Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Reports 2024 Second Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (NASDAQ:ROIC) reported its 2024 second quarter results, highlighting key financial and operational achievements. The company posted $7.4 million in net income ($0.06 per diluted share) and $34.1 million in Funds From Operations (FFO) ($0.25 per diluted share). ROIC updated its FFO guidance for 2024 to $1.04 - $1.07 per diluted share.

Operational highlights include a 97.0% portfolio lease rate, a 12.4% increase in same-space cash base rents on new leases, and a 1.7% increase in same-center cash net operating income. The company acquired a $70.1 million dual grocery-anchored shopping center and sold a property for $56.6 million. ROIC also retired a $26.0 million mortgage, leaving only one mortgage remaining.

Positive

• 97.0% portfolio lease rate, increased from 96.4% in the previous quarter
• 12.4% increase in same-space cash base rents on new leases
• 1.7% increase in same-center cash net operating income
• $70.1 million dual grocery-anchored shopping center acquired
• Retired $26.0 million mortgage, leaving only one mortgage remaining
• 98.7% of total gross leasable area unencumbered
• 6.6x net principal debt-to-annualized EBITDA ratio

Negative

• Decrease in GAAP net income from $9.9 million in Q2 2023 to $7.4 million in Q2 2024
• Decrease in FFO from $35.6 million in Q2 2023 to $34.1 million in Q2 2024
• Lowered high end of FFO guidance range for 2024 from $1.09 to $1.07 per diluted share

Insights

Financial Analyst

The financial results from Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (ROIC) suggest a stable performance for the second quarter of 2024. The net income of $7.4 million, while a decline from the previous year's $9.9 million, shows a consistent level of profitability. Funds From Operations (FFO) at $34.1 million, though slightly down from $35.6 million, remains robust. The updated full-year FFO guidance of $1.04 - $1.07 per diluted share aligns well with these strong operating metrics.

The significant increase in same-space cash base rents on new leases (12.4%) and renewals (5.8%) demonstrates effective asset management and leasing strategies. Importantly, the portfolio lease rate improved to 97.0%, indicative of high demand and effective space utilization.

Despite a slight decrease in net income and FFO compared to the same period last year, these results underscore a resilient business model and an efficient capital allocation strategy, evidenced by acquisitions and the retirement of mortgage debt.

Market Research Analyst

The acquisition of the dual grocery-anchored shopping center for $70.1 million is a strategic move for ROIC. Anchored by reputable tenants like Trader Joe’s and Stater Brothers Supermarket, this property is likely to generate consistent foot traffic and stable rental income. This acquisition enhances the company's portfolio, which is already showing a high lease rate of 97.0%.

The sale of a property for $56.6 million in the third quarter suggests that ROIC is actively managing its portfolio to optimize returns. The company's ability to dispose of less strategic assets while acquiring high-performing ones demonstrates a proactive and strategic approach to portfolio management.

Additionally, the almost fully unencumbered gross leasable area (98.7%) provides financial flexibility and indicates a strong balance sheet position, which is important for future growth and acquisitions.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Analyst

ROIC’s continued recognition as a Green Lease Leader at the 'Gold' level reflects its strong commitment to sustainability. Collaborating with tenants on energy efficiency and other environmental issues not only enhances the company's ESG profile but also creates value for tenants and shareholders alike. The recent ESG annual report, prepared in accordance with recognized frameworks like SASB and TCFD, demonstrates transparency and a structured approach to sustainability.

Issuing this report and receiving accolades for environmental stewardship can attract ESG-focused investors, potentially improving the company's market valuation and access to capital. This commitment to ESG principles positions ROIC favorably in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market landscape.

