NYSE:AHH Armada Hoffler Properties Q2 2023 Earnings Report $6.90 -0.03 (-0.43%) Closing price 03:59 PM EasternExtended Trading$6.90 -0.01 (-0.07%) As of 05:24 PM Eastern Extended trading is trading that happens on electronic markets outside of regular trading hours. This is a fair market value extended hours price provided by Polygon.io. Learn more. Earnings HistoryForecast Armada Hoffler Properties EPS ResultsActual EPS$0.13Consensus EPS $0.31Beat/MissMissed by -$0.18One Year Ago EPSN/AArmada Hoffler Properties Revenue ResultsActual Revenue$59.95 millionExpected Revenue$58.28 millionBeat/MissBeat by +$1.67 millionYoY Revenue GrowthN/AArmada Hoffler Properties Announcement DetailsQuarterQ2 2023Date8/3/2023TimeN/AConference Call DateThursday, August 3, 2023Conference Call Time8:30AM ETUpcoming EarningsArmada Hoffler Properties' Q1 2025 earnings is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with a conference call scheduled on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM ET. Check back for transcripts, audio, and key financial metrics as they become available.Conference Call ResourcesConference Call AudioConference Call TranscriptSlide DeckPress Release (8-K)Quarterly Report (10-Q)Earnings HistoryCompany ProfileSlide DeckFull Screen Slide DeckPowered by Armada Hoffler Properties Q2 2023 Earnings Call TranscriptProvided by QuartrAugust 3, 2023 ShareLink copied to clipboard.There are 8 speakers on the call. Operator00:00:00Gentlemen, and welcome to the Armada Hoffler Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all lines are in a listen only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question and answer session. This call is being recorded on Thursday, 3rd August, 2023. I would now like to turn the conference over to Chelsea Forrest. Operator00:00:27Please go ahead. Speaker 100:00:31Good morning and thank you for joining Armada Hoffler's Q2 2023 earnings conference call and webcast. On the call this morning, in addition to myself, is Lou Haddad, CEO Matthew Barnes Smith, CFO and Sean Toditz, COO. The press release announcing our Q2 earnings along with our supplemental package were distributed this morning. A replay of this call will be available shortly after The call is through September 3, 2023. The numbers to access the replay are provided in the earnings press release. Speaker 100:01:01For those who listen to the rebroadcast of this presentation, we remind you that the remarks are made herein are as of today, August 3, 2023, and will not be updated During this call, we may make forward looking statements, including statements related to the future performance of our portfolio, our development pipeline, The impact of acquisitions and dispositions, our mezzanine program, our construction business, our liquidity position, Our portfolio performance and financing activities as well as comments on our guidance and outlook. Listeners are cautioned Any forward looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations, taking into account information that is currently available. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations may change as a result of possible events or factors, not all of which are known and many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond control. These risks and uncertainties can cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations and we advise listeners to review the forward looking statement disclosure in our press release that we distributed this morning and the risk factors disclosed in the documents we have filed with and furnished to the SEC. We also discuss certain non GAAP financial measures, including, but not limited to, FFO and normalized FFO. Speaker 100:02:18Definitions of these non GAAP measures as well as to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the quarterly supplemental package, which is available on our website at armadahoffler.com. I'll now turn the call over to Lou. Speaker 200:02:33Thanks, Kelsey. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. Today, we reported earnings for the Q2 of $0.32 per share, in line with our expectations and consistent with our full year guidance. As you can see from our press release, the portfolio continues to deliver positive growth in same store sales and re leasing spreads, while maintaining company wide occupancy over 97%. We continue to prove that best in market properties yield impressive results in most any economic climate. Speaker 200:03:08Sean and Matt will give you the details on the quarter as well as the current state of operations and financial metrics. I'll give you an overview of a few longer term initiatives we intend to pursue over the next 18 to 24 months. For years, we have been describing the advantages of our business model. Vertical integration of the development process, asset class diversification, Mixed use environments and best in class properties are all important factors in our platform as well as our value proposition. This approach to real estate, 44 years in the making, has produced substantial growth over the last 10 years. Speaker 200:03:50Since our IPO in 2013, we have increased our asset base over 5 times, expanded our market cap nearly 4 times, Doubled our earnings per share and perhaps most importantly to investors outperformed the REIT Index on a total shareholder return basis over the same period. All this despite the challenges of the pandemic The current disfavor of the commercial real estate sector, which has impacted property values, consequently reducing our multiple and undervaluing our equity. While this may be viewed as respectable performance by many, it's by no means satisfactory to us. Our goal remains to demonstrate the true worth of superior assets, both property and human, and return the equity value to its previous highs and beyond, regardless of the macro environment. Over the next 1 to 2 years, in addition to continuing measurable growth in earnings and dividends, We intend to make strategic moves that should drive significant outperformance over our peers as well as reinforce the flexibility, resiliency and foundational strength of our diversified platform. Speaker 200:05:04Armada Software has a well established history of telling the market what we intend to accomplish, Executing and reporting back the positive results. We expect similar performance going forward. We took an important step in this process last month when our Board authorized a limited stock buyback program. This initiative is predominantly meant to give us a head start on retiring our preferred equity shares, which are callable next spring. It is our intent to eventually fully extinguish the entire series. Speaker 200:05:38Around this time next year, We will complete all current construction projects at Harbor Point on the Baltimore Waterfront. T. Rowe Price will begin their move in process and the adjacent Allied apartments will start the lease up phase. Shortly thereafter, we intend to begin marketing some combination of our joint ventures and or selected wholly owned assets within the development. Make no mistake. Speaker 200:06:07We believe strongly in the viability and growth prospects for all the uses at Arbor Point. In fact, we intend to Developing there alongside our long time partner, BD Development Group. That said, With 4 premier quality office buildings featuring many Fortune 500 companies on long term leases and 700 luxury apartments, Selective disposition of some of the trophy assets in the development will significantly reduce our capital allocation, thereby enabling us to expand in higher growth Southeast markets, mitigate concentration risk and further deleverage the balance sheet. By utilizing all the tools in our toolbox, construction capacity, preferred equity, mezzanine lending and seasoned development partners, We expect to achieve significant portfolio expansion with minimal strain on the balance sheet, while continuing to release the value created by our development activities. Sean will update you later in the call on new multifamily opportunities that we are executing. Speaker 200:07:13On a related note, Although we don't anticipate exiting any assets at Town Center of Virginia Beach, we have decided against expanding the multifamily accounts at the complex at this time. Instead, after we receive the adjacent Bed Bath and Beyond site back, We will proceed with re tenanting and expanding the property with new retail tenants. This decision affords us a much greater return with significantly less Capital commitment and further enhances the retail and entertainment options for our patrons. This also allows us to redirect Additional funds for multifamily investment in higher growth areas. Sean will comment on these details as well. Speaker 200:07:57This ability to pivot our emphasis among asset classes and submarkets is an advantage that has enhanced our profitability for over 4 decades. With the continued strength of the portfolio, robust fee income and the lease up of new properties, Our expectation is for continued growth in earnings and asset value next year. Additionally, we believe that the strategic moves that I've described today We'll meaningfully accelerate year over year increases in virtually all our financial results in 2025 beyond. Now, I'll turn the call over to Sean. Speaker 300:08:35Thank you, Lou. The teams throughout our organization remain highly focused on disciplined execution in all areas of our business. Armada Hoffler's approach to value creation is bolstered by our commitment to company values, which in turn drive our actions and focus on achieving our goals even in this tough economic environment. We are operating efficiently with continued high levels of occupancy, healthy re leasing spreads and a substantial third party construction backlog. We believe that best in class performance throughout the portfolio, Safe and reliable construction services combined with seamless execution of high quality development projects will continue to create sustained shareholder value for years to come. Speaker 300:09:23The supplemental package contains a recap of our operating highlights. I would like to call out a few of the noteworthy metrics that are contributing to our continued growth and sustained high occupancy across the portfolio. 