Citi has maintained a Neutral rating on First Industrial Realty Trust (NYSE: NYSE:FR) with a steady price target of $55.00.
The firm's analysis followed the company's third-quarter earnings of 2024, which surpassed expectations from both the Street and Citi.
First Industrial Realty Trust also raised its full-year 2024 funds from operations (FFO) guidance by $0.02 at the midpoint, attributing the increase to improved operating results and a 0.25% rise in same-store net operating income (SSNOI) growth projections.
Despite the positive earnings results, the analyst noted a decrease in development leasing compared to the second quarter of 2024, as well as a slight 0.30% drop in occupancy from the previous quarter.
The report highlighted that while development leasing is considered a key short-term driver for the company's growth, the activity in this area is expected to be inconsistent.
The commentary from Citi pointed out that First Industrial Realty Trust performed well in what was an overall strong quarter, particularly given the high expectations set for the stock. The company has been recognized as the top-performing industrial real estate investment trust (REIT) in terms of year-to-date and trailing three-month performance metrics.
In other recent news, First Industrial Realty Trust reported a NAREIT funds from operations (FFO) of $0.66 per fully diluted share and a cash same-store net operating income (NOI) growth of 5.6% for the second quarter.
The company's 2024 guidance targets are now at $2.59 to $2.67 per share, influenced by strong leasing performance. Wolfe Research has upgraded its rating for First Industrial Realty Trust from Peerperform to Outperform, setting a price target at $64.00, based on a projected total return of approximately 23% by the end of 2025.
On the other hand, RBC Capital Markets increased the price target on First Industrial Realty Trust's shares to $60.00, maintaining an Outperform rating. This adjustment was influenced by the company's strong leasing performance, which is expected to bolster near-term earnings and reduce risk associated with its 2024 guidance targets. First Industrial Realty Trust also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share/unit for the quarter ending on September 30, 2024.
InvestingPro Insights
First Industrial Realty Trust's recent performance aligns with several key metrics and insights from InvestingPro. The company's market cap stands at $7.6 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the industrial REIT sector. With a P/E ratio of 26.2, the stock is trading at a premium compared to some peers, which may be justified by its strong performance and growth prospects.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that First Industrial has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns. This is further supported by the current dividend yield of 2.65% and an impressive dividend growth rate of 15.62% over the last twelve months. These factors may contribute to the stock's attractiveness for income-focused investors.
The company's financial health appears robust, with InvestingPro data showing that liquid assets exceed short-term obligations. This strong liquidity position supports the company's ability to pursue development opportunities and navigate market fluctuations. Additionally, First Industrial's profitability over the last twelve months, with a gross profit margin of 72.65% and an operating income margin of 40.48%, underscores its operational efficiency.
The stock's recent performance has been noteworthy, with a one-year price total return of 27.92% and currently trading near its 52-week high at 97.47% of that level. This aligns with Citi's observation of First Industrial being the top-performing industrial REIT in recent periods.
For investors seeking more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips and insights beyond those mentioned here, providing a deeper understanding of First Industrial Realty Trust's investment potential.
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