SAN DIEGO, July 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (NASDAQ:ROIC) announced today financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS

• $7.4 million of net income attributable to common stockholders ($0.06 per diluted share)
• $34.1 million in Funds From Operations (FFO)⁽¹⁾ ($0.25 per diluted share)
• FFO per diluted share guidance for 2024 updated ($1.04 - $1.07 per diluted share)
• 97.0% portfolio lease rate at 6/30/24 (increased from 96.4% at 3/31/24)
• 12.4% increase in same-space cash base rents on new leases in 2Q‘24 (5.8% on renewals)
• 1.7% increase in same-center cash net operating income (2Q‘24 vs. 2Q‘23)
• $70.1 million dual grocery-anchored shopping center acquired in 2Q‘24
• $56.6 million property sold in 3Q‘24
• $26.0 million mortgage retired (one mortgage remaining at 6/30/24)
• 98.7% of total gross leasable area unencumbered at 6/30/24
• 6.6x net principal debt-to-annualized EBITDA ratio for 2Q‘24
• Environmental, Social & Governance annual report issued
• $0.15 per share cash dividend declared

_____________________________________

⁽¹⁾ A reconciliation of GAAP net income to FFO is provided at the end of this press release.

Stuart A. Tanz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. stated, “Demand for space continues to propel our business.   During the first six months of 2024, we have already leased over 776,000 square feet of space. In addition, we continue to consistently drive releasing base rents higher, achieving a 12.4% increase in same-space new leases during the second quarter, representing our 50th consecutive quarter of achieving releasing rent growth.” Tanz added “Looking ahead, given our leasing success thus far, we are on track to post another strong, potentially record-setting year of leasing activity and solid portfolio operational results.”

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders was $7.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, as compared to GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders of $9.9 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2023.   For the six months ended June 30, 2024, GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders was $18.4 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, as compared to GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders of $18.1 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

FFO for the second quarter of 2024 was $34.1 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, as compared to $35.6 million in FFO, or $0.27 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2023.   FFO for the first six months of 2024 was $72.1 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, as compared to $69.4 million in FFO, or $0.52 per diluted share for the first six months of 2023. ROIC reports FFO as a supplemental performance measure in accordance with the definition set forth by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. A reconciliation of GAAP net income to FFO is provided at the end of this press release.

For the second quarter of 2024, same-center net operating income (NOI) was $55.6 million, as compared to $54.7 million in same-center NOI for the second quarter of 2023, representing a 1.7% increase.   For the first six months of 2024, same-center NOI increased 3.7% as compared to same-center NOI for the first six months of 2023.   ROIC reports same-center NOI on a cash basis.   A reconciliation of GAAP operating income to same-center NOI is provided at the end of this press release.

At June 30, 2024, ROIC had total real estate assets (before accumulated depreciation) of approximately $3.5 billion and approximately $1.4 billion of principal debt outstanding, including $164.0 million outstanding on its $600.0 million unsecured credit facility.   For the second quarter of 2024, ROIC’s net principal debt-to-annualized EBITDA ratio was 6.6 times.   During the second quarter of 2024, ROIC retired a $26.0 million mortgage.   As a result, ROIC has one mortgage loan currently outstanding, totaling $33.6 million, maturing in October 2025.   At June 30, 2024, 98.7% of ROIC’s total gross leasable area was unencumbered.

ACQUISITION & DISPOSITION SUMMARY

Bressi Ranch Village Center

In April 2024, ROIC acquired Bressi Ranch Village Center for $70.1 million. The property is approximately 116,000 square feet and is anchored by two supermarkets, Trader Joe’s and Stater Brothers Supermarket. The shopping center is part of a master-planned community, located in Carlsbad, California, within the San Diego metropolitan area. The property is currently 98.4% leased.

Subsequent to the second quarter, in July 2024 ROIC sold one property for $56.6 million.

PROPERTY OPERATIONS SUMMARY

At June 30, 2024, ROIC’s portfolio was 97.0% leased.   During the second quarter of 2024, ROIC executed 131 leases, totaling 392,746 square feet, including 40 new leases, totaling 116,651 square feet, achieving a 12.4% increase in same-space comparative base rent, and 91 renewed leases, totaling 276,095 square feet, achieving a 5.8% increase in base rent.    ROIC reports same-space comparative base rent on a cash basis.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE SUMMARY

In April 2024, ROIC was selected, for the fourth consecutive year, as a Green Lease Leader by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Alliance and the Institute for Market Transformation. Specifically, ROIC was awarded 2024 Green Lease Leader “Gold” level designation in recognition of its continued success in collaborating with tenants on energy efficiency, decarbonization, air quality and other environmental and social issues.

