Equity Residential Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Falling Revenue, Rising EPS

Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Here is Benzinga's everything-that-matters guide for this Wednesday's third quarter earnings announcement.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of 62 cents/share and revenues of $509.4 million. Equity Residential's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 55 cents/share on revenues of $527.4 million. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Equity Residential falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an increase in EPS and a slight decline in revenue from the year-ago quarter.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Stock Performance:

Shares of Equity Residential were trading at $54.60 as of October 20, 2011. Since January 1st, shares of Equity Residential have given investors a return of 7%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 12.6%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Equity Residential is a Hold. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other financials companies are doing? Here are a few of Equity Residential's peers in that sector.

• Apartment Investment and Management (NYSE: AIV): Hold with a $0.27 recent quarter EPS
• AvalonBay Communities (NYSE: AVB): Hold with a $0.40 recent quarter EPS
• BRE Properties (NYSE: BRE): Hold with a $0.49 recent quarter EPS
• Colonial Properties (NYSE: CLP): Hold with a $0.32 recent quarter EPS

The REIT-equity trust/residential company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 2.6% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Equity Residential is a real estate investment trust company that acquires and manages apartment properties in top growth markets in the United States.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Equity Residential's upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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