respect to Playa Vista are limited as described above and the
ultimate resolution of this matter will not have an adverse effect on the
consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

(18) SUBSEQUENT EVENT

In February 1997, the Company registered to sell up to an aggregate of
$500,000,000 (based on the public offering price) of common stock, Preferred
stock and debt securities. The stock and debt may be issued from time to time at
prices, in amounts and on terms to be determined at the time of offering. In
February 1997, pursuant to this registration, the Company issued 4,000,000
shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred stock in a public offering. The
shares of Preferred stock have a liquidation value of $50 per share (an
aggregate of $200,000,000 for the issued shares) and earn dividends at an annual
rate of 6% of the liquidation preference. At the option of the holders, each
share of the Preferred stock is convertible into shares of the Company's common
stock at a conversion rate of approximately 1.311 shares of common stock for
each share of Preferred stock, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
In addition, beginning April 1, 2000, the shares of Preferred stock are
redeemable for shares of common stock at the option of the Company, subject to
certain conditions. The net proceeds of the offering of approximately
$194,600,000 are to be used primarily for new development projects, retail
center expansions and/or acquisitions and to repay property debt. Any remaining
net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and, until required for
development or acquisition opportunities, a portion of the net proceeds will be
used, on an interim basis, to reduce or retire credit line borrowings and
property debt.

                                      50
<PAGE>
 
Five Year Comparison of Selected Financial Data

Year ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1996         1995         1994         1993        1992
                                                                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Operating results data:                                                                                                 
 Revenues from continuing operations                                    $  831,917  $  672,821  $  671,171  $  646,805  $  597,105
 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations                                 17,886       5,850       6,606      (1,291)    (15,849)
 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations applicable to                                                               
  common shareholders per share of common stock                                .14        (.18)       (.14)       (.27)       (.33)
Balance sheet data:                                                                                                     
 Total assets-cost basis                                                 3,643,452   2,985,609   2,915,860   2,874,982   2,726,281
 Total assets-current value basis                                        5,575,857   4,852,403   4,736,961   4,588,636   4,217,819
 Debt and capital leases                                                 2,895,447   2,538,315   2,532,920   2,473,596   2,498,983
 Shareholders' equity (deficit):                                                                                        
  Historical cost basis                                                    177,149      42,584      95,026     113,151     (34,848)
  Current value basis                                                    1,818,747   1,539,155   1,614,245   1,525,606   1,188,896
 Shareholders' equity (deficit) per share of common stock (note 1):                                                   
  Historical cost basis                                                       2.65         .73        1.63        1.98        (.74)
  Current value basis                                                        27.25       26.30       27.75       26.75       25.50
Other selected data:                                                                                                    
 Earnings before depreciation and deferred taxes                                                                        
  from operations (note 2)                                                 139,359     108,360      94,710      78,281      52,282
 Net cash provided by (used in):                                                                                        
  Operating activities                                                     168,126     107,001     113,775     101,149      66,630
  Investing activities                                                    (182,995)    (64,995)   (178,551)   (154,446)   (144,836)
  Financing activities                                                     (36,287)      3,518      40,618      47,068      98,914
 Dividends per share of common stock                                           .88         .80         .68         .62         .60
 Dividends per share of convertible Preferred stock                           2.44        3.25        3.25        2.83          --
 Market price per share of common stock at year end                          31.75       20.13       19.25       17.75       18.00
 Market price per share of convertible Preferred stock                                                                  
  at year end                                                                   --       51.63       48.50       53.75          --
 Weighted average common shares outstanding                                 55,572      47,814      47,565      47,411      47,994

</TABLE>

Note 1--For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, historical cost
        basis shareholders' equity (deficit) per share of common stock and
        current value basis shareholders' equity per share of common stock
        assume the conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred stock. The
        Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was issued in 1993 and redeemed for
        common stock on September 30, 1996.

Note 2--Earnings before depreciation and deferred taxes (EBDT) is not a measure
        of operating results or cash flows from operating activities as defined
        by generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally, EBDT is not
        necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs, including
        the payment of dividends and should not be considered as an alternative
        to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. See the "Earnings Before
        Depreciation and Deferred Taxes" section of Management's Discussion and
        Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on page 56 for
        a full discussion of EBDT.

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)

Interim consolidated results of operations are summarized as follows (in
thousands, except per share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Quarter ended
                                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        December   September     June       March     December   September    June         March
                                         31, 1996   30, 1996    30, 1996   31, 1996   31, 1995    30, 1995   30, 1995     31, 1995
                                        ---------- ----------  ---------- ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Revenues                                $ 252,044  $ 227,675   $ 179,050   $ 173,148  $ 177,505   $ 169,165   $ 163,636   $162,515
Operating income                           25,796     11,477      11,061      11,158     13,385      11,380       6,499      4,654
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary                                                 
 losses                                     7,291     (2,456)      6,308       6,743      1,911       3,169       1,403       (633)
Net earnings (loss)                         7,199     (2,502)      6,308       5,428        634       3,032       1,403     (7,850)
                                        ========== ==========  ========== ==========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
Earnings (loss) per common share:                                                    
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary                                                 
 losses                                 $     .11  $    (.10)  $     .05   $     .07  $    (.03)  $    (.01)  $    (.05)  $   (.09)
Extraordinary losses                           --         --          --        (.03)      (.03)         --          --       (.15)
                                        ---------- ----------  ---------- ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total                                 $     .11  $    (.10)  $     .05   $     .04  $    (.06)  $    (.01)  $    (.05)  $   (.24)
                                        ========== ==========  ========== ==========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 

</TABLE>

Note--Net earnings for the third and fourth quarters of 1996 include provisions
      for losses on dispositions of retail centers of $3,939,000 ($.07 per
      share) and $6,196,000 ($.09 per share), respectively. The provision for
      loss in the third quarter was partially offset by the reversal of a
      provision for a litigation matter of $5,665,000 ($.10 per share). Net
      earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 1995 includes a provision for
      the litigation matter of $8,009,000 ($.17 per share). Net earnings (loss)
      for the first, second and third quarters of 1995 include provisions for
      losses on disposition of operating properties of $3,156,000 ($.07 per
      share), $3,617,000 ($.08 per share) and $3,665,000 ($.08 per share),
      respectively. The provision for loss in the second quarter was partially
      offset by a gain on disposition of a retail center property of $1,261,000
      ($.03 per share).

Price of Common Stock and Dividends

The Company's common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in
November 1995.  Prior to that time it was traded over the counter.  The prices
and dividends per share were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Quarter ended
                              -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              December   September   June      March    December  September      June       March
                              31, 1996   30, 1996  30, 1996   31, 1996  31, 1995   30, 1995    30, 1995    31, 1995
                              --------   -------   --------   --------  --------  ----------   --------   ---------
<S>                           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>  
High bid or sales price       $  32.25   $  26.00  $  26.13   $  22.13  $  22.00  $    22.63   $  20.69   $   19.88
Low bid or sales price           30.88      24.88     25.75      21.88     18.63       19.50      17.00       18.00
Dividends                          .22        .22       .22        .22       .20         .20        .20         .20
</TABLE>

Number of Holders of Common Stock

The number of holders of record of the Company's common stock as of February 21,
1997 was 2,294.

                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries


   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                                   OPERATIONS


GENERAL




The Company's primary business is the acquisition, development and management of
income-producing real estate projects. The Company operates a diversified
portfolio of retail centers, office buildings and mixed-use and other properties
located throughout the United States. In addition, the Company develops and
sells land for residential, commercial and other uses, primarily in Columbia,
Maryland, and Summerlin, Nevada.

  On June 12, 1996, the Company purchased all of the outstanding equity
interests in The Hughes Corporation and its affiliated partnership, Howard
Hughes Properties, Limited Partnership (together, Hughes). The acquired assets
consist primarily of a regional shopping center and a large-scale, master-
planned community (Summerlin) in Las Vegas, Nevada, and four large-scale,
master-planned business parks and various other properties in Nevada and
Southern California. The acquisition of Hughes enabled the Company to diversify
its portfolio of properties while establishing a significant presence in the
fast-growing Las Vegas market. For additional information about the acquisition
of Hughes, see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

  Management believes that the Company's financial position is sound and that
its liquidity and capital resources are adequate. As shown in the supplemental
current value basis financial statements, current value shareholders' equity,
which is an important indication of the Company's financial strength, was $1.82
billion at December 31, 1996, up from $1.54 billion at December 31, 1995.

  The Company has continued to achieve strong financial results in recent
periods, despite the generally difficult environment for retail businesses.
Earnings before depreciation and deferred taxes (EBDT), which is defined and
discussed in detail below, increased 28% in 1996 and 14% in 1995, including
increases of 10% and 12%, respectively, in EBDT from operating properties and an
increase of 170% in 1996 in EBDT from land sales. These results have been made
possible by several factors, including the acquisition of Hughes, expansions of
and/or acquisitions of ownership interests in certain retail centers, consistent
earnings from land sales and operating properties in Columbia, refinancing of a
significant amount of project-related debt at lower interest rates and, to a
lesser extent, dispositions or modifications of the terms of agreements relating
to properties which were incurring losses before depreciation and deferred
taxes.

  Management believes that the outlook is for continued solid growth in EBDT in
1997. Prospects for growth in EBDT from land sales and office/mixed-use
properties are excellent as the Company will have the benefit of a full year of
operations of the Hughes portfolio and conditions in the major markets in which
the Company operates are stable or improving. EBDT from retail centers is also
expected to grow in 1997. The rate of growth may continue at the modest rate
realized in 1996 given the continued difficult retailing environment, but the
Company intends to focus considerable effort and resources on leasing and
remerchandising its existing retail centers. The Company will also focus on
developing its land assets in Las Vegas and Columbia, opportunities to expand
existing retail centers and development of new projects in growing markets.

  Management is continually reviewing and evaluating the portfolio of properties
to identify expansion, renovation and/or remerchandising opportunities and
properties that may not have future prospects consistent with the Company's
long-term objectives. The Company will continue to dispose of properties that
are not meeting and/or are not considered to have the potential to meet its
investment criteria, particularly smaller properties in smaller market areas.
While disposition decisions may cause the Company to recognize gains or losses
that could have material effects on reported net earnings (loss) in future
quarters or fiscal years, they are not anticipated to have a material effect on
the overall consolidated financial position or operating income of the Company.
The objective is to refine and continually upgrade the portfolio so that it is
comprised of top tier properties that will produce consistently strong increases
in earnings and increases in current values.


OPERATING RESULTS



This discussion and analysis of operating results covers each of the Company's
four business segments as management believes that a segment analysis provides
the most effective means of understanding the Company's business. Note 11 to the
consolidated financial statements and the information relating to revenues and
expenses in the Five Year Summary of Earnings Before Depreciation and Deferred
Taxes from Operations and Net Earnings (Loss) on page 60 should be referred to
when reading this discussion.

                                      52
<PAGE>
 
OPERATING PROPERTIES: The Company reports the results of its operating
properties in two categories: retail centers ("retail" properties) and office,
mixed-use and other properties ("office/mixed-use" properties).

