American Finance Trust REIT Investors May Have Arbitration Claims

Investors who have suffered losses in American Finance Trust, a non-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) may have arbitration claims if the REIT was recommended by a stockbroker or investment advisor who lacked a reasonable basis for the recommendation, or if the nature of the investment was misrepresented by a stockbroker or financial advisor. According to its website, American Finance Trust is designed to protect shareholder capital and produce stable cash distributions through the acquisition and management of diversified portfolio of commercial properties leased to investment grade tenants. The REIT reportedly invests in core retail properties such as power centers and lifestyle centers.

Secondary markets’ reported prices suggest that American Finance Trust shares may be selling for under $15.50 per share – which would mean a significant principal loss for the seller if he or she purchased shares at the offering price of $25.00.

Risks of Non-Traded REITs

As a publicly registered non-traded REIT, American Finance Trust was permitted to sell shares to the investing public at large, oftentimes upon the recommendation of a broker or financial advisor. Some investors may not have been properly informed by their financial advisor or broker of the complexities and risks associated with investing in non-traded REITs.

One of the more readily-apparent investment risks with non-traded REITs are their high up-front commissions (usually at least 7-10%), in addition to certain due diligence and administrative fees (that can range anywhere from 1-3%). These fees act as an immediate ‘drag’ on any investment and can compound losses. Further, another significant and less readily-apparent risk associated with non-traded REITs has to do with liquidity. Unlike traditional stocks and certain publicly- traded REITs, non-traded REITs do not trade on a national securities exchange, leaving investors with limited options if they wish to sell their shares after the initial purchase- especially if the issuer is not redeeming shares.

If you have invested in American Finance Trust or another non-traded REIT, and you have suffered losses in connection with your investment (or are currently unable to exit your illiquid investment position), you may be able to recover your losses in FINRA arbitration. Investors may contact a securities arbitration lawyer at Law Office of Christopher J. Gray, P.C. at (866) 966-9598 or via email at newcases@investorlawyers.net for a no-cost, confidential consultation.