CBL Properties Reports Strong Results for Second Quarter 2026

By Business Wire | August 06, 2026, 4:15 PM

Q2 2026 Results Reflect Higher Occupancy, Positive Lease Spreads, Same-Center NOI Growth; Full-Year FFO and SC NOI Guidance Increased

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CBL Properties (NYSE: CBL) announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. Results of operations as reported in the consolidated financial statements for these periods are prepared in accordance with GAAP. A description of each supplemental non-GAAP financial measure and the related reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure is located at the end of this news release.



 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 

$

1.47

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

2.95

 

 

$

0.35

 

Funds from Operations ("FFO")

 

$

1.93

 

 

$

1.48

 

 

$

4.71

 

 

$

2.61

 

FFO, as adjusted (1)

 

$

1.89

 

 

$

1.86

 

 

$

3.62

 

 

$

3.37

 

(1)

For a reconciliation of FFO to FFO, as adjusted, for the periods presented, please refer to the footnotes to the Company’s reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders on page 8 of this news release.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Same-center NOI for Q2 2026 and the six months ended June 30, 2026, increased 1.5% and 2.2%, respectively, compared with the prior-year periods. FFO, as adjusted, per share for Q2 2026 was $1.89, compared with $1.86 per share for the prior-year period. FFO, as adjusted, per share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, was $3.62 compared with $3.37 per share for the prior-year period. Results for the quarter contributed to an increase in full-year 2026 guidance (see Outlook and Guidance).
  • Leasing volume during the second quarter 2026 was robust, with nearly 1.3 million square feet of leases signed, including approximately 585,000 square feet of comparable new and renewal leases signed at an 8.8% increase in average rents versus the prior rents.
  • Same-center tenant sales per square foot for the second quarter 2026 increased approximately 2.2% as compared with the prior-year period. Same-center tenant sales per square foot for the rolling 12-months ended June 30, 2026, of $455, increased 3.9% as compared with the prior-year period.
  • Portfolio occupancy was 90.4% as of June 30, 2026, an increase of 160 bps from portfolio occupancy of 88.8% as of June 30, 2025. Bankruptcy-related store closures, representing approximately 76,000 square feet, negatively impacted mall occupancy by nearly 54 basis points compared with the prior-year period.
  • As of June 30, 2026, the Company had $322.7 million of unrestricted cash and marketable securities, including CBL's share of joint venture cash of $20.3 million.
  • On August 5, 2026, CBL's Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.625 per common share for the third quarter of 2026, representing an annual dividend of $2.50 per share.
  • During the quarter, CBL generated gross proceeds from dispositions of nearly $60.0 million at CBL's share, including the sale of Hammock Landing, an open-air center in West Melbourne, FL, and the sale of land to multi-family developers at two properties. The disposition of undeveloped land represents opportunities where CBL has taken advantage of under-utilized parking lots and undeveloped parcels to add density to its market-dominant mall properties and realize the embedded value of land across its portfolio.

“CBL posted excellent second quarter operational and financial results, building on the strong momentum generated in the first quarter," said Stephen D. Lebovitz, Chief Executive Officer of CBL Properties. "The results were highlighted by a 1.5% year-over-year increase in same-center NOI, supported by base rent escalations and higher occupancy levels. Leasing demand across our portfolio remained robust as we continued to diversify our tenant mix with new retail, dining, entertainment and experiential uses. During the quarter, we signed nearly 1.3 million square feet of new and renewal leases, generating more than $8.1 million in additional annual rent. Comparable lease spreads averaged an increase of 8.8%, with new leases achieving rent increases of 35% over prior rents, highlighting the mark-to-market opportunity embedded in our portfolio. Portfolio occupancy ended the quarter at 90.4%, an improvement of 160 basis points from a year ago, as our leasing team successfully executed on both anchor and small-shop merchandising opportunities.

