Investors focused on the Finance space have likely heard of Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR Quick QuoteIIPR - Free Report) , but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Finance peers, we might be able to answer that question.

Innovative Industrial Properties is one of 846 companies in the Finance group. The Finance group currently sits at #8 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. IIPR is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for IIPR's full-year earnings has moved 5.53% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive.

Based on the latest available data, IIPR has gained about 52.13% so far this year. Meanwhile, the Finance sector has returned an average of 16.08% on a year-to-date basis. This means that Innovative Industrial Properties is outperforming the sector as a whole this year.

Looking more specifically, IIPR belongs to the REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry, which includes 117 individual stocks and currently sits at #90 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, stocks in this group have gained 27.62% this year, meaning that IIPR is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

Investors with an interest in Finance stocks should continue to track IIPR. The stock will be looking to continue its solid performance.