Healthcare Realty Trust rporated(HR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Normalized FFO per share for the quarter was $0.39, aligning with expectations and marking a solid start to the year [20] - Same store cash NOI growth was 2.3%, impacted by higher operating expenses and weather volatility, with expectations for acceleration in growth for the remainder of the year [20][21] - The company ended the quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 6.4 times, unchanged from the end of 2024, with expectations to decrease this to a range of 6 to 6.25 times throughout the year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The same store occupancy rate was reported at 89.3%, with expectations for sequential growth throughout 2025 [11][19] - The company commenced nearly 1,500,000 square feet of new and renewal leases during the quarter, with a solid signed non-occupied pipeline of over 630,000 square feet [16] - Tenant retention improved by over 300 basis points to almost 85%, contributing to a slight uptick in occupancy [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for outpatient medical space remains robust, with health systems experiencing improving revenue and margin trends, driving further growth and space needs [18] - The company’s on-campus portfolio received the highest average score in a recent industry research piece, indicating a resilient outpatient portfolio compared to peers [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize its portfolio by exiting markets with limited scale and focusing on selling assets rather than contributing them to joint ventures [12][30] - Key strategic focuses include improving leasing, optimizing the portfolio, enhancing the balance sheet, increasing efficiency, and instilling financial discipline [14] - The company plans to maintain its dividend at$ 0.31 per share while discussing its future based on earnings clarity and efficiency gains [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong fundamentals of outpatient medical real estate, with muted new supply and steadily increasing demand [9] - The company anticipates sequential occupancy growth and a strong leasing pipeline, with expectations for NOI growth throughout the year [19] - Management is focused on creating a more stable platform and improved earnings growth profile, aiming for a better stock price [14] Other Important Information - The company sold four buildings for $28 million in the first quarter, which required significant capital for repositioning [21] - The company has$ 1.4 billion of capacity on its revolving line of credit and has accessed this liquidity to pay off maturing notes [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the areas of focus listed by the new CEO indicate priority? - The new CEO indicated that while not in perfect order of priority, portfolio optimization and deleveraging are immediate focuses, while leasing will take longer to stabilize [27][28] Question: How does the company view the joint venture model? - The CEO expressed a preference for maintaining existing joint ventures but emphasized selling assets rather than contributing more to those ventures [29][30] Question: Is the current guidance for 2025 confirmed? - The CEO reaffirmed the guidance for 2025 after reviewing the forecast with the team, indicating a good start to the year [35] Question: How will dispositions impact earnings? - The CEO acknowledged that while there may be a negative impact from deleveraging, the company is focused on offsetting that through efficiencies and leasing upside [102][104] Question: What is the strategy for retained cash flow? - The CEO emphasized prioritizing redevelopment opportunities for retained cash flow, as they yield higher returns [116]