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Equity Residential (EQR) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth and Strategic ...

In This Article:

  • Same-Store Revenue Growth: 2024 same-store revenue growth was better than expected, with 2025 guidance set at 2.25% to 3.25%.

  • Same-Store Expense Growth: 2024 same-store expense growth was 2.9%, with a 2025 guidance range of 3.5% to 4.5%.

  • Occupancy Rate: Ended 2024 with an occupancy rate of 96.1%.

  • Turnover Rate: Fourth quarter turnover was 9%, with a full-year turnover of 42.5%, the lowest in company history.

  • Blended Rate Growth: 1% for the fourth quarter of 2024.

  • Other Income Growth: Expected to contribute nearly $20 million in 2025.

  • Interest Expense: Increase due to anticipated balances from investment activity and refinancing of 2025 maturity.

  • Capital Markets Activity: $450 million note maturing in June 2025, with plans to refinance with unsecured debt.

  • Acquisitions and Dispositions: 2025 guidance includes $1.5 billion in acquisitions and $1 billion in dispositions.

Release Date: February 04, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR) reported solid same-store revenue results for 2024, exceeding initial expectations despite some slowing in bad debt improvement.

  • The company achieved a low turnover rate of 42.5% for the full year, the lowest in its 30-year history as a public company, indicating strong resident retention.

  • EQR expects office-using job growth to be higher in 2025, particularly on the West Coast, which is anticipated to drive demand for their properties.

  • The company has a strategic focus on expansion markets, investing nearly $2 billion in acquisitions and development projects in 2024, while disposing of $1 billion in older assets.

  • EQR maintains a strong balance sheet and cash flow, positioning it well to navigate economic uncertainties and capitalize on potential acquisition opportunities.

Negative Points

  • The company faces challenges with elevated supply levels in its expansion markets, which are expected to result in negative same-store revenue growth in 2025.

  • Potential regulatory impacts in Los Angeles, such as rent freezes and eviction moratoriums, could negatively affect operations and revenue growth.

  • EQR anticipates higher same-store expense growth in 2025, driven by connectivity expenses and tax abatement step-ups in New York.

  • The transaction market is currently frozen, with limited acquisition opportunities, which could impact EQR's ability to meet its acquisition targets.

  • The company acknowledges a higher level of economic uncertainty due to recent governmental actions, which could affect overall market conditions and business performance.