Q3 2025 Highwoods Properties Inc Earnings Call

Speaker #1: Good morning everyone , and thank you for joining today's Highwoods properties . Q3 2020 Earnings Call . My name is Regan , and I'll be your moderator today .

Moderator: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining today's Highwoods Properties Q3 2025 earnings call. My name is Reagan, and I'll be your moderator today. All lines will be muted during the presentation portion of today's call, with an opportunity for questions and answers at the end. If you'd like to ask a question, you can do so by pressing star one on your telephone keypad. I want to pass the conference over to our host, Brendan Maiorana, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Please proceed.

Speaker #1: All lines will be muted . The presentation portion of today's call with an opportunity for questions and answers at the end . If you'd like to ask a question , you can do so by pressing Star one on your telephone keypad .

Speaker #1: I will ask , pass the conference over to our host , Brendan Maiorana of Executive Vice President , Chief Financial Officer . Please proceed .

Speaker #2: Thank you . Operator . And good morning , everyone . Joining me on the call this morning are Ted Klink , our chief executive officer .

Brendan Maiorana: Thank you, Operator, and good morning, everyone. Joining me on the call this morning are Ted Klinck, our Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Leary, our Chief Operating Officer. For your convenience, today's prepared remarks have been posted on the web. If you have not received yesterday's earnings release or supplemental, they're both available on the Investors section of our website at highwoods.com. On today's call, our review will include non-GAAP measures such as FFO, NOI, and EBITDA. The release and supplemental include a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Forward-looking statements made during today's call are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties are discussed at length in our press releases as well as our SEC filings.

Speaker #2: And Brian Leary , our chief operating officer . For your convenience , today's prepared remarks have been posted on the web . If you have not received yesterday's earnings release or supplemental , they're both available on the investors section of our website at HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC. .

Speaker #2: On today's call . Our review will include non-GAAP measures such as FFO , NOI and EBITDA . The release and supplemental include a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures .

Speaker #2: Forward looking statements made during today's call are subject to risks and uncertainties . These risks and uncertainties are discussed at length in our press releases , as well as our SEC filings .

Speaker #2: As you know , actual events and results can differ materially from these forward looking statements . And the company does not undertake a duty to update any forward looking statements .

Brendan Maiorana: As you know, actual events and results can differ materially from these forward-looking statements, and the company does not undertake a duty to update any forward-looking statements. Finally, we know many of you will be attending Nate Reed's annual conference in December in Dallas. We are hosting a property tour the afternoon of Monday, December 8, to showcase our Uptown Dallas portfolio. If any of you would like to join the tour, please let us know. With that, I'll turn the call over to Ted.

Speaker #2: Finally , we know many of you will be attending Nerites annual conference in December in Dallas . We are hosting a property tour , the afternoon of Monday , December 8th to showcase our uptown Dallas portfolio .

Speaker #2: If any of you would like to join the tour , please let us know . With that , I'll turn the call over to Ted .

Speaker #3: Thanks , Brendan . And good morning , everyone . We entered 2025 focused on the following strategic priorities . Securing the embedded NOI growth potential and our operating portfolio by leasing up key vacancies , capturing the embedded NOI growth potential in our development pipeline by leasing up our four completed , but not yet stabilized assets , continuing our proven playbook of recycling out of non-core assets that are more CapEx intensive into higher quality , higher growth and better located properties that have stronger long term cash flows and maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet .

Ted Klinck: Thanks, Brendan, and good morning, everyone. We entered 2025 focused on the following strategic priorities: securing the embedded NOI growth potential in our operating portfolio by leasing up key vacancies, capturing the embedded NOI growth potential in our development pipeline by leasing up our four completed but not yet stabilized assets, continuing our proven playbook of recycling out of non-core assets that are more CapEx intensive into higher quality, higher growth, and better located properties that have stronger long-term cash flows, and maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet. We made meaningful progress on each of these priorities during the quarter and believe we have opportunities to advance our progress even more significantly over the next few quarters.

Speaker #3: We made meaningful progress on each of these priorities during the quarter , and believe we have opportunities to advance our progress even more significantly over the next few quarters .

Speaker #3: First , our second gen leasing volume was strong , with several sizable new leases inked in what we call our core four operating properties that have elevated vacancy .

Ted Klinck: First, our second-gen leasing volume was strong, with several sizable new leases anchored in what we call our core four operating properties that have elevated vacancy: Alliance Center in Atlanta, Symphony Place, Park West, and Westwood South, all located in Nashville. We signed over 1 million square feet of second-gen volume, including 326,000 square feet of new leases. Our leasing volumes have been strong now for eight consecutive quarters. These strong volumes have driven our lease rate 340 basis points higher than our occupancy rate at quarter end, which explains why we are so confident that occupancy will rise by year-end 2025 and throughout 2026. Back in February of this year, we stated that our core four had approximately $25 million of stabilized NOI upside above our 2025 outlook.

Speaker #3: Alliance Center in Atlanta and Symphony Place Park West and Westwood South , all located in Nashville . We signed over 1,000,000ft² of second gen volume , including 326,000ft² of new leases .

Speaker #3: Our leasing volumes have been strong now for eight consecutive quarters . These strong volumes have driven our leased rate 340 basis points higher than our occupancy rate at quarter end , which explains why we are so confident occupancy will rise by year end 2025 .

Speaker #3: And throughout 2026 . Back in February of this year , we stated that our core four had approximately 25 million of stabilized NOI upside above our 2025 outlook at quarter end .

Ted Klinck: At quarter end, we have locked in over 50% of this upside with signed leases and have strong prospects to lock in another 25%. In addition to the strong volumes, pricing power is starting to improve as office users encounter a dwindling supply of high-quality space owned by well-capitalized landlords. This is demonstrated by growth in net effective rents, which hit a high watermark for us this quarter. We have long viewed net effective rents as the best indicator of underlying rent economics, which have been 18% higher over the trailing four quarters compared to our 2019 average. Second, we signed 122,000 square feet of leases across our development pipeline, driving the lease percentage to 72%, up from 64% last quarter.

Speaker #3: We have locked in over 50% of this upside with signed leases and have strong prospects to lock in another 25% . In addition to the strong volumes .

Speaker #3: Pricing power is starting to improve as office users encounter a dwindling supply of high quality space owned by well-capitalized landlords . This is demonstrated by growth in net effective rents , which hit a high water mark for us this quarter .

Speaker #3: We have long viewed net effective rents as the best indicator of underlying rent economics , which have been 18% higher over the trailing four quarters compared to our 2019 average .

Speaker #3: Second , we signed 122,000ft² of leases across our development pipeline , driving the lease percentage to 72% , up from 64% last quarter .

Speaker #3: This means we have now signed leases for over 70% of the 30 million stabilized annual future NOI growth potential from the four completed , but not yet stabilized development properties .

Ted Klinck: This means we have now signed leases for over 70% of the $30 million stabilized annual future NOI growth potential from the four completed but not yet stabilized development properties. Plus, we have a strong pipeline of prospects to drive our lease percentage even higher over the next few quarters. We expect these properties will be a large driver of NOI growth in 2026 and 2027. Third, we were active with investment activity as we acquired the Legacy Union parking garage in Charlotte's Uptown BBD for a total investment of $111.5 million and sold a non-core property in Richmond for $16 million. The Legacy Union garage was funded on a leverage-neutral basis through a combination of non-core disposition proceeds, proceeds from common equity issuances via our ATM program, and incremental borrowing.

Speaker #3: Plus , we have a strong pipeline of prospects to drive our lease percentage even higher over the next few quarters . We expect these properties will be a large driver of NOI growth in 2026 , and 2027 .

Speaker #3: Third , we were active with investment activity as we acquired the Legacy Union Parking Garage in Charlotte's Uptown BBD for a total investment of 111.5 million and sold a non-core property in Richmond for 16 million .

Speaker #3: The Legacy Union Garage was funded on a leverage neutral basis through a combination of non-core disposition proceeds , proceeds from common equity issuances via our ATM program , and incremental borrowing .

Speaker #3: In the short time since the acquisition of the garage in August , we signed a 16,000 square foot ground floor retail customer and secured 150 additional monthly parkers from a corporate user that is not a tenant in our legacy union portfolio .

Ted Klinck: In the short time since the acquisition of the garage in August, we've signed a 16,000 square foot ground floor retail customer and secured 150 additional monthly parkers from a corporate user that is not a tenant in our Legacy Union portfolio. Given limited CapEx associated with garage ownership and a weighted average contractual term of roughly nine years for 70% of our projected revenue, we believe our investment represents an excellent risk-adjusted return. Fourth and finally, our balance sheet is in great shape. During the quarter, we extended our only consolidated debt maturity prior to 2027, which gives us plenty of flexibility as we evaluate future investment opportunities that would significantly enhance our portfolio quality and BBD locations. Turning to the quarter, we delivered FFO of $0.86 per share.