  The Company's tenant leases provide the foundation for the performance of its
retail and office/mixed-use properties. In addition to minimum rents, the
majority of retail and office tenant leases provide for other rents which
reimburse the Company for most of its operating expenses. Substantially all of
the Company's retail leases also provide for additional rent based on tenant
sales (percentage rent) in excess of stated levels. As leases expire, space is
re-leased, minimum rents are generally adjusted to market rates, expense
reimbursement provisions are updated and new percentage rent levels are
established for retail leases.

  Most of the Company's operating properties are financed with long-term, fixed
rate, nonrecourse debt and, therefore, are not directly affected by changes in
interest rates. Although the interest rates on this debt do not fluctuate,
certain loans provide for additional payments to the Company's lenders based on
operating results and, in some instances, a share of a property's residual value
upon sale or refinancing or at maturity.

 Operating results of retail properties are summarized as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                     1996    1995    1994
                                    ------  ------  ------
<S>                                 <C>     <C>     <C>
Revenues                            $508.4  $491.7  $486.5
Operating expenses, exclusive of
 depreciation and amortization       260.0   246.7   253.1
Interest expense                     129.1   128.2   128.8
                                    ------  ------  ------
                                     119.3   116.8   104.6
Depreciation and amortization         50.1    45.9    46.8
                                    ------  ------  ------
Operating income                    $ 69.2  $ 70.9  $ 57.8
                                    ======= ======  ======
</TABLE>

  Revenues from retail properties increased $16.7 million in 1996 and $5.2
million in 1995. The increase in 1996 was attributable primarily to acquisitions
of interests in four properties (two in the third quarter of 1995, one in
connection with the acquisition of Hughes in the second quarter of 1996 and one
in the third quarter of 1996), increased lease termination payments due to
tenant restructurings and downsizings and higher rents on re-leased space. These
increases were partially offset by the effects of lower average occupancy (88.8%
in 1996 compared to 90.9% in 1995) and dispositions of interests in properties
in the second quarter of 1995 and first quarter of 1996. The increase in 1995
was attributable to the operations of expansions opened in third quarter of 1994
and first quarter of 1995, purchases of ownership interests in two properties
and higher rents on re-leased space. These increases were partially offset by
the effects of lower average occupancy (90.9% in 1995 compared to 92.3% in
1994), lower recoveries of operating expenses due to expense reduction efforts
and dispositions of interests in properties in the first quarter of 1994 and
second quarter of 1995.

  Total operating and interest expenses (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization) for retail properties increased $14.2 million in 1996 and
decreased $7 million in 1995. The increase in 1996 was attributable primarily to
the operations and financing of the acquired properties referred to above. These
increases were partially offset by the property dispositions referred to above
and reductions in interest expense due to debt repayments and refinancings
completed in 1995 and early 1996. The decrease in 1995 was attributable
primarily to the effects of lower average occupancy levels, lower operating
expenses due to expense reduction efforts, the dispositions referred to above
and reductions in interest expense due to debt repayments and refinancings
completed in 1994 and early 1995 at certain properties. These decreases were
partially offset by increases in expenses associated with the operations and
financing of the properties opened or acquired referred to above. Depreciation
and amortization expense for retail properties increased $4.2 million in 1996
and decreased $.9 million in 1995. These changes were due primarily to the net
effect of changes in the Company's portfolio of retail properties referred to
above.

                                      53
<PAGE>
 
 Operating results of office/mixed-use properties are summarized as follows (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                     1996     1995     1994
                                    ------   ------   ------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>
Revenues                            $182.2   $145.0   $146.6
Operating expenses, exclusive of
 depreciation and amortization        89.5     70.1     74.4
Interest expense                      76.7     69.1     67.9
                                    ------   ------   ------
                                      16.0      5.8      4.3
Depreciation and amortization         29.9     27.2     27.4
                                    ------   ------   ------
Operating loss                      $(13.9)  $(21.4)  $(23.1)
                                    ======   ======   ======
</TABLE>

  Revenues from office/mixed-use properties increased $37.2 million in 1996 and
decreased $1.6 million in 1995. The increase in 1996 was attributable primarily
to operations of the properties acquired in the Hughes transaction and higher
occupancy levels at hotel and other office properties. These increases were
partially offset by decreases in tenant lease termination payments and the
disposition of a property in the second quarter of 1995. The decrease in 1995
was attributable primarily to dispositions of properties in the third quarter of
1994 and second quarter of 1995 and lower recoveries of operating expenses due
to lower occupancy levels and reduced operating expenses at certain projects.
These decreases were partially offset by increased revenues at certain hotel and
office properties in Columbia due to higher occupancy levels and increases in
tenant lease cancellation payments.

  Total operating and interest expenses (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization) for office/mixed-use properties increased $27 million in 1996 and
decreased $3.1 million in 1995. The increase in 1996 was attributable primarily
to operations of the properties acquired in the Hughes transaction and expenses
associated with higher occupancy levels. These increases were partially offset
by the dispositions of a vacant industrial property in the second quarter of
1996 and an office property in the second quarter of 1995. The decrease in 1995
was attributable primarily to the dispositions of properties referred to above
and lower operating expenses at certain projects. These decreases were partially
offset by expenses related to two industrial buildings in Columbia which began
operations in the second quarter of 1994 and higher interest expense on a mixed-
use project. Interest on this project's loan was lower in 1994 because the
Company exercised an option in the loan agreement to make a specified payment
and reduce the effective interest rate on the loan retroactive to the beginning
of its term. The payment was less than the interest previously accrued, and the
difference was recorded as a reduction to interest expense in 1994. Depreciation
and amortization for office/mixed-use properties increased $2.7 million in 1996.
The increase was attributable primarily to the acquired properties referred to
above.

LAND SALES: The Company's land sales operations relate primarily to the
communities of Columbia, Maryland, and Summerlin, Nevada. Generally, revenues
and operating income from land sales are affected by such factors as the
availability to purchasers of construction and permanent mortgage financing at
acceptable interest rates, consumer and business confidence, availability of
saleable land for particular uses and management's decisions to sell, develop or
retain land.

                                      54
<PAGE>
 
 Operating results for land sales are summarized as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                         1996
                             -----------------------------
                                        Columbia
                              Hughes       and
                             Division    Other      Total     1995     1994
                             --------   --------   -------   ------   ------
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>
                                                   
Revenues                        $98.4      $39.5    $137.9    $33.4    $35.2
Operating costs and                               
 expenses                        83.4       24.4     107.8     17.8     19.9
Interest expense                   .7        1.0       1.7      5.1      5.0
                              -------    -------   -------   ------   ------
Operating income                $14.3      $14.1    $ 28.4    $10.5    $10.3
                              =======    =======   =======   ======   ======
</TABLE>                                           
                                                   
  Revenues and operating income from Hughes Division land sales for 1996 include
$90.4 million and $14 million, respectively, relating to Summerlin and $8
million and $.3 million, respectively, relating to other land holdings. The cost
of sales for land acquired in the purchase of Hughes is relatively high as a
percentage of revenues as the land sold consists primarily of inventory on which
development was completed or in progress at the date of acquisition. Cost of
sales for land acquired in the purchase of Hughes is expected to be lower as a
percentage of revenues in future periods as the inventory of land on which
development was completed or in progress at the date of acquisition is depleted.

  Revenues from land sales in Columbia increased $6.1 million in 1996 and
decreased $1.8 million in 1995. The increase in 1996 was due primarily to higher
sales of land for commercial/other uses, partially offset by lower sales of
residential land. The decrease in 1995 was due primarily to lower sales of land
for commercial/other uses.

  Columbia and other land sales costs and expenses increased $6.6 million in
1996 and decreased $2.1 million in 1995. These changes were attributable
primarily to the changes in land sales revenues referred to above.

DEVELOPMENT: Development expenses were $5.3 million in 1996, $7.6 million in
1995 and $7 million in 1994. These costs consist primarily of additions to the
preconstruction reserve and new business costs.

  The preconstruction reserve is determined on a project-by-project basis and is
maintained to provide for costs of projects in the preconstruction phase of
development, including retail center renovation and expansion opportunities,
which may not go forward to completion. Additions to the preconstruction reserve
were $2.7 million in 1996, $3.8 million in 1995 and $3.4 million in 1994. New
business costs relate primarily to the initial evaluation of potential
acquisition and development opportunities. These costs were $1.8 million in
1996, $3.5 million in 1995 and $3.1 million in 1994. The decrease in
preconstruction reserve additions in 1996 was due to the progress of several
significant projects. The decrease in new business costs in 1996 was
attributable to the Company's focus on the Hughes acquisition which deferred
evaluation of other opportunities, particularly during the first half of 1996.
The increases in preconstruction reserve additions and new business costs in
1995 were attributable to the Company's more active pursuit of potential
development and acquisition opportunities.

CORPORATE: Corporate revenues consist primarily of interest income earned on
temporary investments, including investments of unallocated proceeds from
refinancings of certain properties. Corporate interest income was $3.5 million
in 1996, $2.8 million in 1995 and $2.9 million in 1994. The changes in income in
1996 and 1995 were attributable primarily to changes in the average investment
balances.

  Corporate expenses consist of certain interest and operating expenses, as
discussed below, reduced by costs capitalized or allocated to other business
segments. Interest is capitalized on corporate funds invested in projects under
development, and interest on corporate borrowings and distributions on the
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities which are used for
other segments are allocated to those segments. Accordingly, corporate interest
expense consists primarily of interest on the convertible subordinated
debentures, the unsecured 8.5% notes and unallocated proceeds from refinancings
of certain prop-

                                      55
<PAGE>
 
erties, net of interest capitalized on development projects or allocated to
other segments, and corporate operating expenses consist primarily of general
and administrative costs and distributions on the redeemable preferred
securities, net of distributions allocated to other segments.

  Corporate interest costs were $18 million in 1996, $14 million in 1995 and
$13.9 million in 1994. Of such amounts, $5.4 million, $3.7 million and $2.6
million were capitalized in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, on funds invested
in development projects. The increase in corporate interest costs in 1996 was
attributable primarily to a higher level of credit line borrowings for
development projects and for other corporate purposes. The higher level of
interest capitalized in 1996 and 1995 reflects the higher level of corporate
funds invested in projects under development.

GAIN (LOSS) ON DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS AND OTHER PROVISIONS, NET: The loss on
dispositions of assets and other provisions, net, for 1996 consisted primarily
of provisions for losses totaling $25.9 million recognized on five retail
centers the Company decided to sell. These losses were partially offset by the
reversal of a portion of the provision recorded in 1995 for the litigation
matter discussed in note 17 to the consolidated financial statements.

  The loss on dispositions of assets and other provisions, net, for 1995
consisted primarily of a provision for loss of $12.3 million on a litigation
judgment involving a former tenant as discussed in note 17 to the consolidated
financial statements and provisions for losses totaling $15.6 million recognized
on retail centers the Company decided to sell. These losses were partially
offset by a gain of $2.4 million on disposition of a retail center.

