CubeSmart(US:CUBE)2026-02-27 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported same-store revenue growth of negative 0.1% for the fourth quarter, indicating stabilization compared to previous quarters [10] - Funds from Operations (FFO) per share was reported at $0.64 for the quarter, with a 1.9% increase in the quarterly dividend to an annualized $2.12 per share, representing a 5.3% dividend yield [11] - Leverage ended the year at 4.8x net debt to EBITDA, indicating a strong balance sheet [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a positive trend in move-in rates, improving from -10% in Q4 2024 to +2.8% in Q4 2025 [5] - Same-store expenses grew by 2.9% in Q4, influenced by real estate taxes and property insurance, offset by increases in marketing and repairs [10] - Over 75% of the top 25 markets saw revenue growth accelerate from Q3 to Q4 2025 [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The occupancy gap improved to 88.7% by the end of January 2026, narrowing from year-end levels [6] - Only 19% of same-store assets are projected to face new supply impacts in 2026, the lowest percentage since 2017 [9] - The Northeast and Midwest urban markets continue to outperform, while Sun Belt and West Coast markets are beginning to show improvement [4][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation strategies, including a new joint venture with CBRE IM for $250 million to invest in high-growth markets [12] - The management team emphasizes maintaining a high-quality portfolio and is open to asset dispositions or joint ventures to enhance shareholder value [14][68] - The company aims to return to historical revenue growth levels by addressing occupancy gaps and improving pricing strategies [8][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to growth in 2026, citing stabilized fundamentals and improved operating metrics [4] - The company anticipates gradual improvement in financial results, with expectations for FFO per share in 2026 ranging from $2.52 to $2.60 [14] - Management acknowledged the impact of external factors such as weather-related costs and inflation on operating expenses [28] Other Important Information - The company executed share repurchases during the quarter, with an expanded authorization allowing for approximately $475 million in capacity [13] - The management team is actively monitoring legislative changes affecting pricing and transparency in the self-storage market [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the supply situation and its impact? - Management clarified that the 19% of stores impacted by supply in 2026 refers to those competing against new deliveries from 2024 to 2026, indicating a lessening impact compared to previous years [19][20] Question: How is the lawsuit in New York affecting operations? - The company is aware of the lawsuit and is focused on compliance and providing optimal customer experiences [22][23] Question: What is driving the higher operating expenses compared to peers? - Management noted that real estate taxes and weather-related costs are significant drivers of expense growth, alongside inflationary pressures on personnel costs [28] Question: What is the outlook for move-in rates? - Management expects steady improvement in move-in rates, with a focus on maximizing customer value rather than just volume [35][60] Question: Can you elaborate on the joint venture with CBRE? - The joint venture is aimed at investing in core plus and value-add opportunities in high-growth markets, with the potential for future collaborations [29][30] Question: How does the company view share buybacks versus acquisitions? - Management indicated that while share buybacks are attractive, they remain open to acquisitions if compelling opportunities arise [46][78] Question: What is the outlook for the New York MSA? - Management expects New York to continue being a top-performing market, benefiting from recovering supply headwinds and strong demand trends [42][43]