Speaker #3: Given limited CapEx associated with garage ownership and a weighted average contractual term of roughly nine years for 70% of our projected revenue, we believe our investment represents an excellent risk-adjusted return.

Speaker #3: Fourth , and finally , our balance sheet is in great shape during the quarter , we extended our only consolidated debt maturity prior to 2027 , which gives us plenty of flexibility as we evaluate future investment opportunities that would significantly enhance our portfolio quality and BBD locations .

Speaker #3: Turning to the quarter, we delivered FFO of $0.86 per share. We have once again raised the midpoint of our FFO outlook.

Ted Klinck: We have once again raised the midpoint of our FFO outlook, our third consecutive quarter increasing our 2025 outlook, with the FFO midpoint now $0.08 higher than our initial outlook provided in February. We also raised the midpoint of our same property cash NOI outlook by 50 basis points, while our year-end occupancy outlook points to meaningful upside over the final three months of the year. In addition to updating our financial and operational outlook, we also updated our outlook for investment activity, which indicates the potential for meaningful asset recycling over the next few quarters. We've highlighted the potential of up to $500 million of both acquisitions and dispositions during the next few quarters. So far this year, we've acquired two properties, both of which are high-quality, well-located assets with significant long-term growth potential.

Speaker #3: Our third consecutive quarter , increasing our 2025 outlook with FFO midpoint . Now $0.08 higher than our initial outlook provided in February . We also raised the midpoint of our same property cash NOI outlook by 50 basis points .

Speaker #3: While our year end occupancy outlook points to meaningful upside over the final three months of the year . In addition to updating our financial and operational outlook , we also updated our outlook for investment activity , which indicates the potential for meaningful asset recycling over the next few quarters .

Speaker #3: We've highlighted the potential of up to $500 million of both acquisitions and dispositions during the next few quarters . So far this year , we've acquired two properties , both of which are high quality , well-located assets with significant long term growth potential .

Speaker #3: These assets were both acquired off market at an estimated combined cash NOI yield around 8% . After factoring in the upside from the recent leasing activity and additional monthly parkers at Legacy Union , we have a healthy pipeline of additional acquisition opportunities , coupled with numerous non-core properties in various stages of marketing for sale .

Ted Klinck: These assets were both acquired off-market at an estimated combined cash NOI yield around 8% after factoring in the upside from the recent leasing activity and additional monthly parkers at Legacy Union. We have a healthy pipeline of additional acquisition opportunities, coupled with numerous non-core properties in various stages of marketing for sale. With these asset recycling opportunities, we could make significant progress over the next several quarters with regard to further strengthening our portfolio quality, growth rate, and cash flow, similar to other major asset rotations that we've completed during the last decade. To wrap up, we're extremely excited about the next few years for Highwoods. We expect to deliver strong embedded NOI growth from signed leases that haven't yet commenced across both our operating portfolio and development pipeline, and we have strong leasing prospects that could drive our future embedded growth even higher.

Speaker #3: With these asset recycling opportunities , we could make significant progress over the next several quarters with regard to further strengthening our portfolio quality , growth rate and cash flow .

Speaker #3: Similar to other major asset rotations that we've completed during the last decade . To wrap up , we're extremely excited about the next few years for Highwoods , we expect to deliver strong embedded NOI growth from signed leases that haven't yet commenced across both our operating portfolio and development pipeline , and we have strong leasing prospects that could drive our future embedded growth , even higher .

Speaker #3: As signed leases convert into occupancy . We see a clear pathway to higher earnings and cash flow , and meaningful value creation across our 26 point 5,000,000 square foot portfolio .

Ted Klinck: As signed leases convert into occupancy, we see a clear pathway to higher earnings and cash flow and meaningful value creation across our 26.5 million square foot portfolio. Further, we see additional opportunities to sell older non-strategic properties where risk-adjusted returns don't meet our objectives and recycle that capital into high-growth assets in the BBDs of our markets with attractive risk-adjusted returns. With our proven playbook and a strong balance sheet, we are well positioned to execute on the opportunities ahead of us. Brian.

Speaker #3: Further , we see additional opportunities to sell older , non-strategic properties where risk adjusted returns don't meet our objectives and recycle that capital into high growth assets in the bbd's of our markets .

Speaker #3: Attractive risk adjusted returns with our proven playbook and a strong balance sheet , we are well positioned to execute on the opportunities ahead of us .

Speaker #3: Brian .

Speaker #4: Thanks , Ted , and good morning , everyone , and thank you for joining us . Our commute worthy strategy centered on creating exceptional environments and experiences , continues to differentiate Highwoods in a market constrained by a limited supply and a dearth of well capitalized owners .

Brendan Maiorana: Thanks, Ted, and good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. Our commute-worthy strategy, centered on creating exceptional environments and experiences, continues to differentiate Highwoods Properties in a market constrained by a limited supply and a dearth of well-capitalized owners. This quarter, our team once again delivered strong results. We signed more than 100 leases while maintaining a robust leasing pipeline spanning early, mid, and late-stage prospects across our entire platform, most particularly in our Dallas, Tampa, and Raleigh developments and our Highwoodsizing redevelopments in Nashville. The quarter's achievements were notable. Net effective and GAAP rents reached new highs, while our 15.9% payback improved by 240 basis points relative to our five-quarter average. Average net effective rents hit a new quarterly high, led by strength in Dallas, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Tampa. Our trailing 12-month average is now 18% above our pre-pandemic peak reached in 2019.

Speaker #4: This quarter, our team once again delivered strong results. We signed more than 100 leases while maintaining a robust leasing pipeline spanning early, mid, and late stage prospects across our entire platform.

Speaker #4: Most particularly in our Dallas , Tampa and Raleigh developments and our high tizing redevelopments in Nashville . The quarters achievements were notable . Net effective and GAAP rents reached new highs .

Speaker #4: While our 15.9% payback improved by 240 basis points relative to our five quarter average . Average net effective rents hit a new quarterly high , led by strength in Dallas , Charlotte , Atlanta and Tampa .

Speaker #4: Our trailing 12-month average is now 18% above our pre-pandemic peak reached in 2019. GAAP rents were strong, with an 18% increase compared to expiring rents at a record.

Brendan Maiorana: GAAP rents were strong with an 18% increase compared to expiring rents at a record of $40 plus per square foot. We ended the quarter 85.3% occupied and 88.7% leased, consistent with what we've long communicated as our occupancy trough. With a limited near-term expiration outlook and more than 325,000 square feet of new leases signed during the quarter, we're well positioned to grow occupancy from here. This quarter, once again, expansions outpace contractions four to one this time. Year to date, we've signed 47 total expansions, outpacing our full-year results each of the past two years, and net expansions so far this year approximate 70,000 square feet, our highest year since before the pandemic. We also signed 122,000 square feet of first-generation leases in our development pipeline, lifting our lease percentage to 72%, up 800 basis points sequentially.

Speaker #4: 40-plus dollars per square foot. We ended the quarter 85.3% occupied and 88.7% leased, consistent with what we've long communicated as our occupancy trough. With a limited near-term expiration outlook and more than 325,000 ft² of new leases signed during the quarter, we're well positioned to grow occupancy from here this quarter.

Speaker #4: Once again , expansions outpace contractions 4 to 1 . This time year to date , we've signed 47 total expansions , outpacing our full year results .

Speaker #4: Each of the past two years . And net expansion so far this year approximates 70,000ft² . Our highest year since before the pandemic .

Speaker #4: We also signed 122,000ft² of first generation leases , and our development pipeline lifting our lease percentage to 72% , up 800 basis points sequentially while leasing momentum was balanced across our markets , Dallas , Nashville , Charlotte and Tampa were standout performers .

Brendan Maiorana: While leasing momentum was balanced across our markets, Dallas, Nashville, Charlotte, and Tampa were standout performers. Let's start with Dallas, a market that continues to shine across our portfolio. Dallas is, in many ways, an overnight success that's been decades in the making. Once defined by energy, it's now one of the most diverse and dynamic economies in the country. The Dallas metro population is projected to grow nearly 50% over the next 25 years, and about 400 new residents are moving in every single day. For 20 consecutive years, Chief Executive Magazine has named Texas the best state for business, and the Dallas Regional Chamber recently noted 10 major corporate and significant office-using prospects are considering headquarter moves or large expansions. That strength is showing up in the data.

