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Kennedy Wilson(KW) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP EPS loss of $0.30 per share for Q1 2025, compared to an income of $0.19 per share in Q1 2024, which included $0.47 per share from the sale of the Shelburne Hotel [12] - Baseline EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $108 million, a 5% increase year-over-year, bringing the trailing twelve-month baseline EBITDA to $412 million [12] - Assets under management grew by 26% over the past two years to $29 billion, producing approximately $575 million in estimated annual NOI and fees [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The rental housing sector, representing 66% of assets under management, is expected to grow to over 80% in the next three years [6] - Same property multifamily occupancy increased to 95%, with same property revenue growing by 3% and same property NOI by 4.3% in Q1 [7] - Investment management fees grew by 17% in Q1 to $25 million, reflecting strong performance in the credit platform and continued growth in equity platforms [8][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. real estate transaction volumes increased by 23% in Q1, with no material changes in sentiment observed in Q2 [6] - The Pacific Northwest portfolio saw the strongest NOI growth of 6.6%, driven by return-to-office mandates [19] - In Ireland, same property NOI in the apartment portfolio increased by 3.5%, supported by occupancy growth and strong operating expense management [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on simplifying its business through asset sales, reducing unsecured debt, and increasing free cash flow [10] - The asset sale program aims to generate between $400 million to $450 million in cash by year-end, with $150 million to $200 million expected to close by the end of Q2 [10] - The company is expanding its credit solutions to include mezzanine debt and preferred equity investments, enhancing its ability to capture opportunities within the credit space [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving fee revenue growth targets of 20% to 25% annually, supported by a strong Q2 pipeline [9] - The company believes that the best risk-adjusted returns are found in the rental housing sector due to demand driven by housing shortages and declining new supply [6] - Management noted that the current economic environment presents attractive investment opportunities, and the company is well-positioned to capitalize on these [9] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its unsecured debt by $250 million over the last two years and plans to continue this trend [10] - Total debt is 96% fixed or hedged, with a weighted average maturity of 4.8 years and an effective interest rate of 4.7% [16] - The company has a strong pipeline of advanced stages totaling $375 million in its new U.K. single-family rental platform [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding fee-bearing capital growth - Management confirmed confidence in achieving 20% to 25% annual growth in fees, supported by a strong pipeline and future fundings [29][30] Question: On liquidity and partner capital costs - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized strong relationships and flexibility in pricing to remain competitive [31][32][34] Question: Stock buyback plans - Management indicated that current cash usage is focused on paying down unsecured debt, with stock buybacks reconsidered post-debt reduction [35][36][37] Question: Dispositions and cap rates - Management confirmed that dispositions are well underway, with most expected to close in June, but refrained from commenting on specific cap rates [40][42] Question: Loan origination rates - Management noted some downward pressure on spreads due to increased competition, but still finds the rates attractive relative to alternatives [49][51] Question: Exposure to government-backed housing - Management reported that about 15% of tenants have some form of HUD backing, but expressed no immediate concerns regarding capital availability [56][60]