Release Date: February 06, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc (MAA, Financial) finished 2024 in line with expectations and is well-positioned for a recovery cycle in apartment leasing.
- The leadership team has a strong average tenure of 16 years, providing stability and confidence in executing the company's strategy.
- The company anticipates a significant decline in new supply deliveries starting this year, which should positively impact market rent growth.
- MAA is implementing new tech initiatives aimed at enhancing resident services and operational efficiencies, expected to increase operating margins.
- The external growth pipeline is robust, with several new projects slated for delivery and a strong balance sheet to support this growth.
Negative Points
- The company is still dealing with the impact of record high levels of new supply delivered over the past year.
- New resident lease pricing was pressured during the fourth quarter due to higher new supply and seasonal slowdown.
- Some markets, like Austin, Atlanta, and Jacksonville, continue to face challenges due to high levels of supply.
- The company expects a slight dilution to core FFO in the first half of 2025 due to the interest carrying and leasing velocity of recent acquisitions and developments.
- Projected refinancing activities in 2025 are expected to result in a three-cent dilution to core FFO compared to the prior year.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you provide more details on the 1.7% blend outlook for 2025, specifically regarding new versus renewal lease pricing?
A: Tim Argo, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy & Analysis Officer, explained that for 2025, they expect new lease pricing to be around negative 1.5% on a lease-over-lease basis, with the lowest point early in the year and slight positivity in Q3. Renewal rates are expected to remain steady at around 4.25% to 4.4%.
Q: How do you anticipate turnover trends throughout the year?
A: Tim Argo stated that turnover is expected to be consistent with 2024 levels. Major reasons for moving out, such as buying a home, have decreased due to high interest rates and home prices, which should keep turnover stable.
Q: How are concessions impacting new lease rates, and do you expect any changes in concessionary activity?
A: Brad Hill, President and Chief Investment Officer, noted that concessions are included in the lease-over-lease rates. Concessions were slightly down in Q4 compared to Q3, with most markets offering around a month free. Some markets with high lease-up activity, like Austin and Atlanta, offer more significant concessions.
Q: What are your expectations for supply and demand dynamics in 2025 and beyond?
A: Tim Argo mentioned that supply is expected to decrease by 15% to 20% in 2025 and by 30% to 40% in 2026. The decline in construction starts suggests a moderating supply environment, which should support improved leasing conditions.
Q: How do you view the potential impact of immigration policy changes on your portfolio?
A: Brad Hill indicated that immigration policy changes are not expected to significantly impact their portfolio. However, there could be some effects on labor availability for new developments, which might slow down new construction.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
