Allison Marino, government vp and CFO at Easterly Authorities Properties (NYSE: DEA), sat down for a video interview at Nareit’s REITwise: 2026 Academic Convention in Hollywood, Florida, March 24-26.
As a REIT that derives roughly 90% of its earnings from leasing properties to the federal authorities, Easterly operates in a distinct segment that many buyers view as extremely defensive—and Marino defined how that stability shapes the corporate’s development technique.
“Easterly is predominantly a federal lessor,” Marino mentioned, noting that the corporate advantages from a weighted common lease time period of about 10 years. Internally, meaning sustaining robust portfolio fundamentals by means of excessive occupancy, wholesome NOI margins, and favorable lease renewals. “We’re actually pleased with that statistic and our capacity to create worth in our identical retailer portfolio,” she mentioned, pointing to occupancy ranges that vary between 90% and 100%.
On exterior development, Marino emphasised disciplined capital deployment. Easterly primarily grows by means of acquisitions, focusing on investments that generate spreads above its price of capital. The corporate goals for “about 100 foundation factors of unfold” on acquisitions and even larger returns by means of improvement alternatives.
Marino additionally addressed shareholder activism, describing it as much less of a menace and extra of a governance self-discipline. “We take into consideration activism not as this large bogeyman,” she mentioned. As an alternative, Easterly prioritizes board preparedness, clear strategic execution, and constant communication with shareholders to make sure alignment with long-term buyers.
