Chattanooga, Tenn. — CBL Properties reports it collected 27 percent of billed cash rents in April as retail stores and restaurants closed due the COVID-19 outbreak. The Chattanooga-based mall owner said during its first quarter earnings report that a majority of its 68 properties closed in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As of May 25, 66 malls were reopened.
CEO Stephen Lebovitz says he and his team anticipate collecting 25 to 30 percent of cash billed rents for the month of May. Lebovitz also said CBL granted rent abatements and deferrals to several tenants and expect to collect April and May rents later in 2020 and into 2021.
CBL also reported that its same-center net operating income (NOI) declined 8.7 percent year-over-year in March. Additionally, in an effort to save cash, CBL delayed approximately $60 million to $80 million in expenditures and redevelopments for 2020.
CBL owns 91 total properties in 26 states, including Mayfaire Town Centre in Wilmington, North Carolina; Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky; Brookfield Square in Milwaukee; The Outlet Shops at Atlanta in Woodstock, Georgia; and CoolSprings Crossing in Franklin, Tennessee.