Cooper Clark

Cooper Clarke asked about expense reductions, specifically how full-time employee count shifts contributed to cost improvements and the momentum for cost improvements into 2026. He also inquired if the new AC Hotel acquisitions represent a strategic shift towards a higher chain scale.

Answer

CFO Liz Perkins explained that wage and payroll improvements were largely driven by managing labor in response to occupancy declines, with flexibility in FTE counts, and anticipates continued good labor expense management. CEO Justin Knight clarified that AC Hotels are upscale, not a higher chain scale, and are chosen for their efficient operating model and ability to drive strong margins, especially in markets with higher rates.

Cooper Clarke with Wells Fargo inquired about the drivers of expense reductions, specifically how the full-time employee (FTE) count has changed and its impact on cost improvements, and sought insights into the momentum of these cost improvements heading into 2026. He also asked if the recent acquisitions of AC Hotels indicate a shift towards a higher chain scale or if it's purely opportunistic.

Answer

Liz Perkins, Chief Financial Officer, explained that wage and payroll improvements were largely due to managing labor in response to occupancy declines and less year-over-year wage pressure for hourly associates, emphasizing the flexibility of select-service assets with FTE counts. Justin Knight, Chief Executive Officer, clarified that AC Hotels are squarely in the upscale segment, comparable to existing properties, and the focus on the AC brand is driven by its efficient operating model and ability to achieve strong margins, especially in markets with higher rates.

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo questioned the source of confidence for a Q4 RevPAR acceleration given weaker bookings for August and September. He also asked if the pace of asset dispositions could increase to fund more share buybacks.

Answer

CFO Liz Perkins cited positive booking positions for Q4, easier year-over-year comparisons without the election, and market share opportunities as reasons for confidence. CEO Justin Knight confirmed the company will continue to opportunistically sell assets to fund share repurchases as long as the significant arbitrage between private market values and its stock price persists, and they are actively testing the market for transactions.

Cooper Clark asked about Kimco's appetite for larger portfolio deals in 2026, given their strong execution on such transactions in recent years, and the current pricing dynamics in the private transaction market.

Answer

Ross Cooper, President and Chief Investment Officer, and Conor Flynn, CEO, acknowledged the competitive environment for both single assets and portfolios. They stated that while large portfolio acquisitions are part of their playbook, current market conditions make it difficult, with the best risk-adjusted returns currently coming from internal opportunities like JV and structured investment programs.

Cooper Clark asked about Kimco's appetite for larger portfolio deals in 2026, given their strong execution on such transactions in recent years, and the current pricing dynamics in the private transaction market.

Answer

Ross Cooper, President and Chief Investment Officer, and Conor Flynn, CEO, acknowledged the competitive environment for both single assets and portfolios. They stated that while large portfolio acquisitions are part of their playbook, current market conditions make it difficult, with the best risk-adjusted returns currently coming from internal opportunities like JV and structured investment programs.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo & Company asked about the types of private buyers Kimco competes with and whether larger portfolio deals offer better pricing than one-offs.

Answer

President & CIO Ross Cooper identified competitors as primarily unlevered pension funds and sovereigns targeting mid-to-high single-digit IRRs. He stated that currently, large portfolios are pricing as aggressively as one-off assets, offering no arbitrage opportunity.

Cooper Clark asked about the potential for development and redevelopment starts in 2026, considering the competitive transaction market and strong leasing, and requested insight into the expected mix between ground-up development and redevelopment.

Answer

Nick Wibbenmeyer, West Region President and Chief Investment Officer, highlighted Regency's significant development activity, with $800 million in starts over the last three years, and expressed confidence in continuing this run rate into 2026. He noted a shift in the in-process pipeline, with ground-up developments now outweighing redevelopments, a trend he expects to continue.

Cooper Clark asked about the potential for development and redevelopment starts in 2026, considering the competitive transaction market and strong leasing, and requested color on the mix between ground-up and redevelopment moving forward.

Answer

Nick Wibbenmeyer, West Region President and Chief Investment Officer, highlighted the significant increase in development starts over the past three years and expressed confidence in continuing to find opportunities in 2026. He noted a shift in the mix, with ground-up development now outweighing redevelopment in the in-process pipeline, a trend expected to continue.

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo & Company asked for insights on the potential for more portfolio-style deals and the current cap rates for both single-asset and portfolio transactions.

Answer

West Region President and CIO Nick Wibbenmeyer observed that there is significant capital demand for grocery-anchored centers, which has kept cap rates stable in the low-five to low-six percent range, depending on the asset's growth profile. He emphasized that while Regency is competitive and ready to act on accretive opportunities, its growth objectives are not dependent on acquisitions due to its strong development program.

