Rising Rates Pose Risk To Net Lease Sector

Rising 10-year Treasury yields pose increasing headwinds to net lease REITs, but the sector is positioned to deliver better earnings growth this year as acquisitions increase and tenants regain post-pandemic footing. Most REITs outlined in new analysis by Baird Equity Research are posting favorable acquisition guidance, and quality assets are in big demand, which may lead to cap rate compression. 

The 10-year Treasury recently rose 1.57% over a matter of weeks, up 107 basis points from an August 2020 low.  Baird notes collapsing credit spreads have tempered the rise in 10-year Treasuries, and many net lease REITs ended last year with positive acquisition momentum, thanks in part to declining COVID cases and favorable capital markets for deals. Baird also points to the “meme stock rally” that paved the way for AMC Entertainment to raise equity as an example of how some brands were able to access low-cost capital.