Camden(US:CPT)2025-05-02 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported core funds from operations (FFO) for Q1 2025 at $189.8 million or $1.72 per share, exceeding guidance by $0.04 per share [18] - The midpoint of full-year core FFO guidance was increased by $0.03 per share from $6.75 to $6.78, primarily due to lower projected interest expenses [19] - Preliminary April results indicate improvement compared to Q1 2025, with occupancy averaging 95.4% [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same property revenue growth in the top five markets ranged from 1.3% to 4.5%, compared to an overall portfolio growth of 0.8% [10] - Effective new leases were down 3.1%, while renewals were up 3.3%, resulting in a blended rate of negative 0.1% for Q1 2025 [10] - The annualized net turnover rate for Q1 2025 was 31%, one of the lowest in the company's history [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New supply in markets has peaked, with apartment absorption remaining strong; new starts are at a 13-year low, down 80% in Austin and 65-80% in several other markets [7] - Camden's Sunbelt markets are 50% to 60% less expensive for residents compared to high-cost coastal markets, driving job and population growth [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its presence in high-demand markets like Austin and Nashville, with recent acquisitions aimed at doubling its footprint in Nashville [15] - The company plans to maintain a geographically diverse portfolio to weather economic uncertainties [8] - The company is actively seeking to rebuild its land bank for future development projects despite current challenges in underwriting due to cost and rent growth [88] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the current economic uncertainty but expressed confidence in the company's strong position and operational performance [25] - The company expects improvement in markets like Nashville and Austin in the latter half of 2025, despite current challenges [30] - Management noted that the labor market remains tight, with no significant negative impacts observed from government job losses in the DC market [36] Other Important Information - Camden was recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 best companies to work for for the eighteenth consecutive year [5] - The company has entered into a $600 million commercial paper program to supplement its existing line of credit, allowing for lower interest rates [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of macro uncertainty on same store guidance - Management indicated that uncertainty has led to a cautious approach in guidance adjustments, but overall business performance remains strong [24] Question: Stabilization of deliveries in Sunbelt markets - Nashville and Austin are expected to remain challenged, but improvements are anticipated in the latter half of 2025 [30] Question: Performance of DC and Doge markets - Management reported strong performance in the DC market, with high occupancy and lease rate growth, despite concerns about government job losses [35] Question: Construction cost underwriting and tariff impacts - Management is factoring in a 2% to 3% cost increase due to tariffs, but believes that construction margins are stabilizing [43] Question: Projections for A and B assets in Sunbelt markets - Class A urban assets are currently performing slightly better than Class B suburban assets, reflecting changes in supply dynamics [66] Question: Acquisition pipeline and market focus - The company is actively looking to increase exposure in Austin and Nashville, as well as other markets like Raleigh and Tampa [83] Question: Lease-up trends for new developments - Lease-up for new single-family rental products has been slow but is expected to stabilize later this year [92] Question: Bad debt levels and normalization - Bad debt improved to 60 basis points, nearing the normalized level of 50 basis points, with significant improvements in problematic markets [96]