Known as the Empire State of the South, Georgia’s real estate market is as diverse and dynamic as its rich cultural tapestry. In this article, we’ll explore the best-kept picks in Georgia’s REIT sector, offering fresh insights into some of the region’s most promising and profitable investments.
Key Takeaways – Best Georgia REITs Chart
| REIT | Market Cap | Dividend Yield (TTM) | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$8.36 Billion |
2.99% |
Industrial |
|
|
$3.70 Billion |
5.36% |
Office |
|
|
$875.89 Million |
10.79% |
Office |
|
|
$259.89 Million |
12.11% |
Mortgage |
Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (COLD)
- Market Capitalization: $8.36 Billion
- Dividend Yield (TTM): 2.99%
- Industry: REIT – Industrial
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (COLD) is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics real estate and value-added services. With a substantial footprint, Americold’s facilities extend across various continents, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America. This extensive network ensures the efficient and safe storage and transport of perishable goods, making it a critical link between food producers, processors, distributors, retailers, and ultimately, consumers.
The company operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). As of the latest information, Americold employs over 15,000 people. Key executives include George F. Chappelle Jr., CEO, and Marc Jason Smernoff, CFO. Americold’s corporate governance has been rated with an ISS Governance QualityScore of 2 as of January 1, 2024, indicating a relatively lower governance risk.
Cousins Properties, Inc. (CUZ)
- Market Capitalization: $3.70 Billion
- Dividend Yield (TTM): 5.36%
- Industry: REIT – Office
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Cousins Properties Incorporated is a prominent REIT based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1958, the company focuses primarily on Class A office buildings in the high-growth Sun Belt markets. Cousins Properties operates as a fully integrated, self-administered, and self-managed REIT, demonstrating extensive expertise in developing, acquiring, leasing, and managing high-quality real estate assets.
The firm’s business model emphasizes active management of its properties, focusing on maintaining high occupancy rates, increasing rental income through strategic lease management, and continually enhancing property value.
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (PDM)
- Market Capitalization: $875.89 Million
- Dividend Yield (TTM): 10.79%
- Industry: REIT – Office
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. is a significant player in the REIT market, focusing on Class A office properties primarily located in the U.S. Sunbelt markets. This company, founded in 1958, manages a substantial portfolio valued at approximately $5 billion, encompassing around 17 million square feet of office space.
As a fully integrated, self-managed REIT, Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. has a local management presence in its markets. The company has achieved an investment-grade rating from S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Moody’s (Baa2). Moreover, it has been recognized as a 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Angel Oak Mortgage, Inc. (AOMR)
- Market Capitalization: $259.89 Million
- Dividend Yield (TTM): 12.11%
- Industry: REIT – Mortgage
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Established in 2018, AOMR focuses on acquiring and investing in first-lien non-qualified mortgage loans and other mortgage-related assets within the U.S. mortgage market. Their core objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for stockholders through both cash distributions and capital appreciation.
A unique advantage marks AOMR’s approach: a vertically integrated asset management and mortgage lending platform. This integration includes sourcing, underwriting, loan acquisition, asset allocation, portfolio management, and monitoring, all aimed at creating long-term value for shareholders. A key aspect of their operation is using an “originator model” for sourcing loans. This model relies on Angel Oak’s affiliated mortgage origination channels, allowing for direct credit verification and potentially more accurate risk and return analysis.
