Camden(US:CPT)2026-02-06 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Camden Property Trust reported core funds from operations (Core FFO) for Q4 2025 at $193.1 million, or $1.73 per share, which was $0.03 ahead of the midpoint of prior guidance [34] - The company expects Core FFO per share for 2026 to be in the range of $6.60-$6.90, representing a decrease of $0.13 from 2025 results [35][36] - Same-property revenue growth for 2025 was reported at 76 basis points, slightly beating guidance [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rental rates for Q4 2025 showed new leases down 5.3% and renewals up 2.8%, resulting in a blended rate of -1.6% [27] - The company disposed of 3 communities for $201 million and acquired 1 community for $85 million during Q4 2025 [29] - For the full year 2025, Camden sold 7 older communities for $375 million and acquired 4 newer assets for $423 million [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates that new supply in its markets peaked in 2024 and will continue to decline, setting up for below-average years in 2026 and 2027 [14] - The D.C. Metro area achieved 3.5% revenue growth in 2025, with 96% occupancy heading into 2026 [19] - Houston is expected to exceed average portfolio growth again in 2026 due to limited supply [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Camden plans to market its California properties for sale to expand its footprint in the Sun Belt and simplify its operating platform [10][31] - The company intends to reinvest approximately 60% of the sales proceeds into high-demand Sun Belt markets and use the remainder for share repurchases [31] - The overall portfolio is graded as a B with a stable but improving outlook for 2026 [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed uncertainty about the operating environment but noted strong apartment absorption rates and resilient residents [8][10] - The company expects modest acceleration in operating conditions in the second half of 2026, with a revenue growth midpoint of 75 basis points [16] - Management highlighted that the current economic conditions could lead to a significant recovery in rental rates once supply and demand dynamics shift [102][106] Other Important Information - The company anticipates $14 million in legal expenses as part of non-core adjustments, which are expected to normalize over time [70] - New legislation in Colorado has impacted utility rebilling, resulting in a loss of approximately $1.8 million in revenue, affecting same-store NOI [118] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is now the right time to sell the Southern California portfolio? - Management believes there will be a pivot point in Sun Belt growth, and they want to be ahead of that trend [46][49] Question: How are you thinking about splitting the California portfolio for sale? - There are many buyers interested, and the company will maximize the purchase price through various sale structures [50] Question: What are your expectations for new and renewal rents throughout the year? - Slight improvements are expected in the first quarter, with more visibility during peak leasing seasons [55] Question: How will the timing of 1031 exchange acquisitions affect guidance? - The company expects no net impact on 2026 guidance from the California sale and anticipates redeployment of capital in mid-year [60] Question: What are the expectations for stabilized returns on new developments? - Costs are decreasing by 5%-8%, but developments remain challenging [66] Question: Can you provide more details on the $14 million in legal expenses? - This amount includes legal costs related to ongoing battles, which are expected to resolve and normalize over time [70] Question: How will the new Colorado legislation affect ancillary income? - The legislation will significantly impact revenue, accounting for about 19 basis points of same-store NOI [118]