National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE: NSA) today reported the company’s second quarter 2022 results.
Second Quarter 2022 Highlights
- Reported net income of $48.4 million for the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 35.7% compared to the second quarter of 2021. Reported diluted earnings per share of $0.24 for the second quarter of 2022 compared to $0.25 for the second quarter of 2021.
- Reported core funds from operations (“Core FFO”) of $91.6 million, or $0.71 per share for the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 29.1% per share compared to the second quarter of 2021.
- Reported an increase in same store net operating income (“NOI”) of 17.3% for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, driven by a 14.6% increase in same store total revenues partially offset by an increase of 7.6% in same store property operating expenses.
- Reported same store period-end occupancy of 95.2% as of June 30, 2022, a decrease of 140 basis points compared to June 30, 2021.
- Acquired eight wholly-owned self storage properties for approximately $114.5 million during the second quarter of 2022. Consideration for these acquisitions included the issuance of $13.9 million of OP equity.
- One of the company’s unconsolidated real estate ventures acquired seven self storage properties for approximately $207.6 million. The venture financed the acquisition with capital contributions from the venture members, of which the company contributed approximately $51.9 million.
- Executed an agreement with lenders for a new $285 million term loan which matures in seven years and has an effective, variable interest rate of 3.34% as of June 30, 2022.
- Announced the promotion of David Cramer, 58, who was previously the company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer to the position of president and chief operating officer, effective July 1, 2022.
- Kroll Bond Rating Agency upgraded the issuer credit rating of NSA’s operating partnership to BBB+ with a Stable Outlook from BBB with a Positive Outlook.
As the economy enters more challenging times, NSA’s differentiated structure and exposure to secondary, suburban and sunbelt markets should continue to benefit all of our stakeholders.”
Highlights Subsequent to Quarter-End
- Acquired six wholly-owned self storage properties for approximately $71.6 million.
- On July 11, 2022, NSA approved a share repurchase program authorizing, but not obligating, the repurchase of up to $400 million of NSA’s common shares of beneficial interest from time to time. NSA expects to acquire shares through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions, if any, will be determined by NSA’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, legal requirements and other factors.
Tamara Fischer, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We’re exceptionally pleased to deliver another quarter of double-digit growth in same store NOI and Core FFO per share, both of which remain well above industry historical averages. We were also active on the acquisition front, closing on the acquisition of 15 stores valued at over $320 million. As the economy enters more challenging times, NSA’s differentiated structure and exposure to secondary, suburban and sunbelt markets should continue to benefit all of our stakeholders.” Regarding the establishment of its share repurchase program, Ms. Fischer continued, “We’re pleased that our board has authorized the program which provides strategic flexibility to our capital investment opportunities. Based on our outlook for NSA, the depressed stock price provides a compelling opportunity to deliver an outstanding long-term ROI for our shareholders.”
Financial Results
Net income increased $12.8 million for the second quarter of 2022 and $29.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 (“year-to-date”) as compared to the same periods in 2021. These increases resulted primarily from additional NOI generated from the 206 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, same store NOI growth, increases in management fees and other revenue, and an increase in equity in earnings from the company’s unconsolidated real estate ventures, partially offset by increases in depreciation and amortization, interest expense and general and administrative expenses.
The increases in FFO and Core FFO for the second quarter of 2022 and year-to-date were primarily the result of incremental NOI from properties acquired between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 and same store NOI growth, partially offset by an increase in interest expense.
Same Store Operating Results (629 Stores)
Year-over-year same store total revenues increased 14.6% for the second quarter of 2022 and 15.6% year-to-date as compared to the same periods in 2021. The increase for the second quarter was driven primarily by a 14.9% increase in average annualized rental revenue per occupied square foot, partially offset by a 10 basis point decrease in average occupancy. The year-to-date increase was driven primarily by a 120 basis point increase in average occupancy and a 14.3% increase in average annualized rental revenue per occupied square foot. Markets which generated above portfolio average same store total revenue growth include: Atlanta, Riverside-San Bernardino and Sarasota. Markets which generated below portfolio average same store total revenue growth include: Portland, Colorado Springs and Kansas City.
Year-over-year same store property operating expenses increased 7.6% for the second quarter of 2022 and 5.4% year-to-date as compared to the same periods in 2021. The increases primarily resulted from increases in property tax expense and utilities.
Investment Activity
During the second quarter, NSA invested $114.5 million in the acquisition of eight wholly-owned self storage properties consisting of approximately 685,000 rentable square feet configured in approximately 5,400 storage units. Total consideration for these acquisitions included approximately $100.0 million of net cash, $13.9 million of OP units, and the assumption of approximately $0.6 million of other liabilities. Additionally, one of the company’s unconsolidated real estate ventures acquired seven self storage properties for approximately $207.6 million. The venture financed the acquisition with capital contributions from the venture members, of which the company contributed approximately $51.9 million.
Balance Sheet
On April 11, 2022, Kroll Bond Rating Agency upgraded the issuer credit rating of the company’s operating partnership to BBB+ with a Stable Outlook from BBB with a Positive Outlook.
On June 24, 2022, NSA entered into an agreement with a syndicated group of lenders for a new $285 million unsecured term loan, including an expansion option, which, if exercised in full, would provide for total borrowings of up to $300 million. The term loan matures in seven years and has an effective, variable interest rate of 3.34% as of June 30, 2022, and is subject to leverage and credit rating-based margins ranging from 1.55% to 2.2% over SOFR. NSA used the proceeds from the term loan to repay outstanding amounts under its revolving line of credit.
Common Share Dividends
On May 25, 2022, NSA’s Board of Trustees declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per common share, representing a 45% increase from the second quarter 2021 and a 10% increase from the previous quarter. The second quarter 2022 dividend was paid on June 30, 2022 to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2022.
2022 Guidance
NSA reaffirms its previously provided FFO guidance estimates and related assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2022. The 2022 same store pool changed from 631 stores at March 31, 2022 to 629 stores at June 30, 2022 due to significant expansions at two of our properties.
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