Speaker #4: Let's start with Dallas, a market that continues to shine across our portfolio. Dallas is, in many ways, an overnight success that's been decades in the making.

Speaker #4: Once defined by energy , it's now one of the most diverse and dynamic economies in the country . The Dallas Metro population is projected to grow nearly 50% over the next 25 years , and about 400 new residents are moving in every single day for 20 consecutive years , chief executive magazine has named Texas the best state for business , and the Dallas Regional Chamber recently noted ten major corporate and significant office using prospects are considering headquarter moves or large expansions .

Speaker #4: That strength is showing up in the data . CBRE and Cushman and Wakefield , both reported positive net absorption for the fourth straight quarter , and both highlighted Uptown as the top submarket with regard to rate and demand .

Brendan Maiorana: CBRE and Cushman and Wakefield both reported positive net absorption for the fourth straight quarter, and both highlighted Uptown as the top submarket with regard to rate and demand. Our partnership with Granite Properties continues to perform exceptionally well. In Uptown, McKinney & Olive remains 99% occupied, and our new 23Springs Tower, which opened this quarter, has already reached 67% leased, up 500 basis points quarter over quarter, with rents well above underwriting. Similar success is occurring at the tollway at Granite Park 6, where our lease percentage has increased 1,000 basis points to 69%. We have strong prospects for both of these buildings that will bring the lease rate to the mid-70s or higher. Moving to Nashville, it remains one of the most compelling and resilient markets in the Sunbelt.

Speaker #4: Our partnership with Granite Properties continues to perform exceptionally well in Uptown McKinney and Olive remains 99% occupied , and our new 23 Springs tower , which opened this quarter , has already reached 67% , leased , up 500 basis points quarter over quarter , with rents well above underwriting similar success is occurring up the tollway at Granite Park six , where our lease percentage has increased 1000 basis points to 69% .

Speaker #4: We have strong prospects for both of these buildings that will bring the lease rate to the mid 70s or higher . Moving to Nashville , it remains one of the most compelling and resilient markets in the Sunbelt .

Speaker #4: Unemployment sits at just 2.9% . The lowest among our markets , and it's the epitome of an emerging landlord . Favorable market with the intersection of dwindling supply , increased inbound inquiries and a surging local economy , the construction pipeline has reached historical lows and nearly 12% of the downtown inventory about one point 4,000,000ft² , is being converted to hotel and residential uses .

Brendan Maiorana: Unemployment sits at just 2.9%, the lowest among our markets, and it's the epitome of an emerging landlord-favorable market with the intersection of dwindling supply, increased inbound inquiries, and a surging local economy. The construction pipeline has reached historical lows, and nearly 12% of the downtown inventory, about 1.4 million square feet, is being converted to hotel and residential uses. CBRE sums it up well. Landlords in Nashville now have considerable pricing power, with asking rates up more than 11% year over year. Our own portfolio mirrors that strength. Downtown, Symphony Place is now 70% leased or out for lease, with another 20% in active negotiation. In Franklin, Park Place West is over 80% leased or out for lease, and Westwood South in Brentwood is progressing with solid mid-stage prospects for the entirety of the building.

Speaker #4: CBRE sums it up well . Landlords in Nashville now have considerable pricing power , with asking rates up more than 11% year over year .

Speaker #4: Our own portfolio mirrors that strength . Downtown Symphony Place is now 70% leased or out for lease , with another 20% in active negotiation .

Speaker #4: And Franklin Park Place West is over 80% leased or out for lease . And Westwood South and Brentwood is progressing with solid mid-stage prospects for the entirety of the building .

Speaker #4: With over 100,000ft² signed this quarter , our 5,000,000 square foot Nashville portfolio continues to benefit from broad based demand across all four of Nashville's core Bbd's in Charlotte , the same Fire and Tami Industries fueling growth in Dallas and other major markets , are driving strong demand for the best class A space available , according to CBRE .

Brendan Maiorana: With over 100,000 square feet signed this quarter, our 5 million square foot Nashville portfolio continues to benefit from broad-based demand across all four of Nashville's core BBDs. In Charlotte, the same fire and TAMU industries fueling growth in Dallas and other major markets are driving strong demand for the best class A space available. According to CBRE, leasing is up 77% year over year, with 80% of that activity from new or expanding tenants, and there are 17 active prospects larger than 50,000 square feet in the market. Our 96% occupied portfolio and strong inbound activity validate these trends. With very little new supply, top-end rents continue to rise, and the calculus for new development is becoming more viable.

Speaker #4: Leasing is up 77% year over year , with 80% of that activity from new or expanding tenants . And there are 17 active prospects larger than 50,000ft² in the market .

Speaker #4: Our 96% occupied portfolio and strong inbound activity validates these trends with very little new supply . Top end rents continue to rise , and the calculus for new development is becoming more viable .

Speaker #4: During the quarter , we signed 200,000ft² in Charlotte with net effective rents over $30 a square foot gap rents approaching $50 a square foot , and a low 10% payback .

Brendan Maiorana: During the quarter, we signed 200,000 square feet in Charlotte, with net effective rents over $30 a square foot, GAAP rents approaching $50 a square foot, and a low 10% payback. Office using employment in Charlotte grew 3.4% year over year, reinforcing our confidence in the city's ongoing strength. Finally, Tampa, where momentum continues to accelerate. CBRE reports six consecutive quarters of declining vacancy and the strongest absorption in years. With 1 million square feet of known move-ins ahead, the trend remains firmly positive. We signed 190,000 square feet of second-generation leases in Tampa this quarter, plus our Midtown East development doubled its lease percentage after signing 53,000 square feet of first-gen leases across two full floors with triple net rents in the mid-40s. With only a corner restaurant space and one last floor of office remaining, we couldn't be happier with where we are in Midtown Tampa.

Speaker #4: Office using unemployment in Charlotte grew 3.4% year over year , reinforcing our confidence in the city's ongoing strength . And finally , Tampa will momentum continues to accelerate ?

Speaker #4: CBRE reports six consecutive quarters of declining vacancy and the strongest absorption in years , with 1,000,000ft² of known move ins ahead . The trend remains firmly positive .

Speaker #4: We signed 190,000ft² of second generation leases in Tampa this quarter , plus our Midtown East development doubled its leased percentage after signing 53,000ft² of first gen leases across two full floors with triple net rents in the mid 40s .

Speaker #4: With only a corner restaurant space and one last floor of office remaining , we couldn't be happier with where we are in midtown Tampa across our diversified Sunbelt portfolio .

Brendan Maiorana: Across our diversified Sunbelt portfolio, we benefit from a broad tenant base, spanning industries, company sizes, and geographies, anchoring in both urban and suburban BBDs. When you combine that diversification with our measured development activity, our continuous reinvestment in existing assets, and our targeted acquisitions, the result is a portfolio built for resilience and sustained long-term growth. We're incredibly proud of how our team continues to execute, market by market and building by building, delivering outcomes that reinforce the strength and momentum of the Highwoods value proposition. Brendan? Thanks, Brian. In the third quarter, we delivered net income of $12.9 million or $0.12 per share and FFO of $94.8 million or $0.86 per share. The quarter was relatively clean without any notable unusual items. Our leasing metrics during the quarter were healthy, with net effective rents the highest in our history.

Speaker #4: We benefit from a broad tenant base spanning industries , company sizes and geographies , anchoring in both urban and suburban Bbd's . When you combine that diversification with our measured development activity , our continuous reinvestment in existing assets and our targeted acquisitions , the result is a portfolio built for resilience and sustained long term growth .

Speaker #4: We're incredibly proud of how our team continues to execute market by market and building , by building , delivering outcomes that reinforce the strength and momentum of the Highwoods value proposition .

Speaker #4: Brendan . Thanks .

Speaker #2: Brian . In the third quarter , we delivered net income of $12.9 million , or $0.12 per share and FFO of $94.8 million , or $0.86 per share .

Speaker #2: The quarter was relatively clean, without any notable unusual items. Our leasing metrics during the quarter were healthy, with net effective rents the highest in our history.

Speaker #2: The strength in leasing economics, combined with the embedded NOI growth in our operating portfolio and development pipeline, bodes well for our long-term cash flow outlook.

