Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Core FFO per share of $0.57 for Q3 2025, an 8% decline from the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in same-store NOI and an increase in interest expense [9] - Same-store revenues declined by 2.6%, driven by a lower average occupancy of 150 basis points and a year-over-year decline in average revenue per square foot of 40 basis points [9][10] - Expense growth was 4.9% in Q3, with property taxes, marketing, and utilities being the main drivers [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rental revenue was down 2.2% year-over-year in Q3, an improvement from a negative 3.2% in the first half of 2025 [10] - The other property-related revenue line item faced a difficult comparison due to outsized performance in the previous year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contract rates in October improved by 160 basis points compared to the previous year, while occupancy ended October at 84.3%, down 170 basis points year-over-year [4][9] - The company is optimistic about the self-storage sector's outlook for 2026 and beyond, citing expected reductions in new supply and potential increases in storage demand due to lower mortgage rates [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on improving occupancy levels and revenue growth through increased marketing spend, competitive positioning, and solid execution of the sales process [8] - A preferred investment program was launched to enhance earnings growth and return to being a growth company [6][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position for 2026, citing improvements in occupancy levels and contract rates [19][20] - The company believes it has reached an inflection point, with positive momentum in same-store revenue growth and operational stability [6][7] Other Important Information - The company amended its credit facility agreement, resulting in nearly $1 million of annual interest savings [13] - The company maintains ample liquidity and healthy access to various sources of capital, with no significant debt maturities until the second half of 2026 [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What makes the company confident compared to peers? - Management highlighted the structural improvements made over the past couple of years, including consolidating brands and operating platforms, which have positioned the company for better performance [17][19] Question: What is the outlook for capital recycling? - Management indicated ongoing efforts in capital recycling, with some properties currently on the market and a focus on operational efficiency and returns for shareholders [22][24] Question: How do improved street rates impact same-store revenue growth? - Management noted that closing the occupancy gap and positioning in the market will help drive revenue growth, with confidence in the ECRI strategy to maximize rate changes [28][29] Question: What are the demand drivers for the quarter? - Management observed that moving remains a top reason for storage usage, but there hasn't been a significant shift in housing-related demand despite lower mortgage rates [95] Question: Why not narrow guidance at this point? - Management explained that the historical approach has been to leave guidance unchanged unless there are material changes, allowing for a consistent outlook [97]