Investors interested in REIT and Equity Trust - Other stocks are likely familiar with W.P. Carey (WPC) and CubeSmart (CUBE) . But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks? Let's take a closer look.We have found that the best way to discover great value opportunities is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with a great grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank is a proven strategy that targets companies with positive earnings estimate revisi ...

Financial Performance - Net income attributable to common shareholders for Q1 2025 was $89.2 million, down from $94.5 million in Q1 2024, with diluted EPS decreasing to $0.39 from $0.42[5] - Adjusted FFO for Q1 2025 was $148.1 million, slightly up from $146.4 million in Q1 2024, maintaining FFO per diluted share at $0.64 for both periods[6] - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $273.036 million, an increase of 4.0% from $261.406 million in Q1 2024[43] - Net income attributable to the company for Q1 2025 was $89.197 million, compared to $94.527 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a decrease of 5.0%[43] - Same-store rental income decreased by 0.8% to $220.912 million in Q1 2025 from $222.739 million in Q1 2024[45] - Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders for Q1 2025 was $0.39, down from $0.42 in Q1 2024[43] - FFO attributable to the Company's common shareholders and third-party OP unitholders increased to $148.149 million from $146.409 million, showing a growth of about 1.2%[49] - Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders remained stable at $0.39 for both basic and diluted shares, compared to $0.42 in the previous year[49] Revenue and Expenses - Total revenues increased by $11.6 million, while property operating expenses rose by $5.9 million compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to acquisitions and new developments[14] - Interest expense increased to $26.1 million in Q1 2025 from $22.9 million in Q1 2024, attributed to a higher average outstanding debt balance and increased interest rates[15] - Interest expense on loans increased to $26.100 million in Q1 2025, compared to $22.919 million in Q1 2024[43] - Real estate depreciation and amortization for real property increased to $56.689 million from $49.249 million, a rise of approximately 15.1%[49] Occupancy and Property Performance - Same-store NOI decreased by 0.8% year-over-year, driven by a 0.4% decline in revenues and a 0.6% increase in operating expenses[12] - Same-store occupancy averaged 89.5% during the quarter, ending at 89.7%[9] - Period end occupancy for same-store properties was 89.7%, down from 90.3% in the prior year[45] - The company reported a gross margin of 71.5% for same-store results, slightly down from 71.7% in the previous year[45] - The company experienced a 10.4% increase in other property-related income, rising to $10.498 million from $9.507 million year-over-year[45] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets increased to $6.740 billion as of March 31, 2025, up from $6.394 billion as of December 31, 2024[41] - Total liabilities increased to $3.817 billion as of March 31, 2025, compared to $3.440 billion as of December 31, 2024[41] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.52 per common share, paid on April 15, 2025[17] - Dividends per common share and unit increased to $0.52 from $0.51, reflecting a growth of approximately 2.0%[49] - The payout ratio of FFO rose to 81.3% from 79.7%, indicating a higher proportion of FFO being distributed as dividends[49] Shareholder Metrics - Weighted average diluted shares outstanding increased to 229,169 from 226,575, representing an increase of about 0.7%[49] - Weighted average basic shares outstanding increased to 228,663 from 225,767, reflecting an increase of about 1.1%[49] Future Estimates - The company estimates 2025 diluted EPS to be between $1.41 and $1.49, and adjusted FFO per share to be between $2.51 and $2.59[20] Acquisitions and Investments - The company acquired the remaining 80% interest in the HVP IV portfolio for $452.8 million, which included $44.4 million to repay existing indebtedness[7] - The company has two joint venture development properties under construction, with a total anticipated investment of $36.9 million, of which $18.5 million has been invested as of March 31, 2025[8] Noncontrolling Interests - Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership decreased to $453,000 from $541,000, a decline of approximately 16.2%[49] - The Company's share of unconsolidated real estate ventures decreased to $1.810 million from $2.092 million, a decline of about 13.5%[49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported FFO per share of $0.64, which was a penny above the high end of guidance [6][10] - Same store revenue growth decreased by 0.4% year over year, an improvement from a decline of 1.6% in the previous quarter [8][10] - Average occupancy for the same store portfolio was down 50 basis points to 89.5%, narrowing from a decline of 120 basis points in the fourth quarter [9][10] - Same store operating expenses grew by only 0.6% year over year, better than expectations [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed on the acquisition of the remaining 80% interest in a joint venture, acquiring a portfolio of 28 early-stage lease-up stores [11] - The third-party management platform added 33 stores, ending the quarter with 869 third-party stores under management [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong markets such as New York City boroughs, Chicago, and Washington D.C. continue to show strength, while supply-impacted markets like Northern New Jersey, Phoenix, and Atlanta are stabilizing [7][12] - In Texas markets, Dallas is facing challenges due to supply and pricing decisions, while Austin shows signs of recovery [34][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on optimizing its platform while maintaining high customer service standards [6][10] - The management expressed confidence in the long-term health of the self-storage industry due to the quality and geographic diversity of its portfolio [7][12] - The company is cautious about the economic environment, maintaining a conservative outlook for gradual improvement in operational metrics in 2025 [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted uncertainty in the economy affecting consumer decisions, which could impact storage demand [13] - The company does not foresee improvement in the housing market and expects a gradual recovery without sharp reacceleration [13] - Management highlighted the resilience of the self-storage business, noting that demand drivers include everyday life events and business needs [18][19] Other Important Information - The balance sheet remains strong with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 4.8 times [12] - The company is monitoring the impact of macroeconomic factors on its operations and is prepared to adjust strategies accordingly [13][54] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers of demand in the current environment? - Management indicated that demand is driven by everyday life events and business needs, despite a slow housing market [18] Question: What was occupancy in April? - Occupancy ended at 89.9% in April, showing a slight improvement [21] Question: How does the company view the leasing season? - Management expects a muted leasing season compared to pre-pandemic levels, with no significant growth anticipated [30] Question: What is the outlook for Texas markets? - Management noted that while Austin is recovering, Dallas faces challenges due to supply and competitive pricing [34][35] Question: How is the company managing expenses? - The company has been proactive in managing staffing and operational expenses, leading to better-than-expected results [50] Question: What is the strategy for acquisitions? - The company is open to acquisitions but faces challenges due to market volatility and seller expectations [53][54] Question: How does the company view potential recession impacts? - Management believes the self-storage business is resilient during economic downturns, with demand potentially increasing due to life changes [88][90]

Core Insights - CubeSmart reported a positive start to 2025 with improving occupancy and rate trends driven by solid demand [1] - The company emphasizes its high-quality portfolio in top-tier markets as a strategic advantage during uncertain economic conditions [1] Financial Results - Net income attributable to common shareholders for Q1 2025 was $89.2 million, down from $94.5 million in Q1 2024 [3] - Diluted EPS for Q1 2025 decreased to $0.39 from $0.42 in the same period last year [3] - Adjusted FFO was $148.1 million for Q1 2025, compared to $146.4 million for Q1 2024, with FFO per diluted share remaining at $0.64 for both periods [4] Investment Activity - The company acquired the remaining 80% interest in HVP IV for $452.8 million, which included $44.4 million to repay existing indebtedness [5] - HVP IV owns 28 stores across various states including Arizona, Florida, and Texas [5] Development Activity - CubeSmart has agreements for constructing self-storage properties in high-barrier locations, with two joint venture development properties under construction [6] - The total anticipated investment for these projects is $36.9 million, with $18.5 million already invested as of March 31, 2025 [6] Third-Party Management - As of March 31, 2025, the third-party management platform included 869 stores totaling 56.4 million rentable square feet, with 33 stores added during the quarter [7] Same-Store Results - The same-store portfolio included 606 stores with 43.8 million rentable square feet, representing approximately 95.5% of the company's property NOI for Q1 2025 [8] - Same-store NOI decreased by 0.8% year-over-year, attributed to a 0.4% decrease in revenues and a 0.6% increase in operating expenses [9][10] Operating Results - The total consolidated portfolio included 659 stores with a physical occupancy of 89.2% as of March 31, 2025 [11] - Total revenues increased by $11.6 million, while property operating expenses rose by $5.9 million compared to Q1 2024 [12] Interest Expense - Interest expense increased from $22.9 million in Q1 2024 to $26.1 million in Q1 2025, due to a higher average outstanding debt balance and increased interest rates [13] Quarterly Dividend - A quarterly dividend of $0.52 per common share was declared on February 25, 2025, and paid on April 15, 2025 [15] 2025 Financial Outlook - The company estimates fully diluted EPS for 2025 to be between $1.41 and $1.49, and fully diluted FFO per share, as adjusted, to be between $2.51 and $2.59 [16] - Guidance for same-store revenue growth is projected between -2.00% and 0.00% for the full year [17]