Brendan Maiorana: The strength in leasing economics, combined with the embedded NOI growth in our operating portfolio and development pipeline, bodes well for our long-term cash flow outlook. Cash flows during the quarter were impacted by the high expenditures of leasing capital ahead of our projected occupancy build. As leasing volumes normalize and NOI grows, we expect cash flow levels will improve significantly. Our balance sheet remains in excellent shape. Our debt-to-EBITDA was 6.4 times at quarter end. Similar to our cash flow outlook, we expect our debt-to-EBITDA ratio will improve meaningfully as customers with signed but not yet commenced leases in our operating portfolio and development pipeline move into occupancy, which should result in higher NOI and higher EBITDA. All else being equal, these move-ins would reduce our debt-to-EBITDA by 0.5 times. We currently have $625 million of available liquidity, with only $96 million left to complete our development pipeline.

Speaker #2: Cash flows during the quarter were impacted by the high expenditures of leasing capital ahead of our projected occupancy build . As leasing volumes normalize and NOI grows , we expect cash flow levels will improve significantly .

Speaker #2: Our balance sheet remains in excellent shape . Our debt to EBITDA was 6.4 times at quarter end , similar to our cash flow outlook .

Speaker #2: We expect our debt to EBITDA ratio will improve meaningfully as customers with signed , but not yet commenced leases in our operating portfolio and development pipeline move into occupancy , which should result in higher NOI and higher EBITDA .

Speaker #2: All else being equal , these move ins would reduce our debt to EBITDA by 0.5 times . We currently have $625 million of available liquidity , with only 96 million left to complete our development pipeline during the quarter , we extended the maturity on our $200 million variable rate term loan from 2026 to 2031 , leaving us no consolidated debt maturities until 2027 .

Brendan Maiorana: During the quarter, we extended the maturity on our $200 million variable rate term loan from 2026 to 2031, leaving us no consolidated debt maturities until 2027. While we have no immediate refinancing requirements, we are closely monitoring the capital markets and may seek to raise capital opportunistically to de-risk future needs. As Ted mentioned, we acquired the Legacy Union parking garage during the third quarter for a total investment of $111.5 million, including near-term planned building improvements. We funded this acquisition on a leverage-neutral basis, mostly through $59 million of equity issuances via our ATM equity issuance program since the beginning of the third quarter, plus some incremental borrowing and modest proceeds from non-core asset sales.

Speaker #2: While we have no immediate refinancing requirements , we are closely monitoring the capital markets and may seek to raise capital opportunistically to de-risk future needs .

Speaker #2: As Ted mentioned, we acquired the legacy Union Garage during the third quarter for a total investment of $111.5 million, including near-term planned building improvements.

Speaker #2: We funded this acquisition on a leverage neutral basis , mostly through $59 million of equity issuances via our ATM program . Since the beginning of the third quarter , plus some incremental borrowing and modest proceeds from non-core asset sales .

Speaker #2: As a reminder , during the first quarter , we acquired the Advanced Auto Parts Tower for $138 million . Also on a leverage neutral basis .

Brendan Maiorana: As a reminder, during the first quarter, we acquired the Advance Auto Parts Tower for $138 million, also on a leverage-neutral basis, but match-funded that transaction entirely with proceeds from a non-core portfolio sale in Tampa. Both of these transactions demonstrate our proven track record of creatively funding acquisitions on a leverage-neutral basis. This is what we mean by frequently saying we have multiple arrows in our quiver. Acquiring Advance Auto Parts Tower and the Legacy Union parking garage this year significantly improved our portfolio quality and BBD locations. We're immediately accretive to cash flow and roughly neutral to near-term FFO while providing long-term upside to these financial metrics. As Ted mentioned, we updated our 2025 FFO outlook to $3.41 to $3.45 per share, which equates to a $0.02 increase at the midpoint.

Speaker #2: But match funded that transaction entirely with proceeds from a non-core portfolio sale in Tampa . Both of these transactions demonstrate our proven track record of creatively funding acquisitions on a leverage neutral basis .

Speaker #2: This is what we mean by frequently saying we have multiple arrows in our quiver: acquiring the advanced auto parts tower and the Legacy Union Parking Garage.

Speaker #2: This year significantly improved our portfolio quality , and BBD locations . We're immediately accretive to cash flow and roughly neutral to near-term FFO .

Speaker #2: While providing long term upside to these financial metrics . As Ted mentioned , we updated our 2025 FFO outlook to 341 to 345 per share , which equates to a two cent increase at the midpoint .

Speaker #2: We added a year end occupancy range to our outlook , which implies 70 basis points of occupancy growth at the midpoint during the final three months of the year , and underpins our confidence in growing occupancy as we move into 2026 .

Brendan Maiorana: We added a year-end occupancy range to our outlook, which implies 70 basis points of occupancy growth at the midpoint during the final three months of the year and underpins our confidence in growing occupancy as we move into 2026. Finally, as you know, we plan to provide our 2026 outlook in February when we release our fourth quarter results. In the interim, there are two items I would like to highlight. First, we will begin expensing interest on our investments in the 23Springs and Midtown East development projects by the end of Q1 2026. Second, as Ted mentioned, we have secured nearly two-thirds of the $55 to $60 million of stabilized NOI growth potential across the core four operating properties and our completed but not yet stabilized developments through signed leases.

Speaker #2: Finally , as you know , we plan to provide our 2026 outlook in February when we release our fourth quarter results in the interim , there are two items I would like to highlight .

Speaker #2: First , we will begin expensing interest on our investments in the 23 Springs and Midtown East development projects . By the end of Q1 26 .

Speaker #2: Second , as Ted mentioned , we have secured nearly two thirds of the 55 to $60 million of stabilized NOI growth potential across the core four operating properties and are completed , but not yet stabilized .

Speaker #2: Development through signed leases. All of these signed leases are projected to commence by the end of Q3 2026, which should create a positive NOI and earnings trajectory as we migrate throughout next year.

Brendan Maiorana: All of these signed leases are projected to commence by the end of Q3 2026, which should create a positive NOI and earnings trajectory as we migrate throughout next year. Operator, we are now ready for questions.

Speaker #2: Operator . We are now ready for questions .

Speaker #1: Thank you so much . We'll now begin our Q&A session . So if you would like to ask a question , you can do so by pressing star one on your telephone keypad .

Moderator: Thank you so much. We'll now begin our Q&A session. If you'd like to ask a question, you can do so by pressing star one on your telephone keypad. If you'd like to remove your question for any reason, you can do so by pressing star two. Once again, to ask a question, please press star one. As a reminder, if you're using a speakerphone, please remember to pick up your handset before asking your question. Our first question goes from the line of Seth Berge of Citigroup. Your line is now open.

Speaker #1: Or if you'd like to remove your question for any reason , you can do so by pressing star two . Once again to ask a question , please press star one as a reminder .

Speaker #1: If you are using a speakerphone , please remember to pick up your handset before asking your question . Our first question comes from the line of Seth Burgi of Citi .

Speaker #1: Your line is now open .

Speaker #5: Hi , thanks for taking . Hi . Thanks for taking my question . I guess just , you know , in kind of that outlook items you noted the potential for increased acquisitions or dispositions .

Ted Klinck: Hi, thanks for taking my question. I guess just, you know, in kind of the outlook items, you noted the potential for increased acquisitions or dispositions. Would those kind of take you into any new markets, or where would you like to kind of increase your concentration into, or would those, you know, reduce your exposure to any of your markets that you're currently in?

Speaker #5: Would those kind of take you into any new markets or where would you like to kind of increase your concentration into , or would those , you know , reduce your exposure to any of your markets that you're currently in ?

Speaker #3: Good morning , Seth . Thanks for the question . Yeah . So the acquisition opportunities we're looking at right now , none of them are new markets .

Brian Leary: Good morning, Seth. Thanks for the question. Yeah, the acquisition opportunities we're looking at right now, none of them are new markets. They would all be adding to existing holdings in our existing markets. The ranges we put out there, as with the capital markets opening up, we're starting to see more opportunities really across the risk and return spectrum. The bid-ask spread seems to be narrowing, so sellers are bringing high-quality assets to the market. We're taking a look at various opportunities across that spectrum, all in our existing markets. On the dispo side, right now we have closed year to date $168 million. That includes a small $7 million asset that closed after quarter end. We've got several other assets in the market.

Speaker #3: They would all be adding to , you know , existing holdings in our existing markets . So and you know , the ranges we put out there , it's as with capital markets opening up , you know we're starting to see more opportunities really across the risk .

Speaker #3: And return spectrum . So you know bid ask spread seems to be narrowing . So sellers are bringing high quality assets to the market .

Speaker #3: So you know so we're taking a look at the various opportunities across that spectrum . All in our existing markets . And then on the Dispo side , you know I think right now we have we've closed year to date 168 million .

