Item 1. Business

General

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 residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. 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.

EQR is the general partner of, and as of December 31, 2024 owned an approximate 97.0% 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.

The Company’s corporate headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois and the Company also operates regional property management offices in most of its markets.

Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements or the Definitions section of Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. See also Note 16 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Company’s segment disclosures.

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, our proxy statements and any amendments to any of those reports/statements we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) free of charge on our website, www.equityapartments.com. These reports/statements are made available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with or furnish them to 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

Overview

The Company is one of the largest U.S. publicly-traded owners and operators of high quality rental apartment properties, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Southern California (including Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego), San Francisco and Seattle, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin. Through our ownership in these markets, we seek to optimize our portfolio by balancing risk and maximizing returns. We believe that this portfolio will allow us to produce more consistent cash flows in a volatile world where local market conditions may cause operating fundamentals to rapidly fluctuate. We believe our markets are knowledge centers of the U.S. economy that draw employers and their talented affluent workers that drive economic growth in the United States. We believe that both the locations of our properties and the cost of renting versus home ownership in these markets are attractive to these affluent knowledge workers (who often choose to rent for lifestyle reasons and due to a lack of home affordability) that we hope to convert into satisfied long-term residents.

We believe we have created an industry-leading operating platform and balance sheet to run our properties. Our employees are focused on delivering remarkable customer service to our residents so they will stay with us longer, be willing to pay higher rent for a great experience and will tell others about how much they love living in an Equity Residential property. We utilize technology and other innovative methods of engagement with our residents to foster relationships and community, improve the resident experience and operate our business more efficiently. We pair that with disciplined balance sheet management that enhances returns and value creation while maintaining flexibility to take advantage of future opportunities. We believe that our stakeholders value stability, liquidity, predictability and accountability and that is the mission to which we remain unwaveringly committed.

Demand to live in our apartment communities remains healthy and we believe that the long-term prospects for our business remain strong. Our business benefits from elevated single family home ownership costs which makes renting more attractive, positive household formation trends, residents choosing a rental lifestyle for greater flexibility in living arrangements and the overall deficit in housing across the country, especially in the areas in which we are investing. Our well-located communities provide an exceptional experience for our residents around dynamic cities that we believe will continue to attract long-term renters who are highly educated, well employed and earn high incomes.

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. We carry this, our corporate purpose, through our relationships with our customers, our employees, our shareholders and the communities in which we operate. It drives our commitments to sustainability, inclusion, the total wellbeing of our employees and being a responsible corporate citizen in the communities in which we operate.

Investment Strategy

The Company’s long-term strategy is to invest in apartment properties located in strategically targeted markets with the goal of generating consistent and superior risk-adjusted total returns by balancing current cash flow generation with long-term capital appreciation. We seek to meet this goal by investing in markets that are characterized by conditions favorable to multifamily property operations over the long-term. Our multi-pronged investment strategy featuring acquisitions, new stand-alone and expansion developments, densifying developments and accretive renovations of existing properties is focused on optimizing and balancing our portfolio in terms of location, including between our Established Markets and Expansion Markets and between urban and suburban submarkets within those markets. The markets we focus on generally feature one or more of the following characteristics that allow us to drive performance:

Large and diverse economic drivers. Our markets are some of the largest cities in the United States. They are markets that generally attract a variety of large and diverse industries and businesses. They include a number of submarkets that are attractive for long-term multifamily ownership and are positioned to capture future demand.

High costs of single family home ownership. Elevated single family home ownership costs (large down payments, high interest rates, etc.), low for sale inventory and existing homeowners that are reluctant to sell given favorable locked-in financing all support renting in the long-term, especially in the markets in which we operate.

Strong high quality job growth. Our markets attract and create high quality jobs that are often focused in growing areas of the knowledge-based economy. These jobs result in the significant presence and growth in renters that work in the highest earning sectors of the economy and are not rent-burdened, creating the ability to raise rents more readily in good economic times and reducing risk during downturns. Many of these workers are employed in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM jobs, as well as financial services, medical, legal and other higher-earning professions.

Significant apartment demand that meets new apartment supply. We remain focused on owning and operating properties in markets and submarkets where the supply of apartments is met with strong demand. While at times supply and demand imbalances may occur, over the long-term we believe that the dynamics in our markets will support superior long-term returns.

