Boston Properties(US:BXP)2025-07-30 15:02Financial 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 [41][42] - The midpoint of the full-year earnings guidance for 2025 has been raised by $0.02, reflecting strong operational performance [7][46] - The total portfolio occupancy for the second quarter ended at 86.4%, a decline of 50 basis points [26] 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 [7] - The leasing volume over the last four quarters was 5,700,000 square feet, which is 18% higher than the prior four quarters [7] - The development portfolio lease percentage increased by 500 basis points to 67% [31] 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 premier workplaces in core CBD markets is 6.3%, significantly lower than the broader market [17] - In San Francisco, there has been a reduction in rental rates, with deals now being done in the mid-threes per square foot [75] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is proceeding with the development of a premier workplace at 343 Madison Avenue, with a total development cost of just under $2 billion [15][16] - The company is exploring the sale of non-income producing assets to generate nearly $300 million in net proceeds over the next two years [18] - The strategy focuses on high-quality assets in gateway markets, with a strong emphasis on tenant quality and long-term leases [60][62] 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 [8] - The return to office behavior is more advanced in East Coast markets, particularly New York City, compared to the West Coast [10] - The company expects to gain occupancy, revenue, and FFO in the coming years, supported by limited rollover in 2026 and 2027 [21] Other Important Information - The company has a strong pipeline of leases in negotiation, totaling 1,800,000 square feet, with additional letters of intent at 343 Madison [25] - The upcoming Investor Day is scheduled for September 8, 2025, in New York City [48] Q&A Session Questions and Answers 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 [52] Question: Impact of AI on space needs - Management believes AI will create jobs at the top of the intellectual pyramid, leading to increased demand for high-quality office space in gateway markets [56][60] Question: Clarification on capitalized interest for 343 Madison - The 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 [67] Question: Mark to market report for the quarter - The mark to market was slightly up in Boston and New York, but down in Washington, DC, and the West Coast, reflecting varying demand conditions [72][75] Question: Terms of the MTA ground lease for 343 Madison - The ground lease is a 99-year lease with known increases in payments, making it attractive for underwriting [78][80] Question: Guidance and timing of earnings - The bottom end of the annual range was increased due to strong portfolio performance, but higher expected expenses in the third quarter tempered the overall guidance increase [82][85]