4 Top REITs That Offer Solid Growth and Good Dividends for Investors

Banking, finance, and taxes

Published: March 1, 2016 10:40 am

Last Updated: January 13, 2020 12:32 pm

Think about it: you see them everywhere, and either you know somebody that uses them or you do yourself. Not only are they the optimum place to get items out of the garage or attic, they are also a place where people park campers and boats. The self-storage real estate investment trusts (REITs) are ubiquitous, and there is one huge reason why. We all have too much stuff.

In a new research report, Merrill Lynch makes the case that these stocks remain attractive based on the analyst’s expectations for further market share gains, accretive acquisitions and increased demand, even in a slowly improving economy. With occupancies averaging about 92%, and demand solid, the analysts have four top stocks to buy now.

Investors should remember that REIT distributions can contain return of principal.

CubeSmart

This company recently posted very solid numbers and remains a compelling Buy. CubeSmart (NYSE: CUBE) owns or manages 694 self-storage facilities across the United States. According to the 2016 Self-Storage Almanac, CubeSmart is one of the top four owners and operators of self-storage facilities in the nation. Its self-storage facilities are designed to offer affordable, easily accessible, secure and, in most locations, climate-controlled storage space for residential and commercial customers.

The company reported that funds from operations (FFO), as adjusted, were $58.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, compared with $46.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. FFO per share, as adjusted, increased 17.9% to $0.33 for the fourth quarter of 2015, compared with $0.28 for the same period last year. So, all in all, a very solid quarter, and the view for 2016 looks just as solid.

CubeSmart investors are paid a 2.81% distribution. The Merrill Lynch price objective for the stock is $34, and the Thomson/First Call consensus target is $32.95. The shares closed Monday at $29.90.