2023 quarter 2 year over year same store NOI was Positive in all segments and was 4.8% on a GAAP basis and 2.9% on a cash basis. Multifamily was 4.3% on a GAAP basis and 3.6% on a cash basis. Office was 1.3% on a GAAP basis and 2% on a cash basis. Speaker 300:10:03Retail 7.5% on a GAAP basis and 3.1% on a cash basis. 2023 quarter 2 Year over year re leasing spreads on the commercial portfolio were positive 8.9% on a GAAP basis and 7.3% on a cash basis. Our multifamily sector is growing consistently at mid single digits on par with our forecast for 2023. We are focused on optimizing both revenue and expense management as we look to grow portfolio within our geographic footprint over time. The retail segment is also experiencing sustained elevated levels of lease up At 98.2 percent across our nearly 4,000,000 square feet. Speaker 300:10:52In terms of office performance, we remain well leased at 96.2%, inclusive of the Interlock acquisition, which contained a small amount of vacancy. On that note, a portion of our team has been relocated within the Armada Ochsler Tower Here at Towne Center and KPMG has subsequently taken possession of their new space and we expect them to be in by the end of the year. As Flight to Quality has again increased the percentage of office space leased at Towne Centre, which currently sits at 99.4% of the nearly 800,000 square feet. As a result of the high occupancy and continued demand, we are discussing future office needs with our tenants. These ongoing discussions create alignment and also provide insight into opportunities that may exist to accommodate additional tenants looking to relocate into Town Center. Speaker 300:11:44Retail performance remains strong and we are capitalizing on the momentum. We recently signed a long term lease with LEGO For prime retail space at our Town Center of Virginia Beach. This is yet another example of a high credit tenant Seeking out space in our flagship development. We are excited about this new to market retailer and the positive effect The Lego following will have on traffic within our ecosystem. The tenants on our watch list remain materially similar to last quarter. Speaker 300:12:15Our focus has been on the opportunistic next steps for our 2 Bed Bath and Beyond store locations. Conversations with new tenants are continuing for the Durham, North Carolina space. We expect a positive outcome and we'll update you as soon as possible. In Virginia Beach, the decision is based on an opportunity cost equation with an emphasis on the best long term value creation for the 6 acres. Ultimately, the outcome of our due diligence exercises points to a high end, high quality retail focused redevelopment site. Speaker 300:12:49We have narrowed the list of potential tenants to a preferred shortlist of suitors. The program will likely involve modifications to include 1 or 2 major high credit retailers with a very limited amount of high and small shops supplemented by a strategic outparcel user. We intend to continue our relationship with Regal. However, should the opportunity arise, we would look to redevelop Phase 2 as a supplement to the Bed Bath and Beyond site That provides for a natural flow of talent center expansion to Speaker 400:13:19the east. Speaker 300:13:21As you may recall, our initial redevelopment plans included potential for inclusion of multifamily units. We have determined that the capital earmarked for multifamily will be best invested outside of Towne Centre, given that we already own the trophy assets in the submarket and the retail opportunity set being negotiated will provide better returns. Our analysis is that multifamily investment outside of Town Center The best use of the property, a more diverse geographic footprint in the Southeast and a greater contribution to NAV. As you can see, our portfolio comprised of state of the art properties in superior locations continues to operate consistently well throughout economic cycles. The complementary property types and trophy assets in superior locations combined to outperform the competitive set. Speaker 300:14:20The T. Rowe Price Global Headquarters project at Harbor Point is continuing to take shape and is on track for turnover in the summer of 2024. The adjacent 312 unit Allied Apartment Tower is also on plan for delivery in the Q3 of 2024. At Southern Post in Roswell, Georgia, we are making significant progress toward the initial delivery early next year. Since our last earnings update, the retail space has moved to 86% leased or under LOI. Speaker 300:14:52As we noted last quarter, we are working through lease arrangements with a high credit tenant who is targeting approximately 40,000 feet of office equating to 40% of the office space. Chandler Residences, the recently named multifamily component at Southern Post It is a high quality offering in a market with a limited supply of leasable residential units. Programming and marketing efforts for the project have been very well received and we expect considerable success and speed in the lease up. Additionally, I would like to elaborate on a few noteworthy strategic topics, some previously mentioned by Luke. Last quarter, we discussed strategic growth initiatives underpinned by both acquisition and development of high quality, well located trophy real estate. Speaker 300:15:42As you know, We at Armada Opera create value for shareholders through leveraging both our construction and development expertise as well as our extensive partnership network to manufacture and acquire well located trophy assets. Additionally, we are fortunate to be able to leverage those partnerships created along the way that provide access to high quality assets on an off market basis. Last quarter, we focused on the acquisition approach, While transacting on the interlock, demonstrating that our strategy continues to produce results. We are settling into the management of this trophy asset, while studying opportunities to create upside beyond the NOI acquired in the transaction. We look forward to updating you on our initiatives as they come to fruition. Speaker 300:16:30To continue the theme of sourcing high quality real estate via existing relationships, one of our largest OP unitholders, Affiliates of Venture Realty Group presented us with a unique opportunity to invest in the development of a new 280 Unit Class A Multifamily Apartment Community via Allure at Edinburg. The transaction requires minimal upfront And provides us both a preferred return on our investment and the ability to acquire the asset upon completion and stabilization and a future OP Unit transaction. Both the average and median household incomes in the zip code within Chesapeake, Virginia Are the highest among all the markets in which we invest, including Atlanta and Charlotte. Consistent with our overall investment thesis, We are excited about the potential to own what will be the best asset in a growing secondary market with strong fundamentals at an attractive going in basis and yield. We have sourced 2 additional high quality multifamily projects that will fill our preferred equity and mezzanine platform allocation. Speaker 300:17:38Solus Kennesaw and Solus Peachtree Corners are both located in a submarket outside of Atlanta. These developments will be executed by our trusted partners at DeWilleger Pappas. Together, these opportunities allow us to continue increasing exposure to the Greater Atlanta markets and may ultimately yield the opportunity to own either of the assets, thereby creating additional concentration in these high growth markets. Finally, thank you to the talented colleagues at Armada Hoffler, who are manufacturing and