Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funds from operations (FFO) for Q2 reached $297.6 million, translating to $0.44 per diluted share, a 7.3% increase year-over-year from $0.41 per diluted share [22][6][24] - Same site net operating income (NOI) increased by 3.1% driven by contractual rent growth and improved credit loss metrics [24][27] - The company ended the quarter with over $2 billion in available liquidity and a consolidated net debt to EBITDA ratio of 5.4 times [26][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed 174 new leases covering 916,000 square feet at an average spread of 34%, and completed 332 renewals covering 1.8 million square feet at a 9.6% spread, resulting in a blended leasing spread of 15.2% [7][6] - Small shop occupancy reached a record high of 92.2%, with significant leasing activity contributing to this increase [6][24] - The RPT portfolio saw small shop occupancy rise to 90.3%, up 190 basis points since acquisition [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a blended pro rata leasing spread of 15%, the highest in nearly eight years, indicating strong tenant demand [6] - 86% of annual base rent now comes from grocery-anchored shopping centers, highlighting the resilience of the portfolio [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving leasing velocity, backfilling spaces with higher credit operators, and maintaining a disciplined capital allocation strategy [13][14] - The use of AI is being deployed to enhance leasing processes and operational efficiency, indicating a commitment to innovation [10][81] - The company aims to recycle capital from low-growth assets into higher-yielding investments, particularly in grocery-anchored properties [11][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a full-year same site NOI growth of 3% or better, despite anticipated impacts from bankruptcies [27][32] - The management team noted that the current operating environment presents opportunities for growth, particularly in the structured investment space [15][19] - The company anticipates a robust pipeline of rent commencements, reinforcing confidence in future earnings [11][25] Other Important Information - The company has proactively repurchased 3 million shares at an average price of $19.61, reflecting a strategic approach to capital management [26] - The company completed a $500 million bond issuance at a favorable rate, enhancing financial flexibility [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on same property NOI growth - Management acknowledged the strong same property NOI growth but indicated a deceleration in the second half due to bankruptcies impacting occupancy [30][32] Question: Structured finance book and repayments - Management confirmed that guidance includes expectations of repayments and emphasized the sustainability of the structured finance business across market cycles [36][38] Question: Interest in expanding the JV platform - Management indicated ongoing discussions with partners about potential expansions while focusing on capital recycling into higher growth opportunities [43][45] Question: Update on backfilling Party City and Joann's spaces - Management reported strong interest in backfilling opportunities, with significant progress made in executing leases [72][74] Question: Demand from small businesses amid tariff concerns - Management noted healthy demand across all tenant categories, including national, regional, and local businesses, with a significant uptick in service-related deals [66][68]