  The loss on dispositions of assets and other provisions, net, for 1994
consisted primarily of losses totaling $8 million incurred on dispositions of
interests in two retail centers, a hotel and an office building and a provision
for loss of $2.2 million on an industrial building. These losses were partially
offset by a gain of $2.8 million on disposition of an interest in a retail
center.

EXTRAORDINARY LOSSES, NET OF RELATED INCOME TAX BENEFITS: The extraordinary
losses in 1996, 1995 and 1994 resulted from early extinguishments or required
partial early redemptions of debt and aggregated $2.2 million, $13.3 million and
$6.8 million, respectively, less deferred income tax benefits of $.8 million,
$4.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

NET EARNINGS (LOSS): The Company had net earnings of $16.4 million in 1996, a
net loss of $2.8 million in 1995 and net earnings of $2.2 million in 1994. The
Company's operating income (after depreciation and amortization) was $59.5
million in 1996, $35.9 million in 1995 and $21.3 million in 1994. The
improvements in operating income in 1996 and 1995 were due primarily to the
factors described above. Net earnings (loss) for each year was affected by
unusual and/or nonrecurring items. The most significant of these are the items
discussed above in gain (loss) on dispositions of assets and other provisions,
net, and extraordinary losses, net of related income tax benefits. Net earnings
(loss) was also affected by income taxes. The Company's effective tax rate was
58.9% in 1996, 42.5% in 1995 and 50.5% in 1994. The effective rate is higher in
1996, primarily because a portion of the distributions payable to the former
Hughes owners (or their successors) under the Contingent Stock Agreement is not
deductible for income tax purposes.

EARNINGS BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND DEFERRED TAXES: The Company uses a supplemental
performance measure along with net earnings (loss) to report its operating
results. This measure, referred to as Earnings Before Depreciation and Deferred
Taxes (EBDT), is not a measure of operating results or cash flows from operating
activities as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally,
EBDT is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and
should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows as a measure of
liquidity. However, the Company believes that EBDT provides relevant information
about its operations and is necessary, along with net earnings (loss), for an
understanding of its operating results.

  Depreciation and amortization are excluded from EBDT because, as shown in the
current value basis balance sheets, the Company's portfolio of operating
properties is worth substantially more than its undepreciated historical cost.
Deferred income taxes are excluded

                                      56
<PAGE>
 
from EBDT because payments of income taxes have not been significant and are
not anticipated to become significant in the near term. Current Federal and
state income taxes are included as reductions of EBDT. Gain (loss) on
dispositions of assets and other provisions, net, and extraordinary losses, net
of related income tax benefits, represent unusual and/or nonrecurring items and
are therefore excluded from EBDT. EBDT is reconciled to net earnings (loss) in
the Five Year Summary of Earnings Before Depreciation and Deferred Taxes from
Operations and Net Earnings (Loss) on page 61.

  EBDT was $139.4 million in 1996, $108.4 million in 1995 and $94.7 million in
1994. The increase in EBDT in 1996 was due primarily to the acquisition of
Hughes. The increase in EBDT in 1995 was due primarily to improved results from
the operating properties business segment, particularly retail properties. The
significant changes in revenues and expenses comprising EBDT by segment are
described above.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Management believes that the current values of the Company's assets and
liabilities are the most realistic indicators of the Company's financial
strength and future profitability. Current values of the Company's interests in
operating properties (including interests in unconsolidated real estate
ventures) and land held for development and sale represent the present values of
forecasted net operating cash flows from these properties--the Company's most
significant assets. Since 1976, revaluation equity, the aggregate increment of
current value over cost basis net book value of the Company's assets and
liabilities, has increased at a compound annual rate of 14%. The majority of
revaluation equity relates to larger, major market retail centers which continue
to be a favored real estate investment. Revaluation equity increased $145
million or 10% to $1.64 billion at December 31, 1996. This increase was due
primarily to the current values of properties, particularly land, obtained in
the Hughes acquisition and a decrease in current value deferred income taxes.
The decrease in current value deferred income taxes is principally due to the
effects of implementing certain state income tax planning strategies which are
expected to significantly reduce future state income tax payments. The increase
in revaluation equity for 1996 was partially offset by decreases in current
values of certain retail and other properties due to the effects of competitive
factors in certain markets and continued consolidation in the retail industry.
During 1996, investor yield requirements for all property types remained
substantially unchanged from 1995.

  Cost basis shareholders' equity increased to $177.1 million at December 31,
1996 from $42.6 million at December 31, 1995. The increase was due primarily to
the issuance of common stock in the Hughes acquisition and the Company's net
earnings. These increases were partially offset by the payment of regular
quarterly dividends on the common and Preferred stocks. In 1996, substantially
all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred stock were converted into
approximately 10.6 million shares of common stock. The conversion had no effect
on shareholders' equity.

  The Company had cash and cash equivalents and investments in marketable
securities totaling $47.4 million and $97.8 million at December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.

  Net cash provided by operating activities was $168.1 million, $107 million and
$113.8 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The changes in cash
provided by operating activities were due primarily to the factors discussed
above in the analysis of operating results. The level of net cash provided by
operating activities is also affected by the timing of receipt of revenues
(including land sales proceeds) and the payment of operating and interest
expenses and land development costs. In particular, net cash provided by
operating activities for 1995 was reduced due to payment of certain pension
obligations and other liabilities.

  In 1996 and 1995, over 80% of the Company's debt consisted of mortgages and
bonds collateralized by operating properties. Scheduled principal payments on
property debt were $39 million, $36.4 million and $46.8 million in 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively. The decreases in 1996 and 1995 from the 1994 level were
due primarily to early repayments of property debt.

                                      57
<PAGE>
 
 The annual maturities of debt for the next five years are as follows (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Scheduled    Balloon
                                   Payments   Payments    Total
                                  ---------   --------   -------
               <S>                <C>         <C>        <C>
               1997                  $ 49.6     $ 74.9    $124.5
               1998                    47.4       45.9      93.3
               1999                    46.5      161.2     207.7
               2000                    45.2      184.2     229.4
               2001                    51.5      120.1     171.6
                                  ---------   --------   -------
                                     $240.2     $586.3    $826.5
                                  =========   ========   =======
</TABLE>

  The balloon payments for 1997 include $58.3 million related to two retail
center mortgages due in the second quarter. The Company is in the process of
obtaining securitized mortgage loans to refinance these loans and has received a
commitment from a lender for an interim loan for up to six months pending
completion of the securitized loans. The Company expects to repay the mortgages
at their scheduled maturity date.

  The Company has historically relied primarily on fixed rate, nonrecourse loans
from private institutional lenders to finance its operating properties and
expects that it will continue to do so in the future. In recent years, however,
the Company has made greater use of the public capital markets to meet its
capital resource needs. Since 1993, the Company has completed public debt and
equity offerings aggregating over $800 million (including the unused portion of
the medium-term notes and the proceeds of the Series B Convertible Preferred
stock issued in February 1997 described in note 18 to the consolidated financial
statements), the proceeds of which have been or will be used primarily to repay
or refinance corporate and property debt and to provide funds for other
corporate purposes. These transactions were completed on terms which allowed the
Company to reduce its overall cost of capital while restructuring its debt
maturities and increasing its financial flexibility. The Company is continually
evaluating sources of capital, and management believes there are satisfactory
sources available for all requirements without necessitating property sales.

  Cash expenditures for properties in development and improvements to existing
properties funded by debt were $124 million, $61.6 million and $78.6 million in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The increase in these expenditures in 1996
was due to increased project development activity, including approximately $38.5
million relating to the development of office and industrial properties acquired
in the Hughes purchase. A substantial portion of the costs of properties in
development is financed with construction or similar loans and/or borrowings on
revolving lines of credit. Typically, long-term fixed rate debt financing is
arranged concurrently with the construction financing or before completion of
construction. Management also intends to finance certain future development
costs with proceeds from the Series B Convertible Preferred stock issued in
February 1997.

  Improvements to existing properties funded by debt consist primarily of costs
of renovation and remerchandising programs and other capital improvement costs.
The Company's share of these costs has been financed primarily from proceeds of
refinancings of the related properties or other properties, credit line
borrowings and a portion of the proceeds of the 8.5% unsecured notes.

  Cash expenditures for the acquisition of Hughes were $36.3 million in 1996 and
were financed primarily by credit line borrowings. Cash expenditures for
acquisitions of interests in properties were $18.1 million in 1996, $28.2
million in 1995 and $94.1 million in 1994. These costs were financed primarily
by nonrecourse debt. The acquisitions in 1996 consisted of purchases of
partners' interests in two retail centers, one of which was financed in part by
the seller. The acquisitions in 1995 consisted of purchases of partners'
interests in two retail centers, which were financed in whole or in part by the
sellers, and purchase of a minority interest in a third retail center. The
acquisitions in 1994 consisted primarily of the purchase of land underlying a
retail center and the related equity interest of the former ground lessor.

  The Company has available sources of capital in addition to those discussed
above. The Company's equity interests in its operating properties, investment
land and land held for

                                      58
<PAGE>
 
development and sale and land in development represent a source of funds
either through sales or refinancings. The aggregate equity value of these
interests at December 31, 1996, was approximately $2.84 billion. The Company
also has lines of credit aggregating $248.1 million of which $184.1 million was
available at December 31, 1996. These lines of credit can be used for various
purposes, including land and project development costs, property acquisitions,
liquidity and other corporate needs, subject to specific use limitations and/or
lender approvals in certain cases. In addition, the Company may issue additional
medium-term notes of up to $29.7 million and additional common stock, Preferred
stock and/or debt securities of up to $300 million.

  The agreements relating to certain of the lines of credit, the 8.5% unsecured
notes, the medium-term notes and certain other loans impose limitations on the
Company. The most restrictive of these limit the Company's ability to incur
certain types of additional debt if the Company does not maintain specified debt
service coverage ratios. The agreements also impose restrictions on sale, lease
and certain other transactions, subject to various exclusions and limitations.
These restrictions have not limited the Company's normal business activities and
are not expected to do so in the foreseeable future.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

The major portion of the Company's operating properties, its retail centers, is
substantially protected from declines in the purchasing power of the dollar.
Retail leases generally provide for minimum rents plus percentage rents based on
sales over a minimum base. Generally, increases in tenant sales (whether due to
increased unit sales or increased prices from demand or general inflation) will
result in increased rental revenue to the Company. A substantial portion of the
tenant leases (retail and office) also provide for other rents which reimburse
the Company for certain of its operating expenses; consequently, increases in
these costs do not have a significant impact on the Company's operating results.
The Company has a significant amount of debt which, in a period of inflation,
will result in a holding gain since debt will be paid off with dollars having
less purchasing power.

INFORMATION RELATING TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report to Shareholders of the Company includes forward-looking
statements which reflect the Company's current views with respect to future
events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject
to certain risks and uncertainties, including those identified below which could
cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those
anticipated. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate" and similar expressions
identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their
dates. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise. The following are among the factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated: (1)
real estate investment risks; (2) development risks; (3) liquidity of real
estate investments; (4) dependence on rental income from real property; (5)
effect of uninsured loss: (6) lack of geographical diversification; (7) possible
environmental liabilities; (8) difficulties of compliance with Americans with
Disabilities Act; (9) competition; and (10) changes in the economic climate. 
For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors, see Exhibit 99.2 of
the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.