managing High quality assets within our portfolio. We are performing well. Speaker 300:18:18However, as Lou previously stated, We are not satisfied with our equity value. And as a result, we'll remain laser focused on our mission of leading in the REIT space by consistently creating long term value for our shareholders. I will now turn the call over to Matt. Speaker 400:18:36Good morning and thank you, Sean. Another compelling performance by our team continuing to deliver consistently strong results across all operating metrics. We reported FFO of $0.35 per diluted share and normalized FFO of $0.32 per diluted share, in line with guidance and slightly above analyst consensus. We maintained our guidance range accordingly at normalized FFO $1.23 to $1.27 per diluted share. Our stabilized leverage metric remains in our target range at 5.5 times. Speaker 400:19:16When our ancillary debt is included, leverage has risen to 7.1 times, slightly elevated from last quarter. This metric will temporarily increase over the next few periods until the assets in our development pipeline start producing cash flow. Leverage is anticipated to decrease back into our target range as the EBITDA continues to grow. Our debt service coverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.7 times and 2.3 times respectively, demonstrating our team's ability to manage and execute our balance sheet strategy in the adverse market conditions we are all experiencing. Our liquidity position continues to be strong at roughly $130,000,000 more than ample to cover the 2023 cash requirements For our remaining development pipeline and the preferred equity investments that Sean mentioned earlier. Speaker 400:20:11This combined with our well structured debt maturity ladder Means that we can continue to grow earnings while supporting the team in achieving our growth objectives. For reference, As stated last quarter, we have no debt maturities in 2023 and we expect a small amount of debt maturities in 2024 2025 to be paid off at maturity adding these previously secured assets to our unencumbered borrowing base. As interest rates continue to fluctuate, we will monitor the environment to ensure we either convert the variable rate debt The long term fixed rate debt in the private placement market or layering new hedge positions when our current set of positions mature. Lew discussed our growth strategy earlier on the call and we continue to strengthen our balance sheet to support these efforts. In June, we started the process of Increasing the capacity of our revolving credit facility looking to add $100,000,000 through the accordion feature. Speaker 400:21:12We're excited to report that we have had over 75% of the funds committed to date. In addition to our established lending group, We are adding Barclays Bank as a new lending relationship. Attracting top talent, whether that be internal colleagues on the team Our external support from our partners is key to driving success. Adding this full service financial institution clearly demonstrates our capacity to grow and execute the strategy Lou described. As we look ahead over the next 18 months, the funds from planned disposition Coupled with our expected capital markets activity, I anticipated to be split between growth in the Southeast and deleveraging our balance sheet. Speaker 400:21:57Another item of note this quarter was attracting an additional partner to our unsecured term loan used to fund the Interlock acquisition. This additional $20,000,000 allows us to pay down the capital that we use from our line of credit at closing. As you will recall, we swapped the whole $100,000,000 at an all in fixed rate of 4.7%, which is very competitive in today's environment. Continuing the theme of our derivative program, in early July, we made 2 transactions that limited the exposure of interest rates remaining higher for a longer period than was initially anticipated. Both transactions involve selling our corridor positions and using the proceeds to buy down the rate on the swaps to 3.4%. Speaker 400:22:45The combined notional $250,000,000 It's the same notional amounts as the initial corridors and will have the same maturity schedule. Whilst these derivative transactions do not have a material effect In 2023, we anticipate a lower cost of debt for 2024 as a result of these transactions. Some of our derivatives mature in early 2024 and we will either convert the variable rate debt to long term fixed rate debt in the private placement markets or layering new hedged positions. I will now pass the call back over to the operator for the questions and answer session. Operator00:23:27Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now conduct a question and answer session. Please ensure you listen to handset that you're using a speakerphone before pressing any keys. Your first question comes from the line of Rob Stevenson from Janney. Your line is now open. Speaker 500:23:55Good morning. Lou, I know you said you aren't going to be moving forward with another apartment development and town center right now. But you have call it rough numbers 800,000 square feet of office at Town Center that's basically fully occupied. Is there incremental demand there for another tower there? And how are you thinking about office at Town Center today? Speaker 200:24:16Thanks, Robin. Good morning. Yes, there continues to be strong desire for more office space here at Towne Centre. We are actually looking to shoehorn in a couple more tenants in the remaining space. Hopefully, we can get some space back from a couple of folks that might be downsizing. Speaker 200:24:36At this point in time, we're not inclined to launch a new Power, that would take a significant anchor at a much higher rent than I think is The market is willing to bear at this point. So we're going to continue to sit here with and raise rents at sustained level with full buildings. Speaker 500:25:00Okay. That's helpful. And then, Sean, any known move outs in the office of retail portfolio of consequence at this point that's popped up? Speaker 300:25:10There's very little to speak of. I was actually looking at this yesterday, Rob, that we've got a couple of Folks, we're negotiating on a renewal basis, but no, we don't expect any of consequence to move out. Speaker 500:25:24All right. And then last one for me. Lew, you talked on the prepared comments about taking out the 675 preferreds. I understand doing that when debt was call it 4 something percent. But in the current environment and given that it never has to be repaid and is it Treated as at least quasi equity. Speaker 500:25:45What's the thought process here, especially with these interest rate caps burning off next year and the current interest rate environment? Speaker 200:25:52Well, again, Rob, we'll have to see what next spring brings in terms of rates and whether that still makes sense. Currently with the preferred trading at a discount, we'd actually be purchasing back at basically an 8% rate. So that was the reason for the authorization of the buyback. Whatever we can get at a discount, we're going to take And then we'll see what the market gives us next May when we can get some more. Speaker 500:26:25All right. Thanks guys. Appreciate the time. Operator00:26:32Your next question comes from the line of Wes Golladay from Baird. Your line is now open. Speaker 600:26:38Hey, good morning, everyone. I want to go back to the Virginia Beach Bed Bath location, I think you mentioned you might do some high end retail. Just wondering what kind of halo effect you may get. Are you looking at bringing in maybe a Tesla, an Apple And just kind of build up the whole area. Speaker 200:26:54There are some very prominent tenants That are eyeing that site, it remains to be seen what we'll actually transact on. Remember, we've got an entire ecosystem here at West. And what we're looking for is things that will add to the mix as opposed to more of the same. And so there is a couple of unique tenants that may be better fit. But Hopefully, by the end of the year, we'll be able to make an announcement or 2 on what's coming. Speaker 200:27:29But it's very exciting here for Towne Centre. Speaker 600:27:34Okay. And then the multifamily starts at the nation have been somewhat resilient. And I'm just kind of curious what you're seeing on the ground, you talked to a lot of the developers, you provide a lot of financing. Do you get the sense that those are going to start to fall off pretty dramatically? Speaker 200:27:50Again, from a macro level perhaps, from a market by market level, we're in the highest growth markets That people continue to migrate to. And so the developers we're dealing with predominantly in Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, Charleston Are still seeing unprecedented growth. At some point, that you would imagine that that would change, But we continue to read the headlines about being 5,000,000 housing units short, in particular in the markets