Barclays Raises the Firm’s PT on Equity Residential (EQR) Stock

Core Viewpoint - Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR) is identified as one of the best depressed stocks to buy currently, with varying analyst ratings and price targets reflecting differing outlooks for the company and the broader real estate investment trust (REIT) sector [1][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Barclays analyst Richard Hightower raised the price target for Equity Residential to $78 from $77 while maintaining an "Overweight" rating, indicating a positive outlook for the company [1]. - Conversely, BMO Capital downgraded Equity Residential's stock to "Market Perform" from "Outperform," with a reduced price target of $68, down from $70, reflecting concerns about the company's fundamentals in key coastal markets [3]. - Barclays has a neutral stance on overall REITs for 2026, indicating a cautious approach towards the sector despite the positive outlook for apartments, storage, and single-family rentals [2]. Group 2: Market Conditions and Company Fundamentals - The outlook for Equity Residential is influenced by a lackluster job market and stretched affordability, which are expected to soften the company's fundamentals in its key coastal markets [3]. - The company owns and manages rental properties in dynamic metro areas across the US, positioning it within a competitive real estate landscape [4].