CTO Realty Growth(CTO) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, Core FFO was $15.8 million, an increase of $1.6 million compared to $14.2 million in Q4 2024, with a per-share increase from $0.46 to $0.49 [13] - For the full year 2025, Core FFO reached $60.5 million, up $12.6 million from $47.9 million in 2024, with per-share figures slightly decreasing from $1.88 to $1.87 due to reduced leverage [14] - Same-property NOI for shopping centers increased by 4.3% in Q4 2025, driven by leasing activity and reduced maintenance costs [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed leases for 189,000 sq ft in Q4 2025, including 167,000 sq ft of comparable leases, with a cash rent increase of 31% [4] - For the full year, a record 671,000 sq ft was leased, with 592,000 sq ft being comparable leases and a cash rent increase of 24% [5] - The signed, not open pipeline stands at $6.1 million, representing approximately 5.8% of annual cash base rents, with expectations for significant earnings growth [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company acquired Pompano Citi Centre for $65.2 million, which is currently 92% occupied and presents future leasing opportunities [8] - The acquisition of Ashley Park and structured investments during 2025 totaled $166 million at a weighted average initial cash yield of 9% [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic focus is on shopping centers in high-growth Southeast and Southwest U.S. markets, with proactive asset management yielding strong results [4] - The company is under contract to acquire a 384,000 sq ft shopping center in Texas for approximately $83 million, indicating ongoing expansion efforts [10] - Six outparcels for development have been identified, with investments expected to average about $5 million each, targeting low double-digit yields [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future earnings growth, particularly from leasing and capital recycling strategies [11] - Initial earnings guidance for 2026 is set at $1.98-$2.03 for Core FFO per diluted share, with same-property NOI growth for shopping centers projected at 3.5%-4.5% [19][20] Other Important Information - The company ended 2025 with $167 million in liquidity, providing ample capacity for future acquisitions [18] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio improved to 6.4 times, down from 6.7 times, indicating better leverage management [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing for backfilling vacant anchor centers and rent commencement - Management indicated that they expect to resolve the remaining vacancies within six months, with rent contributions ramping up in 2026 and 2027 [22][24][26] Question: Value and opportunity for disposing of the New Mexico office property - Management noted that the property is now marketable due to new leases and is considering reinvesting proceeds into open-air centers [27][28] Question: Insights on Pompano Citi Centre's lease-up opportunities - Management highlighted significant lease-up potential, particularly with JCPenney, which currently pays minimal rent [32][33] Question: Acquisition pipeline and market conditions - Management is actively seeking larger shopping center acquisitions, noting limited availability in the market [46] Question: CapEx expectations moving forward - Management indicated that the elevated CapEx in Q4 was due to specific leases and that future run rates would likely be lower [52][54] Question: Timing and recognition of signed, not open leases - Management clarified that the recognition of these leases would be ratable, with a slight ramp-up expected in the latter half of 2026 [38][58] Question: Market allocation strategy for new properties - Management stated that they are not looking to add to Atlanta and will focus on other high-growth markets [60] Question: Relative merits of different property types - Management discussed the advantages of lifestyle and power centers over grocery anchors, emphasizing higher yields and growth potential [64][66]