                                      59
<PAGE>
 
                       The Rouse Company and Subsidiaries

             FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF EARNINGS BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND
             DEFERRED TAXES FROM OPERATIONS AND NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                Year ended December 31,
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------
                                                    1996        1995       1994       1993       1992
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                                    (in thousands)
<S>                                               <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C> 
Revenues:                                                   
Operating properties:                                       
 Retail centers:                                            
   Minimum and percentage rents                   $256,880    $245,192   $238,222   $227,140   $210,909
   Other rents and other revenues                  251,535     246,488    248,253    236,458    217,571
 Office, mixed-use and other:                               
   Minimum and percentage rents                    106,246      80,319     82,347     81,415     76,302
   Other rents and other revenues                   75,908      64,647     64,225     62,617     60,335
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                   690,569     636,646    633,047    607,630    565,117
Land sales                                         137,853      33,403     35,232     35,313     29,137
Corporate interest income                            3,495       2,772      2,892      3,862      2,851
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                   831,917     672,821    671,171    646,805    597,105
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation               
  and amortization:                                         
Operating properties:                                       
 Retail centers                                    260,027     246,747    253,095    251,386    241,395
 Office, mixed-use and other                        89,524      70,096     74,368     76,148     69,589
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                   349,551     316,843    327,463    327,534    310,984
Land sales                                         107,787      17,827     19,877     19,387     16,330
Development                                          4,964       7,288      6,494      3,853      4,421
Corporate                                            9,752       8,920      8,309      6,184      5,927
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                   472,054     350,878    362,143    356,958    337,662
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
Interest expense:                                           
Operating properties:                                       
 Retail centers                                    129,091     128,215    128,798    124,204    115,744
 Office, mixed-use and other                        76,659      69,034     67,892     65,601     69,199
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                   205,750     197,249    196,690    189,805    184,943
Land sales                                           1,658       5,071      5,028      4,093      2,959
Development                                            361         358        495        495        495
Corporate                                           12,612      10,285     11,370     16,413     18,412
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                   220,381     212,963    213,583    210,806    206,809
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
Current income taxes-primarily state                   123         620        735        760        352
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                   692,558     564,461    576,461    568,524    544,823
                                                  --------    --------   --------   --------   --------
Earnings before depreciation and deferred    
  taxes from operations                           $139,359    $108,360   $ 94,710   $ 78,281   $ 52,282
                                                  ========    ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>

                                      60
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                   Year ended December 31,
                                                   -------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1996        1995        1994        1993       1992
                                                   --------    --------    --------    --------   --------
                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                                                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Earnings before depreciation and deferred taxes
from operations by segment:
Operating properties:
 Retail centers                                    $119,297    $116,135    $103,978    $ 87,248   $ 70,966
 Office, mixed-use other                             15,852       5,839       4,273       2,283     (2,127)
                                                   --------    --------    --------    --------   --------
                                                    135,149     121,974     108,251      89,531     68,839
Land sales                                           28,404      10,502      10,330      11,833      9,847
Development                                          (5,325)     (7,646)     (6,989)     (4,348)    (4,916)
Corporate                                           (18,869)    (16,470)    (16,882)    (18,735)   (21,488)
                                                   --------    --------    --------    --------   --------
Earnings before depreciation and                                                                  
  deferred taxes from operations                   $139,359    $108,360    $ 94,710    $ 78,281   $ 52,282
                                                   ========    ========    ========    ========   ========
Reconciliation to net earnings (loss):                                                            
Earnings before depreciation and deferred                                                         
  taxes from operations                            $139,359    $108,360    $ 94,710    $ 78,281   $ 52,282
Depreciation and amortization                       (79,990)    (73,062)    (74,186)    (70,200)   (68,163)
Deferred income taxes applicable to operations      (25,596)     (3,699)     (5,995)     (3,603)     5,286
Gain(loss) on dispositions of assets and                                                          
  other provisions, net                             (15,887)    (25,749)     (7,923)     (5,769)    (5,254)
Extraordinary losses, net of related income                                                       
  tax benefits                                       (1,453)     (8,631)     (4,447)     (8,051)      (348)
                                                   --------    --------    --------    --------   --------
Net earnings (loss)                                $ 16,433    $( 2,781)   $  2,159    $ (9,342)  $(16,197)
                                                   ========    ========    ========    ========   ======== 
</TABLE>

Note: Earnings before depreciation and deferred taxes (EBDT) is not a measure of
  operating results or cash flows from operating activities as defined by
  generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally, EBDT is not
  necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs, including the
  payment of dividends and should not be considered as an alternative to cash
  flows as a measure of liquidity. See the "Earnings Before Depreciation and
  Deferred Taxes" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
  Condition and Results of Operations on page 56 for a full discussion of EBDT.

                                      61
<PAGE>
 
                         PROJECTS OF THE ROUSE COMPANY


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
RETAIL CENTERS IN OPERATION               
                                               DATE OF OPENING                                               RETAIL SQUARE FOOTAGE
CONSOLIDATED CENTERS                            OR ACQUISITION    DEPARTMENT STORES                        TOTAL CENTER    MALL ONLY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>                                          <C>           <C>
Almeda Mall, Houston, TX (a)                              10/68   Foley's; JCPenney                             802,000      294,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Augusta Mall, Augusta, GA (a)                              8/78   Rich's; R.H. Macy; JCPenney; Sears            902,000      313,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bayside Marketplace, Miami, FL (b)                         4/87   --                                            223,000      223,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beachwood Place, Cleveland, OH (a)                         8/78   Saks Fifth Avenue; Dillard's                  453,000      228,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill, NJ (a)                     10/61   Strawbridge & Clothier, R.H. Macy; JCPenney 1,285,000      544,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, MD (a)                     8/71   Hecht's; Sears; JCPenney                      876,000      421,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastfield Mall, Springfield, MA (a)                        4/68   Sears; Filene's; JCPenney                     674,000      217,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Echelon Mall, Voorhees, NJ (a)                             9/70   Strawbridge & Clothier; JCPenney; Boscov's  1,065,000      481,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exton Square, Exton, PA (a)                                3/73   Strawbridge & Clothier                        443,000      253,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA (a)                   8/76   --                                            215,000      215,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas, NV (b)                       6/96   R.H. Macy; Dillard's; Saks Fifth Avenue;      840,000      308,000
                                                                  Neiman Marcus; Robinson's-May
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Park, Toledo, OH (b)                              7/71   Hudson's; JCPenney; Jacobson's; Lion        1,082,000      313,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Gallery at Market East, Philadelphia, PA(a)(c)         8/77   Strawbridge & Clothier; Clover              1,320,000      360,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Governor's Square, Tallahassee, FL (b)                     8/79   Burdine's; Sears; JCPenney; Dillard's       1,031,000      340,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Grand Avenue, Milwaukee, WI (a)                        8/82   Marshall Field; The Boston Store              842,000      242,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greengate Mall, Greensburg, PA (a)                         8/65   Lazarus; Montgomery Ward                      612,000      233,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harborplace, Baltimore, MD (a)                             7/80   --                                            136,000      136,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harundale Mall, Glen Burnie, MD (b)                       10/58   Value City                                    309,000      232,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highland Mall, Austin, TX (b)                              8/71   Dillard's; JCPenney; Foley's                1,099,000      367,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hulen Mall, Ft. Worth, TX (a)                              8/77   Foley's; Montgomery Ward; Dillard's           924,000      327,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville, FL (a)             6/87   --                                            128,000      128,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mall St. Matthews, St. Matthews, KY (a)                    3/62   JCPenney; Bacon's; Dillard's                1,092,000      353,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midtown Square, Charlotte, NC (a)                         10/59   Burlington Coat Factory                       235,000      190,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mondawmin (a)/Metro Plaza(b), Baltimore, MD          1/78;12/82   --                                            496,000      496,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Shops at National Place, Washington, D.C. (a)(c)       5/84   --                                            125,000      125,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Star, San Antonio, TX (b)                            9/60   Dillard's; Foley's; Saks Fifth Avenue;      1,288,000      487,000
                                                                  Marshall Field; Mervyn's
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwest Mall, Houston, TX (a)                           10/68   Foley's; JCPenney                             800,000      292,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oakwood Center, Gretna, LA (a)                            10/82   Sears; Dillard's; Mervyn's; Maison Blanche    960,000      362,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owings Mills, Baltimore County, MD (a)                     7/86   R.H. Macy; Hecht's                            809,000      325,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paramus Park, Paramus, NJ (a)                              3/74   R.H. Macy; Sears                              755,000      279,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perimeter Mall, Atlanta, GA (b)                            8/71   Rich's; JCPenney; R.H. Macy                 1,224,000      444,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plymouth Meeting, Plymouth Meeting, PA (a)                 2/66   Strawbridge & Clothier; Boscov's              784,000      415,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riverwalk, New Orleans, LA (a)                             8/86   --                                            179,000      179,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis, MO (a)                 8/85   --                                            172,000      172,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salem Mall, Dayton, OH (a)                                10/66   Lazarus; Sears; JCPenney                      817,000      312,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      64
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
RETAIL CENTERS IN OPERATION

