COPT(CDP) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported FFO per share as adjusted for comparability of $0.65, representing a year-over-year increase of 4.8% [21] - Same property cash NOI increased by 7.1% year-over-year, with a 4.3% increase when excluding real estate tax refunds [22] - The annual dividend was increased by 3.4%, marking the third consecutive year of dividend increases [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed 179,000 square feet of vacancy leasing year-to-date, achieving 45% of the full-year target [4] - Tenant retention was reported at 75% during the quarter, despite some contractions and non-renewals [5] - The defense IT portfolio occupancy rate has exceeded 94% for nine consecutive quarters [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed 120,000 square feet of vacancy leasing in the first quarter, with over 40% tied to secure space and nearly 50% related to cyber activity [11] - Columbia Gateway was highlighted as a standout market, with significant leasing activity [12] - The leasing pipeline remains strong, with 975,000 square feet of prospects, equating to a healthy activity ratio of 79% [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on developing into visible demand, as evidenced by the commencement of a new 150,000 square foot building [6] - The strategy includes maintaining a strong focus on defense-related missions, aligning with government priorities [10] - The company plans to fund the equity component of investments with cash flow from operations on a leverage-neutral basis [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that priority missions will not be impacted by recent budget reallocations [9] - The company expects to maintain its full-year guidance for FFO per share at$ 2.66, implying a 3.5% growth over 2024 [7] - Management noted that the leasing activity to tenants executing priority missions is strong and broad-based [20] Other Important Information - The company has a development leasing pipeline of approximately 1,200,000 square feet, with an additional 1,500,000 square feet of potential development opportunities [20] - The balance sheet remains strong, with 98% of debt at fixed rates [23] - The company anticipates compound annual FFO per share growth of 4% between 2023 and 2026 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Space Command relocation to Huntsville - Management indicated high expectations for a decision on the relocation within weeks, which could be beneficial for shareholders [30] Question: Investment pipeline and mix between acquisitions and developments - Management expects to meet the $225 million earmarked for new investments primarily through new development starts, with potential acquisitions being evaluated [32][33] Question: Impact of data center demand on tenants - Management stated that current data center operations will not be affected, but power availability remains a challenge for future developments [36][100] Question: Progress on vacancy leasing and rent growth - Management noted solid rent performance and a reduction in concessions, indicating a stable market [40][41] Question: Bond offering pricing expectations - Management estimated that the bond would likely price at or slightly higher than 6% based on current market conditions [42] Question: Retention rates and non-renewals - Management confirmed a 75% retention rate and expressed confidence in backfilling non-renewed spaces quickly [80][81] Question: Government lease expirations and renewals - Management expects to renew 100% of government leases, with activity ramping up in the upcoming quarters [58][59]