Armada Hoffler Properties(AHH) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a normalized FFO of $0.27 per diluted share and an FFO of $0.29 per diluted share for Q4 2024, with a full year FFO of $1.02 and normalized FFO of $1.29 per diluted share [10][38] - The overall portfolio occupancy at the end of Q4 stood at 96%, slightly increasing compared to the prior quarter [42] - The company achieved same-store NOI growth of $1.3 million at 3.6% on a GAAP basis [41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail segment achieved an 11.1% GAAP releasing spread, while the office segment achieved an 18.7% GAAP releasing spread [39] - The multi-family portfolio reported a combined trade-out spread of negative 0.8% for the quarter, with renewal spreads remaining strong at 4.7% [40] - The construction management segment posted $2.1 million of gross profit, with expectations to return closer to historical levels in the short term [42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The office assets in mixed-use environments commanded around a 15% premium above competing central business districts [22] - The retail portfolio had a strong performance with 95% occupancy, executing new leases covering approximately 195,000 square feet [27] - The multi-family portfolio operated at 95.3% occupancy, with rent growth in markets such as Baltimore and Virginia Beach [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to improving income streams and balance sheet quality, focusing on sustainable growth and financial strength [9] - The strategy includes recycling stabilized assets and capitalizing on better long-term opportunities [14] - The company is focused on strengthening its balance sheet by reducing leverage and enhancing financial flexibility [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects 2025 to be the trough year for earnings, with anticipated growth in 2026 and beyond as developments stabilize [90] - The company is actively managing challenges related to construction delivery delays and increased interest expenses [46] - Management remains confident in the long-term value of the portfolio and the potential for redevelopment opportunities [36] Other Important Information - The company disposed of two non-core retail assets at a blended cap rate in the low 6% range, achieving an $82 million aggregate sales price [15] - The company successfully executed a $109 million common equity offering to reduce leverage and position for future growth [19] - The company has hedged 100% of its variable rate debt exposure to ensure stability in interest expenses [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does the market look like going forward on the Mez side? - Management noted inquiries about financing deals and the pressure in the lending market has created a gap that needs to be filled [52][54] Question: Any new investments need to be a loan to own rather than just a straight loan? - Management indicated that all options are possible, but the focus is on risk-adjusted returns [57][58] Question: Can you talk about the occupancy of your apartment assets in the home market? - Management attributed lower occupancy to price point issues and new developments in the broader market, but expressed confidence in maintaining market rents [59][60] Question: Can you comment on the dilution from recent equity raises and asset sales? - Management stated that the equity raise in September resulted in roughly 5 cents worth of dilution [62][65] Question: How is the company thinking about the longer-term play with T. Rowe headquarters? - Management is monitoring the market and believes it is not the right time to sell the asset at a discount [66][68] Question: Can you provide details on Southgates First occupancy decline? - Management explained the decline was related to specific tenants and expressed optimism about backfill negotiations [73][74] Question: Do you have any active properties that you are marketing on the retail side? - Management mentioned receiving unsolicited activity for retail properties and is open to capital recycling opportunities [80][81]