Speaker #3: That includes a small $7 million asset that closed after quarter end . And we've got several other assets in the market . I think we're going to close a couple next week .

Brian Leary: I think we're going to close a couple next week even that are the buyers hard on, and maybe even a few other deals by the end of the year, and then a few will leak into early next year. We have assets on the market in all of our markets with the exception of Charlotte and Dallas. It's really just trimming the non-core assets across our portfolio. We've been a regular seller of assets over the years. We're just continuing the portfolio rotation that we've been doing for many years.

Speaker #3: Even that are the buyers hard on and maybe even a few extra a few , a few other deals by the end of the year and then a fuel leak into early next year .

Speaker #3: And I think we have assets on the market in all of our markets, with the exception of Charlotte and Dallas. So it's really just trimming the non-core assets across our portfolio.

Speaker #3: And I think , you know , we've been a regular seller of assets over the years . So I think we're just continuing the portfolio that we've been doing for many years .

Speaker #5: Great . And then just on financing assets , you know , any potential acquisitions , would you look to do more on the ATM or would you primarily fund those through other dispositions ?

Ted Klinck: Great. Just on financing assets, you know, any potential acquisitions, would you look to do more on the ATM, or would you primarily fund those through other dispositions?

Speaker #2: Hey , Seth , it's Brendan . I think plan A would be recycling capital with disposition proceeds used to fund acquisitions or new investments .

Brendan Maiorana: Hey, Seth, it's Brendan. I think plan A would be recycling capital with disposition proceeds used to fund acquisitions or new investments. I would say, you know, we've done both so far this year. We funded the Advance Auto Parts Tower with a rotation of capital from disposition proceeds. We funded the garage in Charlotte on a leverage-neutral basis, primarily through ATM issuance. I think both are available. I would say that our plan A would be to use disposition proceeds. Given where the share price is now, the equity currency really isn't competitive. I think disposition proceeds are most likely.

Speaker #2: But I would say , you know , there's we've done both so far this year . So we funded the Advance Auto Parts tower with with a rotation of capital from disposition proceeds .

Speaker #2: We funded the garage in Charlotte on a leverage neutral basis , primarily through ATM issuance . So I think both are available . But I would say that our plan A would be used disposition proceeds and given where the share price is now , the equity currency really isn't competitive .

Speaker #2: So I think disposition proceeds are most likely .

Speaker #5: Okay, great. Thank you.

Ted Klinck: Okay. Great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Our next question comes from the line of Blaine Heck of Wells Fargo . Your line is now open .

Moderator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Blaine Heck of Wells Fargo. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Great . Thanks .

Speaker #6: Good morning. It seems as though during the pandemic we saw Atlanta benefit a lot from tenant migration from other markets. But in your prepared remarks, it struck me that maybe Dallas was leading in that trend at this point.

Ted Klinck: Great, thanks. Good morning. It seems as though during the pandemic, we saw Atlanta benefit a lot from tenant migration from other markets. In your prepared remarks, it struck me like maybe Dallas was leading in that trend at this point. I was hoping you could just give us an update on which markets are benefiting most from migration from other markets and whether the level of that activity has changed significantly in any of your specific markets.

Speaker #6: So I was hoping you could just give us an update on which markets are benefiting most from migration from other markets , and whether the level of that activity has has changed significantly in any of your specific markets .

Speaker #3: Sure , Blaine . Good morning and thanks for the question . No , I think you're right . Based on Brian's comments , it's really Dallas is seeing a significant amount of in-migration .

Brian Leary: Sure, Blaine. Good morning, and thanks for the question. No, I think you're right. Based on Brian's comments, it's really Dallas is seeing a significant amount of in-migration. Brian alluded to 10 significant office requirements that the Dallas Chamber is working on right now. That may be down to nine now, given the recent announcement of Scotiabank putting a pretty big presence in Dallas, which Dallas won that requirement from Charlotte. Dallas is incredibly busy right now, a lot of new requirements. Charlotte, I'd say, is right behind. Brian alluded to 17 office requirements that are greater than 50,000 feet. Most recently, there was a news article yesterday about Pacific Mutual, 300 and something jobs, high-paying jobs. I think the average is like $179,000 per job. Charlotte's been incredibly busy. Right behind that's Nashville. We actually had our board meeting in Nashville last week.

Speaker #3: Brian alluded to ten significant office requirements that the Raleigh and Dallas Chambers are working on right now. That may be down to nine.

Speaker #3: Now , given the recent announcement of Scotiabank putting a pretty big presence in Dallas , which Dallas won , that requirement from Charlotte .

Speaker #3: So Dallas is incredibly busy right now . A lot of new requirements . Charlotte , I'd say , is right behind . Brian alluded to 17 office requirements that are greater than 50,000ft .

Speaker #3: Most recently , there's a news article yesterday about Pacific Mutual . The 300 and something jobs , high paying jobs . I think average is like 179,000 per job .

Speaker #3: So Charlotte's been incredibly busy . You know , right behind . That's Nashville Blaine . We actually had our board meeting in Nashville last week .

Speaker #3: And at the board dinner , we brought both the economic development person for the Chamber of Commerce , as well as the statewide economic development person .

Brian Leary: At the board dinner, we brought both the Economic Development person for the Chamber of Commerce as well as the statewide Economic Development person. They spoke to our board and basically said they're as busy as they've been in a long time, from the office perspective. I feel really good there. Raleigh's busy. The North Carolina Economic Development folks are actually in our headquarters building here in Raleigh, so we see them quite a bit. The office requirements are picking up in Raleigh as well. There have been a couple of good announcements in Atlanta as well. Tampa, we just got somebody from a new out-of-state requirement in one of our buildings. We are seeing it across our footprint. The in-migration really, it seems to be accelerating.

Speaker #3: They spoke to our board and basically said they're as busy as they've been in a long time . So from the office perspective , so I feel really good there .

Speaker #3: Raleigh's busy , you know , the North Carolina economic development folks are actually in our headquarters building here in Raleigh . So we see them quite a bit .

Speaker #3: And the office requirements are picking up in Raleigh as well . There's been a couple of good announcements in Atlanta as well . Tampa .

Speaker #3: We just got somebody from from out of state requirement in one of our buildings . So really we're seeing it across our footprint .

Speaker #3: The in-migration is really, it seems to be accelerating.

Speaker #4: Hey , Blaine . Brian here . One thing I might add is where they're coming from . Still usual suspects . California midwest and northeast .

Brendan Maiorana: Hey, Blaine. Brian here. One thing I might add is where they're coming from, still usual suspects: California, Midwest, and Northeast, but we're also seeing some international inbounds putting a toehold here in the States in these markets and growing.

Speaker #4: But we're also seeing some international inbound putting a toehold here in the States in these markets and growing.

Speaker #6: Great . Thanks for all that color , guys . Second question , Brendan , you know , you guys are clearly going through a period of elevated leasing activity .

Ted Klinck: Great. Thanks for all that color, guys. Second question, Brendan, you know, you guys are clearly going through a period of elevated leasing activity, and with that comes elevated CapEx, which you touched on in your remarks. I guess, you know, how long should we kind of expect these elevated capital expenditures to impact AFFO or FAD or cash flow? Related to that, anything you can say just to touch on your or the board's comfort with the dividend level here would be helpful.

Speaker #6: And with that comes elevated CapEx , which you touched on in your remarks . I guess , you know , how long should we kind of expect these elevated capital expenditures to impact Aso or FAD or cash flow and related to that , you know , anything you can say just to touch on your the board's comfort with with the dividend level here would be helpful .

Speaker #2: Yeah . Good question Blaine . I think it's it probably depends on how long we think the occupancy build goes for . So I think it's clear that we would expect elevated levels of CapEx kind of through next year as we've got kind of the sign , but not yet commenced leases .

Brendan Maiorana: Yeah, good question, Blaine. I think it probably depends on how long we think the occupancy build goes for. I think it's clear that we would expect elevated levels of CapEx kind of through next year as we've got kind of the signed but not yet commenced leases as you spend that capital. We've spent some of it already, but we're certainly planning on spending that as we migrate throughout 2026. I think we are optimistic that our leasing pipeline is full, and we're going to kind of refill that signed but not yet commenced bucket of future customers, which will carry with it a high level of CapEx or an elevated level of CapEx.

Speaker #2: As you spend that capital , we've spent some of it already , but we're certainly planning on spending that as we migrate throughout 2026 .

Speaker #2: But I think we are optimistic that our leasing pipeline is full , and we're going to kind of refill that sign , but not yet commenced .

