Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (COLD): A Bull Case Theory

Core Thesis - Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (COLD) is trading at a historic discount despite its strategic position in the cold storage REIT sector, which controls nearly half of the U.S. market [2][4] Market Position and Valuation - COLD's shares were trading at $10.99 as of December 1st, with a forward P/E of 119.05, indicating a significant valuation multiple collapse compared to historical levels [1][3] - Both Americold and its peer Lineage are trading at implied cap rates above 10%, contrasting sharply with historical transaction levels of 5-6% [3] Industry Dynamics - The cold storage sector is experiencing cyclical weakness due to lower storage volumes and soft consumer demand, but month-over-month inventory increases suggest potential stabilization [2] - The potential resumption of agricultural trade between the U.S. and China could provide a near-term tailwind for the sector, particularly with renewed soybean purchases [3] Future Outlook - Occupancy rates are expected to rise as inventories build in the second half of the year, with forward guidance for 2026 likely to be a key catalyst for sentiment recovery [2][4] - Americold is positioned for a recovery in both occupancy and pricing power as supply tightens and macro conditions improve, offering a compelling investment opportunity for those with a 12-24 month horizon [4]