Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, had a challenging 2023. The Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund ETF Shares (VNQ) saw a modest 7% increase during the year.
However, an interesting observation shows that the index surged by 22% since the end of October, signifying that the year’s gains were concentrated in the last two months.
Despite this late rally, the real estate sector underperformed the broader market for the year. The S&P 500, approaching all-time highs, recorded a 25% increase during 2023.
Upon close examination of the fundamental data, it was evident that the price weakness was more driven by poor sentiment than by operational results. This sentiment-driven market behavior presented lucrative opportunities earlier in the year.
Triple net lease REITs, known for their robust profit margins, particularly benefited from this sentiment shift, with many posting double-digit increases in recent months.
Looking ahead to 2024, it is anticipated that REITs will continue to catch up as the market acknowledges the irrationality of their poor 2023 performance. This expectation raises the crucial question: which stocks present the best opportunities now that sentiment has re-aligned and buyers are re-engaged?
With this question in mind, a comprehensive evaluation of the net lease industry is imperative to identify the stocks poised for success moving into 2024.
The Allure of NNN REITs
Top-tier NNN REITs are esteemed for their exceptional profit margins. This is attributed to their business model, which allows landlords to transfer the majority of property ownership costs to tenants.
In simple terms, triple net lease REITs’ lease agreements make tenants responsible for taxes, insurance, and property maintenance expenses, in addition to rent and utilities. This unique setup positions these companies as highly efficient entities.
Blue chip NNN REITs like Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) are known for generating EBITDA margins exceeding 95%, underpinning their status as some of the most efficient enterprises globally.
Such exorbitant margins engender steadfast profits, which, given REITs’ obligation to distribute 90% of taxable income to shareholders as an annual dividend, translate into substantial returns for investors. The triple net lease industry is particularly renowned for harboring some of the most reliable dividends within the realm of REITs.
Spotting the Premier NNN REITs
Evaluating NNN REITs spans beyond dividends; the emphasis is also on their safety metrics and sustainability.
The quality of passive income is vital, with the focus on owning stocks with predictable dividends that consistently grow over time. This reliability ensures that passive income can cover expenses and withstand inflation in the long run, particularly crucial for retirees reliant on their passive income.
Ascertaining dividend-related metrics from the top-rated triple net lease stocks is pivotal in this context.
Company |
Ticker |
iREIT IQ Quality Rating |
Dividend Yield |
Annual Increase Streak |
5-year dividend growth rate |
Forward AFFO Payout Ratio |
S&P Credit Rating |
Agree Realty |
(ADC) |
96/100 |
4.67% |
11 years |
6.25% |
72.00% |
BBB |
Essential Properties Realty Trust |
(EPRT) |
80/100 |
4.38% |
6 years |
20.88% |
65.50% |
BBB- |
Four Corners Property Trust |
(FCPT) |
77/100 |
5.41% |
9 years |
4.18% |
80.70% |
n/a |
National Retail Properties |
(NNN) |
90/100 |
5.21% |
34 |
6.09% |
79.00% |
BBB+ |
years
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