Summary of Phillips Edison & Company (PECO) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Phillips Edison & Company (PECO) - **Industry**: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), specifically focused on necessity-based retail properties Key Points and Arguments Market Environment - The market has experienced significant volatility, particularly influenced by tariff updates [3][4] - PECO emphasizes a long-term business approach, focusing on stability rather than short-term fluctuations [5][6] Portfolio and Business Strategy - PECO operates in the necessity-based retail sector, which is less volatile compared to discretionary retail [6][7] - The company has a strong position due to its focus on essential services, such as grocery stores and health and beauty retailers [6][14] - PECO's strategy includes maintaining relationships with top grocers to drive foot traffic and support tenant success [14][20] Retailer Sentiment and Demand - At the recent ICSC conference, 85% of PECO's retailers reported low to minimal impact from tariffs, leading to a generally positive outlook [11][12] - The company had over 400 meetings at ICSC, indicating strong engagement with retailers and a positive sentiment towards expansion [9][10] Leasing Environment - New leasing spreads were reported at 28.1%, with renewal spreads at 20% and retention rates around 90% [16][17] - The occupancy rate is at its highest level, driven by strong demand and a lack of new construction in the sector [20][21] - PECO anticipates continued growth in occupancy and leasing activity, with a strong pipeline for the remainder of the year [17][22] Financial Metrics - Foot traffic in April increased by 6% year-over-year, indicating strong consumer engagement [28] - Renewal spreads are among the highest in the industry, with potential for further growth in rental rates [29][31] Challenges and Opportunities - PECO has limited exposure to larger box retailers, focusing instead on necessity-based retail [33][34] - The company is actively managing its portfolio to address potential headwinds from specific retailers like Party City and Big Lots, with plans for replacement and reopening [32][35] Acquisition Strategy - PECO aims for $350 million to $450 million in acquisitions, targeting properties with a 9% unlevered IRR [51][53] - The company has already closed on approximately $267 million in acquisitions this year, with a focus on grocery-anchored projects [53][54] Redevelopment Initiatives - PECO invests $40 million to $50 million annually in redevelopment, focusing on smaller buildings in existing shopping centers [60][61] - The company has a strong partnership with Publix for store rebuilds, enhancing its portfolio's value [62] Financial Health and Future Outlook - PECO maintains a strong balance sheet and flexibility in accessing debt and equity markets [57][58] - The company is optimistic about achieving 3% to 4% same-center NOI growth in the coming years [55] Conclusion - PECO is well-positioned to navigate market uncertainties due to its focus on necessity-based retail, strong tenant relationships, and strategic acquisition and redevelopment plans [65][66]

Financial Performance - Gulf & Pacific Equities Corp. reported a 4.1% increase in revenues to $1,132,621 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1,087,886 in the same period last year [1][3] - The company achieved a net income before fair value adjustment of $56,078, a significant improvement from a net loss of $46,490 in the previous year [3] - The net income and comprehensive income for the quarter was a loss of $314,792, compared to a loss of $32,418 in the same period last year, resulting in a loss per common share of $0.01 [3] Mortgage Refinancing - The company successfully refinanced all six mortgages due this year with new one-year fixed-rate mortgages [1] - The new mortgage rates are as follows: three mortgages maturing on April 1, 2026, at 5.17%, one on April 4, 2026, at 5.18%, one on April 28, 2026, at 5.16%, and the remaining mortgage maturing on May 4, 2026, at 5.13% [1][3] Company Overview - Gulf & Pacific Equities Corp. focuses on the acquisition, management, and development of anchored shopping centers in Western Canada, particularly in Alberta [6] - The company targets smaller, rapidly growing hub communities that are serviced with essential infrastructures such as hospitals and high schools [6] - Gulf & Pacific currently owns three retail assets located in Three Hills, St. Paul, and Cold Lake, Alberta [6]

