- Uncover the Dominance: This Surprising Investment Outshines the S&P 500 with Steady, Impressive Gains
May 16, 2026
Stubborn inflation is just the newest landmine that investors are trying to sidestep to protect their portfolios. The April 2026 Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed prices rose 3.8% from the same period a year ago, which was the highest rate since May 2023.
It's jarring to hear that, and with so much whipsawing in the markets each day, it can be difficult to figure out where to invest for the long haul. Fortunately, history can guide us toward an investment that has outperformed the S&P 500 since 1994: industrial real estate trusts (REITs).
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »Image source: Getty Images.
Building a more robust portfolio
REITs essentially act as landlords of vast real estate portfolios, and there are REITs for almost any investable area you can think of: data centers, housing, office space, and more. For investors, the benefit of REITs is not only the scale of their portfolios that can generate massive cash piles, but also the fact that they generally must pay out 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends.
In particular, the industrial REIT sector has performed well for over three decades, delivering an average annual return of 13.5% from 1994 to 2025. In comparison, the S&P 500 averaged a 12.3% return.
For the reasons why, we can turn to Motley Fool research. "With more people shopping online, industrial REITs, especially those focused on logistics properties, have expanded rapidly by developing new distribution centers to support this growth. The robust demand for warehouse space following the pandemic has enabled REITs to capture significantly higher rental rates as leases expire and renew at current market rates."
For one of the many investable opportunities in the space, we can turn our attention to First Industrial Realty Trust(NYSE: FR). Let's dive in.
How to invest in the industrial REIT space
First Industrial focuses its portfolio on regional and bulk distribution centers. It has a total of 71.6 million square feet of industrial space and 424 properties owned and under development.
The stock has a favorable dividend payout that currently yields above 3%, and the company also announced in its 2026 first-quarter earnings results that it was launching a new share buyback program to potentially repurchase up to $250 million in stock.
Its performance has been on par with the S&P 500 this year, but remember that from 1994 to 2025, this sector has delivered a larger return. REITs also tend to be less volatile, making industrial REITs worthy of investment consideration. As Motley Fool research points out:
Story Continues
The U.S. Congress created REITs to level the playing field so all investors could access income-producing, wealth-creating real estate. That has turned out to be a boon for the average investor because REITs have outperformed stocks over the very long term -- thanks partly to their dividends -- and have been less volatile.
Should you buy stock in First Industrial Realty Trust right now?
Before you buy stock in First Industrial Realty Trust, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and First Industrial Realty Trust wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $469,293!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,381,332!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 993% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 207% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of May 16, 2026.
Jack Delaney has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Uncover the Dominance: This Surprising Investment Outshines the S&P 500 with Steady, Impressive Gains was originally published by The Motley Fool
View Comments
- Uncover the Dominance: This Surprising Investment Outshines the S&P 500 with Steady, Impressive Gains
May 16, 2026 · fool.com
The industrial REIT sector provided an average annual return of 13.5% from 1994 to 2025.
- How First Industrial’s Strong Q1 Results and Higher 2026 Earnings Guidance Will Impact First Industrial Realty Trust (FR) Investors
May 3, 2026
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. reported first-quarter 2026 results showing revenue of US$194.83 million and net income of US$143.1 million, and in April 2026 issued full-year 2026 net income guidance of US$2.32–US$2.42 per share while declaring a quarterly dividend of US$0.50 per share payable on July 20, 2026. Alongside these financial updates, shareholders at the 2026 Annual Meeting strongly backed the existing board, approved executive pay and auditor ratification, and the company expanded director and insider equity incentives, underscoring alignment between governance, management incentives and long-term owners. We’ll now examine how First Industrial’s stronger first-quarter earnings and higher 2026 net income guidance may influence its existing investment narrative.
Invest in the nuclear renaissance through our list of 91 elite nuclear energy infrastructure plays powering the global AI revolution.
First Industrial Realty Trust Investment Narrative Recap
To own First Industrial Realty Trust, you need to believe its U.S. logistics portfolio can keep attracting tenants at healthy rents while maintaining disciplined development and balance sheet management. The latest Q1 2026 beat and higher full year net income guidance support the near term earnings catalyst, though part of the jump reflects one off gains, which may temper how much weight investors put on a single quarter.