that I was talking about. So for now, it appears to still be all systems go. As you know, cap rates So it widened a bit on multifamily, but not so much to dissuade people from executing on top quality sites. Speaker 600:28:44Got it. And then maybe just one more big picture question for the portfolio. You kind of mentioned moving more to the Southeast is maybe taking down leverage a little bit. How does this look maybe 3 years from now? Is it going to be a dramatic shift? Speaker 600:28:55Or is this going to be at the margin maybe 5% or 10% geographic allocation change and then leverage maybe down a Turn or turn? And how should we think over a multiyear view? Speaker 200:29:06Yes. I'll take the last part of that first. I'd look for leverage to go down between a half and a full turn. Basically, what we want to do is Move the portfolio further south on an incremental basis. We love the properties that we own in Baltimore, but we want to redeploy some of that capital down south. Speaker 200:29:31And so You're probably looking at a 10% move, maybe as much as 20%. Speaker 600:29:39Okay. Thanks, everyone. Operator00:29:41Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Peter Abramowitz from Jefferies. Your line is now open. Speaker 600:29:52Yes. Thank you. You mentioned a tenant that is interested in about 40% of the office space is Southern Post. Just wanted to ask about overall demand for the rest of that space potentially kind of what you're seeing on the ground there. How many prospects do you have on sort of the overall office component there? Speaker 200:30:11That's a pretty healthy prospect list. And now that the buildings At a point where they can start to be toured. We're seeing a lot of activity. We've got another lease for about 7,000 square feet. So and then as you know, the office I'm sorry, the retail is Almost completely spoken for at this point. Speaker 200:30:36We're seeing good activity, Peter. It's a small amount of office Very hot submarket with limited opportunities for any kind of space. We're very excited about what Southern Post is going to do In terms of earnings in 2024. Speaker 600:30:58Okay. And then More question on kind of the macro here. I guess since your last call, the possibility of Kind of a soft landing and a quicker recovery become the prevailing narrative. Any sense of how tenants are thinking in terms of Their behavior on the office or retail side, are you noticing any changes in them feeling more optimistic and more willing To take on more space, I guess any impact you're seeing in terms of their decision making? Speaker 200:31:35I haven't seen a whole lot of difference. In terms of retail, the sales have been off the charts. I don't want to generalize too much, but I'd say that predominant amount of tenants in our facilities Have well surpassed 2019 levels in terms of sales. And I think the largest issue that is facing them is Staff. Everybody is still hunting for staff. Speaker 200:32:07On the office side, as you might expect, a lot depends on what business you're We're heavily weighted to architecture and engineering as well as financial services and those folks all seem to be pretty bullish. You remember earlier this year, We re upped 250,000 square feet with Morgan Stanley on it for 12 more years at Baltimore. And we continue to see T. Rowe Price expanding into all the space that they thought would be for additional growth With their new layouts. So it seems folks are pretty optimistic and we're right with them. Speaker 200:32:49It's interesting in our prior lives as private real estate developers, we love this kind of environment With unemployment at an all time low, since we became a REIT, it appears that you're supposed to pray for a recession So that rates will go down. Unfortunately, we're not getting that message or I guess I should say fortunately. We're in full growth mode. Interest rates in our minds are normalized now to where they've been Historically, for most of our career, and we want the economy to keep each other along and we're going to keep expanding. Speaker 600:33:32Sure. And then one last one for me, kind of big picture here. So obviously, you've had a lot of success at Town Center and you're kind Close to reaching critical mass at Harbor Point. As you think about the future, do you see opportunities to do Sort of development on that scale, maybe not at the Town Center scale, but Harbor Point where you're kind of creating or overhauling an entire submarket. Do you see the opportunity to do that in other places? Speaker 600:34:01And is that something you want Speaker 200:34:03to do? Or is Speaker 600:34:04it kind of more a case of blocking and tackling on Just the one off things you see in the portfolio in your markets as you're doing with the opportunities right now? Speaker 200:34:19It's an interesting question. Obviously, we'd love to do more mega developments in a Growing submarket and in a location. Those opportunities are few and far between, but we always have our eyes out for them. I think more naturally what you're going to see is the kind of thing that we're doing in Southern Post. In these satellite cities around the major metrophes, Again, the Charlotte, the Raleigh, Atlanta and the like, the satellite cities are presenting a lot of opportunities for mixed use developments In revitalizing older downtowns where people are where the population is growing pretty significantly. Speaker 200:35:02I think you'll see more town center ish type development, but it's going to be on a smaller basis in selected cities. Speaker 600:35:11Got it. That's helpful. Thanks a lot. Speaker 200:35:14Thank you. Operator00:35:17Your next question comes From the line of Chris Sakai from Singular Research. Your line is now open. Speaker 700:35:27Hi, good morning. I had a question on office occupancy. It looks like it ticked down 1% this quarter. I wanted to get your idea of what were the drivers there and how do you guys see occupancy rates in your The guidance for 2023? Speaker 200:35:48I'm going to let Sean answer that specifically, but I think there's only one factor that contributed there. Speaker 300:35:54Yes. We feel good about the office occupancy. Actually, we feel great about it. As I mentioned in the comments, When we acquired the Interlock last quarter, there were some vacancy, some upside vacancy that came along with it, which Obviously, added to the denominator on our total square footage. So we've been rather consistent. Speaker 300:36:16And if you look at the renewals And the re leasing, we've done well. There just hasn't been much activity because there hasn't been much change. So for us, we feel good about that. And again, we've got upside to lease up 27,000 to 30,000 feet down in Atlanta and we're active in that space. So again, that'll just add to the overall income. Speaker 200:36:37Chris, I think if you took Interlock out of the equation, you'd be right back to that 98% In the office, so that again that was pretty much the entirety of the change. Speaker 700:36:51Okay. Thanks for that. And then It looks like interest income in your guidance has picked up about $2,000,000 or so from last quarter. What's driving that increase? Speaker 400:37:07Good morning, Chris. This is Matt. The increase of that is the 3 The equity deals that Sean mentioned in his remarks that we closed one of them in quarter and Operator00:37:32There are no further questions at this time. Please continue. Speaker 200:37:37Thanks very much. We appreciate your attention this morning. And stay tuned for more announcements and not too distant future. Thanks very much. Take care. Operator00:37:47Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.Read morePowered by Conference Call Audio Live Call not available Earnings Conference CallArmada Hoffler Properties Q2 202300:00 / 00:00Speed:1x1.25x1.5x2x Earnings DocumentsSlide DeckPress Release(8-K)Quarterly report(10-Q) Armada Hoffler Properties Earnings HeadlinesArmada Hoffler Reports First Quarter 2025 ResultsMay 7 at 4:05 PM | globenewswire.comArmada Hoffler Properties, Inc.: Armada Hoffler Acquires Full Ownership of Allied | Harbor PointMay 6 at 6:00 AM | finanznachrichten.deElon just did WHAT!?As you may recall, Biden and the Fed were working on a central bank digital currency, or CBDC. Had they gotten away with it, the Fed and U.S. banks could have seized control of our financial lives forever. But Trump stopped them cold on January 23rd, 2025, when he outlawed CBDCs… Paving the way for Elon Musk's secret master plan.May 7, 2025 | Brownstone Research (Ad)Armada Hoffler buys Allied | Harbor PointMay 6 at 6:00 AM | msn.comArmada Hoffler Acquires Full Ownership of Allied | Harbor PointMay 5 at 6:07 PM | globenewswire.comArmada Hoffler Preferred: Its Discount Might Vanish Before We Know ItApril 29, 2025 | seekingalpha.comSee More Armada Hoffler Properties Headlines Get Earnings Announcements in your inboxWant to stay updated on the latest earnings announcements and