Highwoods Properties(US:HIW) ZACKS·2025-11-18 17:25Core Insights - Highwoods Properties (HIW) is experiencing growth driven by a diversified tenant base, expansion in high-growth markets, a robust capital-recycling program, and a strong balance sheet [1][10] Acquisition and Leasing Activities - HIW recently acquired the 6Hundred at Legacy Union for $223 million, a 24-story Class AA office tower in Charlotte, which is currently 84% leased with an average lease term exceeding 12 years [1][10] - In Q3 2025, HIW's second-generation leasing activity reached 1.0 million square feet, including 326,000 square feet of new leases, indicating a recovery in demand for its office properties [5][10] Financial Performance and Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HIW's 2025 funds from operations (FFO) per share has increased to $3.43, reflecting positive analyst sentiment [2] - HIW's average in-place cash rent grew by 1.6% per square foot year over year during Q3 2025, supported by favorable demographic trends in its Sun Belt market portfolio [3] Capital Recycling and Development - HIW follows a disciplined capital-recycling strategy, having completed asset dispositions worth $161 million and $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2025 [6] - The company completed acquisitions totaling $249.5 million in the same period and has a development pipeline valued at $474.2 million, which is 71.9% pre-leased [7] Balance Sheet Strength - As of September 30, 2025, HIW maintains a healthy balance sheet with no consolidated debt maturities until Q1 2027, $26.3 million in available cash, and $529.9 million in unused capacity under its revolving credit facility [8] - The company generated 85.2% unencumbered NOI, allowing for potential access to additional secured debt capital if needed [8]