Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported core FFO of $2.08 per share, meeting internal expectations [4] - Same-store occupancy at quarter-end was 93.7%, with an average of 94.1% during the quarter, reflecting a 30 basis point improvement year over year [4] - Same-store revenue declined by 0.2% year over year, slightly below internal forecasts [9] - Same-store new customer rate growth was approximately 6% when excluding discounts, while net growth was over 3% year over year [5][9] - The company raised its full-year core FFO guidance to a range of $8.12 to $8.20 per share based on year-to-date performance [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third-party management platform expanded by 95 stores during the quarter, with a net growth of 62 stores, bringing the total managed portfolio to 1,811 stores [7] - The bridge loan program originated $123 million during the quarter and sold $71 million in mortgage loans, contributing to interest income [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The self-storage sector continues to show resilience, with the company maintaining a geographically diversified portfolio of over 4,200 stores across 43 states [13] - The company noted that property taxes normalized in the quarter, returning to a growth rate of 1.6% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on long-term revenue optimization through strategic discounts, which are seen as investments for future growth [5] - The acquisition of a 24-property portfolio for $244 million is expected to enhance long-term yields and diversify the company's asset base [5][6] - The company aims to capitalize on market conditions through a multi-channel approach, including direct ownership, joint ventures, and management services [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in operational execution and improving storage fundamentals, despite expecting same-store revenue to remain relatively flat for 2025 [8][11] - The company is encouraged by the sustained positive rate trend and believes that the strategic decisions made will lead to long-term revenue growth [9][13] - Management highlighted that the self-storage business model has proven its strength as market fundamentals gradually improve [13] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with 95% of interest rates fixed, providing financial flexibility for strategic opportunities [10] - The company is actively managing its portfolio, planning to dispose of 25 assets to fund acquisitions while ensuring higher quality and better market opportunities [6][77] Q&A Session Summary Question: How long does new customer rate growth take to benefit same-store revenue growth? - Management indicated that the timing depends on churn and other factors, but they are encouraged by the accelerating trend in new customer rates [16] Question: Has the discounting strategy continued into October? - Management confirmed that they have been using discounts strategically and will continue to evaluate their effectiveness based on results [17] Question: What specific regions were affected by the discounting strategy? - Management noted that discounts were focused on states with emergencies, such as Los Angeles, and were part of a broader strategy to optimize long-term revenue [22] Question: What is the outlook for the bridge loan program in a lower-rate environment? - Management expects that a lower-rate environment could impact the bridge loan program positively by loosening the acquisition market [83] Question: How does the company view its marketing spend efficiency? - Management stated that they have not seen any decline in the ROI of their marketing spend and view it as an investment for long-term revenue growth [37] Question: What is the expected impact of move-in rents on ECRIs? - Management explained that as street rates increase, more customers will be eligible for ECRIs, which could change the dynamics of revenue generation [65] Question: Can you provide details on the disposition of Life Storage assets? - Management confirmed that they are looking to sell Life Storage assets to improve their portfolio and will provide more details upon closing [77]