Core Insights - Real estate remains a timeless asset that continues to generate wealth for individuals today [1] - Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow individuals to invest in real estate without needing significant capital or expertise [2] Group 1: Prologis - Prologis specializes in logistics and data center properties, owning nearly 5,900 buildings across 20 countries [5] - The company enhances property value through high maintenance standards and energy efficiency [6] - Prologis has an 11-year streak of consecutive dividend increases, with a current dividend yield of 3.6% and strong growth prospects in e-commerce and data centers [7] Group 2: NNN REIT - NNN REIT has raised its dividend for 36 consecutive years, demonstrating resilience through economic challenges [8] - The company owns over 3,600 buildings, focusing on consumer-facing tenants, and utilizes triple net leases for revenue stability [9] - NNN REIT offers a current yield of 5.5%, with low to mid-single-digit growth, emphasizing stability over rapid growth [10] Group 3: Public Storage - Public Storage is the largest owner-operator of self-storage facilities, with over 3,400 properties in the U.S. and Europe [11] - The company has invested $11 billion since 2019 to expand its portfolio by 35%, although this has affected consistent dividend growth [11][12] - The stock currently yields 3.9%, providing a dependable income stream, with expected low to mid-single-digit growth over the next few years [13]

Core Viewpoint - British American Tobacco (BAT) is emerging from a challenging decade and is positioned to potentially outperform the market moving forward, despite the inherent risks associated with tobacco investments [1][2][3]. Company Performance - BAT has faced significant challenges over the past decade, including a tumultuous market environment and the consequences of a costly merger with Reynolds American, which resulted in a $31.5 billion non-cash write-down on its U.S. cigarette brands in late 2023 [3][10]. - The stock has shown a 43% increase over the past year, although it remains down 25% from a decade ago, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment towards a more favorable outlook for the company [11]. Revenue and Growth - BAT's new category products, including electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, have seen organic, currency-neutral sales growth of 8.9% in 2024, contributing to 17.5% of total revenue [4]. - Management anticipates annualized currency-neutral revenue growth of 3% to 5% starting in 2026, which, while modest, represents a recovery path from previous declines [5]. Dividend and Cash Flow - The company offers a nearly 7% dividend yield, providing attractive short-term returns, especially during periods of market volatility [2][6]. - In 2024, BAT generated £7.9 billion in free cash flow and paid out £5.2 billion in dividends, resulting in a payout ratio of 66%, indicating a healthy cash flow position [8]. Valuation and Market Position - BAT's stock valuation has improved, currently trading at under 10 times 2025 earnings estimates, which is a significant recovery from a low of under 8 times earnings early last year [12]. - The company’s strategic focus on transitioning to smoke-free products positions it favorably against competitors, although it still trails Philip Morris International in this area [4][10].