Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 1-12252 (Equity Residential)
Commission File Number: 0-24920 (ERP Operating Limited Partnership)
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL
ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland (Equity Residential)
13-3675988 (Equity Residential)
Illinois (ERP Operating Limited Partnership)
36-3894853 (ERP Operating Limited Partnership)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Two North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 474-1300
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest,$0.01 Par Value (Equity Residential)
EQR
New York Stock Exchange
7.57% Notes due August 15, 2026(ERP Operating Limited Partnership)
N/A
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Equity Residential Yes ☒ No ☐
ERP Operating Limited Partnership Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Equity Residential:
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Small reporting company
Emerging growth company
l
ERP Operating Limited Partnership:
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Equity Residential ☐
ERP Operating Limited Partnership ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Equity Residential Yes ☐ No ☒
ERP Operating Limited Partnership Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of EQR Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value, outstanding on April 30, 2020 was 372,125,616.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This report combines the reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020 of Equity Residential and ERP Operating Limited Partnership. Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “EQR” mean Equity Residential, a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”), and references to “ERPOP” mean ERP Operating Limited Partnership, an Illinois limited partnership. References to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” mean collectively EQR, ERPOP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by EQR and/or ERPOP. References to the “Operating Partnership” mean collectively ERPOP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by ERPOP. The following chart illustrates the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s corporate structure:
EQR is the general partner of, and as of March 31, 2020 owned an approximate 96.4% ownership interest in, ERPOP. The remaining 3.6% interest is owned by limited partners. As the sole general partner of ERPOP, EQR has exclusive control of ERPOP’s day-to-day management. Management operates the Company and the Operating Partnership as one business. The management of EQR consists of the same members as the management of ERPOP.
The Company is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT (“UPREIT”) and EQR contributes all net proceeds from its various equity offerings to ERPOP. In return for those contributions, EQR receives a number of OP Units (see definition below) in ERPOP equal to the number of Common Shares it has issued in the equity offering. The Company may acquire properties in transactions that include the issuance of OP Units as consideration for the acquired properties. Such transactions may, in certain circumstances, enable the sellers to defer in whole or in part, the recognition of taxable income or gain that might otherwise result from the sales. This is one of the reasons why the Company is structured in the manner shown above. Based on the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, OP Units can be exchanged with Common Shares on a one-for-one basis because the Company maintains a one-for-one relationship between the OP Units of ERPOP issued to EQR and the outstanding Common Shares.
The Company believes that combining the reports on Form 10-Q of EQR and ERPOP into this single report provides the following benefits:
•
enhances investors’ understanding of the Company and the Operating Partnership by enabling investors to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business;
eliminates duplicative disclosure and provides a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both the Company and the Operating Partnership; and
creates time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one combined report instead of two separate reports.
The Company believes it is important to understand the few differences between EQR and ERPOP in the context of how EQR and ERPOP operate as a consolidated company. All of the Company’s property ownership, development and related business operations are conducted through the Operating Partnership and EQR has no material assets or liabilities other than its investment in ERPOP. EQR’s primary function is acting as the general partner of ERPOP. EQR also issues equity from time to time, the net proceeds of which it is obligated to contribute to ERPOP. EQR does not have any indebtedness as all debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all of the assets of the Company, including the Company’s ownership interests in its joint ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for the net proceeds from equity offerings by EQR (which are contributed to the capital of ERPOP in exchange for additional partnership interests in ERPOP (“OP Units”) (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis) or additional preference units in ERPOP (on a one-for-one preferred share per preference unit basis)), the Operating Partnership generates all remaining capital required by the Company’s business. These sources include the Operating Partnership’s working capital, net cash provided by operating activities, borrowings under its revolving credit facility and/or commercial paper program, the issuance of secured and unsecured debt and partnership interests, and proceeds received from disposition of certain properties and joint venture interests.
Shareholders’ equity, partners’ capital and noncontrolling interests are the main areas of difference between the consolidated financial statements of the Company and those of the Operating Partnership. The limited partners of the Operating Partnership are accounted for as partners’ capital in the Operating Partnership’s financial statements and as noncontrolling interests in the Company’s financial statements. The noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership’s financial statements include the interests of unaffiliated partners in various consolidated partnerships. The noncontrolling interests in the Company’s financial statements include the same noncontrolling interests at the Operating Partnership level and limited partner OP Unit holders of the Operating Partnership. The differences between shareholders’ equity and partners’ capital result from differences in the equity issued at the Company and Operating Partnership levels.
To help investors understand the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, this report provides separate consolidated financial statements for the Company and the Operating Partnership; a single set of consolidated notes to such financial statements that includes separate discussions of each entity’s debt, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity or partners’ capital, as applicable; and a combined Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section that includes discrete information related to each entity.
This report also includes separate Part I, Item 4, Controls and Procedures, sections and separate Exhibits 31 and 32 certifications for each of the Company and the Operating Partnership in order to establish that the requisite certifications have been made and that the Company and the Operating Partnership are compliant with Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and 18 U.S.C. §1350.
In order to highlight the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, the separate sections in this report for the Company and the Operating Partnership specifically refer to the Company and the Operating Partnership. In the sections that combine disclosure of the Company and the Operating Partnership, this report refers to actions or holdings as being actions or holdings of the Company. Although the Operating Partnership is generally the entity that directly or indirectly enters into contracts and joint ventures and holds assets and debt, reference to the Company is appropriate because the Company is one business and the Company operates that business through the Operating Partnership.
As general partner with control of ERPOP, EQR consolidates ERPOP for financial reporting purposes, and EQR essentially has no assets or liabilities other than its investment in ERPOP. Therefore, the assets and liabilities of the Company and the Operating Partnership are the same on their respective financial statements. The separate discussions of the Company and the Operating Partnership in this report should be read in conjunction with each other to understand the results of the Company on a consolidated basis and how management operates the Company.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART I.
Item 1. Financial Statements of Equity Residential:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
2
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
8
Financial Statements of ERP Operating Limited Partnership:
10
11
13
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
16
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Equity Residential and ERP Operating Limited Partnership
18
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
34
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
49
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
50
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
52
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands except for share amounts)
(Unaudited)
March 31,
December 31,
2020
2019
ASSETS
Land
$
5,883,065
5,936,188
Depreciable property
21,197,547
21,319,101
Projects under development
225,753
181,630
Land held for development
102,602
96,688
Investment in real estate
27,408,967
27,533,607
Accumulated depreciation
(7,420,293
)
(7,276,786
Investment in real estate, net
19,988,674
20,256,821
Investments in unconsolidated entities
55,866
52,238
Cash and cash equivalents
82,335
45,753
Restricted deposits
58,435
71,246
Right-of-use assets
507,962
512,774
Other assets
226,046
233,937
Total assets
20,919,318
21,172,769
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable, net
1,940,745
1,941,610
Notes, net
6,079,308
6,077,513
Line of credit and commercial paper
612,651
1,017,833
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
165,696
94,350
Accrued interest payable
65,925
66,852
Lease liabilities
330,713
331,334
Other liabilities
298,992
346,963
Security deposits
69,074
70,062
Distributions payable
232,186
218,326
Total liabilities
9,795,290
10,164,843
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership
353,342
463,400
Equity:
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares
authorized; 745,600 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and
December 31, 2019
37,280
Common Shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares
authorized; 372,104,054 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and
371,670,884 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019
3,721
3,717
Paid in capital
9,092,441
8,965,577
Retained earnings
1,469,821
1,386,495
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(72,896
(77,563
Total shareholders’ equity
10,530,367
10,315,506
Noncontrolling Interests:
Operating Partnership
235,580
227,837
Partially Owned Properties
4,739
1,183
Total Noncontrolling Interests
240,319
229,020
Total equity
10,770,686
10,544,526
Total liabilities and equity
See accompanying notes
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
Quarter Ended March 31,
REVENUES
Rental income
682,305
662,302
Fee and asset management
24
192
Total revenues
682,329
662,494
EXPENSES
Property and maintenance
115,816
115,070
Real estate taxes and insurance
97,732
91,442
Property management
27,709
26,396
General and administrative
14,518
15,381
Depreciation
212,422
204,215
Total expenses
468,197
452,504
Net gain (loss) on sales of real estate properties
207,977
(21
Operating income
422,109
209,969
Interest and other income
1,936
581
Other expenses
(2,533
(3,275
Interest:
Expense incurred, net
(85,590
(94,938
Amortization of deferred financing costs
(2,041
(2,136
Income before income and other taxes, income (loss) from investments in
unconsolidated entities and net gain (loss) on sales of land parcels
333,881
110,201
Income and other tax (expense) benefit
(53
(238
Income (loss) from investments in unconsolidated entities
(1,157
(707
Net gain (loss) on sales of land parcels
—
1
Net income
332,671
109,257
Net (income) loss attributable to Noncontrolling Interests:
(11,535
(3,919
(12,530
(799
Net income attributable to controlling interests
308,606
104,539
Preferred distributions
(773
Net income available to Common Shares
307,833
103,766
Earnings per share – basic:
0.83
0.28
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding
371,582
369,558
Earnings per share – diluted:
386,949
385,184
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Continued)
Comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive income (loss) – derivative instruments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
(967
(14,420
Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive
income
5,634
4,393
Other comprehensive income (loss)
4,667
(10,027
Comprehensive income
337,338
99,230
Comprehensive (income) attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
(24,234
(4,353
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests
313,104
94,877
4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
2,041
2,136
Amortization of above/below market lease intangibles
(18
Amortization of discounts and premiums on debt
1,276
1,418
Amortization of deferred settlements on derivative instruments
5,631
4,390
Amortization of right-of-use assets
3,007
4,022
Write-off of pursuit costs
1,627
1,448
(Income) loss from investments in unconsolidated entities
1,157
707
Distributions from unconsolidated entities – return on capital
100
693
Net (gain) loss on sales of real estate properties
(207,977
21
Net (gain) loss on sales of land parcels
(1
Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments
25
Compensation paid with Company Common Shares
7,844
9,806
Other operating activities, net
1,805
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(18,386
(14,325
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
62,573
63,789
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
(927
11,406
Increase (decrease) in lease liabilities
(621
(554
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
(20,811
(25,942
Increase (decrease) in security deposits
(988
1,077
Net cash provided by operating activities
382,451
373,545
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in real estate – acquisitions
(258,938
Investment in real estate – development/other
(52,204
(45,327
Capital expenditures to real estate
(38,342
(34,018
Non-real estate capital additions
(4,516
(1,018
Interest capitalized for real estate under development
(1,834
(1,202
Proceeds from disposition of real estate, net
368,364
(5,458
(6,281
Purchase of investment securities and other investments
(251
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
266,009
(347,035
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Debt financing costs
(181
(1,492
Mortgage notes payable, net:
Proceeds
78
288,120
Scheduled principal repayments
(1,941
(1,619
Line of credit and commercial paper:
Line of credit proceeds
720,000
1,995,000
Line of credit repayments
(740,000
(1,995,000
Commercial paper proceeds
1,905,818
3,985,661
Commercial paper repayments
(2,291,000
(4,140,000
Proceeds from (payments on) settlement of derivative instruments
(25
Proceeds from Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
869
1,126
Proceeds from exercise of options
11,151
29,860
Contributions – Noncontrolling Interests – Partially Owned Properties
341
Contributions – Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership
12
Distributions:
Common Shares
(211,239
(199,749
Preferred Shares
Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership
(8,484
(7,256
Noncontrolling Interests – Partially Owned Properties
(9,315
(3,968
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
(624,689
(49,317
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted deposits
23,771
(22,807
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted deposits, beginning of period
116,999
116,313
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted deposits, end of period
140,770
93,506
29,391
64,115
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted deposits, end of period
6
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
75,561
74,777
Net cash paid (received) for income and other taxes