Core Viewpoint - Brixmor Property Group's CEO emphasizes the importance of focusing on long-term strategies amidst near-term market volatility and uncertainty, particularly regarding tenant performance and rent dynamics [4][6][8]. Group 1: Market and Economic Outlook - The current market is characterized by uncertainty and volatility, necessitating a focus on tenant businesses and their resilience [4][5]. - The company operates in a defensive asset class, primarily open-air retail anchored by grocery stores and essential services, which tend to perform well during economic fluctuations [5][18]. - The CEO maintains a cautious approach to interest rates, assuming they will be higher in the future, which influences investment decisions [6][8]. Group 2: Business Strategy and Growth - Brixmor's strategy revolves around long-term leases with credit tenants, focusing on enhancing tenant quality and rent levels to drive organic growth [9][10]. - The company has successfully transitioned from lower-performing tenants to higher-quality ones, significantly increasing average base rent (ABR) from $12 to over $18 per foot [40][41]. - The business plan aims for a consistent growth rate of around 4%, supported by a well-covered dividend and a conservative balance sheet [13][16][46]. Group 3: Tenant Relationships and Performance - Brixmor's tenant base includes major grocery and value retailers, which are resilient and provide essential services, contributing to stable cash flows [18][32]. - The company closely monitors tenant expansion plans, which remain strong, indicating a healthy demand for physical retail spaces [19][20]. - The focus on tenant profitability and traffic data helps inform strategic decisions regarding leasing and property management [21][22]. Group 4: Valuation and Investment Appeal - The current share price offers an attractive dividend yield of 4.5%, with expectations for continued growth, making it a compelling investment opportunity [27][30]. - The company has a strong balance sheet with low leverage, allowing for self-funded reinvestment into the portfolio, which enhances growth prospects [45][46]. - Brixmor's market share and relationships with tenants provide a competitive advantage in executing value-added strategies [24][25].

Group 1: Prologis Overview - Prologis is the largest REIT in the world with a market cap exceeding $100 billion and over $200 billion in assets under management, owning interests in 5,900 buildings with 1.3 billion square feet of space across 20 countries [1] - Prologis plays a crucial role in supporting global trade and e-commerce through its warehouse properties [1] Group 2: Competitors and Growth Potential - Equinix, with a market cap approaching $85 billion, is the leading data center REIT, operating 270 data centers in 35 countries, and is positioned for significant growth due to increasing demand for data center capacity [4][5] - Realty Income, the seventh largest global REIT with $59 billion in assets, owns over 15,600 properties and has diversified its portfolio across various sectors, including retail, industrial, and gaming [7][8] - Realty Income has a total addressable market opportunity of $14 trillion, having expanded into multiple growth markets, including U.S. industrial, European markets, U.S. casino properties, and U.S. data centers [10] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Equinix is expanding its global data center portfolio with 56 major projects underway in 24 countries, indicating strong demand for data centers [6] - Realty Income has been actively acquiring other net lease REITs and investing billions annually to grow its portfolio, including a $3.9 billion investment in property acquisitions last year and a $9.3 billion acquisition of Spirit Realty [9] - Realty Income is launching a private capital investment fund platform to tap into the $18.8 trillion U.S. private real estate market, enhancing its growth potential [11] Group 4: Future Outlook - Prologis has significant growth potential but faces competition from Equinix and Realty Income, which could surpass it in market size within the next decade [12][13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Real estate FFO was $2.95 per share in Q1 2025, compared to $2.91 in the prior year, indicating a slight increase [7] - Domestic and international operations contributed $0.14 of growth, driven by a 5% increase in lease income [8] - First quarter funds from operation were $1,000,000,000 or $2.67 per share compared to $1,330,000,000 or $3.56 per share last year, reflecting a decrease [9][10] - The company announced a dividend of $2.1 per share for Q2, a year-over-year increase of $0.10 or 5% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The occupancy rate for malls and premium outlets was 95.9%, an increase of 40 basis points year-over-year, while mills occupancy was 98.4%, an increase of 70 basis points [8] - Average base minimum rents for malls and outlets increased by 2.4% year-over-year, and mills increased by 3.9% [9] - Domestic NOI increased by 3.4% year-over-year, while portfolio NOI, including international properties at constant currency, grew by 3.6% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retailer sales per square foot for the quarter was $7.33 [9] - Traffic through the quarter was slightly down, but year-to-date through April, it was up, indicating a mixed performance across different periods [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed