Release Date: October 31, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Paramount Group Inc (PGRE, Financial) reported core FFO of $0.19 per share, exceeding consensus estimates by a penny.
- The company leased 179,000 square feet in the third quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to 655,000 square feet.
- The Paramount Club at 1301 6th Avenue has been well-received, enhancing tenant retention and attraction.
- The addition of high-profile tenants like Din Tai Fung and La Pecora Bianca has added energy and sophistication to their properties.
- The company has a robust balance sheet with approximately $412 million in cash and restricted cash, providing financial flexibility.
Negative Points
- JP Morgan renewed only 10% of their expiring space at One Front Street, indicating challenges in tenant retention.
- The San Francisco leasing market remains challenging, with most leases being short-term renewals.
- The company's same-store portfolio-wide lease occupancy rate decreased to 84.7%, down 160 basis points quarter over quarter.
- The board suspended the regular quarterly dividend to enhance financial resilience, retaining over $30 million in cash annually.
- The leasing market in San Francisco is still recovering, with elevated supply and a slow return to pre-pandemic levels.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you provide an update on the Market Centre debt sale and its market reception?
A: Wilbur Paes, CFO, COO, and Treasurer, stated that the debt is currently being marketed for sale by the lenders. While Paramount Group is not managing the process, they anticipate a resolution in the near future due to its current market status.
Q: What is causing the decrease in leased rate guidance despite increased leasing volume guidance?
A: Wilbur Paes explained that the leasing volume guidance increased due to some leases being pulled back. The team assessed the pipeline and adjusted the probability of deals closing within the next two months, leading to a reduction in leased rate guidance. The company expects a strong fourth quarter with significant absorption.
Q: When do you expect to see a trough in occupancy, considering current headwinds and tenant negotiations?
A: Albert Behler, CEO, noted that New York's market is more vibrant, and occupancy is expected to increase soon. However, San Francisco might see lower occupancy due to market conditions, though there is optimism about recovery as office demand returns.
Q: How does Paramount Group view potential acquisitions versus share buybacks, and what returns are necessary to proceed with acquisitions?
A: Albert Behler stated that share buybacks would be leverage-neutral, and acquisitions would involve limited PGRE equity. The focus is on strategic partnerships with high double-digit returns, leveraging their platform and relationships with investors interested in office investments.
Q: How is Paramount Group assessing AI tenant demand in San Francisco, and does their portfolio align with AI companies' needs?
A: Peter Brindley, EVP, Head of Real Estate, mentioned that AI demand is contributing significantly to leasing velocity. While AI companies often seek smaller sublet opportunities, Paramount is engaging with them, and their portfolio is positioned to appeal to these companies seeking built space and quick moves.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
