Easterly Government Properties: Is The Recent Analyst Downgrade For Reddit’s Favorite REIT Justified?

Easterly Government Properties (NYSE:DEA) has been one of the hot trending stocks on Reddit ever since its most recent downgrade. The company's stock has been on the decline after RBC Capital Markets analyst Michael Carroll downgraded the commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) from 'Sector Perform' to 'Underperform' on August 16, 2023. While this downgrade may raise alarm bells for some, it is vital to dig deeper into the justification behind this rating and the broader context surrounding DEA's performance. Let us have a closer look and analyze the rationale behind the pessimistic views towards the REIT and whether it presents any kind of opportunity for investors.

What Does Easterly Government Properties Do?

Easterly Government Properties, headquartered in Washington, D.C., specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of Class A commercial properties leased to the U.S. Government. With an expert management team, Easterly possesses unique insight into the specific requirements and strategies of mission-critical U.S. Government agencies. These agencies either lease properties directly from Easterly or through the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

What Is The Story Behind The Recent Downgrade?

RBC Capital Markets analyst Michael Carroll's doubtful outlook is rooted in several concerns, including Easterly Government Properties' ability to generate growth in an environment of high interest rates. He believes that the company is poised to experience minimal organic and external growth, partly due to the rollover of interest rate swaps, which could further strain the dividend. Additionally, DEA's higher leverage, reflected in a pro-forma net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 7.1 times, and a dimmer outlook for adjusted Funds From Operations (FFO) contribute to the analyst's bearish stand.

However, there are contrasting views within the financial community, with Easterly Government Properties having recently raised its full-year guidance for core FFO per share. CEO William C. Trimble, III, expressed optimism about the acquisition market thawing and the potential for transactions in the second half of 2023. Trimble emphasized the company's commitment to resuming its external growth strategy, focusing on expanding its portfolio with creditworthy government leases featuring long durations.

Is The Market Pessimism Justified?

Easterly Government Properties has been making notable moves in recent times, but despite its recent efforts to improve its debt structure and the positive revisions to its full-year guidance, there are still some lingering concerns for investors to consider.

DEA currently owns 86 properties, almost entirely leased to the United States Government (USG), with an average remaining lease term of 10.3 years. In Q2, total rental revenues dipped by 4.8% year-over-year, primarily due to a lower property count. However, these losses were partly offset by the contributions of new properties acquired last year.

While DEA's recent guidance reflects optimism about an acquisition market thaw, the company remains cautious about its growth prospects. The dividend payout, which yields nearly 8%, may also raise eyebrows, as it strains the company's ability to cover it comfortably.

DEA's plans to increase total revenues include acquiring properties leased to state and local governments, potentially insulating them from federal budget-related volatility. However, their debt load, with a fixed rate averaging 3.8%, raises concerns about refinancing and interest rate risks.

Easterly Government Properties' Strategic Vision for Future Growth

Easterly Government Properties' management has noticed narrowing bid-ask spreads in their market, prompting them to leverage their liquidity for portfolio expansion. The acquisitions team is actively exploring assets that align with their stringent criteria, particularly those boasting long-standing government leases. The strength of their cash flows relies on the creditworthiness of their tenants, and they are looking to have tenants with exceptionally high credit ratings. Lease term stability is another critical aspect of Easterly's strategy. They aim to ensure a consistent and drama-free stream of cash flows. The management is also expanding their investment universe to include states with credit ratings that sometimes surpass their U.S. government tenants. Additionally, post-pandemic, long-term leases offer increased comfort and security, aligning perfectly with their strategy of delivering long-term growth to shareholders.

Easterly is witnessing a surge in opportunities, particularly in the federal and state sectors, and they plan to allocate significant capital to capitalize on these prospects. Their forward-looking approach anticipates a $200 million to $300 million investment could lead to a substantial FFO growth rate.

Final Thoughts

Source: Yahoo Finance

We can see the DEA stock taking a beating around the time of the analyst downgrade. Despite trading near its 52-week lows, recent downgrades and a consensus of less than 10% upside potential signal caution. Pessimists argue that other commercial REITs such as Postal Realty Trust (PSTL) may offer better dividend prospects, while Corporate Office Properties (OFC) could present greater share price upside potential. In conclusion, we believe that while DEA has potential, investors should closely monitor its progress in achieving its acquisition goals and improving growth prospects. Until more promising signs emerge, this REIT is best avoided despite the price correction.