Group 1 - The article discusses the performance and challenges faced by CubeSmart (NYSE: CUBE) in the post-COVID boom period, indicating potential for recovery despite volatility [2] - The focus is on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] Group 2 - The author has over 14 years of investment experience and emphasizes a defensive investment strategy with a medium- to long-term horizon [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store NOI declined by 3.7% in the fourth quarter [12] - Same store revenue growth was negative 1.6% for the quarter, with occupancy levels dropping 120 basis points compared to last year [13] - FFO per share as adjusted was reported at $0.68 for the quarter, with a 2% increase in the quarterly dividend to an annualized $2.08 per share, representing a 4.9% dividend yield [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The year-over-year same store occupancy gap narrowed from negative 100 basis points at year-end 2024 to negative 50 basis points as of February [7] - Rents for new customer rentals improved their year-over-year negative gap from negative 10.3% in the fourth quarter to negative 7.4% recently [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lower beta urban markets are outperforming the Sunbelt, with New York City expected to remain a bright spot [8] - The impact of new supply is expected to compete with approximately 24% of the same store portfolio, down from 27% last year [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is cautiously optimistic about the long-term health of the business, focusing on creative methods to grow externally [9] - The recent acquisition of an 80% interest in a joint venture is seen as a strategic move to bring properties onto the balance sheet [10][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the last two years have been marked by overly optimistic forecasts regarding housing market improvements [9] - There is no near-term catalyst expected to sharply reaccelerate organic growth in 2025, with a focus on gradual improvements [8][9] Other Important Information - Real estate taxes grew by 17.5% in the fourth quarter compared to last year, influenced by significant refunds and tax reductions received in the previous year [13] - The company raised $85.6 million in net proceeds during the quarter through its ATM program to fund acquisitions [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the JV transaction and future opportunities - Management indicated no imminent opportunities for other joint ventures, as the partner had a need-based motivation for selling [25][26] Question: Discussion on catalysts for demand acceleration - Management highlighted the need for clarity in mortgage rates and economic conditions to boost consumer confidence [32][34] Question: Concerns about potential street rate wars in 2025 - Management expressed cautious optimism, noting recent improvements in rates for new customers but emphasized the need for consistent trends [42][44] Question: Update on occupancy and performance trends - Management confirmed that occupancy levels have improved, with a negative gap of 50 basis points compared to last year [60] Question: Clarification on operating expenses and inflation - Management acknowledged that operating expenses are expected to run at inflationary levels, with no significant operational efficiencies anticipated [116]

分组1 - Service Properties (SVC) reported quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.17 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.15 per share, but down from $0.30 per share a year ago, representing an FFO surprise of 13.33% [1] - The company posted revenues of $456.56 million for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.21% and up from $444.05 million year-over-year, having topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters [2] - The stock has gained approximately 4.3% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.3% [3] 分组2 - The future performance of Service Properties' stock will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the company's FFO outlook, which includes current consensus FFO expectations for upcoming quarters [4] - The estimate revisions trend for Service Properties is currently mixed, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] - The current consensus FFO estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.11 on revenues of $429.9 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.14 on revenues of $1.89 billion [7] 分组3 - The REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry, to which Service Properties belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 46% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting that the industry's outlook can significantly impact stock performance [8]