266
531
Amortization of deferred financing costs:
(60
584
603
403
416
1,114
1,117
Amortization of discounts and premiums on debt:
595
736
681
682
Amortization of deferred settlements on derivative instruments:
(3
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Write-off of pursuit costs:
1,586
1,437
33
(Income) loss from investments in unconsolidated entities:
830
364
327
343
Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments:
1,337
1,255
992
11,828
Investments in unconsolidated entities:
(4,558
(5,561
(900
(720
Debt financing costs:
145
(1,632
(5
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities initial measurement and reclassifications:
(438,705
184,116
282,791
(28,202
7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
PREFERRED SHARES
Balance, beginning of period
Balance, end of period
COMMON SHARES, $0.01 PAR VALUE
3,694
Conversion of OP Units into Common Shares
Exercise of share options
Share-based employee compensation expense:
Restricted shares
3,705
PAID IN CAPITAL
8,935,453
Common Share Issuance:
1,844
4,785
11,149
29,853
Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
4,021
4,576
Share options
670
793
ESPP discount
153
267
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)
149
(602
Change in market value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership
111,449
(55,021
Adjustment for Noncontrolling Interests ownership in Operating Partnership
(3,440
4,652
8,925,882
RETAINED EARNINGS
1,261,763
Common Share distributions
(224,507
(210,497
Preferred Share distributions
1,155,032
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(64,986
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – derivative instruments:
Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income
(75,013
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions declared per Common Share outstanding
0.6025
0.5675
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Continued)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
228,738
Issuance of restricted units to Noncontrolling Interests
Conversion of OP Units held by Noncontrolling Interests into OP Units held by
General Partner
(1,844
(4,787
Equity compensation associated with Noncontrolling Interests
5,067
7,903
Net income attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
11,535
3,919
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests
(9,076
(7,605
Change in carrying value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership
(1,391
1,565
3,440
(4,652
225,081
PARTIALLY OWNED PROPERTIES
(2,293
12,530
799
Contributions by Noncontrolling Interests
(5,462
9
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
Redeemable Limited Partners
Capital:
Partners’ Capital:
Preference Units
10,565,983
10,355,789
Limited Partners
Total partners’ capital
10,765,947
10,543,343
Total capital
Total liabilities and capital
(Amounts in thousands except per Unit data)
Net (income) loss attributable to Noncontrolling Interests – Partially Owned
Properties
320,141
108,458
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME:
773
Net income available to Units
319,368
107,685
Earnings per Unit – basic:
Weighted average Units outstanding
384,586
382,477
Earnings per Unit – diluted:
Comprehensive (income) attributable to Noncontrolling Interests –
324,808
98,431
Proceeds from EQR’s Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Proceeds from exercise of EQR options
Contributions – Limited Partners
OP Units – General Partner
OP Units – Limited Partners
14
15
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL
PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
PREFERENCE UNITS
GENERAL PARTNER
10,200,910
OP Unit Issuance:
Conversion of OP Units held by Limited Partners into OP Units held by General Partner
4,787
Exercise of EQR share options
EQR’s Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
EQR restricted shares
4,023
4,578
EQR share options
EQR ESPP discount
Net income available to Units – General Partner
OP Units – General Partner distributions
Change in market value of Redeemable Limited Partners
Adjustment for Limited Partners ownership in Operating Partnership
10,084,619
LIMITED PARTNERS
Issuance of restricted units to Limited Partners
Equity compensation associated with Units – Limited Partners
Net income available to Units – Limited Partners
Units – Limited Partners distributions
Change in carrying value of Redeemable Limited Partners
Distributions declared per Unit outstanding
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL (Continued)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS – PARTIALLY OWNED PROPERTIES
17
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Business
Equity Residential (“EQR”) is an S&P 500 company focused on the acquisition, development and management of rental apartment properties located in urban and high-density suburban communities, a business that is conducted on its behalf by ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“ERPOP”). EQR is a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) formed in March 1993 and ERPOP is an Illinois limited partnership formed in May 1993. References to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” mean collectively EQR, ERPOP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by EQR and/or ERPOP. References to the “Operating Partnership” mean collectively ERPOP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by ERPOP. Unless otherwise indicated, the notes to consolidated financial statements apply to both the Company and the Operating Partnership.
EQR is the general partner of, and as of March 31, 2020 owned an approximate 96.4% ownership interest in, ERPOP. All of the Company’s property ownership, development and related business operations are conducted through the Operating Partnership and EQR has no material assets or liabilities other than its investment in ERPOP. EQR issues equity from time to time, the net proceeds of which it is obligated to contribute to ERPOP, but does not have any indebtedness as all debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all of the assets of the Company, including the Company’s ownership interests in its joint ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity.
As of March 31, 2020, the Company, directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities, owned all or a portion of 306 properties located in 9 states and the District of Columbia consisting of 79,065 apartment units. The ownership breakdown includes (table does not include various uncompleted development properties):
Apartment Units
Wholly Owned Properties
289
75,504
Master-Leased Property – Consolidated
162
Partially Owned Properties – Consolidated
3,399
306
79,065
2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) and certain reclassifications considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020.
In preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In response to the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, management evaluated whether its estimates, such as impairment, required revised approaches and concluded that no revisions were necessary at this time.
The balance sheets at December 31, 2019 have been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.
For further information, including definitions of capitalized terms not defined herein, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Income and Other Taxes
EQR has elected to be taxed as a REIT. This, along with the nature of the operations of its operating properties, resulted in no provision for federal income taxes at the EQR level. In addition, ERPOP generally is not liable for federal income taxes as the partners recognize their allocable share of income or loss in their tax returns; therefore no provision for federal income taxes has been made at the ERPOP level. Historically, the Company has generally only incurred certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The Company has elected taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) status for certain of its corporate subsidiaries and, as a result, these entities will incur both federal and state income taxes on any taxable income of such entities after consideration of any net operating losses.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act was enacted to provide economic relief to companies and individuals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the CARES Act are tax provisions which increase allowable interest expense deductions for 2019 and 2020 and increase the ability for taxpayers to use net operating losses. While we do not expect these provisions to result in a material impact to the Company’s taxable income or tax liabilities, the Company will continue to analyze the provisions of the CARES Act and related guidance as it is published.
The CARES Act also allows corporations to request accelerated refunds of their alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit. Prior to enactment of this provision, the remaining credits would have been refunded in installments in 2020, 2021 and 2022. We have filed a claim and expect to receive a refund of our remaining $1.6 million of AMT credit in 2020.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to the reference rate reform standard which provides the option for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for, or recognizing the effects of, reference rate reform on contract modifications and hedge accounting. An example of such reform is the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. Entities that make this optional expedient election would not have to remeasure the contracts at the modification date or reassess the accounting treatment if certain criteria are met and would continue applying hedge accounting for relationships affected by reference rate reform. The new standard was effective for the Company upon issuance and elections can be made through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating its options with regards to existing contracts and hedging relationships and the impact of adopting this update on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.
In April 2020, a FASB staff question and answer document was issued which intended to reduce the challenges of evaluating the enforceable rights and obligations of leases for concessions granted to lessees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The relief allows entities to elect not to evaluate whether any concessions provided by a lessor to a lessee in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a lease modification, subject to certain conditions being met. The Company is currently evaluating whether to make this optional election.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued a standard which requires companies to adopt a new approach for estimating credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, such as trade and other receivables and loans. The standard requires entities to estimate a lifetime expected credit loss for most financial instruments, including trade receivables. In November 2018, the FASB issued an amendment excluding operating lease receivables accounted for under the leases standard from the scope of the credit losses standard. The Company adopted this standard as required effective January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material effect on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.
19
In February 2016, the FASB issued a lease standard which sets out principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessors and lessees). The Company adopted this standard as required effective January 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective method and the Company applied the guidance as of the adoption date and elected certain practical expedients, as described below. The standard impacted our consolidated balance sheets but did not impact our consolidated statements of operations. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities where the Company is the lessee were recognized for various corporate office leases and ground leases. The Company recorded ROU assets and related lease liabilities to its opening balance sheet upon adoption on January 1, 2019 of $434.2 million and $278.3 million, respectively.
The Company elected the practical expedient to not reassess the classification of existing operating leases. As of January 1, 2019, any new or modified ground leases may be classified as financing leases unless they meet certain conditions. When there is a material lease modification, the Company is required to reassess the classification and remeasure the lease liability. The Company also elected the practical expedient to account for both its lease and non-lease components as a single component under the leases standard. See Note 8 for additional discussion regarding the lease standard.
In August 2017, the FASB issued a final standard which makes changes to the hedge accounting model to enable entities to better portray their risk management activities in the financial statements. The standard expands an entity’s ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components, reduces complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk and eases certain documentation and assessment requirements. The standard also eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of any hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged instrument. The Company adopted this standard as required effective January 1, 2019 and it did not have a material effect on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.
3.
Equity, Capital and Other Interests
The Company refers to “Common Shares” and “Units” (which refer to both OP Units and restricted units) as equity securities for EQR and “General Partner Units” and “Limited Partner Units” as equity securities for ERPOP. To provide a streamlined and more readable presentation of the disclosures for the Company and the Operating Partnership, several sections below refer to the respective terminology for each with the same financial information and separate sections are provided, where needed, to further distinguish any differences in financial information and terminology.
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Shares and Units for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
Common Shares outstanding at January 1,
371,670,884
369,405,161
Common Shares Issued:
Conversion of OP Units
41,945
184,878
214,521
709,071
13,606
18,901
Restricted share grants, net
163,098
144,390
Common Shares outstanding at March 31,
372,104,054
370,462,401
Units
Units outstanding at January 1,
13,731,315
13,904,035
Restricted unit grants, net
243,063
133,214
Conversion of OP Units to Common Shares
(41,945
(184,878
Units outstanding at March 31,
13,932,433
13,852,371
Total Common Shares and Units outstanding at March 31,
386,036,487
384,314,772
Units Ownership Interest in Operating Partnership
3.6
%
20
The following table presents the changes in the Operating Partnership’s issued and outstanding General Partner Units and Limited Partner Units for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
General and Limited Partner Units
General and Limited Partner Units outstanding at January 1,
385,402,199
383,309,196
Issued to General Partner:
EQR’s restricted share grants, net
Issued to Limited Partners:
General and Limited Partner Units outstanding at March 31,
Limited Partner Units
Limited Partner Units outstanding at January 1,
Limited Partner restricted unit grants, net
Conversion of Limited Partner OP Units to EQR Common Shares
Limited Partner Units outstanding at March 31,
Limited Partner Units Ownership Interest in Operating Partnership
The equity positions of various individuals and entities that contributed their properties to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units, as well as the equity positions of the holders of restricted units, are collectively referred to as the “Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership” and “Limited Partners Capital,” respectively, for the Company and the Operating Partnership. Subject to certain exceptions (including the “book-up” requirements of restricted units), the Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital may exchange their Units with EQR for Common Shares on a one-for-one basis. The carrying value of the Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital (including redeemable interests) is allocated based on the number of Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital in total in proportion to the number of Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital in total plus the total number of Common Shares/General Partner Units. Net income is allocated to the Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital based on the weighted average ownership percentage during the period.
