Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported core FFO for the quarter of $2.15 per diluted share, which was $0.02 per share ahead of the midpoint of guidance [20] - Same store revenue results were in line with expectations, benefiting from strong collections during the quarter [20] - The company reaffirmed the midpoint of its full year core FFO guidance at $8.77 per share while narrowing the range to $8.65 to $8.89 per share [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The blended pricing for the quarter was 0.5%, representing a 100 basis point improvement from the first quarter [14] - Average physical occupancy remained stable at 95.4% with net delinquency at just 0.3% of billed rents [14] - The company completed 2,678 interior unit upgrades, achieving rent increases of $95 above non-upgraded units, with a cash on cash return exceeding 19% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Absorption across markets reached the highest level in over 25 years, with absorption outpacing new deliveries for four consecutive quarters [7][8] - The strongest performing markets included Virginia, Kansas City, Charleston, and Greenville, while markets like Austin, Phoenix, and Nashville faced significant pricing pressure [14][15] - Current occupancy as of July was 95.7%, with a 60-day exposure of 7.1%, which is 10 basis points lower than the previous year [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to disciplined expansion of its development pipeline, with a current active pipeline of 2,648 units valued at nearly $1 billion [9] - The company is prioritizing rents and long-term value creation in its leasing strategy, allowing it to achieve expected lease-up rents [10] - The acquisition market remains quiet, but the company is evaluating several opportunities, including a stabilized suburban acquisition in Kansas City [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate economic cycles, citing a strong balance sheet and liquidity position [11] - The company noted that demand remains resilient, supported by stable employment and strong wage growth, leading to good collections and improving rent-to-income ratios [8] - Management anticipates continuous improvement in the leasing environment over the next several quarters due to strong absorption and declining deliveries [19] Other Important Information - The company has lowered the midpoint of effective rent growth guidance to negative 0.25% while maintaining average physical occupancy guidance at 95.6% for the year [23] - The company expects to renovate approximately 6,000 units in 2025, with more expected in 2026 [17] - The company achieved an overall premium decrease on its property and casualty insurance program [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: July trends are trending better than the second quarter - Management indicated that both renewal trends and new lease rates are contributing to the improvement, with new lease rates showing the best performance so far this year [27] Question: Changes to 2025 lease rate growth assumption - The biggest impact on the guidance was from Q2 performance, with a revision of total lease over lease guidance by roughly 100 basis points [30] Question: Expectation for new lease rate growth in current guidance - Management expects new lease rates to be in the negative 4% range for the back half of the year, with strong renewals playing a larger part [32] Question: Trends in Atlanta market - Management noted that while revenue growth in Atlanta was slower, there is positive momentum, and occupancy and pricing improvements are expected [46] Question: Competitive pricing environment - Management observed that operators are pushing more towards occupancy, which has affected pricing strategies, but they expect a shift towards rate pushing as market conditions improve [78] Question: Changes in underwriting for development - Management stated that their development underwriting remains conservative, with yields achieved on development deals being 20% to 30% higher than originally underwritten [89] Question: Real estate taxes outlook - Management indicated that there could be a tailwind from real estate taxes moving forward, as municipalities may not impose as much of a headwind as in previous years [92]