upcoming reports for companies like Armada Hoffler Properties? Sign up for Earnings360's daily newsletter to receive timely earnings updates on Armada Hoffler Properties and other key companies, straight to your email. Email Address About Armada Hoffler PropertiesArmada Hoffler Properties (NYSE:AHH) (the "Company") is a vertically integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") with over four decades of experience developing, building, acquiring, and managing high-quality retail, office, and multifamily properties located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. In addition to the ownership of the Company's operating property portfolio, the Company develops and builds properties for its own account and through joint ventures between the Company and unaffiliated partners and also invests in development projects through real estate financing arrangements. The Company also provides general construction and development services to third-party clients. The Company's construction and development experience includes mid- and high-rise office buildings, retail strip malls, retail power centers, multifamily apartment communities, hotels and conference centers, single- and multi-tenant industrial, distribution, and manufacturing facilities, educational, medical, and special purpose facilities, government projects, parking garages, and mixed-use town centers. The Company is the sole general partner of Armada Hoffler, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership") and, as of March 31, 2024, owned 75.5% of the economic interest in the Operating Partnership, of which 0.1% is held as general partnership units. The operations of the Company are conducted primarily through the Operating Partnership and the wholly owned subsidiaries thereof.View Armada Hoffler Properties ProfileRead more More Earnings Resources from MarketBeat Earnings Tools Today's Earnings Tomorrow's Earnings Next Week's Earnings Upcoming Earnings Calls Earnings Newsletter Earnings Call Transcripts Earnings Beats & Misses Corporate Guidance Earnings Screener Earnings By Country U.S. Earnings Reports Canadian Earnings Reports U.K. Earnings Reports Latest Articles Disney Stock Jumps on Earnings—Is the Magic Sustainable?Archer Stock Eyes Q1 Earnings After UAE UpdatesFord Motor Stock Rises After Earnings, But Momentum May Not Last Broadcom Stock Gets a Lift on Hyperscaler Earnings & CapEx BoostPalantir Stock Drops Despite Stellar Earnings: What's Next?Is Eli Lilly a Buy After Weak Earnings and CVS-Novo Partnership?Is Reddit Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold After Earnings Release? 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There are 8 speakers on the call. Operator00:00:00Gentlemen, and welcome to the Armada Hoffler Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all lines are in a listen only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question and answer session. This call is being recorded on Thursday, 3rd August, 2023. I would now like to turn the conference over to Chelsea Forrest. Operator00:00:27Please go ahead. Speaker 100:00:31Good morning and thank you for joining Armada Hoffler's Q2 2023 earnings conference call and webcast. On the call this morning, in addition to myself, is Lou Haddad, CEO Matthew Barnes Smith, CFO and Sean Toditz, COO. The press release announcing our Q2 earnings along with our supplemental package were distributed this morning. A replay of this call will be available shortly after The call is through September 3, 2023. The numbers to access the replay are provided in the earnings press release. Speaker 100:01:01For those who listen to the rebroadcast of this presentation, we remind you that the remarks are made herein are as of today, August 3, 2023, and will not be updated During this call, we may make forward looking statements, including statements related to the future performance of our portfolio, our development pipeline, The impact of acquisitions and dispositions, our mezzanine program, our construction business, our liquidity position, Our portfolio performance and financing activities as well as comments on our guidance and outlook. Listeners are cautioned Any forward looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations, taking into account information that is currently available. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations may change as a result of possible events or factors, not all of which are known and many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond control. These risks and uncertainties can cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations and we advise listeners to review the forward looking statement disclosure in our press release that we distributed this morning and the risk factors disclosed in the documents we have filed with and furnished to the SEC. We also discuss certain non GAAP financial measures, including, but not limited to, FFO and normalized FFO. Speaker 100:02:18Definitions of these non GAAP measures as well as to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the quarterly supplemental package, which is available on our website at armadahoffler.com. I'll now turn the call over to Lou. Speaker 200:02:33Thanks, Kelsey. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. Today, we reported earnings for the Q2 of $0.32 per share, in line with our expectations and consistent with our full year guidance. As you can see from our press release, the portfolio continues to deliver positive growth in same store sales and re leasing spreads, while maintaining company wide occupancy over 97%. We continue to prove that best in market properties yield impressive results in most any economic climate. Speaker 200:03:08Sean and Matt will give you the details on the quarter as well as the current state of operations and financial metrics. I'll give you an overview of a few longer term initiatives we intend to pursue over the next 18 to 24 months. For years, we have been describing the advantages of our business model. Vertical integration of the development process, asset class diversification, Mixed use environments and best in class properties are all important factors in our platform as well as our value proposition. This approach to real estate, 44 years in the making, has produced substantial growth over the last 10 years. Speaker 200:03:50Since our IPO in 2013, we have increased our asset base over 5 times, expanded our market cap nearly 4 times, Doubled our earnings per share and perhaps most importantly to investors outperformed the REIT Index on a total shareholder return basis over the same period. All this despite the challenges of the pandemic The current disfavor of the commercial real estate sector, which has impacted property values, consequently reducing our multiple and undervaluing our equity. While this may be viewed as respectable performance by many, it's by no means satisfactory to us. Our goal remains to demonstrate the true worth of superior assets, both property and human, and return the equity value to its previous highs and beyond, regardless of the macro environment. Over the next 1 to 2 years, in addition to continuing measurable growth in earnings and dividends, We intend to make strategic moves that should drive significant outperformance over our peers as well as reinforce the flexibility, resiliency and foundational strength of our diversified platform. Speaker 200:05:04Armada Software has a well established history of telling the market what we intend to accomplish, Executing and reporting back the positive results. We expect similar performance going forward. We took an important step in this process last month when our Board authorized a limited stock buyback program. This initiative is predominantly meant to give us a head start on retiring our preferred equity shares, which are callable next spring. It is our intent to eventually fully extinguish the entire series. Speaker 200:05:38Around this time next year, We will complete all current construction projects at Harbor Point on the Baltimore Waterfront. T. Rowe Price will begin their move in process and the adjacent Allied apartments will start the lease up phase. Shortly thereafter, we intend to begin marketing some combination of our joint ventures and or selected wholly owned assets within the development. Make no mistake. Speaker 200:06:07We believe strongly in the viability and growth prospects for all the uses at Arbor Point. In fact, we intend to Developing there alongside our long time partner, BD Development Group. That said, With 4 premier quality office buildings featuring many Fortune 500 companies on long term leases and 700 luxury apartments, Selective disposition of some of the trophy assets in the development will significantly reduce our capital allocation, thereby enabling us to expand in higher growth Southeast markets, mitigate concentration risk and further deleverage the balance sheet. By utilizing all the tools in