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FrontView REIT, Inc.(FVR) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company reported AFFO per share of $0.33, in line with guidance, while proforma AFFO per share would have been $0.27 assuming the repayment of fixed-rate notes at the beginning of the quarter [19][20] - The net debt ratio concluded the year at 5.2 times, indicating a prudent approach to leverage and a robust balance sheet [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company acquired properties worth $103.4 million at an average cap rate of 7.93% with a weighted average lease term of 11 years [6] - The portfolio consisted of 307 freestanding properties with an average remaining lease term of over seven years, maintaining strong occupancy at approximately 98% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting strong credit tenants in essential services, health and wellness, while avoiding casual dining and pharmacy sectors [33] - The exposure to the sit-down fast casual space decreased from 19.3% of ABR at the end of Q3 2024 to approximately 15% at the end of Q4 2024 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to acquire assets at above-market cap rates, with a planned investment activity of approximately $175 million to $200 million in 2025 [9][24] - The strategy includes addressing tenant health issues and repurposing or selling troubled assets to maximize long-term value for shareholders [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in acquiring properties at above-market cap rates despite slight tightening in the marketplace [7][8] - The company anticipates that the majority of properties currently on the watch list will come back online by late 2025 at meaningful recovery rates [15][40] Other Important Information - The company has secured a new $250 million revolving credit facility and a $200 million term loan at favorable terms, enhancing financial flexibility [23] - A quarterly dividend of $0.215 per share has been declared for the first quarter, balancing shareholder returns with reinvestment into growth [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the acquisition pipeline and cap rate trends? - Management highlighted a robust acquisition pipeline with average cap rates in the high sevens, focusing on strong credit tenants in essential services while avoiding casual dining and pharmacy sectors [32][33] Question: What is the current tenant health and bad debt guidance? - Bad debt expectations are projected to be in the 2% to 3% range for the year, primarily related to tenants on the watch list, with expectations of returning to normalcy by the end of 2025 [39][40] Question: Can you provide details on the timing of asset recovery? - Management is currently in negotiations for 12 assets, expecting a significant portion of lost rent to come back online, with a conservative estimate pushing recovery into late 2025 [44][50] Question: How does the underwriting for new leases compare with the existing portfolio? - Rental increases for new leases remain consistent with historical rates of 1.5% to 2%, with a high percentage of corporate credits among new acquisitions [52][53] Question: Who are the primary sellers of properties currently? - The company is seeing motivated sellers primarily in the private investor market, with many individual sellers facing distress in other parts of their portfolios [56][59] Question: What is the company's approach to leverage and acquisitions? - Management indicated a willingness to maintain leverage around 6 times net debt to EBITDA, monitoring share price fluctuations to guide acquisition activity [63][66]