It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) . Shares have added about 3.3% in that time frame.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is FRT due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Federal Realty Q1 FFO & Revenues Beat, View Intact
Federal Realty posted first-quarter 2018 FFO per share of $1.52, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.50. Also, the reported figure compared favorably with the prior-year quarter tally of $1.45.
Results reflect growth in revenues. The company experienced rise in property operating income and lease rollover for comparable properties. Specifically, solid residential occupancy at its mixed-use properties, new retail tenant openings and controlled expenditure boosted its performance in the first quarter, management noted.
Total revenues for the quarter grew 8.7% year over year to $225.4 million. Moreover, the top line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $223.8 million.
Quarter in Details
During the reported quarter, on a comparable space basis, Federal Realty signed 78 lease deals for 403,250 square feet of space. The leases were signed at an average rent of $31.51 per square feet, denoting cash-basis rollover growth of 22%.
As of Mar 31, 2018, the company’s overall portfolio was 94.8% leased, up from 94.6% as on Mar 31, 2017. Comparable property portfolio was 95.3% leased as of Mar 31, 2018, up from 95.1% as on Mar 31, 2017.
In addition, property operating income for comparable properties climbed 3.8% for the first quarter.
Federal Realty exited first-quarter 2018 with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $64.4 million, up from $15.2 million posted at the end of 2017.
Guidance
For 2018, Federal Realty maintained its FFO per share guidance of $6.08-$6.24.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates. There have been two revisions higher for the current quarter compared to five lower.
VGM Scores
At this time, FRT has a subpar Growth Score of D, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. The stock was allocated a grade of F on the value side, putting it in the fifth quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Our style scores indicate investors will probably be better served looking elsewhere.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, FRT has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT): Free Stock Analysis Report
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