our toolbox, construction capacity, preferred equity, mezzanine lending and seasoned development partners, We expect to achieve significant portfolio expansion with minimal strain on the balance sheet, while continuing to release the value created by our development activities. Sean will update you later in the call on new multifamily opportunities that we are executing. Speaker 200:07:13On a related note, Although we don't anticipate exiting any assets at Town Center of Virginia Beach, we have decided against expanding the multifamily accounts at the complex at this time. Instead, after we receive the adjacent Bed Bath and Beyond site back, We will proceed with re tenanting and expanding the property with new retail tenants. This decision affords us a much greater return with significantly less Capital commitment and further enhances the retail and entertainment options for our patrons. This also allows us to redirect Additional funds for multifamily investment in higher growth areas. Sean will comment on these details as well. Speaker 200:07:57This ability to pivot our emphasis among asset classes and submarkets is an advantage that has enhanced our profitability for over 4 decades. With the continued strength of the portfolio, robust fee income and the lease up of new properties, Our expectation is for continued growth in earnings and asset value next year. Additionally, we believe that the strategic moves that I've described today We'll meaningfully accelerate year over year increases in virtually all our financial results in 2025 beyond. Now, I'll turn the call over to Sean. Speaker 300:08:35Thank you, Lou. The teams throughout our organization remain highly focused on disciplined execution in all areas of our business. Armada Hoffler's approach to value creation is bolstered by our commitment to company values, which in turn drive our actions and focus on achieving our goals even in this tough economic environment. We are operating efficiently with continued high levels of occupancy, healthy re leasing spreads and a substantial third party construction backlog. We believe that best in class performance throughout the portfolio, Safe and reliable construction services combined with seamless execution of high quality development projects will continue to create sustained shareholder value for years to come. Speaker 300:09:23The supplemental package contains a recap of our operating highlights. I would like to call out a few of the noteworthy metrics that are contributing to our continued growth and sustained high occupancy across the portfolio. 2023 quarter 2 year over year same store NOI was Positive in all segments and was 4.8% on a GAAP basis and 2.9% on a cash basis. Multifamily was 4.3% on a GAAP basis and 3.6% on a cash basis. Office was 1.3% on a GAAP basis and 2% on a cash basis. Speaker 300:10:03Retail 7.5% on a GAAP basis and 3.1% on a cash basis. 2023 quarter 2 Year over year re leasing spreads on the commercial portfolio were positive 8.9% on a GAAP basis and 7.3% on a cash basis. Our multifamily sector is growing consistently at mid single digits on par with our forecast for 2023. We are focused on optimizing both revenue and expense management as we look to grow portfolio within our geographic footprint over time. The retail segment is also experiencing sustained elevated levels of lease up At 98.2 percent across our nearly 4,000,000 square feet. Speaker 300:10:52In terms of office performance, we remain well leased at 96.2%, inclusive of the Interlock acquisition, which contained a small amount of vacancy. On that note, a portion of our team has been relocated within the Armada Ochsler Tower Here at Towne Center and KPMG has subsequently taken possession of their new space and we expect them to be in by the end of the year. As Flight to Quality has again increased the percentage of office space leased at Towne Centre, which currently sits at 99.4% of the nearly 800,000 square feet. As a result of the high occupancy and continued demand, we are discussing future office needs with our tenants. These ongoing discussions create alignment and also provide insight into opportunities that may exist to accommodate additional tenants looking to relocate into Town Center. Speaker 300:11:44Retail performance remains strong and we are capitalizing on the momentum. We recently signed a long term lease with LEGO For prime retail space at our Town Center of Virginia Beach. This is yet another example of a high credit tenant Seeking out space in our flagship development. We are excited about this new to market retailer and the positive effect The Lego following will have on traffic within our ecosystem. The tenants on our watch list remain materially similar to last quarter. Speaker 300:12:15Our focus has been on the opportunistic next steps for our 2 Bed Bath and Beyond store locations. Conversations with new tenants are continuing for the Durham, North Carolina space. We expect a positive outcome and we'll update you as soon as possible. In Virginia Beach, the decision is based on an opportunity cost equation with an emphasis on the best long term value creation for the 6 acres. Ultimately, the outcome of our due diligence exercises points to a high end, high quality retail focused redevelopment site. Speaker 300:12:49We have narrowed the list of potential tenants to a preferred shortlist of suitors. The program will likely involve modifications to include 1 or 2 major high credit retailers with a very limited amount of high and small shops supplemented by a strategic outparcel user. We intend to continue our relationship with Regal. However, should the opportunity arise, we would look to redevelop Phase 2 as a supplement to the Bed Bath and Beyond site That provides for a natural flow of talent center expansion to Speaker 400:13:19the east. Speaker 300:13:21As you may recall, our initial redevelopment plans included potential for inclusion of multifamily units. We have determined that the capital earmarked for multifamily will be best invested outside of Towne Centre, given that we already own the trophy assets in the submarket and the retail opportunity set being negotiated will provide better returns. Our analysis is that multifamily investment outside of Town Center The best use of the property, a more diverse geographic footprint in the Southeast and a greater contribution to NAV. As you can see, our portfolio comprised of state of the art properties in superior locations continues to operate consistently well throughout economic cycles. The complementary property types and trophy assets in superior locations combined to outperform the competitive set. Speaker 300:14:20The T. Rowe Price Global Headquarters project at Harbor Point is continuing to take shape and is on track for turnover in the summer of 2024. The adjacent 312 unit Allied Apartment Tower is also on plan for delivery in the Q3 of 2024. At Southern Post in Roswell, Georgia, we are making significant progress toward the initial delivery early next year. Since our last earnings update, the retail space has moved to 86% leased or under LOI. Speaker 300:14:52As we noted last quarter, we are working through lease arrangements with a high credit tenant who is targeting approximately 40,000 feet of office equating to 40% of the office space. Chandler Residences, the recently named multifamily component at Southern Post It is a high quality offering in a market with a limited supply of leasable residential units. Programming and marketing efforts for the project have been very well received and we expect considerable success and speed in the lease up. Additionally, I would like to elaborate on a few noteworthy strategic topics, some previously mentioned by Luke. Last quarter, we discussed strategic growth initiatives underpinned by both acquisition and development of high quality, well located trophy real estate. Speaker 300:15:42As you know, We at Armada Opera create value for shareholders through leveraging both our construction and development expertise as well as our extensive partnership network to manufacture and acquire well located trophy assets. Additionally, we are fortunate to be able to leverage those partnerships created along the way that provide access to high quality assets on an off market basis. Last quarter, we focused on the acquisition approach, While transacting on the interlock, demonstrating that our strategy continues to produce results. We are settling into the management of this trophy asset, while studying opportunities to create upside beyond the NOI acquired in the transaction. We look forward to updating you on our initiatives as they come to fruition. Speaker 300:16:30To continue the theme of sourcing high quality real estate via existing relationships, one of our largest OP unitholders, Affiliates of Venture Realty Group presented us with a unique opportunity to invest in the development of a new 280 Unit Class A Multifamily Apartment Community via Allure