Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported $0.71 per share in FFO for Q4 2025, aligning with consensus expectations, and $2.84 per share for the full year, reflecting a 5.6% growth over 2024 [5] - The portfolio was 88.3% occupied at the end of the quarter, with a goal to achieve 90% occupancy by year-end 2026 [9][10] - 2026 FFO guidance was introduced at $2.92 per share, implying a 2.8% growth over 2025, marking the third consecutive year of FFO growth [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed 700,000 sq ft of leases in Q4, the second-highest quarterly volume in four years, with 70% of this being new and expansion leases [14] - Average net rent for the quarter was $36.52, with leasing concessions at $10.58, resulting in an average net effective rent of $23.18 [14] - Cash rents increased by 0.2% overall, but excluding Northpark, they rose by 10.4% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Atlanta saw a 5.8% increase in leasing volume quarter-over-quarter, with the company signing 361,000 sq ft of leases, the highest since Q1 2019 [16] - In Austin, leasing activity reached its highest level since 2021, with 98,000 sq ft signed in Q4 [17] - Charlotte experienced a 72% year-over-year increase in leasing activity, with three-quarters being new and expansion leases [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow occupancy and execute additional accretive investment opportunities, focusing on lifestyle office properties in target Sunbelt markets [9][10] - The acquisition of 300 South Tryon for $317 million is a strategic move to enhance the portfolio in a high-demand area [22][23] - The company plans to remain agile in acquisitions and dispositions, prioritizing earnings accretion while maintaining financial strength [10][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that office fundamentals are improving, with demand growing and vacancy rates declining as remote work phases out [6][7] - The company anticipates a significant shortage of high-quality office space by 2028-2030, positioning itself to capitalize on this trend [8][11] - Despite concerns about a slowing labor market, management believes demand for office space is accelerating due to return-to-office mandates [8][12] Other Important Information - The company is under contract to sell Harborview Plaza for $39.5 million and a land parcel in Charlotte for $23.7 million, indicating a strategy to rotate into higher-quality assets [25][26] - Neuhoff, a mixed-use development project in Nashville, is progressing well, with the apartment component reaching over 90% leased [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about which markets are most supportive of development from a yield perspective? - Management indicated that Uptown Dallas, Charlotte, and Buckhead are markets with strong potential for new development due to tight conditions and rising rents [36] Question: Can you provide insights on the late-stage leasing pipeline and rent spreads? - Management confirmed visibility into the late-stage pipeline, expecting continued positive cash rent roll-ups [38][39] Question: How are you thinking about funding the 300 South Tryon acquisition? - Management highlighted the flexibility in funding options, balancing financial and strategic aspects, with a focus on dispositions that yield comparable returns [40][41] Question: What is the expected tenant retention rate and how many leases are signed but not yet commenced? - Management expects a retention rate around 50% and noted that approximately 460,000 sq ft of leases signed in Q4 will commence in 2026 [68][69] Question: How is the demand for office space evolving in your markets? - Management observed significant activity from West Coast and New York companies, particularly in Austin and Charlotte, indicating a robust demand environment [45]