First Industrial Realty Trust(FR)2025-04-17 20:51Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, funds from operations (FFO) were reported at 0.60 per share in Q1 2024, indicating a positive trend in financial performance [22] - Cash same-store rental growth for the quarter, excluding termination fees, was 10.1%, driven by increases in rental rates and higher average occupancy [22][23] - In-service occupancy at the end of the quarter was 95.3%, a decrease of 90 basis points from year-end and 20 basis points from the year-ago quarter [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a cash rental rate increase of 30% for new and renewal leasing, with a projected growth of 30% to 40% for the full year [15][29] - Development leasing included a successful expansion of a tenant in Denver, bringing a 200,000 square foot building to 100% occupancy [16] - The company plans to break ground on a 176,000 square foot facility in Dallas, targeting a cash yield of approximately 8% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nationally, vacancy in Tier 1 U.S. markets was reported at 5.9%, unchanged since year-end [12] - Net absorption was 56 million square feet, with 24 million square feet in target markets, while new construction starts were 75% lower than the peak in Q3 2022 [13] - In the Inland Empire, vacancy rates decreased by 30 basis points, with net absorption of 3 million square feet, indicating a positive trend in that market [65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing objectives to drive long-term cash flow growth while monitoring the impact of tariffs on tenant demand [30] - Future developments will target areas with unmet demand, particularly in Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania [50] - The company remains opportunistic regarding new investments, emphasizing risk-adjusted returns in targeted sub-markets [50][134] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the evolving landscape surrounding tariffs and their potential impact on business activity and leasing markets [10][11] - The tone remains positive, with good momentum and increased foot traffic, although decision-making has slowed due to uncertainty around tariffs [75][90] - Management anticipates that the majority of tenant demand will continue, despite some conversations being paused [88][90] Other Important Information - The company renewed its senior unsecured revolving credit facility by 120 million, with a cash yield of 6.4% [20] - The company expects to capitalize about $0.09 per share of interest for the full year of 2025 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on tenancy perspective - Management indicated that exposure to Chinese 3PLs is minimal, with only 450,000 square feet leased to them, and no significant concerns from auto tenants [35][37] Question: Development leasing visibility - Management confirmed that the majority of development leasing is expected in Q4, with good activity in the market despite some tenant concerns regarding tariffs [41][46] Question: G&A expenses related to stock-based compensation - Management acknowledged an increase in G&A due to accelerated stock-based compensation but did not provide a specific dollar amount during the call [55] Question: Current tenant activity and leasing velocity - Management noted that while some tenants have paused, the overall interest and demand remain strong, with no specific concentration of paused activity in certain industries [88][92] Question: Development yields and construction costs - Management stated that they can achieve yields over 7% on new developments, despite rising construction costs, by focusing on areas with strong demand [112][114] Question: Amazon's expansion plans and RFPs - Management observed that Amazon is focused on expanding same-day delivery capabilities and is active in several markets, indicating a shift in their approach to warehousing [161][162]