BPG(BRX) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NAREIT FFO was reported at $0.56 per share for Q1 2025, driven by same property NOI growth of 2.8% despite a 160 basis point drag from tenant disruption [12][13] - The company reduced leverage to 5.5 times debt to EBITDA and had$ 1.4 billion in available liquidity with no debt maturities until June 2026 [8][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed 1.3 million square feet of new and renewal leases at a blended cash spread of 21%, with new leases at 48% and renewals at 14% [10] - The reinvestment pipeline reached $391 million with a weighted average return of 10%, and the leasing pipeline was up 30% in GLA year-over-year [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to capture a significant share of new store openings in core categories such as grocery and value apparel, with strong tenant performance driving year-over-year traffic growth [6][11] - The signed but not yet commenced pool totaled$ 60 million, with expectations to commence $48 million or 79% of this ABR ratably through the remainder of 2025 [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on tenant disruption to bring in better tenants at higher rents, enhancing the overall portfolio quality [5][10] - The management expressed confidence in the ability to outperform in 2025 and 2026, supported by a robust leasing pipeline and low rent basis [6][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the potential for economic slowdown and tariff uncertainty but emphasized strong tenant demand and the ability to navigate disruptions [5][6] - The company expects base rent to accelerate in the second half of the year as new leases commence, with a focus on maintaining a strong credit profile [15][16] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a conservative approach to guidance, factoring in potential tenant disruptions and bad debt [15][46] - The management highlighted the importance of tenant credit profiles and the resilience of their retail categories in the face of economic challenges [76][78] Q&A Session Summary Question: Exposure to Big Lots or Party City at quarter end - Management confirmed a 140 basis point impact from bankruptcies, primarily from Big Lots and Party City, and expects to recapture Joann boxes in May [17][18] Question: Growth visibility for the remainder of the year - Management expressed confidence in growth visibility due to a strong signed but not commenced pipeline and ongoing leasing activity [24][26] Question: Impact of tariffs on leasing discussions - Management noted that while tariffs are a concern, tenants in grocery and value segments are well-positioned and continue to show growth plans [28][30] Question: Expected capital spend for re-tenanting spaces - Management indicated that costs for re-tenanting are in line with previous backfills, averaging around$ 50 per square foot [62][64] Question: Impact of tariffs on tenant inventory - Management stated that retailers are preparing for potential tariff impacts and are adjusting sourcing strategies accordingly [90][92] Question: Guidance on lease term income - Management expects lease term income to normalize throughout the year, with visibility on tenant demand and credit [80][81]