The Operating Partnership has the right but not the obligation to make a cash payment instead of issuing Common Shares to any and all holders of Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital requesting an exchange of their Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital with EQR. Once the Operating Partnership elects not to redeem the Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital for cash, EQR is obligated to deliver Common Shares to the exchanging holder of the Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital.
The Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital are classified as either mezzanine equity or permanent equity. If EQR is required, either by contract or securities law, to deliver registered Common Shares, such Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital are differentiated and referred to as “Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership” and “Redeemable Limited Partners,” respectively. Instruments that require settlement in registered shares cannot be classified in permanent equity as it is not always completely within an issuer’s control to deliver registered shares. Therefore, settlement in cash is assumed and that responsibility for settlement in cash is deemed to fall to the Operating Partnership as the primary source of cash for EQR, resulting in presentation in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet. The Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Redeemable Limited Partners are adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value based on the Common Share price of EQR at the end of each respective reporting period. EQR has the ability to deliver unregistered Common Shares for the remaining portion of the Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital that are classified in permanent equity at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
The carrying value of the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Redeemable Limited Partners is allocated based on the number of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Redeemable Limited Partners in proportion to the number of Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Limited Partners Capital in total. Such percentage of the total carrying value of Units/Limited Partner Units which is ascribed to the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Redeemable Limited Partners is then adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value as described above. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Redeemable Limited Partners have a redemption value of approximately $353.3 million and $432.6 million, respectively, which represents the value of Common Shares that would be issued in exchange for the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Redeemable Limited Partners.
The following table presents the changes in the redemption value of the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Redeemable Limited Partners for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):
Balance at January 1,
379,106
Change in market value
(111,449
55,021
Change in carrying value
1,391
(1,565
Balance at March 31,
432,562
Net proceeds from EQR Common Share and Preferred Share (see definition below) offerings and proceeds from exercise of options for Common Shares are contributed by EQR to ERPOP. In return for those contributions, EQR receives a number of OP Units in ERPOP equal to the number of Common Shares it has issued in the equity offering (or in the case of a preferred equity offering, a number of preference units in ERPOP equal in number and having the same terms as the Preferred Shares issued in the equity offering). As a result, the net proceeds from Common Shares and Preferred Shares are allocated for the Company between shareholders’ equity and Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership and for the Operating Partnership between General Partner’s Capital and Limited Partners Capital to account for the change in their respective percentage ownership of the underlying equity.
The Company’s declaration of trust authorizes it to issue up to 100,000,000 preferred shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share (the “Preferred Shares”), with specific rights, preferences and other attributes as the Board of Trustees may determine, which may include preferences, powers and rights that are senior to the rights of holders of the Company’s Common Shares.
The following table presents the Company’s issued and outstanding Preferred Shares/Preference Units as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
Amounts in thousands
Annual
Call
Dividend Per
Date (1)
Share/Unit (2)
Preferred Shares/Preference Units of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value;
100,000,000 shares authorized:
8.29% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares/Preference
Units; liquidation value $50 per share/unit; 745,600 shares/units issued
and outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
12/10/26
4.145
(1)
On or after the call date, redeemable Preferred Shares/Preference Units may be redeemed for cash at the option of the Company or the Operating Partnership, respectively, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation price per share/unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if any.
(2)
Dividends on Preferred Shares/Preference Units are payable quarterly.
Other
EQR and ERPOP currently have an active universal shelf registration statement for the issuance of equity and debt securities that automatically became effective upon filing with the SEC in June 2019 and expires in June 2022. Per the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, EQR contributes the net proceeds of all equity offerings to the capital of ERPOP in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis) or preference units (on a one-for-one preferred share per preference unit basis).
The Company has an At-The-Market (“ATM”) share offering program which allows EQR to sell Common Shares from time to time into the existing trading market at current market prices as well as through negotiated transactions. In June 2019, the Company extended the program maturity to June 2022. In connection with the extension, the Company may now also sell Common Shares under forward sale agreements. The use of a forward sale agreement would allow the Company to lock in a price on the sale of Common Shares at the time the agreement is executed, but defer receiving the proceeds from the sale until a later date. EQR has the authority to issue 13.0 million shares but has not issued any shares under this program since September 2012.
The Company may repurchase up to 13.0 million Common Shares under its share repurchase program. No open market repurchases have occurred since 2008, and no repurchases of any kind have occurred since February 2014. As of March 31, 2020, EQR has remaining authorization to repurchase up to 13.0 million of its shares.
22
4.
Real Estate
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts for the Company’s investment in real estate (at cost) as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (amounts in thousands):
March 31, 2020
Depreciable property:
Buildings and improvements
18,759,542
18,904,686
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
1,941,353
1,916,458
In-Place lease intangibles
496,652
497,957
Projects under development:
23,531
Construction-in-progress
202,222
158,099
Land held for development:
64,460
38,142
32,228
During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company disposed of the following to unaffiliated parties (sales price in thousands):
Sales Price
Rental Properties – Consolidated
897
370,200
Total
The Company recognized a net gain on sales of real estate properties of approximately $208.0 million on the above sales.
5.
Commitments to Acquire/Dispose of Real Estate
The Company has not entered into any agreements to acquire rental properties or land parcels as of the date of filing.
The Company has entered into separate agreements to dispose of the following (sales price in thousands):
517
276,500
Land Parcels (two)
55,150
331,650
The closing of pending transactions is subject to certain conditions and restrictions; therefore, there can be no assurance that the transactions will be consummated or that the final terms will not differ in material respects from any agreements summarized above. See Note 14 for discussion of the properties acquired or disposed of, if any, subsequent to March 31, 2020.
23
6.
Investments in Partially Owned Entities
The Company has co-invested in various properties with unrelated third parties which are either consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting (unconsolidated).
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)
In accordance with accounting standards for consolidation of VIEs, the Company consolidates ERPOP on EQR’s financial statements. As the sole general partner of ERPOP, EQR has exclusive control of ERPOP’s day-to-day management. The limited partners are not able to exercise substantive kick-out or participating rights. As a result, ERPOP qualifies as a VIE. EQR has a controlling financial interest in ERPOP and, thus, is ERPOP’s primary beneficiary. EQR has the power to direct the activities of ERPOP that most significantly impact ERPOP’s economic performance as well as the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from ERPOP that could potentially be significant to ERPOP.
The Company has various equity interests in certain joint ventures owning 16 properties containing 3,399 apartment units. The Company is the general partner or managing member of these joint ventures and is responsible for managing the operations and affairs of the joint ventures as well as making all decisions regarding the businesses of the joint ventures. The limited partners or non-managing members are not able to exercise substantive kick-out or participating rights. As a result, the joint ventures qualify as VIEs. The Company has a controlling financial interest in the VIEs and, thus, is the VIEs’ primary beneficiary. The Company has both the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance as well as the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. As a result, the joint ventures are required to be consolidated on the Company’s financial statements.
The Company also has entered into two separate consolidated joint ventures which each own land parcels that are being/will be developed into multifamily rental properties. These joint ventures have been deemed to be VIEs and are consolidated due to the Company being the primary beneficiary.
The consolidated assets and liabilities related to the VIEs discussed above were approximately $744.1 million and $332.1 million, respectively, at March 31, 2020 and approximately $754.7 million and $323.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
The following table and information summarizes the Company’s investments in unconsolidated entities, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as the requirements for consolidation are not met, as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (amounts in thousands except for ownership percentage):
Ownership Percentage
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities:
Operating Property (VIE) (1)
39,873
40,361
33.3%
Real Estate Technology/Other
15,993
11,877
Varies
Represents an unconsolidated interest in an entity that owns the land underlying one of the consolidated joint venture properties noted above and owns and operates a related parking facility. The joint venture, as a limited partner, does not have substantive kick-out or participating rights in the entity. As a result, the entity qualifies as a VIE. The joint venture does not have a controlling financial interest in the VIE and is not the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The joint venture does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance or the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As a result, the entity that owns the land and owns and operates the parking facility is unconsolidated and recorded using the equity method of accounting.
7.
Restricted Deposits
The following table presents the Company’s restricted deposits as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (amounts in thousands):
Mortgage escrow deposits:
Replacement reserves
8,771
8,543
Mortgage principal reserves/sinking funds
10,755
9,689
Mortgage escrow deposits
19,526
18,232
Restricted cash:
Tax-deferred (1031) exchange proceeds
14,232
Restricted deposits on real estate investments
654
658
Resident security and utility deposits
37,279
37,140
976
984
Restricted cash
38,909
53,014
8.
Leases
Lessor Accounting
The Company is the lessor for its residential and retail leases (including commercial leases) and these leases will continue to be accounted for as operating leases under the standard as described in Note 2.
For both the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, approximately 97% of the Company’s total lease revenue is generated from residential apartment leases that are generally twelve months or less in length. The residential apartment leases may include lease income related to such items as RUBS income, parking, storage and pet rent that the Company treats as a single lease component because the amenities cannot be leased on their own and the timing and pattern of revenue recognition are the same. The collection of lease payments at lease commencement is probable and therefore the Company subsequently recognizes lease income over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Residential leases are renewable upon consent of both parties on an annual or monthly basis.
For both the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, approximately 3% of the Company’s total lease revenue is generated by retail leases that are generally for terms ranging between five to ten years. The retail leases generally consist of ground floor retail spaces and master-leased parking garages that serve as additional amenities for our residents. The retail leases may include lease income related to such items as RUBS income, parking rent and storage rent that the Company treats as a single lease component because the amenities cannot be leased on their own and the timing and pattern of revenue recognition are the same. The collection of lease payments at lease commencement is probable and therefore the Company subsequently recognizes lease income over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Retail leases are renewable with market-based renewal options.
The following table presents the lease income types relating to lease payments for residential and retail leases for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):
Quarter Ended March 31, 2020
Quarter Ended March 31, 2019
Lease Income Type
Residential Leases
Retail Leases
Residential and retail rent
612,480
18,094
630,574
592,520
18,470
610,990
Utility recoveries (RUBS income) (1)
17,418
228
17,646
16,445
203
16,648
Parking rent
9,833
97
9,930
9,137
72
9,209
Storage rent
962
981
919
44
963
Pet rent
2,901
2,887
Total lease revenue (2)
643,594
18,438
662,032
621,908
18,789
640,697
RUBS income primarily consists of variable payments representing the recovery of utility costs from residents.
Excludes other rental income of $20.3 million and $21.6 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is accounted for under the revenue recognition standard.
9.
