This story was originally published on Facilities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Facilities Dive newsletter. Vacancy rates in the U.S. life sciences sector reached a new high in September, leading to further softening in asking rents and concessions, according to a recent report by Cushman & Wakefield. Concessions like free rent, fixtures, furniture, equipment, audio-visual technology allowances and turnkey tenant improvements are the new normal, the firm says.  The U ...

Core Insights - Alexandria Real Estate Equities reported strong adjusted funds from operations of $2.33 per share, significantly exceeding analyst estimates of $0.59 per share, while revenue reached $762 million, also above expectations [1][2] - The company experienced a net loss per share of ($0.64), a reversal from last year's profit of $0.25, primarily due to $129.6 million in asset impairment charges [1][6] - Despite the loss, the company demonstrated strong cost controls and operational progress, although occupancy rates continued to decline [1][7] Financial Performance - Adjusted funds from operations per share were $2.33, down 1.3% year-over-year from $2.36 [2] - Revenue was $762 million, a slight decrease of 0.6% from $767 million in Q2 2024 [2] - The operating margin was 71%, down 1 percentage point from the previous year [2] - North American occupancy rates fell to 90.8%, down from 94.6% a year prior [2][7] Business Overview - Alexandria focuses on life sciences campuses, primarily in major innovation hubs like Boston, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area [3] - The company’s business model emphasizes high-quality, adaptable buildings for a diverse tenant base, including large pharmaceutical companies and biotech start-ups [4] Operational Highlights - The company maintained a robust tenant rent collection rate of 99.9%, with 53% of annual rent coming from investment-grade or large-cap tenants [9] - Development activity included 217,774 square feet of new projects, with 90% leased upon completion [10] - Alexandria is pursuing a significant asset recycling program, expecting up to $1.95 billion in asset sales for the year to fund future expansions [10] Dividend and Guidance - The quarterly dividend was increased to $1.32 per share, up from $1.30, with a current payout ratio of 57% [12] - Updated financial guidance for 2025 projects adjusted funds from operations per share at $9.16 to $9.36, with GAAP net income expected between $0.40 and $0.60 per share [13] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a challenging operating environment, with no specific forecast for a rebound in tenant demand [14] - Key uncertainties include the pace of leasing decisions, funding levels for potential tenants, and market valuation pressures [14][15] - Management emphasizes the importance of monitoring asset sales, development execution, and occupancy stabilization within mega campuses [15]