Speaker #2: Bucket of of future customers , which will carry with it a high level of of CapEx or an elevated level of CapEx . So I think we're optimistic that that occupancy build is going to continue throughout 2027 , which means in all likelihood , you're going to have higher leasing capital in not only just next year , but in 27 as well .

Brendan Maiorana: I think we're optimistic that that occupancy build is going to continue throughout 2027, which means in all likelihood you're going to have higher leasing capital in not only just next year, but in 2027 as well. What I would say to that is I think if you look year to date, our leasing capital, we're probably trending, you know, $40 million sort of above what's a normalized year. We're doing, you know, cash flow is low, but it's not, you know, it's still reasonable. We've got a lot of NOI growth. Even if you assume that leasing capital remains high, there's a lot of NOI growth that will come online next year and into early 2027. I think just from the NOI growth coming online, cash flow levels are going to improve. As you have leasing costs normalize, they're going to improve even more.

Speaker #2: But what I would say to that is , I think if you look year to date , our leasing capital , we're probably trending $40 million , sort of above what's a normalized year .

Speaker #2: And we're doing , you know , cash flow is low , but it's not . It's still reasonable . We've got a lot of NOI growth .

Speaker #2: So even if you assume that leasing capital remains high , there's a lot of NOI growth that will come online next year and into early 27 .

Speaker #2: So I think just from the NOI growth coming online , cash flow levels are going to improve . And then as you have leasing costs normalize , they're going to improve even more .

Speaker #2: So I think we see a really clear pathway to very strong cash flow growth over the next several years . But there are a few legs to kind of to or a few steps to kind of get to , to be there .

Brendan Maiorana: I think we see a really clear pathway to very strong cash flow growth over the next several years, but there are a few legs to kind of, or a few steps to kind of get to, to be there. Hopefully, hopefully leasing will continue to be strong, and leasing CapEx will probably remain elevated for the next couple of years.

Speaker #2: But hopefully , hopefully leasing will continue to be strong and leasing CapEx will probably remain elevated for the next couple of years .

Speaker #6: Very helpful. Thanks, Brendan.

Ted Klinck: Very helpful. Thanks, Brendan.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Our next question comes from the line of Rob Stevenson of Jenny Montgomery Scott . Your line is now open .

Moderator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Robert Stevenson of Janney Montgomery Scott. Your line is now open.

Speaker #7: Brendan , what drives the forced gap in the fourth quarter earnings guidance ? What swings to the high and low ends variable wise ?

[Analyst]: Brendan, what drives the $0.04 gap in the fourth quarter earnings guidance? What swings to the high and low ends variable-wise?

Speaker #2: Yeah . Hey , Rob , I would say I mean , there's a little bit of discretion around expenses . And you know , those can be volatile quarter to quarter when you recognize kind of the reimbursements on a normalized on a normalized level , kind of radically throughout the year .

Brendan Maiorana: Yeah, hey, Rob. I would say there's a little bit of discretion around expenses, and those can be volatile quarter to quarter when you recognize the reimbursements on a normalized level rapidly throughout the year. I would say the biggest swing factor in terms of normalized in that range is probably some discretionary expense spend. That probably moves it, you would say, a couple of pennies on either side. We always bake in a little bit of something here or there. You never know. We factor in some bad debts. Those could be at the high end of the range, or they could be zero. That kind of moves things around. To the extent that anything other unusual happens, usually just bake a little bit that's in there.

Speaker #2: So I would say the biggest swing factor in terms of kind of normalized in that range is probably some discretionary expense spend . So that's probably kind of moves it .

Speaker #2: You would say on a , you know , a couple pennies on either side . And then we always bake in a little bit of , of something here or there .

Speaker #2: So you know , you never know . We factor in some bad debts . Those could be at the high end of the range .

Speaker #2: Or they could be zero . So that kind of moves things around . And then to the extent that that you know , anything .

Speaker #2: Other unusual happenings usually just bake a little bit that's in there. But I would say from a leasing perspective, there's really not a lot of spec leasing that's going to drive revenue substantially higher or lower based on the forecast.

Brendan Maiorana: I would say from a leasing perspective, there's really not a lot of spec leasing that's going to drive revenue substantially higher or lower based in the forecast.

Speaker #7: Okay . And then the commentary that you made , you know , looking out the next year with the core four leasing , does that occupancy there hit relatively ratably or there are certain quarters where there's a couple of big leases that hit that will really spike occupancy as we start thinking about , you know , the volatility of the occupancy number going forward .

[Analyst]: Okay. The commentary that you made, looking out the next year with the core four leasing, does the occupancy there hit relatively ratably, or are there certain quarters where there's a couple of big leases that hit that will really spike occupancy as we start thinking about the volatility of the occupancy number going forward?

Speaker #2: Yeah , I would say that it's pretty radical from from a build from Q2 through Q4 . I think Q1 there's a little bit you know , we typically kind of go down a little bit in terms of occupancy in Q1 just on normal seasonal factors .

Brendan Maiorana: Yeah, I would say that it's pretty ratable from a build from Q2 through Q4. I think Q1, there's a little bit, you know, we typically kind of go down a little bit in terms of occupancy in Q1 just on normal seasonal factors. I think if we go through some of the biggest kind of expirations that we have, they tend to be early in the year. Most of those are backfilled, but you've got downtime on those. If we've got a large lease in Dallas that's going to go from McKinney & Olive, there's going to be downtime there. It is substantially backfilled. That's large leases taken second quarter and then a little bit in third quarter. I think you'll probably see occupancy, you know, dip a little bit in Q1 from where it was at year-end 2026. I wouldn't say it's a huge amount.

Speaker #2: And then I think if you if we go through some of the biggest kind of expirations that we have , they tend to be early in the year .

Speaker #2: Most of those are backfilled, but you've got downtime on those. So, we've got a large lease in Dallas that's going to go from M, and there's going to be downtime there.

Speaker #2: It is substantially backfilled . With time . That's large . Leases in second quarter . And then a little bit in third quarter .

Speaker #2: So I think you'll probably see occupancy dip a little bit in Q1 from where it was at year end 26 . Not I wouldn't say it's a huge amount .

Speaker #2: And then I think from Q2 to the end of the year , we think there's a pretty , pretty substantial increase from there .

Brendan Maiorana: I think from Q2 to the end of the year, we think there's a pretty, pretty substantial increase from there.

Speaker #7: Okay , that's very helpful . Thank you . And then lastly , Ted , given the positive market comments around the portfolio that both you and Brian made earlier , can you talk about the Pittsburgh market and how close you may be getting there to the right time to exit some or all of those assets ?

[Analyst]: Okay, that's very helpful. Thank you. Lastly, Ted, given the positive market comments around the portfolio that both you and Brian made earlier, can you talk about the Pittsburgh market and how close you may be getting there to the right time to exit some or all of those assets?

Speaker #3: Sure . Every quarter the capital markets have been getting better for the last 2 or 3 quarters . So , you know , we have regular dialogue with our advisor on those assets .

Brian Leary: Every quarter, the capital markets have been getting better for the last two or three quarters. We have regular dialogue with our advisor on those assets. Certainly, we're going to bring those to market when the time's right. Rob, I don't think we're quite there yet, but certainly, I think over the next couple of quarters, we may come to a decision point. Leasing velocity is really good, and combined with the capital markets improving, I think we're getting closer.

Speaker #3: And and certainly , you know , we're going to bring those to market when the time's right . Rob I don't think we're quite there yet .

Speaker #3: But certainly , you know , I think over the next couple of quarters , you know , we may come to a decision point .

Speaker #3: Leasing velocity is really good . And combine that with capital markets improving , I think we're getting closer .

Speaker #7: Okay . That's very helpful . Thanks guys . Appreciate the time this morning .

[Analyst]: Okay, that's very helpful. Thanks, guys. Appreciate the time this morning.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Our next question comes from the line of Nick Silman of Baird . Your line is now open .

Moderator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Nicholas Thillman of Baird. Your line is now open.

Speaker #8: Hey good morning . Hey good morning . Brendan . You you have been messaging sort of this ramp up in occupancy 100 to 200 basis points throughout 26 .

[Analyst]: Hey, good morning.

Brendan Maiorana: Hey, good morning. Brendan, you have been messaging sort of this ramp-up in occupancy, 100 to 200 basis points throughout 2026. Just wanted to double-check on your comfort level there. The underpinning assumptions, is that similar leasing volume of this 300,000 square feet of new deals plus 50% retention, and that's how we get there? Is that the math? Just kind of walk us through sort of that setup there. Yeah. Hey, Nick. Thanks for the question. Just to reiterate, I think last quarter we talked about, you know, we thought we'd sort of be around 86 for year-end 2025. We put that outlook in, you know, we formalized that in the outlook last night in terms of there, so right around 86.

