Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks - is the place to achieve income. The recent yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF was 1.8%, compared to the 0.4% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. Growth stocks have a history of outperforming value stocks, but value has had its day. Value outperformed growth stocks in 2022. That's a recent rarity, as for more than a decade, the performance record favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 575%, compared to an advance of almost 200% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In 10 of the past 13 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, including the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% (but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade). Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Why the recent deviation in performance? Several reasons, including changes in the make-up of the economy, growth in intangible assets, and the current level of interest rates. The tide turned back in 2022, at least for a while, as the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks) that had lagged in recent years. For our list this week, we have screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have an Argus Financial Strength Rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 3.0% or higher. These stocks are also featured in our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio.

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 22% interest in Klépierre, a European retail company with investments in shopping centers in 14 countries, and joint-venture interests in 33 premium outlets across 11 countries.

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 22% interest in Klépierre, a European retail company with investments in shopping centers in 14 countries, and joint-venture interests in 33 premium outlets across 11 countries.

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.