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STAG Industrial(STAG) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-02-13 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core FFO per share was $0.61 for the quarter and $2.40 for the year, representing an increase of 4.8% compared to 2023 [15] - Cash available for distribution totaled $370 million in 2024, with approximately $95 million of free cash flow retained after dividends paid [15] - Same store cash NOI grew 4.4% for the quarter and achieved record same store cash NOI growth of 5.8% for the year [15][16] - Net debt to annualized run rate adjusted EBITDA was 5.2x at year-end with liquidity of $623 million [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leasing activity for the quarter included 23 leases totaling 2.4 million square feet, generating cash and straight-line leasing spreads of 19.4% and 34.9% respectively [15] - For the year, cash and straight-line leasing spreads were 28.3% and 41.8% respectively [15] - The company has already leased 70% of its operating portfolio square feet expected for 2025, achieving cash leasing spreads of 23.8% [9][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The national industrial leasing demand in 2024 was muted compared to recent years, but many markets remain healthy from both supply and demand standpoints [7] - The strongest market rent growth was observed in non-coastal and manufacturing markets [8] - Active tenant industries included commercial services, building products, and air freight and logistics [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company anticipates a continued contraction in the supply pipeline, with deliveries down over 30% expected to persist into 2025 [7] - The company is focusing on airshoring and onshoring projects, which are expected to drive warehouse demand [8] - The company has entered a joint venture development partnership to construct approximately 400,000 square feet across two buildings in the Charlotte market, with a project cost of approximately $56 million [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted an increase in tenant demand since the election, spanning a broad array of industries [7] - The company expects same store cash NOI growth to range between 3.5% to 4% for 2025, with retention rates projected between 70% to 75% [17] - Management expressed optimism about the acquisition market gaining momentum as the year progresses [11] Other Important Information - Acquisition volume for the fourth quarter totaled $294 million, consisting of 15 buildings with cash and straight-line cap rates of 6.2% and 6.9% respectively [10] - The company sold two buildings for aggregate proceeds of $29 million during the quarter [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Leasing spreads and 2025 leasing expectations - Management indicated that Q4 leasing spreads were lower due to fixed-rate renewal options, but excluding those, spreads would have been 34% [22] - For 2025, management expects leasing spreads to be around 24% to 25% [23] Question: Development yields and specific asset performance - Management expects mid-6% yields for the Tampa assets and noted leasing activity in Spartanburg is increasing [28][29] Question: Impact of tariffs on tenants - Management stated there is uncertainty regarding tariffs, with tenants unsure of the impact and timing [36][38] Question: Trends in the private transaction market - Management noted a pause in the private market but expects an uptick in transaction activity as the year progresses [42][43] Question: Leasing activity post-election - Management observed a material uptick in tours and inquiries across various markets, indicating increased leasing activity [50] Question: Clarification on occupancy loss and leasing expectations - Management explained that the expected leasing for 2025 includes both new speculative leasing and renewals [55][61]