Debt
EQR does not have any indebtedness as all debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership. Weighted average interest rates noted below for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 include the effect of any derivative instruments and amortization of premiums/discounts/OCI (other comprehensive income) on debt and derivatives.
Mortgage Notes Payable
The following table summarizes the Company’s mortgage notes payable activity for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 (amounts in thousands):
Mortgage notes
payable, net as of
Lump sum
payoffs
Scheduled
principal
repayments
Amortization
of premiums/
discounts
of deferred
financing
costs, net (1)
Fixed Rate Debt:
Secured – Conventional
1,574,699
285
293
1,573,336
Floating Rate Debt:
7,050
60
7,188
Secured – Tax Exempt
359,861
310
360,221
Floating Rate Debt
366,911
110
367,409
Represents amortization of deferred financing costs, net of debt financing costs.
The following table summarizes certain interest rate and maturity date information as of and for the quarter ended March 31, 2020:
Interest Rate Ranges
0.10% - 5.29%
Weighted Average Interest Rate
3.73%
Maturity Date Ranges
2020-2061
As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $281.7 million of secured debt (primarily tax-exempt bonds) subject to third party credit enhancement.
Notes
The following table summarizes the Company’s notes activity for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 (amounts in thousands):
Notes, net as of
Unsecured – Public
2.50% - 7.57%
4.05%
2021-2047
26
The Company’s unsecured public notes contain certain financial and operating covenants including, among other things, maintenance of certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with its unsecured public debt covenants for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.
Line of Credit and Commercial Paper
On November 1, 2019, the Company replaced its existing $2.0 billion facility with a $2.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility maturing November 1, 2024. The Company has the ability to increase available borrowings by an additional $750.0 million by adding lenders to the facility, obtaining the agreement of existing lenders to increase their commitments or incurring one or more term loans. The interest rate on advances under the facility will generally be LIBOR plus a spread (currently 0.775%), or based on bids received from the lending group, and the Company pays an annual facility fee (currently 0.125%). Both the spread and the facility fee are dependent on the Company’s senior unsecured credit rating. The weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 2.24% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.
The Company has an unsecured commercial paper note program in the United States. On November 4, 2019, the Company increased the maximum aggregate amount outstanding for the commercial paper program from $500.0 million to $1.0 billion. The notes will be sold under customary terms in the United States commercial paper note market subject to market conditions and will rank pari passu with all of the Company’s other unsecured senior indebtedness. The notes bear interest at various floating rates with a weighted average interest rate of 1.95% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and a weighted average maturity of 12 days as of March 31, 2020. The weighted average amount outstanding for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 was approximately $850.8 million.
The Company limits its utilization of the revolving credit facility in order to maintain liquidity to support its $1.0 billion commercial paper program along with certain other obligations. The following table presents the availability on the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2020 (amounts in thousands):
Unsecured revolving credit facility commitment
2,500,000
Commercial paper balance outstanding
(613,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility balance outstanding
Other restricted amounts
(100,949
Unsecured revolving credit facility availability
1,786,051
10.
Derivative and Other Fair Value Instruments
The valuation of financial instruments requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the fair value of the instruments. The Company, where possible, bases the fair values of its financial instruments, including its derivative instruments, on listed market prices and third party quotes. Where these are not available, the Company bases its estimates on current instruments with similar terms and maturities or on other factors relevant to the financial instruments.
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to the effect of interest rate changes. The Company may seek to manage these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives to hedge interest rate risk on debt instruments. The Company may also use derivatives to manage commodity prices in the daily operations of the business.
A three-level valuation hierarchy exists for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
27
The Company’s derivative positions are valued using models developed by the respective counterparty as well as models applied internally by the Company that use as their inputs readily observable market parameters (such as forward yield curves and credit default swap data). Employee holdings other than Common Shares within the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”) are valued using quoted market prices for identical assets and are included in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership/Redeemable Limited Partners are valued using the quoted market price of Common Shares. The fair values disclosed for mortgage notes payable and unsecured debt (including its commercial paper and line of credit, if applicable) were calculated using indicative rates provided by lenders of similar loans in the case of mortgage notes payable and the private unsecured debt (including its commercial paper and line of credit, if applicable) and quoted market prices for each underlying issuance in the case of the public unsecured notes.
The fair values of the Company’s financial instruments (other than mortgage notes payable, unsecured notes, commercial paper, line of credit and derivative instruments), including cash and cash equivalents and other financial instruments, approximate their carrying or contract value. The following table provides a summary of the carrying and fair values for the Company’s mortgage notes payable and unsecured debt (including its commercial paper and line of credit, if applicable) at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (amounts in thousands):
Carrying Value
Estimated Fair
Value (Level 2)
1,972,399
1,930,710
Unsecured debt, net
6,691,959
6,901,253
7,095,346
7,677,289
Total debt, net
8,632,704
8,873,652
9,036,956
9,607,999
The following table summarizes the Company’s consolidated derivative instruments at March 31, 2020 (dollar amounts are in thousands):
Forward
Starting
Swaps (1)
Current Notional Balance
50,000
Lowest Interest Rate
0.744
Highest Interest Rate
1.045
Maturity Date
2025
Forward Starting Swaps – Designed to partially fix interest rates in advance of planned future debt issuances. These swaps have mandatory counterparty terminations in 2021 and are targeted for certain 2020 debt issuances.
The following tables provide a summary of the fair value measurements for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the location within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (amounts in thousands):
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description
Balance Sheet
Location
3/31/2020
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Other Assets
126,160
Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest Rate Contracts:
Forward Starting Swaps
Other Liabilities
967
127,127
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests –
Operating Partnership/Redeemable
Mezzanine
28
12/31/2019
151,889
The following tables provide a summary of the effect of fair value hedges on the Company’s accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively (amounts in thousands):
Type of Fair Value Hedge
Location of
Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
Amount of
Hedged Item
Income Statement
Income
on Hedged Item
Interest Rate Swaps
March 31, 2019
Interest expense
Fixed rate debt
(1,255
The following tables provide a summary of the effect of cash flow hedges on the Company’s accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively (amounts in thousands):
Effective Portion
Type of Cash Flow Hedge
Recognized in OCI
on Derivative
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
Accumulated
OCI into Income
(5,634
29
(4,393
As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were approximately $72.9 million and $77.6 million in deferred losses, net, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), respectively, related to derivative instruments, of which an estimated $25.4 million may be recognized as additional interest expense during the twelve months ending March 31, 2021.
11.
Earnings Per Share and Earnings Per Unit
Equity Residential
The following tables set forth the computation of net income per share – basic and net income per share – diluted for the Company (amounts in thousands except per share amounts):
Numerator for net income per share – basic:
Allocation to Noncontrolling Interests – Operating
Partnership
Net (income) loss attributable to Noncontrolling
Interests – Partially Owned Properties
Numerator for net income per share – basic
Numerator for net income per share – diluted:
Numerator for net income per share – diluted
Denominator for net income per share – basic and diluted:
Denominator for net income per share – basic
Effect of dilutive securities:
OP Units
13,004
12,919
Long-term compensation shares/units
2,363
2,707
Denominator for net income per share – diluted
Net income per share – basic
Net income per share – diluted
30
ERP Operating Limited Partnership
The following tables set forth the computation of net income per Unit – basic and net income per Unit – diluted for the Operating Partnership (amounts in thousands except per Unit amounts):
Numerator for net income per Unit – basic and diluted:
Net (income) loss attributable to Noncontrolling Interests – Partially
Owned Properties
Allocation to Preference Units
Numerator for net income per Unit – basic and diluted
Denominator for net income per Unit – basic and diluted:
Denominator for net income per Unit – basic
Dilution for Units issuable upon assumed exercise/vesting
of the Company’s long-term compensation shares/units
Denominator for net income per Unit – diluted
Net income per Unit – basic
Net income per Unit – diluted
12.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company, as an owner of real estate, is subject to various Federal, state and local environmental laws. Compliance by the Company with existing laws has not had a material adverse effect on the Company. However, the Company cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws or regulations, whether related to COVID-19 or otherwise, on its current properties or on properties that it may acquire in the future.
The Company does not believe there is any litigation pending or threatened against it that, individually or in the aggregate, may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
As of March 31, 2020, the Company has two wholly owned projects and one partially owned project totaling 824 apartment units in various stages of development with remaining commitments to fund of approximately $377.1 million (inclusive of applicable construction mortgage and joint venture partner obligations) and estimated completion dates ranging through September 30, 2021. Estimated completion dates for projects under development currently remain unchanged from the Company’s estimates in the fourth quarter of 2019. The Company will reevaluate these dates as the impact of COVID-19 becomes clearer. The Company has two projects that are completed but not yet stabilized at March 31, 2020, both of which have current occupancies above 90%.
As of March 31, 2020, the Company has two joint venture agreements with third party partners for the consolidated development of multifamily rental properties, one of which is currently under construction as noted above. The development commitment to fund the project under construction is included in the development funding totals above for one of the joint ventures. The joint venture agreements with each partner include a buy-sell provision that provides the right, but not the obligation, for the Company to acquire each respective partner’s interests or sell its interests at any time following the occurrence of certain pre-defined events described in the joint venture agreements. See Note 6 for additional discussion.
13.
Reportable Segments
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses and about which discrete financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker decides how resources are allocated and assesses performance on a recurring basis at least quarterly.
The Company’s primary business is the acquisition, development and management of multifamily residential properties, which includes the generation of rental and other related income through the leasing of apartment units to residents. The chief operating decision maker evaluates the Company’s operating performance geographically by market and both on a same store and non-same store basis. While the Company does maintain a retail presence, it is only approximately 4.0% of total revenues and is designed as an amenity for our residential residents. The chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of each property on a consolidated residential and retail basis. The Company’s geographic same store operating segments located in urban and high-density
31
suburban communities represent its reportable segments.
The Company’s fee and asset management and development activities are other business activities that do not constitute an operating segment and as such, have been aggregated in the “Other” category in the tables presented below.
All revenues are from external customers and there is no customer who contributed 10% or more of the Company’s total revenues during the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The primary financial measure for the Company’s rental real estate segment is net operating income (“NOI”), which represents rental income less: 1) property and maintenance expense and 2) real estate taxes and insurance expense (all as reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income). The Company believes that NOI is helpful to investors as a supplemental measure of its operating performance because it is a direct measure of the actual operating results of the Company’s apartment properties. Revenues for all leases are reflected on a straight-line basis in accordance with GAAP for the current and comparable periods.
The following table presents a reconciliation of NOI from our rental real estate for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively (amounts in thousands):
Property and maintenance expense
(115,816
(115,070
Real estate taxes and insurance expense
(97,732
(91,442
Total operating expenses
(213,548
(206,512
Net operating income
468,757
455,790
The following tables present NOI for each segment from our rental real estate for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as well as total assets and capital expenditures at March 31, 2020 (amounts in thousands):
Rental
Operating
Expenses
NOI
Same store (1)
Los Angeles
121,920
36,916
85,004
119,536
36,430
83,106
Orange County
26,694
6,214
20,480
25,828
6,175
19,653
San Diego
24,142
6,317
17,825
23,304
6,148
17,156
Subtotal - Southern California
172,756
49,447
123,309
168,668
48,753
119,915
San Francisco
121,950
30,694
91,256
118,071
29,502
88,569
Washington D.C.
