Image source: Getty Images
The UK stock market is full of fantastic real estate investment trusts (REITs). By capitalizing on these unique financial vehicles, investors can indirectly own a small portion of lucrative assets that are often prohibitively expensive as a direct investment.
Most REITs own and operate a portfolio of commercial or residential real estate. However, some are focusing on alternative assets, such as renewable energy infrastructure.
While fossil fuels are not likely to disappear anytime soon, the growing threat of climate change is prompting huge investment in renewable energy. And even the new British government aims to create 650,000 clean energy jobs by 2030.
With that in mind, I'm looking at two REITs that look set to thrive under a pro-renewables government. UK Wind Greencoat (LSE:UKW), and Solar Provident Fund (LSE: FSFL).
Please note that tax treatment depends on each client's individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any type of tax advice.
Wind and Solar Energy REITs
Both companies have almost identical business models. They invest in renewable energy infrastructure (wind for Greencoat, solar for Foresight), generate clean electricity and sell it to energy providers.
The constant and increasing demand for electricity has allowed both companies to generate a large amount of cash. And both have benefited significantly from the sharp rise in energy prices in recent years. As a result, dividends have increased nine years in a row, keeping pace with inflation and helping shareholders generate significant passive income.
In my opinion, this trend should continue. As mentioned above, energy demand is increasing thanks to the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EV) and energy-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) models. Needless to say, this could be a lucrative opportunity, attracting private sector investment, even if Labor falls short of its targets.
What could go wrong?
Looking at the renewable REIT landscape, these two stocks appear to offer fantastic value. While they operate as leveraged businesses, both generate enough cash to comfortably cover interest expenses and dividends. And to top it off, both are trading at a double-digit discount to their net asset value, indicating a potential buying opportunity.
Obviously, that's an encouraging trait. So much so that I've already added Greencoat to my income portfolio, and I plan to have Foresight join the mix once I have more capital available. However, these investments, while promising, are far from risk-free.
Like many companies operating in the energy sector, neither Greencoat nor Foresight have pricing power. Electricity prices are determined by imbalances between supply and demand, while regulators such as Ofgem keep them under control. And as a result, energy has long been a cyclical sector.
When energy prices fall, the earnings of these REITs also fall. And while management teams can execute some price hedging with fixed-rate customer contracts, prolonged declines in energy prices could compromise dividends, especially if debt is not controlled in a rate environment. higher interest.
However, both companies are apparently in a strong position right now. And with a solid track record of navigating fluctuating market conditions, I think it's a risk worth investigating, given the long-term passive income that could be unlocked.