Postal Realty Trust (NYSE:PSTL) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 25, 2026 09:00 AM ET Speaker7Greetings, welcome to Postal Realty Trust Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. Now, let's turn the conference over to your host, Mr. Jie Chai, Senior Vice President of Finance and Capital Markets. Welcome, Jie Chai.Speaker3Thank you, and good morn ...

Core Viewpoint - Orion Group Holdings, Inc. has secured a new five-year $120 million Senior Credit Facility with UMB Bank, enhancing its financial flexibility and supporting its growth strategy [1][2]. Financial Details - The new Credit Facility consists of a $60 million revolving line of credit, a $20 million equipment term loan facility, and a $40 million acquisition term loan facility, with an additional $25 million uncommitted accordion for future growth [4]. - The facility refinances the previous $88 million credit agreement, which was set to mature in May 2028, and offers a reduced interest rate of SOFR plus 2.5% to 3.0%, a decrease of approximately 225 basis points compared to the prior agreement [4]. Strategic Implications - The refinancing is viewed as a key milestone in the company's growth strategy, providing expanded liquidity and greater borrowing capacity at a lower overall cost of capital [2]. - The proceeds from the new facility will be used to repay $23 million in outstanding borrowings under the previous facility and for general corporate purposes [4]. Company Overview - Orion Group Holdings is a leading specialty construction company serving various sectors, including infrastructure, industrial, and building, with operations in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and the Caribbean Basin [5]. - The company provides marine construction and dredging services, as well as turnkey concrete construction services for large commercial and structural projects [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported core FFO for the quarter of $2.16 per diluted share, aligning with the midpoint of third quarter guidance [20] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 4.2 times, with outstanding debt approximately 91% fixed at an effective rate of 3.8% [21][22] - Adjustments to guidance included lowering the midpoint of effective rent growth to negative 0.4% and total same store revenue guidance to negative 0.05% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average physical occupancy improved to 95.6%, a 20 basis point increase from the second quarter [14] - New lease-over-lease pricing improved to -5.2%, while renewal lease-over-lease performance was +4.5% [14] - The company completed 2,090 interior unit upgrades, achieving rent increases of $99 above non-upgraded units [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand across markets remains healthy, with occupancy levels increasing 450 basis points over the past five quarters [7] - The company noted strong collections with net delinquency at just 0.3% of billed rents [15] - Markets such as Richmond and Washington D.C. showed strong performance, while Austin faced supply pressure leading to weak new lease pricing [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-demand, high-growth markets and significant redevelopment opportunities [10] - A total of 15 development sites with approvals for over 4,200 units are owned or controlled, with plans to start construction on six to eight projects over the next six quarters [10] - The company aims to capitalize on situations where developers face equity challenges, allowing for acquisitions at compelling bases [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to execute during the transition, anticipating an acceleration of the recovery cycle in 2026 [11] - The broader economic environment has introduced challenges, but strong occupancy and solid collections indicate momentum [6] - Management expects continued strong performance in renewals and a gradual improvement in new lease rates as supply moderates [19] Other Important Information - The company amended its revolving credit facility, increasing capacity from $1.25 billion to $1.5 billion [22] - The company is experiencing a competitive advantage due to access to capital and development expertise in the current equity-constrained environment [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent pricing trends on new leases and market performance - Management noted typical seasonality in pricing, with new lease rates declining less than normal from Q2 to Q3, and some markets like D.C. and Dallas showing encouraging trends [26][27] Question: Thoughts on 2026 earnings and contribution from other income - Management indicated that demand fundamentals for 2026 appear similar to 2025, with expectations for flat to slightly negative rent growth [30][31] Question: Year-over-year comparisons for expenses in 2026 - Management expects real estate taxes to grow at a normal rate of 2.5% to 3.5%, with no significant increases anticipated in insurance and personnel costs [39][41] Question: Concessions in development markets - Concessions were slightly higher in Q3 compared to Q2, with typical concessions ranging from half a month to a month free [43] Question: Lease-up cadence for development properties - Leasing velocity has been slower than expected, but rents remain in line with original performance, with expectations for improvement in the spring and summer [46][49] Question: Capital allocation and development yields - Management emphasized a focus on generating compounded earnings growth and maintaining a steady dividend, with selective capital deployment in development opportunities yielding 6% to 6.5% [56][58] Question: Disposition strategy and potential for share buybacks - Management indicated a willingness to accelerate dispositions to improve portfolio quality, with a typical annual strategy to dispose of around $300 million worth of assets [62] Question: Understanding investor underwriting in the current market - Management noted that the cost of capital is a significant driver for current cap rates, with many investors underwriting aggressive rent growth to achieve returns [65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FFO per share diluted as adjusted was $2.22 for Q3 2025, reflecting a decline