Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a Nareit FFO per share growth of 7.2% and core FFO per share growth of 7% for 2025, with same-center NOI growth of 3.8% [5][18] - For 2026, guidance indicates mid-single digit growth rates for Nareit FFO and core FFO per share [5][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed 1,026 leases totaling approximately 6 million square feet in 2025, with portfolio occupancy ending the year at 97.3% leased [12][18] - Comparable renewal rent spreads were reported at 20% in Q4, while comparable new leasing rent spreads were at 34.3% [13][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong demand for necessity-based retail, with no signs of slowing, and high retention rates of 93% [11][12] - The company anticipates bad debt in 2026 to be in line with 2025, which was approximately 78 basis points of revenue [14][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The core business focuses on grocery-anchored shopping centers, with a disciplined acquisition strategy targeting an unlevered IRR of 9% for grocery-anchored acquisitions and above 10% for everyday retail centers [8][10] - The company plans to continue its development and redevelopment projects, with 20 projects under active construction and an estimated total investment of approximately $70 million [15][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the consumer and the strength of their portfolio, despite market concerns regarding consumer health and tariffs [5][18] - The company believes it can consistently deliver 3%-4% same-center NOI growth and achieve mid to high single-digit core FFO per share growth on a long-term basis [22] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $925 million of liquidity to support acquisition plans and aims to sell between $100 million and $200 million in assets in 2026 [20][21] - The company is focused on maintaining a high-quality portfolio while improving its long-term growth profile through strategic dispositions [21][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Acquisition strategy and competition for grocery-anchored assets - Management acknowledged increased competition but noted a high level of confidence in reaching acquisition targets due to a balanced market [25][26] Question: Update on the Ocala development parcel - Management highlighted the growth in the Ocala market and expected unlevered returns above 9.5%-10% on the project [28][29] Question: Portfolio occupancy and leverage in renewal negotiations - Management indicated that high occupancy levels provide leverage in negotiations, with expectations for continued growth in inline stores [33][35] Question: Everyday retail acquisition strategy - Management sees everyday retail as a unique opportunity but emphasizes a disciplined approach to ensure high returns [39][40] Question: Capital deployment alternatives - Management discussed the potential for ground-up development and share buybacks, noting that acquisitions remain a priority [44][46] Question: Impact of Amazon's store closures on grocery demand - Management expressed that Amazon's struggles in brick-and-mortar retail do not significantly impact their grocery demand [49][50] Question: Bad debt expectations for 2026 - Management confirmed that bad debt levels are expected to remain consistent with 2025, with no significant concerns [56][57] Question: Credit rating and cost of debt - Management believes they are an underrated credit and is focused on increasing scale to improve their credit rating [60][61] Question: Disposition strategy and cap rates - Management outlined a strategy of trading out stabilized assets for higher return opportunities, with expectations for cap rates in the 5.5% to sub-5 range [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Nareit FFO per share growth of 7.2% and Core FFO per share growth of 7% for 2025, with same-center NOI growth of 3.8% [5][18] - For 2026, guidance indicates mid-single digit growth rates for Nareit FFO and Core FFO per share [5][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed 1,026 leases totaling approximately 6 million square feet in 2025, with portfolio occupancy ending the year at 97.3% leased [12][13] - Comparable renewal rent spreads were reported at 20% in Q4, while new leasing rent spreads were strong at 34.3% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong demand for necessity-based retail, with no signs of slowing, and high retention rates of 93% [11][12] - The company anticipates bad debt in 2026 to be in line with 2025, which was approximately 78 basis points of revenue [14][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The core business focuses on grocery-anchored shopping centers, with a disciplined acquisition strategy targeting an unlevered IRR of 9% for grocery-anchored acquisitions and above 10% for everyday retail centers [8][10] - The company plans to continue its development and redevelopment projects, with 20 projects under active construction and an estimated total investment of approximately $70 million [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the consumer and the strength of their portfolio, despite market concerns about consumer health and tariffs [5][9] - The company believes it can consistently deliver 3%-4% same-center NOI growth and achieve mid to high single-digit core FFO per share growth on a long-term basis [22] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $925 million of liquidity to support acquisition plans and aims to sell between $100 million and $200 million in assets in 2026 [18][20] - The company sold approximately $145 million of assets in 2025 at PECO share [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for acquisition volume and competition for grocery-anchored assets - Management acknowledged increased competition but noted a high level of confidence in reaching acquisition targets due to a balanced market [25][26] Question: Update on the Ocala development parcel and timing - Management expressed excitement about the Ocala market, with expectations for unlevered returns above 9.5%-10% on the project [28][29] Question: Occupancy levels and leverage in renewal negotiations - Management indicated that high occupancy levels provide leverage in negotiations, with expectations for continued growth in inline stores [32][35] Question: Capital deployment and stock buybacks - Management stated that while they consider share buybacks, they believe better returns can be achieved through acquisitions and redevelopment [45][46] Question: Impact of Amazon's store closures on grocery demand - Management noted that Amazon's struggles with brick-and-mortar retail do not significantly impact their grocery demand, as traditional grocers maintain strong market positions [49][50] Question: Bad debt expectations and visibility - Management confirmed that bad debt levels are consistent with previous expectations, with no significant concerns moving into 2026 [56][57] Question: Credit rating and cost of debt - Management believes they are an underrated credit and that scale will help improve their credit rating, which could lower their cost of debt [60][61] Question: Disposition strategy and cap rates - Management outlined a strategy focused on trading out stabilized assets for higher return opportunities, with expectations for cap rates in the 5.5% to sub-5 range [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Nareit FFO per share growth of 7.2% and core FFO per share growth of 7% for 2025, with same-center NOI growth of 3.8% [3][11] - For 2026, guidance indicates mid-single digit growth rates for Nareit FFO and core FFO per share [3][12] - Fourth quarter Nareit FFO increased to $88.8 million or $0.64 per diluted share, while Core FFO increased to $91.1 million or $0.66 per diluted share [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core business remains focused on grocery-anchored shopping centers, with a strong operating platform driving rent and NOI growth [5] - The company executed 1,026 leases totaling approximately 6 million square feet in 2025, with portfolio occupancy ending the year at 97.3% leased [7][9] - Comparable renewal rent spreads were 20% in Q4, and new leasing rent spreads were strong at 34.3% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted high demand for necessity-based retail with no signs of slowing, contributing to strong leasing activity [6] - The portfolio retention rate remained high at 93% at year-end, indicating strong tenant stability [8] - The company expects bad debt in 2026 to be in line with 2025, which was approximately 78 basis points of revenue [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver gross acquisitions guidance of $400-$500 million in 2026, focusing on grocery-anchored opportunities and under-managed retail centers [4][10] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined acquisition strategy with targeted unlevered IRR of 9% for grocery-anchored acquisitions and above 10% for everyday retail centers [4][10] - Development and redevelopment projects are a key growth driver, with 20 projects under active construction and an estimated investment of $70 million [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the consumer and the strength of the grocery-anchored portfolio despite market uncertainties [3][12] - The company anticipates continued solid earnings growth, projecting net income guidance for 2026 in the range of $0.74-$0.77 per share [12][14] - Management believes that the company can consistently deliver 3%-4% same-center NOI growth and achieve mid to high single-digit core FFO per share growth on a long-term basis [14] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $925 million of liquidity to support acquisition plans as of December 31, 2025 [11] - The company sold approximately $145 million of assets in 2025 and plans to sell between $100 and $200 million in 2026 [13] - The company is focused on maintaining a high-quality portfolio while improving long-term growth profiles through strategic dispositions [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for acquisition