In June 2024, ROIC issued its fifth Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) annual report, detailing its ESG achievements during 2023, as well as its ongoing initiatives and goals.   The report was prepared in accordance with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The report is available at: https://www.roireit.net/esg

DIVIDEND SUMMARY

On July 10, 2024, ROIC distributed a $0.15 per share cash dividend. On July 23, 2024, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on October 4, 2024 to stockholders of record on September 20, 2024.

2024 GUIDANCE SUMMARY

ROIC currently estimates that GAAP net income for 2024 will be within the range of $0.25 to $0.28 per diluted share, and FFO will be within the range of $1.04 to $1.07 per diluted share.

		Year Ended December 31, 2024
		Initial (2/14/24)								Current
		Low End				High End				Low End				High End
	(unaudited, amounts in thousands except per share and percentage data)
GAAP net income applicable to stockholders		$	29,400			$	45,300			$	31,374			$	35,336
Funds From Operations – diluted		$	136,500			$	152,600			$	139,360			$	143,380
GAAP net income per diluted share		$	0.24			$	0.34			$	0.25			$	0.28
Funds From Operations per diluted share		$	1.03			$	1.09			$	1.04			$	1.07
Key Drivers
General and administrative expenses		$	23,000			$	22,500			$	23,000			$	22,500
Interest expense and other finance expenses		$	80,000			$	78,000			$	80,000			$	78,000
Straight-line rent		$	—			$	1,500			$	600			$	1,500
Amortization of above-market and below-market rent		$	14,000			$	14,000			$	14,300			$	14,300
Bad debt		$	5,000			$	3,000			$	4,000			$	3,000
Acquisitions (net of dispositions)		$	100,000			$	300,000			$	13,500			$	13,500
Equity issued		$	60,000			$	180,000			$	—			$	—
Same-center NOI growth			1.0	%			2.0	%			1.0	%			2.0	%

ROIC’s management will discuss guidance, and the underlying assumptions, on ROIC’s July 24, 2024 conference call. ROIC’s guidance is a forward-looking statement and is subject to risks and other factors noted elsewhere in this press release.

CONFERENCE CALL

ROIC will conduct a conference call to discuss its results on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

To participate in the conference call, click on the following link (ten minutes prior to the call) to register:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BI692eaed31e884afba881ed8019ea4cae

Once registered, participants will have the option of: 1) dialing in from their phone (using a PIN); or 2) clicking the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly to their phone.

The conference call will also be available live (in a listen-only mode) at: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jen6w4d4

The conference call will be recorded and available for replay following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will be accessible up to one year on ROIC’s website, specifically on its Investor Relations Events & Presentations page:
https://investor.roicreit.com/events-presentations

ABOUT RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (NASDAQ: ROIC), is a fully-integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in the acquisition, ownership and management of grocery-anchored shopping centers located in densely-populated, metropolitan markets across the West Coast. As of June 30, 2024, ROIC owned 95 shopping centers encompassing approximately 10.7 million square feet. ROIC is the largest publicly-traded, grocery-anchored shopping center REIT focused exclusively on the West Coast. ROIC is a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and has investment-grade corporate debt ratings from Moody's Investor Services, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, Inc. Additional information is available at: www.roireit.net.

When used herein, the words "believes," "anticipates," "projects," "should," "estimates," "expects," “guidance” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements with the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in Section 21F of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain statements contained herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results of ROIC to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Information regarding such risks and factors is described in ROIC's filings with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available at: www.roireit.net.