103,884
32,044
71,840
101,504
31,520
69,984
New York
116,590
50,932
65,658
114,761
48,894
65,867
Seattle
64,956
17,427
47,529
61,598
17,118
44,480
Boston
63,683
18,160
45,523
61,920
18,241
43,679
Denver
4,558
1,233
3,325
4,577
1,196
3,381
Total same store
648,377
199,937
448,440
631,099
195,224
435,875
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
Non-same store
29,653
9,165
20,488
5,838
1,783
4,055
Other (3)
4,275
4,446
(171
25,365
9,505
15,860
Total non-same store/other
33,928
13,611
20,317
31,203
11,288
19,915
Totals
213,548
206,512
For the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, same store primarily includes all properties acquired or completed that were stabilized prior to January 1, 2019, less properties subsequently sold, which represented 74,919 apartment units.
For the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, non-same store primarily includes properties acquired after January 1, 2019, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized as of January 1, 2019.
(3)
Other includes development, other corporate operations and operations prior to disposition for properties sold.
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Total Assets
Capital Expenditures
3,090,294
9,360
401,249
2,021
385,989
3,877,532
12,498
3,362,398
4,121
3,343,974
6,836
4,001,406
6,327
1,855,378
2,026
1,809,524
5,665
253,763
184
18,503,975
37,657
1,660,327
548
755,016
137
2,415,343
685
38,342
Same store primarily includes all properties acquired or completed that were stabilized prior to January 1, 2019, less properties subsequently sold, which represented 74,919 apartment units.
Non-same store primarily includes properties acquired after January 1, 2019, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized as of January 1, 2019.
Other includes development, other corporate operations and capital expenditures for properties sold.
14.
Subsequent Events
The rapid development and fast-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic creates many unknowns that could have a future material impact on the Company. Its duration and severity, the extent of the adverse health impact on the general population, our residents and our employees are among the unknowns. These, among other items, will likely impact the economy, the unemployment rate and our operations and could materially affect our future consolidated results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, investments and overall performance.
Subsequent to March 31, 2020, the Company:
Sold one property consisting of 138 apartment units for $108.0 million;
Obtained $495.0 million in a 2.60% fixed rate mortgage loan pool maturing on May 1, 2030;
Paid approximately $1.2 million to settle two forward starting swaps in conjunction with the issuance of the $495.0 million of mortgage debt noted above; and
Repaid $91.5 million of 4.747% mortgage debt at par prior to the May 1, 2021 maturity date.
For further information including definitions for capitalized terms not defined herein, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition, please refer to the Definitions section below for various capitalized terms not immediately defined in this Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-looking statements are intended to be made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions made by management. While the Company’s management believes the assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements are reasonable, such information is inherently subject to uncertainties and may involve certain risks, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Many of these uncertainties and risks are difficult to predict and beyond management’s control, such as the current novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic (see below for further discussion). Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, results or events. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or supplement these forward-looking statements.
In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which are unknown, including the duration and severity of the pandemic, the extent of the adverse health impact on the general population and on our residents, customers and employees in particular, its impact on the employment rate and the economy and the corresponding impact on our residents’ and tenants’ ability to pay their rent on time or at all, the extent and impact of governmental responses and the impact of operational changes we have implemented and may implement in response to the pandemic.
Factors that might cause such differences are discussed in Part I of the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, particularly those under Item 1A, Risk Factors. Additional factors are also included in Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Forward-looking statements and related uncertainties are also included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
Due to the inherent uncertainty surrounding the social and economic disruption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company withdrew its full-year 2020 guidance. The Company is also suspending issuing guidance in future periods until there is greater certainty surrounding the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
Overview
Equity Residential (“EQR”) is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of rental apartment properties located in urban and high-density suburban communities where today’s renters want to live, work and play. ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“ERPOP”) is focused on conducting the multifamily property business of EQR. EQR is a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) formed in March 1993 and ERPOP is an Illinois limited partnership formed in May 1993. References to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” mean collectively EQR, ERPOP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by EQR and/or ERPOP. References to the “Operating Partnership” mean collectively ERPOP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by ERPOP.
The Company’s corporate headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois and the Company also operates regional property management offices in each of its markets. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had approximately 2,600 employees who provided real estate operations, leasing, legal, financial, accounting, acquisition, disposition, development and other support functions.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. See the COVID-19 Impact section below for a discussion of the impact on our business to date, including operational changes we have implemented, performance indicators and factors that we anticipate will inform our future decisions and actions. The rapid development and fast-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic creates many unknowns that could have a future material impact on the Company. Its duration and severity, the extent of the adverse health impact on the general population, our residents and our employees are among the unknowns. These, among other items, will likely impact the economy, the unemployment rate and our operations and could materially affect our future consolidated results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, investments and overall performance. For additional details, see Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Available Information
You may access our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to any of those reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) free of charge on our website, www.equityapartments.com. These reports are made available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with the SEC. The information contained on our website, including any information referred to in this report as being available on our website, is not a part of or incorporated into this report.
Business Objectives and Operating and Investing Strategies
The Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s overall business objectives and operating and investing strategies have not changed from the information included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, though the Company and the Operating Partnership will continue to be focused on its response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the near-term.
Results of Operations
2020 Transactions
In conjunction with our business objectives and operating strategy, the Company continued to invest in apartment properties located primarily in our urban and high-density suburban communities and sell apartment properties that we believe will have inferior long-term returns. The following table provides a rollforward of the transactions that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2020:
Portfolio Rollforward
($ in thousands)
Apartment
Disposition
Yield
309
79,962
Dispositions:
Consolidated Rental Properties
(897
(370,200
(5.0
)%
The consolidated properties disposed of were located in the Phoenix and San Francisco markets and the sales generated an Unlevered IRR of 12.9%. See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Company’s real estate transactions.
We currently budget spending approximately $250.0 million on development costs during the year ending December 31, 2020, of which approximately $50.0 million was spent in the first quarter of 2020, primarily for properties currently under construction. Certain of these costs will be funded by third party construction mortgages and joint venture partner obligations. Currently our development project in Boston has been halted due to the city issuing a temporary construction moratorium as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while our projects in Bethesda, MD and Alameda, CA continue under construction. The expected spending noted above could change as a result of the Boston project being halted or other COVID-19 related impacts.
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Same Store Results
Properties that the Company owned and were stabilized (see definition below) for all of both of the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (the “First Quarter 2020 Same Store Properties”), which represented 74,919 apartment units, impacted the Company’s results of operations. The First Quarter 2020 Same Store Properties are discussed in the following paragraphs.
The Company’s primary financial measure for evaluating each of its apartment communities is net operating income (“NOI”). NOI represents rental income less direct property operating expenses (including real estate taxes and insurance). The Company believes that NOI is helpful to investors as a supplemental measure of its operating performance because it is a direct measure of the actual operating results of the Company’s apartment properties.
The following tables provide a rollforward of the apartment units included in Same Store Properties and a reconciliation of apartment units included in Same Store Properties to those included in Total Properties for the quarter ended March 31, 2020:
Same Store Properties at December 31, 2019
279
71,830
2017 acquisitions
510
2018 acquisitions
1,461
2020 dispositions
Lease-up properties stabilized
2,015
Same Store Properties at March 31, 2020
288
74,919
Same Store
Non-Same Store:
2019 acquisitions
3,540
Master-Leased properties (1)
Lease-up properties not yet stabilized (2)
443
Total Non-Same Store
4,146
Total Properties and Apartment Units
Note: Properties are considered “stabilized” when they have achieved 90% occupancy for three consecutive months. Properties are included in same store when they are stabilized for all of the current and comparable periods presented.
Consists of one property containing 162 apartment units that is wholly owned by the Company where the entire project is master-leased to a third party corporate housing provider.
Consists of properties in various stages of lease-up and properties where lease-up has been completed but the properties were not stabilized for the comparable periods presented.
36
The following tables present reconciliations of operating income per the consolidated statements of operations to NOI, along with rental income, operating expenses and NOI per the consolidated statements of operations allocated between same store and non-same store results (amounts in thousands):
Adjustments:
Fee and asset management revenue
(24
(192
Total NOI
Rental income:
Same store
Non-same store/other
Total rental income
Operating expenses:
NOI:
The following table provides comparative total same store results and statistics for the First Quarter 2020 Same Store Properties:
First Quarter 2020 vs. First Quarter 2019
Total Same Store Results/Statistics Including 74,919 Same Store Apartment Units
$ in thousands (except for Average Rental Rate)
First Quarter 2020
First Quarter 2019
Residential
Change
Non-
Residential (1)
Revenues
625,286
2.9
23,091
(1.4
%)
2.7
607,686
23,413
194,207
2.3
5,730
6.3
2.4
189,836
5,388
431,079
3.2
17,361
(3.7
417,850
18,025
Average Rental Rate
2,885
2,809
Physical Occupancy
96.5
0.2
96.3
Turnover
9.7
(0.4
10.1
Note: Same store revenues for all leases are reflected on a straight-line basis in accordance with GAAP for the current and comparable periods.
Non-Residential – Consists of revenues and expenses from retail and public parking garage operations. Non-Residential same store revenues declined 1.4% in Q1 2020 as compared to Q1 2019 primarily due to elevated parking income and lease termination settlement fees in the comparable period.
The following table provides results/statistics related to our residential same store operations for both the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
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Same Store Residential Results/Statistics by Market
Increase (Decrease) from Prior Year's Quarter
Markets/Metro Areas
Q1 2020
% of
Actual
Average
Rate
Weighted
Physical
Occupancy %
Occupancy
15,968
19.6
2,633
96.0
11.3
2.1
1.3
2.2
(0.2
(0.3
4,028
4.7
2,280
96.8
9.0
3.4
0.6
4.3
2.8
0.5
(1.5
3,385
4.1
2,443
12.0
3.5
3.9
0.7
(0.1
Subtotal – Southern California
23,381
28.4
2,544
96.2
11.0
2.5
0.0
(0.5
12,321
20.8
3,353
9.6
3.1
Washington DC
14,228
16.3
2,485
8.4
2.6
1.5
9,475
13.8
3,947
96.7
7.2
1.8
0.3
(0.8
8,442
10.3
2,470
97.2
11.2
5.4
6.7
4.4
0.9
(1.7
6,346
3,181
95.8
9.1
3.3
(0.7
5.0
726
0.8
2,122
12.1
(1.1
(0.6
100.0
Note: The above table reflects Residential same store results only, which historically account for approximately 96.0% of total revenues.
The following table provides comparative total same store operating expenses for the First Quarter 2020 Same Store Properties:
Total Same Store Operating Expenses Including 74,919 Same Store Apartment Units
$ in thousands
% of Actual
Q1 2019
Change (5)
Real estate taxes
86,274
82,699
3,575
43.1
On-site payroll (1)
42,125
41,736
389
21.1
Utilities (2)
27,225
26,558
667
13.6
Repairs and maintenance (3)
22,918
23,832
(914
(3.8
11.5
Insurance
6,143
5,225
918
17.6
Leasing and advertising
2,297
2,524
(227
(9.0
1.1
Other on-site operating expenses (4)
12,955
12,650
305
6.5
Total Same Store Operating Expenses
(includes Residential and Non-Residential)
4,713
On-site payroll – Includes payroll and related expenses for on-site personnel including property managers, leasing consultants and maintenance staff.
