EastGroup's Q2 2025 Earnings Call: Navigating Tariff Impacts and Leasing Uncertainty

Tariff impact on leasing activity, leasing activity and market uncertainty, stability in leasing spreads, tariff impact and market uncertainty, development leasing progress are the key contradictions discussed in EastGroup Properties' latest 2025Q2 earnings call.



Strong Occupancy and Funds From Operations (FFO):
- EastGroup Properties reported funds from operations of $2.21 per share for Q2 2025, up 7.8% from the previous year, excluding involuntary conversions.
- The occupancy rate was 95.9%, with average quarterly occupancy at 95.9%.
- The growth was driven by high occupancy levels and re-leasing spreads, although the company noted slower development leasing due to tariff uncertainties.

Development and Leasing Challenges:
- EastGroup revised its 2025 starts projection to $215 million, down from prior forecasts.
- Larger tenancy decision-making was elongated, impacting development leasing, which slowed due to tariff and macroeconomic uncertainty.
- The company emphasized maintaining occupancy and leasing at its pace, despite slower development leasing, which was attributed to uncertainties affecting larger tenancy decisions.

Financial Strength and Capital Management:
- EastGroup's debt-to-total market capitalization was 14.2%, with a unadjusted debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3.0x.
- The company utilized its credit facilities, with $194 million obtained from settling forward share agreements, indicating strong financial flexibility.
- Brent W. Wood mentioned that equity was priced below its earnings growth expectations, allowing for strategic capital allocation decisions.

Geographic Diversification and Acquisitions:
- EastGroup expanded its market ownership in Raleigh to 600,000 square feet, positioning it near Research Triangle Park.
- The strategic acquisition was driven by EastGroup's preference for markets with geographic and revenue diversity to stabilize earnings.
- The strategic acquisition was meant to enhance geographic diversity and benefit from specific submarket dynamics, such as low vacancy and proximity to research facilities.