Macerich(US:MAC)2025-08-11 22:02Financial 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 [29][30][31] - Net debt to EBITDA at the end of Q2 was 7.9x, nearly a full turn lower than at the outset of the Path Forward Plan [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date leasing volume reached 4.3 million square feet, significantly higher than the same period in 2024, with a 40% increase in lease signings and 75% more square footage [20][21] - Trailing twelve-month leasing spreads remained positive at 10.5%, marking 15 consecutive quarters of positive leasing spreads [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Traffic through the portfolio increased by 1.6% year-over-year, with the go forward portfolio traffic up by 2.1% [18] - 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 [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Path Forward Plan focuses on simplifying the business, improving operational performance, and reducing leverage, with a target of 4 million square feet of leasing in 2025 and 2026 [7][10] - 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 [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the leasing momentum and the ability to achieve targets ahead of schedule, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [66][67] - The retail environment remains strong, with many national retailers actively seeking new spaces [25] Other Important Information - The company has made substantial progress on asset sales, with over $800 million in mall sales completed to date, and a clear path to achieving a $2 billion disposition target [35][36] - The Snow Pipeline has grown to $87 million, with expectations to exceed $100 million by year-end [13][27] 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 [40][43] Question: What benchmarks need to be hit before reinstating guidance? - Management indicated that asset sales are crucial, and they prefer to focus on executing leasing and sales without being constrained by guidance numbers [51] 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 new leasing activity, with expectations for continued increases as they address vacant anchor stores [59][61] Question: How does the Crabtree acquisition impact external growth activities? - Management expressed confidence in pursuing additional acquisitions, citing strong leasing momentum and the potential for significant NOI growth from Crabtree [66][67] 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 at South Plains [103][105]