10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2010

EQUITY RESIDENTIAL Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2010

Filed November 4, 2010For Securities:EQR

Summary

Equity Residential (EQR) reported its third-quarter 2010 financial results, showing a mixed picture of recovery and ongoing challenges. While rental income saw year-over-year growth, particularly in the same-store portfolio, overall net income and earnings per share declined compared to the same period in the prior year. This was largely driven by lower gains from property sales and a decrease in total property net operating income, attributed to the impact of prior year's disposition activities. The company is seeing positive signs in the current operating environment, with improving occupancy and increasing demand for rental apartments due to factors like depressed single-family housing demand and employment uncertainty. EQR's balance sheet reflects a significant increase in total assets and liabilities compared to the previous year-end, with notable growth in investment in real estate and mortgage notes payable. The company has actively managed its debt, undertaking both issuances and repayments. Liquidity appears sufficient, with a substantial amount available under its revolving credit facility. Management expresses cautious optimism about sustaining the improvement seen in 2010, anticipating flat to slightly declining revenues for the full year but expecting operational improvements to continue. Strategic dispositions and acquisitions remain a focus to optimize the portfolio.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$453.96M
Gross Profit$272.35M
Operating Expenses$348.70M
Operating Income$104.44M
Interest Expense$121.12M
Net Income$28.78M
EPS (Basic)$0.09
EPS (Diluted)$0.09
Shares Outstanding (Basic)282.72M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)282.72M

Key Highlights

  • 1Rental income increased year-over-year for both the nine-month and three-month periods ending September 30, 2010, signaling a recovery in core operations.
  • 2Net income available to Common Shares decreased significantly to $83.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, down from $316.9 million in the prior year's comparable period, primarily due to lower property sale gains.
  • 3Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, were $0.29, down from $1.12 in the same period of 2009.
  • 4Total assets grew to $16.1 billion as of September 30, 2010, up from $15.4 billion at December 31, 2009, primarily driven by an increase in investment in real estate.
  • 5Total liabilities also increased to $10.9 billion from $10.0 billion, with significant increases in mortgage notes payable and other liabilities.
  • 6The company reported substantial activity in property acquisitions and dispositions during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, investing $1.4 billion in new properties and selling assets.
  • 7Equity Residential has access to a significant $1.2 billion available on its revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2010, indicating strong liquidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the first nine months of 2010, Equity Residential experienced a decrease in net income and diluted EPS compared to the same period in 2009. This was primarily due to lower gains from property sales and a decrease in total property net operating income, despite an increase in rental income, which reflects a recovering operational environment.

Equity Residential actively managed its debt by repaying $503.6 million of mortgage loans and issuing $600.0 million in unsecured notes while also obtaining $124.0 million in new mortgage financing. The company maintained strong liquidity, with $43.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.2 billion available under its revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2010.

Equity Residential expressed cautious optimism, expecting flat to slightly declining revenues for the full year 2010 but anticipating sustained operational improvements driven by higher occupancy and demand for rental apartments. The company plans to continue strategic dispositions and acquisitions to optimize its portfolio and maintain a strong balance sheet and liquidity.

The filing notes competition for attractive investment opportunities, potential for increased costs of labor and materials, and the impact of national and local economic conditions on occupancy levels and market rents as ongoing risks. The company also continues to defend against a housing discrimination lawsuit.