Highwoods Properties Inc (HIW) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Leasing and Strong ...

In This Article:

  • FFO (Funds From Operations): $0.90 per share for Q3 2024, with a $0.06 increase in the FFO outlook since the beginning of the year.

  • Net Income: $14.6 million, or $0.14 per share for Q3 2024.

  • Leasing Volume: 1.3 million square feet of new second-generation leases signed through the first three quarters of 2024.

  • Leased Rate: Over 300 basis points higher than the in-service occupied rate of 88%.

  • Development Pipeline: 49% leased, with a total of 1.6 million square feet and $514 million in projects.

  • Non-Core Asset Sales: $84 million for the year, with an additional $150 million expected by early 2025.

  • Net Effective Rents: Highest in company history, 25% higher than the previous five-quarter average.

  • Weighted Average Lease Term: 10.4 years, the highest in company history.

  • Available Liquidity: Nearly $800 million as of September 30, 2024.

  • FFO Outlook for 2024: $3.59 to $3.63 per share, with a $0.03 increase at the midpoint from the prior outlook.

  • Average Occupancy: Projected to be lower in Q4, with a year-end expectation between 86% to 87%.

Release Date: October 23, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Highwoods Properties Inc (NYSE:HIW) reported financial results that exceeded initial expectations, with FFO of $0.90 per share and strong cash flows.

  • The company achieved a significant increase in leasing volumes, with 1.3 million square feet of new second-generation leases signed, indicating strong future occupancy growth.

  • The development pipeline is 49% leased, which is expected to drive cash flow growth as these assets deliver and stabilize.

  • Highwoods Properties Inc (NYSE:HIW) continues to sell non-core assets, using proceeds to invest in higher-quality buildings and reduce leverage.

  • The company has a strong balance sheet with nearly $800 million of total available liquidity, positioning it well for future investment opportunities.

Negative Points

  • Despite strong leasing activity, the overall office market remains challenging with elevated vacancy rates.

  • The company faces headwinds from higher operating expenses expected in Q4, impacting short-term financial results.

  • Interest rates remain higher than forecast, which could affect future financial performance and investment opportunities.

  • The Pittsburgh portfolio remains a challenge, with no immediate plans for disposition due to market conditions.

  • Development costs remain high, with no significant reduction in hard and soft costs, impacting the feasibility of new projects.