at Edinburg. The transaction requires minimal upfront And provides us both a preferred return on our investment and the ability to acquire the asset upon completion and stabilization and a future OP Unit transaction. Both the average and median household incomes in the zip code within Chesapeake, Virginia Are the highest among all the markets in which we invest, including Atlanta and Charlotte. Consistent with our overall investment thesis, We are excited about the potential to own what will be the best asset in a growing secondary market with strong fundamentals at an attractive going in basis and yield. We have sourced 2 additional high quality multifamily projects that will fill our preferred equity and mezzanine platform allocation. Speaker 300:17:38Solus Kennesaw and Solus Peachtree Corners are both located in a submarket outside of Atlanta. These developments will be executed by our trusted partners at DeWilleger Pappas. Together, these opportunities allow us to continue increasing exposure to the Greater Atlanta markets and may ultimately yield the opportunity to own either of the assets, thereby creating additional concentration in these high growth markets. Finally, thank you to the talented colleagues at Armada Hoffler, who are manufacturing and managing High quality assets within our portfolio. We are performing well. Speaker 300:18:18However, as Lou previously stated, We are not satisfied with our equity value. And as a result, we'll remain laser focused on our mission of leading in the REIT space by consistently creating long term value for our shareholders. I will now turn the call over to Matt. Speaker 400:18:36Good morning and thank you, Sean. Another compelling performance by our team continuing to deliver consistently strong results across all operating metrics. We reported FFO of $0.35 per diluted share and normalized FFO of $0.32 per diluted share, in line with guidance and slightly above analyst consensus. We maintained our guidance range accordingly at normalized FFO $1.23 to $1.27 per diluted share. Our stabilized leverage metric remains in our target range at 5.5 times. Speaker 400:19:16When our ancillary debt is included, leverage has risen to 7.1 times, slightly elevated from last quarter. This metric will temporarily increase over the next few periods until the assets in our development pipeline start producing cash flow. Leverage is anticipated to decrease back into our target range as the EBITDA continues to grow. Our debt service coverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.7 times and 2.3 times respectively, demonstrating our team's ability to manage and execute our balance sheet strategy in the adverse market conditions we are all experiencing. Our liquidity position continues to be strong at roughly $130,000,000 more than ample to cover the 2023 cash requirements For our remaining development pipeline and the preferred equity investments that Sean mentioned earlier. Speaker 400:20:11This combined with our well structured debt maturity ladder Means that we can continue to grow earnings while supporting the team in achieving our growth objectives. For reference, As stated last quarter, we have no debt maturities in 2023 and we expect a small amount of debt maturities in 2024 2025 to be paid off at maturity adding these previously secured assets to our unencumbered borrowing base. As interest rates continue to fluctuate, we will monitor the environment to ensure we either convert the variable rate debt The long term fixed rate debt in the private placement market or layering new hedge positions when our current set of positions mature. Lew discussed our growth strategy earlier on the call and we continue to strengthen our balance sheet to support these efforts. In June, we started the process of Increasing the capacity of our revolving credit facility looking to add $100,000,000 through the accordion feature. Speaker 400:21:12We're excited to report that we have had over 75% of the funds committed to date. In addition to our established lending group, We are adding Barclays Bank as a new lending relationship. Attracting top talent, whether that be internal colleagues on the team Our external support from our partners is key to driving success. Adding this full service financial institution clearly demonstrates our capacity to grow and execute the strategy Lou described. As we look ahead over the next 18 months, the funds from planned disposition Coupled with our expected capital markets activity, I anticipated to be split between growth in the Southeast and deleveraging our balance sheet. Speaker 400:21:57Another item of note this quarter was attracting an additional partner to our unsecured term loan used to fund the Interlock acquisition. This additional $20,000,000 allows us to pay down the capital that we use from our line of credit at closing. As you will recall, we swapped the whole $100,000,000 at an all in fixed rate of 4.7%, which is very competitive in today's environment. Continuing the theme of our derivative program, in early July, we made 2 transactions that limited the exposure of interest rates remaining higher for a longer period than was initially anticipated. Both transactions involve selling our corridor positions and using the proceeds to buy down the rate on the swaps to 3.4%. Speaker 400:22:45The combined notional $250,000,000 It's the same notional amounts as the initial corridors and will have the same maturity schedule. Whilst these derivative transactions do not have a material effect In 2023, we anticipate a lower cost of debt for 2024 as a result of these transactions. Some of our derivatives mature in early 2024 and we will either convert the variable rate debt to long term fixed rate debt in the private placement markets or layering new hedged positions. I will now pass the call back over to the operator for the questions and answer session. Operator00:23:27Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now conduct a question and answer session. Please ensure you listen to handset that you're using a speakerphone before pressing any keys. Your first question comes from the line of Rob Stevenson from Janney. Your line is now open. Speaker 500:23:55Good morning. Lou, I know you said you aren't going to be moving forward with another apartment development and town center right now. But you have call it rough numbers 800,000 square feet of office at Town Center that's basically fully occupied. Is there incremental demand there for another tower there? And how are you thinking about office at Town Center today? Speaker 200:24:16Thanks, Robin. Good morning. Yes, there continues to be strong desire for more office space here at Towne Centre. We are actually looking to shoehorn in a couple more tenants in the remaining space. Hopefully, we can get some space back from a couple of folks that might be downsizing. Speaker 200:24:36At this point in time, we're not inclined to launch a new Power, that would take a significant anchor at a much higher rent than I think is The market is willing to bear at this point. So we're going to continue to sit here with and raise rents at sustained level with full buildings. Speaker 500:25:00Okay. That's helpful. And then, Sean, any known move outs in the office of retail portfolio of consequence at this point that's popped up? Speaker 300:25:10There's very little to speak of. I was actually looking at this yesterday, Rob, that we've got a couple of Folks, we're negotiating on a renewal basis, but no, we don't expect any of consequence to move out. Speaker 500:25:24All right. And then last one for me. Lew, you talked on the prepared comments about taking out the 675 preferreds. I understand doing that when debt was call it 4 something percent. But in the current environment and given that it never has to be repaid and is it Treated as at least quasi equity. Speaker 500:25:45What's the thought process here, especially with these interest rate caps burning off next year and the current interest rate environment? Speaker 200:25:52Well, again, Rob, we'll have to see what next spring brings in terms of rates and whether that still makes sense. Currently with the preferred trading at a discount, we'd actually be purchasing back at basically an 8% rate. So that was the reason for the authorization of the buyback. Whatever we can get at a discount, we're going to take And then we'll see what the market gives us next May when we can get some more. Speaker 500:26:25All right. Thanks guys. Appreciate the time. Operator00:26:32Your next question comes from the line of Wes Golladay from Baird. Your line is now open. Speaker 600:26:38Hey, good morning, everyone. I want to go back to the Virginia Beach Bed Bath location, I think you mentioned you might do some high end retail. Just wondering what kind of halo effect you may get. Are you looking at bringing in maybe a Tesla, an Apple And just kind of build up the whole area. Speaker 200:26:54There are some very