Company Announcements

Strong Q1 '26 Results and Transaction Activity Contribute to Increase in Full-Year Guidance

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2026-- CBL Properties (NYSE: CBL) announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 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.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Same-center NOI for Q1 2026 increased 2.1% compared with the prior-year period. FFO, as adjusted, per share for Q1 2026 increased 15% to $1.73, compared with $1.50 per share for the prior-year period. Strong results for the quarter contributed to the increase in full-year 2026 guidance (see Outlook and Guidance).
• CBL signed more than 583,000 square feet of leases during first quarter 2026, including approximately 372,000 square feet of comparable new and renewal leases signed at a 5.7% increase in average rents versus the prior rents.
• Same-center tenant sales per square foot for the first quarter 2026 increased approximately 5.8% as compared with the prior-year period. Same-center tenant sales per square foot for the rolling 12-months ended March 31, 2026, of $453, increased 4.6% as compared with the prior-year period.
• Portfolio occupancy was 90.5% as of March 31, 2026, an increase of 50 bps from portfolio occupancy of 90.0% at year-end 2025 and 10 bps from portfolio occupancy of 90.4% as of March 31, 2025. Bankruptcy related store closures, including the closures of Francesca's and Eddie Bauer locations, representing approximately 122,000 square feet, negatively impacted mall occupancy by nearly 87 basis points compared with the prior-year period.
• As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $305.5 million of unrestricted cash and marketable securities (includes CBL's share of joint venture cash of $22.5 million).
• On May 7, 2026, CBL's Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.625 per common share for the second quarter of 2026, representing a 39% increase over the prior regular quarterly dividend rate.
• During the quarter, 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.
• In March 2026, CBL acquired Gateway Mall in Lincoln, NE, for $43.5 million from Washington Prime Group (WPG). The acquisition of Gateway Mall was financed through a $21.0 million non‑recourse, five‑year loan provided by Symetra Life Insurance Company. The loan carries a fixed interest rate of 6.46%.

“2026 is off to an exceptional start for CBL,” said Stephen D. Lebovitz, Chief Executive Officer of CBL Properties. “We completed a series of transformational financing transactions that significantly strengthened our balance sheet and enhanced free cash flow. In March 2026, we successfully refinanced our $634 million secured term loan through over $600 million of new financing, including a $425 million non‑recourse loan secured by a pool of primarily mall properties and a $176 million floating‑rate bank loan secured primarily by open‑air lifestyle centers. These transactions materially extend our maturity schedule, reduce amortization, and will generate an estimated $30 million of incremental annual free cash flow, while maintaining our non‑recourse capital structure. We also completed the refinance of a loan secured by Fayette Mall in Lexington, KY, as well as a loan secured by Northwoods Mall in N. Charleston, SC. Together the new financings will generate an estimated $8.0 million of incremental annual cash flow to the Company.

“In conjunction with the refinancing of the term loan, our Board approved a 39% increase in our regular quarterly dividend, resulting in a total first‑quarter 2026 dividend of $0.625 per share and an annualized dividend rate of $2.50 per share. This increase reflects our confidence in the durability of our cash flows following the term loan refinancing and our commitment to disciplined capital allocation and returning capital to shareholders.

“We maintained our strong operating momentum into 2026 by delivering solid first‑quarter results, highlighted by growth in same‑center NOI, improving tenant sales, and positive leasing spreads. These results reflect the underlying health of our properties. Leasing results remained strong during the quarter, with new commitments from Ford’s Garage restaurant at Hamilton Place Mall, Tilt entertainment at Frontier Mall in a former JoAnn Fabrics location, and Five Below at Cross Creek Mall replacing Forever 21. These new deals underscore our ability to attract productive, traffic‑driving tenants across a range of formats and to backfill large spaces at attractive economics.

"We were excited to add Gateway Mall in Lincoln, NE, to our portfolio during the quarter, furthering our market position as the leading owner of high-quality, only-game-in-town enclosed malls. The transaction was executed at favorable economics to CBL generating significant accretion and free cash flow from day one. It is representative of our disciplined approach to capital management as well as the ongoing ability to create value for our company.

"We are increasing our full-year guidance to reflect first quarter's strong results, the acquisition and financing activity completed to-date and our outlook for the remainder of the year. We are focused on building on the strong momentum generated in the first quarter by further strengthening our balance sheet, driving new leasing activity, and pursuing additional opportunities that enhance the quality and growth profile of our portfolio."

Same-center NOI for the first quarter 2026 increased $2.0 million. Rental revenue growth of $1.6 million was driven by improvement in specialty leasing revenues and a $0.6 million increase in percentage rent. Total operating expense during the first quarter declined $0.2 million. The net decline was a result of $1.8 million higher property operating expenses offset by a $1.5 million favorable impact from real estate taxes and $0.5 million lower maintenance and repair expense. The estimate for uncollectable revenues negatively impacted the quarter by approximately $0.8 million.

DIVIDEND

On May 7, 2026, CBL announced a cash dividend of $0.625 per common share for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. The dividend, which equates to an annual dividend payment of $2.50 per common share, represents a 39% increase over the prior regular dividend rate. The dividend is payable on June 30, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 12, 2026.

FINANCING ACTIVITY

Year-to-date, CBL completed $777.5 million of financing activity. 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.

In May, CBL 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.

Additionally in May, CBL closed on a modification of the $32.6 million loan secured by Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach, FL, 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 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.

CBL is in discussions with the lenders for Arbor Place Mall in Douglasville, GA ($84.3 million), Parkdale Mall and Crossing in Beaumont, TX ($48.3 million), and The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg in Gettysburg, PA ($9.7 million at CBL's share), and intends to cooperate with the foreclosure or conveyance of the properties in satisfaction of the debt.

TRANSACTION ACTIVITY

In March 2026, CBL acquired Gateway Mall in Lincoln, NE, for $43.5 million from Washington Prime Group (WPG). The acquisition of Gateway Mall was financed through a $21.0 million non‑recourse, five‑year loan provided by Symetra Life Insurance Company. The loan carries a fixed interest rate of 6.46%. Equity for the transaction is expected to be match funded by utilizing proceeds from the sale of an open-air center at approximately an 8% capitalization rate. The sale of the open-air center is estimated to close in May 2026.

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.

OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE

CBL is providing updated FFO, as adjusted, guidance for 2026 in the range of $7.06 - $7.19 per share, which reflects all transaction and financing activity completed to-date. Management anticipates same-center NOI for full-year 2026 in the range of (0.5)% to 1.25%.

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 88 properties totaling 55.6 million square feet across 23 states, including 55 high-quality enclosed malls, outlet centers and lifestyle retail centers as well as more than 25 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. The Company’s calculation of same-center NOI excludes lease termination income, straight-line rent adjustments, amortization of above and below market lease intangibles and write-off of landlord inducement assets in order to enhance the comparability of results from one period to another. A reconciliation of same-center NOI to net income (loss) is located at the end of this earnings release.

Pro Rata Share of Debt

The Company presents debt based on the carrying value of its pro rata ownership share (including the carrying value of the Company’s pro rata share of unconsolidated affiliates and excluding noncontrolling interests’ share of consolidated properties) because it believes this provides investors a clearer understanding of the Company’s total debt obligations which affect the Company’s liquidity. A reconciliation of the Company’s pro rata share of debt to the amount of debt on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet is located at the end of this earnings release.

Information included herein contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual events, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the events and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. The reader is directed to the Company’s various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included therein, for a discussion of such risks and uncertainties.

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

Source: CBL Properties