the acquisition of luxury outlet malls in Florence and San Remo, Italy, and opened its first outlet in Jakarta, Indonesia, as part of its strategy to enhance its retail real estate platform [5] - The company is maintaining a cautious approach to capital allocation and development, expecting construction costs to increase and being selective about new projects [77][78] - The development pipeline is expected to include approximately $500,000,000 in new starts, with a focus on mixed-use projects [11][83] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the current operating environment, noting strong demand for leasing despite some uncertainties related to tariffs and inventory levels [22][56] - The company is reaffirming its full-year 2025 real estate FFO guidance range of $12.4 to $12.65 per share, reflecting a cautious outlook due to macroeconomic uncertainties [13] - Management indicated that while sales are currently flat, they expect to see improvements as inventory levels stabilize and consumer sentiment remains positive [55][60] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with over $10 billion in liquidity and a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 5.2 times [6][12] - The company is actively refinancing $2.8 billion of debt, with lenders remaining comfortable with the asset class [129][130] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on leasing - Management noted that only one European retailer was affected by tariffs, and overall demand for leasing remains strong [17][22] Question: Retailers' inventory levels and sales trends - Management indicated that retailers have about a month to decide on inventory from China, and while some are reducing exposure, demand remains stable [35][36] Question: Changes in approach to tenant negotiations - Management stated that it is business as usual, with strong demand and constrained supply, although they are attentive to specific tenant issues [41][42] Question: Performance of Forever 21 spaces - Over half of the Forever 21 spaces have been leased, with expectations to double the rent over the next two years [48][50] Question: Consumer sentiment and sales outlook - Management believes consumer sentiment is currently stable, but there is caution regarding tourism and its impact on sales [57][58] Question: OPI performance and tariff impacts - OPI showed improvement, with expectations for positive EBITDA despite uncertainties related to tariffs [66][70] Question: Macroeconomic uncertainty and capital plans - Management is taking a more cautious approach to capital plans but remains open to opportunities as they arise [77][80] Question: Trends in luxury tenant sales - Luxury tenants are performing well overall, with some brands updating their offerings, but sales growth has been relatively flat [120] Question: Potential for pull forward demand in Q3 - Management acknowledged the possibility of pull forward demand for the holiday season, which could impact margins positively [124]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Real estate FFO was $2.95 per share in Q1 2025, compared to $2.91 in the prior year, indicating a slight increase [7] - Domestic NOI increased by 3.4% year over year, while portfolio NOI, including international properties at constant currency, grew by 3.6% for the quarter [9] - First quarter funds from operation were $1 billion or $2.67 per share, down from $1.33 billion or $3.56 per share last year, primarily due to prior year gains from asset sales [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed 1,300 leases for over 5.1 million square feet in the quarter, with approximately 25% being new deals [8] - Mall and premium outlet occupancy at the end of the quarter was 95.9%, an increase of 40 basis points year over year, while mills occupancy was 98.4%, up 70 basis points [8] - Average base minimum rents for malls and outlets increased by 2.4% year over year, with mills increasing by 3.9% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retailer sales per square foot for the quarter was $7.33, with occupancy costs at 13.1% [9] - Traffic through the quarter was slightly down, but year-to-date through April, it was up, indicating resilience in consumer behavior [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed the acquisition of luxury outlet malls in Italy and opened a new outlet in Jakarta, Indonesia, enhancing its retail real estate platform [5] - Development projects underway totaled a net cost of $944 million with a blended yield of 9%, with expectations to begin construction on additional projects soon [11] - The company announced a dividend of $2.1 per share for Q2, a year-over-year increase of 5% [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the current economic environment, noting strong demand for retail space despite macroeconomic uncertainties [22] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 real estate FFO guidance range of $12.4 to $12.65 per share, reflecting cautious optimism