Retail real estate investment trust (REIT) Agree Realty (ADC -0.26%) reported its earnings for the quarter ending March 31 on Tuesday. The company beat analysts' expectations, with substantial growth in both revenue and adjusted funds from operations. Bringing in AFFO per share of $1.03 against the forecast for $1.01 and revenue that crossed the expected $146.46 million to touch $149.45 million, the quarter emerges as a testament to Agree Realty's operational strength.
| Metric | Q1 2024 Results | Analyst Estimates | Q1 2023 Results | % Change (YOY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFFO per share | $1.03 | $1.01 | $0.98 | 5.1% |
| Revenue | $149.45 million | $146.46 million | $126.62 million | 18% |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders | $43 million | N/A | $39.76 million | 8.2% |
AFFO = adjusted funds from operation.
Understanding Agree Realty
Agree Realty focuses on acquiring and developing properties net leased to high-quality retailers. Central to its strategy is investing in assets leased to tenants with strong credit ratings, helping ensure stable cash flows. The company's extensive portfolio spans across the U.S., featuring a diverse mix of tenants from essential service sectors to discount retail, which are less susceptible to economic downturns and e-commerce competition. The REIT put $140 million into 50 properties during the quarter. This is down from $199 million and 70 retail net lease properties in the prior quarter, but still highlights Agree Realty's commitment to growth.
Quarterly highlights
The quarter's financial performance sparkled, with both AFFO per share and revenue climbing above analyst estimates. Investments played a pivotal role in the company's performance, marked by an ambitious absorption of 50 retail net lease properties into its fold. Agree Realty's portfolio diversification merits attention. The 2.9% year-over-year hike in monthly dividends to $0.25 per common share, compounded by tenant quality, marks it as a sturdy player.
Looking ahead
Management forecasts AFFO per share in the range of $4.10 to $4.13 for 2024. That would be a 4% year-over-year bump at the midpoint. A projection of approximately $600 million in acquisitions underscores a forward-looking growth trajectory.
This guidance, aligned with ongoing portfolio optimization and strategic investments, suggests Agree Realty is well-positioned to navigate future market dynamics. Investors should keep an eye on the REIT's ability to maintain dividend growth amid potential market fluctuations. The strategic blend of tenant quality, diversified portfolio expansion, and disciplined capital management lays down a roadmap for sustained success.
