Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter and first half results exceeded initial guidance, with revenue growth driven by higher occupancy and rental revenue [5][6] - Core FFO growth year-to-date was 3.3%, positioning the company towards the top of the sector [8] - Operating expense growth is now forecasted at 3.1%, 100 basis points better than original guidance, leading to higher NOI growth projected at 2.7% for 2025 [6][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store NOI growth is projected at 2.7%, reflecting a 30 basis points improvement from initial expectations, driven by reduced expense growth [12] - New development projects started in the first half of the year totaled $610 million, with a revised full-year target of $1.7 billion [8][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total market occupancy in established regions is at 94.8%, while the Sunbelt region stands at 89.5% due to elevated standing inventory [9] - Economic occupancy in New York, New Jersey averaged 96.3% during Q2, and Seattle averaged 96.6% with over 3% rent change [17][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on acquiring $900 million of assets this year, primarily funded by capital from dispositions [7] - Development projects are expected to generate differentiated external growth, with a focus on high-quality projects in attractive long-term markets [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that job growth expectations for the second half of the year are more muted, but demand remains healthy across most of the portfolio [6] - The company anticipates a continued decline in new supply in established regions, supporting healthy operating fundamentals [6][9] Other Important Information - The company raised $1.3 billion of capital year-to-date at an initial cost of 5%, which is attractive relative to yields on new development projects [8] - The CEO acknowledged the retirement of the VP of Investor Relations, Jason Reilley, after 21 years with the company [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is impacting the pace of leasing in Denver communities? - The leasing pace is averaging about 30 homes per month, which is expected for this time of year, but some delays are due to elevated concessions in competitive submarkets [28][30] Question: What gives confidence in achieving the same number of occupied units by year-end? - The company has had good leasing velocity, averaging around 30 units per month, and is optimistic about the performance of new lease-ups in strong markets [32][34] Question: What caused the leveling off in asking rent trends? - Demand has softened due to weaker job growth, with about 100,000 fewer jobs than originally projected impacting rent growth [38][39] Question: Why is bad debt running higher compared to peers? - The company charges for all amounts due under lease terms, including late fees and utilities, which may contribute to higher bad debt figures [40][41] Question: How is the Dallas acquisition performing? - The acquisition is trending as expected, with increased resources being invested in asset management to enhance performance [48][49] Question: What regions are expected to underperform in rent change? - The Mid Atlantic and Southern California are projected to underperform due to weaker job environments and pricing power [54][55] Question: What is the outlook for the pending DC asset sales? - The DC market is challenging for asset sales due to unique local laws, but recent recovery in rent rolls has made the company comfortable with transaction values [84][87]