Preferred Equity: The Appeal for Real Estate Investors

Eric Wilson

COO

September 11, 2023

3 min read

Eric Wilson

COO

September 11, 2023

5 min read

In real estate financing, one piece of the capital stack is currently quite attractive for investors and operators alike: preferred equity. For seasoned investors and operators, preferred equity isn’t just another buzzword. It's an innovative strategy that offers distinct advantages, especially when considering partnering with high-quality operators in appealing markets.

Understanding Preferred Equity

At its core, preferred equity is a form of hybrid financing—somewhere between common equity and debt. An investor providing preferred equity capital is generally promised a fixed return before any profits are distributed to other equity holders, but after any debt is serviced. This positioning in the capital stack—above common equity holders and below lenders—provides an attractive risk-reward balance.

Why We Like Preferred Equity


  1. Priority Returns: By its nature, preferred equity guarantees prioritized returns. Investors get their returns before common equity holders. This preferential treatment in distributions can provide a more predictable income stream.
  2. Mitigated Risks: Preferred equity sits above common equity in the capital stack. So, even if a project doesn’t reach its projected profits, preferred equity investors stand a better chance to recoup their investment compared to common equity holders.
  3. Flexibility and Control: Preferred equity terms can be tailored to fit specific needs. Provisions can be made to give preferred equity investors some decision-making power, especially if certain trigger events occur, like missed payments.

Strategic Co-Investments with Leading Operators

Investing alongside established operators in booming markets presents a powerful strategy. Here's why:

  1. Leveraging Expertise: By placing capital with reputable operators, we benefit from their market knowledge, operational expertise, and track record—factors that can considerably mitigate investment risks.
  2. Market Diversification: Preferred equity allows us to diversify our investments geographically. By selecting robust markets, we position our investments to benefit from regional growth, demand dynamics, and demographic shifts.
  3. Enhanced Deal Access: Partnering with leading operators grants access to prime deals that might otherwise be off-limits. It's like having an inside track to the best opportunities in the market.

Inviting Investors to Join the Journey

When we identify compelling preferred equity opportunities, we often open the door for select investors to co-invest. Here’s why this is a attractive for them:

  1. Attractive Returns: Preferred equity often promises higher returns than traditional debt, making it an enticing proposition.
  2. Risk Diversification: Co-investing in preferred equity allows investors to diversify their portfolios not only by asset type but also by capital structure positioning.
  3. Alignment of Interests: When investors co-invest alongside us, it ensures an alignment of interests. We're in the game together, sharing the same goal: achieving strong, risk-adjusted returns.

Conclusion

As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, so too do the strategies of astute investors. Preferred equity, with its blend of priority returns and risk mitigation, has emerged as a shining star. By partnering with top-tier operators in thriving markets and inviting investors to journey with us, we believe we’re crafting a blueprint for success in the complex world of real estate investing.

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