Postal Realty Trust(PSTL) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported funds from operations (FFO) of $0.28 and adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) of$ 0.32 per diluted share for Q1 2025, with projections indicating an increase of $0.02 in AFFO per share due to contractual rent escalations [12][6][10] - The weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt was 4.4%, with a weighted average maturity of three years, and net debt to annualized adjusted EBITDA remained flat at 5.2 times [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved an occupancy rate of 99.8% and has visibility into leasing for 2025 and 2026, with 32% of the portfolio expected to have ten-year lease durations and 56% containing annual rent escalations [4][10] - In Q1 2025, the company acquired 36 properties for approximately$ 16 million at a 7.6% weighted average cap rate, adding about 100,000 net leasable square feet to the portfolio [11][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates acquisition volume for the year to be between $80 million and$ 90 million, maintaining a targeted cap rate of 7.5% or above [6][30] - The company noted that cap rates have remained stable, closing Q1 at 7.6%, and expects this trend to continue [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on acquiring new assets and improving cash flow, with a strong emphasis on maintaining low leverage and minimizing exposure to variable rate debt [12][15] - The company is actively engaging with postal service stakeholders and Congress to ensure the value of its properties to the Postal Service's mission [9][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the value of their properties and the security of cash flows, emphasizing the critical nature of their facilities to the Postal Service's operations [9][34] - The company is optimistic about its acquisition pipeline and the potential for increased deal flow, particularly in light of the upcoming election [32][33] Other Important Information - The company raised approximately $3 million in equity through an ATM offering program, issuing nearly 140,000 shares at an average price of$ 14.2 per share [13][14] - A quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share was approved, representing a 1% increase from the previous year [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide the gap in cash leasing spreads on the '25 lease renewals? - Management stated they historically do not provide leasing spreads but have been sharing same-store numbers [17] Question: Can you elaborate on the productive conversations in Washington DC regarding DOGE and USPS support? - Management indicated that while they monitor developments, there has been no material news regarding DOGE and the Postal Service [18][19] Question: What is the potential figure for overall portfolio rent escalations by year-end? - Management clarified that 56% of the portfolio will contain rent escalations once all leases are executed [25] Question: What are the current cap rates in the marketplace? - Management noted that cap rates have remained stable, with Q1 closing at 7.6% [30] Question: Are external economic factors affecting acquisition volume? - Management confirmed that external factors like tariffs do not significantly impact sellers' decisions [32] Question: How is the company underwriting properties in light of potential government reductions in real estate footprint? - Management emphasized the importance of acquiring properties that are critical to the Postal Service's operations [34]