IRT(US:IRT)2025-07-31 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store revenues increased by 1% year-over-year, with same store NOI growing by 2% in the quarter [4][9] - Core FFO per share was $0.28, up from $0.27 in Q1 2025 [9] - Same store operating expenses decreased by 60 basis points compared to the prior year, fully offsetting softer revenue growth [5][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Renewal leasing showed strong retention, contributing to a modest increase in average occupancy [4] - Blended rent growth lagged expectations due to softer market conditions, with new lease trade-offs down 3.1% in the first half of the year [5][10] - Average effective monthly rents increased by 90 basis points, while bad debt improved by 20 basis points compared to the prior year [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deliveries in the portfolio are tapering off, with supply growth expected to be less than 2% in 2026, a 43% reduction from 2024 [7] - Market conditions in Dallas and Tampa were noted as slower than anticipated, with increased supply impacting pricing power [44][45] - Strong absorption was observed in markets like Lexington, Columbus, and Oklahoma City, indicating potential for growth [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to recycle capital from older assets into newer communities with lower CapEx profiles [6][38] - An acquisition pipeline remains strong, with $315 million of additional acquisitions expected before year-end [7][13] - The company aims to maintain a balance between Sunbelt and Midwest exposure while focusing on growth in Orlando [65][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a multiyear period of improving fundamentals in the multifamily sector, with expectations for stronger leasing environments in 2026 [18] - The company anticipates continued strong demand for its communities, supported by declining bad debt and increased tour volumes [18] - Management acknowledged lingering supply pressures and macroeconomic uncertainties affecting market rates [30][57] Other Important Information - The company completed 454 value-add renovations in the quarter, achieving a weighted average return on investment of 16.2% [6] - The balance sheet remains flexible with strong liquidity, with only 16% of total debt maturing before the end of 2027 [14] - The company expects to close on two communities in Orlando for a total purchase price of $155 million, enhancing market presence [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you share how you approached your revised outlook versus historical seasonality? - Management indicated that the new lease trajectory was based on comparing expiring rents with current estimates, expecting continued month-to-month improvement [21][24] Question: Why is there not a significant pickup in new lease growth despite high retention? - Management attributed this to ongoing supply pressure and macroeconomic uncertainties affecting market rates [29][30] Question: What are the common threads for the assets held for sale? - The assets are older, with higher CapEx loads, and the company aims to recycle capital into newer assets with better growth profiles [37] Question: Can you provide an update on market conditions and visibility for the back half of the year? - Management noted that Dallas and Tampa faced unexpected supply challenges, but strong absorption is expected to improve conditions moving forward [44][45] Question: How is the current transaction environment affecting bid-ask spreads? - Management observed that sellers are becoming more rational, narrowing the bid-ask spread due to high interest costs and lease-up challenges [62][75]