U.S. cannabis companies can't easily secure capital from banks or financial institutions since marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Innovative Industrial Properties, or IIP (IIPR +1.13%), helps solve cash shortages for growing marijuana companies. It buys properties owned by U.S. medical cannabis operators and leases the properties back to them. The sale to IIP provides the cannabis operator with much-needed cash, and the lease agreements create a steady revenue stream for IIP.
Innovative Industrial Properties has grown significantly in recent years and now owns more than 100 properties in 19 states. The company continues to generate solid revenue and earnings, powered by its sale-leaseback business model, even as some of its tenants face financial challenges. Because IIP is organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), it returns at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders.
In some ways, IIP wouldn't benefit as much from federal cannabis reform as other companies. Its shares already trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). If traditional banking services were available to U.S. cannabis operators, IIP could face increased competition. However, federal reforms would likely cause the U.S. cannabis market to expand -- which should work in IIP's favor.
4. Quest Diagnostics