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo asked for commentary on the potential for more portfolio-style deals and the current trend in cap rates for both portfolios and single assets.

Answer

CIO Nick Wibenmeyer noted continued strong investor demand for high-quality, grocery-anchored assets, which has kept cap rates stable in the low-five to low-six percent range. He stated that while Regency is always ready to pursue accretive opportunities, its robust development and redevelopment programs mean it does not need to rely on acquisitions to achieve its growth objectives.

Cooper Clark asked for clarification on the current net investment range, specifically the factors influencing the timing of the last California disposition and the acquisition pipeline into year-end. He also questioned the confidence level for achieving accretive growth from acquisitions in 2026, particularly as funding shifts towards balance sheet capacity after the California dispositions.

Answer

DJ Busch, President and CEO, explained that the net investment range was adjusted due to the timing uncertainty of two awarded deals closing in either late 2025 or early 2026. He noted the California disposition is expected in early 2026 due to administrative issues. Mr. Busch emphasized that while the California rotation was a unique opportunity for portfolio upgrade, future balance sheet-funded acquisitions will be evaluated with a different cost of capital, focusing on responsible and accretive growth for shareholders through the scalable platform and diverse market opportunities.

Cooper Clark asked for clarification on the current net investment guidance range, specifically regarding the timing of the last California disposition and the closing of awarded acquisitions by year-end 2025. He also questioned InvenTrust's confidence in achieving accretive growth from acquisitions in 2026, considering the shift to funding with balance sheet capacity after the California dispositions.

Answer

DJ Busch, President and CEO, explained that the net investment range reflects the uncertainty of whether two awarded deals will close in 2025 or early 2026, while the California disposition is expected in 2026 due to administrative issues. He affirmed confidence in accretive growth, noting that the cost of capital for balance sheet-funded acquisitions is different, requiring a focus on opportunities that deliver creative cash flow and responsible, scalable growth.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo asked for details on the current acquisition pipeline's size and pricing, the company's confidence in hitting its $100 million net acquisition target, and what factors would lead to results at the low end of the FFO guidance range.

Answer

CEO Daniel Busch reported that the acquisition pipeline consistently holds about $1 billion in opportunities and expressed high confidence in meeting the $100 million net acquisition guidance, with the potential to exceed it if more deals materialize. Busch clarified that the primary variable for the FFO guidance range is the timing of transaction activity; if activity were to freeze, they would be at the low end, while bringing deals forward would push them toward the high end.

Cooper Clark inquired about the $2 million-$3 million reduction in G&A during the quarter, asking what drove it and if $26 million is a good run rate moving forward or if it was a one-time item.

Answer

Brian Finnegan, Interim CEO and COO, explained that the reduction was due to a restructuring charge in the prior year, which resulted in a better, reduced G&A run rate year-to-date. He expressed comfort with the current G&A level.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo Securities asked about the $2-$3 million decrease in G&A during the quarter, inquiring about the drivers and whether $26 million is a sustainable run rate or if it was due to a one-time item.

Answer

Steve Gallagher, CFO, explained that the decrease was primarily due to a restructuring charge in the prior year's comparable quarter, which resulted in a reduced G&A run rate going forward. He stated that the current G&A level reflects this improved run rate and that the company feels comfortable with where G&A stands today.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo & Company inquired about the current acquisition pipeline and the competitive landscape, asking what types of buyers Brixmor is encountering in the market.

Answer

An executive, likely EVP & CIO Mark Horgan, noted that competition for open-air retail assets is intensifying, with increased private capital from high-net-worth individuals and pension funds compressing cap rates, especially for grocery-anchored centers. He affirmed that Brixmor will remain disciplined, focusing on value-add opportunities within its existing footprint.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo inquired about DiamondRock's capital allocation strategy, specifically balancing share buybacks against redeeming preferred stock, and asked for an update on the Sedona repositioning.

Answer

CEO Jeffrey Donnelly stated that share buybacks remain a very appealing use of capital at a near 10% cap rate. While redeeming the preferred stock is an option the company will weigh, it is not currently in the 2025 guidance. Regarding Sedona, he noted that while it's early, booking pace is encouraging, with rates up significantly year-over-year.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo inquired about the strategy for balancing share buybacks with the potential redemption of preferred shares, and requested an update on the Sedona repositioning project's performance and forward booking trends.

Answer

CEO Jeff Donnelly stated that share buybacks remain an attractive use of capital at a near 10% cap rate. He noted that redeeming the preferreds is not in the current guidance but is an option the company will continue to evaluate. Regarding Sedona, he mentioned that while it's early, Q4 group bookings are accelerating at rates $150-$200 higher than the prior year, which is encouraging.

