Simon Property Group Inc., based in Indianapolis, is a retail REIT that is one of the largest owners of high-end malls, outlet centers, and lifestyle destinations in North America, Asia, and Europe. In 2016, the company had expanded its profile by investing in the retail operations of several well-known retail brands, including JC Penny (with partner Brookfield) and Authentic Brands Group (with partner SPARC). The investments were reconsidered after the pandemic, once consumers began to return to outdoor retail spaces. In 2023, the company began to sell its interest in retail brands. In 1Q24, Simon sold its remaining interest in ABG brands, which included Aeropostale, Reebok, Nautica, Izod, and Forever 21. Additionally, the company has an 84% interest in the Taubman Group and a 22% interest in Klepierre, a Paris-based real estate firm. SPG also operates Simon Brand Ventures, which offers appraisals and real estate services. Simon owns or has interests in 233 properties with about 190 million square feet of leasable space. This includes 39 international properties. Joint Ventures accounted for about 60% of 2023 revenues. After 2H24, U.S. malls and outlets account for approximately 72% of NOI and international assets account for about 9%. Properties in California, Florida, and Texas account for about 43% of U.S. NOI. Recent development activity includes the construction of a lifestyle center in Atlanta and premium outlets in Tokyo, Jakarta, and South Korea and the addition of residences near domestic assets. The REIT has a varied tenant base. Its largest domestic tenants are Gap Inc., Tapestry, and Knitwell, although the top tenant accounts for less than 7% of total base minimum rent. SPG is a member of the S&P 500 and has a market cap is about $53.6 billion.

U.S. stocks closed higher on Thursday following new economic data. Tech stocks led the rally. The S&P 500 rose 0.8%, the Dow was up 0.6% and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1%.

Simon Property Group is the second-largest real estate investment trust in the United States. Its portfolio includes an interest in 230 properties: 136 traditional malls, 69 premium outlets, 14 Mills centers (a combination of a traditional mall, outlet center, and big-box retailers), 6 lifestyle centers, and 5 other retail properties. Simon's portfolio averaged $743 in sales per square foot in 2023 compared with $693 in sales per square foot over the 12 months before the pandemic. The company also owns a 21% interest in Klépierre, a European retail company with investments in shopping centers in 16 countries, and joint-venture interests in 33 premium outlets across 11 countries.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022. That's a recent rarity, as for the past decade-plus, the performance record has favored growth. But in 2022, The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks that year. While growth stocks have retaken the lead since 2023, the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates high to fend off inflation. This could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies in coming quarters. In any event, the value sector is the place to achieve income.