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share data)
	June 30, 2024 (unaudited)				December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Real Estate Investments:
Land	$	986,857			$	967,251
Building and improvements		2,555,541				2,500,647
		3,542,398				3,467,898
Less:  accumulated depreciation		689,352				654,543
		2,853,046				2,813,355
Mortgage note receivable		4,647				4,694
Real Estate Investments, net		2,857,693				2,818,049
Cash and cash equivalents		2,114				6,302
Restricted cash		—				2,116
Tenant and other receivables, net		59,410				61,193
Acquired lease intangible assets, net		44,694				42,791
Prepaid expenses		2,760				3,354
Deferred charges, net		27,660				27,294
Other assets		17,199				16,541
Total assets	$	3,011,530			$	2,977,640
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities:
Term loan	$	199,866			$	199,745
Credit facility		164,000				75,000
Senior Notes		1,044,523				1,043,593
Mortgage notes payable		33,648				60,052
Acquired lease intangible liabilities, net		133,561				137,820
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		44,579				50,598
Tenants’ security deposits		8,571				8,205
Other liabilities		38,783				39,420
Total liabilities		1,667,531				1,614,433
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding		—				—
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 127,454,354 and 126,904,085 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		13				13
Additional paid-in capital		1,646,267				1,643,908
Accumulated dividends in excess of earnings		(377,091	)			(357,160	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		234				559
Total Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. stockholders’ equity		1,269,423				1,287,320
Non-controlling interests		74,576				75,887
Total equity		1,343,999				1,363,207
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,011,530			$	2,977,640

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues
Rental revenue	$	82,219			$	79,630			$	166,779			$	158,629
Other income		1,101				2,410				1,871				2,707
Total revenues		83,320				82,040				168,650				161,336
Operating expenses
Property operating		14,472				13,581				28,555				27,783
Property taxes		8,488				8,924				17,048				17,768
Depreciation and amortization		26,331				25,126				52,600				50,230
General and administrative expenses		5,682				5,776				11,364				11,096
Other expense		505				482				657				654
Total operating expenses		55,478				53,889				110,224				107,531
Operating income		27,842				28,151				58,426				53,805
Non-operating expenses
Interest expense and other finance expenses		(20,043	)			(17,633	)			(38,962	)			(34,591	)
Net income		7,799				10,518				19,464				19,214
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests		(433	)			(589	)			(1,080	)			(1,143	)
Net Income Attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.	$	7,366			$	9,929			$	18,384			$	18,071
Earnings per share – basic and diluted	$	0.06			$	0.08			$	0.14			$	0.14
Dividends per common share	$	0.15			$	0.15			$	0.30			$	0.30

CALCULATION OF FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (In thousands)
	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
Net income attributable to ROIC	$	7,366		$	9,929		$	18,384		$	18,071
Plus:  Depreciation and amortization		26,331			25,126			52,600			50,230
Funds from operations – basic		33,697			35,055			70,984			68,301
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests		433			589			1,080			1,143
Funds from operations – diluted	$	34,130		$	35,644		$	72,064		$	69,444

	SAME-CENTER CASH NET OPERATING INCOME ANALYSIS (Unaudited) (In thousands, except number of shopping centers and percentages)
		Three Months Ended June 30,															Six Months Ended June 30,
			2024				2023			$ Change				% Change				2024				2023			$ Change				% Change
Number of shopping centers included in same-center analysis			92				92											92				92
Same-center leased rate			97.0	%			98.3	%						(1.3)	%			97.0	%			98.3	%						(1.3)	%
Revenues:
	Base rents	$	57,606			$	57,008			$	598			1.0	%		$	115,112			$	113,229			$	1,883			1.7	%
	Recoveries from tenants		20,414				19,812				602			3.0	%			40,846				39,981				865			2.2	%
	Other property income		882				1,289				(407	)		(31.6)	%			1,456				1,409				47			3.3	%
	Bad debt		(544	)			(864	)			320			(37.0)	%			(1,074	)			(1,775	)			701			(39.5)	%
Total Revenues			78,358				77,245				1,113			1.4	%			156,340				152,844				3,496			2.3	%
Operating Expenses
	Property operating expenses		14,549				13,713				836			6.1	%			28,567				28,020				547			2.0	%
	Property taxes		8,184				8,851				(667	)		(7.5)	%			16,600				17,601				(1,001	)		(5.7)	%
Total Operating Expenses			22,733				22,564				169			0.7	%			45,167				45,621				(454	)		(1.0)	%
Same-Center Cash Net Operating Income		$	55,625			$	54,681			$	944			1.7	%		$	111,173			$	107,223			$	3,950			3.7	%