“We have made significant progress transforming our balance sheet through refinancing activity completed year to date, including the refinancing of the $634 million legacy term loan in March. These transactions extended our maturity profile, enhanced annual free cash flow and positioned CBL to invest in value-creating opportunities and increase returns to shareholders. We closed on the sale of Hammock Landing in West Melbourne, Florida, at an 8% cap rate, which generated net proceeds to CBL of approximately $26.0 million. In addition, we realized significant value from outparcel and land sales this quarter, generating more than $19 million in proceeds, including sales to two multi-family developers. Our cash balance at the end of the quarter is in excess of $320 million, providing strong liquidity and reserves for additional investment.

"While we are closely watching the impact of macroeconomic factors on our business, we are encouraged by the quality and pace of our leasing pipeline and the progress we are making on the portfolio repositioning strategy that is defining the next chapter of CBL. We were pleased to raise and tighten our full-year guidance range for FFO and NOI, reflecting the strength of our execution through the first half of the year. We remain focused on building further momentum, driving additional operational improvements across the portfolio and creating durable, long-term value for shareholders.”

Same-center Net Operating Income (“NOI”) (1):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Total Revenues

 

$

144,002

 

 

$

142,369

 

Total Expenses

 

$

(46,349

)

 

$

(46,152

)

Total portfolio same-center NOI

 

$

97,653

 

 

$

96,217

 

Total same-center NOI percentage change

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimate for uncollectable revenues (recovery)

 

$

1,240

 

 

$

300

 

(1)

CBL’s definition of same-center NOI excludes the impact of lease termination fees and certain non-cash items such as straight-line rents and reimbursements, write-offs of landlord inducements and net amortization of above and below market leases.

Same-center NOI for the second quarter 2026 increased $1.4 million. Rental revenue growth of $1.6 million was driven by improvement in rental revenue from higher occupancy and a $0.4 million increase in percentage rent. Total operating expense during the second quarter increased $0.2 million. The net increase was a result of $1.2 million higher property operating expenses and $0.3 million higher maintenance and repair expense, offset by a $1.3 million favorable impact from real estate taxes. The estimate for uncollectable revenues negatively impacted the quarter by approximately $0.9 million.

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Total Revenues

 

$

287,043

 

 

$

283,346

 

Total Expenses

 

$

(95,268

)

 

$

(95,700

)

Total portfolio same-center NOI

 

$

191,775

 

 

$

187,646

 

Total same-center NOI percentage change

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimate for uncollectable revenues (recovery)

 

$

2,603

 

 

$

1,219

 

Same-center NOI for the six months ended June 30, 2026, increased $4.1 million. A $1.1 million increase in percentage rents and higher rental revenue from occupancy improvements and contractual rent escalation contributed to the $3.4 million increase in rental revenues. Total operating expense declined $0.4 million during the current period, primarily driven by the $2.7 million improvement in real estate taxes. Property operating expense increased $2.5 million, while maintenance and repair expense declined $0.2 million. The estimate for uncollectable revenues negatively impacted the current period by approximately $1.4 million.

PORTFOLIO OPERATIONAL RESULTS

Occupancy(1):

 

 

 

As of June 30,

 

 

2026

 

2025

Total portfolio

 

90.4

%

 

88.8

%

Malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers:

 

 

 

 

Total malls

 

88.3

%

 

86.2

%

Total lifestyle centers

 

92.7

%

 

90.8

%

Total outlet centers

 

91.5

%

 

91.2

%

Total same-center malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers

 

88.9

%

 

88.9

%

Open-air centers

 

95.0

%

 

93.6

%

All Other Properties

 

94.5

%

 

91.0

%

(1)

Occupancy for malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers represent percentage of in-line gross leasable area under 20,000 square feet occupied. Occupancy for open-air centers represents percentage of gross leasable area occupied

New and Renewal Leasing Activity of Same Small Shop Space Less Than 10,000 Square Feet:

% Change in Average Gross Rent Per Square Foot:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2026

 

2026

All Property Types

 

8.8

%

 

7.5

%

Stabilized Malls, Lifestyle Centers and Outlet Centers

 

8.2

%

 

7.1

%

New leases

 

35.7

%

 

41.7

%

Renewal leases

 

3.1

%

 

2.0

%

Open-air Centers

 

18.4

%

 

17.6

%

Same-Center Sales Per Square Foot for In-line Tenants 10,000 Square Feet or Less:

 

 

Sales Per Square Foot for the Trailing
Twelve Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

2026

 

2025

 

% Change

Malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers same-center sales per square foot

 

$

455

 

 

$

438

 

 

3.9

%

 

DIVIDEND

On August 5, 2026, CBL announced a cash dividend of $0.625 per common share for the quarter ending September 30, 2026. The dividend equates to an annual dividend payment of $2.50 per common share. The dividend is payable on September 30, 2026, to shareholders of record as of September 15, 2026.