The reaffirmed US$0.50 quarterly dividend, following a 12.4% increase earlier in 2026, ties recent earnings strength directly to cash returns for shareholders. This matters in the context of activist pressure and a new US$250 million buyback authorization, as both capital return and governance changes sit alongside earnings as key short term drivers of the story.
Yet, despite these positives, investors should be aware that reliance on one off gains and earnings forecasts that point to future declines could...
Read the full narrative on First Industrial Realty Trust (it's free!)
First Industrial Realty Trust's narrative projects $920.3 million revenue and $282.7 million earnings by 2029. This requires 7.3% yearly revenue growth and a $59.6 million earnings decrease from $342.3 million today.
Uncover how First Industrial Realty Trust's forecasts yield a $66.93 fair value, a 8% upside to its current price.
Exploring Other PerspectivesFR 1-Year Stock Price Chart
Three fair value estimates from the Simply Wall St Community range from US$47.88 to about US$67.36, showing very different views of upside. When you set those side by side with the recent earnings beat boosted by one off gains, it becomes even more important to compare multiple risk and return assumptions before forming your own view.
Story Continues
Explore 3 other fair value estimates on First Industrial Realty Trust - why the stock might be worth as much as 8% more than the current price!
Decide For Yourself
Disagree with existing narratives? Extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd, so go with your instincts.
A great starting point for your First Industrial Realty Trust research is our analysis highlighting 3 key rewards and 3 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision. Our free First Industrial Realty Trust research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate First Industrial Realty Trust's overall financial health at a glance.
Ready To Venture Into Other Investment Styles?
Early movers are already taking notice. See the stocks they're targeting before they've flown the coop:
The future of work is here. Discover the 33 top robotics and automation stocks leading the charge in AI-driven automation and industrial transformation. AI is about to change healthcare. These 33 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10b in market cap - there's still time to get in early. We've uncovered the 13 dividend fortresses yielding 5%+ that don't just survive market storms, but thrive in them.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include FR.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
View Comments
- First Industrial Shareholders Re-elect All Company Directors
Apr 30, 2026
CHICAGO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR), a leading fully integrated owner, operator and developer of logistics real estate, today announced that, based on the final vote count provided by its Independent Inspector of Elections following the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"), shareholders re-elected each of the Company's incumbent directors – Peter E. Baccile, Teresa Bryce Bazemore, Matthew S. Dominski, H. Patrick Hackett, Jr., Denise A. Olsen and Marcus L. Smith with each obtaining support from more than 93% of the voted shares. As previously announced, Frank E. Schmitz will also be appointed to the Board of Directors ("the Board") as an independent director on June 1, 2026, at which time the Board will comprise seven directors, six of whom are independent.First Industrial Realty Trust logo. (PRNewsFoto/First Industrial Realty Trust)
The First Industrial Board issued the following statement:
"We appreciate the continued, significant support of First Industrial's shareholders. The Board continues to oversee the execution of our clear, consistent, value-driven strategy and long-term plan, which has delivered sustained value creation. Following a multi-year transformation, First Industrial has built a high-quality portfolio and strong balance sheet, positioning the Company for further durable growth and value creation. Looking ahead, we will continue to capitalize on the opportunities within our portfolio and development pipeline and make select high quality, value-add acquisitions. We look forward to welcoming Frank Schmitz to the Board and continuing to build on First Industrial's long track record of success for the benefit of all shareholders."
The final certified results also indicated that shareholders approved all other proposals voted on at the Annual Meeting with each proposal garnering more than 95% of the voted shares, consistent with the recommendation of First Industrial's Board and management team. First Industrial will report the detailed final results on a Form 8-K that will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR) is a leading U.S.-only owner, operator, developer and acquirer of logistics properties. Through our fully integrated operating and investing platform, we provide high quality facilities and industry-leading customer service to multinational corporations and regional firms that are essential for their supply chains. In total, we own and have under development approximately 71.6 million square feet of industrial space concentrated in 15 target MSAs as of March 31, 2026. For more information, please visit us at www.firstindustrial.com.
