EQR benefits from robust renter demand and strategic portfolio repositioning efforts. Yet, increased supply and elevated interest expenses pose challenges.
Equity Residential is rated as a "hold" due to fair valuation, with a secure and growing dividend, and potential for 8-9% long-term returns. EQR's focus on legacy markets like NYC and San Francisco has insulated it from increased Sun Belt apartment supply, aiding rent growth. Strong renewal activity and high occupancy rates are supported by housing unaffordability and high mortgage rates, benefiting rental demand.
Equity Residential is a solid pick for stability, income, and long-term growth, focusing on affluent renters in high-barrier-to-entry coastal markets. EQR has demonstrated resilient performance, with stable revenue and FFO growth, supported by favorable supply demand dynamics and a robust A-rated balance sheet. The 3.8% dividend yield is well-covered and attractive, with potential for long-term "sleep well at night" returns.
Healthy demand for rental units in its markets is likely to aid EQR. Its portfolio diversification efforts and decent financial position bode well.
Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR ) Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call October 31, 2024 11:30 AM ET Company Participants Marty McKenna – Vice President, Investor Relations Mark Parrell – President and Chief Executive Officer Alex Brackenridge – Chief Investment Officer Michael Manelis – Chief Operating Officer Bob Garechana – Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Eric Wolfe – Citi Steve Sakwa – Evercore ISI Haendel St. Juste – Mizuho Alexander Goldfarb – Piper Sandler John Pawlowski – Green Street John Kim – BMO Capital Markets Michael Goldsmith – UBS Adam Kramer – Morgan Stanley Josh Dennerlein – Bank of America Julien Blouin – Goldman Sachs Jamie Feldman – Wells Fargo Linda Tsai – Jefferies Alex Kim – Zelman & Associates Rich Anderson – Wedbush Operator Good day, and welcome to the Equity Residential Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. Today's conference is being recorded.
EQR's Q3 results reflect decent same-store performances, backed by healthy demand amid modest supply.
The headline numbers for Equity Residential (EQR) give insight into how the company performed in the quarter ended September 2024, but it may be worthwhile to compare some of its key metrics to Wall Street estimates and the year-ago actuals.
Equity Residential (EQR) came out with quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.98 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This compares to FFO of $0.96 per share a year ago.
Besides Wall Street's top -and-bottom-line estimates for Equity Residential (EQR), review projections for some of its key metrics to gain a deeper understanding of how the company might have fared during the quarter ended September 2024.
The real estate sector is holding firm in a bullish formation, displaying notable resilience compared to the broader market. The Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF NYSE: XLRE has been consolidating near its highs, just 2.7% away from its 52-week peak, setting the stage for a potential breakout in the year's final quarter.
Despite high supply, EQR's Q3 results are likely to benefit from its portfolio diversification efforts and technology investments amid healthy demand.
EQR's target of affluent renters and portfolio diversification efforts in suburban markets are upsides. However, an elevated supply of rental units is a concern.