EastGroup Q4 2023 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
EastGroup Properties reported a strong fourth quarter in 2023, with FFO per share increasing by 11.5% and EPS at $1.35 compared to $0.89 in Q4 2022. The company benefited from a rise in property net operating income and gains on sales of real estate investments. EastGroup also made strategic acquisitions and dispositions, and continued to strengthen its balance sheet.
Net income attributable to common stockholders was $1.35 per diluted share, compared to $0.89 for Q4 2022, with gains on sales of real estate investments contributing $0.28 per diluted share.
Funds from Operations (FFO) reached $2.03 per diluted share, an 11.5% increase from $1.82 per diluted share in Q4 2022.
Same Property Net Operating Income, excluding income from lease terminations, increased by 6.8% on a straight-line basis and 7.5% on a cash basis.
The operating portfolio was 98.7% leased and 98.2% occupied as of December 31, 2023, with average occupancy at 98.1% for the quarter.
EastGroup
EastGroup
Forward Guidance
EastGroup Properties provided its outlook for 2024, projecting EPS to be in the range of $4.09 to $4.29 and FFO per share to be in the range of $8.17 to $8.37.
Positive Outlook
- FFO per share is projected to increase over the prior year.
- Same PNOI growth is expected to be solid.
- The company anticipates continued development starts.
- Operating property acquisitions are planned.
- Common stock issuances are expected to generate gross proceeds.
Challenges Ahead
- Economic conditions could impact performance.
- Construction costs may increase due to inflation.
- Occupancy or rental rates may fluctuate.
- There are potential risks related to lease defaults or non-renewals.
- Changes in laws or governmental regulations could increase costs.