Utilities – Represents gross expenses prior to any recoveries under the Resident Utility Billing System (“RUBS”). Recoveries are reflected in rental income.
Repairs and maintenance – Includes general maintenance costs, apartment unit turnover costs including interior painting, routine landscaping, security, exterminating, fire protection, snow removal, elevator, roof and parking lot repairs and other miscellaneous building repair and maintenance costs.
(4)
Other on-site operating expenses – Includes ground lease costs and administrative costs such as office supplies, telephone and data charges and association and business licensing fees.
(5)
The changes are due primarily to:
Real estate taxes – Increase in line with expectations. Continued real estate tax growth affected most markets, particularly New York, where the continued burn-off of 421-a tax abatement benefits drove the increase.
On-site payroll – Increase slightly below expectations due in part to faster than anticipated progress in transition to enhanced operating platform.
Utilities – Increase generally in line with expectations for the year.
38
Repairs and maintenance – Decrease primarily driven by lower snow removal and weather-related expense in the Northeast during the current period and elevated weather-related expense in California during the comparable period.
Insurance – Increase due to higher premiums on property insurance renewal due to challenging conditions in the insurance market.
Leasing and advertising – Decrease greater than expectations due to lower than anticipated online advertising spend during the period.
See also Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Company’s segment disclosures.
Non-Same Store/Other Results
Non-same store/other NOI results for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 increased approximately $0.4 million compared to the same period of 2019 and consist primarily of properties acquired in calendar year 2019, operations from the Company’s development properties and operations prior to disposition from 2019 and 2020 sold properties. This difference is due primarily to:
A positive impact of higher NOI from development and newly stabilized development properties in lease-up of $1.8 million;
A positive impact of higher NOI from properties acquired in 2019 of $14.7 million; and
A negative impact of lost NOI from 2019 and 2020 dispositions of $14.9 million.
Comparison of the quarter ended March 31, 2020 to the quarter ended March 31, 2019
The following table presents a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share/unit for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019:
Quarter Ended
March 31
Diluted earnings per share/unit for period ended 2019
Property NOI
0.04
0.02
Net gain/loss on property sales
0.51
(0.02
Diluted earnings per share/unit for period ended 2020
The increase in consolidated NOI is primarily a result of the Company’s improved NOI from same store and lease-up properties. The following table presents the changes in the components of consolidated NOI for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019:
Consolidated rental income
3.0
Consolidated operating expenses (1)
Consolidated NOI
Consolidated operating expenses are comprised of property and maintenance and real estate taxes and insurance.
Property management expenses include off-site expenses associated with the self-management of the Company’s properties as well as management fees paid to any third party management companies. These expenses increased approximately $1.3 million or 5.0% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year period. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in computer operations costs specifically for various operating initiatives such as sales-focused improvements and service enhancements along with personnel costs to support these initiatives.
General and administrative expenses, which include corporate operating expenses, decreased approximately $0.9 million or 5.6% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to decreases in payroll-related costs as a result of the Company’s executive changes over the past two years.
39
Depreciation expense, which includes depreciation on non-real estate assets, increased approximately $8.2 million or 4.0% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of additional depreciation expense on properties acquired in 2019 and development properties placed in service during 2019, offset by lower depreciation from properties sold in 2019 and 2020.
Net gain on sales of real estate properties increased approximately $208.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of the sale of three consolidated apartment properties in 2020 as compared to no sales in the same period in 2019.
Interest and other income increased approximately $1.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to $1.6 million in insurance/litigation settlement proceeds received during 2020 that did not occur in 2019.
Other expenses decreased approximately $0.7 million or 22.7% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in various consulting costs related to a data analytics project which was completed last year, partially offset by increases in advocacy contributions in 2020 as compared to 2019.
Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs, decreased approximately $9.4 million or 9.7% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year period. The decrease is due primarily to lower overall debt balances outstanding between the periods as a result of the Company using excess disposition proceeds to repay debt, as well as lower overall rates. The effective interest cost on all indebtedness, excluding debt extinguishment costs/prepayment penalties, for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 was 3.95% as compared to 4.34% for the prior year period. The Company capitalized interest of approximately $1.8 million and $1.2 million during the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Net (income) loss attributable to Noncontrolling Interests in partially owned properties decreased approximately $11.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of noncontrolling interest allocations related to the sale of one partially owned apartment property in 2020 as compared to no sales in the same period in 2019.
COVID-19 Impact
Under these very challenging circumstances, we have worked diligently to prepare our people and properties to focus on operating safely and as efficiently as possible while complying with state and local shelter-in-place orders. At Equity Residential, supporting all of our stakeholders remains our top priority. To that end, we are:
Supporting our residents by:
Keeping our properties open and operating and our residents safe in compliance with state and local shelter-in-place orders;
Utilizing technology to allow our property teams to interact remotely with current residents and prospective residents including a touchless new leasing process and a service process designed to limit contact;
Currently offering resident renewals with no rent increase and providing flexible lease renewal options to help residents weather the crisis;
Currently creating payment plans, waiving late fees and halting evictions for residents who can document that they have been adversely financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Connecting our residents with governmental and community resources to help residents secure food, financial assistance and healthcare.
Supporting our employees by:
Providing each employee with extended emergency leave;
Providing resources to help our employees with their physical, mental and financial wellbeing;
Providing necessary technology and technical resources to limit in-person contact while continuing essential maintenance activities such as emergency repairs and life/safety; and
Paying special cash bonuses to our on-site service and concierge teams for their hard work and dedication.
40
Supporting our communities by:
Making donations from the Equity Residential Foundation to local food banks and groups helping the homeless and needy in our markets; and
Providing meals to frontline responders from Equity Residential’s restaurant tenants.
Despite the current environment, our business continues to remain resilient. While the recent rise of unemployment in our markets and our current inability to increase renewal rates will pressure operations in the near term, we expect our properties and markets to remain desirable for our renter demographic and for our operations to return to a more normal state over time.
While it is too early to forecast the long-term implications on our business, the following table provides preliminary information related to Residential same store operations for the month ended April 2020 compared to the actuals for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. The Company believes that providing New Lease Change and Renewal Rate Achieved data is helpful in understanding longer term market trends but cautions that data for shorter time periods has limitations as it may reflect increased volatility.
April 2020
New Lease Change
(1.9
Renewal Rate Achieved
4.2
Physical Occupancy (end of period)
94.7
As the Company’s markets became subject to shelter-in-place orders, the Company experienced significant declines in leasing activity. In the third week of March 2020, Traffic, initial leads and applications declined by 50% or more compared to the same period of last year. In April 2020, the Company experienced a recovery in demand with Traffic, initial leads and applications meaningfully improving. Traffic and initial leads are now down approximately 20% and applications are equal relative to the same period last year. While it is clear the pandemic has initially deferred prospective residents from searching for a new apartment, our high quality, well-located communities continue to attract future residents.
Given these uncertain economic times, non-payment of rent by residents has been in focus. While the Company has performed relatively well in this regard, it has experienced an increase in Residential Delinquency for April 2020. As of the end of April 2020, current residents at same store properties had cumulative outstanding Residential Delinquency balances of approximately $11.0 million, representing a same store Residential Delinquency percentage of 5.4%. This compares to cumulative outstanding same store Residential Delinquency balances of approximately $5.4 million, representing a same store Residential Delinquency percentage of 2.6% at the end of March 2020, prior to the impact of COVID-19. The Company continues to work with residents to collect these outstanding balances including through the establishment of payment plans.
The Company's Non-Residential operations, which mostly consist of ground floor retail in our apartment buildings and public garage parking, have historically been approximately 4.0% of annual total revenues. These operations have been more impacted by the pandemic. As of the end of April 2020 and March 2020, current retail tenants at our same store properties had cumulative outstanding delinquency or deferred payment balances of approximately $5.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The Company is working with remaining retail tenants on payment plans.
Overall, our strongest market is Seattle, which has shown great resilience with limited Residential Delinquency and the best overall revenue growth in April. New York has been a mixed story as retention has increased but signs of recovery in Traffic and applications remain elusive. Finally, Los Angeles was expected to be challenged given high levels of new supply prior to COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19 has and will add to these challenges.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Given the potential impact of COVID-19 on our business, we are evaluating opportunities to further enhance our liquidity. The Company has historically pursued financial policies that emphasize its balance sheet strength, with a focus on liquidity. We are reviewing all of our investments, development, capital and renovation projects to ensure that we are strategically spending on projects that are relevant for the current environment. We will review this approach and, when appropriate, adjust our capital allocation as we know more about the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Company believes its current liquidity position is strong and with over $2.2 billion in readily available liquidity and very strong credit metrics, the Company is well positioned to meet its future obligations. See further discussion below.
41
Short-Term Liquidity and Cash Proceeds
The Company generally expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements, including capital expenditures related to maintaining its existing properties and scheduled unsecured note and mortgage note repayments, through its working capital, net cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility and commercial paper program. Currently, the Company considers its cash provided by operating activities to be adequate to meet operating requirements and payments of distributions.
The following table presents the Company’s balances for cash and cash equivalents, restricted deposits and the available borrowing capacity on its revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (amounts in thousands):
1,379,071
During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company generated proceeds from various transactions, which included the following:
Disposed of three consolidated rental properties, receiving net proceeds of approximately $368.4 million; and
Issued Common Shares related to share option exercises and ESPP purchases and received net proceeds of $12.0 million, which were contributed to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis).
During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the above proceeds along with net cash flow from operations and borrowings from the Company’s revolving line of credit and commercial paper program were primarily utilized to:
Invest $52.2 million primarily in development projects; and
Repay $1.9 million in scheduled principal repayments on mortgage loans.
We have further strengthened our financial flexibility and liquidity position as a result of the following subsequent events:
On April 30, 2020, we disposed of one consolidated rental property, receiving net proceeds of approximately $107.5 million; and
On April 30, 2020, we obtained $495.0 million in a 2.60% fixed rate mortgage loan pool maturing on May 1, 2030.
Proceeds from both of the above transactions were used to repay balances outstanding on the Company’s revolving credit facility and its commercial paper program. See below for the amount available on the Company’s revolving credit facility following the above transactions. The Company has approximately $25.6 million in debt maturities remaining in 2020. In addition, of the Company’s $926.4 million in debt maturities in 2021, $91.5 million was prepaid at par subsequent to March 31, 2020 and $750.0 million is not due until December 15, 2021.
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program
The Company has a $2.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility maturing November 1, 2024. The Company has the ability to increase available borrowings by an additional $750.0 million by adding lenders to the facility, obtaining the agreement of existing lenders to increase their commitments or incurring one or more term loans. The interest rate on advances under the facility will generally be LIBOR plus a spread (currently 0.775%), or based on bids received from the lending group, and the Company pays an annual facility fee (currently 0.125%). Both the spread and the facility fee are dependent on the Company’s senior unsecured credit rating.