FINANCING ACTIVITY

Year-to-date, CBL has executed $925.1 million of financing activity, including the March refinancing of its $634.0 million term loan. The completed financings materially strengthened CBL's financial position, reduced near-term maturity risk, and unlocked more than $38 million of previously restricted cash flow. CBL's pro rata share of debt was reduced by $65.4 million compared with the prior period-end. Following these transactions, CBL's limited remaining debt maturities over the next few years are concentrated among some of the Company's highest-quality assets. As a result, CBL's balance sheet is well positioned and provides increased financial flexibility.

Refinancing and Loan Modification Activity

In August, CBL and its joint venture partner closed on the extension and modification of the $30.7 million loan (at 100%) secured by The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo in Laredo, TX. At closing the loan balance was reduced by $850,000 and the maturity extended through the end of November 2026.

In May, CBL closed a $71.9 million non‑recourse loan secured by Hamilton Place in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The five‑year loan bears a fixed interest rate of 6.8% and replaces the property’s existing $85.5 million loan, which was scheduled to mature in June.

CBL also completed the refinancing of Fayette Mall, a dominant super-regional enclosed mall located in Lexington, Kentucky. The financing replaces the existing $98.6 million loan with a new $97.5 million, five‑year non-recourse CMBS loan with a fixed interest rate of approximately 7.25%. The new loan’s more favorable amortization structure results in approximately $5.0 million in additional cash flow to CBL.

CBL closed on a modification of the $32.4 million loan secured by Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach, FL, in May, extending its maturity to October 2026.

In April, CBL closed on a $43.0 million non-recourse loan secured by Northwoods Mall in N. Charleston, SC. The new five-year loan bears a fixed interest rate of 9.1%. Proceeds from the loan, as well as approximately $7.5 million of existing escrows, were used to retire the existing $46.8 million loan secured by the property, which was scheduled to mature this month. Under the prior loan, cash flows have been swept by the lender since April 2021. The refinancing is expected to release over $3.0 million of previously restricted cash flow.

Additionally in April, CBL and its joint venture partner closed on a $6.6 million ($3.3 million at CBL's share) non-recourse, five-year loan secured by Coastal Grand Mall - Dick's Sporting Goods.

In March, CBL successfully refinanced its existing $634.0 million term loan through two complementary transactions including a $425.0 million non-recourse financing secured by a pool of primarily mall properties and a $176.1 million floating-rate bank loan primarily secured by a pool of strong open-air lifestyle centers. The financing resulted in an increase in estimated annual free cash flow of more than $30 million.

Other Financing Activity

Four loans aggregating approximately $189.6 million (at CBL's share) of non-recourse mortgage debt are in the process of being resolved through lender-directed sale, foreclosure or conveyance. Once complete, these transactions will eliminate the associated debt and simplify CBL’s portfolio and balance sheet.

In February, Jefferson Mall in Louisville, KY, was placed into receivership and was deconsolidated due to the loss of control. CBL is cooperating with the lender to facilitate a foreclosure of the asset, which is secured by a $48.6 million non-recourse loan.

In May, The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg in Gettysburg, PA, was placed into receivership. CBL is cooperating with the lender to facilitate a foreclosure of the asset, which is secured by a $9.7 million non-recourse loan (at CBL's share).

CBL is in discussions with the lenders for Arbor Place Mall in Douglasville, GA ($83.0 million) and Parkdale Mall and Crossing in Beaumont, TX ($48.3 million), and intends to cooperate with the sale, foreclosure or conveyance of the properties in satisfaction of the debt.

