Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported FFO per share of $0.64, which was a penny above the high end of guidance [6][10] - Same store revenue growth decreased by 0.4% year over year, an improvement from a decline of 1.6% in the previous quarter [8][10] - Average occupancy for the same store portfolio was down 50 basis points to 89.5%, narrowing from a decline of 120 basis points in the fourth quarter [9][10] - Same store operating expenses grew by only 0.6% year over year, better than expectations [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed on the acquisition of the remaining 80% interest in a joint venture, acquiring a portfolio of 28 early-stage lease-up stores [11] - The third-party management platform added 33 stores, ending the quarter with 869 third-party stores under management [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong markets such as New York City boroughs, Chicago, and Washington D.C. continue to show strength, while supply-impacted markets like Northern New Jersey, Phoenix, and Atlanta are stabilizing [7][12] - In Texas markets, Dallas is facing challenges due to supply and pricing decisions, while Austin shows signs of recovery [34][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on optimizing its platform while maintaining high customer service standards [6][10] - The management expressed confidence in the long-term health of the self-storage industry due to the quality and geographic diversity of its portfolio [7][12] - The company is cautious about the economic environment, maintaining a conservative outlook for gradual improvement in operational metrics in 2025 [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted uncertainty in the economy affecting consumer decisions, which could impact storage demand [13] - The company does not foresee improvement in the housing market and expects a gradual recovery without sharp reacceleration [13] - Management highlighted the resilience of the self-storage business, noting that demand drivers include everyday life events and business needs [18][19] Other Important Information - The balance sheet remains strong with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 4.8 times [12] - The company is monitoring the impact of macroeconomic factors on its operations and is prepared to adjust strategies accordingly [13][54] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers of demand in the current environment? - Management indicated that demand is driven by everyday life events and business needs, despite a slow housing market [18] Question: What was occupancy in April? - Occupancy ended at 89.9% in April, showing a slight improvement [21] Question: How does the company view the leasing season? - Management expects a muted leasing season compared to pre-pandemic levels, with no significant growth anticipated [30] Question: What is the outlook for Texas markets? - Management noted that while Austin is recovering, Dallas faces challenges due to supply and competitive pricing [34][35] Question: How is the company managing expenses? - The company has been proactive in managing staffing and operational expenses, leading to better-than-expected results [50] Question: What is the strategy for acquisitions? - The company is open to acquisitions but faces challenges due to market volatility and seller expectations [53][54] Question: How does the company view potential recession impacts? - Management believes the self-storage business is resilient during economic downturns, with demand potentially increasing due to life changes [88][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core FFO per share of $0.27 for Q1 2025, flat compared to the prior year, reflecting the impact of portfolio optimization and deleveraging strategy completed last year [14] - Same store NOI grew by 2.7%, driven by a 2.3% increase in same store revenue and a 1.6% increase in operating expenses year-over-year [14][19] - The average occupancy increased by 100 basis points year-over-year, contributing to the same store NOI growth [6][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed value-add renovations on 275 units with a weighted average return on investment of 16.2% [6] - The company has 28 communities with over 4,600 units in the ongoing value-add program, expecting to complete between 505,000 units this year [6] - The company sold its final asset in Birmingham, Alabama for $111 million, completing its exit from that market [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2020, approximately 79,000 new apartment units were delivered across the company's submarkets, representing 6.1% of existing supply [10] - The company expects only 32,000 new deliveries in 2025 and 24,000 units in 2026, representing a 60% annual decrease in 2025 and an additional 24% decrease in 2026 [10] - The company forecasts positive net absorption of 8.5% in its submarkets for 2025, significantly higher than the national average of 1.5% [11][65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a long-term investment strategy, capitalizing on strong population and employment growth in its communities [5][12] - The company aims to maintain pricing power and expects ongoing rental rate gains without sacrificing occupancy [12][19] - The acquisition pipeline remains strong, with ample liquidity to fund accretive investments [8][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainties but remains confident in supply and demand fundamentals driving operations [12][19] - The company expects to enter 2026 with solid earnings momentum and growth opportunities [20] - Management noted that demand for Class B communities has proven resilient, with stable occupancy rates and positive blended rent growth [11][52] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 6.3 times, with plans to achieve a mid-five ratio by year-end 2025 [17] - The company has nearly $750 million of liquidity available for investments [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the leasing spreads for the first quarter? - New leases were down 4.6%, while renewals were up 4.8%. The company did not experience the same level of decline in rental rates as some peers due to its Class B portfolio [23][24] Question: Have you seen any evidence of stress from tariffs or macro uncertainty? - The company has not felt significant effects from tariffs or deportations and has seen a decrease in bad debt by 50 basis points year-over-year [25][27] Question: Can you speak to trends in leasing traffic and conversion? - Demand is up 25% compared to the same time last year, with conversion rates remaining stable [31] Question: What are your expectations for new lease rates and renewals? - The company anticipates positive trends in blended rental rates, with improvements noted month-to-month [36][38] Question: How are you thinking about the revenue guidance for the full year? - The company expects continued strong demand and significant declines in new supply, maintaining its revenue guidance [19][65] Question: Can you discuss the impact of insurance renewals on expenses? - The company expects a net decrease in insurance premiums despite initially assuming a 10% increase [72][75] Question: Are there any other markets you expect to exit by year-end? - Currently, there are no expected changes to the company's market dispositions [81] Question: How do you expect the performance between Class A and Class B to trend? - Class B properties are showing better rental rate growth compared to Class A properties, which are facing more competition from new supply [88][89]