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    Young Ku

    Director and Senior Equity Analyst at Wells Fargo

    Young Ku is a Director and Senior Equity Analyst at Wells Fargo Securities, specializing in Restaurants and Leisure equity research with focused coverage on leading public restaurant companies such as McDonald's, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Yum! Brands. Recognized for his detailed fundamental analysis, Ku has delivered well-reviewed market insights, earning a positive track record on platforms like TipRanks, including a success rate near 70% and strong average return per rating. He began his investment research career after completing his MBA in the early 2010s, previously holding research roles at J.P. Morgan and Jefferies before joining Wells Fargo in 2017. Young Ku holds a FINRA Series 7, 63, 86, and 87 securities licenses and is known for his in-depth sector expertise and accurate forecasting.

    Young Ku's questions to Hudson Pacific Properties (HPP) leadership

    Young Ku's questions to Hudson Pacific Properties (HPP) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Young Ku of Wells Fargo asked about the company's debt covenant compliance, particularly the NOI to interest expense ratio, and sought details on potential 2026 lease expirations and the size of new studio production deals.

    Answer

    An executive confirmed they expect to remain covenant compliant, noting Q1 coverage ratios exceeded internal models. President Mark Lammas mentioned recent amendments improved covenant ratios. EVP of Leasing Art Suazo identified three large 2026 expirations, with renewal talks underway for two. CEO Victor Coleman described two new studio deals as each covering two stages plus support space, with one being a multi-year term.

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    Young Ku's questions to Marcus & Millichap (MMI) leadership

    Young Ku's questions to Marcus & Millichap (MMI) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Young Ku of Robert W. Baird & Co. inquired about client sentiment across different commercial real estate product types and geographical markets, specifically asking about the impact of tariffs, the outlook for Southern California, and trends with foreign investors. He also asked about the company's strategy and appetite for future stock repurchases.

    Answer

    Executive Hessam Nadji detailed that client sentiment remains strong for retail, while multifamily is bifurcated, with private clients hampered by bid-ask spreads and institutional capital flowing to larger deals due to price corrections. Nadji noted that tariff talk has not yet significantly impacted geographic trends, with Florida, Georgia, and Texas leading growth, and California showing signs of a new cycle. He clarified that foreign investment is a small, unchanged part of their business. Executive Steve Degennaro addressed capital allocation, confirming recent share repurchases and reiterating a balanced strategy that prioritizes talent acquisition and technology investment alongside returning capital to shareholders.

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    Young Ku's questions to KILROY REALTY (KRC) leadership

    Young Ku's questions to KILROY REALTY (KRC) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Young Ku sought clarification on whether the redevelopment assets coming online in Q3 would be fully leased upon stabilization and asked for an update on the large LinkedIn lease expiring in 2026.

    Answer

    EVP and CFO Jeffrey Kuehling and CEO Angela Aman clarified that redevelopment projects enter the stabilized pool based on time since completion, not leasing levels, and were 0% leased at quarter-end. Regarding the 2026 expiration, Aman reiterated that, as announced last quarter, Kilroy has already addressed 430,000 square feet of the nearly 600,000 square foot lease.

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    Young Ku's questions to HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES (HIW) leadership

    Young Ku's questions to HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES (HIW) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Young Ku asked if the 2025 guidance includes any termination fees or land sale gains. He also inquired about the assumed operating expense growth in the same-store outlook and the portfolio-wide built-in rent escalator.

    Answer

    Executive Brendan Maiorana confirmed that the guidance includes a typical level of termination fees but no land sale gains. He described the assumed same-store operating expense growth as 'pretty inflationary' and not unusual. He stated that the portfolio-wide average rent escalator is around 2.5%.

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