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo asked about Federal Realty's development pipeline, seeking color on expected yields versus underwriting hurdles and how much development activity could increase in a more favorable economic environment.

Answer

President, CEO & Director Donald Wood explained that development focuses on retail redevelopments and monetizable residential projects. He stated they target yields of 7% or better for residential and high-single to low-double digits for retail, noting that activity could ramp up if interest rates decline.

Cooper Clark asked for details on the distribution calculation for the remaining portfolio, specifically the pricing expectations. He also inquired about the sale prospects for the Watergate and Riverside assets, potential policy risks in Maryland, and a comparison of operating trends between the remaining portfolio and the legacy portfolio.

Answer

CFO Steven Freishtat stated that detailed estimates and assumptions for the distribution would be available in the forthcoming proxy statement. CEO Paul T. McDermott added that the Watergate and Riverside assets would be marketed in Q3 and they look forward to seeing market pricing. COO Tiffany Butcher addressed Maryland's rent control, noting it is now factored into investor underwriting, and provided high-level performance trends for the Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. markets, referring to the supplement for asset-level details.

Cooper Clark inquired about the multifamily transaction market in Washington D.C., asking about buyer sentiment and current cap rates. He also asked for context on the timing of a new board member's appointment in relation to the company's ongoing strategic review.

Answer

Paul T. McDermott, CEO, stated that the D.C. market is seeing continued capital flows, with investors viewing the 2026-2028 period as having a strong runway for rental growth. He provided specific cap rates: core deals at 4.25%-5%, core plus at 4.75%-5.25%, and value-add in the low-to-mid 5s. Regarding the board, McDermott explained the strategic review was decided last year, and the new member was added as part of a separate, ongoing board refreshment process.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo inquired about the Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), asking about the Q2 contribution from Southern Entertainment, future seasonality, and the timeline for a potential spin-off. He also asked if expectations for the JW Desert Ridge acquisition had changed.

Answer

Executive VP & CFO Jennifer Hutcheson stated the company does not break out financials for individual OEG businesses but noted Southern Entertainment's seasonality heavily weights Q2. On the JW Desert Ridge, President & CEO Mark Fioravanti confirmed expectations are unchanged and the acquisition remains on track to be accretive in FY26, noting the purchase timing missed the asset's most profitable first quarter.

Cooper Clark inquired about the expected ramp-up of the renovated Royal Palm South Beach hotel in 2026, including the impact of the World Cup, and asked about the pipeline for future large-scale CapEx projects.

Answer

Chairman and CEO Thomas Baltimore stated the Royal Palm renovation is projected to yield a 15-20% unlevered IRR and double its EBITDA to nearly $28 million at stabilization. CFO Sean Dell'Orto clarified that because the hotel reopens in May 2026, it will miss the peak season and is expected to ramp toward its target EBITDA in 2027. For future projects, Baltimore mentioned the final renovation phase in New Orleans for 2026 and a potential New York renovation being studied for a later date.

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo asked for more color on the pipeline of deals with GIC and the potential for the joint venture portfolio to grow over the long term.

Answer

CEO John Kite expressed great satisfaction with the GIC partnership, highlighting its rapid growth to over $1 billion in gross asset value. CFO Heath Fear clarified that the relationship is not exclusive, and future JVs will be pursued on a deal-by-deal basis when an opportunity is mutually attractive. Both executives indicated a strong potential for the relationship to grow.

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo asked about the joint ventures with GIC, inquiring about the pipeline of potential deals and how the JV portfolio might grow as KRG executes its strategic goals.

Answer

CEO John Kite expressed satisfaction with the GIC partnership, noting that while they don't comment on specific underwriting, there are opportunities for larger-scale JV deals. CFO Heath Fear added that the partnership is not exclusive and opportunities will arise when both parties find a deal interesting, highlighting that the relationship is repeatable and grew from zero to over a billion dollars in value quickly.

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo & Company asked for more details on the joint ventures with GIC, including the current deal pipeline and the long-term vision for growing the partnership.

Answer

CEO John Kite expressed high satisfaction with the GIC relationship but declined to comment on any specific deal pipeline. CFO Heath Fear clarified the partnership is not exclusive and that future deals will arise from mutual interest in specific opportunities. Mr. Kite highlighted the partnership's rapid growth, noting it went "from 0 to a billion pretty quickly."

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo asked for the new lease rate growth assumption embedded in the revised guidance and questioned if recent capital allocation signals a strategic shift away from mature Sunbelt markets.

