Shadow Anchor Question

Working on an assignment for a class and I’m working on a multi tenant retail building that shadow anchored by a large grocery store. How does the shadow anchor affect the cap rate, if at all. I was first thinking that the shadow anchor didn’t matter and the cap rate would be more dependent on the credit worthiness of the tenants but thought I’d double check before pulling comps from costar. If the shadow anchor does effect cap rate any advice on how to screen comps for a shadow anchor on costar would be great.

4 Comments
 

Based on the insights from Wall Street Oasis, the presence of a shadow anchor can indeed influence the cap rate of a multi-tenant retail building, though it's not the sole factor. Here’s how a shadow anchor like a large grocery store can impact the cap rate:

  1. Increased Traffic and Attractiveness: A shadow anchor typically drives higher foot traffic, which can make the location more attractive to other tenants and potentially lead to higher occupancy rates. This increased desirability can lead to a lower cap rate, as the perceived risk is reduced and the property is seen as a more stable investment.

  2. Tenant Mix Synergy: The type of shadow anchor can complement the tenant mix in the multi-tenant building. For example, a grocery store can synergize well with service-oriented businesses or smaller retail outlets, enhancing the overall value of the property.

  3. Stability and Longevity: If the shadow anchor is a well-established and popular brand, it adds a layer of stability to the property, as these anchors are less likely to relocate compared to smaller tenants. This perceived stability can make the investment less risky, potentially lowering the cap rate.

When screening comps on CoStar or similar platforms, consider the following steps to account for the presence of a shadow anchor:

  • Filter for Similar Anchor Types: Look for properties that are shadow anchored by similar types of large stores or brands, especially those in comparable markets.
  • Analyze Foot Traffic Data: If available, review foot traffic data to gauge the effectiveness of the shadow anchor in attracting visitors.
  • Consider Anchor Tenure: Properties with long-standing shadow anchors might be more comparable due to the established traffic and shopping patterns.
  • Geographic and Demographic Similarity: Ensure that the comps are in areas with similar demographic and economic characteristics, as these can influence the impact of a shadow anchor.

By considering these factors, you can more accurately assess how a shadow anchor might influence the cap rate and select the most relevant comps for your analysis.

Sources: Retail IS/Acquisitions: What should you know?, Value creation in different RE property types, Real Estate Interview Questions Master Thread, Coronavirus scare and the impacts to the global economy, CAP RATE Interview

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Not a retail person, so take this for what it’s worth.

Why not identify comparable trades on a per foot basis for a sanity check? Similar vintage, WALT, condition, submarket, shadow anchors, and co tenants should give you a good idea of pricing. If your cap rate value is considerably different, that would be a good indication to adjust ~25bps.

 
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