Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Nareit FFO per share growth of 7.2% and Core FFO per share growth of 7% for 2025, with same-center NOI growth of 3.8% [5][18] - For 2026, guidance indicates mid-single digit growth rates for Nareit FFO and Core FFO per share [5][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed 1,026 leases totaling approximately 6 million square feet in 2025, with portfolio occupancy ending the year at 97.3% leased [12][13] - Comparable renewal rent spreads were reported at 20% in Q4, while new leasing rent spreads were strong at 34.3% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong demand for necessity-based retail, with no signs of slowing, and high retention rates of 93% [11][12] - The company anticipates bad debt in 2026 to be in line with 2025, which was approximately 78 basis points of revenue [14][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The core business focuses on grocery-anchored shopping centers, with a disciplined acquisition strategy targeting an unlevered IRR of 9% for grocery-anchored acquisitions and above 10% for everyday retail centers [8][10] - The company plans to continue its development and redevelopment projects, with 20 projects under active construction and an estimated total investment of approximately $70 million [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the consumer and the strength of their portfolio, despite market concerns about consumer health and tariffs [5][9] - The company believes it can consistently deliver 3%-4% same-center NOI growth and achieve mid to high single-digit core FFO per share growth on a long-term basis [22] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $925 million of liquidity to support acquisition plans and aims to sell between $100 million and $200 million in assets in 2026 [18][20] - The company sold approximately $145 million of assets in 2025 at PECO share [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for acquisition volume and competition for grocery-anchored assets - Management acknowledged increased competition but noted a high level of confidence in reaching acquisition targets due to a balanced market [25][26] Question: Update on the Ocala development parcel and timing - Management expressed excitement about the Ocala market, with expectations for unlevered returns above 9.5%-10% on the project [28][29] Question: Occupancy levels and leverage in renewal negotiations - Management indicated that high occupancy levels provide leverage in negotiations, with expectations for continued growth in inline stores [32][35] Question: Capital deployment and stock buybacks - Management stated that while they consider share buybacks, they believe better returns can be achieved through acquisitions and redevelopment [45][46] Question: Impact of Amazon's store closures on grocery demand - Management noted that Amazon's struggles with brick-and-mortar retail do not significantly impact their grocery demand, as traditional grocers maintain strong market positions [49][50] Question: Bad debt expectations and visibility - Management confirmed that bad debt levels are consistent with previous expectations, with no significant concerns moving into 2026 [56][57] Question: Credit rating and cost of debt - Management believes they are an underrated credit and that scale will help improve their credit rating, which could lower their cost of debt [60][61] Question: Disposition strategy and cap rates - Management outlined a strategy focused on trading out stabilized assets for higher return opportunities, with expectations for cap rates in the 5.5% to sub-5 range [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Real estate FFO was $3.05 per share in Q2 2025, a 4.1% increase from $2.93 in the prior year [6] - Second quarter funds from operation totaled $1,190 million or $3.15 per share, compared to $1,090 million or $2.90 per share last year, reflecting an 8.6% growth [9] - Domestic property NOI increased by 4.2% year over year for the quarter and 3.8% for the first half of the year [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 1,000 leases were signed for over 3.6 million square feet in the quarter, with nearly 90% of leases expiring through 2025 completed ahead of last year [7] - Malls and premium outlets ended Q2 at 96% occupancy, up 10 basis points sequentially and 40 basis points year over year [7] - The mills achieved a record occupancy of 99.3%, an increase of 90 basis points sequentially and 110 basis points from the prior year [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average base minimum rent for malls and outlets increased by 1.3% year over year, while mills increased by 0.6% [8] - Sales for malls and premium outlets per square foot were $736 for the quarter [8] - Traffic increased by 1.5%, although some centers near borders experienced flat sales and traffic due to restrictions [67] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on long-term value creation through disciplined investments and operational excellence, driving growth in cash flow, funds from operation, and dividends per share [5] - The acquisition of Brickell City Center was highlighted as a strategic move to enhance operations and drive NOI growth [10] - The company is optimistic about future acquisitions, emphasizing a selective approach based on product quality and pricing [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the economic environment, acknowledging the impact of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties [58][60] - Despite challenges, management noted strong retail demand and traffic, indicating a positive outlook for the remainder of the year [20][64] - The company raised its full-year 2025 real estate FFO guidance range to $12.45 to $12.65 per share, compared to $12.24 last year [12] Other Important Information - The company announced a dividend of $2.15 per share for Q3, a year-over-year increase of $0.10 or 4.9% [12] - The company completed 21 secured loan transactions totaling approximately $3.8 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.84% [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Leasing velocity and demand insights - Management noted that despite geopolitical and domestic uncertainties, retail demand remains strong, with increased shopper traffic and sales holding steady [15][20] Question: Demand from smaller tenants - Management indicated that smaller tenants are performing well, with demand remaining strong despite concerns about tariffs affecting their cost of goods [25][26] Question: Acquisition opportunities and Brickell asset potential - Management expressed excitement about the Brickell acquisition, highlighting its unique market position and potential for growth [32][34] Question: Future acquisition strategy and market dynamics - Management clarified that they remain focused on both internal reinvestment and external acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of price sensitivity [44][50] Question: Impact of tariffs and economic outlook - Management acknowledged the cautious approach due to tariffs but expressed optimism about the US economic landscape and potential growth in 2026 [60][62] Question: Traffic growth quantification - Management reported a 1.5% increase in traffic, noting some centers near borders are experiencing flat performance due to restrictions [67][68] Question: Supply and occupancy trends - Management confirmed that the S and O pipeline is at 340 basis points, with a focus on optimizing tenant mix to enhance property performance [74][76] Question: Interest in acquiring anchor boxes - Management discussed the complexities of acquiring anchor boxes, emphasizing the importance of price and the relationship with Catalyst Brands [84][90]