Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

12 Best REIT Dividend Stocks To Buy for 2024

In this article, we discuss 12 best REIT dividend stocks to buy for 2024. You can skip our detailed analysis of the real estate investment trust (REIT) sector and its performance over the years, and go directly to read 5 Best REIT Dividend Stocks To Buy for 2024

The real estate investment trust (REIT) in the US is an important component of the real estate market and the broader financial landscape. The sector has experienced substantial growth over the years. As per Ernst & Young‘s findings, publicly traded REITs have witnessed a remarkable compound annual growth rate of around 16.8% from the close of 1990. During this period, their collective equity market capitalization surged from $9 billion to nearly $1.27 trillion by the end of 2022. In addition to this, REITs in the US oversee a total of $4.5 trillion worth of real estate assets globally as of September 2023, according to CNBC.

The contribution of the REIT sector to the US economy stands unmatched. Through its diverse activities including operations, dividend income, interest payments, and construction projects, the sector has played a significant role in fostering economic growth. In particular, these activities have contributed a substantial $262.9 billion in labor income to the economy in 2022. Following a lackluster performance in 2022, the past year showed some improvement for the REIT sector, with positive returns recorded. The index tracks the performance of publicly traded REITs headquartered in the US. While the sector didn’t outperform the broader market, the S&P United States REIT Index managed to achieve a total return of 13.77% over the year. That said, the REIT stocks experienced a significant surge, surpassing the performance of the overall market during the fourth quarter of 2023. The Dow Jones Equity All REIT Index concluded the quarter with an impressive total return of 17.9%, whereas the S&P 500 recorded a return of 11.7% for the same period.

In addition to delivering strong returns, the REIT sector also experienced notable growth in capital market activity last year, marking a significant uptick from 2022. According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, the industry successfully raised a total of $58.27 billion, reflecting a robust increase of 13.5% compared to the $51.36 billion raised in 2022. This surge in capital raising underscores the sector’s resilience and attractiveness to investors amidst evolving market conditions. The report also mentioned that the majority of the capital raised by REITs stemmed from debt offerings, totaling $44.87 billion.

REIT stocks are gaining popularity among Americans, largely due to the sector’s positive performance. A report by Nareit indicated that by the end of 2023, approximately 168 million Americans, representing about 50% of US households, had invested in REIT stocks. REIT investors have historically expressed concerns about the impact of rising interest rates on the sector’s performance. This is primarily because higher interest rates tend to lower property values and increase borrowing costs for REITs. Additionally, as interest rates rise, the relatively high dividend yields offered by REITs become less appealing compared to lower-risk fixed-income securities, reducing their attractiveness to income-oriented investors. However, historical data suggests that the performance of REIT stocks during periods of high-interest rates may not be as dire as commonly feared. According to a report by S&P Dow Jones Indices, since the early 1970s, there have been six significant periods of rising 10-year U.S. Treasury Bond yields. In four of these periods, US REITs delivered positive total returns, with half of them even outperforming the S&P 500 index. In one instance, both US REITs and the S&P 500 exhibited nearly identical performances, while in only two instances the S&P 500 outperformed US REITs.

Considering their past performance, analysts have presented a positive outlook for the REIT sector in 2024. As mentioned above, the capital market activity within the sector has significantly grown last year, which would positively impact the sector’s productivity this year. Furthermore, Nareit noted that the REIT sector has shown superior performance compared to both private real estate and equities during periods following interest rate hikes. Given that the Federal Reserve is either at or nearing the conclusion of its interest rate hike cycle, this is promising for the outlook of REIT performance in 2024. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks from the REIT sector.

robert cicchetti / Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology:

For this list, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 933 hedge funds as of Q4 2023 and picked REIT companies that pay regular dividends to shareholders. Next, we narrowed down 12 companies that are popular among elite funds at the end of Q4 and ranked them in ascending order of the number of funds that have stakes in them. Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here).

12. Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE:UHT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 2

Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE:UHT) is an American real estate investment trust company that specializes in healthcare-related properties. On March 14, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.725 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. In 2023, the company raised its dividends for the 39th consecutive year, which makes UHT one of the best dividend stocks in the REIT sector. The stock’s dividend yield came in at 8.14%, as of March 24.

At the end of Q4 2023, 2 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE:UHT), down from 5 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $13.6 million.

11. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE:IIPR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE:IIPR) is a key player in the real estate sector supporting the growth of the legal medical cannabis industry, offering investors exposure to the cannabis market through a real estate-focused investment vehicle. The company’s quarterly dividend comes in at $1.82 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.10%, as of March 24. It is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as the company has been growing its dividends for the past seven years.

As of the end of the December quarter of 2023, 11 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE:IIPR), compared with 16 in the preceding quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is over $142.6 million. With nearly 1 million shares, Zimmer Partners was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

10. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) is next on our list of the best dividend stocks from the REIT sector, holding an 11-year track record of dividend growth. The real estate investment trust company currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share and has a dividend yield of 13.33%, as recorded on March 24.

The number of hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owning stakes in Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) grew to 17 in Q4 2023, from 13 in the previous quarter. The total value of these stakes is over $91 million.

9. CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22

CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE) is a Pennsylvania-based real estate investment trust company that specializes in the ownership, operation, acquisition, and development of self-storage facilities. On March 18, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.51 per share, which fell in line with its previous dividend. Overall, it holds a 14-year streak of consistent dividend growth, which makes CUBE one of the best dividend stocks in the REIT sector. As of March 24, the stock has a dividend yield of 4.65%.

CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE) was a part of 22 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q4 2023, up from 19 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkey’s database. The stakes owned by these hedge funds have a total value of over $91.5 million. Among these hedge funds, Diamond Hill Capital was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

8. Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22

An American real estate investment trust company, Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) specializes in the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of high-quality retail properties. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $1.09 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.38%, as of March 24. With a 56-year streak of consistent dividend growth, FRT is one of the best dividend stocks in the REIT sector.

Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) was a popular buy among hedge funds at the end of Q4 2023, with 22 hedge fund positions, compared with 15 in the previous quarter, according to Insider Monkey’s database. The stakes held by these elite funds have a collective value of over $370.8 million.

7. National Retail Properties, Inc. (NYSE:NNN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23

National Retail Properties, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) primarily invests in single-tenant retail properties and leases them to tenants under long-term net leases. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.565 per share, having raised it by 2.7% in 2023. Through this increase, the company stretched its dividend growth streak to 34 years, which places NNN on our list of the best dividend stocks. The stock’s dividend yield on March 24 came in at 5.32%.

As per Insider Monkey’s database of Q4 2023, 23 hedge funds held stakes in National Retail Properties, Inc. (NYSE:NNN), compared with 24 in the previous quarter. These stakes are collectively valued at more than $240.8 million. With over 1 million shares, Citadel Investment Group was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

6. Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE:ADC)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26

Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE:ADC) ranks sixth on our list of the best dividend stocks from the REIT sector. The company currently offers a monthly dividend of $0.247 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.31%, as of March 24.

At the end of December 2023, 26 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database reported having stakes in Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE:ADC), compared with 28 in the previous quarter. These stakes are collectively valued at over $377.8 million.

Click to continue reading and see 5 Best REIT Dividend Stocks To Buy for 2024

Suggested articles:

Disclosure. None. 12 Best REIT Dividend Stocks To Buy for 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey.

AI Fire Sale: Insider Monkey’s #1 AI Stock Pick Is On A Steep Discount

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

The whispers are turning into roars.

Artificial intelligence isn’t science fiction anymore.

It’s the revolution reshaping every industry on the planet.

From driverless cars to medical breakthroughs, AI is on the cusp of a global explosion, and savvy investors stand to reap the rewards.

Here’s why this is the prime moment to jump on the AI bandwagon:

Exponential Growth on the Horizon: Forget linear growth – AI is poised for a hockey stick trajectory.

Imagine every sector, from healthcare to finance, infused with superhuman intelligence.

We’re talking disease prediction, hyper-personalized marketing, and automated logistics that streamline everything.

This isn’t a maybe – it’s an inevitability.

Early investors will be the ones positioned to ride the wave of this technological tsunami.

Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?

Those who saw the potential of tech giants back then are sitting pretty today.

AI is at a similar inflection point.

We’re not talking about established players – we’re talking about nimble startups with groundbreaking ideas and the potential to become the next Google or Amazon.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 10,000% Return: This AI Stock is a Diamond in the Rough (But Our Help is Key!)

The AI revolution is upon us, and savvy investors stand to make a fortune.

But with so many choices, how do you find the hidden gem – the company poised for explosive growth?

That’s where our expertise comes in.

We’ve got the answer, but there’s a twist…

Imagine an AI company so groundbreaking, so far ahead of the curve, that even if its stock price quadrupled today, it would still be considered ridiculously cheap.

That’s the potential you’re looking at. This isn’t just about a decent return – we’re talking about a 10,000% gain over the next decade!

Our research team has identified a hidden gem – an AI company with cutting-edge technology, massive potential, and a current stock price that screams opportunity.

This company boasts the most advanced technology in the AI sector, putting them leagues ahead of competitors.

It’s like having a race car on a go-kart track.

They have a strong possibility of cornering entire markets, becoming the undisputed leader in their field.

Here’s the catch (it’s a good one): To uncover this sleeping giant, you’ll need our exclusive intel.

We want to make sure none of our valued readers miss out on this groundbreaking opportunity!

That’s why we’re slashing the price of our Premium Readership Newsletter by a whopping 75%.

For a ridiculously low price of just $24, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single restaurant meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

  • The Name of the Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.
  • Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.
  • Lifetime Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund ANYTIME, no questions asked.

 

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

  1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $24.
  2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.
  3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad lifetime money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

Subscribe Now!

A New Dawn is Coming to U.S. Stocks

I work for one of the largest independent financial publishers in the world – representing over 1 million people in 148 countries.

We’re independently funding today’s broadcast to address something on the mind of every investor in America right now…

Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?

Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.

Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…

But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.

That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…

And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.

He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.

Click to continue reading…