The unsecured revolving credit agreement contains provisions that establish a process for entering into an amendment to replace LIBOR under certain circumstances, such as the anticipated phase-out of LIBOR by the end of 2021. At this time, it cannot be determined with certainty what interest rate(s) may succeed LIBOR, if any, and how any successor or alternative rates for LIBOR may affect borrowing costs or the availability of variable interest rate borrowings.
42
The Company has an unsecured commercial paper note program in the United States. The Company may borrow up to a maximum of $1.0 billion under this program subject to market conditions. The notes will be sold under customary terms in the United States commercial paper note market and will rank pari passu with all of the Company’s other unsecured senior indebtedness. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary disruption in the commercial paper market, the Company has maintained access to such market and expects to continue to be able to do so in the future.
The Company limits its utilization of the revolving credit facility in order to maintain liquidity to support its $1.0 billion commercial paper program along with certain other obligations. The following table presents the availability on the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility as of May 4, 2020 (amounts in thousands):
May 4, 2020
(180,000
2,219,051
Dividend Policy
The Company determines its dividends/distributions based on actual and projected financial conditions, the Company’s actual and projected liquidity and operating results, the Company’s projected cash needs for capital expenditures and other investment activities and such other factors as the Company’s Board of Trustees deems relevant. The Company declared a dividend/distribution for the first quarter of 2020 of $0.6025 per share/unit, an annualized increase of 6.2% over the amount paid in 2019. All future dividends/distributions remain subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Trustees.
Total dividends/distributions paid in April 2020 amounted to $232.2 million (excluding distributions on Partially Owned Properties), which consisted of certain distributions declared during the first quarter ended March 31, 2020.
Long-Term Financing and Capital Needs
The Company expects to meet its long-term liquidity requirements, such as lump sum unsecured note and mortgage debt maturities, property acquisitions and financing of development activities, through the issuance of secured and unsecured debt and equity securities (including additional OP Units), proceeds received from the disposition of certain properties and joint ventures, along with cash generated from operations after all distributions. The Company has a significant number of unencumbered properties available to secure additional mortgage borrowings should unsecured capital be unavailable or the cost of alternative sources of capital be too high. The value of and cash flow from these unencumbered properties are in excess of the requirements the Company must maintain in order to comply with covenants under its unsecured notes and line of credit. Of the $27.4 billion in investment in real estate on the Company’s balance sheet at March 31, 2020, $23.8 billion or 86.8% was unencumbered. However, there can be no assurances that these sources of capital will be available to the Company in the future on acceptable terms or otherwise.
EQR issues equity and guarantees certain debt of the Operating Partnership from time to time. EQR does not have any indebtedness as all debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership.
43
The Company’s total debt summary and debt maturity schedules as of March 31, 2020 are as follows:
Debt Summary as of March 31, 2020
Maturities
Balances
% of Total
Rates
(years)
Secured
22.5
3.73
Unsecured
77.5
3.79
3.77
8.9
18.2
4.10
4.0
70.4
4.05
10.6
Fixed Rate Debt
7,652,644
88.6
4.06
9.2
0.1
3.93
2.11
15.7
Unsecured – Revolving Credit Facility
2.24
4.6
Unsecured – Commercial Paper Program
7.1
1.95
980,060
11.4
2.02
6.0
Debt Maturity Schedule as of March 31, 2020
Year
Fixed
Floating
Weighted Average
Coupons on
Total Debt
25,600
613,000
638,600
7.3
4.64
2.31
2021
926,404
2022
264,185
7,730
271,915
3.25
3.23
2023
1,325,588
3,500
1,329,088
15.2
3.74
2024
6,100
4.15
450,000
8,200
458,200
5.3
3.38
3.39
2026
592,025
9,000
601,025
6.9
3.58
3.59
2027
400,000
9,800
409,800
3.27
2028
900,000
42,380
942,380
10.8
3.80
2029
888,120
11,500
899,620
3.30
3.31
2030+
1,950,850
288,135
2,238,985
25.7
3.81
3.64
Subtotal
7,722,772
999,345
8,722,117
3.75
3.60
Deferred Financing Costs and
Unamortized (Discount)
(70,128
(19,285
(89,413
Represents principal outstanding on the Company’s commercial paper program.
$750.0 million of 4.625% unsecured notes will mature on December 15, 2021 and $91.5 million of mortgage debt was prepaid at par subsequent to March 31, 2020.
See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of debt at March 31, 2020.
ERPOP’s long-term senior debt ratings and short-term commercial paper ratings as well as EQR’s long-term preferred equity ratings, which all have a stable outlook, as of May 4, 2020 are as follows:
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
Fitch
ERPOP’s long-term senior debt rating
A-
A3
A
ERPOP’s short-term commercial paper rating
A-2
P-2
F-1
EQR’s long-term preferred equity rating
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
See Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the events, if any, which occurred subsequent to March 31, 2020.
Debt Covenants
The Company’s unsecured debt includes certain financial and operating covenants including, among other things, maintenance of certain financial ratios. These provisions are contained in the indentures applicable to each note payable or the credit agreement for our line of credit. The Company was in compliance with its unsecured debt covenants for all periods presented. The following table presents the Company’s selected unsecured public debt covenants as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
Debt to Adjusted Total Assets (not to exceed 60%)
32.5%
33.8%
Secured Debt to Adjusted Total Assets (not to exceed 40%)
8.2%
Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service to
Maximum Annual Service Charges
(must be at least 1.5 to 1)
5.09
5.07
Total Unencumbered Assets to Unsecured Debt
(must be at least 125%)
408.3%
386.1%
Note: These selected covenants represent the most restrictive financial covenants relating to ERPOP’s outstanding public debt securities and are defined in the indenture relating to such securities. The Company maintains substantial additional borrowing capacity and, as reflected by the above selected covenant information, believes it could currently incur substantial additional debt before it would breach any of its debt covenants.
Capitalization of Fixed Assets and Improvements to Real Estate
The Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s capital expenditures policy has not changed from the information included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, our actual capital expenditures to real estate included the following (amounts in thousands except for apartment unit and per apartment unit amounts):
Capital Expenditures to Real Estate
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2020
Properties (4)
Non-Same Store
Properties/Other (5)
Same Store Avg. Per
Apartment Unit
Total Apartment Units
Building Improvements (1)
16,224
529
16,753
217
Renovation Expenditures (2)
13,357
13,370
178
Replacements (3)
8,076
143
8,219
108
Total Capital Expenditures to Real Estate
503
Building Improvements – Includes roof replacement, paving, building mechanical equipment systems, exterior siding and painting, major landscaping, furniture, fixtures and equipment for amenities and common areas, vehicles and office and maintenance equipment.
45
Renovation Expenditures – Apartment unit renovation costs (primarily kitchens and baths) designed to reposition these units for higher rental levels in their respective markets. Amounts for 613 same store apartment units approximated $21,790 per apartment unit renovated.
Replacements – Includes appliances, mechanical equipment, fixtures and flooring (including hardwood and carpeting).
Same Store Properties – Primarily includes all properties acquired or completed that are stabilized prior to January 1, 2019, less properties subsequently sold. Properties are included in Same Store when they are stabilized for all of the current and comparable periods presented.
Non-Same Store Properties/Other – Primarily includes all properties acquired during 2019 and 2020, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized as of January 1, 2019. Also includes capital expenditures for properties sold.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led us to temporarily slow our capital expenditures, including our renovation activities, to those deemed essential. Governmental movement restrictions, social distancing requirements and the closure of many permitting and inspection agencies make continuing these activities more difficult.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company’s total non-real estate capital additions, such as computer software, computer equipment, and furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements to the Company’s property management offices and its corporate offices, were approximately $4.5 million. The Company expects to fund approximately $17.6 million in total non-real estate capital additions for the remainder of 2020. These quarter-to-date and anticipated fundings are significantly higher than 2019 and are primarily driven by corporate office renovations during 2020.
Derivative Instruments
The Company has a policy of only entering into derivative contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. When viewed in conjunction with the underlying and offsetting exposure that the derivatives are designed to hedge, the Company has not sustained a material loss from these instruments nor does it anticipate any material adverse effect on its net income or financial position in the future from the use of derivatives it currently has in place.
See Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of derivative instruments at March 31, 2020.
Definitions
The definition of certain terms described above or below are as follows:
Acquisition Cap Rate – NOI that the Company anticipates receiving in the next 12 months (or the year two or three stabilized NOI for properties that are in lease-up at acquisition) less an estimate of property management costs/management fees allocated to the project (generally ranging from 2.0% to 4.0% of revenues depending on the size and income streams of the asset) and less an estimate for in-the-unit replacement capital expenditures (generally ranging from $100-$450 per apartment unit depending on the age and condition of the asset) divided by the gross purchase price of the asset. The weighted average Acquisition Cap Rate for acquired properties is weighted based on the projected NOI streams and the relative purchase price for each respective property.
Average Rental Rate – Total residential rental revenues reflected on a straight-line basis in accordance with GAAP divided by the weighted average occupied apartment units for the reporting period presented.
Development Yield – NOI that the Company anticipates receiving in the next 12 months following stabilization less an estimate of property management costs/management fees allocated to the project (generally ranging from 2.0% to 4.0% of revenues depending on the size and income streams of the asset) and less an estimate for in-the-unit replacement capital expenditures (generally ranging from $50-$150 per apartment unit depending on the type of asset) divided by the Total Budgeted Capital Cost of the asset. The weighted average Development Yield for development properties is weighted based on the projected NOI streams and the relative Total Budgeted Capital Cost for each respective property.
46
Disposition Yield – NOI that the Company anticipates giving up in the next 12 months less an estimate of property management costs/management fees allocated to the project (generally ranging from 2.0% to 4.0% of revenues depending on the size and income streams of the asset) and less an estimate for in-the-unit replacement capital expenditures (generally ranging from $100-$450 per apartment unit depending on the age and condition of the asset) divided by the gross sales price of the asset. The weighted average Disposition Yield for sold properties is weighted based on the projected NOI streams and the relative sales price for each respective property.
New Lease Change – The change in rent for a lease with a new or transferring resident compared to the rent for the prior lease of the identical apartment unit, regardless of lease term and without concessions or discounts being applied.
Non-Residential – Consists of revenues and expenses from retail and public parking garage operations.
Physical Occupancy – The weighted average occupied apartment units for the reporting period divided by the average of total apartment units available for rent for the reporting period.
Renewal Rate Achieved – The change in rent for a new lease on an apartment unit where the lease has been renewed as compared to the rent for the prior lease of the identical apartment unit, regardless of lease term.
Residential – Consists of multifamily apartment revenues and expenses.
Residential Delinquency – Balances reflect the cumulative outstanding amounts owed to the Company by current residents as of the end of the reporting period relating to the Company’s Residential business. Percentages reflect the balances owed as a percentage of total Residential rental income for the corresponding month.
% of Stabilized Budgeted NOI – Represents original budgeted 2020 NOI for stabilized properties and projected annual NOI at stabilization (defined as having achieved 90% occupancy for three consecutive months) for properties that are in lease-up.
Traffic – Consists of an expression of interest in an apartment by completing an in-person tour, self-guided tour or virtual tour that may result in an application to lease.