due to lower occupancy and rental income adjustments [15][16] - Occupancy at the end of the quarter was 90.6%, down 20 basis points from the prior quarter, with a decline of 110 basis points on an apples-to-apples basis [18][19] - Same Property NOI decreased by 6% and 3.1% on a cash basis for the quarter, primarily driven by lower occupancy [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leasing volume for the quarter was solid at 1.2 million square feet, consistent with the five-quarter average, including a significant build-to-suit lease [16][12] - Rental rate growth for lease renewals was strong at 15.2% and 6.1% on a cash basis, at the high end of guidance [17] - The company aims to reduce non-income-producing assets from 20% to 10-15% of gross assets [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The life science industry is experiencing a challenging supply and demand dynamic, with institutional demand hindered by NIH funding issues [13][16] - The company’s mega campus platform, representing 77% of annual rental revenue, outperformed overall market occupancy by 18% in key markets [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from substantial development to a build-to-suit model, focusing on preserving capital and reducing construction spending [11][29] - The strategy includes evaluating land dispositions to reduce the size of the land bank and capitalized interest [23][28] - The company remains committed to its core life science real estate focus, leveraging its strong tenant base and high-quality assets [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the need for the FDA to resume operations and for earlier-stage venture-backed companies to commit to space to improve demand [36] - The company anticipates a challenging environment for the biotech sector, with a five-year bear market impacting public and private companies [24] - Future guidance for FFO per share diluted as adjusted for 2025 was reduced by $0.25 to a midpoint of $9.01, reflecting lower investment gains and occupancy [30] Other Important Information - The company recognized impairments of real estate totaling $323.9 million during the quarter, primarily from a redevelopment property in Long Island City [26] - The company has a strong balance sheet with over $4 billion in liquidity and the longest average remaining debt maturity among S&P 500 REITs at 11.6 years [10][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on occupancy expectations - The company provided an update indicating potential occupancy benefits from 617,000 square feet of space expected to deliver around May 1, 2026 [35] Question: Factors for increased optimism in biotech market - Key factors include the reopening of the FDA, commitments from earlier-stage companies, and a resurgence in the public biotech sector [36] Question: Details on equity-like capital sources - The majority of capital for next year's plan will come from asset sales, with a focus on land and non-stabilized assets [38] Question: Development process and focus on build-to-suit leases - The company plans to focus more on build-to-suit leases and reduce the development pipeline, aiming to decrease non-income-producing assets [41][47] Question: Dividend policy and comfort level for payout ratio - The board will evaluate future dividend levels based on retained cash flows and capital needs for the upcoming year [49][51] Question: Tenant activity and leasing dynamics - Demand varies by submarket, with a mix of lab and tech tenants, but overall activity remains flat despite market improvements [66][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the third quarter, net income per share was reported at $0.03, while core FFO per share grew to $0.76, slightly above expectations [11] - Cash available for distribution was $29.3 million, reflecting steady operational performance [11] - Core FFO growth from 2024 to the midpoint of the 2025 guidance range was 3%, driven by acquisitions and strong renewal execution [7][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained high portfolio occupancy at 97% and a weighted average lease term of approximately 10 years, indicating strong tenancy durability [7] - The recent acquisition of York Space Systems headquarters in Colorado aligns with the goal of achieving 15% government-adjacent exposure [8] - The development pipeline remains active, with major projects like the FDA Atlanta nearing completion, expected to enhance earnings [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company aims to diversify its portfolio with a target of 70% federal exposure, 15% state and local, and 15% in adjacent spaces [54] - The acquisition of properties like DC Plaza and DHS Burlington demonstrates the strategy to grow state and local exposure while maintaining high-credit government properties [54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a disciplined growth strategy centered on three long-term priorities: growing core FFO by 2-3% annually, increasing same-store performance, and executing value-creating development opportunities [5][10] - The strategy aims to balance growth and durability, ensuring consistent performance regardless of economic conditions [6] - The company is targeting a medium-term cash leverage goal of six times, down from historical levels of seven to eight times, to enhance investor comparability [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that the government will not default on leases, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown [4] - The company remains optimistic about its growth trajectory, with expectations of achieving 2-3% annual core FFO growth and potential upside [14][60] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with government agencies and the potential for modernizing lease structures with the GSA [55] Other Important Information - The company has successfully extended leases at key properties, including USCIS Lincoln and VA Golden, indicating strong tenant relationships [11] - The FDA Atlanta project is expected to significantly contribute to earnings growth, with a large portion of the anticipated increase in 2026 coming from this development [71] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is happening with the Flagstaff Courthouse