Veris Residential(VRE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the net loss available to common shareholders was $0.12 per fully diluted share, compared to a net loss of$0.04 for the prior year [21] - Core FFO per share was $0.16, three cents higher than expected due to early recognition of the Urby tax credit [21] - Same-store NOI growth was 3.2$9.9 million, in line with the last quarter, with seasonal increases expected to not recur next quarter [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio recorded a blended net rental growth rate of 2.4%, with renewals at 3.7% and new leases at 0.6% [15] - The Jersey City assets outperformed, benefiting from proximity to New York City, with a projected population growth of 8% to 15% over the next seven years [8] - The company closed $45 million in non-strategic asset sales and entered contracts for an additional$34 million [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Northeast multifamily markets showed strong fundamentals, with robust demand and constrained supply [7] - Jersey City experienced a 4.2% new lease rental growth rate, compared to 3.6% in the broader market [9] - There are currently 10,000 units under construction in Jersey City, with limited supply expected to drive rental growth [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to sell $300 to$500 million of non-strategic assets over the next 12 to 24 months [5] - The strategic focus includes recycling capital from asset sales into debt repayment and share repurchases [49] - The company is maintaining guidance due to market volatility and economic uncertainty, despite positive operational performance [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the multifamily markets have started positively in 2025, there are risks from tariffs and economic uncertainty [7] - The company remains confident in its ability to navigate market challenges and achieve strategic goals [44] - Management emphasized that operational performance remains strong, but guidance is held due to potential economic impacts [54] Other Important Information - The company completed the consolidation of its partner's 15% stake in the Jersey City Urby for $38 million, which is expected to be accretive to earnings [6] - The new resident mobile app has been adopted by over 65$300 to $500 million asset sales target? - Management expressed confidence in navigating market conditions, citing a proven track record despite volatility [44] Question: What is the strategic focus for the company's next chapter? - The focus is on selling non-strategic assets and recycling capital for debt repayment and share repurchases [49] Question: Are there any operational impacts from layoffs or roommate applications? - Management reported no current operational impacts but acknowledged economic uncertainty [52] Question: Can you discuss the Urby acquisition process? - Management explained that acquiring the partner's stake was deemed the best path due to accretion and operational flexibility [62] Question: What is the cap rate for the Urby acquisition? - The cap rate is 6.1%, driven by Q1 annualized NOI and synergies from the acquisition [64] Question: What is the occupancy outlook for Liberty Tower? - Management expects an improvement in occupancy as renovations progress [86] Question: What percentage of the portfolio is excluded from blended lease statistics? - Management clarified that only two immaterial assets are excluded from the blended lease statistics [88]