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            DATE OF OPENING                                                    RETAIL SQUARE FOOTAGE
CONSOLIDATED CENTERS                         OR ACQUISITION       DEPARTMENT STORES                         TOTAL CENTER   MALL ONLY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                  <C>                                       <C>            <C>
Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA (a)              10/80       The Broadway; Robinson's-May                   570,000     287,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Street Seaport, New York, NY (a)                 7/83       --                                             257,000     257,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tampa Bay Center, Tampa, FL (b)                        8/76       Burdine's; Sears; Montgomery Ward              883,000     325,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
White Marsh, Baltimore County, MD (a)                  8/81       R.H. Macy; JCPenney; Hecht's; Sears          1,178,000     359,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willowbrook, Wayne, NJ (b)                             9/69       R.H. Macy; Stern's; Sears                    1,499,000     485,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, NJ (a)                  3/71       JCPenney; Stern's; Fortunoff; Sears; Lord    1,544,000     560,000
                                                                  and Taylor
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Centers in Columbia, MD (9) and
Summerlin, NV (1) (a) (b)                           Various       --                                             904,000     904,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Total Consolidated Centers*                 31,832,000  13,783,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONCONSOLIDATED/MANAGED CENTERS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burlington Center, Burlington, NJ (d)                  8/82       Strawbridge & Clothier; Sears; JC Penney       669,000     246,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Citadel, Colorado Springs, CO (d)                  8/80       Mervyn's; JCPenny; Foley's; Dillard's        1,128,000     460,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
College Square, Cedar Falls, IA (d)                    8/80       Von Maur; Younkers; Wal-Mart                   560,000     313,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collin Creek Mall, Plano, TX (d)                       9/95        Dillard's; Foley's; Sears; JCPenney; 
                                                                   Mervyn's                                    1,123,000     333,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marshall Town Center, Marshalltown, IA (d)             8/80        JCPenney; Younkers; Menard's; Stage           340,000     141,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Muscatine Mall, Muscatine, IA (d)                      8/80        JCPenney; Wal-Mart                            347,000     178,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Grand, Ames, IA (d)                              8/80        JCPenney; Sears; Younkers                     350,000     157,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwest Arkansas Mall, Fayetteville, AR (d)          8/80        JCPenney; Sears; Dillard's                    814,000     242,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Randhurst, Mt. Prospect, IL (d)                        7/81        Carson, Pirie, Scott; JCPenney; Montgomery  1,324,000     591,000
                                                                   Ward; Kohls
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ridgedale Center, Minnetonka, MN (d)                   1/89        Dayton's; JCPenney; Sears                   1,039,000     334,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salem Centre, Salem, OR (d)                            6/90        Meier & Frank; JCPenney; Mervyn's; Nordstrom  649,000     211,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherway Gardens, Toronto, ONT (c)                     12/78        Eaton's; The Bay                              968,000     524,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southland, Taylor, MI (d)                              1/89        Hudson's; Mervyn's; JCPenney                  903,000     320,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Staten Island Mall, Staten Island, NY (d)             11/80        Sears; R.H. Macy; JCPenney                  1,224,000     618,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Town and Country Center, Miami, FL (c)                 2/88        Sears; Marshalls; Mervyn's                    645,000     467,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westland Mall, West Burlington, IA (d)                 8/80        JCPenney; Younkers                            344,000     175,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Total Nonconsolidated/Managed Centers      12,427,000   5,310,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Total Retail Centers in Operation*         44,259,000  19,093,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

* Not including 1,301,000 square feet and 636,000 square feet, respectively, of
  Total Center and Mall Only space in five mixed-use properties listed on the
  following page.

                                      65
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OFFICE, MIXED-USE AND OTHER PROPERTIES IN OPERATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED MIXED-USE PROPERTIES                                       LOCATION                                         SQUARE FEET
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                                              <C>
Arizona Center (a)                                                      Phoenix, AZ
 The Shops at Arizona Center                                                                                                 151,000
 One Arizona Center Office Tower                                                                                             330,000
 Two Arizona Center Office Tower                                                                                             449,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Gallery at Harborplace (a)                                          Baltimore, MD
 The Gallery at Harborplace                                                                                                  139,000
 Office Tower                                                                                                                265,000
 Renaissance Hotel                                                                                                         622 rooms
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Place (a)                                                       Portland, OR
 Saks Fifth Avenue                                                                                                            60,000
 Retail Pavillion                                                                                                            160,000
 Office Tower                                                                                                                283,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Village of Cross Keys (a)                                               Baltimore, MD
 Village Shops                                                                                                                68,000
 Village Square Offices                                                                                                       79,000
 Quadrangle Offices                                                                                                          110,000
 Cross Keys Inn                                                                                                            148 rooms
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westlake Center (a)                                                     Seattle, WA
 Nordstrom and Bon Marche                                                                                                    605,000
 Retail Pavillion                                                                                                            118,000
 Office Tower                                                                                                                342,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED OFFICE AND OTHER PROPERTIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Columbia Office and Industrial (14 buildings) (a)                       Columbia, MD                                       2,432,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Columbia Inn (a)                                                        Columbia, MD                                       289 rooms
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hughes Center (10 buildings) (a)                                        Las Vegas, NV                                        774,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hughes Airport Center (27 buildings) (a)                                Las Vegas, NV                                      1,453,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hughes Cheyenne Center (2 buildings) (a)                                Las Vegas, NV                                        267,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summerlin Commercial (9 buildings) (a)                                  Summerlin, NV                                        432,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard Hughes Center (2 buildings) (a)                                  Los Angeles, CA                                      141,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucky's Center (3 buildings) (a)                                        Los Angeles, CA                                      142,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owings Mills Town Center (4 buildings) (b)                              Baltimore County, MD                                 728,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Office Projects (4 buildings) (a)                                 Various                                              284,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Total Consolidated Office, Mixed-Use and
                                                                        Other Properties**                                 9,812,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONCONSOLIDATED/MANAGED OFFICE, MIXED-USE AND
OTHER PROPERTIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Properties owned by Rouse-Teachers Properties, Inc. (d)                 Baltimore-Washington Corridor                      4,608,000
(29 buildings)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
300 East Lombard (d)                                                    Baltimore, MD                                        233,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Total Nonconsolidated/Managed Office, Mixed-Use
                                                                        and Other Properties                               4,841,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Total Office, Mixed-Use and Other
                                                                        Properties in Operation**                         14,653,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Including 1,301,000 square feet of department store and retail
 space in the mixed-use properties.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      66
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL CENTERS UNDER CONSTRUCTION                                                                      RETAIL SQUARE FOOTAGE   
OR IN DEVELOPMENT                                      DEPARTMENT STORES                             TOTAL CENTER    MALL ONLY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                                           <C>           <C>        
The Marketplace at Oviedo Crossing, Orlando, FL        Dillard's, Gayfer's                                700,000      300,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beachwood Place Expansion, Cleveland, OH               Nordstrom                                          462,000      120,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwest Arkansas Mall Expansion, Fayetteville, AR    --                                                  35,000       35,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oakwood Center Expansion, Gretna, LA                   JCPenney                                           125,000           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plymouth Meeting Expansion, Plymouth Meeting, PA       --                                                  48,000       48,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perimeter Mall Expansion, Atlanta, GA                  Nordstrom                                          240,000       15,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mall In Columbia Expansion, Columbia, MD           Nordstrom                                          220,000       50,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Augusta Mall Expansion, August, GA                     J.B. White                                         160,000           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Echelon Mall Expansion, Vorhees, NJ                    Sears                                              140,000           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exton Square Expansion, Exton, PA                      Boscov's, JCPenny, Sears                           555,000      110,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owings Mills Expansion, Baltimore County, MD           Sears                                              120,000           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
River Hill Village Center, Columbia, MD                --                                                  94,000       94,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Village Center at The Trails, Summerlin, NV        --                                                 175,000      175,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fairwood Village Center, Fairwood, MD                  --                                                  80,000       80,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total Retail Centers Under Construction or                             
                                                       in Development                                   3,154,000    1,027,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICE, MIXED-USE AND OTHER PROPERTIES UNDER                                                                                  
CONSTRUCTION OR IN DEVELOPMENT                         TYPE OF SPACE                                               SQUARE FEET
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Place Expansion, Portland, OR                  Retail                                                          150,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hughes Center (2 buildings), Las Vegas, NV             Office                                                           99,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hughes Airport Center (3 buildings), Las Vegas, NV     Industrial                                                      149,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hughes Cheyenne Center (1 building), Las Vegas, NV     Industrial                                                      110,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summerlin Commercial (2 buildings), Summerlin, NV      Office                                                          179,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total Office, Mixed-Use and Other Properties                           
                                                       Under Construction or in Development                            687,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Notes:
(a) Projects are wholly-owned by subsidiaries of the Company.

(b) Projects are owned by joint ventures or partnerships and are managed by
    subsidiaries of the Company for a fee. The Company's ownership interest,
    through its subsidiaries, is at least 50% (except for North Star and
    Willowbrook in which the Company has 37 1/2% interests).

(c) Projects are managed by subsidiaries of the Company for a fee plus a share
    of cash flow.

(d) Projects are owned by partnerships or wholly-owned (Burlington Center,
    Randhurst and Staten Island) by subsidiaries of the Company and are managed
    by subsidiaries of the Company for a fee plus a share of cash flow and a
    share of proceeds from sales or refinancings. The Company's ownership
    interest in the partnerships is less than 20%, except for Collin Creek Mall
    in which the Company has a 30% interest.

                                      67

<PAGE>
EXHIBT 21.  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 
The Registrant had no parent at December 31, 1996.

As of December 31, 1996, the Registrant owned 100% of the voting securities of
the following domestic and foreign subsidiaries included in the consolidated
financial statements:

                                                      State of
   Subsidiary                                         Incorporation
   ----------                                         -------------


Directly owned subsidiaries of the Company.  All
shares are Common Stock unless otherwise noted.

   American City Corporation, The                     Maryland
   Baltimore Center, Inc.                             Maryland
   Beachwood Property Holdings, Inc.                  Maryland
   Charlottetown, Inc.                                Maryland
   Charlottetown North, Inc.                          Maryland
   Community Research and Development, Inc.           Maryland
   Cuyahoga Land Company, Inc.                        Maryland
   Exton Acquisition, Inc.                            Pennsylvania
   Exton Shopping, Inc.                               Maryland
   Exton Square, Inc.                                 Pennsylvania
   Four Owings Mills Corporate Center, Inc.           Maryland
   Gallery Maintenance, Inc. (Note 1)                 Maryland
   Gallery II Trustee, Inc.                           Maryland
   Harbor Overlook Investments, Inc.                  Maryland
   Harborplace, Inc. (Note 2)                         Maryland
   Harborplace Management Corporation                 Maryland
   Harundale Mall, Inc.                               Maryland
   Hermes Incorporated                                Maryland
   Howard Research And Development
     Corporation, The (Note 3)                        Maryland
   The Hughes Corporation (Note 4)                    Delaware        
   Huntington Properties, Inc. (Note 5)               Maryland
   It's Showtime of Maryland, Inc.                    Maryland
   Kalimba Marketplace, Inc.                          Maryland
   Louisville Shopping Center, Inc.                   Kentucky
   Mondawmin Corporation                              Maryland
   O. M. Guaranty, Inc.                               Maryland
   O. M. Land Development, Inc.                       Maryland
   O. M. Mall Corporation                             Maryland
   O. M. Management Company, Inc.                     Maryland
   One Owings Mills Corporate Center, Inc.            Maryland
<PAGE>
 
