First Industrial EPS Climbs 10.5% In Q2

Core Viewpoint - First Industrial Realty Trust reported strong fiscal Q2 2025 results, exceeding analysts' expectations in both earnings per share and revenue, indicating robust operational performance despite slight occupancy declines [1][2]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 was $0.42, surpassing the forecast of $0.38, and revenue reached $180.2 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $177.6 million [1][3]. - Funds from Operations (FFO) per share increased to $0.76, a 15.2% rise from Q2 2024 [3][6]. - Same-store net operating income (NOI) grew by 8.7% year-over-year, reflecting strong property performance [3][6]. Operational Highlights - The company experienced a rental rate increase of 28.0% on a cash basis and 47.1% on a straight-line basis for new and renewal leases, indicating strong tenant demand [7]. - In-service occupancy decreased to 94.2%, down from 95.3% in Q1 2025 and Q2 2024, attributed to planned move-outs and unleased newly-developed space [7]. Strategic Focus - The company specializes in logistics and industrial properties, focusing on high-demand U.S. markets with limited land supply, which supports long-term rent growth and capital appreciation [4][5]. - Recent strategies include driving internal rental growth through lease renewals and targeted development projects, alongside disciplined financial management [5]. Development and Capital Activity - Two new development projects were initiated, one in Dallas and another in Philadelphia, with total investments of $54 million targeting yields near 8% [8]. - The company issued $450 million in senior unsecured notes at 5.25%, marking its first public bond issuance since 2007, and received a credit rating upgrade to BBB+ from Fitch Ratings [9]. Dividend and Guidance - The quarterly dividend was increased by 20.3% to $0.445 per share, reflecting confidence in earnings and cash flow stability [10]. - Management reaffirmed full-year fiscal 2025 guidance, projecting GAAP net income per share between $1.53 and $1.61 and FFO per share between $2.88 and $2.96 [11].