CubeSmart Shows Resilience in 2024: Financial Insights

CubeSmart Financial Performance Overview

We are pleased to share the latest operating results from CubeSmart (NYSE: CUBE), reflecting its solid performance in the self-storage sector.

According to President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher P. Marr, the trends observed during the last quarter have been anticipated given the fluctuating landscape of the self-storage market. As we move into the upcoming year, there is a sense of cautious optimism, as the company appears to be transitioning to a phase where growth rates could stabilize. In 2025, we foresee self-storage fundamentals remaining consistent with recent years, absent a significant external catalyst for accelerated growth. However, CubeSmart’s long-term prospects remain robust, with the company strategically positioned to harness ongoing enhancements to its operations and explore various avenues for expansion.

Key Highlights from the Fourth Quarter

Several significant factors characterized the fourth quarter results for CubeSmart:

• Diluted earnings per share (EPS) attributable to common shareholders reached $0.45.
• Funds from Operations (FFO), as adjusted, posted at $0.68 per diluted share.
• Year-over-year, net operating income (NOI) from same-store properties dropped by 3.7%, attributed to a 1.6% decline in revenues paired with a notable 4.7% rise in operating expenses.
• Average same-store occupancy stood at 89.6%, finishing the quarter at 89.3%.
• The company successfully acquired an 85% interest in joint ventures that control 14 stores for approximately $157.3 million.
• Additionally, two stores were secured for a total of $22.0 million.
• CubeSmart’s quarterly dividend was increased by 2.0%, raising the annualized rate to $2.08 per common share from the previous rate of $2.04.
• The firm added 29 stores to its third-party management platform, bringing the total managed stores to 902.

Financial Results Breakdown

The reported net income attributable to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2024 was approximately $101.9 million, a decline from $112.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. Consequently, diluted EPS fell to $0.45 compared to the $0.50 reported in the same quarter last year.

For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, net income attributable stood at $391.2 million, down from $410.8 million the prior year. The diluted EPS matched below at $1.72 against $1.82 from 2023.

On the FFO front, an adjusted figure showed about $155.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, a slight dip from $158.4 million year-on-year. Per diluted share, it experienced a decline of 2.9% to $0.68 against $0.70 in the previous year. In total, adjusted FFO reflected $600.8 million for the full year, down from $609.4 million in 2023, resulting in an adjusted per diluted share figure of $2.63 versus $2.68 from the previous year.

Investment and Development Activities

In its ongoing pursuit to enhance profitability, CubeSmart pursued strategic acquisitions, notably acquiring an 85% interest in a portfolio that included 14 strategically located stores for roughly $157.3 million. This venture, dubbed the Hines Portfolio, holds significance due to its position in high-demand markets.

Furthermore, two additional stores were acquired in states including Oregon and Pennsylvania for $22 million total. Throughout the year, the total investment for acquisitions reached approximately $199.4 million. Post-December 31, 2024, the company secured the remaining stake in HVP IV, which owned 28 properties across several states.

As part of its development initiatives, CubeSmart saw the completion of two new self-storage facilities in unique, high-traffic regions, requiring an investment of $61.8 million. Additionally, there are two properties under joint venture development expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2025.

Leading Management and Future Outlook

As of December 31, 2024, CubeSmart manages a robust portfolio of 902 third-party stores encompassing over 59 million rentable square feet. During 2024, the firm increased its management portfolio by adding 29 stores. The company's same-store portfolio remains strong with 598 stores contributing to 96.9% of property NOI for the quarter ending.

Management anticipates maintaining stability in their growth trajectory, targeting a diluted EPS between $1.40 and $1.49 for 2025, alongside an expected FFO of $2.50 to $2.59 per share. This guidance reflects the intrinsic uncertainties surrounding the timelines and specifics of potential investments. The planning for the next year will involve realigning with a renewed focus on the self-storage fundamentals as the market continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were CubeSmart's key financial highlights for 2024?

Key highlights included a diluted EPS of $0.45 and an adjusted FFO of $0.68 per share. The company experienced a decrease in same-store NOI by 3.7% due to increased operating expenses.

How did the company perform compared to the prior year?

CubeSmart experienced a decline in net income and EPS from the previous fiscal year, with net income at $391.2 million and diluted EPS at $1.72.

What acquisitions did CubeSmart make recently?

The company acquired an 85% interest in a portfolio of 14 self-storage facilities for $157.3 million and two additional stores for $22 million.

What is CubeSmart's outlook for 2025?

Management expects the diluted EPS to be between $1.40 and $1.49 with an FFO range of $2.50 to $2.59 per share, hoping to stabilize growth amidst market uncertainties.

Where can I find more details about CubeSmart’s financial data?

For detailed insights, investors can visit CubeSmart's investor relations website where financial data and updates are regularly shared.

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