February 2025 Landscape Review DST Equity Raise Records Impressive Start

Is the first month equity raised for Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) a trend or a blip in 2025? 2024 achieve a 12 percent increase when compared to 2023 and with over $600 Million in January this is a positive sign.

By Al DiNicola, AIF®
January 16, 2024
DST 1031 Specialist
NAMCOA® – Naples Asset Management Company®, LLC
Securities offered through MSC-BD, LLC, Member of FINRA/SIPC

According to Mountain Dell Consulting, who engages and tracks activities from sponsors of Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) and TIC Market Equity investment, the January 2025 equity raised was $630,816,989. Using simple math and multiplying by 12 that would be over $7.5 Billion in equity for the entire year. It is too early to project the 2025 results.

2025 Early Indication.

As stated, it is too early to predict what the final equity number will be at the end of 2025. What we may be able to use are demographic and economic drivers that may increase demand for certain product offerings. The above monthly average of equity raised in January of 2025 (when compared to 2024) may have been as a result of an end of the year sale of investment properties. If investors sold their investment property utilizing a 1031 tax deferred exchange the move into a DST is relatively easy. Easy from the standpoint of the DST offerings being prepackages with non-recourse debt to facilitate the exchange. Life events may become more important than economic drivers. Certain life events such as moving from one location to another downsizing going off the college or utilizing self-storage facilities may happen more than economic situations.

Market Metrics.

When comparing available equity at the end of 2024 and the available equity overall at the end of 2025 there are just some small variations. There is approximately $75 million more in equity that is now available at the end of January 2025. There are also 5 fewer programs offering currently and you can see the other metrics in the chart below.

	End of 2024	End of Jan 2025
Available Equity	$2,342,198,682	$2,415,974,183
Number of Programs	93	88
Days on Market	317	323
Number of active Sponsors	50	50
Average 1^st Yr. Return	4.94%	4.93%

One item that was not included in the overall summary of the Mountain Dell Report is the number of all cash DST. 38 of the 88 current offerings are all cash. That is almost 40%.

Current Asset Class Metrics

Sponsors have entered a more conservative underwriting, reduced the LTV and increased the equity needed for each DST.

Asset Class	#’s of Programs	Available Equity	LTV	Dollar as % of offerings	#’s as % of offerings
Energy	2	$5,850,000	0.00%	0.24%	2.27%
Hospitality	2	$37,072,659	0.00%	1.53%	2.27%
Industrial	14	$464,825,271	28.28%	19.24%	15.91%
Multi-Family	29	$1,025,305,365	38.83%	42.44%	32.95%
Student Housing	4	$75,813,369	38.32%	3.14%	4.55%
Office	4	$159,083,980	36%	6.58%	4.55%
Office/medical	4	$172,722,200	25.65%	7.15%	4.55%
Retail	18	$144,456,558	16.73%	5.98%	20.45%
Self-Storage	6	$117,209,197	8%	4.85%	6.82%
Senior Housing	3	$126,305,584	16%	5.23%	3.41%
Manufactured Housing	0			0.00%	0.00%
Other	2	$87,330,000	0%	3.61%	2.27%
Total	88	$2,415,974,183		100.00%	100.00%

Noted in the chart above is the average LTV for each asset class. There are no asset classes with an average LTV of over 40%. Understanding that when displaying an average there may be (depending on the asset class) an LTV over 40%. Thus, for investors with a higher LTV need we have a few alternatives. When we assist an investor with a larger §1031 exchange ($1M and above) especially when debt needs to be replaced, we typically blend multiple DSTs with leverage to diversify the replacement portfolio for the investor. Please consult with us about that strategy

There are a few interesting takeaways from this chart as displayed. In looking at the number of programs offered by a single asset class multifamily with 29 surely is outpacing the rest of the offerings. Over the period last year there were almost as many industrial offerings as there were multifamily. Actually, while there was almost the same number of industrial multifamily offerings, and the volume of multifamily offerings was actually less than industrial offerings. There has been an increased absorption of industrial assets over the past few months. A note for retail which needs to be explained is that many of the offerings may be considered ‘necessary retail” such as f grocery stores and needed facilities as compared to your department store retail offerings. Noticeably absent from this is manufactured housing. Very few offerings came on the market last year based on the void of acquisition of manufactured housing. An item which we don’t report on too frequently is the inclusion of a §721 UPREIT at some point in time after the Delaware statutory trust is acquired. Some of the offerings will have optional §721 UPREITS, others will have mandatory upgrades. We will create an article on the advantages and disadvantages of the §721 UPREIT program.

Final DST Market Overview Comments

If we reflect on the past seven (7) years, the average annual equity raise was $5.37 Billion. Some analysts will use a rolling 5-year average, and that number would be $6.658 with the potential outlier year of 2022 with over $9.2 Billion raised. Drilling down even further, eliminating the high and low over the past 7 years, the average year would be $5.1 Billion. The underlying demographics for investors wanting to sell actively managed real estate and move into passive ownership could be at an all-time high. We will see if the other market dynamics provide momentum for investors to see their existing properties.

