Core FFO Beat and Full-Year Results
Reported core FFO per share of $0.57 for Q4 and $2.23 for the full year, at the high end of guidance and above consensus; full-year same-store NOI and same-store revenue finished at the high end of guidance ranges.
Sequential Same-Store Revenue and Occupancy Improvement
Same-store revenue decline narrowed to -70 basis points in Q4 (versus -260 bps in Q3) with sequential monthly improvement; year-end occupancy down 70 basis points (improved from -140 bps at Q3 end); January occupancy was +20 basis points year-over-year and that trend continued into February.
Average Revenue Per Square Foot Growth
Average revenue per occupied square foot grew ~100 basis points year-over-year in Q4, partially offsetting occupancy headwinds and contributing to improved RevPath.
Strong Rental Volume and Conversion
Rental volume improved materially (sq ft basis ~11% higher year-over-year in Q4), with management citing higher top-of-funnel activity, improved conversion rates and successful marketing/AI-driven pricing and promotions.
Expense Control and Payroll Savings
Operating expenses declined ~80 basis points in Q4; payroll costs decreased 4.1% in Q4 and 2.8% for the full year due to hours/operations optimization and call center/digital efficiencies.
Marketing Investments Driving Growth
Marketing spend increased 37% in Q4 and 31% for the full year as management prioritized customer acquisition where returns were evident, helping drive improved rental volumes and search/conversion performance.
Portfolio Optimization and Brand Consolidation
Continued portfolio optimization: consolidated another brand (down to six), exited 5 states and sold 15 properties totaling $97 million (full year); acquired 10 properties totaling $75 million across JVs and on-balance sheet; Q4 sales of $24M plus subsequent $21M, and a $10M acquisition post-quarter.
Liquidity and Access to Capital
Maintained liquidity with ~$400M revolver balance and ~$550M availability; management believes it has optionality to address $375M of 2026 maturities and access to term loan, private placement and secured markets.
New Preferred Equity Platform Off to a Start
Launched a preferred equity investments platform (2-year target deployment); already has 3 properties under contract totaling over $50M, providing an additional growth channel alongside JVs.