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Broadstone(BNL) - 2023 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
BNLBroadstone(BNL)2024-02-22 20:50

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an AFFO of 1.41pershareforthefullyear,reflectinga1.11.41 per share for the full year, reflecting a 1.1% year-over-year increase and in line with guidance [29][14] - The company ended the quarter with a net debt leverage of 5 times, slightly up from 4.9 times in the previous quarter [29] - The dividend was maintained at 0.285 per common share, representing a 3.6% increase over the previous year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed selective dispositions, selling five properties for gross proceeds of 16.5millionatanaveragecashcaprateof6.716.5 million at an average cash cap rate of 6.7% in Q4, bringing total disposition proceeds for the year to 200 million at a weighted average cash cap rate of 6% [5][4] - Investment volume for the fourth quarter was 64.1million,withafullyearinvestmentvolumeof64.1 million, with a full year investment volume of 166 million at a weighted average cash cap rate of 7.2% [5][29] - The company is focusing on simplifying its healthcare portfolio, with plans to sell 75 clinical, surgical, and traditional medical office building assets, reducing healthcare exposure from approximately 17.6% to about 7.5% of ABR [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by interest rate volatility and muted transaction activity, impacting capital allocation decisions [11][28] - Rent collections remained strong at 99.2% during Q4, with occupancy at 99.4% as of December 31, 2023 [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is strategically simplifying its portfolio by divesting from complex healthcare assets and focusing on industrial, retail, and restaurant properties [10][25] - The management emphasized a disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritizing long-term value creation over short-term gains [5][7] - The company aims to redeploy proceeds from asset sales into more stable investment opportunities, particularly in the industrial and defensive retail sectors [33][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the potential for growth opportunities in 2024 and beyond, particularly with the anticipated completion of the UNFI project [7][28] - The management acknowledged the challenges faced in 2023 but believes that the strategic decisions made will position the company for long-term shareholder value [7][11] Other Important Information - The company is actively seeking off-market investment opportunities and unique capital allocation strategies due to constraints in traditional commercial real estate lending [4][33] - The company expects to see some of the healthcare assets sold in 2024, with a focus on achieving optimal disposition outcomes rather than rushing sales [60][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you share any color on the buyer pool for the assets currently under contract? - The company reported a robust buyer pool consisting of dedicated healthcare operators, with no plans to repurpose the assets being sold [15] Question: What is the investment guidance for 2024? - The company plans to be a net acquirer in 2024, depending on market conditions and the resolution of the bid-ask spread [16] Question: How should we think about cap rates on the assets to be sold? - The company expects to sell the healthcare assets at mid to high-7% cap rates, emphasizing a disciplined approach rather than a fire sale [37] Question: What is the expected impact of the UNFI facility on cash flow? - The UNFI facility is expected to start generating rent in Q4 2024, significantly impacting cash flow in 2025 [40] Question: How does the company plan to manage the transition of assets like Red Lobster and Shutterfly? - The company is optimistic about the prospects for both assets, with plans to manage the transition to minimize downtime and maintain value [72]