Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in franchises
Invest in farmland
The minimum investment on AcreTrader varies by listing, generally starting at $15,000, with some past deals ranging from $3,000 to $100,000. This range is determined by factors such as the size of the offering and the price per acre.
Investing in FranShares involves risks such as market volatility, economic changes, and franchise-specific challenges. Despite efforts to mitigate risks, there's no guarantee of returns, and FranShares' financial health could impact investments.
Investing in AcreTrader involves risks like casualty, condemnation, and eminent domain, common to real estate investments.
While liquidity isn't guaranteed, the platform is developing a secondary market for potential future liquidity opportunities.
AcreTrader investments are considered illiquid, meaning investors should be prepared to hold their investments for the specified duration. While it may be possible to sell shares in a private transaction after this period, there is no established market for them, making resale uncertain.
FranShares' TNT Franchise Fund Inc., with 55 locations across major U.S. metros, historically generates returns of 20 to 28% EBITDA per location after 16-18 months.
The returns from investing in AcreTrader vary, with historical examples showing realized internal rates of return (IRR) ranging from 9.4% to 30.3% over holding periods between 1.7 and 4.2 years. These variations highlight the potential for both moderate and significant returns, depending on the specific investment and market conditions.
Income portfolios target a 10-15 year hold; growth funds aim for a 5-7 year period before selling.
AcreTrader investments target hold periods of 3 to 10 years, though this can vary based on market conditions and sale opportunities. Properties may sell earlier or extend beyond the target period, depending on whether favorable buying offers arise or if market conditions dictate a longer hold.
FranShares welcomes both accredited and non-accredited investors, focusing mainly on opportunities for non-accredited individuals. The platform also accepts international investors from many countries, depending on the specifics of each offering.
Investing on the AcreTrader platform is limited to accredited investors, as defined by SEC regulations. Non-U.S. citizens can invest if they are legal residents of the United States.
Franchise investments are subject to volatility due to economic shifts, industry trends, and franchise performance. While some franchises may be more resilient, values can fluctuate, posing a risk to investment value in adverse conditions.
Farmland assets on AcreTrader typically exhibit lower volatility compared to stocks and bonds, offering a more stable investment option due to the steady demand for agricultural products and the land's intrinsic value.
FranShares employs SEC regulations A+, D, and CF for its investment offerings, creating structures with a main investment vehicle and subsidiaries for each franchise brand, possibly including locations or groups of locations.
AcreTrader is regulated by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, SEC rules, FINRA rules, and state laws, reflecting its commitment to transparency and investor protection. As a registered Broker-Dealer, it must adhere to strict financial standards, undergo regular audits, and comply with ethical practices to maintain its standing and ensure the security of its investors' assets.
FranShares' insurance covers physical damages or losses to franchises but does not protect against market fluctuations, economic downturns, or fraud. Coverage limits may not fully reflect market values, meaning insurance does not eliminate all investment risks.
AcreTrader does not explicitly mention specific insurance coverage for investments on its platform. Generally, real estate investments, including farmland, are insured against risks like natural disasters and fire to protect investment value.
FranShares plans to distribute excess cash flow to investors 12 to 18 months after each offering closes, with distributions expected quarterly. The frequency can vary (quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) based on the specific offering.
AcreTrader may distribute net cash from annual income to investors after operating expenses, typically once a year in December. These distributions, based on pro rata ownership, are not guaranteed. If distributed, funds go to the investor's AcreTrader wallet or, for SDIRA or IRA accounts, to the custodian.
Investors in FranShares can receive their investment back through the sale of franchises, targeted within 5-15 years depending on the fund type. Upon sale, net proceeds are distributed to investors based on their fund ownership share.
Investors can typically get their money back when the property they've invested in is sold at the end of its expected hold period, which may range from 3 to 10 years.
FranShares charges a 1% to 3% annual management fee and possibly a performance fee, detailed in each offering's documents. No management fees are charged for the "TNT Franchise Inc." offering.
AcreTrader charges investors initial closing costs around 2% of the offering value and an annual 0.75% servicing fee of the land's value for management. The primary revenue comes from a 5% commission on the farm's sale, charged to the seller. There are no “carried interest fees.” Fee structures vary by deal, so reviewing offering documents is recommended for specifics.
FranShares investors may owe capital gains taxes on profits from share sales and pay taxes on dividends, classified as ordinary or qualified based on holding periods and individual tax situations.
AcreTrader aims to provide K-1 tax forms electronically by early March, although delays can occur due to external reporting needs. Tax treatment varies: gains on land sold within a year are taxed at ordinary income rates, while longer holdings are taxed at capital gains rates. Depreciation on buildings or equipment may affect taxes.