Release Date: May 07, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Hudson Pacific Properties Inc (HPP, Financial) achieved its highest quarterly leasing activity since Q2 2022, signing 630,000 square feet of new and renewal leases.
- The company successfully closed on asset sales generating $97 million in liquidity, with plans for additional sales of $125 million to $150 million.
- AI office leasing in San Francisco showed significant growth, with over 0.5 million square feet leased in the first quarter.
- The company reported a strong leasing pipeline, with 2.1 million square feet in late-stage deals, indicating potential future growth.
- Hudson Pacific Properties Inc (HPP) has made significant cost reductions at Quixote, achieving $14.2 million in annualized savings.
Negative Points
- First quarter 2025 revenue decreased to $198.5 million from $214 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to asset sales and lower office occupancy.
- The company's first quarter FFO, excluding specified items, dropped to $12.9 million or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to $24.2 million or $0.17 per diluted share a year ago.
- Same-store cash NOI decreased to $93.2 million from $103.4 million in the first quarter last year, mainly due to lower office occupancy.
- Hudson Pacific Properties Inc (HPP) faces challenges in Los Angeles due to devastating fires and budget woes, impacting the studio business.
- The company anticipates lower office NOI and higher interest expenses in the second quarter, which could negatively impact financial performance.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you comment on the cash rent spreads achieved in the quarter and any trends in concessions?
A: Mark Lammas, President, stated that the cash rent spreads were in line with expectations. Adjusted for a significant lease with the City and County of San Francisco, cash rents would have decreased by 8.8%. Net effective rents are holding up well, being 4% higher year-over-year and only 7% lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Q: Are tariffs impacting the studio business or tenant behaviors?
A: Victor Coleman, CEO, mentioned that it's too early to see the impact of tariffs. However, the federal government's awareness and potential support for the studio industry, alongside state tax credits, could positively impact production in the U.S.
Q: How are you managing the paydown of private placement notes, and what are your plans for the revolver?
A: Harout Diramerian, CFO, explained that they are using the revolver to prepay the notes, clearing the path for unsecured debt through 2027. They maintain a strong relationship with lead bankers and view the revolver as an evergreen instrument.
Q: Can you provide more details on asset sales guidance and potential sales?
A: Victor Coleman, CEO, stated that they are focusing on non-core assets for sales, with a conservative estimate of $125 million to $150 million in asset sales. They are evaluating other potential sales but will only disclose details once assets are under contract.
Q: How is the team approaching large block leasing, and what is the status of major vacancies?
A: Arthur Suazo, EVP of Leasing, reported active negotiations for significant spaces, including Hill7 and 1160 Wilshire. They are close to securing leases that would significantly increase occupancy in these properties.
Q: What are the risks and plans for refinancing the Hollywood media portfolio debt?
A: Victor Coleman, CEO, expressed confidence in refinancing without requiring a paydown, given the strong leasing status. They are actively engaging with lenders and have fallback options in place if needed.
Q: Can you elaborate on the cost-cutting initiatives at Quixote and their impact?
A: Mark Lammas, President, detailed that cost-cutting involved early lease terminations and fleet reductions, resulting in $14 million in savings. This should improve NOI and lower the breakeven show count for Quixote.
Q: What drove the reduction in G&A guidance?
A: Harout Diramerian, CFO, noted that ongoing cost-cutting initiatives, particularly in payroll-related expenses, contributed to the reduced G&A guidance.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