Story Continues
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). We intend for such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, and are generally identifiable by use of the words "believe," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "seek," "target," "potential," "focus," "may," "will," "should" or similar words. Although we believe the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results will not materially differ. Factors that could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to: changes in national, international, regional and local economic conditions generally and real estate markets specifically, including impacts and uncertainties arising from trade disputes and tariffs on goods imported to or exported from the United States; changes in legislation/regulation (including laws governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts) and actions of regulatory authorities; our ability to qualify and maintain our status as a real estate investment trust; the availability, cost and attractiveness of financing (including both public and private capital), increases in or prolonged periods of elevated interest rates, and our ability to raise equity capital on attractive terms; the availability and attractiveness of terms of debt repurchases; our ability to retain our credit agency ratings; our ability to comply with applicable financial covenants; changes in the competitive environment in which we operate, including changes in supply, demand and valuation of industrial properties and land in our current and potential markets; our ability to identify, acquire, develop and/or manage properties on favorable terms; our ability to dispose of properties on favorable terms; our ability to successfully integrate acquired properties; potential liability relating to environmental matters; defaults on or non-renewal of leases by our tenants; decreases in rental rates or increases in vacancy rates; higher-than-expected real estate construction costs and delays in development or lease-up timelines; uncertainty and economic impacts of pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies or fear of such events; risks associated with cybersecurity breaches, cyberattacks, intrusions or other significant disruptions of our information technology networks or systems; potential natural disasters and other catastrophic events, including acts of war or terrorism; insufficient or unavailable insurance coverage; technological developments, particularly those affecting supply chains and logistics; litigation risks, including costs associated with prosecuting or defending claims and potential adverse outcomes; risks associated with our investments in joint ventures, including our lack of sole decision-making authority; and other risks and uncertainties described in Item A, "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our annual report, on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in our other Exchange Act reports and public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our outlook only and speak only as of the date of this press release or the dates indicated in the statements. We assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. For further information on these and other factors that could impact us and the statements contained herein, reference should be made to our filings with the SEC.Cision
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-industrial-shareholders-re-elect-all-company-directors-302759273.html
View Comments
- First Industrial Declares Common Stock Dividends
Apr 30, 2026
CHICAGO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR), a leading fully integrated owner, operator and developer of logistics real estate, today announced that its board of directors declared a common stock dividend of $0.50 per share/unit for the quarter ending June 30, 2026 payable on July 20, 2026 to stockholders of record on June 30, 2026.First Industrial Realty Trust logo. (PRNewsFoto/First Industrial Realty Trust)
About First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR) is a leading U.S.-only owner, operator, developer and acquirer of logistics properties. Through our fully integrated operating and investing platform, we provide high quality facilities and industry-leading customer service to multinational corporations and regional firms that are essential for their supply chains. In total, we own and have under development approximately 71.6 million square feet of industrial space concentrated in 15 target MSAs as of March 31, 2026. For more information, please visit us at www.firstindustrial.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). We intend for such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, and are generally identifiable by use of the words "believe," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "seek," "target," "potential," "focus," "may," "will," "should" or similar words. Although we believe the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results will not materially differ. Factors that could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to: changes in national, international, regional and local economic conditions generally and real estate markets specifically, including impacts and uncertainties arising from trade disputes and tariffs on goods imported to or exported from the United States; changes in legislation/regulation (including laws governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts) and actions of regulatory authorities; our ability to qualify and maintain our status as a real estate investment trust; the availability, cost and attractiveness of financing (including both public and private capital), increases in or prolonged periods of elevated interest rates, and our ability to raise equity capital on attractive terms; the availability and attractiveness of terms of debt repurchases; our ability to retain our credit agency ratings; our ability to comply with applicable financial covenants; changes in the competitive environment in which we operate, including changes in supply, demand and valuation of industrial properties and land in our current and potential markets; our ability to identify, acquire, develop and/or manage properties on favorable terms; our ability to dispose of properties on favorable terms; our ability to successfully integrate acquired properties; potential liability relating to environmental matters; defaults on or non-renewal of leases by our tenants; decreases in rental rates or increases in vacancy rates; higher-than-expected real estate construction costs and delays in development or lease-up timelines; uncertainty and economic impacts of pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies or fear of such events; risks associated with cybersecurity breaches, cyberattacks, intrusions or other significant disruptions of our information technology networks or systems; potential natural disasters and other catastrophic events, including acts of war or terrorism; insufficient or unavailable insurance coverage; technological developments, particularly those affecting supply chains and logistics; litigation risks, including costs associated with prosecuting or defending claims and potential adverse outcomes; risks associated with our investments in joint ventures, including our lack of sole decision-making authority; and other risks and uncertainties described in Item A, "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our annual report, on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in our other Exchange Act reports and public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our outlook only and speak only as of the date of this press release or the dates indicated in the statements. We assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. For further information on these and other factors that could impact us and the statements contained herein, reference should be made to our filings with the SEC.
