Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR)

nestbroker (24.70) Submitted: 8/1/2007 1:41:48 PM : Start Price: $31.72 EQR Score: +98.74

Changing risk environment has created opportunity for REIT shops.

NetscribeREIT (42.46) Submitted: 2/20/2007 8:12:53 AM : Start Price: $41.76 EQR Score: +51.29

Equity Residential (EQR), a Maryland real estate investment trust (REIT), is a fully integrated real estate company primarily engaged in the acquisition, development, ownership, management and operation of multifamily properties. The company has more than 600 properties spread across 26 states and the District of Columbia.

The apartment market in U.S. is on a rise. The demand for rental house has amplified, as prospective homebuyers find renting as a cheaper alternative. According to National Multi-Housing Council, the average rent for an apartment increased 4% to 4.4% in the first three quarters of 2006. A drift towards multi-family apartments coupled with high housing cost should ensure low vacancy and thereby increased revenue stream. Moreover, it is anticipated that this trend is likely to continue in the coming year. This portends well with EQR as it deals in multi-family properties.

The company, in a move to concentrate on more profitable markets, has sold off its Lexford division. Moreover, in an urge to maximize its profit the company is buying buildings in areas where demand for apartments is stronger, such as Southern California and New York while selling off its properties in slower growth markets like Dallas. The industry saw a fall in condominium conversion by 86.5% to 7,400 units. The company quickly reacted to this and sold 1,069 condominium units in fiscal 2006.

Looking at the positive outlook for apartment market, the management expects fiscal 2007 FFO guidance to be around $2.25-$2.35 per share, as compared to $2.31 per share for 2006. This FFO guidance reflects solid core growth offset by dilution from the Lexford sale and lower profits from condominium sales. Looking at all these aspects Equity Residential should outwit the market.

crwesterman (92.63) Submitted: 11/30/2006 12:02:02 AM : Start Price: $42.06 EQR Score: +46.69

Using MACD

toyfourme (< 20) Submitted: 10/18/2006 3:42:33 PM : Start Price: $42.98 EQR Score: +41.24

Pays a nice Dividend. Has had a good gain all year.