We continue to research, review, and monitor all the major DST sponsors. We speak weekly with our sponsor contacts and conduct due diligence on DST offerings. Our continued research enables us to provide a quick response to investor questions regarding their cash investing needs as well as their §1031 tax deferred exchange. We are especially skilled at balancing the exchange debt equity requirements. We also specialize in the §1033 exchange in the case of natural disaster or eminent domain cases. The timeline for investors to decide on their utilization of a §1033 may extend beyond the benchmark 2 years as identified in the §1033 Code and potentially extend to 4 years. With the 2023 hurricanes in Florida and North Carolina as well as the 2024 fires in California, it may be too early to make any prediction on how many investors will take advantage of the §1033 tax advantages. Over the years we have assisted investors in dealing with their emotions as well as their replacement strategy. We are so fortunate in our specific location in Florida dealing with three hurricanes in 2024. Even though the eye of hurricane Milton came over us we were spared damage to our property. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in southern California at this time.

What to Look for in 2025 and 2026

DSTs have been gaining broader institutional exposure and acceptance. The inclusion of the 721 UPREIT (after a safe harbor period). Large institutional investors have been stepping into the space. Not only on the sponsor level but also the large institutional player and advisors prospective. Schwab and Fidelity have entered the participation via platforming DSTs. Large wire houses are stepping into the 1031 space on the wealth management side of the business. On a different topic, but potentially of vast interest may be the extension of the tax cuts with the new administration as well as a potential modification and extension to the Opportunity Zone (OZ) investment opportunity.

NAMCOA® is a SEC registered investment advisory firm that provides comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and fiduciary decision-making services on behalf of retirement plan sponsors. Our Difference is summarized by our fiduciary approach which enables us to better meet portfolio and retirement plan objectives, resulting in stronger risk adjusted returns for investors and peace of mind for Clients. We also focus on alternative real estate investment. Many real estate investors are seeking tax deferred solutions utilizing §1031 exchanges or Opportunity Zones.

DSTs are not for all investors. The acquisition of a DST is for accredited investors only. Contact your investment adviser for additional details on how a DST may be a solution to your 1031 Exchange and suited for your investment future. For more information on how to properly set up an IRC 1031Tax Deferred Exchange or if you are an accredited investor and would like additional information on a DST contact Al DiNicola at 239-691-8098 or email adinicola@namcoa.com.

This is not an offer to purchase or solicitation to purchase any security, as such be made only through an offering memorandum or prospectus. Investing in securities, real estate, or any investment, whether public or private, involves risk, including but not limited to the potential of losing some or all of your investment dollars when you invest in securities. You should review any planned financial transactions that may have tax or legal implications with your personal tax or legal advisor. NAMCOA, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor, regulated by SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). Our corporate office is located at 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 200, Naples Florida 34108. Securities Offered through MSC-BD, LLC, Member of FINRA/SIPC. 8215 SW Tualatin- Sherwood Rd, Suite 200, Tualatin, OR 97062. MSC-BD, LLC and NAMCOA are independently owned and are not affiliated.

Thank you.

June 30, 2022, DST.EDU Series B- Part 10 Retail Asset Class

June 30, 2022- DST.EDU (Series B- Part 10) Retail Asset Class
Editor’s note- this is part ten of a ten-part series on DST asset types.
Part 10: Necessary Retail Asset Classification Discussion

By Al DiNicola, AIF®
DST 1031 Specialist
NAMCOA® – Naples Asset Management Company®, LLC
Securities offered through MSC-BD, LLC, member of FINRA/SIPC

Why Investing in Retail Makes Sense
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) continue to gain in popularity among cash investors and 1031 tax deferred exchange investors. Investors seeking diversification may refocused on a specific style of retail investment.
Driving around most cities and towns we see many businesses that provide valuable services to the public. Retail has been a major driver of the economy over decades. There is a wide variety of retail space that exist from small strip centers, neighborhood centers, regional centers, power centers and major lifestyle centers. In some areas of the country, we are surrounded by retail. In rural areas you may need to drive miles to purchase groceries and other necessary items for daily life. With the potential of lifestyle centers all retails have one goal in mind and that is to sell services or goods. Over the past 5 years there has been an acceleration of the e-commerce sector (driven by technology) creating competition to the brick & mortar outlets. Many of the brick & mortar stores have opened on-line outlets. There are active sponsor of DSTs structuring offerings with the potential for higher-than-average risk adjusted return especially with rising borrowing rates. However, the investor needs to understand the dynamics of the various retail sector.

