10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

EQUITY RESIDENTIAL Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2009

Filed November 5, 2009For Securities:EQR

Summary

Equity Residential (EQR) reported its third-quarter 2009 financial results, reflecting the ongoing impact of the challenging economic environment. While rental income saw a decline compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower occupancy and rental rates, the company has implemented expense control measures. EQR continued its strategy of divesting non-core assets, generating significant proceeds from property sales. Liquidity remains a focus, with substantial cash and available credit facilities, though the company reduced its quarterly common share dividend to preserve capital. Management expresses cautious optimism, highlighting the diversified portfolio and positive long-term demographics as strengths. Despite revenue pressures and a decrease in earnings per share year-over-year, EQR demonstrated resilience through disciplined expense management and strategic portfolio adjustments. The company's focus on same-store Net Operating Income (NOI) shows a slight decrease, impacted by economic conditions, but the non-same store segment showed some improvement. EQR is actively managing its debt obligations and capital structure, positioning itself to navigate the economic downturn and capitalize on future market opportunities.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$492.76M
Gross Profit$281.98M
Operating Expenses$351.59M
Operating Income$122.70M
Interest Expense$121.17M
Net Income$135.98M
EPS (Basic)$0.48
EPS (Diluted)$0.48
Shares Outstanding (Basic)273.66M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)290.21M

Key Highlights

  • 1Rental income decreased year-over-year for both the nine-month and quarter-ended periods, attributed to lower occupancy and average rental rates.
  • 2The company actively managed expenses, with same-store operating expenses showing a modest increase of 0.5% year-to-date, below initial expectations.
  • 3Equity Residential continued to divest non-core assets, generating approximately $729.2 million in net proceeds during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
  • 4Diluted earnings per share decreased to $1.12 for the nine months and $0.48 for the quarter, compared to $1.59 and $0.63, respectively, in the prior year, largely due to lower gains from property sales and impairment charges.
  • 5The company reduced its quarterly common share dividend from $0.4825 to $0.3375, effective for the third quarter of 2009, to conserve capital.
  • 6As of September 30, 2009, EQR maintained a strong liquidity position with approximately $637.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.36 billion available under its revolving credit facility.
  • 7An $11.1 million non-cash asset impairment charge was recorded on land held for development during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

Equity Residential experienced a year-over-year decline in rental income and earnings per share due to the challenging economic environment impacting occupancy and rental rates. However, the company maintained liquidity through cash reserves and credit facilities and actively managed expenses and its asset portfolio.

The company continued to sell non-core assets, generating significant proceeds. While these sales helped manage the portfolio, they also contributed to lower year-over-year gains from property sales, impacting overall net income.

The company has focused on expense control measures, strategic asset dispositions, and reduced its quarterly common share dividend to $0.3375 per share. They also continue to manage their debt obligations and capital structure proactively.

Management remains cautious due to the ongoing economic recession, expecting continued revenue pressure. However, they believe the company is well-positioned due to its diversified portfolio, low new supply in key markets, and positive long-term demographic trends. The company anticipates meeting its liquidity needs through existing resources and potential financing activities.