TRANSACTION ACTIVITY

Year-to-date, CBL has generated gross sales proceeds at CBL's share of more than $61.4 million.

In May, CBL along with its joint venture partner, closed on the sale of Hammock Landing, a 397,000 square-foot open-air center in West Melbourne, FL, for $78.5 million, including the assumption of the $43.8 million loan. The sales of Hammock Landing at an 8% cap rate, along with the first quarter sale of related infrastructure bonds, generated approximately $26 million of cash proceeds to CBL.

During the quarter, CBL generated approximately $19.2 million in gross proceeds from dispositions of six land parcels and other outparcels including more than 15 acres of available land for multi-family development at two properties: CoolSprings Galleria in Nashville, TN and Harford Mall in Bel Air, MD. The sales are consistent with CBL’s ongoing strategy of unlocking value from underappreciated land and assets that can be redeployed into higher-yielding opportunities.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On November 5, 2025, CBL's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the Company to buy up to $25 million of its common stock. CBL has acquired 363,676 shares of CBL common stock for $12.0 million under the program since authorization. No shares were acquired during the second quarter.

OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE

CBL is providing updated FFO, as adjusted, guidance for 2026 in the range of $7.15 - $7.25 per share. The guidance reflects transaction and financing activity completed year-to-date, including the impact of the Q2 '26 sale of Hammock Landing and a gain on an outparcel sale closed in the second quarter. Management anticipates same-center NOI for full-year 2026 in the range of 0.0% to 1.5%. Parkdale Mall and Crossing have been removed from the same-center pool, reflecting CBL's cooperation with the lender on a sale, foreclosure or conveyance of the property.

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

2026 Net Income (in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 FFO, as adjusted (in millions)

 

$

221.7

 

 

$

224.7

 

2026 WA Share Count

 

 

31.0

 

 

 

31.0

 

2026 FFO, as adjusted, per share

 

$

7.15

 

 

$

7.25

 

2026 Same-Center NOI ("SC NOI") (in millions) (1)

 

$

389.2

 

 

$

395.0

 

2026 change in same-center NOI

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

1.50

%

Reconciliation of GAAP Earnings Per Share to 2026 FFO, as Adjusted, Per Share:

 

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

Expected diluted earnings per common share

 

$

3.04

 

 

$

3.14

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4.97

 

 

 

4.97

 

Gain on depreciable property

 

 

(0.77

)

 

 

(0.77

)

Expected FFO, per diluted, fully converted common share

 

 

7.24

 

 

 

7.34

 

Debt discount accretion, net of noncontrolling interests' share

 

 

0.60

 

 

 

0.60

 

Adjustment for unconsolidated affiliates with negative investment

 

 

0.59

 

 

 

0.59

 

Non-cash interest expense

 

 

0.05

 

 

 

0.05

 

Gain on deconsolidation

 

 

(1.33

)

 

 

(1.33

)

Expected FFO, as adjusted, per diluted, fully converted common share

 

$

7.15

 

 

$

7.25

 

Reconciliation of Net Income to SC NOI (in millions):

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

100.0

 

 

$

103.1

 

Adjustments (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

154.3

 

 

 

154.3

 

Gain on sales of depreciable property

 

 

(24.0

)

 

 

(24.0

)

Adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates(2)

 

 

20.2

 

 

 

20.2

 

Non-comparable property NOI

 

 

(57.9

)

 

 

(57.9

)

Other (income) expenses, net(3)

 

 

139.7

 

 

 

139.7

 

Non-property (income) expenses, net(4)

 

 

56.9

 

 

 

59.6

 

Total Same-Center NOI

 

$

389.2

 

 

$

395.0

 

(1) Adjustments are based on our Operating Partnership’s pro rata ownership share, including our share of unconsolidated affiliates and excluding noncontrolling interests’ share of consolidated properties

(2) GAAP adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates, including those with negative investment.

(3) Property-level (income) expenses, net, that are not included in NOI, including but not limited to, interest expense, gains on sales of non-depreciable real estate assets, straight-line rent and above- and below-market lease amortization.

(4) Non-property (income) expenses, net, that are not included in NOI, including but not limited to, fee income and general and administrative expenses.