Turnover – Total residential move-outs (including inter-property and intra-property transfers) divided by total residential apartment units.
Unlevered Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) – The Unlevered IRR on sold properties is the compound annual rate of return calculated by the Company based on the timing and amount of: (i) the gross purchase price of the property plus any direct acquisition costs incurred by the Company; (ii) total revenues earned during the Company’s ownership period; (iii) total direct property operating expenses (including real estate taxes and insurance) incurred during the Company’s ownership period; (iv) capital expenditures incurred during the Company’s ownership period; and (v) the gross sales price of the property net of selling costs.
Weighted Average Coupons – Contractual interest rate for each debt instrument weighted by principal balances as of March 31, 2020. In case of debt for which fair value hedges are in place, the rate payable under the corresponding derivatives is used in lieu of the contractual interest rate.
Weighted Average Rates – Interest expense for each debt instrument for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 weighted by its average principal balance for the same period. Interest expense includes amortization of premiums, discounts and other comprehensive income on debt and related derivative instruments. In case of debt for which derivatives are in place, the income or expense recognized under the corresponding derivatives is included in the total interest expense for the period.
47
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
The Company has various unconsolidated interests in certain joint ventures. The Company does not believe that these unconsolidated investments have a materially different impact on its liquidity, cash flows, capital resources, credit or market risk than its consolidated operating and/or other activities. See Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Company’s investments in partially owned entities. See also Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion regarding the Company’s development projects.
The Company’s contractual obligations for the next five years and thereafter have not changed materially from the amounts and disclosures included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. See the updated debt maturity schedule included in Liquidity and Capital Resources for further discussion.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s critical accounting policies and estimates have not changed from the information included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Funds From Operations and Normalized Funds From Operations
The following is the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s reconciliation of net income to FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units and Normalized FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
Net (income) loss attributable to Noncontrolling Interests – Partially Owned Properties
Preferred/preference distributions
Net income available to Common Shares and Units / Units
Depreciation – Non-real estate additions
(1,287
(1,182
Depreciation – Partially Owned Properties
(856
(903
Depreciation – Unconsolidated Properties
613
922
Noncontrolling Interests share of gain (loss) on sales of real estate properties
11,655
FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units (1) (3) (4)
333,938
310,758
Impairment – non-operating assets
Debt extinguishment and preferred share redemption (gains) losses
Non-operating asset (gains) losses
441
229
Other miscellaneous items
(918
1,575
Normalized FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units (2) (3) (4)
335,088
314,010
FFO (1) (3)
334,711
311,531
Normalized FFO (2) (3)
335,861
314,783
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The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“Nareit”) defines funds from operations (“FFO”) (December 2018 White Paper) as net income (computed in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”)), excluding gains or losses from sales and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate and land when connected to the main business of a REIT, impairment write-downs of investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity and depreciation and amortization related to real estate. Adjustments for partially owned consolidated and unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures are calculated to reflect funds from operations on the same basis.
Normalized funds from operations (“Normalized FFO”) begins with FFO and excludes:
the impact of any expenses relating to non-operating asset impairment;
pursuit cost write-offs;
gains and losses from early debt extinguishment and preferred share redemptions;
gains and losses from non-operating assets; and
other miscellaneous items.
The Company believes that FFO and FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units are helpful to investors as supplemental measures of the operating performance of a real estate company, because they are recognized measures of performance by the real estate industry and by excluding gains or losses from sales and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate and excluding depreciation related to real estate (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO and FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units can help compare the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods or as compared to different companies. The Company also believes that Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units are helpful to investors as supplemental measures of the operating performance of a real estate company because they allow investors to compare the Company’s operating performance to its performance in prior reporting periods and to the operating performance of other real estate companies without the effect of items that by their nature are not comparable from period to period and tend to obscure the Company’s actual operating results. FFO, FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units do not represent net income, net income available to Common Shares / Units or net cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, FFO, FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units should not be exclusively considered as alternatives to net income, net income available to Common Shares / Units or net cash flows from operating activities as determined by GAAP or as a measure of liquidity. The Company’s calculation of FFO, FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units may differ from other real estate companies due to, among other items, variations in cost capitalization policies for capital expenditures and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other real estate companies.
FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units and Normalized FFO available to Common Shares and Units / Units are calculated on a basis consistent with net income available to Common Shares / Units and reflects adjustments to net income for preferred distributions and premiums on redemption of preferred shares/preference units in accordance with GAAP. The equity positions of various individuals and entities that contributed their properties to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units are collectively referred to as the “Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership”. Subject to certain restrictions, the Noncontrolling Interests – Operating Partnership may exchange their OP Units for Common Shares on a one-for-one basis.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s market risk has not changed materially from the amounts and information reported in Part II, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, to the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. See Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of derivative and other fair value instruments.
(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:
Effective as of March 31, 2020, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its Exchange Act filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
(b)
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
There were no changes to the internal control over financial reporting of the Company identified in connection with the Company’s evaluation referred to above that occurred during the first quarter of 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Effective as of March 31, 2020, the Operating Partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Operating Partnership’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of EQR, of the effectiveness of the Operating Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Operating Partnership in its Exchange Act filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
There were no changes to the internal control over financial reporting of the Operating Partnership identified in connection with the Operating Partnership’s evaluation referred to above that occurred during the first quarter of 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
As of March 31, 2020, the Company does not believe there is any litigation pending or threatened against it that, individually or in the aggregate, may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company’s risk factor disclosures in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 are hereby supplemented as follows:
Risk of Pandemics or Other Health Crisis.
A pandemic, epidemic or other health crisis, similar to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, affecting areas where our properties, corporate/regional offices or major service providers are located could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
In December 2019, COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China, and in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The outbreak has led governments and other authorities around the world, including federal, state and local authorities in the United States, to impose measures intended to control its spread, including restrictions on movement and business operations such as travel bans, border closings, business closures, quarantines, social distancing and shelter-in-place orders. The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused, and is likely to continue to cause, severe economic, market and other disruptions worldwide. We cannot assure you conditions will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the pandemic.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to prevent its spread could materially negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity in a number of ways, including:
A potential decrease in our rental revenues or increase in related reserves and write-offs as a result of:
Our residents’ and retail tenants’ ability to pay their rent on time or at all and the demand for multifamily properties within our markets;
Our geographic concentration, especially in the New York market, which represents an estimated 14.5% of our Stabilized Budgeted NOI for 2020 and is currently the epicenter in the United States, the result of which is we may be more susceptible to the impact of COVID-19 in New York and other markets where our properties are concentrated, which may experience longer periods of shelter-in-place orders than other markets;
Changes in resident preferences making them less likely to want to live in dense urban centers where we own many of our properties or to want to live in denser forms of multifamily housing like the high-rise or mid-rise housing the Company owns;
The possibility that we have restructured, and may continue to restructure, residents’ rent obligations and may
not do so on terms as favorable to us as those currently in place;
The deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the pandemic may ultimately decrease occupancy levels and pricing across our portfolio as residents reduce or defer their spending;
Resident or tenant nonpayment, default or bankruptcy, as a result of which we may incur costs in protecting our investment and releasing our property;
The risk that local and national authorities may expand or extend certain measures imposing restrictions on our ability to enforce residents’ or tenants’ contractual rental obligations and limiting our ability to raise rents upon renewal;
Restrictions inhibiting our employees’ ability to meet with existing and potential residents has disrupted and could in the future further disrupt our ability to lease apartments which could adversely impact our rental rate and occupancy levels; and
Ground floor retail in our apartment buildings is vulnerable to the effects from the COVID-19 pandemic which we expect may adversely impact our retail tenants' operations and, in turn, result in an increase in tenant defaults and rent reductions.
The risk that our access to capital at attractive terms may be diminished due to, among other factors: (i) potential disruptions in the long-term debt and commercial paper markets; (ii) the risk that a prolonged economic slowdown or recession could negatively impact our lending counterparties; and (iii) reductions in the Company’s credit ratings as a result of a protracted increase in unemployment or reduced income of our residents and tenants;
The risk that we may lose our ability to borrow under our commercial paper program if our credit ratings were to fall below investment grade;
The risk of a prolonged outbreak causing long-term damage to economic conditions, which in turn could cause material declines in the fair value of our assets, leading to asset impairment charges;
The risk of delays in our development and renovation projects due to construction moratoriums, such as in Boston, governmental movement restrictions, social distancing requirements, the closure of many permitting and inspection agencies and disruptions in the supply of construction materials due to problems in the supply chain or otherwise;
A possible further decline in the price of our common shares due to a prolonged economic recession or other impacts described herein;
The risk of a prolonged outbreak which could cause an adverse impact on our future financial results, cash flows and financial condition and therefore our ability to pay dividends;
Increased risks of potential cyber attacks due to an increased reliance on remote working and other interactions with our residents; and
Potential inability to maintain adequate staffing at our properties and corporate/regional offices due to shelter-in-place orders and/or the continued duration or expansion of the pandemic.
The extent of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments including the duration, spread and intensity of the outbreak, all of which are uncertain and difficult to predict. Due to the speed with which the situation is developing, we are not able at this time to estimate the effect of these factors on our business, but the adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be material.
51
(a) Unregistered Common Shares Issued in the Quarter Ended March 31, 2020 - Equity Residential
During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, EQR issued 41,945 Common Shares in exchange for 41,945 OP Units held by various limited partners of ERPOP. OP Units are generally exchangeable into Common Shares on a one-for-one basis or, at the option of ERPOP, the cash equivalent thereof, at any time one year after the date of issuance. These shares were either registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as these were transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. In light of the manner of the sale and information obtained by EQR from the limited partners in connection with these transactions, EQR believes it may rely on these exemptions.
None.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits – See the Exhibit Index.
EXHIBIT INDEX
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this report. References to exhibits or other filings under the caption “Location” indicate that the exhibit or other filing has been filed, that the indexed exhibit and the exhibit referred to are the same and that the exhibit referred to is incorporated by reference. The Commission file numbers for our Exchange Act filings referenced below are 1-12252 (Equity Residential) and 0-24920 (ERP Operating Limited Partnership).
Exhibit
Age 62 Retirement Agreement, dated February 27, 2020, by and between Equity Residential and Alan W. George.
Attached herein.
31.1
Equity Residential – Certification of Mark J. Parrell, Chief Executive Officer.
31.2
Equity Residential – Certification of Robert A. Garechana, Chief Financial Officer.
31.3
ERP Operating Limited Partnership – Certification of Mark J. Parrell, Chief Executive Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.
31.4
ERP Operating Limited Partnership – Certification of Robert A. Garechana, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.
32.1
Equity Residential – Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Mark J. Parrell, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
32.2
Equity Residential – Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Robert A. Garechana, Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
32.3
ERP Operating Limited Partnership – Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Mark J. Parrell, Chief Executive Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.
32.4
ERP Operating Limited Partnership – Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Robert A. Garechana, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
53
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date:
May 7, 2020
By:
/s/ Robert A. Garechana
Robert A. Garechana
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Ian S. Kaufman
Ian S. Kaufman
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP BY: EQUITY RESIDENTIAL
ITS GENERAL PARTNER