We also focus on resiliency/environmental and regulatory issues when choosing which markets/submarkets in which to concentrate our investment efforts. We conduct climate resilience analyses and assess the regulatory climate to identify potential risks and opportunities as part of our due diligence process for new acquisitions and developments, as well as potential markets for portfolio expansion. Resiliency and regulatory issues also factor into our decisions to dispose of certain properties and/or exit certain submarkets.

We believe our strategy capitalizes on the preference of renters of all ages to live in the locations where we operate which typically are near transportation (both public transit and convenient highway access), entertainment, employment centers/universities and cultural and outdoor amenities. Furthermore, we believe that demand for rental housing will continue to be driven primarily through household formations from the younger segments of our population, particularly Generation Z, while retaining Millennials for longer, and to a lesser extent, capturing the aging Baby Boomer generation.

Generation Z is approximately 70 million people born between 1997 and 2012. This cohort is entering prime renter age and is expected to continue to be an important source of demand.

Millennials are individuals born between 1981 and 1996, totaling approximately 72 million people, and continue to be a significant portion of the renter population. They also tend to remain renters longer due to the high cost of single family home ownership, societal trends favoring delays in marriage and having children and caution around making large financial commitments during uncertain economic times.

Baby Boomers, a demographic of more than 68 million people born between 1946 and 1964, also may trend toward apartment rentals as they downsize and select retirement living in vibrant cities.

The Company continues to allocate capital in order to optimize performance by balancing current cash flow growth with long-term capital appreciation. We have done so by adding Expansion Markets to our portfolio when certain submarkets in those markets meet many of the same characteristics listed above. Expansion into these markets includes investments in both urban and suburban properties in select submarkets and is generally being funded by reducing exposure to older or lower returning assets in selected Established Markets. We believe having a more balanced portfolio between urban and suburban and between our Established Markets and Expansion Markets, while remaining focused on serving a more financially resilient renter, will create the highest returns and lowest return volatility over time. Development also plays an important role in our capital allocation. Development activity is primarily focused on our strategic partnerships and joint ventures with third-party developers, as well as on our in-house redevelopment/densification of existing operating properties, located in both Established Markets and Expansion Markets. The Company remains committed to development as a driver of external growth but acknowledges its incremental risk, particularly in higher inflationary cost environments, when evaluating it as a method of expansion.

Competition

All of the Company’s properties are located in developed areas with multiple housing choices, including other multifamily properties. The number of competitive housing choices or multifamily properties in a particular area could have a material effect on the Company’s ability to lease apartment units at its properties and on the rents charged. The Company may be competing with other housing providers that have greater resources than the Company and whose managers have more experience than the Company’s managers. In addition, other forms of rental properties and single family housing provide housing alternatives to potential residents of multifamily properties. See Item 1A, Risk Factors, for additional information with respect to competition.

Operations and Innovation

We attempt to balance occupancy and rental rates to maximize our revenue while exercising tight cost control to generate the highest possible cash flow generation to our shareholders. Our focus on operating efficiency and delivery of an exceptional resident living experience has driven strong Physical Occupancy and low Turnover while achieving strong renewal rate growth.

We deliver this performance through rapidly evolving technology and innovation that is increasingly prevalent in our industry. We have been and continue to be a leader in deploying and investing in property technology to serve our customers better and operate more efficiently. Having a history as a first mover in such important areas as online leasing, we are focused on technology that drives superior margins and improves customer experience. We use a standardized purchasing system to control our operating expenses and a business intelligence platform and other data analytics that allow our team members to quickly identify and address issues and opportunities. Many of these initiatives allow us to interact with our customers in a safe, responsible and convenient manner, including self-guided tours, automated responses to customer inquiries and enhanced service and maintenance management. While we believe areas such as “smart home” technology and others will provide the foundation for current and future improvements to how we do business, we will continue to consider the cost and longevity of technology capital investments and their benefits.