2026 Estimate of Capital Items (in millions):

 

 

Low

 

High

 

2026 Estimated maintenance capital/tenant allowances (1)

 

$

55.0

 

$

65.0

 

2026 Estimated development/redevelopment expenditures

 

 

5.0

 

 

10.0

 

2026 Estimated principal amortization (including est. term loan ECF)

 

 

58.0

 

 

63.0

 

Total Estimate

 

$

118.0

 

$

138.0

 

(1) Excludes amounts related to properties which have 100% of the cash flows from such properties restricted under the terms of the respective loan agreements as further described on page 12 of the Financial Supplement.

ABOUT CBL PROPERTIES

Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, CBL Properties owns and manages a national portfolio of market-dominant properties located in dynamic and growing communities. CBL’s owned and managed portfolio is comprised of 85 properties totaling 54.8 million square feet across 23 states, including 54 high-quality enclosed malls, outlet centers and lifestyle retail centers as well as more than 20 open-air centers and other assets. CBL seeks to continuously strengthen its company and portfolio through active management, aggressive leasing and profitable reinvestment in its properties. For more information visit cblproperties.com.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Funds From Operations

FFO is a widely used non-GAAP measure of the operating performance of real estate companies that supplements net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") defines FFO as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP) excluding gains or losses on sales of depreciable operating properties and impairment losses of depreciable properties, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures and noncontrolling interests. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures and noncontrolling interests are calculated on the same basis. We define FFO as defined above by NAREIT. The Company’s method of calculating FFO may be different from methods used by other REITs and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other REITs.

The Company believes that FFO provides an additional indicator of the operating performance of its properties without giving effect to real estate depreciation and amortization, which assumes the value of real estate assets declines predictably over time. Since values of well-maintained real estate assets have historically risen with market conditions, the Company believes that FFO enhances investors’ understanding of its operating performance. The use of FFO as an indicator of financial performance is influenced not only by the operations of the Company’s properties and interest rates, but also by its capital structure.

The Company believes FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders is a useful performance measure since it conducts substantially all of its business through its Operating Partnership and, therefore, it reflects the performance of the properties in absolute terms regardless of the ratio of ownership interests of the Company’s common shareholders and the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership.

In the reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s common shareholders to FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders, located in this earnings release, the Company makes an adjustment to add back noncontrolling interest in income (loss) of its Operating Partnership in order to arrive at FFO of the Operating Partnership common unitholders.

FFO does not represent cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP, is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund all cash flow needs and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) for purposes of evaluating the Company’s operating performance or to cash flow as a measure of liquidity.

The Company believes that it is important to identify the impact of certain significant items on its FFO measures for a reader to have a complete understanding of the Company’s results of operations. Therefore, the Company has also presented adjusted FFO measures excluding these items from the applicable periods. Please refer to the reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders on page 8 of this news release for a description of these adjustments.

Same-center Net Operating Income

NOI is a supplemental non-GAAP measure of the operating performance of the Company’s shopping centers and other properties. The Company defines NOI as property operating revenues (rental revenues, tenant reimbursements and other income) less property operating expenses (property operating, real estate taxes and maintenance and repairs).

The Company computes NOI based on the Operating Partnership’s pro rata share of both consolidated and unconsolidated properties. The Company believes that presenting NOI and same-center NOI (described below) based on its Operating Partnership’s pro rata share of both consolidated and unconsolidated properties is useful since the Company conducts substantially all of its business through its Operating Partnership and, therefore, it reflects the performance of the properties in absolute terms regardless of the ratio of ownership interests of the Company’s common shareholders and the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership. The Company's definition of NOI may be different than that used by other companies and, accordingly, the Company's calculation of NOI may not be comparable to that of other companies.

Since NOI includes only those revenues and expenses related to the operations of the Company’s shopping center properties, the Company believes that same-center NOI provides a measure that reflects trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, sales at the malls and operating costs and the impact of those trends on the Company’s results of operations.


Contacts

Katie Reinsmidt, Executive Vice President - Chief Operating Officer, 423.490.8301, katie.reinsmidt@cblproperties.com


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