Centerspace(CSR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core FFO for Q1 was reported at $1.21 per diluted share, reflecting a 2.1% year-over-year increase in same store NOI [13][14] - Revenues from same store communities increased by 3.5% compared to the same quarter of 2024, with occupancy rising by 120 basis points to 95.8% [13][14] - Same store expenses increased by 5.8% year-over-year, primarily due to property taxes [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average physical occupancy for the same store portfolio improved to 96%, with April renewal retention at approximately 57% [5][6] - Blended leasing spreads increased by 70 basis points in Q1, with renewal increases steady at 2% to mid-3% levels [5][6] - New lease spreads improved from negative 1.1% in Q1 to positive 2.4% in April [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The multifamily market is experiencing strong demand, with a projected 2.2% expansion of apartment stock in the company's markets over the next twelve months, down from 3.8% the previous year [9] - In Minneapolis, leasing spreads are outperforming the portfolio average, while Denver is still facing supply pressure [7][10] - North Dakota leads the portfolio with blended leasing spreads of 5.3% year-to-date, indicating strong market performance [6][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining discipline in all controllable areas and is prepared to capitalize on opportunities to advance its platform [7][11] - The capital allocation strategy emphasizes enhancing the differentiated Mountain West and Midwest geography [11] - The company aims to evaluate new investment opportunities while being mindful of market exposures and leverage [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed guidance for the full year, expecting to achieve a core FFO midpoint of$ 4.98 per share and same store NOI growth of 2.25% [15] - The company is optimistic about the demand trends in the Midwest and Mountain West regions, despite some challenges in Denver [7][10] - Management noted that the macroeconomic environment remains volatile but believes in the long-term durability of the multifamily asset class [10] Other Important Information - The company reported a robust liquidity position with over $223 million available between cash and credit lines [15] - The debt maturity profile is well-laddered with minimal maturities this year and a weighted average debt cost of 3.6% [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are operations ahead of plan given strong Midwest apartment market? - Management acknowledged strong performance in the Midwest, particularly in North Dakota and Omaha, and confirmed they are on plan [18][19] Question: Will occupancy decrease in peak season for rate increases? - Management projected occupancy around 95% for the year, with current occupancy at 96% [21][22] Question: How to expect growth in OpEx for the remainder of the year? - Management indicated some lumpiness in OpEx, particularly in real estate taxes, but expects smoother growth moving forward [25][29] Question: What is the outlook for the Denver market? - Management noted a 200 basis point improvement in new lease spreads in April and anticipates an inflection point in rents by the end of the year [35][38] Question: How does agriculture impact local economies in the markets? - Management stated that while agriculture is significant, healthcare and education are the primary economic drivers in their markets [54][56] Question: What are the expectations for new lease rates for the year? - Management expects new lease rates to improve and taper off into the fall, affirming their guidance [65][66]