Speaker #8: Just wanted to double check on on your comfort level . There . And then the underpinning assumptions that similar leasing volume of this 300,000ft² of new deals , plus 50% retention .

Speaker #8: And that's how we get there. It's up the math. Just kind of walk us through sort of that setup there.

Speaker #2: Yeah . Hey , Nick , thanks for the question . Yeah . So just to reiterate , I think last quarter we talked about , you know , we thought we'd we'd sort of be around 86 for year end 25 .

Speaker #2: We put that we put that outlook in . You . We formalized that in the outlook last night in terms of the there .

Speaker #2: So right around 86 and then yes , I think as we sit here , you know , late in . 25 , having given 26 guidance yet , but I think that 100 to 200 basis points of increase between year end 25 to year end 26 , I think we're comfortable with that as we stand here now .

Brendan Maiorana: Yes, I think as we sit here, you know, late in 2025, haven't given 2026 guidance yet, but I think that 100 to 200 basis points of increase between year-end 2025 to year-end 2026, I think we're comfortable with that as we stand here now. We'll sharpen our pencil and kind of look at those assumptions and provide formal guidance in February, but I think as we sit here, I think we feel comfortable with that kind of outlook and believe we've got a good pathway of growth between year-end 2025 and year-end 2026. I would say in rough numbers, I think that's about right in terms of, you know, there's probably around 50% retention. That number always goes down the closer you get to kind of those expirations.

Speaker #2: Now we'll sharpen our pencil and kind of look at those assumptions and provide formal guidance in February . But I think as we sit here , I think we feel comfortable with that kind of outlook and believe we've got a good pathway of growth between year end 25 and year end 26 .

Speaker #2: And then I would say in rough numbers , I think that's about right in terms of , you know , there's probably around 50% retention .

Speaker #2: That number always goes down the closer you get to kind of those expirations . So it might be mid 40s as it stands now .

Brendan Maiorana: It might be mid-40s as it stands now, but I think if we can do 300,000 square feet of new a quarter and we're kind of at the retention levels that we, that we've, that, you know, in that level, that's going to put us in position to be between, you know, 87, 88 by year-end 2026.

Speaker #2: But I think if we can do 300,000ft² of new a quarter and we're kind of at the retention levels that we that we've , that , you know , in that level that's going to put us in position to be between 87 , 88 by year end , 26 .

Speaker #8: That's helpful . And then Ted , with the leasing volume remaining healthy here on the acquisitions , what's the appetite for lease up risk sort of the pool of assets you're looking at .

[Analyst]: That's helpful. Ted, with the leasing volume remaining healthy here, on the acquisitions, what's the appetite for lease-up risk on sort of the pool of assets you're looking at? Along those lines, as we think about the earnings impact of selling versus buying, is this FFO dilutive, neutral? How should we think about that?

Speaker #8: And along those lines , as we think about the earnings impact of selling versus buying , are you is this FFO dilutive neutral ?

Speaker #8: How should we think about that ?

Speaker #3: Yeah . Great question . Maybe I'll start then . Brendan can chime in . Look . So we look at everything across the risk return spectrum .

Brian Leary: Yeah, great question. Maybe I'll start, then Brendan can chime in. Look, we look at everything across the risk-return spectrum, and we will absolutely take leasing risk. That's been our playbook coming out of the GFC. We will do so in instances where we feel very comfortable about the leasing prospects, the momentum in the market, and if we think we can lease it up and get paid for that lease-up risk, more importantly, right? We are absolutely looking at assets that have vacancy risk that we can come in and add the Highwoods ties in and lease those up and get paid for it.

Speaker #3: And we will absolutely take leasing risk . That's been our playbook coming out of the GFC . And we will do so in instances where we feel very comfortable about the leasing prospects , the momentum in the market and if we think we can lease it up and get paid for that lease up , risk , more importantly , right , so we are absolutely looking at assets that have vacancy risk that we can come in and add the highway and lease those up and get paid for it .

Speaker #2: Yeah . Nick , just in terms of the , the , the earnings impact , there's obviously a lot of balls in the air .

Brendan Maiorana: Yeah, Nick, just in terms of the earnings impact, there's obviously a lot of balls in the air. There's a lot of variables. That likely means that things are going to be kind of, you know, could potentially be noisy quarter to quarter. I think the best way that we could probably frame this is if we go back to some of the other large kind of asset rotations that we've done. Think about the market rotation plan where we went into Charlotte, exited Memphis and Greensboro, or the portfolio of office assets that we acquired from PAC and then subsequently sold a bunch of non-core. I think what we told you is if you sort of give us a year, the unaffected FFO, the FFO run rate should be unaffected from where it is pre all of those transactions.

Speaker #2: There's a lot of variables that likely means that things are going to be kind of, you know, could potentially be noisy sort of quarter to quarter.

Speaker #2: I think the best way that that we could probably frame this is if we go back to some of the other large kind of asset rotations that we've done .

Speaker #2: So think about the market rotation plan where we went into Charlotte , exited Memphis and Greensboro or the portfolio of of office assets that we acquired from pack .

Speaker #2: And then subsequently sold a bunch of Noncore . I think what we told you is if you sort of give us a year , the unaffected FFO , the FFO , run rate should be unaffected from where it is pre all of those transactions .

Speaker #2: And our cash flow should be higher and we will return our leverage to the normalized kind of glide path . So there's obviously a lot of timing .

Brendan Maiorana: Our cash flow should be higher, and we will return our leverage to the normalized kind of glide path. There's obviously a lot of timing. If dispositions happen first versus acquisitions, that likely impacts it. There's some lease-up stuff that's there. I think we feel pretty confident that if we're able to do things on a leverage-neutral basis, that long-term FFO outlook is probably going to be unchanged. Cash flow is going to be higher. Leverage is probably unchanged. We certainly think that there will be an uptick in terms of long-term growth rate and portfolio quality.

Speaker #2: So if dispositions happen first versus acquisitions that likely impacts it . There's some lease up stuff that's there . But I think we feel pretty confident that if we're able to do things on a leverage neutral basis , that that long term FFO outlook is probably going to be unchanged , cash flow is going to be higher .

Speaker #2: Leverage is probably unchanged , and we certainly think that there will be an uptick in terms of long term growth rate and portfolio quality .

Speaker #8: Very helpful . Thank you .

[Analyst]: Very helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Our next question comes from the line of Dylan Brzezinski of Green Street . Your line is now open .

Moderator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Dylan Burzinski of Green Street. Your line is now open.

Speaker #9: Hey , good morning guys . Thanks for taking the question , Ted . I think you mentioned that the capital markets environment continues to improve as we progress throughout 2025 , but can you kind of just talk about sort of where for assets that you have sold , where pricing expectations have come in relative to your initial expectations ?

Ted Klinck: Hey, good morning, guys. Thanks for taking the question. Ted, I think you mentioned that the capital markets environment continues to improve as we progress throughout 2025. Can you kind of just talk about sort of where for assets that you have sold, where pricing expectations have come in relative to your initial expectations? Maybe if you can follow that up with just any sort of color or detail around bidding tents, are we starting to see more institutional capital come back, or is it still for the large part mostly high net worth family office type money looking at the office space today?

Speaker #9: And maybe if you can follow that up with just any , any sort of color or detail around bidding tents or we're starting to see more institutional capital come back , or is it still for the large part , mostly high net worth , family office type money ?

Speaker #9: Looking at office space today .

Speaker #3: Sure . First on the pricing on the dispositions . And Dylan , it's all over the board . I mean , sort of what we're selling today .

Brian Leary: Sure. First, on the pricing on the dispositions, and Dylan, it's all over the board. I mean, sort of what we're selling today, it's a mix of long-term single tenant with long weighted average lease term to land, to lower occupied assets, to some of our older assets that are going to have a higher cap rate. I would tell you, pricing's all over the board. In general, our pricing is, I would say, meeting or exceeding our expectations of when we initially took the assets out to market. The bidder pools are a little deeper. The buyers, if you go back two or three years, we didn't recognize a lot of the buyers on the bid sheets. We're now starting to recognize the buyers on the bid sheets, so more familiar capital. Certainly, the debt capital markets are helping.

Speaker #3: It's a mix of long term single tenant with long weighted average lease term to land to lower occupied assets to , you know , some of our older assets that are going to have a higher cap rate .

Speaker #3: So what I would tell you pricing is all over the board . But in general , our pricing is I would say meeting or exceeding our expectations of when we are when we initially took the assets out to market .

