Jennifer Mathews

Analysts assigned VNO a mean price target of $108.18, which is 12.9% higher than its current price level.

REITs such as Essex Property Trust (ESS) yielded high returns in the long period during which interest rates were below average.

Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) currently offers a next-12-month (or NTM) dividend yield of 3%, which is in line with its close competitors.

Amid the shifting residential REIT scenario, Essex Property Trust (ESS) has been able to maintain its dominant position.

Vornado Realty Trust’s (VNO) total debt-to-total-equity ratio was 153.8%.

The current macroeconomic scenario is conducive for growth in the residential REIT (real estate investment trust) sector.

Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) has been paying dividends to its shareholders consistently in every quarter since it became a public company in 1998.

The home building sector has set itself a course for smooth sailing amid the current favorable economic scenario.

A slow and steady improvement in the job market and rising optimism among consumers about their economic welfare has triggered a spike in the construction sector.

The current economic environment has made investors skeptical about the real estate investment trust (or REIT) industry.

According to the University of Michigan, the June 2017 consumer sentiment index gained 1.7% year-over-year, standing at 95.1%.

After increasing interest rates in December 2016, the Fed hiked rates in March and June 2017 by 0.25%.

Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) invested in developing a high-demand office property in Highline at 512 West 22nd Street in Manhattan, which covers 173,000 square feet.

Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) disposed of its 32.7% stake in Toys “R” Us and Urban Edge Properties as part of its strategy to concentrate on its core business.

Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) is in talks to finalize the tax-free spinoff of its business in Washington, D.C. VNO expects to concentrate solely on its New York business after the spinoff.

Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) is selling off its non-performing assets and focusing on its core business in a move to improve its profitability. Analysts are encouraged by Vornado’s strategy of optimizing its profits.

Analysts have given CCI a mean price target of $106.83, implying a rise of 7.1% from its current level of $99.75.

CCI’s higher price-to-FFO multiple reflects the company’s ability to yield consistent capital value and its distribution of reliable and steady dividends.

It’s extremely important for REITs to maintain optimum debt levels, and managers work constantly to leverage balance sheets in the best possible ways.

REITs (real estate investment trusts) typically have to pay 90% of their taxable income to shareholders to qualify as an equity.

The changing political scenario under the Trump administration has led to the anticipation of widespread M&A activity in the telecom industry.

Many wireless providers are now opting for 5G (fifth-generation) technology for higher speeds and network reliability.

Crown Castle is expected to ride high on higher profitability, and analysts expect it to register significant AFFO (adjusted funds from operations) growth.

Crown Castle is expected to keep riding high on its current growth trajectory, driven by strategic investments and exposure to the booming small cell business.

Prologis’s price-to-FFO multiple is now 20.95x, which means that it has been returning consistent capital value and reliable dividend yields to investors.

Prologis is expected to achieve a growth rate of 6%, 5.8%, 9.1% and 8.7%, respectively, in AFFO (adjusted funds from operations) over the next four quarters.

In May 2017, 11 of 23 analysts covering AVB stock issued “buy” or “strong buy” ratings.

Currently, AvalonBay Communities is offering a next-12-month (or NTM) dividend yield of 3%, which is in line with its close competitors.

AvalonBay has been able to maintain a low debt-to-equity ratio in the last five years. The company reported a debt-to-equity ratio of ~1.5x in 1Q17.

During 2016, AvalonBay Communities (AVB) repurchased 57,172 shares worth $0.6 million.

During 1Q17, AvalonBay Communities (AVB) had completed the development of projects worth $650 million at an initially projected yield of 5.6%.

According to the University of Michigan, the consumer sentiment index for May 2017 gained 2.5% year-over-year, standing at 97.1%.

According to President Trump’s proposed budget for fiscal 2018, the administration is expected to slash $6 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development budget, decreasing its funding by 13.2% to $40.7 billion.

Analysts gave AMT a mean price target of $143.14, implying a rise of 8.7% from its current level of $131.70. In May 2017, 22 of 23 analysts covering AMT stock issued “buy” or “strong buy” ratings.

There is wide anticipation in the market that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates again during its upcoming meeting on June 14, 2017.

AMT’s current price-to-FFO multiple is ~20.1x.

According to NHAB’s Housing Economics survey, housing starts are expected to rise 6.2% in 2017 and ~6.3% in 2018, backed by respective 9.6% and ~11.8% gains in single-family home sales.

AMT reported a debt-to-equity ratio of ~2.8x in 1Q17. The industry median debt-to-equity ratio is ~1.1x.

AvalonBay’s 1Q17 revenues came in at ~$522.3 million and surpassed estimates by 0.3%.

AMT has maintained a consistent dividend yield over the last two years. Its dividend yield was ~1.8% in 2015 and ~2.0% in 2016.

In May 2017, 11 of 23 analysts covering AvalonBay Communities (AVB) stock issued “buy” or “strong buy” ratings. Eleven analysts gave AVB a “hold” rating, and one analyst gave it a “sell” or a “strong sell” rating.

Under the leadership of Ajit Pai and Jeffrey Eisenach, the FCC is expected to unblock several stalled deals as well as pave the way for some new deals.

More than 95% of AMT’s towers are located in suburban and rural areas, where the majority of the US population resides.

AMT maintains non-cancellable long-term leases with an initial term of ten years. Almost 50% of the company’s leases have a renewal date of 2022 or beyond.

American Tower’s (AMT) revenues rose ~26% in 1Q17, driven by 22% growth in its Tenant Billings business and 8.6% growth in its Organic Tenant Billings business.

For fiscal 2017, American Tower (AMT) expects to report adjusted funds from operations exceeding $2.8 billion. This figure is $55 million, or ~2%, higher than expected by the company.

Simon Property Group’s current price-to-FFO multiple is ~14.1x.