Story Continues
Cision
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-industrial-declares-common-stock-dividends-302759274.html
View Comments
- First Industrial Shareholders Re-elect All Company Directors
Apr 30, 2026 · prnewswire.com
CHICAGO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR), a leading fully integrated owner, operator and developer of logistics real estate, today announced that, based on the final vote count provided by its Independent Inspector of Elections following the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"), shareholders re-elected each of the Company's incumbent directors – Peter E. Baccile, Teresa Bryce Bazemore, Matthew S.
- FIRST INDUSTRIAL SHAREHOLDERS RE-ELECT ALL COMPANY DIRECTORS
Apr 30, 2026
CHICAGO, APRIL 30, 2026 /PRNEWSWIRE/ -- FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC. (NYSE: FR), A LEADING FULLY INTEGRATED OWNER, OPERATOR AND DEVELOPER OF LOGISTICS REAL ESTATE, TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT, BASED ON THE FINAL VOTE COUNT PROVIDED BY ITS INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR OF ELECTIONS FOLLOWING THE COMPANY'S 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS (THE "ANNUAL MEETING"), SHAREHOLDERS RE-ELECTED EACH OF THE COMPANY'S INCUMBENT DIRECTORS – PETER E. BACCILE, TERESA BRYCE BAZEMORE, MATTHEW S.
- First Industrial Declares Common Stock Dividends
Apr 30, 2026 · prnewswire.com
CHICAGO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR), a leading fully integrated owner, operator and developer of logistics real estate, today announced that its board of directors declared a common stock dividend of $0.50 per share/unit for the quarter ending June 30, 2026 payable on July 20, 2026 to stockholders of record on June 30, 2026. About First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR) is a leading U.S.-only owner, operator, developer and acquirer of logistics properties.
- FIRST INDUSTRIAL DECLARES COMMON STOCK DIVIDENDS
Apr 30, 2026
CHICAGO, APRIL 30, 2026 /PRNEWSWIRE/ -- FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC. (NYSE: FR), A LEADING FULLY INTEGRATED OWNER, OPERATOR AND DEVELOPER OF LOGISTICS REAL ESTATE, TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS DECLARED A COMMON STOCK DIVIDEND OF $0.50 PER SHARE/UNIT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 PAYABLE ON JULY 20, 2026 TO STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD ON JUNE 30, 2026. ABOUT FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC. FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC. (NYSE: FR) IS A LEADING U.S.-ONLY OWNER, OPERATOR, DEVELOPER AND ACQUIRER OF LOGISTICS PROPERTIES.
- First Industrial Realty: A Stress-Free REIT With Reliable Growth Drivers
Apr 25, 2026 · seekingalpha.com
First Industrial Realty Trust is a disciplined industrial REIT, leveraging strategic development and capital recycling for steady income and growth. FR's Q1 results showed robust fundamentals: 8.7% same-store NOI growth, 41% cash leasing spreads, and stable 94.3% occupancy. Industry tailwinds are turning positive, with moderating supply, resilient demand, and FR's early lease renewal progress reducing rollover risk.
