Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported core FFO per share of $0.55 for Q2 2025, an 11% decline from the prior year, primarily due to decreased same store NOI and increased interest expense [13] - Same store revenues declined by 3%, driven by a lower average occupancy of 240 basis points and a year-over-year decline in average revenue per square foot of 30 basis points [13] - Expense growth was 4.6% in Q2, with property taxes, marketing, repair and maintenance, and utilities being the main drivers [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store NOI growth was negative 6.1%, reflecting the challenges faced in the current operating environment [14] - The company sold 10 properties in non-core markets and acquired one property in Texas, along with an annex in California [7][8] - RevPath improved for five consecutive months, with the year-over-year delta decreasing from 4.2% in February to 1.6% in July [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Occupancy increased by 140 basis points sequentially during Q2 to finish at 85%, with further improvement to 85.3% in July [10] - The year-over-year occupancy decline narrowed to 150 basis points in July from 220 basis points in June [10] - The company noted that new supply is projected to decline over the next few years, supporting an improving supply-demand backdrop [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving its balance sheet metrics and remains disciplined in capital use, expecting to be a net seller of assets for the year [8][15] - Increased marketing spend and the use of concessions are part of the strategy to improve portfolio performance and occupancy [9] - The company is optimistic about the long-term outlook, particularly as the housing market recovers and new supply declines [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that macroeconomic conditions have not improved meaningfully, impacting occupancy and revenue expectations [6] - The elevated use of concessions during the quarter was a near-term drag on revenues, but management believes these actions are necessary given the current environment [7] - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for NSA, expecting to realize benefits from pro internalization and improved market conditions [8] Other Important Information - The company has ample liquidity with no significant debt maturities until 2026 and a current revolver balance of $400 million [15] - Adjusted guidance for 2025 includes same store revenue growth of negative 2% to 3% and core FFO per share of $2.17 to $2.23 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the scenarios underpinning the updated guidance? - Management explained that the revised guidance reflects expectations of occupancy trends and seasonal declines, with less dependency on macro conditions compared to earlier in the year [20][22] Question: How are you thinking about share repurchases given current share prices? - Management indicated that share repurchases are considered attractive but will be balanced with capital allocation decisions and maintaining balance sheet metrics [24] Question: How is the ECRI strategy performing in light of market pressures? - Management reported no significant changes in the ECRI program and noted that they are adjusting risk scores based on customer behavior [29][30] Question: What is the current state of your marketing strategy and its impact? - Management highlighted improvements in visibility scores and increased top-of-funnel demand due to enhanced marketing efforts and rebranding [56][78] Question: Can you elaborate on the challenges faced during the pro internalization? - Management noted that challenges are more market-driven rather than specific to individual properties, with some markets being particularly competitive [88] Question: What is the outlook for property dispositions and acquisitions? - Management confirmed that they have identified properties for sale and are being disciplined in capital allocation, focusing on optimizing existing portfolio performance [92][106]