Investis Holding (IREN) H1 2025 Earnings Call August 27, 2025 03:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsStéphane Bonvin - CEO, Chairman & DirectorRené Häsler - CFO & Member of Executive BoardLaurence Bienz - Head Investor & Media RelationsOperatorLadies and gentlemen, welcome to Investis h one two twenty five results webcast. All participants of the webcast are in listen only mode, and the webcast will be recorded. Please note that the recording by participants for publication or broadcast is not allowed. After the p ...

Core Insights - The majority of individuals investing in real estate face significant challenges, with 90% remaining stuck at their first property due to poor investment choices and financial constraints [1][2] Group 1: Common Pitfalls in Real Estate Investment - Many new investors make emotional decisions rather than data-driven ones, often choosing properties based on familiarity or comfort rather than growth potential or rental returns [4][5] - A lack of a clear investment strategy leads many to stop after their first purchase, as they do not plan for future acquisitions or consider how their initial investment fits into a broader portfolio [8][9] - Incorrect loan structures can severely limit borrowing capacity, with many investors mixing personal and investment properties or choosing repayment methods that strain cash flow [12] Group 2: Strategies for Successful Real Estate Investment - Investors should focus on data when selecting properties, considering factors like population growth, infrastructure plans, and rental market dynamics to ensure long-term returns [7] - Establishing a clear investment roadmap before purchasing is crucial, including defining the number of properties desired and the ultimate investment goals [10][11] - Developing a long-term investment mindset is essential, as real estate investment is a gradual wealth-building process that requires patience and resilience [14] Group 3: Leveraging Property Value - Many investors fail to utilize the equity gained from their first property to finance subsequent purchases, often opting to save for down payments instead [15][16] - Regularly assessing property value and leveraging equity for reinvestment can enhance growth opportunities, provided there is a risk management buffer in place [17][18] Conclusion - The failure in real estate investment often stems from applying a "first home buyer" mentality to asset portfolio planning, while successful investors treat real estate as a business with clear goals, strategies, and patience [19]

Core Viewpoint - The real estate market is facing a significant downturn due to an oversupply of housing and increasing costs associated with property ownership, leading to a shift in buyer priorities from investment to livability [1][3]. Group 1: Market Conditions - There are 600 million buildings nationwide, indicating a surplus in housing supply [1]. - The likelihood of property tax expansion in the next five years will increase the cost of holding real estate, making speculative investments riskier [1]. Group 2: Changing Buyer Preferences - Young buyers are prioritizing "living well" over "investment value," with 63% of post-95 buyers considering commuting convenience as their top priority [3]. - This shift is leading to a depreciation in certain property values, particularly in three categories of homes that may become worthless in five years [3]. Group 3: Specific Property Challenges - **Suburban Properties**: - Suffer from industrial hollowing, with many planned areas lacking actual development, leading to low occupancy rates [4]. - Experience "supporting facility desertification," resulting in long commutes and poor living conditions [6]. - Face population outflow, with some areas seeing a 23% loss in registered residents, leading to a surplus of new homes and declining prices [7]. - **High-Rise Buildings**: - Are becoming "vertical slums," with significant depreciation in value due to high living costs and structural safety concerns [9][11]. - Maintenance costs are disproportionately high, making them unaffordable for average families [9]. - The cost of demolition is often prohibitive, leading to a stagnation in property value [12]. - **Seaside Properties**: - Have seen prices drop by over 50%, with low occupancy rates during off-seasons leading to maintenance issues [14]. - Owners face high annual maintenance costs, making these properties financially burdensome [16]. - Promised amenities remain unfulfilled, further diminishing property value and livability [17]. Group 4: Investment Strategies - Investors are advised to divest from low-quality assets, particularly in third and fourth-tier cities, and reinvest in prime locations to maximize rental yields [19]. - A diversified asset allocation strategy is recommended, with a suggested 40% in real estate and the remainder in long-term government bonds and gold ETFs to mitigate risks [20]. Group 5: Market Outlook - The real estate market is undergoing a "淘汰赛" (elimination competition), and reliance on outdated investment strategies is likely to result in losses [21].

Core Viewpoint - Zacks Investment Research has initiated coverage of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership (NEN) with a Neutral recommendation, highlighting a mix of strategic strengths and identifiable headwinds for the company [1] Group 1: Acquisition and Growth Strategy - NERA's transformative $175 million acquisition of Hill Estates adds 396 residential units and complementary commercial properties in high-demand New England submarkets, funded through cash reserves, U.S. Treasury bill liquidation, and new debt [2] - The acquisition reflects a bold yet measured approach to growth in a region with robust multifamily demand [2] Group 2: Financial Performance - NERA's first-quarter 2025 results show a 4% year-over-year increase in rental income, driven by a 6% rise in lease renewals, with residential vacancy at 1.6% [3] - The partnership has over $88 million in liquidity, including nearly $58 million in short-term Treasuries yielding upwards of 4%, providing significant financial flexibility [3] Group 3: Portfolio Development - NERA is developing the Mill Street Project, a 72-unit multifamily development in Woburn, MA, expected to be completed by year-end and contribute strong income [4] - The company holds 40-50% stakes in several joint ventures that continue to generate consistent, low-risk cash flows [4] Group 4: Capital Returns and Dividends - NERA has repurchased over $56 million worth of Units and Depositary Receipts, with a new $5 million repurchase capacity authorized [5] - The partnership maintains healthy dividends, with a recent quarterly distribution of $12.00 per unit and a $96.00 special payout to Class A holders [5] Group 5: Structural Challenges - Persistent structural headwinds are affecting NERA's balance sheet, with partners' capital remaining deeply negative despite positive net income [6] - Rising operating expenses, including increased snow removal and heating costs, are pressuring margins, while leasing softness and a dip in new lease rents indicate emerging challenges [7] Group 6: Market Position and Valuation - NERA's share price has remained stable due to consistent income generation and a focused capital return strategy, but its valuation metrics appear elevated compared to peers, potentially limiting near-term upside [8] - Investors recognize the quality of NERA's assets and cash flows while factoring in risks related to geographic concentration and rising operating costs [8] Group 7: Conclusion - NERA shows promise with strong leasing performance, disciplined capital allocation, and a transformative growth pipeline, but structural equity deficit, rising costs, and regional concentration warrant a cautious stance [9]

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers in Australia, particularly the limitations of government subsidies for young investors [1][3] - It highlights the experience of a young landlord, Gibson Pham, who has shifted his strategy away from relying on subsidies to investing in properties directly [1][6] Group 1: Government Subsidies - Current subsidies for first-time homebuyers may not be beneficial for many young individuals and could potentially lead to financial difficulties [1] - These subsidies typically require homeowners to reside in the property for at least six months, which restricts options for those with work or family commitments [3][4] Group 2: Investment Strategy - Pham allocates nearly 60% of his income towards real estate investments and has opted to explore properties in more affordable, remote areas due to high prices in Sydney [1][3] - He purchased his first property in Rockhampton for AUD 465,500 with a down payment of AUD 70,000, incurring total costs of approximately AUD 90,000 including stamp duty and fees [6] - Pham's savings rate ranges from 50% to 60%, aided by living at home, and he plans to invest in another property in Townsville within two months [6][8] Group 3: Support and Resources - The use of buyer's agents has provided Pham with more options and confidence in his investment decisions, despite not having seen his first property in person [8] - He emphasizes the importance of having a reliable strategy and building a supportive team to achieve investment goals [8]