Paul W. Freddo
Analyst · Bank of America
Thanks, Dan. As Dan mentioned, I will briefly highlight the leasing results for the third quarter before addressing recent activity in the portfolio that is consistent with the strategic growth levers we discussed in Charlotte. We posted another strong quarter with significant leasing volume, resulting in a 20 basis point improvement in the leased rate over the second quarter and 80 basis points year-over-year while achieving further improvement in leasing spreads. Despite a portfolio leased rate of nearly 95%, we leased over 3 million square feet during the quarter. We executed 210 new deals for 900,000 square feet, achieving a positive pro rata spread of 14.5% and 12.3% at 100% ownership. We also executed 233 renewals for 2.1 million square feet at a pro rata spread of 7% and 7.4% at 100% ownership. This represents our highest renewal spread in 21 quarters and is the continuation of a significant trend we're seeing in the portfolio. Combined, pro rata spreads for the quarter were 8.6% and 8.4% at 100% ownership, again displaying the continued outperformance of the wholly-owned portfolio which illustrates the impact of our capital recycling program and quality improvement. As for examples of the strategic growth leverage we are pursuing, the consolidation of small shops space continues to be a robust area of growth in our portfolio. At Commonwealth Center, a newly acquired power center in Richmond, Virginia, we recently finalized a new 10-year deal with Ulta which resulted in a consolidation of 6 formal small-shop units. This deal consolidated 3 chronically vacant small shop units and 3 units previously occupied by local, low-credit retailers with high turnover. We successfully consolidated these 6 units into a single 10,000 square-foot box and achieved a 100% increase in rent and recovery rate for the consolidated space, increased the credit quality of cash flow, outperformed our original underwriting, generated significant value creation, and introduced a great retailer to the overall merchandising mix of the center. Our continued proactive consolidation of small shop space has contributed to the improvement in our leased rate for units less than 5000 square feet by 110 basis points over the second quarter to 86.3%. Our long-term occupancy goal for this space is at least 90% but we will continue to reduce exposure to this category given its nature of lower credit quality tenants and high turnover. Naked leases and redevelopment were 2 other strategic growth levers highlighted at Investor Day that continue to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns and considerable rent and growth through the proactive leasing of units occupied by tenants with no options, near-term lease expirations, and below-market rents. A recent example of these growth levers can be highlighted by activity at Brentwood Promenade in St. Louis, a 300,000 square-foot market dominant prime power center anchored by Target, Trader Joe's, Bed Bath, PetSmart and World's Market. We had a large-format jewelry store whose lease expired in January 2013 with no options and therefore no control of the space. With a prominent location adjacent to World Market, and a recently expanded Trader Joe's, we developed a merchandise plan that calls for the redevelopment of this portion of the center. After raising the 10,000 square-foot jewelry store, we constructed 19,000 square feet of new GLA, which is now fully occupied by Ulta, Carter's, and Lane Bryant. All 3 recently celebrated their grand openings within 9 months of the former tenants' expiration. The recapture of the jewelry store and redevelopment resulted in 3 new traffic driving retailers with strong credit profiles, positive comps, additional GLA, and ultimately, a 16% unlevered cash-on-cost deal. As highlighted at Investor Day, we have identified over 120 anchors in prime centers that represent naked leases, and mark-to-market opportunities. Additionally, given the evolution of the portfolio and continued flexibility exhibited by retailers, we have identified an additional $500 million of redevelopment opportunities. The small shop consolidation in Richmond and the recapture and redevelopment of the naked lease in St. Louis are just 2 examples that highlight the proactive approach we're taking throughout the portfolio to maximize growth. I remain extremely confident in our ability to drop -- to continue to drive significant organic growth through these various strategic levers. And I will now turn the call over to David.