MALVERN, PA — CubeSmart (NYSE: CUBE) has released its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2024, revealing a mixed performance in a challenging economic environment.
Key Financial Highlights
- Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for common shareholders were $0.41.
- Funds from operations (FFO), as adjusted, per diluted share stood at $0.64.
- Same-store net operating income (NOI) decreased by 1.2%, with a 0.3% rise in revenue but a 4.2% increase in operating expenses.
- Same-store occupancy averaged 91.5% during the quarter, ending at 91.9%.
Financial Results
CubeSmart reported net income attributable to common shareholders of $94.0 million, down from $97.9 million in the same period last year. Diluted EPS dropped to $0.41 from $0.43. Adjusted FFO was $146.0 million, down from $149.5 million, and adjusted FFO per diluted share decreased to $0.64 from $0.66.
Investment and Development Activity
CubeSmart opened two new development projects costing $61.8 million. These projects are located in New Jersey and New York. The company also has two joint venture development properties under construction in New York, with an expected total investment of $36.9 million.
Third-Party Management
The company added 39 stores to its third-party management platform, bringing the total to 879 stores, which include 57.4 million rentable square feet.
Same-Store Performance
CubeSmart’s same-store portfolio included 598 stores, representing 97.8% of the company’s property NOI. Same-store occupancy was slightly down at 91.9% compared to 92.6% last year. Revenue for these properties grew by 0.3%, while operating expenses increased by 4.2%, resulting in a 1.2% drop in NOI.
Operating Costs and Revenue
The total consolidated portfolio included 615 stores with 44.4 million rentable square feet and a physical occupancy of 91.3%. Revenues rose by $5.4 million, driven by higher management fees and customer storage protection plans. However, property operating expenses increased by $8.3 million due to higher employee medical coverage, property insurance, and taxes.
Interest Expense and Financing
Interest expense decreased slightly to $22.8 million, attributed to a lower average outstanding debt balance and reduced interest rates. The average outstanding debt balance was $2.96 billion with a weighted average effective interest rate of 3.01%.
Dividend and Financial Outlook
CubeSmart declared a quarterly dividend of $0.51 per common share, paid on July 15, 2024. The company maintained its financial outlook, expecting diluted EPS for 2024 to be between $1.71 and $1.77, and adjusted FFO per share to range from $2.61 to $2.67.
Thriving Through Economic Turbulence
CubeSmart’s performance reflects resilience amid economic uncertainties. While revenue from certain segments grew, increased operating expenses and a slight decline in occupancy affected overall profitability. The company’s ongoing development projects and third-party management expansion suggest a long-term growth strategy. However, investors should consider the mixed financial indicators before making decisions.
Is CubeSmart a Buy, Sell, or Hold? Given the current financial metrics and future growth potential, CubeSmart may be a hold for cautious investors awaiting clearer market signals.
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