   Owings Mills Finance Corporation                   Maryland
   Plymouth Meeting Food Court, Inc.                  Maryland        
   Plymouth Meeting Mall, Inc. (Note 6)               Pennsylvania
   PT Funding, Inc.                                   Maryland
   Rouse-Brandywood, Inc.                             Maryland
   Rouse-Camden Warehouse, Inc.                       Maryland
   Rouse Capital (Note 7)                             Delaware
   Rouse-Columbus, Inc.                               Maryland
   Rouse-Commerce, Inc.                               Maryland
   Rouse Company at Owings Mills, The                 Maryland
   Rouse Company Financial Services, Inc., The        Maryland
   Rouse Company of Alabama, Inc., The                Alabama
   Rouse Company of Alaska, Inc., The                 Maryland
   Rouse Company of Arkansas, Inc., The               Maryland
   Rouse Company of California, Inc., The (Note 8)    Maryland
   Rouse Company of Colorado, Inc., The (Note 9)      Maryland
   Rouse Company of Connecticut, Inc., The (Note 10)  Connecticut
   Rouse Company of Florida, Inc., The (Note 11)      Florida
   Rouse Company of Georgia, Inc., The (Note 12)      Georgia
   Rouse Company of Idaho, Inc., The                  Maryland
   Rouse Company of Illinois, Inc., The               Maryland
   Rouse Company of Iowa, Inc., The (Note 13)         Maryland
   Rouse Company of Kentucky, Inc., The               Maryland
   Rouse Company of Louisiana, The  (Note 14)         Maryland
   Rouse Company of Maine, Inc., The                  Maryland
   Rouse Company of Massachusetts, Inc., The
     (Note 15)                                        Maryland
   Rouse Company of Michigan, Inc., The (Note 16)     Maryland
   Rouse Company of Minnesota, Inc., The (Note 17)    Maryland
   Rouse Company of Mississippi, Inc., The            Maryland
   Rouse Company of Montana, Inc., The                Maryland
   Rouse Company of Nevada, Inc., The (Note 18)       Nevada
   Rouse Company of New Hampshire, Inc., The          Maryland
   Rouse Company of New Jersey, Inc., The (Note 19)   New Jersey
   Rouse Company of New Mexico, Inc., The             Maryland
   Rouse Company of New York, Inc., The (Note 20)     New York
   Rouse Company of North Carolina, Inc., The
     (Note 21)                                        Maryland
   Rouse Company of North Dakota, Inc., The           Maryland
   Rouse Company of Ohio, Inc., The (Note 22)         Ohio
   Rouse Company of Oklahoma, Inc., The               Maryland
   Rouse Company of Oregon, Inc., The (Note 23)       Maryland
   Rouse Company of Pennsylvania, Inc., The (Note 24) Pennsylvania
<PAGE>
 
   Rouse Company of Rhode Island, Inc., The           Maryland
   Rouse Company of South Carolina, Inc., The 
      (Note 25)                                       Maryland   
   Rouse Company of South Dakota, Inc., The           Maryland
   Rouse Company of Tennessee, Inc., The              Maryland
   Rouse Company of Texas, Inc., The (Note 26)        Texas
   Rouse Company of the District of Columbia, The     Maryland
   Rouse Company of Utah, Inc., The                   Maryland
   Rouse Company of Vermont, Inc., The                Maryland
   Rouse Company of Virginia, Inc., The (Note 27)     Maryland
   Rouse Company of Washington, Inc., The (Note 28)   Maryland
   Rouse Company of West Virginia, Inc., The          Maryland
   Rouse Company of Wisconsin, Inc., The              Maryland
   Rouse Company of Wyoming, Inc., The                Maryland
   Rouse-Consulting, Inc.                             Maryland
   Rouse Credit Corporation                           Maryland
   Rouse Development Company of California, Inc., 
      The                                             Maryland
   Rouse Event Marketing, Inc.                        Maryland
   Rouse-Fairwood Development Corporation             Maryland
   Rouse Fashion Show Management, Inc.                Maryland
   Rouse Gallery II Management, Inc.                  Maryland
   Rouse-Hagerstown, Inc.                             Maryland
   Rouse-Harford County, Inc.                         Maryland
   Rouse Holding Company, The                         Maryland
   Rouse Holding Company of Arizona, Inc., The
     (Note 29)                                        Maryland
   Rouse-Inglewood, Inc.                              Maryland
   Rouse Investing Company (Note 30)                  Maryland
   Rouse Management, Inc.                             Maryland
   Rouse Management Services Corporation              Maryland
   Rouse Management Services Corporation of
     Arkansas, Inc.                                   Maryland
   Rouse Management Services Corporation
     of Louisiana, Inc.                               Maryland
   Rouse Metro Plaza, Inc.                            Maryland
   Rouse-Metro Shopping Center, Inc.                  Maryland
   Rouse-Milwaukee, Inc.                              Maryland
   Rouse-Milwaukee Garage
     Maintenance, Inc.                                Maryland
   Rouse Missouri Holding Company
     (Note 31)                                        Maryland
   Rouse-Oakwood Shopping Center, Inc.                Maryland
   Rouse-Oakwood Two, Inc.                            Maryland
   Rouse Office Management, Inc.                      Maryland
   Rouse Office Management of Pennsylvania, Inc.      Maryland
   Rouse-Owings Mills, Inc.                           Maryland
<PAGE>
 
   Rouse Owings Mills Management Corporation          Maryland
   Rouse Philadelphia, Inc.                           Maryland
   Rouse Philadelphia Three, Inc.                     Maryland
   Rouse-Phoenix Cinema, Inc.                         Maryland       
   Rouse-Randhurst Shopping Center, Inc.              Maryland
   Rouse-Santa Monica, Inc.                           Delaware
   Rouse Service Company, The                         Maryland
   Rouse SI Shopping Center, Inc.                     Maryland
   Rouse Tristate Venture, Inc.                       Texas
   Rouse Venture Capital, Inc.                        Maryland
   Rouse-Wates, Incorporated (Note 32)                Delaware
   RREF Holding, Inc. (Note 33)                       Texas
   Salem Mall, Incorporated                           Maryland
   Santa Monica Place, Inc.                           Maryland
   Saratoga Equipment Corporation, The                Maryland
   Six Owings Mills Corporate Center, Inc.            Maryland
   SMPL Management, Inc.                              Maryland
   Three Owings Mills Corporate Center, Inc.          Maryland
   TRC Central, Inc.                                  Maryland
   TRCD, Inc. (Note 34)                               Delaware
   TRC Holding Company of Washington, D.C. (Note 35)  Maryland
   TRC Property Management, Inc.                      Maryland
   Two Owings Mills Corporate Center, Inc.            Maryland
   White Marsh Equities Corporation                   Maryland
 

Foreign subsidiaries:

   Rouse Service (Canada) Limited                     Canada

Notes:

1. Gallery Maintenance, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Rouse
   Gallery Management, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

2. Harborplace, Inc. owns all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock of RFT
   One, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

3. The Howard Research And Development Corporation owns all of the outstanding
   capital stock of the following Maryland corporations:

   Columbia Crossing, Inc.
   Columbia Development Corporation, The
   Columbia Gateway, Inc.
   Columbia Management, Inc.
   Columbia Town Homes Investor, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
   Dorsey's Search Village Center, Inc.
   ExecuCentre, Inc., The
   Fifty Columbia Corporate Center, Inc.
   Forty Columbia Corporate Center, Inc.
   Gateway Retail Center, Inc.
   GEAPE II, Inc.
   Hickory Ridge Village Center, Inc.
   Hickory Heights Investor, Inc.
   HRD Parking, Inc.
   King's Contrivance Village Center, Inc.
   Lakefront North Parking, Inc.
   Oakland Ridge Commercial, Inc.
   Oakland Ridge Industrial Development Corporation
   Pointer's Run Buildings Group, Inc.
   Rouse-River Hill Village Center, Inc.
 
   The Columbia Development Corporation owns all of the outstanding capital
   stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

   Dobbin Road Commercial, Inc.
   Guilford Industrial Center, Inc.
   Rouse Hotel Management, Inc.
   GEAPE II, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of
   GEAPE III, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

4. The Hughes Corporation owns all of the outstanding capital stock of The
   Howard Hughes Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Howard Hughes Realty,
   Inc., a Nevada corporation. The Howard Hughes Corporation owns all of the
   outstanding capital of the following corporations:

   HHC LP Corp., a Delaware corporation
   HHP-California Corporation, a Nevada corporation
   HHP Merger Corporation, a Delaware corporation
   H-Tex, Incorporated, a Texas corporation
   Summa Corporation, a Delaware corporation
   Summerlin Corporation, a Delaware corporation

5. Huntington Properties, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of
   Huntington Realty Interests, Ltd., a Maryland corporation.  Huntington Realty
   Interests, Ltd. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of the following
   Maryland corporations:
 
   HRIL, Inc.
   Huntington Capital Investors, Ltd.
   Regency-Huntington, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
6. Plymouth Meeting Mall, Inc. owns all of the outstanding common stock of 1150
   Plymouth Associates, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and all of the outstanding
   Series A Preferred Stock of RFT Five, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

7. Rouse Capital is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware law. All of
   the Common Securities of Rouse Capital are owned by the Company. The
   Preferred Securities of Rouse Capital were sold in a public registered
   offering in 1995.

8. The Rouse Company of California, Inc. owns all of the
   outstanding capital stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:
 
   Rouse-Canyon Springs, Inc.
   Rouse-Irvine, Inc.
   Rouse-Oakland, Inc.
   Rouse-Palm Springs II, Inc.
   Rouse-Sacramento, Inc.

9. The Rouse Company of Colorado, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock
   of each of the following Maryland corporations:

   Rouse Management Services Corporation of Colorado, Inc.
   Rouse-Tabor Center, Inc.

10. The Rouse Company of Connecticut, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital
    stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

    Rouse Chapel Square, Inc.
    Rouse Chapel Square Finance, Inc.
    Rouse New Haven Parking Management, Inc.
    Rouse New Haven Shopping Center, Inc

11. The Rouse Company of Florida, Inc. owns all of the outstanding common stock
    of each of the following corporations:

    Bayside Entertainment Company, a Maryland corporation
    Governor's Square, Inc., a Florida corporation
    Howard Retail Investment Corporation, a Maryland corporation
    New River Center, Inc., a Florida corporation
    Rouse-Bayside, Inc., a Maryland corporation
    Rouse-Coral Gables, Inc., a Maryland corporation
    Rouse-Fort Myers, Inc., a Maryland corporation
    Rouse-Jacksonville, Inc., a Maryland corporation
    Rouse Kendall Management Corporation, a Maryland corporation
    Rouse-Marina, Inc., a Maryland corporation
    Rouse-Miami, Inc., a Maryland corporation
    Rouse Office Management of Florida, Inc., a Maryland corporation
<PAGE>
 
Rouse-Orlando, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse Retail Management - Bayside, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Sunrise, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Tampa, Inc., a Florida corporation
Rouse-West Dade, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Tampa, Inc. owns all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock of RFT
    Four, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

12.  The Rouse Company of Georgia, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Augusta Mall, Inc.
Outlet Square of Atlanta, Inc.
Perimeter Center, Inc.
Perimeter Mall, Inc.
Perimeter Mall Management Corporation
Rouse-Atlanta, Inc.
Rouse Columbus Square, Inc.
Rouse Columbus Square Management Corporation
Rouse South DeKalb, Inc.
South DeKalb Mall Management Corporation

13. The Rouse Company of Iowa, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of
each of the following Maryland corporations:

Rouse Management Services Corporation of Iowa, Inc.
Rouse Management Services Corporation Two of Iowa, Inc.

14.   The Rouse Company of Louisiana owns all of the outstanding
capital stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Riverwalk Operating Company, Inc.
Rouse-New Orleans, Inc.

15.  The Rouse Company of Massachusetts, Inc. owns all of the outstanding
capital stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Eastfield Mall, Incorporated
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Inc.
Marketplace Grasshopper, Inc.

