Core Viewpoint - The ALPS Active REIT ETF is highlighted as a strong investment option due to its focus on dependable dividend growth within the real estate sector, which is known for above-average dividends [1]. Group 1: Dividend Growth in Real Estate - Real estate dividends are on the rise, with 73 landlords increasing distributions in the previous year, including 11 in December [3]. - Host Hotels & Resorts (HST), part of the REIT portfolio, announced a special dividend of 15 cents per share in December, alongside its unchanged regular dividend of 20 cents per share, resulting in total payouts of 95 cents per share for 2025, a 5.6% increase from the previous year [4]. Group 2: Management Style and Sector Trends - The ALPS ETF is actively managed, allowing for quicker identification of potential dividend offenders and REITs with favorable long-term payout growth prospects [2]. - The ETF's portfolio is tilted towards retail and residential REITs, which together make up 28.51% of the fund, sectors that are currently showing strong dividend increase trends [5]. Group 3: Comparative Dividend Analysis - In 2025, 21 retail REITs declared higher dividends, representing 80.8% of the subsector, while 14 residential REITs increased their dividends, accounting for 70% of that subsector [6]. - A total of 48 US REITs, or 65.8% of the total, recorded higher dividends in 2025 compared to their 2019 payouts, while 20 US REITs, or 27.4%, declared lower dividends compared to pre-pandemic levels [7].

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts in September have negatively impacted the real estate sector, particularly real estate investment trusts (REITs) and related ETFs, which have shown losses over the past 30 and 90 days [1] Group 1: Market Performance - Despite recent disappointments, investors are advised not to hastily dismiss REITs and related ETFs, as further rate cuts may present new opportunities [2] - The ALPS Active REIT ETF, which is actively managed, could be a viable option for investors looking at real estate funds [2][3] Group 2: REITs with Recovery Potential - Some REITs, such as Americold Realty Trust (COLD), have seen significant declines (down nearly 51% over the past year) but may now represent value plays with rebound potential [4] - Morningstar analysts highlight Americold as a top idea in the sector, alongside Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT), which is down 13.21% year-to-date but may recover as interest in retail REITs grows [5] Group 3: Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT) Analysis - Federal Realty has the highest average population density and per capita income among shopping center REITs, which supports its strong growth prospects and high dividend yield [6] - Concerns regarding 10% of Federal Realty's rent coming from office tenants have contributed to its sell-off, but its high-quality portfolio is expected to trade at a premium compared to industry peers [6]

Core Insights - REITs and related ETFs have shown limited movement following the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut, suggesting that the impact was already factored into the market [1] - The ALPS Active REIT ETF is noteworthy due to its significant allocation to retail REITs, which are showing a more favorable outlook than previously anticipated [2][3] Retail REIT Performance - According to Nareit's quarterly REIT Industry Tracker, retail property operations have remained robust, with year-over-year increases in funds from operations (FFO) and net operating income (NOI) of 5.1%, and same-store net operating income (SS NOI) rising by 4.0% as of Q2 2025 [3] - The average retail occupancy rate stands at 96.6%, the highest among traditional property types, indicating strong demand [3] Dividend Outlook - The trailing 12-month dividend yield for REITs is 3.12%, suggesting potential for growth in dividends as interest rates decline [3][4] - Retail REITs have maintained disciplined balance sheets, with an average leverage ratio of 34.6% and a significant portion of fixed-rate and unsecured debt [5] Strength in Mall REITs - Mall REITs are identified as potential strengths within the retail real estate sector, with a notable percentage of U.S. malls receiving high grades from Green Street [6][7] - Approximately 25% of malls are rated A or better, indicating a positive outlook for these properties, while over half are rated B- or worse, suggesting challenges for lower-rated malls [7]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]