amid tariff uncertainties [13] - Management highlighted that while sales were relatively flat, they expect to land within original guidance due to inventory levels potentially being affected by tariffs [21] Other Important Information - The company completed 12 secured loan transactions totaling approximately $2.6 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.73% [12] - The company is maintaining a cautious approach to capital allocation, with a focus on long-term decisions amid macroeconomic uncertainty [78] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on leasing - Management noted that only one European retailer was affected by tariffs, and overall demand remains strong [17][22] Question: Retailers' inventory levels and sales trends - Management indicated that retailers have about a month to decide on inventory from China, with some reducing exposure to Chinese goods [35][36] Question: Changes in approach to tenant negotiations - Management stated that it is business as usual, with strong demand and constrained supply, despite some retailers facing challenges [41] Question: Performance of Forever 21 spaces - Over half of the Forever 21 spaces have been leased, with expectations to double the rent over the next two years [48][50] Question: Consumer sentiment and sales outlook - Management believes consumer sentiment is currently stable, but there is caution regarding tourism and its impact on sales [58][59] Question: OPI performance and tariff impacts - OPI showed improvement, with expectations for positive EBITDA despite tariff uncertainties [72] Question: Macroeconomic uncertainty and capital plans - Management confirmed a cautious approach to capital plans, with ongoing development projects but careful consideration of costs [78][80] Question: Trends in luxury tenants - Luxury tenants are performing well, with no significant pullback in leasing demand noted [120]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Real estate FFO was $2.95 per share in Q1 2025, compared to $2.91 in the prior year, indicating a slight increase [5] - Domestic and international operations contributed $0.14 of growth, driven by a 5% increase in lease income [6] - First quarter funds from operation were $1 billion or $2.67 per share, compared to $1.33 billion or $3.56 per share last year [7][8] - The prior year results included $0.81 per share in after-tax net gains, primarily from the sale of the company's remaining ownership interest in ABG [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The occupancy rate for malls and premium outlets was 95.9%, an increase of 40 basis points year over year [6] - The mills occupancy was 98.4%, an increase of 70 basis points compared to the prior year [6] - Average base minimum rents for malls and outlets increased by 2.4% year over year, while mills increased by 3.9% [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mall and premium outlet retailer sales per square foot were $7.33 for the quarter [7] - Domestic NOI increased by 3.4% year over year, while portfolio NOI, including international properties at constant currency, grew by 3.6% for the quarter [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed the acquisition of luxury outlet malls in Florence and San Remo, Italy, and opened its first outlet in Jakarta, Indonesia [4] - Development projects underway have a net cost of $944 million with a blended yield of 9%, with approximately 40% being mixed-use projects [10] - The company announced a dividend of $2.1 per share for Q2, a year-over-year increase of 5% [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the current operating environment, noting strong demand despite some uncertainties related to tariffs and inventory levels [20][21] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 real estate FFO guidance range of $12.4 to $12.65 per share, expecting results to trend towards the middle of the range [12] - Management indicated that while there are uncertainties, the overall consumer sentiment remains stable, and they are cautiously optimistic about future sales [51][53] Other Important Information - The company completed 12 secured loan transactions totaling approximately $2.6 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.73% [11] - The company is actively managing its capital allocation strategy to adapt to diverse macroeconomic cycles [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: What conversations are being had with retailers regarding leasing? - Management noted that only four deals were affected by tariff concerns from one European retailer, indicating strong overall demand [15][20] Question: What is the inventory perspective for retailers? - Retailers have about a month to decide on inventory sourcing from China, with many reducing exposure to Chinese imports [32][33] Question: How is the company approaching tenant negotiations amid uncertainty? - Management stated that it is business as usual, with strong demand and constrained supply, and