prominent tenants That are eyeing that site, it remains to be seen what we'll actually transact on. Remember, we've got an entire ecosystem here at West. And what we're looking for is things that will add to the mix as opposed to more of the same. And so there is a couple of unique tenants that may be better fit. But Hopefully, by the end of the year, we'll be able to make an announcement or 2 on what's coming. Speaker 200:27:29But it's very exciting here for Towne Centre. Speaker 600:27:34Okay. And then the multifamily starts at the nation have been somewhat resilient. And I'm just kind of curious what you're seeing on the ground, you talked to a lot of the developers, you provide a lot of financing. Do you get the sense that those are going to start to fall off pretty dramatically? Speaker 200:27:50Again, from a macro level perhaps, from a market by market level, we're in the highest growth markets That people continue to migrate to. And so the developers we're dealing with predominantly in Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, Charleston Are still seeing unprecedented growth. At some point, that you would imagine that that would change, But we continue to read the headlines about being 5,000,000 housing units short, in particular in the markets that I was talking about. So for now, it appears to still be all systems go. As you know, cap rates So it widened a bit on multifamily, but not so much to dissuade people from executing on top quality sites. Speaker 600:28:44Got it. And then maybe just one more big picture question for the portfolio. You kind of mentioned moving more to the Southeast is maybe taking down leverage a little bit. How does this look maybe 3 years from now? Is it going to be a dramatic shift? Speaker 600:28:55Or is this going to be at the margin maybe 5% or 10% geographic allocation change and then leverage maybe down a Turn or turn? And how should we think over a multiyear view? Speaker 200:29:06Yes. I'll take the last part of that first. I'd look for leverage to go down between a half and a full turn. Basically, what we want to do is Move the portfolio further south on an incremental basis. We love the properties that we own in Baltimore, but we want to redeploy some of that capital down south. Speaker 200:29:31And so You're probably looking at a 10% move, maybe as much as 20%. Speaker 600:29:39Okay. Thanks, everyone. Operator00:29:41Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Peter Abramowitz from Jefferies. Your line is now open. Speaker 600:29:52Yes. Thank you. You mentioned a tenant that is interested in about 40% of the office space is Southern Post. Just wanted to ask about overall demand for the rest of that space potentially kind of what you're seeing on the ground there. How many prospects do you have on sort of the overall office component there? Speaker 200:30:11That's a pretty healthy prospect list. And now that the buildings At a point where they can start to be toured. We're seeing a lot of activity. We've got another lease for about 7,000 square feet. So and then as you know, the office I'm sorry, the retail is Almost completely spoken for at this point. Speaker 200:30:36We're seeing good activity, Peter. It's a small amount of office Very hot submarket with limited opportunities for any kind of space. We're very excited about what Southern Post is going to do In terms of earnings in 2024. Speaker 600:30:58Okay. And then More question on kind of the macro here. I guess since your last call, the possibility of Kind of a soft landing and a quicker recovery become the prevailing narrative. Any sense of how tenants are thinking in terms of Their behavior on the office or retail side, are you noticing any changes in them feeling more optimistic and more willing To take on more space, I guess any impact you're seeing in terms of their decision making? Speaker 200:31:35I haven't seen a whole lot of difference. In terms of retail, the sales have been off the charts. I don't want to generalize too much, but I'd say that predominant amount of tenants in our facilities Have well surpassed 2019 levels in terms of sales. And I think the largest issue that is facing them is Staff. Everybody is still hunting for staff. Speaker 200:32:07On the office side, as you might expect, a lot depends on what business you're We're heavily weighted to architecture and engineering as well as financial services and those folks all seem to be pretty bullish. You remember earlier this year, We re upped 250,000 square feet with Morgan Stanley on it for 12 more years at Baltimore. And we continue to see T. Rowe Price expanding into all the space that they thought would be for additional growth With their new layouts. So it seems folks are pretty optimistic and we're right with them. Speaker 200:32:49It's interesting in our prior lives as private real estate developers, we love this kind of environment With unemployment at an all time low, since we became a REIT, it appears that you're supposed to pray for a recession So that rates will go down. Unfortunately, we're not getting that message or I guess I should say fortunately. We're in full growth mode. Interest rates in our minds are normalized now to where they've been Historically, for most of our career, and we want the economy to keep each other along and we're going to keep expanding. Speaker 600:33:32Sure. And then one last one for me, kind of big picture here. So obviously, you've had a lot of success at Town Center and you're kind Close to reaching critical mass at Harbor Point. As you think about the future, do you see opportunities to do Sort of development on that scale, maybe not at the Town Center scale, but Harbor Point where you're kind of creating or overhauling an entire submarket. Do you see the opportunity to do that in other places? Speaker 600:34:01And is that something you want Speaker 200:34:03to do? Or is Speaker 600:34:04it kind of more a case of blocking and tackling on Just the one off things you see in the portfolio in your markets as you're doing with the opportunities right now? Speaker 200:34:19It's an interesting question. Obviously, we'd love to do more mega developments in a Growing submarket and in a location. Those opportunities are few and far between, but we always have our eyes out for them. I think more naturally what you're going to see is the kind of thing that we're doing in Southern Post. In these satellite cities around the major metrophes, Again, the Charlotte, the Raleigh, Atlanta and the like, the satellite cities are presenting a lot of opportunities for mixed use developments In revitalizing older downtowns where people are where the population is growing pretty significantly. Speaker 200:35:02I think you'll see more town center ish type development, but it's going to be on a smaller basis in selected cities. Speaker 600:35:11Got it. That's helpful. Thanks a lot. Speaker 200:35:14Thank you. Operator00:35:17Your next question comes From the line of Chris Sakai from Singular Research. Your line is now open. Speaker 700:35:27Hi, good morning. I had a question on office occupancy. It looks like it ticked down 1% this quarter. I wanted to get your idea of what were the drivers there and how do you guys see occupancy rates in your The guidance for 2023? Speaker 200:35:48I'm going to let Sean answer that specifically, but I think there's only one factor that contributed there. Speaker 300:35:54Yes. We feel good about the office occupancy. Actually, we feel great about it. As I mentioned in the comments, When we acquired the Interlock last quarter, there were some vacancy, some upside vacancy that came along with it, which Obviously, added to the denominator on our total square footage. So we've been rather consistent. Speaker 300:36:16And if you look at the renewals And the re leasing, we've done well. There just hasn't been much activity because there hasn't been much change. So for us, we feel good about that. And again, we've got upside to lease up 27,000 to 30,000 feet down in Atlanta and we're active in that space. So again, that'll just add to the overall income. Speaker 200:36:37Chris, I think if you took Interlock out of the equation, you'd be right back to that 98% In the office, so that again that was pretty much the entirety of the change. Speaker 700:36:51Okay. Thanks for that. And then It looks like interest income in your guidance has picked up about $2,000,000 or so from last quarter. What's driving that increase? Speaker 400:37:07Good morning, Chris. This is Matt. The increase of that is the 3 The equity deals that Sean mentioned in his remarks that we closed one of them in quarter and Operator00:37:32There are no further questions at this time. Please continue. Speaker 200:37:37Thanks very much. We appreciate your attention this morning. And stay tuned for more announcements and not too distant future. Thanks very much. Take care. Operator00:37:47Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.Read morePowered by