Understanding the Retail Asset Class
As with all asset class investors need to understand what can create a successful investment. With retail there may be more variables that may be out of the control of the development company or in the case of a DST the sponsor. The success of a retail investment can be directly linked to the property. The US economy has a direct correlation to the success of many retail properties. Indicators including job creation and increased earning across all employment sectors do add to consumer confidence. The tenant who would be renting the property actually create the value of their business enabling the business to make a profit and afford to make lease payments to the underlying investors. Retail that can build a brand that consumers have confidence in the quality of service or effectiveness of the products prompting the consumer to buy will add to the tenant success. That would equate to tenant renewals for the landlord or investor.
Retail includes an overwhelming list of types of buildings, locations, and designs. We will provide a brief overview prior to a deeper dive into the DST style offering.

Lease Types, Anchors and Duration
We frequently hear the term Triple-Net Leases or if in type NNN. Landlord (investors) may prefer the NNN structure. The main reason is the tenant is responsible for all taxes, maintenance an dinsurance on the property. There may be variations to this structure. The landlord shifts the financial risk to the tenant. One concern for the investor may be how well the tenant maintains the building and potential problems failing to maintain properly.

In prior years stores such as Sears and others no longer in business were considered “Anchor” Properties. Today the anchor tenants many have changed but these anchors continue to drive traffic that smaller retail tenants may benefit from exposure. More traffic may result in increase in potential rents that tenants are able to pay.

Long term leases may benefit both the landlord as well as the tenants. Leases may be as short as a few years up to 20 years. Having a longer lease may assist the tenants to building their name recognition, brand and longevity in a neighborhood or location.

Is E-Commerce a Threat
When we hear E-Commerce, we may have visions of everyone ordering on line for many goods and services. Investor may be nervous of the word e commerce and the potential effect on the retail property success. True there are tenants moving from a traditional storefront and seeking a position online with brand identity seeking to create or in some cases recreate a business. E commerce and internet sales will continue and can be a threat to certain retail. The other dynamic is the increased physical stores for some online seller. For example, Amazon will continue to increase their physical presence. There are also strategic relationships with online sellers offering customers to ability to return unwanted merchandise at a physical location.
The relationship between the E-commerce sector will continue to evolve with the physical retail stores and may not be hurting the retail sector just creating a new relationship. There are consumers who want to be in a retail environment.

Is Any Retail Insulated?
There is another type of retail section that is worth mentioning. We may reference this as “the Insulated Retail Tenant”. The profiles of the retail tenant, (that may be included in a Retail DST), would address those that e-commerce sector that are impossible to replace. Services like a dry cleaner, specialty restaurant, such a juice vendor, ice cream, a clinic, nail salon, and other that involve labor to provide the service to the customer. Overall seeking diversified and desirable Retail tenants that can fill the parking lot with repeat customers, whether its weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

DST Retail Alternative
The DST retail offering seek a somewhat different approach to a typical retail offering. Over the past few years (and especially during the COVID environment) the offerings have focused on necessary retail. Recent portfolio offerings have included Walmart neighborhood stores, Kroger supermarket, Publix Grocery stores, NAPA Auto Parts, CVS, Walgreens, Dollar general, Fresenius Dialysis center, tractor supply and other similar types of stores. These physical locations would also have long term leases. This portfolio would not include a small unbranded retail store in a strip center. The other dynamic of a diversified portfolio of product type would be a geographic diversification. Many of the portfolios would include assets located in a variety of markets or states. A portfolio may have 18 different properties located in 9 states. There have also been single asset retail offerings. For example, there have been BJ Wholesale stores or Cabela’s Bass Pro shops that have appeared in DST offerings over the years.

Conclusion
The importance of spending by consumers cannot be questioned as a critical part of the economy. Many of the same investment criteria for investors in a non-DST investment is used for DST offerings. However, there may be an expanded vision of retail with a DST offering. The main difference may be the ability in a DST to obtain diversification both with markets and number of assets that may assist to mitigate risk for the investor. An investor with $1 MM to invest in a traditional real estate may have one location and with leverage may be forced to sign for a recourse loan on the asset. With a diversified DST portfolio, the same $1 MM may provide the investor with many more assets in their portfolio, non-recourse debt (if leveraged) and potentially geographical diversification. In addition, the passive nature of the DST with no management responsibilities may relieve investors of other concerns.

This is not an offer to purchase or solicitation to purchase any security, as such be made only through an offering memorandum or prospectus. Investing in securities, real estate, or any investment, whether public or private, involves risk, including but not limited to the potential of losing some or all of your investment dollars when you invest in securities. You should review any planned financial transactions that may have tax or legal implications with your personal tax or legal advisor. NAMCOA, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor, regulated by SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).
NAMCOA’s corporate office is located at 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 200, Naples Florida 34108. Securities Offered through MSC-BD, LLC, Member of FINRA/SIPC. 1719 NW Edgar Street, McMinnville, OR 97128 MSC-BD, LLC and NAMCOA are independently owned and are not affiliated.
Thank you.
NAMCOA® – Naples Asset Management Company®, LLC