volume and competition for grocery-anchored assets - Management noted increased competition but also a high level of product on the market, maintaining confidence in reaching acquisition targets [16][17] Question: Update on the Ocala development parcel and other strategic land acquisitions - Management highlighted the growth in the Ocala market and the potential for strong returns on the project, with ongoing discussions for larger grocery-scale developments [20][21] Question: Insights on portfolio occupancy and leverage in renewal negotiations - Management indicated that high occupancy levels provide leverage in negotiations, with expectations for continued demand and potential for further increases in inline occupancy [24][25] Question: Capital deployment strategies beyond acquisitions - Management discussed the potential for ground-up development and share buybacks, emphasizing a focus on acquisitions and dispositions to manage capital effectively [35][38] Question: Impact of Amazon's store closures on grocery demand - Management acknowledged Amazon's challenges in brick-and-mortar retail but emphasized the strength of traditional grocers in the market [40][41] Question: Discussion on bad debt and expectations for 2026 - Management confirmed that bad debt levels are consistent with previous expectations, with no significant concerns noted [47][49] Question: Credit rating and cost of debt considerations - Management believes they are an underrated credit and is focused on increasing scale to improve credit ratings and reduce borrowing costs [52][54] Question: Insights on disposition strategy and market conditions - Management outlined a strategy focused on trading out stabilized assets for higher-return opportunities, with expectations for continued strong pricing in the disposition market [63][64]

Summary of Phillips Edison & Company (PECO) Update - December 17, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Phillips Edison & Company (NasdaqGS: PECO) - **Industry**: Grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping centers Key Points and Arguments 1. **Growth Strategy**: PECO is positioned as a growth company, targeting 3-4% same-center NOI growth and mid- to high single-digit core FFO per share growth annually, emphasizing long-term value creation and cash flow stability [2][4][5] 2. **Market Position**: PECO is one of the largest owners and operators of grocery-anchored shopping centers, with a goal to increase enterprise value to over $10 billion [3] 3. **Financial Performance**: The company has increased its 2025 earnings guidance, projecting a 7% growth in NAREIT and 6.8% growth in core FFO per share [4] 4. **Competitive Advantages**: PECO's expertise in necessity-based retail provides stability and quality cash flows, with a high retention rate of 93% for tenants [3][8] 5. **Incremental Growth Initiatives**: PECO plans to expand its portfolio with everyday retail centers, targeting $700 million to $1 billion in this segment over the next five years, which could represent 7%-10% of its total portfolio [9][10] 6. **Investment in Development**: The company is investing approximately $50 million annually in ground-up development projects, with an increase to about $70 million in 2025 and 2026 due to specific projects [11][25] 7. **Acquisition Strategy**: PECO aims to acquire $400-$500 million in assets in 2026, focusing on grocery-anchored centers and leveraging its strong market position [12][51] 8. **Financial Health**: PECO maintains a strong liquidity position and investment-grade ratings, with a long-term leverage target of low to mid-5 times net debt to adjusted EBITDA [17][18] 9. **Macroeconomic Outlook**: The company does not anticipate a recession in 2026, citing resilient consumer behavior and strong demand for necessity-based retail [19][20] 10. **Interest Rate Impact**: PECO expects some headwinds from interest rates but believes recent declines will positively affect real estate values [21] Additional Important Insights 1. **Rent Growth**: PECO has significant pricing power, with new and renewal leases showing rent spreads of 2%-3% and strong demand from retailers [7][40] 2. **Portfolio Quality**: The company emphasizes maintaining a high-quality portfolio through strategic asset recycling, selling lower-performing assets to fund acquisitions with higher returns [16] 3. **Long-term Guidance**: PECO projects same-center NOI growth of 3%-4% annually, driven by rent growth and occupancy levels, without needing additional occupancy increases [24][28] 4. **Everyday Retail Expansion**: The everyday retail segment is seen as a natural extension of PECO's core business, with high-quality demographics and strong initial returns [46][47] 5. **Market Dynamics**: The company is adapting to market conditions, including potential impacts from tariffs, but remains optimistic about its necessity-based retail focus [49][50] This summary encapsulates the key points from the PECO update, highlighting the company's growth strategies, financial performance, and market outlook.