Investors Real Estate Trust (IRET), Healthcare Trust of America Inc (HTA): Attractive REITs Worth Considering Now

The REIT pays a monthly dividend and currently is providing an annual yield of 6.2%. Two-thirds of the company’s properties are cinema multiplexes. Box office receipts set records in 2012 rising 6% year over year.  Although the company does not get a cut of box office revenue, a healthy industry supports strong demand for its cineplex property portfolio.

EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) is a significant player in the charter school market as well with 44 properties. Charter school enrollment has grown 50% over the past five years and is likely to remain growing solidly for the foreseeable future.  This continued growth ensures strong demand for the company’s charter school facilities.  Overall, the company currently is achieving a 98% occupancy rate on its overall portfolio.

In summary, recent declines in the REIT sector because of the recent hike in interest rates are offering lower entry points than were available a few months ago. HealthTrust of America should also benefit from the focus on Affordable Care Act  “winners” in the financial press as the policy gets closer to being implemented.  EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR)’ yield of more than 6% is also very attractive given the current low interest rate alternatives.  All three REITs are good selections for long-term income investors looking to add real estate to their yield portfolios.

Bret Jensen owns shares of Healthcare Trust of America and Investors Real Estate Trust. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

The article 3 Attractive REITs Worth Considering Now originally appeared on Fool.com.

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