Reuben Gregg Brewer, The Motley Fool
5 min read
In This Article:
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Federal Realty has the longest dividend increase streak in the REIT sector.
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The company focuses on quality over quantity and is a skilled developer and redeveloper.
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Federal Realty's dividend yield is notably higher than the REIT industry average.
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10 stocks we like better than Federal Realty Investment Trust ›
Federal Realty (NYSE: FRT) is not the largest real estate investment trust (REIT) you can buy. It isn't even the largest REIT in its strip mall niche. It actually has a fairly small collection of properties in its portfolio. And yet it stands head and shoulders above every other REIT when it comes to its dividend. Here's why now is a good time to consider adding Federal Realty and its industry-leading business to your portfolio.
Federal Realty owns strip malls and mixed-use properties, which generally include apartments and offices in the mix with retail. Some of the REIT's individual properties are quite large developments with multiyear projects on them. Others are simple strip malls where locals go to meet their everyday needs, like buying groceries or getting a haircut.
From this perspective, Federal Realty isn't particularly differentiated from its competitors. That changes when you see that it only owns around 100 properties, which is generally a much smaller portfolio than its closest peers. However, those properties are particularly well located, with Federal Realty's assets having a higher average income around them and higher average population density. In other words, its portfolio is focused in wealthy areas with lots of residents nearby, which is exactly where retailers want to be located.
The strength of Federal Realty's portfolio today is highlighted by its occupancy rates. After dipping during the coronavirus pandemic, they are now back above that level and closing in on 20-year highs. Occupancy ended the first quarter of 2025 at 93.6% but is expected to close in on 95% as the year progresses. Even during the pandemic, when non-essential businesses were closed by the government in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, Federal Realty's occupancy didn't fall below 89%.
The real story, however, is Federal Realty's dividend, which has been increased annually for 57 consecutive years. That makes the REIT a Dividend King, which alone is an impressive feat. But there's two more nuances here. First, Federal Realty has the longest dividend streak of any REIT. Second, it is the only REIT that is a Dividend King. Having a small, well-positioned portfolio has clearly paid off.
