Best Gas Utility Stocks To Watch Right Now

Best Gas Utility Stocks To Watch Right Now: Equity Residential (EQR)

Equity Residential (EQR) is a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company is focused on the acquisition, development and management of multi-family residential properties, which includes the generation of rental and other related income through the leasing of apartment units to residents, in United States. ERP Operating Limited Partnership (or Operating Partnership), which is an Illinois limited partnership, conducts the multifamily residential property business of EQR. All of the Company's property ownership, development and related business operations are conducted through the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds all of the assets of the Company, including the Company's ownership interests in its joint ventures. As of December 31, 2011, the Company, directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities, owned all or a portion of 427 properties located in 15 states and the District of Columbia consisting of 121,974 apartment units. In December 2012, it acquired four multifamily properties totaling 1,134 units.

The Company is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT (UPREIT). EQR is the general partner of, and, as of December 31, 2011, owned an approximate 95.7% ownership interest in ERPOP. The remaining 4.3% interest is owned by limited partners. As of December 31, 2012, the Companys wholly owned properties included 404 properties and 113,157 apartment units. Its consolidated partially owned properties include 21 properties and 3,916 apartment units. The Companys military housing includes two properties and 4,901 apartment units. As of December 31, 2011, the Companys properties had an average occupancy of approximately 94.2% (94.7% on a same store basis).

During the year ended December 31, 2011, EQR acquired apartment properties consisting of 20 consolidated properties and 6,103 apartment units and acquired five land parcels; acquired one vacant land parce! l in New Yor k City in a joint venture with Toll Brothers, and acquired o! ne unoccupied property in the San Francisco Bay Area consisting of 95 apartment units. During 2011, it also acquired a 97,000-square foot commercial building adjacent to its Harbor Steps apartment property in downtown Seattle, and sold consolidated apartment properties consisting of 47 properties and 14,345 apartment units. Subsequent to 2011, the Company acquired two land parcels, and sold one property consisting of 704 apartment units.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sean Williams]

  Why buy when you can rent?
  Please forgive me for beating a dead horse twice in the same week, but residential-REIT Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR  ) has absolutely no business trading near a 52-week low.

• [By gurujx]

  Equity Residential (EQR) Reached the 3-year Low of $50.83

  The prices of Equity Residential (EQR) shares have declined to close to the 3-year low of $50.83, which is 26.3% off the 3-year high of $65.72.

• [By Sean Williams]

  Residential real estate investment trust Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR  ) had a particularly good day, jumping by 3.4%. REITs that specialize in apartment community ownership are in fantastic shape if the Fed is thinking about reducing its bond buying. As lending rates rise from less monetary easing, the desire to purchase a home should drop considerably, making apartment living a smart choice. Equity Residential already has high occupancy rates, but, as rates rise, it could see occupancy tick even higher.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/best-gas-utility-stocks-to-watch-right-now.html