Highwoods Properties(HIW) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported FFO of $0.86 per share, with the midpoint of the FFO outlook raised by $0.08 compared to the initial outlook provided in February [10][25] - Net income for the quarter was $12.9 million or $0.12 per share, with net effective rents reaching a historical high [22][23] - The debt to EBITDA ratio was 6.4 times at quarter end, with expectations for improvement as signed leases convert into occupancy [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed over 1 million square feet of second-generation leasing volume, including 326,000 square feet of new leases, marking strong leasing activity for eight consecutive quarters [5][14] - The lease percentage for the development pipeline increased to 72%, up from 64% in the previous quarter, with 122,000 square feet of leases signed [7][15] - The company acquired the Legacy Union parking garage for $111.5 million and sold a non-core property for $16 million, demonstrating active investment activity [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dallas, Nashville, Charlotte, and Tampa were highlighted as standout markets, with Dallas experiencing significant in-migration and corporate expansions [16][18] - In Nashville, asking rates increased by more than 11% year over year, reflecting strong demand and limited supply [18] - Charlotte's leasing activity was up 77% year over year, with a portfolio occupancy of 96% [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on securing embedded NOI growth by leasing up key vacancies and recycling non-core assets into higher quality properties [4][11] - The strategy includes maintaining a strong balance sheet while pursuing acquisitions and dispositions to enhance portfolio quality [10][11] - The company plans to provide its 2026 outlook in February, indicating a forward-looking approach to growth [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the leasing pipeline and the potential for significant NOI growth from signed leases that have not yet commenced [12][23] - The company anticipates a clear pathway to higher earnings and cash flow as occupancy increases [12][23] - Management noted that the capital markets are improving, which could facilitate future acquisitions and dispositions [64] Other Important Information - The company has $625 million of available liquidity and only $96 million left to complete its development pipeline [24] - The acquisition of the Legacy Union parking garage is expected to provide excellent risk-adjusted returns due to limited CapEx associated with garage ownership [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential for increased acquisitions or dispositions - Management indicated that acquisition opportunities are focused on existing markets and enhancing current holdings, with several assets already in the market for disposition [30][31] Question: Financing assets for potential acquisitions - The plan is to primarily use disposition proceeds for funding acquisitions, with ATM equity issuances as a secondary option [32] Question: Market migration trends - Dallas is currently leading in tenant migration, followed by Charlotte and Nashville, with strong demand across the portfolio [36][37] Question: Impact of elevated capital expenditures on cash flow - Elevated CapEx is expected to continue through next year, but significant NOI growth is anticipated to improve cash flow levels [40][41] Question: Pricing expectations for sold assets - Pricing for dispositions is generally meeting or exceeding initial expectations, with more institutional capital entering the market [64][65] Question: Update on non-core assets - The company continuously evaluates its portfolio, with some previously core assets now considered non-core due to changing growth trends [66] Question: Update on Ovation project - The company has control over the entire site and plans to begin vertical construction in 2027, with a focus on mixed-use development [73][74]