Our Commitment to Corporate Responsibility

At Equity Residential, corporate responsibility is integrated into every aspect of our business, as we aim to minimize environmental impact, manage climate and environmental risks and position the Company as an attractive investment. We prioritize robust governance and transparency, operating our assets efficiently, strategically and responsibly allocating capital and investing in innovative technologies and practices. We are focused on creating and maintaining a sustainable portfolio with properties that can withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change, minimizing casualty loss risk and providing stable housing for our residents. We have a dedicated in-house team that initiates and applies sustainable practices in all aspects of our business, including investment activities, development, property operations and property management activities. Multifamily housing is one of the most environmentally-friendly uses of real estate, as each property provides homes for hundreds of families in a denser shared environment. We consider building locations based on walkability, accessibility, neighborhoods and communities. Our properties support amenities such as fitness centers and we select locations near retail shops, restaurants, outdoor amenities such as bike/running paths and health clubs, enabling a low carbon footprint lifestyle for our residents to live, work and play.

Equity Residential’s sustainability program actively manages environmental impacts and utility costs through optimized, financially responsible capital investments and technologies. We methodically focus on energy, water, waste and emissions to advance the program’s policies, targets and resilience outcomes as well as our shareholders' long-term financial interests. We believe that our approach will prepare us to operate in a low-carbon economy and drive long-term asset value while maintaining a commitment to good corporate citizenship and maximizing investment performance. Our expertise has shown that as real estate owners, developers and managers, we have the ability to make a positive impact on the environment while also enhancing our financial performance and strengthening our organization’s sense of purpose.

As detailed below, we are committed to our employees’ engagement, inclusion and wellness. We are committed to building a community where everyone belongs and diverse perspectives fuel creativity and innovation, shaping a workplace that is not only inclusive but also collaborative. We also recognize that a successful company must incorporate the best corporate governance practices to serve its stakeholders better. Consistent with the Company's purpose and commitment to corporate responsibility concepts in all aspects of its business, executive compensation includes a goal that focuses on corporate responsibility factors.

For additional information regarding our corporate responsibility efforts, see our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report at our website, www.equityapartments.com, which includes third-party limited assurance covering some of the environmental metrics included in the report. The report was reviewed and approved by the Corporate Governance Committee of our Board of Trustees, which monitors the Company’s ongoing corporate responsibility efforts. The Corporate Responsibility Report is not part of or incorporated into this report. Furthermore, our annual proxy statements contain additional information on our corporate responsibility efforts, including detailed information regarding our corporate governance practices. Such annual proxy statements and the information contained therein are not part of or incorporated into this report, except as otherwise provided herein.

Human Capital

Our commitment to Human Capital starts with a highly skilled Board of Trustees that reflects a diverse range of thought and perspective. At Equity Residential, our team of approximately 2,500 employees is the driving force behind our continued success. Employees can grow, innovate and contribute to our shared goals, including our purpose of “Creating communities where people thrive.” This alignment of individual aspirations with our business goals creates a powerful partnership that drives innovation, excellence and lasting impact across our organization and industry. We believe it enhances employee job capabilities, advances our business and creates sustainable shareholder value.

Our approach focuses on engaging, motivating and rewarding employees, ensuring they feel valued and contribute their best. Built on a foundation of continuous learning and development, we have implemented programs that support career progression, enhance managerial capabilities and create a culture of collaboration and engagement. These efforts ensure that our workforce is well-prepared to meet today’s challenges and equipped to lead the future.

Talent Development, Attraction and Retention

To develop, attract and retain the best employees, we are committed to providing a total compensation package that is market-based, performance driven, fair and internally equitable.

Our goal is to be competitive both within the general employment market and with our competitors in the real estate industry, with our strongest performers being paid more.

Base pay is reviewed annually, along with Equity Residential’s compensation framework. This process involves partnering with managers to create and update job descriptions that accurately reflect the duties, skills, experience and education required for each role. We then benchmark the Company’s pay practices and budget as well as our job roles against third-party compensation surveys to determine the market value of each position.

During the year-end performance evaluation process, managers review and calibrate compensation for their team members in an effort to ensure fairness in our pay practices, while recognizing and rewarding top talent to keep them motivated.

We benefit from a diverse workforce, of which over 60% currently identify as ethnically diverse.

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and productive workplace for all employees. We believe our strength lies in our differences. By fostering a work environment built on respect, trust and collaboration, we create an exceptional experience where employees can bring their full selves to work and thrive in their careers.

We actively work to expand the breadth of our talent pipeline at all levels, with an enhanced focus on mid-management and higher positions. We connect with emerging real estate talent in the communities we serve, sponsor internships and ensure educational opportunities are accessible to more students.

