Getty Realty’s Standard Rent Escalation of 1.7% Exceeds Industry Standards

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Written By Joel Gbolade

Getty Realty Corp. (NYSE: GTY) operates as a triple-net lease Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), primarily focusing on retail and service-oriented properties, notably convenience-gas and automotive sectors.

The company’s portfolio spans 42 states and Washington DC, totaling 1108 properties, with a significant emphasis on corner locations in high-density metropolitan areas.

Evaluating Getty Realty

Credits: DepositPhotos

The Good:

  1. Lease Structures

Getty Realty predominantly utilizes triple-net lease agreements, transferring a substantial portion of property-related costs to tenants. These agreements typically include annual rent escalations, with Getty Realty’s average annual escalation rate of 1.7% exceeding industry standards.

Despite some considering this rate low, it serves as a consistent internal growth driver for the company.

Triple-net leases are highly favorable for landlords, as tenants bear the burden of maintaining and operating the properties, including taxes, repairs, and insurance.

This structure provides Getty Realty with predictable cash flows and minimizes its operational expenses.

  1. High Occupancy Rate and Solid WALT

Maintaining a high occupancy rate and a solid Weighted Average Lease Term (WALT) is indicative of portfolio quality and stability. With a WALT of 9.2, Getty Realty’s lease terms are competitive within the industry, and recent investment activities have further improved this metric.

Additionally, the company boasts an impressive occupancy rate of 99.7%, surpassing many peers in the sector.

A high occupancy rate ensures consistent rental income streams, while a solid WALT mitigates the risk of lease expirations and provides visibility into future cash flows.

Getty Realty’s ability to secure long-term leases reflects positively on its portfolio management strategy and tenant relationships.

The Bad:

  1. Balance Sheet and Debt Maturities

Getty Realty’s BBB- rated balance sheet, coupled with significant debt maturities approaching in 2025/2026, poses notable concerns. While the company’s coverage ratio and weighted average debt maturities appear relatively strong compared to some peers, the concentration of debt maturities in the near term exposes Getty Realty to refinancing risks, particularly in a high-interest rate environment.

This, in turn, could strain the company’s financial performance and elevate its already elevated Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) payout ratio.

The impending debt maturities raise questions about Getty Realty’s ability to refinance its obligations on favorable terms. In a challenging economic environment or if interest rates rise significantly, the company may face difficulties in meeting its debt obligations, potentially leading to liquidity issues and credit rating downgrades.

  1. High Tenant Concentration

Getty Realty exhibits a relatively high tenant concentration, with its top ten tenants contributing substantially to its Annual Base Rent (ABR). This concentration heightens the impact of any liquidity issues faced by these tenants, presenting a significant risk factor for Getty Realty’s financial stability.

A concentrated tenant base increases Getty Realty’s exposure to tenant-specific risks, such as bankruptcies or lease terminations. If one or more of its top tenants encounter financial difficulties, it could significantly impact the company’s revenue and cash flow, leading to potential declines in property valuations and investor confidence.

Neutral Ground – Growth & Dividends

Getty Realty has demonstrated decent growth in Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) per share and offers an attractive dividend yield of approximately 6.6%. However, its projected growth rates and dividend sustainability may be overshadowed by the impending debt maturities and high tenant concentration.

While Getty Realty’s dividend yield may appeal to income-oriented investors, its risk profile suggests limited potential for multiple appreciation. Investors should carefully weigh the company’s growth prospects against its financial risks and market conditions before making investment decisions.

Valuation

Getty Realty’s forward-looking Price to Funds From Operations (P/FFO) multiple is in line with industry standards but may not reflect its inherent risks and growth potential compared to its peers. While the company’s dividend yield may appeal to income-oriented investors, its risk profile suggests limited potential for multiple appreciation.

Investors should consider Getty Realty’s valuation in the context of its risk profile and growth prospects. While the company may offer attractive dividend yields, its financial health and tenant concentration pose significant risks that could impact its long-term performance and shareholder returns.

Risk Factors

Key risk factors for Getty Realty include its high tenant concentration, significant debt maturities, and potential challenges associated with expansion in the service-oriented property sector.

Investors should carefully assess Getty Realty’s risk factors and their potential impact on the company’s financial performance and shareholder value. While the company may offer attractive growth prospects and dividend yields, its risk profile suggests that investors should approach with caution and consider diversifying their portfolios to mitigate potential downside risks.

The Bottom Line

Credits: DepositPhotos

Getty Realty presents investors with a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While it offers a competitive lease structure and solid occupancy metrics, its financial health and tenant concentration pose significant risks.

Considering these factors, investors may find better risk-to-reward opportunities among peers such as ADC, EPRT, and NNN within the retail and service-oriented REIT space.

 

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