UDR(UDR)2025-05-01 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter FFO as adjusted per share was $0.61, achieving the midpoint of previously provided guidance, supported by same store growth that exceeded expectations [23] - Year over year same store revenue and NOI growth were 2.6% and 2.8% respectively, driven by a 0.9% blended lease rate growth [13][14] - Year over year same store expense growth was only 2.3%, better than expectations, driven by favorable real estate taxes and insurance savings [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store revenue growth was approximately 4.5% for the East Coast, slightly above the high end of full year expectations for the region [19] - The West Coast saw blended lease rate growth of nearly 3% and year over year same store revenue growth close to 3% [20] - The Sunbelt markets experienced slightly positive year over year same store revenue growth, with blended lease rate growth at negative 2.5% [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for housing remains strong, with nearly 140,000 apartment homes absorbed in the first quarter, a three-decade high [9] - The pace of new supply is slowing, with 2024 multifamily completions marking a fifty-year high, but starts continue to decline [10] - Renting an apartment is on average 60% more affordable than owning a single-family home in the markets where the company operates [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains strategically focused on three drivers of growth: innovation, customer feedback, and capital deployment [5][6] - The company is executing various forms of capital deployment to drive future accretion, including development and joint venture acquisitions [7][8] - The investment-grade balance sheet with substantial liquidity positions the company well to take advantage of growth opportunities [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth prospects for the multifamily industry despite macroeconomic uncertainties [11] - The company expects to reassess full year guidance as it progresses through peak leasing season [5] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a dynamic and innovative culture to create value for residents and stakeholders [11] Other Important Information - The company recognized Jim Klingbill for his contributions as he decided not to seek reelection to the board [12] - The company has a proactive approach to managing its balance sheet, resulting in the best three-year liquidity outlook in the sector [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in rent trends for the second half - Management noted that supply is down about 20% year over year, which supports confidence in rent trends [29] Question: Senior loan acquisition impact - The acquisition of the senior loan is expected to stabilize and improve the asset's performance over time [36] Question: Impact of bulk WiFi rollout on renewal rents - Management indicated that the rollout of bulk WiFi has not negatively impacted renewal rents and has been well received [42] Question: Expectations for Dallas and Austin markets - Management expects Dallas and Austin to lag behind other markets, with positive momentum anticipated later in the year [76] Question: Guidance adjustments - Management stated that it has a precedent of not raising guidance after the first quarter, focusing instead on how the year finishes [102]