STAG Industrial(US:STAG)2025-07-30 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core FFO per share was $0.53 for the quarter, an increase of 3.3% compared to last year [13] - Leverage remains low with net debt to annualized run rate adjusted EBITDA equal to 5.1 times [13] - Liquidity stood at $961 million at quarter end [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company leased 90.8% of the operating portfolio square feet expected to lease in 2025, achieving cash leasing spreads of 24.5% [7][14] - Same store cash NOI growth was 3% for the quarter and 3.2% year to date, driven by leasing spreads of 26.1% and annual escalators of 2.9% [15] - Retention for the quarter was 75.3% [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Midwest markets, including Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Louisville, Detroit, and Cleveland, are performing well, while bulk distribution markets like Indianapolis, Columbus, and Memphis are lagging [22] - The transaction market is showing signs of improvement, with an uptick in underwritten deals [8][39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on its development initiative, with approximately 3 million square feet of development activity across 12 buildings in the U.S., 42% of which is under construction [10][11] - The company aims to maintain flexibility in building designs to accommodate both multi-tenant and single-tenant leases [75][76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the environment is not "business as usual," companies are making space decisions amid ongoing uncertainties [7] - The company has seen a shift in market sentiment, with businesses continuing to grow despite tariff uncertainties [8] - Management expressed optimism about the second half of the year, citing a healthy deal pipeline and improved transaction activity [9][39] Other Important Information - Moody's upgraded the company's corporate credit rating to BAA2 with a stable outlook [15] - The company funded $550 million of fixed-rate senior unsecured notes with a weighted average fixed interest rate of 5.65% [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What markets are seeing better early signs of recovery? - Management highlighted strong performance in the Midwest markets and noted some weaker bulk distribution markets [21][22] Question: How is the transaction market evolving? - Management indicated that the transaction market is becoming more active, with a narrowing bid-ask spread and more one-off transactions being completed [39] Question: What is the status of the development pipeline? - Management provided insights into the leasing status of various developments, indicating strong demand in certain markets [50][51] Question: How is the company planning to finance upcoming deals? - Management discussed the refinancing of a $300 million term loan and the use of liquidity for potential acquisitions [45][47] Question: What are the trends in rental escalators? - The company reported a weighted average rental escalator of 2.9%, with expectations for gradual increases [65][66]