Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, shopping center REIT Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (ROIC -0.91%) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at ROIC and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

ROIC facts

Headquarters (founded)

White Plains, N.Y. (2007)

Market Cap

$682.7 million

Industry

Retail REIT

Trailing-12-Month Revenue

$72.1 million

Management

President/CEO Stuart Tanz
CFO John Roche

Return on Equity (average, past 3 years)

0.8%

Cash / Debt

$23.5 million / $279.5 million

Dividend Yield

4.4%

Competitors

Kimco Realty (KIM -0.06%)Macerich (MAC -2.66%)Vornado Realty Trust (VNO 1.30%)

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 98% of the 496 members who have rated ROIC believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

A few months ago, one of those Fools, GaddafiDuck, succinctly summed up the bull case for our community:

The perfect stock for today's volatile market in my opinion.

1. ROIC is sure to benefit from the FED's commitment to lower rates.
2. There is no better time to buy property than in a depressed market like the one we are stuck in.
3. Low Beta (.2) provides defense against the coming recession.
4. Healthy [dividend yield] (4.4%) which other analysts have speculated will increase in the future.

If you want market-thumping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Of course, despite a perfect five-star rating, ROIC may not be your top choice.

If that's the case, we've compiled a special free report for investors called "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," which uncovers several other juicy income opportunities. The report is 100% free, but it won't be around forever, so click here to access it now.

Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.