they are not making significant changes to lease negotiations [39] Question: What is the outlook for department store closures? - Management does not expect major changes in department store closures, as it varies by retailer and their reliance on private label goods [95] Question: How is the luxury tenant market performing? - Management reported that luxury tenants are generally stable, with some brands performing well while others are updating their offerings [113]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FFO excluding financing expenses was approximately $87 million or $0.33 per share for Q1 2025, compared to $75 million or $0.33 per share for Q1 2024, driven by higher leasing revenues [32] - Same center NOI, excluding lease termination income, increased by 0.9% year-over-year, while excluding Eddy assets, it increased by 2.4% [34] - Net debt to EBITDA at the end of Q1 was 7.9 times, nearly a full turn lower than at the outset of the path forward plan [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company signed 2.6 million square feet of leases, including 2.3 million square feet of renewals, more than double the leases signed in Q1 2024 [12] - Trailing twelve-month leasing spreads were 10.9%, up from 8.8% in the previous quarter, marking 14 consecutive quarters of positive leasing spreads [22] - New deal completion percentage reached 60%, up from 39% last quarter, with a target of 70% by year-end 2025 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Portfolio sales at the end of Q1 were $837 per square foot, flat compared to Q4 2024, but $928 per square foot when excluding Eddy properties, which is an increase of $13 [21] - Traffic for the year increased by 2% compared to the same period in 2024 [21] - Occupancy in Q1 was 92.6%, down from 94.1% in Q4 2024, primarily due to the decrease in temporary holiday stores [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its path forward plan, which aims to simplify the business, improve operational performance, and reduce leverage [6] - A new structure has been implemented to streamline leasing teams and enhance collaboration across departments [9] - The company is targeting $2 billion in asset sales and loan givebacks to strengthen its balance sheet [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the leasing progress and the overall execution of the path forward plan, indicating that they are ahead of schedule [6][19] - Minimal impact from tariffs has been observed, with retailers continuing to honor their leases [15][44] - Future same store NOI growth is expected to be in the 3% to 4% range for 2026, with higher growth anticipated in 2027 and 2028 [62] Other Important Information - The company has completed $1.1 billion in dispositions to date and is on track to achieve its $2 billion target [39] - The redevelopment of Green Acres is set to begin, with strong demand and pre-leasing activity [30] - The company anticipates realizing approximately $25 million from its current $80 million signed not open (SNO) pipeline in 2025 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential upside on leasing due to recent news - Management noted minimal pullback from tenants and strong leasing metrics, indicating no significant change in upside [44][45] Question: Clarification on SNO pipeline - The $80 million SNO pipeline is incremental over revenue from 2024, with $25 million expected to be realized in 2025 [46] Question: CapEx spending trends - Spending on leases is trending slightly higher than initially envisioned, with major uplifts in FFO and EBITDA expected in 2027 and 2028 [50][51] Question: Success of new deals - The new organizational structure has contributed to a significant increase in new leasing activity, with a focus on high-quality tenants [53][54] Question: Same store NOI growth expectations - Management expects same store NOI to grow in the 3% to 4% range for 2026, with higher growth in subsequent years [62] Question: Clarification on renewal leasing spread statistics - The renewal spread statistics reflect different metrics, with the 1% figure being more appropriate for same space renewals [88][90] Question: Details on same store revenues and expenses - Operating expenses increased, but revenue generation offset these increases, with further details expected in future disclosures [97][99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FFO excluding certain expenses was approximately $87 million or $0.33 per share for Q1 2025, compared to approximately $75 million or $0.33 per share for Q1 2024, driven by higher leasing revenues [31][32] - Same center NOI, excluding lease termination income, increased by 0.9% year-over-year, while excluding Eddy assets, it increased by 2.4% [33] - Net debt to EBITDA at the end of Q1 was 7.9 times, nearly a full turn lower than at the outset of the path forward plan [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company signed 2.6 million square feet of leases, including 2.3 million square feet