SAME-CENTER CASH NET OPERATING INCOME RECONCILIATION (Unaudited) (In thousands)
	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
GAAP operating income	$	27,842			$	28,151			$	58,426			$	53,805
Depreciation and amortization		26,331				25,126				52,600				50,230
General and administrative expenses		5,682				5,776				11,364				11,096
Other expense		505				482				657				654
Straight-line rent		(231	)			(979	)			(423	)			(1,326	)
Amortization of above-market and below-market rent, net		(2,664	)			(2,609	)			(9,321	)			(5,473	)
Property revenues and other expenses (1)		68				(564	)			129				(566	)
Total Company cash NOI		57,533				55,383				113,432				108,420
Non same-center cash NOI		(1,908	)			(702	)			(2,259	)			(1,197	)
Same-center cash NOI	$	55,625			$	54,681			$	111,173			$	107,223

____________________

(1)   Includes anchor lease termination fees, net of contractual amounts, if any, expense and recovery adjustments related to prior periods and other miscellaneous adjustments.

NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES

Funds from operations (“FFO”), is a widely recognized non-GAAP financial measure for REITs that the Company believes when considered with financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, provides additional and useful means to assess its financial performance. FFO is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate the performance of REITs, most of which present FFO along with net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company computes FFO in accordance with the “White Paper” on FFO published by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), which defines FFO as net income attributable to common stockholders (determined in accordance with GAAP) excluding gains or losses from debt restructuring, sales of depreciable property and impairments, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for partnerships and unconsolidated joint ventures.

The Company uses cash net operating income (“NOI”) internally to evaluate and compare the operating performance of the Company’s properties. The Company believes cash NOI provides useful information to investors regarding the Company’s financial condition and results of operations because it reflects only those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level, and when compared across periods, can be used to determine trends in earnings of the Company’s properties as this measure is not affected by the non-cash revenue and expense recognition items, the cost of the Company’s funding, the impact of depreciation and amortization expenses, gains or losses from the acquisition and sale of operating real estate assets, general and administrative expenses or other gains and losses that relate to the Company’s ownership of properties. The Company believes the exclusion of these items from operating income is useful because the resulting measure captures the actual revenue generated and actual expenses incurred in operating the Company’s properties as well as trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs. Cash NOI is a measure of the operating performance of the Company’s properties but does not measure the Company’s performance as a whole and is therefore not a substitute for net income or operating income as computed in accordance with GAAP. The Company defines cash NOI as operating revenues (base rent and recoveries from tenants), less property and related expenses (property operating expenses and property taxes), adjusted for non-cash revenue and operating expense items such as straight-line rent and amortization of lease intangibles, debt-related expenses and other adjustments. Cash NOI also excludes general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, acquisition transaction costs, other expense, interest expense, gains and losses from property acquisitions and dispositions, extraordinary items, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. Other REITs may use different methodologies for calculating cash NOI, and accordingly, the Company’s cash NOI may not be comparable to other REITs.

Contact:
Nicolette O’Leary
Director of Investor Relations
858-677-0900
noleary@roireit.net

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FAQ

What was ROIC's net income for Q2 2024?

ROIC reported a net income of $7.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024.

How much did ROIC's same-center net operating income (NOI) increase in Q2 2024?

ROIC's same-center net operating income (NOI) increased by 1.7% in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023.

What is ROIC's updated FFO guidance for 2024?

ROIC updated its FFO guidance for 2024 to a range of $1.04 to $1.07 per diluted share.

What was the value of the shopping center ROIC acquired in Q2 2024?

ROIC acquired Bressi Ranch Village Center for $70.1 million in Q2 2024.

What is ROIC's current portfolio lease rate as of June 30, 2024?

ROIC's portfolio lease rate was 97.0% as of June 30, 2024.