Core Viewpoint - COPT Defense Properties announced a 4.9% increase in its quarterly dividend, reflecting strong financial performance and commitment to returning value to shareholders [1]. Dividend Announcement - The Board of Trustees declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per common share for Q1 2026, payable on April 15, 2026, to shareholders of record on March 31, 2026 - This represents an annualized amount of $1.28 per share, an increase of $0.015 from the previous dividend of $0.305 [1]. Company Overview - COPT Defense is a self-managed REIT focused on properties near U.S. Government defense installations, with tenants including the U.S. Government and defense contractors - As of December 31, 2025, the company owned a Defense/IT Portfolio of 201 properties, totaling 23.2 million square feet, with a leasing rate of 96.5% [1]. Financial Guidance - For the year ending December 31, 2026, the company provided guidance for diluted earnings per share (EPS) in the range of $1.21 to $1.29 and diluted funds from operations per share (FFOPS) in the range of $2.71 to $2.79 - For Q1 2026, the EPS guidance is set between $0.30 and an unspecified upper limit [1]. Leasing Activity - COPT Defense executed a 148,000 square foot lease with a top 10 U.S. Defense contractor at 400 National Business Parkway, with a lease term of nearly 11 years, expected to commence in Q4 2026 - This lease contributes to an 86% leasing rate of the company's 882,000 square foot development pipeline [1].