of renewals, more than double the leases signed in Q1 2024 [11][21] - Trailing twelve-month leasing spreads were 10.9%, up from 8.8% last quarter, marking 14 consecutive quarters of positive leasing spreads [20] - The leasing speedometer indicated a completion percentage of 60% for new deals, up from 39% last quarter [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Portfolio sales at the end of Q1 were $837 per square foot, flat compared to Q4 2024, but $928 per square foot when excluding Eddy properties, which is up $13 from the last quarter [19] - Traffic for the year increased by 2% compared to the same period in 2024 [19] - Occupancy in Q1 was 92.6%, down from 94.1% in Q4 2024, primarily due to a decrease in temporary holiday stores [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its path forward plan, which aims to simplify the business, improve operational performance, and reduce leverage [5][7] - The leasing dashboard, referred to as the leasing speedometer, has been implemented to drive leasing and capital allocation decisions [8] - The company anticipates reaching a mid-2026 inflection point, indicating substantial completion of its plan [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the leasing progress and the overall execution of the path forward plan, stating that they are ahead of schedule [5][15] - Minimal impact from tariffs has been observed, with retailers continuing to honor their leases [14][42] - The company expects same store NOI growth in the 3% to 4% range for 2026, with significantly higher growth anticipated in 2027 and 2028 [61] Other Important Information - The company has made substantial progress on asset sales, with total dispositions reaching approximately $1.1 billion, and has identified additional assets totaling up to $400 million for sale or giveback [38][39] - The redevelopment and expansion of Green Acres is set to begin, addressing 370,000 square feet of vacant space [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential upside on leasing due to recent news - Management noted minimal pullback from tenants regarding leasing, indicating strong retailer sentiment and confidence in the leasing metrics [41][42] Question: Clarification on the SNO pipeline - The $80 million SNO pipeline is incremental over revenue generated from 2024, with $25 million expected to be realized in 2025 [44] Question: Spending on leases and guidance reinstatement - Current spending on leases is slightly more than initially envisioned, with expectations for major uplifts in FFO and EBITDA in 2027 and 2028 [47][48] Question: Success of new deals and organizational structure - The consolidation of leasing teams has led to increased leasing activity, with a strong pipeline of new deals and a focus on high-quality spaces [52][53] Question: Same store NOI growth expectations - Management expects same store NOI growth of 3% to 4% in 2026, with higher growth anticipated in subsequent years [61] Question: Clarification on renewal leasing spread statistics - The renewal spread statistics include temporary spaces and are reflective of the exact same space, leading to differences in reported metrics [85][86] Question: Impact of tariffs on asset sales - Management indicated that tariffs have not significantly impacted asset sales, with positive demand and pricing for outparcels and other assets [110][111]

Core Viewpoint - Whitestone REIT has announced the acquisition of the San Clemente shopping center in Austin, Texas, which is strategically located near major technology campuses and complements its existing retail presence in the area [1][2]. Acquisition Details - The San Clemente shopping center spans 31,832 square feet and is anchored by a restaurant, enhancing Whitestone's portfolio in Austin, which now includes five neighborhood shopping centers [1]. - The acquisition is positioned to leverage the strong market dynamics and existing retailer relationships to drive long-term growth [2]. Market Dynamics - San Clemente is located in an affluent submarket with an average home value of nearly $1.5 million and an average household income exceeding $280,000 [5]. - The area has seen no new retail development in the last seven years due to strict development restrictions, despite having less than 40% of Austin's average square retail feet per person [5]. - The center benefits from high traffic, with over 55,000 vehicles per day, and will gain from the completion of the Loop 360 project [5]. Community and Tenant Mix - The shopping center serves upscale neighborhoods such as Davenport Ranch, Westlake, Rob Roy, and Barton Creek, which are characterized by a robust job market and upwardly mobile families [6]. - The tenant mix includes local favorites like Fresa's, Iron Fitness, and Greenlake Energy, which align with Whitestone's community-focused strategy [8]. Strategic Growth - Whitestone's acquisition strategy is complemented by strong organic growth, as evidenced by its recent first-quarter earnings report [8].