Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core FFO per share guidance reduction of $0.14 to $11.25, reflecting a year-over-year earnings growth expectation of 2.2% [12][14] - Same-store residential revenue growth is now projected at 2.5%, with operating expense growth at 3.8%, leading to same-store NOI growth of 2% [13][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third-quarter core FFO per share results were $0.05 below prior expectations, with $0.03 attributed to same-store portfolio results, including lower revenue and higher operating expenses [9][14] - The company expects same-store revenue growth to decline by 30 basis points from mid-year outlook, primarily due to average lease rate and economic occupancy [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Apartment demand has softened, attributed to reduced job growth, with NABE projecting only 725,000 jobs in 2025, down from over 1 million [9][10] - The Mid-Atlantic and Southern California markets have shown pronounced softness, particularly in Los Angeles, where job growth in the film and television industry has declined by approximately 35% [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a $3 billion pipeline of projects under construction, expected to enhance earnings and value creation in 2026 and 2027 [6][7] - The strategic focus includes advancing operating model initiatives to generate $80 million of annual incremental NOI by year-end 2025 [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the portfolio's positioning due to low new supply levels and a lack of affordable housing alternatives [18][19] - The company anticipates continued weakness in the Mid-Atlantic region due to the government shutdown and its impact on job growth [17][76] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $150 million of its stock at an average price of $193 per share during Q3 [7] - The balance sheet remains strong with low leverage and over $3 billion in available liquidity [7][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company looking at the next crop of projects and capital allocation decisions? - The company is considering $1 billion in development starts for 2026, focusing on established regions with stable operating fundamentals [27][29] Question: Will the company reduce exposure in Southern California and the Mid-Atlantic? - Management indicated a strategy to reduce overall exposure in these markets while increasing focus on Northern Virginia [32][36] Question: What is the outlook for bad debt and its impact on lease-up communities? - Bad debt is expected to improve, with a forecasted benefit of approximately 15 basis points for 2025, and lease-up communities are not necessarily experiencing higher bad debt [68][69] Question: What drove the repair and maintenance cost surprises? - The increase in repair and maintenance costs was attributed to higher costs per unit and unexpected repairs, rather than a specific pattern [43] Question: How does the company view the job market's impact on rent growth? - Management expressed cautious optimism, noting that the supply picture is improving, which could support revenue growth once stability returns [75][76]