The Impact of Logistic Properties on Portfolio Profitability : An Insight into Strategical Choices and the Profit Derived from Modern Logistic Properties

Abstract: The interest in logistics properties has risen significantly over the last decade, which have attracted more national and international investors. Previous research has mostly been centered on the property's location and how it has influenced their value. As the e-commerce trend has progressed, more requirements for property design have emerged, which makes it interesting to investigate how real estate companies resonate about this. The purpose of this master's thesis has been to investigate how the major real estate firms in the logistics sector conduct strategic acquisitions and divestments to satisfy market demand, and how this has affected their measurable profitability. The study is based on quantitative data gathered from annual reports regarding their portfolio change and various profitability measures. Moreover, the quantitative survey has been complemented with in-depth interviews with these companies to get an understanding regarding their transaction history and to gain a deeper understanding of their investment strategy regarding logistic properties. What has been observed by the study is that real estate companies strive to have flexible properties to be able to adjust for future tenants and thus minimize any vacancies. New logistical trends like “last mile delivery” seem to affect the company's strategies on localization. Pure logistics companies with less diversification have shown higher economic lease rates and profit development in their logistic portfolios than the more diversified companies. Furthermore, a general strategic development towards more diversification in more niched portfolios is visible.