completion? - The completion date has been pushed out two quarters due to the government balancing multiple agency designs, but the new date is considered achievable [17] Question: Can you discuss your overall thoughts on capital allocation and funding sources for development? - The company is focused on optimizing its cost of equity and exploring partnerships with sovereign wealth funds to enhance funding opportunities [20][21] Question: What are the headwinds affecting the $50 million acquisition guidance for 2026? - The guidance is conservative to reflect the current cost of capital, but the company expects to achieve this target given its strong acquisition pipeline [25][26] Question: Will dispositions be part of achieving the leverage target? - Dispositions may be necessary, but the company believes it can achieve its leverage goals through careful management of acquisitions and development projects [28] Question: How does the government shutdown impact operations? - While the shutdown slows down processes, management believes it will not diminish the portfolio's value, and the government will continue to meet its obligations [30][76] Question: Can you clarify the 2026 guidance and any expected dispositions? - There are no dispositions expected for 2026, and the guidance reflects growth primarily from the FDA Atlanta project and same-store growth [73]

Macro Environment - The macro environment is currently benign, with stocks at a record high and the economy stable, recession is not expected [1] - Earnings growth has been good and the tariff situation has generally abated [1] - The distress ratio is under 5%, and the amount of bank loans trading under 80 is 4% [2] - Inflation has clearly come down, with ongoing debate about whether it will settle at 2% or 3% [3] Company Performance & Investment Strategy - The company manages $100 billion of capital and invests in hundreds of companies, observing good earnings across the board [2] - The company is not seeing major challenges in pricing, despite tariffs, particularly in the areas where it invests [4][5] - The market has largely absorbed current tariff levels without significant inflationary impact [6] - The company focuses on picking good businesses and credits, rather than relying heavily on maintenance covenants [11][12] Interest Rates & Market Outlook - The forward curve suggests five rate cuts over the next year, though the company considers this potentially aggressive [7] - Long rates, particularly the 10-year and 30-year rates, are key considerations given the size of the deficit [8] - The market is digesting the cost of capital, and current levels are not considered worrisome [8]

M&A Activity & Market Outlook - M&A activity experienced a slow start in the first half of 2025, but a strong July suggests a potential increase in momentum for the second half of the year [1][2] - Confidence in capital markets is growing, contributing to the elevated M&A activity [4] - The bid-ask gap has narrowed from approximately two points to about a half a point, making deals more affordable and aligning buyer and seller expectations [5] Interest Rates & Economic Factors - A lower cost of capital is desired to sustain deal-making activity, although current rates haven't stopped deals entirely [6] - The market anticipates two interest rate cuts (two turns down) this year, fueling optimism [7][12] - The base case economic backdrop anticipates flat or declining inflation and a slight increase in GDP [12] Sector Focus - Technology is expected to remain a key sector for M&A activity for the next 5 years, driven by the race to acquire sophisticated AI technology [8][9] - Oil and gas, life sciences (due to strong cash reserves and the need to build R&D pipelines), and media and entertainment are also expected to see continued M&A activity [10] Regulatory Environment - Deregulation is considered a potential tailwind for companies seeking to consolidate [3] - The current administration's approach to regulation may be facilitating certain deals with fewer compromises [4]

M&A Activity & Market Outlook - M&A activity experienced a slow start in the first half of 2025, but July showed strength, suggesting a potential increase in the second half of the year [1][2] - Confidence in capital markets is growing, and the bid-ask gap has narrowed from approximately two points to about half a point, making deals more affordable and aligning buyer and seller expectations [4][5] - The industry anticipates two interest rate cuts (turns down) this year, fueling optimism in the market [7][12] Regulatory & Economic Factors - Deregulation, potentially influenced by the Trump administration, may be a tailwind for companies seeking consolidation [3] - The market is gaining confidence that interest rates will not return to levels seen three years prior, though a lower cost of capital is still desired [6] - The economic backdrop considered by EY includes expectations for inflation to remain flat or decrease and for GDP to increase slightly [12] Sector Focus - Technology is expected to remain a key sector for M&A activity for the next 5 years, driven by the race to acquire sophisticated AI technology for business modernization [8][9] - Oil and gas is experiencing a strong year and is expected to continue to see M&A activity [10] - Life sciences companies, with substantial cash reserves, are looking to build up their R&D pipelines through acquisitions [10] - There has been a surprising surge in media and entertainment deals this year [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's adjusted FFO for the quarter was $1.26 per share, an increase from $1.22 in the prior year, representing a growth of 3.3% [18] - AFFO for the quarter was $1.24 per share compared to $1.20 in the prior year, also reflecting a 3.3% increase [18] - Total revenue for the quarter was $178.1 million, up from $173.1 million in the prior year [18] - Rental revenue increased by $5.3 million year-over-year, primarily due to investment spending and higher percentage rents [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The experiential portfolio comprises 274 properties, accounting for 94% of total investments, which stood at approximately $6.5 billion [8] - The education portfolio consists of 55 properties, all