10-KPeriod: FY2009

EQUITY RESIDENTIAL Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2009

Filed February 25, 2010For Securities:EQR

Summary

Equity Residential (EQR) reported its 2009 annual results, highlighting its significant portfolio of 137,007 apartment units across 495 properties in 23 states and the District of Columbia. As a real estate investment trust (REIT), EQR focuses on acquiring, developing, and managing high-quality apartment properties in growth markets. Despite economic headwinds, the company maintained a portfolio occupancy of approximately 93.9% as of December 31, 2009. The company's strategy emphasizes leveraging its scale, investing in high-barrier-to-entry markets, and providing a strong resident experience. EQR is actively managing its capital structure, including debt repayment and strategic dispositions of non-core assets, positioning itself for potential future acquisition opportunities as market conditions improve. The company's financial performance in 2009 showed a decrease in diluted earnings per share to $1.27 from $1.46 in 2008, primarily due to lower net gains on sales of discontinued operations and reduced property net operating income (NOI). However, impairment losses also decreased significantly. EQR is focused on navigating the current economic environment, anticipating modest increases in operating expenses for 2010 due to real estate taxes and utilities, while also projecting revenue declines, albeit at a slower pace than in the prior year. The company ended the year with approximately $193.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and substantial availability under its revolving credit facility, indicating a strong liquidity position.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.64B
Gross Profit$1.10B
Operating Expenses$1.21B
Operating Income$432.64M
Interest Expense$493.28M
Net Income$362.27M
EPS (Basic)$1.27
EPS (Diluted)$1.27
Shares Outstanding (Basic)273.61M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)273.61M

Key Highlights

  • 1Equity Residential owns and manages a substantial portfolio of 137,007 apartment units across 495 properties in 23 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2009.
  • 2The company's occupancy rate stood at approximately 93.9% at the end of 2009, demonstrating resilience in its operational performance.
  • 3EQR is strategically focused on high-barrier-to-entry markets characterized by strong economic growth and attractive quality of life to maximize total return.
  • 4Diluted earnings per share decreased to $1.27 in 2009 from $1.46 in 2008, largely impacted by lower gains on discontinued operations and a decline in property NOI.
  • 5The company proactively managed its capital structure by repurchasing debt and maintained a strong liquidity position with $193.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.37 billion available on its revolving credit facility as of year-end 2009.
  • 6EQR sold $1.0 billion of non-core assets and acquired $145.0 million in new properties during 2009, rebalancing its portfolio.
  • 7The company reduced its quarterly common share dividend from $0.4825 to $0.3375 per share, effective in the third quarter of 2009, to conserve capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2009, Equity Residential's diluted earnings per share were $1.27, a decrease from $1.46 in 2008. This decline was primarily attributed to lower net gains on sales of discontinued operations and a decrease in property net operating income (NOI), partially offset by a significant reduction in impairment losses.

Equity Residential actively managed its capital structure by repurchasing a substantial amount of its outstanding debt, totaling $652.1 million in fixed rate public notes, $75.8 million in fixed rate tax-exempt notes, and portions of its convertible notes. The company also repaid $122.2 million of notes at maturity and $956.8 million of mortgage loans, while also securing $500.0 million in new mortgage financing.

Equity Residential anticipates a challenging economic environment for 2010, projecting continued revenue declines, though at a slower pace than in 2009. The company expects same-store operating expenses to increase by 1.0% to 2.0%, primarily due to rising real estate taxes and utilities. Despite these challenges, EQR believes its diversified portfolio, strong occupancy, and strategic market focus position it to benefit from market improvements as the economy recovers.

Key risks identified include those inherent to the real estate industry, such as economic downturns affecting occupancy and rental rates, increased operating costs, and competition. Additionally, the company is exposed to risks related to debt financing availability and terms, potential non-performance by counterparties, and the impact of environmental regulations. The company also notes risks associated with its REIT status and its dependence on key personnel.