We employ interns from universities nationwide and local colleges to provide pathways for students of various backgrounds interested in real estate.

Employee Engagement

Employee engagement and experience are extremely important at Equity Residential. Our Employee Experience (EX) Survey measures employee engagement, manager effectiveness, trust and inclusion, among other components of the employee experience.

Our 2024 engagement score of 77.4% favorability is very strong, especially given changes in employee expectations over the past several years. Our inclusion index score of 84.4% demonstrates significant employee favorability for our initiatives and a greater sense of belonging.

We launched an Engagement Advisory Group dedicated to identifying opportunities to bolster our engagement scores and improve the employee experience by leveraging insights gleaned from our 2023 engagement survey.

Executive leaders are assessed annually on leadership results on inclusion, engagement and manager completion of Ethics and Positive Workplace training, which for 2024 were measured by an employee experience survey and course completion rates.

Training and Development

Our HR Transformation Learning & Development team is focused on driving innovation, connection and a culture of continuous growth. We work hand-in-hand with leaders and employees to create meaningful learning experiences that allow everyone to succeed. With tailored learning paths, we guide employees on personalized development journeys, helping them build the skills they need to thrive.

Leadership development is a key focus, giving current and future leaders the tools to inspire, innovate and lead with impact. Whether it’s hands-on workshops, virtual learning or self-paced programs, our team blends diverse approaches to meet evolving needs and elevate our organization to the next level.

Health, Total Rewards and Wellness

Equity Residential empowers employees to thrive across physical, mental, financial, career, social and community dimensions of wellbeing. By fostering an environment where employees bring their best selves to work, we enable impactful contributions to our business, culture and communities, underscoring the connection between employee wellbeing and organizational success.

Recognizing that one size does not fit all when supporting our employees, we offer a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to meet a wide range of needs. Our programs include medical, dental and vision coverage; mental health and stress management resources; financial wellness tools; and support for proactive self-care. From addressing complex health conditions to providing resources for everyday wellbeing, we believe our benefits ensure every employee feels supported, balanced and able to thrive.

To address the ongoing importance of mental health, we provide culturally competent and accessible resources, including educational tools, free access to an industry-leading meditation app for employees and their families, partnerships with virtual care providers and an Employee Assistance Program offering five free counseling sessions per year per presenting matter. These efforts focus on mindfulness, stress management and building resilience to enhance productivity and overall wellbeing.

We prioritize proactive healthcare by covering 100% of preventive care for employees, a longstanding commitment that predates healthcare reform. We removed financial barriers to accessing affordable, life-saving medications, such as insulin, opioid overuse, asthma and severe allergic reaction medications, by eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for these medications within our medical plan. Our robust wellness program encourages ongoing healthy behaviors, rewards proactive health management and ensures accessible care for ongoing health needs and emergencies, fostering a balanced and healthy workforce.

In 2024, we reimagined recognition, introducing popular digital recognition badges awarded at the peer-to-peer, manager-to-employee and officer-to-employee levels. We rebuilt our year-end awards program for all employees and added new governance, accountability and reporting layers to ensure compliance and equitable application. It was codified in a recognition playbook that informs and guides any employee on recognition and appreciation best practices.

Financial benefits and resources help our employees manage their money better today, while preparing for financial milestones and retirement in the future. Financial peace of mind is at the core of these offerings, whether it’s our generous 401(k) match, basic and supplemental insurance to ensure our loved ones and possessions are cared for, rent discounts at our properties or additional savings and investment options like our employee share purchase plan.

When employees move up in skill and experience, so does Equity Residential. We encourage our employees to push the boundaries of their comfort zones and seek new challenges through several learning resources and courses. We actively promote from within, and many senior corporate and property leaders have risen from entry level or junior positions.

We offer a number of benefits that foster social and community wellbeing, including paid time off to volunteer in our communities.

Equity Residential continues to partner with Employees1st to provide financial relief via a crisis fund for employees struck by personal hardships or unforeseen disasters. The Company contributes funds to further support employees who experience unforeseen or catastrophic hardship. We are proud that this program allows yet another avenue for us to tangibly demonstrate a one team culture by ensuring that employees feel safe and supported during extreme circumstances.

Regulatory Considerations

See Item 1A, Risk Factors, for information concerning the potential effects of governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, on our operations.