of which were 100% leased at the end of the quarter [8] - The box office in Q2 was $2.7 billion, a 37% increase compared to Q2 2024, driven by strong performing titles [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American box office for the first half of the year was $4.1 billion, a 15% increase over 2024 [11] - The company estimates the North American box office for the calendar year 2025 to be between $9.3 billion and $9.7 billion [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a disciplined approach to capital allocation and has a robust pipeline of opportunities, including over $100 million committed to experiential development and redevelopment projects [5] - The strategy includes capital recycling to position the portfolio with productive and diversified experiential assets [6] - The company is particularly bullish on the fitness and wellness space, anticipating high-quality opportunities for acquisition and development [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the box office recovery and consumer demand for theatrical exhibitions, with expectations for the Regal master lease to meet percentage rent expectations [7] - Despite macroeconomic pressures, the company believes its differentiated strategy provides resilience and opportunity [7] - Management noted that the cost of capital has improved, allowing for a more aggressive growth posture in pursuing new opportunities [5] Other Important Information - The company sold a vacant former Regal Theater to Costco for net proceeds of $24 million, demonstrating the value of good real estate [17] - Year-to-date, the company has sold approximately $130 million of assets and revised its 2025 disposition guidance to a range of $130 million to $145 million [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is there a significant amount of assets for sale at reasonable prices? - Management indicated that there are still robust opportunities in the market, with over half of the pipeline being acquisitions, while being discerning in capital deployment [30][31] Question: How are dispositions planned for the back half of the year? - Management stated that they are close to achieving their targeted disposition range and will continue to look for opportunities to lower theater exposure [34][36] Question: How is the balance sheet strategy being approached? - Management highlighted flexibility in the balance sheet, with plans for a bond transaction to reduce line balance and prepare for upcoming maturities [40][41] Question: What is the demand for core assets? - Management noted that there is increasing interest in the theater space, with more activity and acceptance of it as an asset class [45] Question: How does the company view its exposure to Six Flags? - Management expressed confidence in their relationship with Six Flags, noting that the company is rationalizing its fleet and creating opportunities for accretive transactions [98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported AFFO per share of $0.44, which is up 2.8% from Q2 last year [20] - Rental income for Q2 was $64.5 million, representing growth of over 11% compared to the same quarter last year [20] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDAre was 4.5 times, which is below the stated guidance of 5.5 to 6 times [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2, the company acquired 24 properties for $84 million at a blended cap rate of 6.7% [12] - The automotive sector accounted for 68% of total acquisition volume, indicating a strong focus on this area [12] - The company has diversified its portfolio, with 34% of rent now coming from sectors outside casual dining [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that same-store sales for Olive Garden and LongHorn grew nearly 7% for the quarter ended May 2025 [8] - Chili's reported a same-store sales growth of 32% for the quarter ended March 2025, indicating strong performance in the casual dining sector [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a defensive portfolio focused on central retail and services, which are seen as tariff resistant [9] - The strategy includes modulating acquisitions based on the cost of capital, allowing the company to protect spreads without compromising portfolio quality [6] - The company is committed to maintaining high-quality standards in acquisitions and has a strong competitive advantage in its ability to fluctuate acquisition volumes [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the portfolio's resilience, highlighting a strong track record with low bad debt expense and effective releasing results [65] - The company anticipates a pullback in consumer spending due to potential recession or high inflation but believes it is well-positioned with low rents [9] - Management indicated that the current market conditions allow for continued execution of the company's strategy, with significant available capital for acquisitions [65] Other Important Information - The company has raised nearly $505 million in equity over the last twelve months, providing significant capacity for acquisitions [17] - The portfolio occupancy remains strong at 99.4%, with 99.8% of base rent collected for Q2 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about acquisition team capacity - Management stated that the company is appropriately staffed and has the capacity to do more acquisitions if favorable pricing is available [25][27] Question: Impact of cap rate changes on acquisition opportunities - Management indicated that a 25 basis point decrease in cap rates could significantly increase acquisition opportunities, potentially by $100 million to $200 million [29][30] Question: Darden exposure and acquisition strategy - Management confirmed that while they have diversified Darden exposure, they will not hesitate to acquire Darden-related assets if the pricing is favorable [31][32] Question: Deal flow and competitive landscape - Management noted that deal flow has been consistent, but pricing remains a key factor in determining acquisition activity [48][49] Question: Future of veterinary retail property acquisitions - Management expressed interest in the veterinary retail sector, indicating it is a space they are comfortable exploring further [61]