16.  The Rouse Company of Michigan, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Rouse Southland, Inc.
Rouse Southland Management Corporation
Southland Security, Inc.
Southland Shopping Center, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
17.  The Rouse Company of Minnesota, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Ridgedale Shopping Center, Inc.
Rouse-Maple Grove, Inc.
Rouse Ridgedale, Inc.
Rouse Ridgedale Management Corporation

18.  The Rouse Company of Nevada, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock
of each of the following entities:

Cherry Hill Center, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Columbia Mall, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Echelon Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation
Echelon Mall, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Harborplace, Inc., a Maryland corporation
One Willow Corporation, a Delaware corporation
Paramus Equities, Inc., a Texas corporation
Paramus Park, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse Fashion Show, Inc., a Nevada corporation
Two Willow Corporation, a Delaware corporation
The Village of Cross Keys, Incorporated, a Maryland corporation
White Marsh Mall, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Woodbridge Center, Inc., a Maryland corporation

Columbia Mall, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Seventy
Columbia Corporate Center, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

Paramus Park, Inc. owns all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock of RFT
Two, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

The Village of Cross Keys, Incorporated owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of The Roost, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

19.The Rouse Company of New Jersey, Inc. owns all of the outstanding Series A
Preferred Stock of Rouse Woodbridge Funding, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and
all of the outstanding common stock of each of the following Maryland
corporations:

Echelon Urban Center, Inc.
Paramus Equities II, Inc.
Paramus Mall Management Company, Inc.
Rouse-Atlantic Gateway, Inc.
Rouse-Burlington, Inc.
Rouse-Echelon, Inc.
The Willowbrook Corporation
Willmall Holdings, Inc.
Willowbrook Management Corporation
<PAGE>
 
20.  The Rouse Company of New York, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

DM Shopping Center, Inc.
Rouse-Seaport Retail Venture, Inc.
Rouse SI Shopping Management, Inc.
Seaport Marketplace, Inc.
Seaport Marketplace Theatre, Inc.
Seaport Theatre Management Corporation

21.  The Rouse Company of North Carolina, Inc. owns all of the outstanding
capital stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Rouse-Charlotte, Inc.
Rouse-Durham, Inc.
Rouse Office Management of North Carolina, Inc.

22.  The Rouse Company of Ohio, Inc. owns all of the outstanding common
stock of each of the following corporations:
 
Beachwood Place, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Cuyahoga Development Corporation, a Maryland corporation
Franklin Park Mall, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Franklin Park Mall Management Corporation, a Maryland corporation
Plaza Holding Corporation, an Ohio corporation

Beachwood Place, Inc. owns all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock of 
RFT Three, Inc. a Delaware corporation.

Franklin Park Mall, Inc. owns all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock of
Rouse Funding Two, Inc. a Delaware corporation.

23. The Rouse Company of Oregon, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock
of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Rouse Office Management of Oregon, Inc.
Rouse-Portland, Inc.
Rouse Salem Centre, Inc.
Rouse Salem Centre Management Corporation

24. The Rouse Company of Pennsylvania, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of Whiteland I, Inc. and Whiteland II, Inc., both Maryland corporations.

25. The Rouse Company of South Carolina, Inc. owns all of the outstanding
capital stock of Rouse-Spartanburg, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

26. The Rouse Company of Texas, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock
of each of the following corporations:

Almeda Mall, Inc., a Maryland corporation
AM Management Corporation, a Texas corporation
AU Management Corporation, a Texas corporation
Austin Mall, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Collin Creek, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Collin Creek Mall Management Company, Inc., a Maryland corporation
<PAGE>
 
DK Management Corporation, a Texas corporation
DK Shopping Center, Inc., a Texas corporation
Greengate Mall, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation
NC Shopping Center, Inc., a Maryland corporation
North Star Mall, Inc., a Texas corporation
Northwest Mall, Inc., a Maryland corporation
NS Management Corporation, a Texas corporation
NW Management Corporation, a Texas corporation
Rouse-Air Cargo, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Air Cargo (DFW), Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Almeda, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Carillon Management Company, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Carillon Shopping Center, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse Central Park Shopping Center, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse Fort Worth, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse Holding Company of Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation
Rouse Management Services Corporation of Texas, Inc., a Maryland
 corporation
Rouse-Northwest, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Southlake, Inc., a Maryland corporation
Rouse-Tarrant, Inc., a Maryland corporation
SDK Mall, Inc., a Texas corporation
South DeKalb Mall, Inc., a Texas corporation

27.  The Rouse Company of Virginia, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Rouse Airport Retail, Inc.
Rouse-Military Circle, Inc.
Rouse-Richmond, Inc.
Rouse-Military Circle, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Rouse
Hotel Management of Virginia, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

28.  The Rouse Company of Washington, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of Rouse-Seattle, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

29.  The Rouse Holding Company of Arizona, Inc. owns all of the outstanding
capital stock of each of the following Maryland corporations:

Rouse-Arizona Center, Inc.
Rouse Office Management of Arizona, Inc.
Rouse-Phoenix Development Corporation
Rouse-Phoenix Parking, Inc.
Rouse-Phoenix Parking Two, Inc.
Rouse-Phoenix Two Corporate Center, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
30.  Rouse Investing Company owns all of the outstanding capital stock of each
of the following corporations:

Deerfield Homes, Inc., a Florida corporation
306 Corporation, a Texas corporation
Wilmington Homes, Inc., a North Carolina corporation

Wilmington Homes, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Echo Farms
Golf and Country Club, Inc., a North Carolina corporation.

31.  Rouse Missouri Holding Company owns all of the outstanding capital stock of
each of the following Maryland corporations:

The Rouse Company of Missouri, Inc.
Rouse Missouri Management Corporation
St. Louis Union Station Beergarten, Inc.

The Rouse Company of Missouri, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of
The Rouse Company of St. Louis, Inc., a Maryland Corporation.

32.  Rouse-Wates, Incorporated owns all of the outstanding capital stock of
each of the following corporations:

Norbury Construction Company, a Delaware corporation
Owen Brown B Development Company, a Maryland corporation

33. RREF Holding, Inc. owns all of the outstanding capital stock of
RII Holding, Inc. a Texas corporation.

Norbury Construction Company, a Delaware corporation
Owen Brown B Development Company, a Maryland corporation

34.  TRCD, Inc. owns all of the outstanding common stock of the following
Delaware corporations:
 
Austin Mall Corporation
Collin Creek Property, Inc.
The Franklin Park Corporation
Mall St. Matthews Corporation
North Star Mall Corporation
One Franklin Park Corporation
One Gallery Corporation
RFT One, Inc.
RFT Two, Inc.
RFT Three, Inc.
RFT Four, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
RFT Five, Inc.
Rouse Funding Corporation
Rouse Funding Three, Inc.
Rouse Funding Two, Inc.
Rouse-MTN, Inc.
Rouse Woodbridge Funding, Inc.
TRCDE, Inc.
TRCDE Two, Inc.
TRCDF, Inc.
Two Franklin Park Corporation
Two Gallery Corporation
Willowbrook Mall, Inc.

The Franklin Park Corporation owns 50% of the outstanding capital stock of
Franklin Park Finance, Inc., a Delaware corporation.  Rodamco U.S.A., Inc. owns
the remaining 50%.

One Gallery Corporation and Two Gallery Corporation each own 50% of the
outstanding shares of Philadelphia Gallery II, a Pennsylvania business trust.

Willowbrook Mall, Inc. owns 37.5% of the outstanding capital stock of
Willowbrook Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation.  Rodamco U.S.A., Inc.
owns the remaining 62.5%.

35.TRC Holding Company of Washington, D.C. owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of Rouse-National Press Management, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 24. Power of Attorney.

The Power of Attorney, dated February 25, 1997, is attached.
<PAGE>
 
                               THE ROUSE COMPANY
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------

          KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned directors
of THE ROUSE COMPANY, a Maryland corporation, constitute and appoint ANTHONY W.
DEERING, JEFFREY H. DONAHUE and BRUCE I. ROTHSCHILD, or any one of them, the
true and lawful agents and attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, and with full power and authority (i) to
sign for the undersigned, and in their respective names as officers and
directors of the Company, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K that is filed
or to be filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder, and any amendment or amendments to such
Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and (ii) to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts taken by such
agents and attorneys-in-fact, as herein authorized.

Dated:   February 25, 1997
                                      /s/ David H. Benson        (SEAL)
                                      --------------------------       
                                      David H. Benson  
                                                       
                                      /s/ Jeremiah E. Casey      (SEAL)
                                      --------------------------       
                                      Jeremiah E. Casey 
<PAGE>
 
Power of Attorney for Form 10-K
  Annual Report
February 25, 1997                  /s/ Mathias J. DeVito      (SEAL)
                                   --------------------------       
                                    Mathias J. DeVito
                                  
                                  
                                    /s/ Anthony W. Deering     (SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    Anthony W. Deering
                                  
                                  
                                    /s/ Rohit M. Desai         (SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    Rohit M. Desai
                                  
                                  
                                    /s/ Juanita T. James       (SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    Juanita T. James
                                  
                                    /s/ William R. Lummis      (SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    William R. Lummis
                                  
                                  
                                    /s/ Thomas J. McHugh       (SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    Thomas J. McHugh
                                  
                                  
                                    /s/ Hanne M. Merriman      (SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    Hanne M. Merriman
                                  
                                  
                                    /s/ Roger W. Schipke       (SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    Roger W. Schipke
                                  
                                  
                                    /s/ Alexander B. Trowbridge(SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    Alexander B. Trowbridge
                                  
                                  
                                    /s/ Gerard J. M. Vlak      (SEAL)
                                    --------------------------       
                                    Gerard J. M. Vlak

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE IS SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S-K ITEM
601(C)(2). THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM 
FORM 10-K FOR THE ANNUAL PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS 
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          43,766
<SECURITIES>                                     3,596
<RECEIVABLES>                                  120,522
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (28,153)
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               132,816<F1>
<PP&E>                                       3,868,233
<DEPRECIATION>                                (552,201)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,643,452
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          423,087<F2>
<BONDS>                                      2,835,246
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           667
<OTHER-SE>                                     176,482
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,643,452
<SALES>                                        831,917
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               831,917
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  548,356
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                15,887
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 3,688
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             220,381
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 43,605
<INCOME-TAX>                                    25,719
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             17,886
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  1,453
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    16,433
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .11
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .31
<FN>
<F1>Current assets include cash, unrestricted marketable securities, current
portion of accounts and notes receivable and prepaid expenses and deposits.
<F2>Current liabilities include the current portion of long-term debt and 
accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 99.  Additional Exhibits.


99.1  Form 11-K Annual Report of The Rouse Company Savings Plan for the year
ended December 31, 1996.

99.2  Factors affecting future operating results.
<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 99.1



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



                                   FORM 11-K



[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 or

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934 for the transition period from ___________ to ____________


                       Commission File Number   0-1743
                                               ----------


A.   Full title of the plan and address of the plan:

           The Rouse Company Savings Plan
           c/o Personnel Division
           The Rouse Company Building
           10275 Little Patuxent Parkway
           Columbia, Maryland 21044

B.   Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address
     of its principal executive offices:

           The Rouse Company
           The Rouse Company Building
           10275 Little Patuxent Parkway
           Columbia, Maryland 21044
<PAGE>
 
                              REQUIRED INFORMATION

    Since The Rouse Company Savings Plan (the "Plan") is subject to the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Plan financial statements for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 will be filed on or before June 30, 1997.



