NexPoint Residential Trust Inc (NXRT) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript Highlights: A Strong Rebound with Strategic Insights

From net losses to robust gains, NXRT showcases a significant financial turnaround and strategic maneuvers in the first quarter of 2024.

Summary
  • Net Income: $26.3 million for Q1 2024, compared to a net loss of $4 million in Q1 2023.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): $1 per diluted share for Q1 2024, versus a loss of $0.15 per diluted share in Q1 2023.
  • Total Revenue: $67.5 million in Q1 2024, down from $69.2 million in Q1 2023.
  • Same-Store Rent: Decreased by 0.4%.
  • Same-Store Occupancy: Increased by 0.3% to 94.7%.
  • Same-Store Expenses: Increased by 1.8%.
  • Same-Store Net Operating Income (NOI): Increased by 4% compared to Q1 2023.
  • Core Funds From Operations (FFO): $19.6 million or $0.75 per diluted share, up from $0.71 per diluted share in Q1 2023.
  • Dividend: Paid a Q1 dividend of $0.46 per share, covered 1.61 times by core FFO with a payout ratio of 56.3%.
  • Liquidity: $37.1 million in cash and $335 million available on the corporate credit facility as of March 31, 2024.
  • Property Sales: Sold Old Farm for $103 million, generating $49.4 million in net sales proceeds.
  • Share Buyback: Purchased approximately 8.5 million shares at an average price of $31.75 per share.
  • Net Asset Value (NAV) Per Share: Estimated range from $44.45 to $58.97, with a midpoint of $52.44.
  • Guidance for 2024: Core FFO per diluted share expected between $2.60 and $2.85, with a midpoint of $2.72.
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Release Date: April 30, 2024

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

Q & A Highlights

Q: What does concession usage look like across the portfolio? Is concession usage picking up in April versus 1Q 24?
A: Matthew McGraner, Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, Company Secretary, noted that concession usage typically picks up in the second and third quarters and then wanes in the fourth. He mentioned that the use of concessions has begun to dissipate, and while they are still underwriting the need for concessions, they are optimistic about reducing their use.

Q: How far are you guys to the various upgrade opportunities within the portfolio?
A: Matthew McGraner explained that they are essentially done with technology package upgrades, having completed over 12,000. He highlighted ongoing opportunities with washer and dryer installations and bespoke upgrades, estimating about 1.5 to 2 years of internal growth potential left as they manage supply dynamics.

Q: Can you discuss the guidance for same-store NOI, which shows a full-year projection of between -2% to 2%, despite a strong first quarter?
A: Matthew McGraner clarified that the guidance accounts for potential challenges such as lease gains and general property performance amidst increasing supply. The wide guidance range is maintained to provide flexibility until they have a clearer view of the market post-spring leasing season.

Q: Regarding the interest swaps expiring this year, how are you planning to manage this, considering many are currently beneficial to your costs?
A: Matthew McGraner indicated they are monitoring interest rates closely and are hesitant to add more swaps at peak rates. He emphasized the company's ability to maintain current FFO levels through moderate same-store NOI growth, even as these swaps expire.

Q: What drove the significant decrease in the interest expense line item this quarter?
A: Bonner McDermett, Vice President, Asset and Investment Management, attributed the decrease primarily to non-cash mark-to-market adjustments on their interest swaps, influenced by changes in the forward interest rate curve.

Q: Are share buybacks being prioritized over acquisitions currently?
A: Matthew McGraner confirmed that share buybacks are currently prioritized due to the significant gap between public and private market valuations. He noted the lack of attractive market transactions as a factor in this decision.

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