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Extra Space Storage(EXR) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a same-store occupancy rate of 94.3% at the end of the quarter, an increase of 80 basis points year-over-year [12][13] - The average new customer move-in rate was negative 9% year-over-year, indicating a decline in pricing power [12][46] - The company raised the bottom end of its FFO guidance by 0.05pershare,from0.05 per share, from 7.95 to 8.00,reflectingamodestincreaseatthemidpoint[17]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChangesTheLifeStoragesamestorerevenueimprovedby0.48.00, reflecting a modest increase at the midpoint [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Life Storage same-store revenue improved by 0.4% year-over-year, with occupancy finishing the quarter at 92.9%, a 200 basis point increase year-over-year [14][15] - The company added 63 third-party managed stores in Q3, netting 38 stores, and anticipates adding approximately 100 additional properties by year-end [9][10] - The average move-in rate for Life Storage same-store properties saw a sequential decline of 1% from Q2 to Q3, leading to a reduction in revenue expectations [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced an uptick in rental activity in certain markets post-Hurricane Milton, with some stores seeing occupancy jump from 92% to 96% [31] - The company noted that the markets where Life Storage has a larger concentration, such as Florida, have performed disproportionately weaker [49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its scale to find efficiencies and optimize store performance while growing ancillary businesses to drive FFO growth [11] - The transition to a single brand is expected to yield benefits, with early signs of improved SEO performance and reduced marketing spend [21][22] - The company is actively pursuing acquisitions and bridge loans, with 334 million deployed in acquisitions year-to-date and an expectation to remain active in the bridge loan market [10][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to optimize performance in a challenging market and is well-positioned to benefit when market fundamentals improve [71] - The company anticipates that the occupancy levels will remain higher than historical averages, which will support future pricing power [56][71] - Management acknowledged the impact of Hurricane Milton, estimating total property damage and tenant insurance claims to be $10 million or more, but noted that these costs would not be included in their guidance [18][19] Other Important Information - The company has lowered its G&A guidance for the year, reflecting ongoing efforts to find efficiencies [11] - The company is still assessing the full extent of property damage from Hurricane Milton, with three REIT stores remaining closed [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Benefits of Single Brand - Management noted early signs of improved SEO performance and modest savings in paid marketing spend since transitioning to a single brand [21][22] Question: Fourth Quarter Guidance - Management indicated that the primary difference in guidance for Q4 is property performance, with expectations for stabilization [25][28] Question: Hurricane Impact on Rentals - An uptick in rentals was observed in impacted areas, with occupancy rates increasing significantly in some stores [31] Question: Acquisition Activity - Management confirmed ongoing discussions for acquisitions, with a focus on accretive transactions [34] Question: Move-In Rates - The average move-in rate for new customers was negative 9% year-over-year, with no significant changes expected in October [46] Question: Pricing Power and Demand - Management emphasized the need to understand various economic factors affecting pricing power and demand for storage [83] Question: ECRI Program - Management stated that both LSI and EXR pools are on the same ECRI program, with no significant differences in pace or amount [88] Question: Bridge Loan Program - The company has been active in bridge loan originations, with expectations to remain active despite some downward pressure from upcoming maturities [92]