Urban Edge Properties(UE) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 12% increase in FFO as adjusted year-over-year and an 8% increase year-to-date [4] - Same property net operating income (NOI) increased by 7.4% for the quarter and 5.6% year-to-date [4] - Same property occupancy rose to 96.7%, up 10 basis points from the prior quarter, while SHOP occupancy reached a record high of 92.5%, up 270 basis points year-over-year [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed 42 leasing deals totaling 482,000 square feet in the second quarter, including 27 renewals at a 12% spread and 15 new leases at a 19% spread [9] - The redevelopment pipeline totals $142 million with an expected return of 15% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment sales market for retail assets is thriving, with the company selling $66 million of assets at a blended cap rate of 4.9% [6] - The company has acquired $552 million of high-quality shopping centers at a 7.2% cap rate and sold $493 million of non-core low-growth assets at a 5.2% cap rate [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s strategy is anchored by five key strengths, including a concentrated portfolio in the densely populated DC to Boston Corridor and a strong redevelopment pipeline [6] - The company aims to exceed 93% SHOP occupancy by 2025 and is focused on capital recycling to enhance growth [10][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the retail sector's recovery, noting strong demand for space and upward pressure on rents [5] - The company increased its 2025 FFO as adjusted guidance by $0.02 per share to a range of $1.40 to $1.44, reflecting a 5% growth over 2024 at the midpoint [6][18] Other Important Information - The company has a resilient balance sheet with $1.5 billion in nonrecourse mortgages and only 9% of total debt maturing through 2026 [7][16] - Management highlighted a favorable trend in G&A expenses, projecting a reduction of 3% from 2024 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the upside potential for occupancy and how is it translating into lease contracts? - Management indicated that they believe they can achieve between 93-94% SHOP occupancy and have real pricing power, allowing for better lease terms and conditions [21][24] Question: What are the current trends in capital recycling and cap rates? - Management noted that the acquisition market is heating up, with banks becoming more active and competitive in pricing, leading to higher expectations from sellers [26][27] Question: Any updates on Kohl's and its impact on the company? - Management is monitoring Kohl's but does not see an imminent decision regarding store closures, as Kohl's is performing well in the Northeast [32][34] Question: How does the company view its redevelopment plans in light of market improvements? - Management expressed confidence in deploying capital into existing assets due to strong tenant demand and the potential for higher rents [40] Question: Can you elaborate on the expected decline in CapEx? - Management explained that the replacement of struggling tenants with high-quality credit tenants and the completion of significant renovations will lead to lower future CapEx [61][64]