                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
trustees (or other persons who administer the Plan) have duly caused this annual
report to be signed by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.



THE ROUSE COMPANY SAVINGS PLAN
- ------------------------------



Date:  March 31, 1997            By  /s/ William D. Boden
       --------------               -------------------------------------
                                       William D. Boden, Administrator


                                       and


Date:  March 31, 1997            By  /s/ George L. Yungmann
       --------------               ------------------------------
                                       George L. Yungmann, Trustee

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 99.2


                  FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS

          This Form 10-K, the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders, any Form
10-Q or any Form 8-K of the Company or any other written or oral statements made
by or on behalf of the Company include forward-looking statements that reflect
the Company's current views with respect to future events and financial
performance.  These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties, including those discussed below that could cause actual results
to differ materially from historical results or anticipated results.  The words
"believe," "expect," "anticipate" and similar expressions identify forward-
looking statements.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.  The Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

          The following factors could cause actual results to differ materially
from historical results or anticipated results:

          REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT RISKS.  General.  Real property
investments are subject to varying degrees of risk.  Revenues and property
values may be adversely affected by the general economic climate, the local
economic climate and local real estate conditions, including (i) the perceptions
of prospective tenants or purchasers as to the attractiveness of the property;
(ii) the ability to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance;
(iii) the inability to collect rent due to bankruptcy or insolvency of tenants
or otherwise; and (iv) increased operating costs.  Real estate values may also
be adversely affected by such factors as applicable laws, including tax laws,
interest rate levels and the availability of financing.

          Development Risks.  New project development is subject to a number of
risks, including risks of availability of financing, construction delays or cost
overruns that may increase project costs, risks that the properties will not
achieve anticipated occupancy levels or sustain anticipated lease or sales
levels, and new project commencement risks such as receipt of zoning, occupancy
and other required governmental permits and authorizations and the incurrence of
development costs in connection with projects that are not pursued to
completion.

          Lack of Geographical Diversification.  A significant portion of the
Company's properties is geographically concentrated.  The Company's land sales,
for instance, relate primarily to land in and around Columbia, Maryland, and Las
Vegas, Nevada.  These sales are affected by the economic climate in Howard
County, Maryland, the Baltimore-Washington area and the greater Las Vegas,
Nevada area, and by local real estate conditions and other factors, including
applicable zoning laws and the availability of financing for residential
development.  Similarly, most of the office/industrial buildings that the
Company manages are located in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, including
Columbia, Maryland, and the greater Las Vegas, Nevada metropolitan area.  Due to
the geographic concentration of this portfolio, the Company's operating results
in managing these buildings and selling property for development depend
especially on the local economic climate and real estate conditions, including
the availability of comparable, competing buildings and properties.

          Illiquidity of Real Estate Investments.  Real estate investments are
relatively illiquid and therefore may tend to limit the ability of the Company
to react promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions.
<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 99.2


          Dependence on Rental Income from Real Property.  The Company's cash
flow and results of operations would be adversely affected if a significant
number of tenants were unable to meet their obligations or if the Company were
unable to lease a significant amount of space in its income-producing properties
on economically favorable lease terms. In the event of a default by a tenant,
the Company may experience delays in enforcing its rights as lessor and may
incur substantial costs in protecting its investment. The bankruptcy or
insolvency of a major tenant may have an adverse effect on an income-producing
property.

          Effect of Uninsured Loss.  The Company carries comprehensive
liability, fire, flood, extended coverage and rental loss insurance with respect
to its properties with insured limits and policy specifications that it believes
are customary for similar properties.  There are, however, certain types of
losses (generally of a catastrophic nature, such as wars, floods or earthquakes)
which may be either uninsurable, or, in the Company's judgment, not economically
insurable.  Should an uninsured loss occur, the Company could lose both its
invested capital in and anticipated profits from the affected property.

          ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  Under various federal, state and local
environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or
operator of real property may become liable for the costs of the investigation,
removal and remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under, in or
migrating from such property.  Such laws often impose liability without regard
to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence
of such hazardous or toxic substances.  The presence of hazardous or toxic
substances, or the failure to remediate properly such substances when present,
may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or rent such real property or
to borrow using such real property as collateral.  Persons who arrange for the
disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic wastes may also be liable for the
costs of the investigation, removal and remediation of such wastes at the
disposal or treatment facility, regardless of whether such facility is owned or
operated by such person.  Other federal, state and local laws, ordinances and
regulations require abatement or removal of certain asbestos-containing
materials in the event of demolition or certain renovations or remodeling,
impose certain worker protection and notification requirements and govern
emissions of and exposure to asbestos fibers in the air.

          Certain of the Company's properties contain underground storage tanks
which are subject to strict laws and regulations designed to prevent leakage or
other releases of hazardous substances into the environment.  In connection with
its ownership, operation and management of such properties, the Company could be
held liable for the environmental response costs associated with the release of
such regulated substances or related claims.  In addition to remediation actions
brought by federal, state and local agencies, the presence of hazardous
substances on a property could result in personal injury or similar claims by
private plaintiffs.  Such claims could result in costs or liabilities which
could exceed the value of such property.  The Company is not aware of any
notification by any private party or governmental authority of any non-
compliance, liability or other claim in connection with environmental conditions
at any of its properties that it believes will involve any expenditure which
would be material to the Company, nor is the Company aware of any environmental
condition with respect to any of its properties that it believes will involve
any such material expenditure.  However, there can be no assurance that any such
non-compliance, liability, claim or expenditure will not arise in the future.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 99.2


          AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE.  Under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (the "ADA"), all public accommodations and commercial
facilities are required to meet certain federal requirements related to access
and use by disabled persons.  These requirements became effective in 1992. The
Company has surveyed each of its properties and believes that it is in
substantial compliance with the ADA and that it will not be required to make
substantial capital expenditures to address the requirements of the ADA.  In
addition, the Company has developed an ADA Compliance Plan and has budgeted for
and moved forward with the removal of those barriers to access that are readily
achievable.  The Company believes that implementation of its ADA Compliance Plan
will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition.

          COMPETITION.  There are numerous other developers, managers and owners
of real estate that compete with the Company in seeking management and leasing
revenues, land for development, properties for acquisition and disposition and
tenants for properties, and there can be no assurance that the Company will
successfully respond to or manage competitive conditions.

          CHANGES IN ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.  The Company's business and operating
results can be adversely affected by changes in the economic environment
generally.  For example, an increase in interest rates will affect the interest
payable on the Company's outstanding floating rate debt and may result in
increased interest expense if debt is refinanced at higher interest rates.
Moreover, in a recessionary economy, credit conditions may be inflexible and
consumer spending conservative, which could adversely affect the Company's
revenues from its retail centers.

          INTEREST RATE EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS.  The Company makes limited use of
interest rate exchange agreements, including interest rate caps and swaps,
primarily to manage interest rate risk associated with variable rate debt.
Under interest rate cap agreements, the Company makes initial premium payments
to the counterparties in exchange for the right to receive payments from them if
interest rates on the related variable rate debt exceed specified levels during
the agreement period. Premiums paid are amortized to interest expense over the
terms of the agreements using the interest method, and payments receivable from
the counterparties are accrued as reductions of interest expense. Under interest
rate swap agreements, the Company and the counterparties agree to exchange the
difference between fixed rate and variable rate interest amounts calculated by
reference to specified notional principal amounts during the agreement period.
Notional principal amounts are used to express the volume of these transactions,
but the cash requirements and amounts subject to credit risk are substantially
less. Amounts receivable or payable under swap agreements are accounted for as
adjustments to interest expense on the related debt.

          Parties to interest rate exchange agreements are subject to market
risk for changes in interest rates and risk of credit loss in the event of
nonperformance by the counterparties.  Although the Company deals only with
highly rated financial institution counterparties (which, in certain cases, are
also the lenders on the related debt) and does not expect that any
counterparties will fail to meet their obligations, there can be no assurance
that this will not occur.
 
          RISKS RELATING TO NEVADA PROPERTIES.  General.  The Company, through
its subsidiaries and affiliates owns approximately 3.2  million rentable square
feet of office and industrial space primarily around Las Vegas, Nevada, a 75%
partnership interest in Fashion Show Mall, an 840,000 square foot regional
shopping center located on the "Strip" in Las Vegas,  the Tournament Players
Club golf club at

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 99.2


Summerlin and approximately 16,500 acres of development and investment land
located in Summerlin, Nevada. These properties could be adversely affected by
the following risks.

          Water Availability in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area.  The Las Vegas
metropolitan area is a desert environment where the ability to develop real
estate is largely dependent on the continued availability of water.  The Las
Vegas metropolitan area has a limited supply of water to service future
development, and it is uncertain whether the metropolitan area will be
successful in obtaining new sources of water.  If the Las Vegas metropolitan
area does not obtain new sources of water, development activities could be
materially hindered.

          Air Quality.  The Las Vegas Valley is classified as a moderate carbon
monoxide and a serious PM-10 nonattainment area by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA").  The EPA is currently assessing whether the Las Vegas
Valley meets certain regulatory requirements with respect to levels of ozone.
Efforts are underway to develop air quality plans to achieve and maintain
applicable EPA standards.  However, there are also ongoing efforts to relax
certain requirements under the Clean Air Act and to modify the EPA's authority
thereunder.  The outcome of these efforts may significantly affect real estate
development activities in the Las Vegas Valley.

          Availability of Infrastructure.  As with most growing communities, the
rate of growth in the Las Vegas metropolitan area is straining the capacity of
the community's infrastructure, particularly with respect to schools, water
delivery systems, transportation, flood control and sewage treatment. Certain
responsible federal, state and local government agencies finance the
construction of infrastructure improvements through a variety of means,
including general obligation bond issues, some of which are subject to voter
approval.  The failure of these agencies to obtain financing for or to complete
such infrastructure improvements could materially delay development in the area
or materially increase development costs through the imposition of impact fees
and other fees and taxes, or require the construction or funding of portions of
such infrastructure.  The availability of infrastructure or water has not had a
negative impact on the Company's development or investment activities to date.

          Non-Nevada Gaming.  Until this decade, the gaming industry was
principally limited to the traditional markets of Nevada and New Jersey.
Several states, however, have legalized casino gaming and other forms of
gambling in recent years.  In addition, several states have negotiated compacts
with Indian tribes pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 that
permit certain forms of gaming on Indian lands.  These additional gaming venues
create alternative destinations for gamblers and tourists who might otherwise
have visited Las Vegas.  The Company is not able to determine whether current or
future legalized gaming venues will have an adverse impact on the Las Vegas
economy and thereby adversely affect the Company's properties in the Las Vegas
area.

                                      -4-


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