Boston Properties(US:BXP)2025-07-30 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported funds from operations (FFO) of $1.71 per share, which is $0.05 above the midpoint of guidance and $0.04 above consensus estimates for the quarter [38] - The midpoint of the full-year 2025 earnings guidance has been raised by $0.02, reflecting strong operational performance [6][41] - The total portfolio occupancy for the second quarter ended at 86.4%, a decline of 50 basis points [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed over 1,100,000 square feet of leasing in the quarter, bringing total leasing in 2025 to 2,200,000 square feet [6] - The leasing volume over the last four quarters was 5,700,000 square feet, which is 18% higher than the prior four quarters [6] - The development portfolio lease percentage increased by 500 basis points to 67% this quarter [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Office sales volume increased to $14.2 billion, up 80% from the prior quarter and 125% from the second quarter of last year [11] - The vacancy rate for trophy buildings in Midtown remains very low at 6.3%, with office rents growing at rates well above inflation [16] - The overall mark to market of leases signed this quarter was flat, with modest increases in Boston and New York, and slight decreases on the West Coast and DC [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is proceeding with the development of a new office building at 343 Madison Avenue, with a total development cost of just under $2 billion [14] - The company is exploring the sale of non-income producing assets to generate nearly $300 million in net proceeds over the next two years [16][17] - The strategy focuses on high-quality assets in prime locations, with a strong emphasis on tenant quality and long-term leases [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that corporate confidence is improving, driven by favorable economic conditions and a pro-growth tax bill [7] - The return to office behavior is advancing, particularly in East Coast markets, which is expected to enhance leasing activity [9] - The company anticipates occupancy, revenue, and FFO growth in the coming years, supported by limited rollover in 2026 and 2027 [19] Other Important Information - The company has executed a letter of intent with an anchor client for approximately 30% of the new building at 343 Madison Avenue [14] - The company is actively engaged in discussions for additional leasing opportunities, with 1,800,000 square feet of leases in negotiation post-Q2 [23] - The upcoming Investor Day is scheduled for September 8, 2025, in New York City [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the unlevered return on 343 Madison - The expected unlevered cash yield upon delivery is between 7.5% to 8%, with a potential mid to high teens IRR on a levered basis [48] Question: Impact of AI on demand for office space - AI is expected to drive job creation at the top of the intellectual pyramid, with companies in AI experiencing growth in demand for office space [51][54] Question: Clarification on capitalized interest for 343 Madison - Capitalized interest is based on a blended rate of around 7.5% for the four-year development period, with actual capitalized interest potentially being lower [61] Question: Mark to market performance this quarter - The mark to market was slightly worse than last quarter, with variations in rental rates across different markets impacting the overall performance [66] Question: Terms of the MTA ground lease for 343 Madison - The ground lease is a 99-year lease with predictable increases in payments, making it attractive for underwriting [73][75] Question: Guidance and earnings cadence for the second half of the year - The company expects a lower FFO in Q3 due to seasonal operating expenses, with a higher impact anticipated in Q4 [80]