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Broadstone(BNL) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
BNLBroadstone(BNL)2024-10-31 19:18

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated AFFO of 70millionor70 million or 0.35 per share, a decrease of 2.7% in per share results year-over-year, primarily due to lower lease revenues from the healthcare simplification strategy and increased expenses from vacant assets [14][15] - The company maintained its AFFO guidance range of 1.41to1.41 to 1.43 per share for the current year [8][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully reduced its total healthcare exposure below 10%, with clinical assets now representing approximately 4% of its ABR [3][4] - The company reached substantial completion on its UNFI build-to-suit development, contributing to earnings with an initial cash yield of 7.2% and a straight-line yield of 8.6% [4][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed on 93.9millionofinvestmentopportunitiesduringthequarter,bringingtheyeartodatetotalto93.9 million of investment opportunities during the quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to 381.9 million, including 69.3millionofnewacquisitionswithaweightedaveragecaprateof7.269.3 million of new acquisitions with a weighted average cap rate of 7.2% [12][14] - The company remains cautious about industries sensitive to discretionary consumer spending and those exposed to higher interest rates [12][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a clinical healthcare simplification strategy and a differentiated approach to growth through build-to-suit developments [3][4] - The company has a committed development pipeline of 405 million with attractive initial cash yields in the mid to high 7% range and straight-line yields exceeding 9% [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the portfolio's resilience despite pockets of credit risk due to the impact of higher interest rates on consumer-centric industries [7][14] - The company is optimistic about returning to growth in 2025 and 2026, supported by its build-to-suit pipeline [8][9] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with pro forma leverage of 4.9 times and has approximately 870millionofrevolveravailabilitytofundcommittedinvestments[15]Thecompanydeclaredadividendof870 million of revolver availability to fund committed investments [15] - The company declared a dividend of 0.29 per common share, which remains well covered and aligns with its targeted AFFO payout ratio [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is keeping the company from raising guidance at this point? - Management indicated that anticipated tenant credit events and additional carrying costs on vacant assets influenced the decision to maintain guidance [16] Question: Can you discuss the acquisition environment and cap rates? - Management noted that while there is volume in the market, the risk-adjusted returns do not align with their investment strategy, leading to a focus on build-to-suit projects instead [17][18] Question: What is the expected investment spending for next year? - Management acknowledged that while acquisitions may be smaller, the focus on build-to-suit projects will maintain historical investment levels over time [21][22] Question: What is the appetite for remaining healthcare assets? - Management stated there is interest from buyers, but the sales will be handled carefully to maintain value [27] Question: How does the company view competition in the transaction market? - Management noted that the mid-market industrial deals remain competitive, but they are prepared to act if opportunities arise [28] Question: How does the company manage development risk? - Management emphasized that they do not take on traditional development risk and only pursue projects with identified tenants [38][39] Question: What are the risks seen in the restaurant portfolio? - Management highlighted that while the overall performance is stable, specific tenants like Red Lobster are being monitored closely due to performance concerns [42][43]