Speaker #3: So the bidder pools are a little deeper and the buyers , if you go back 2 or 3 years , we didn't recognize a lot of the buyers on the bid sheets .

Speaker #3: We're now starting to recognize the buyers on the bid sheets . So more familiar capital , certainly the debt capital markets are helping , I think , on pricing as they've gotten better , whether it be CMBS , the debt funds , you're starting to see some of the banks get more active as well .

Brian Leary: I think on pricing, as they've gotten better, whether it be CMBS, the debt funds, you're starting to see some of the banks get more active as well. In general, there's more liquidity in the capital markets today, and that's starting to help on pricing. With regard to the acquisitions, look, I do think there's more institutional capital coming, making bids. It seems like from what we hear from the brokers, there's more bids on every deal, every subsequent deal that comes out to market. I think there's been a lot of capital that, if you go back a couple of quarters, they were office curious, and now they're getting more active and really constructive on underwriting office acquisitions. I think that is just going to help get this capital markets flywheel turning even more, which is going to be helpful for the office sector.

Speaker #3: So just in general , more there's more liquidity in the capital markets today . And that's starting to help on pricing . With regard to the acquisitions .

Speaker #3: Look , I do think there's more institutional capital coming making bids . It seems like from what we hear from the brokers , there's more bids on every deal , every subsequent deal that comes out to market .

Speaker #3: So I think there's been a lot of capital that if you go back a couple of quarters , they were office curious , and now they're getting more active and really constructive on underwriting office acquisitions .

Speaker #3: So I think that is just going to help get this capital markets flywheel turning even more . And which is going to be helpful for the office sector .

Speaker #9: And then maybe one more, if I could just, you know, I know you guys are constantly turning the portfolio and selling non-core assets.

Ted Klinck: Maybe one more, if I could. I know you guys are constantly turning the portfolio and selling non-core assets and reallocating that capital. As you look at the portfolio today, is there some percentage of it that you would sort of deem as non-core or that you have interest in disposing of over time?

Speaker #9: And in reallocating that capital . But but I guess as you look at the portfolio today , I mean , is there some percentage of it that you would sort of deem as , as non-core or that you are have interest in disposing of over time ?

Speaker #3: You know , we often get asked that and it's really just a continuous portfolio improvement for us as we buy new assets , fund them with dispositions .

Brian Leary: You know, we often get asked that, and it's really just a continuous portfolio improvement for us as we buy new assets, fund them with dispositions. We're sort of pulling from the bottom of the assets. What I would tell you is what was core or non-core a few years, or core a few years ago, it might be non-core today just as a result of growth trends or where we think the long-term growth rate maybe is not what it was a few years ago. We're always evaluating our portfolio. We do it a couple of times a year as a management team and always, you know, reevaluating.

Speaker #3: We're sort of pulling from the bottom of the assets . So and what I would tell you is what was core or non-core a few years or core a few years ago , it might be non-core today , just as a result of growth trends or or where we think the long term growth rate maybe is not what it was a few years ago .

Speaker #3: So, we are always evaluating our portfolio. We do it a couple of times a year as a management team and are always, you know, reevaluating.

Speaker #8: Thanks .

Ted Klinck: Thanks.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Before we move on to our next question, to ask a question, you can do so by pressing Star 1 on your telephone keypad.

Moderator: Thank you. Before we move on to our next question, to ask a question, you can do so by pressing star one on your telephone keypad. Our next question comes from the line of Ronald Kamdem of Morgan Stanley. Your line is now open.

Speaker #1: Our next question comes from the line of Ronald Camden of Morgan Stanley . Your line is now open . Hey .

Brendan Maiorana: Hey, thanks so much. Just two quick ones on clearly the capital recycling is pretty imminent. It says in the next sort of six months. Just curious in terms of just markets, are these all sort of existing markets? Any new markets in there? Just remind us what markets you like to lean into, whether it's Dallas, Atlanta, just what stands out. Thanks.

Speaker #10: Thanks so much . Just two quick ones . Clearly , the capital recycling is pretty imminent . It in the next sort of six months .

Speaker #10: Just curious in terms of just markets , are these all sort of existing markets ? Any new markets in there ? And just remind us what markets you like to lean into , whether it's Dallas , Atlanta .

Speaker #10: Just what stands out . Thanks .

Speaker #3: Sure . Ron . Yeah , you must have missed the early part of the call . We had the same question . So really it's what we're looking at now .

Brian Leary: Sure, Ron. You must have missed the early part of the call. We had the same question. Really, it's what we're looking at now. We're pretty happy with our footprint, and we're looking at assets that are in our existing footprint that would upgrade the portfolio. I don't think we've got any market, our core markets, that we wouldn't add to if the right opportunity comes in. We're looking at stuff really across our entire existing platform.

Speaker #3: We're you know , we're pretty happy with our footprint . And so we're going to we're looking at assets that are in our existing footprint that would upgrade the portfolio .

Speaker #3: So , you know , I don't think we've got any market . Our core markets that we wouldn't add to if the right opportunity comes in .

Speaker #3: But so we're looking at , you know , stuff really across our entire existing platform .

Speaker #10: Great . And then my second question is just on an update on ovation . You know , I know you guys are not looking to do any sort of Eminem development .

Brendan Maiorana: Great. My second question is just on an update on Ovation. I know you guys are not looking to do any sort of M&M development and so forth, but just current thinking there, sort of excitement, could that be at 2026, 2027? Just what the timing could be on that and what the thoughts are. Thanks.

Speaker #10: And so forth , but just current thinking they're sort of excitement . Could that be at 26 , 27 ? Just what what's the timing could be on that and what the thoughts are .

Speaker #10: Thanks .

Speaker #4: Hey Ron , thanks for tossing one over the plate . This is Brian on Ovation . So we now have control over the entire site .

Brian Leary: Hey, Ron. Thanks for tossing one over the plate. This is Brian on Ovation. We now have control over the entire site. For a number of years, we were counting on others to deliver the placemaking part of that, the core of the community. We stepped up over the last few years to take our fate into our hands. We went through an exercise with the City of Franklin to get it completely reentitled in a more integrated mixed-use way that actually got us some additional residential density to go into this vibrant mixed-use place. We have the right retail and multiple-use partners being lined up. We've been in front of the prospects who would come in and open shops and restaurants, and it's been really warmly received. Nashville has very much shown up on every market for a retailer, fashion label. We feel like we're timing it right.

Speaker #4: So for a number of years, we were counting on others to deliver the placemaking part of that, the core of the community.

Speaker #4: So we stepped up over the last few years to kind of take our fate into our hands . And we went through an exercise with the city of Franklin to get it completely re-entitled in a more integrated , mixed use way .

Speaker #4: That actually got us some additional residential density to to go into this vibrant , mixed use place . We have the right retail and multiple use partners kind of being lined up .

Speaker #4: We've been in front of the prospects who would come in and open shops and restaurants , and it's been really warmly received . Nashville has very much shown up on every , you know , market for a retailer , fashion label .

Speaker #4: And so we feel like we're timing it , right . Things are lining up well . So timing to your question , ideally we have some utility and site work to do next year and could be coming out of the ground vertically with a first phase , which would include office , retail and multifamily and potential hotel .

Brian Leary: Things are lining up well. Timing to your question, ideally, we have some utility and site work to do next year and could be coming out of the ground vertically with the first phase, which would include office, retail, and multifamily, and a potential hotel in 2027, opening in the fall of 2028. We also love to see the rent growth in the market for mixed-use office generating about a 20% premium. That'll be core to the underwriting. Thanks for asking about Ovation and more to come.

Speaker #4: In 27 opening in the fall of 28 . We also love to see the rent growth in the market for mixed use office , generating about a 20% premium , so that'll be kind of core to the underwriting .

Speaker #4: But thanks for asking about ovation and more to come .

Speaker #10: Helpful . That's it for me . Thanks so much .

Brendan Maiorana: Helpful. That's it for me. Thanks so much.

Speaker #1: Thank you. There are currently no questions at this time. So, as a final reminder, it is Star One to ask your question.

Moderator: Thank you. There are currently no questions at this time. As a final reminder, it is star one to ask your question.

Speaker #3: Well thank you everybody for joining the call today . And thank you for your interest in Highwoods . And if you have any follow up questions , please feel free to reach out to any of us .

Brian Leary: Thank you, everybody, for joining the call today, and thank you for your interest in Highwoods Properties. If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to reach out to any of us. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you .

Moderator: Thank you. That will conclude today's call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect your line.