Answer

EVP Timothy Argo stated the back-half new lease rate assumption is around -4%, with confidence stemming from strong renewals, high occupancy, and favorable absorption trends. President and CEO A. Bradley Hill clarified there is no strategic shift away from the Sunbelt, detailing that the Kansas City acquisition offers a high-5s NOI yield, rising to 6.3% with a development component.

Cooper Clark asked about how much of the cost is locked in for new development and redevelopment projects, and also inquired about the performance difference between urban and suburban assets.

Answer

CEO Brad Hill explained that development costs are largely locked in, with prepurchase deals having a cost guarantee and in-house projects being about 95% bought out at the start. EVP & COO Tim Argo added that redevelopment costs are stable, with appliance pricing locked in for the next year. Argo also noted that the performance gap between urban and suburban assets has largely converged, though urban may have more upside as supply normalizes.

Cooper Clark of Wells Fargo asked about potential wage pressures from policy initiatives in Los Angeles and San Diego and the timing for the Paradise Point resort conversion, questioning how free cash flow would be prioritized.

Answer

Chairman & CEO Jon Bortz discussed industry efforts to counter adverse wage legislation, including a ballot initiative in LA. Regarding Paradise Point, he stated that a 2026 start for the major renovation is unlikely as they await approvals from the California Coastal Commission. He confirmed that deploying free cash flow toward debt paydowns remains the priority.

Cooper Clark inquired about the rationale for tightening the bad debt guidance range and what factors could push results to either the high or low end of that updated range.

Answer

CFO John Caulfield explained the range was tightened due to consistent portfolio performance and confidence stemming from strong leasing demand. He noted that there isn't a single driver for the range's boundaries, but rather the cumulative effect of performance across their diversified, small-shop tenant base.

Cooper Clark, on for Jamie Feldman, asked if suburban assets are still outperforming urban ones and how a potential urban recovery might affect allocation targets. He also inquired about the drivers of lower resident turnover beyond the reduction in move-outs to buy homes.

Answer

COO Sean Breslin noted suburban assets lead in year-over-year revenue growth, but near-term rent change is more balanced. CIO Matthew Birenbaum affirmed the long-term suburban strategy remains intact. Regarding turnover, Breslin stated that move-outs-to-buy have been stable at low levels, so other factors are driving the continued decline in overall turnover, supported by the high cost of homeownership.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo asked about the current yields on development, wholly-owned acquisitions, and JV acquisitions, and for an update on deal flow with the LaSalle JV partner. He also questioned if recent activity signals a shift to a more opportunistic strategy and how it would be funded.

Answer

CFO Joe Fisher stated that the LaSalle JV is actively underwriting deals again, with a potential transaction to announce by the next earnings call. He noted acquisition cap rates are in the mid-4% range for prime assets and can be in the 5s for others, while new development is being underwritten to the low-to-mid 6% range. Fisher confirmed a shift to a more "capital balanced or opportunistic mode," aiming to activate their land pipeline and grow the JV platform. He specified that this activity will be funded primarily through capital recycling via dispositions of assets that are deemed to have less upside.

Cooper Clark, on behalf of Jamie Feldman at Wells Fargo & Company, inquired about the strong Q1 operating expense performance, asking if it was due to timing and which costs were below guidance.

Answer

President Charles Young attributed the favorable OpEx result primarily to a year-over-year decrease in repairs and maintenance (R&M) expense, driven by milder weather and lower turnover. He also credited disciplined execution, scale, and procurement efficiencies for the strong performance, noting that the team is controlling what it can control.

Cooper Clark inquired about the reasons for the manufactured housing (MH) top-line guidance reduction beyond hurricane impacts and asked about recent mark-to-market trends on new leases. He also questioned if the 10-year average length of stay in the MH portfolio had changed from pre-COVID levels.

Answer

Patrick Waite, an executive, explained that the occupancy headwind was almost entirely due to hurricane-related site losses, with underlying demand remaining strong as evidenced by a 14% mark-to-market on new leases. Both Patrick Waite and Marguerite Nader, an executive, confirmed that the 10-year average length of stay has been a consistent metric for the past 30 years and has not changed.

Cooper Clark from Wells Fargo asked for an update on the upcoming insurance renewal, including potential impacts from Denver wildfires, and for details on bad debt levels and trends across markets.

Answer

CFO Bhairav Patel explained that the insurance renewal process is in its final stages. While early indications were favorable, recent storm activity elsewhere could impact final pricing, and there was no specific color yet on wildfire impacts. He reported that Q3 bad debt was 45-50 basis points, at the high end of the annual range, but noted the trend was not concentrated in any specific market and was spread across the portfolio.