Centerspace(US:CSR)2025-05-02 18:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core FFO for Q1 was reported at $1.21 per diluted share, reflecting a 2.1% year-over-year increase in same store NOI [13] - Revenues from same store communities increased by 3.5% compared to the same quarter of 2024, with occupancy rising by 120 basis points to 95.8% [13][14] - Same store expenses increased by 5.8% year-over-year, primarily due to property taxes [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average physical occupancy for the same store portfolio improved to 96%, with renewal retention around 57% [5] - Blended leasing spreads increased by 70 basis points in Q1, with new lease spreads improving from negative 1.1% to positive 2.4% in April [5][6] - North Dakota led the portfolio with blended leasing spreads of 5.3% year-to-date, while Minneapolis showed positive leasing spreads [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Apartment demand remains resilient, with only a 2.2% expected expansion of apartment stock in the markets, down from 3.8% the previous year [9] - Institutional quality assets in Colorado and Minneapolis are pricing at mid to high 4% and low 5% cap rates, respectively [10] - The company’s footprint in the Midwest and Mountain West regions continues to benefit from a lack of new supply [6][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is maintaining discipline in all areas within its control and is ready to take advantage of opportunities to advance its platform [8] - Focus remains on enhancing the differentiated Mountain West and Midwest geography, with a robust balance sheet and capital positioning [11] - The company is evaluating new investment opportunities while being mindful of market exposures and leverage [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed guidance for the full year, expecting to achieve a midpoint of $4.98 per share for core FFO and 2.25% year-over-year same store NOI growth [15][16] - The macroeconomic environment is expected to continue impacting results, but strong demand trends are anticipated to improve new lease rates as the year progresses [8][10] - Management expressed optimism about the demand in Denver, expecting an inflection point in rents towards the end of the year [39] Other Important Information - The company reported a total liquidity of over $223 million, including cash on hand and a line of credit [16] - Retention rates are expected to improve, with April showing a jump to about 58% [32][63] Q&A Session Summary Question: Midwest apartment market performance - Management acknowledged strong performance in the Midwest, particularly in North Dakota and Omaha, and confirmed that they expected strong growth [20] Question: Occupancy projections for 2025 - Management projected occupancy around 95% for the year, with current occupancy at 96% [23] Question: Operating expenses and lumpiness - Management indicated that lumpiness in operating expenses is expected primarily in the first and fourth quarters, with increased assessments in certain jurisdictions [30] Question: Denver market outlook - Management noted a 200 basis point improvement in new lease spreads in Denver from March to April, with expectations for an inflection point in rents by the end of the year [39] Question: Impact of agriculture on local economies - Management stated that while agriculture is significant, the primary economic drivers in their markets are healthcare and education [56] Question: Retention rates compared to peers - Management explained that lower retention rates in Denver were impacting overall figures, but strong retention was observed in other markets [62]