Company: PSA-PH
Filing Date: 2025-02-24
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001393311-25-000036
Chunk: 17

Company: Public Storage
Filing Date: 2025-02-24
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 7
Chunk 17
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 in labor hours driven by the implementation of dynamic staffing models based on customer activity levels. The increase in 2023 was primarily due to increases in wage rates as a result of competitive labor conditions experienced in most geographical markets. We expect on-site property manager payroll expense to decrease moderately in 2025 as compared to 2024 as we continue to enhance operational processes.

Repairs and maintenance expense increased 9.0% and 6.3% in 2024 and 2023, respectively, in each case as compared to the previous year. Repairs and maintenance expense levels are dependent upon many factors such as (i) damage and equipment malfunctions, (ii) short-term local supply and demand factors for material and labor, and (iii) weather conditions, which can impact costs such as snow removal, roof repairs, and HVAC maintenance and repairs.

Our utility expense consists primarily of electricity costs, which are dependent upon energy prices and usage levels. Changes in usage levels are driven primarily by weather and temperature. Utility expense decreased 3.9% and 2.0% in 2024 and 2023, respectively, in each case as compared to the previous year, due primarily to our investment in energy saving technology such as solar power and LED lights, which generate favorable returns on investment in the form of lower utility usage. We expect a decline in utility expense in 2025 as compared to 2024 as we continue our investment in solar power.

Marketing expense includes Internet advertising we utilize through our online paid search programs, television advertising and the operating costs of our website and telephone reservation center. Internet advertising expense, comprising keyword search fees assessed on a “per click” basis, varies based upon demand for self-storage space, the quantity of people inquiring about self-storage through online search, occupancy levels, the number and aggressiveness of bidding competitors, and other factors. These factors are volatile; accordingly, Internet advertising can increase or decrease significantly in the short-term. We increased marketing expense by 13.1% and 42.9% in 2024 and 2023, respectively, in each case as compared to the previous year, primarily by utilizing a higher volume of online paid search programs to attract new tenants. We plan to continue to use internet advertising and other advertising channels to support move-in volumes in 2025.

Other direct property costs include administrative expenses specific to each self-storage facility, such as property loss, telephone and data communication lines, business license costs, bank charges related to processing the facilities’ cash receipts