Macerich(US:MAC)2025-08-11 22:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FFO excluding certain expenses was approximately $87 million or $0.33 per share for Q2 2025, with a notable increase in NOI for the go forward portfolio centers by 2.4% compared to 2024 [27][28] - Net debt to EBITDA at the end of Q2 was 7.9x, a decrease of nearly one full turn since the start of the Path Forward Plan [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date leasing volume reached 4.3 million square feet, exceeding the target of 4 million square feet for 2025 and 2026 [8][18] - Trailing twelve-month leasing spreads remained positive at 10.5%, marking 15 consecutive quarters of positive leasing spreads [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Traffic for the portfolio increased by 1.6% compared to the same period in 2024, with the go forward portfolio traffic up by 2.1% [16] - Occupancy at the end of Q2 was 92%, down 60 basis points from the previous quarter, primarily due to the closure of Forever 21 stores [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Path Forward Plan focuses on simplifying the business, improving operational performance, and reducing leverage, with a roadmap for achieving 2028 targets [6][7] - The acquisition of Crabtree Mall is seen as a strategic move to enhance the portfolio and drive shareholder value, with plans to increase occupancy from 74% to closer to 90% by 2028 [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the leasing momentum and the overall retail environment, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [22][23] - The company is optimistic about achieving its leasing and asset sales targets, which are crucial for reinstating guidance [50] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress on its balance sheet initiatives, including a recent $160 million term loan for Crabtree Mall [29] - The Snow Pipeline has grown to $87 million, with expectations to exceed $100 million by year-end [12][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more background on the Crabtree acquisition? - Management highlighted the unique market position of Crabtree and its potential for NOI growth, emphasizing the need for leasing efforts and capital to enhance the merchandising mix [38][41] Question: What benchmarks need to be hit before reinstating guidance? - Management indicated that asset sales are crucial and that they are balancing asset sales and leasing without constraining guidance numbers [50] Question: How is the bad debt trending? - Bad debt has decreased year-over-year, with the watch list at an all-time low, and management is confident in re-leasing spaces previously occupied by Claire's [52][54] Question: Can you discuss the tenant improvement (TI) expenses in the quarter? - Management noted that TI expenses have increased due to the high number of anchor stores being reconfigured, with expectations for continued increases as they drive traffic [60][62] Question: How does the Crabtree acquisition impact external growth activities? - Management expressed confidence in pursuing additional acquisitions, citing the positive leasing momentum and the potential for high returns [66][72] Question: What is the rationale for keeping South Plains Mall in the portfolio? - Management is currently negotiating with lenders for an extension, believing that with the right terms, they can create NOI lift [102][104]