REIT GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO)
This term refers to a computation made by analysts and investors to measure a real estate company’s cash flow generated by operations. AFFO is usually calculated by subtracting from Funds from Operations (FFO) both (1) normalized recurring expenditures that are capitalized by the REIT and then amortized, but which are necessary to maintain a REIT’s properties and its revenue stream (e.g., new carpeting and drapes in apartment units, leasing expenses and tenant improvement allowances) and (2) “straight-lining” of rents. This calculation also is called Cash Available for Distribution (CAD) or Funds Available for Distribution (FAD).
Capitalization Rate
The capitalization rate (or “cap” rate) for a property is determined by dividing the property’s net operating income by its purchase price. Generally, high cap rates indicate higher returns and greater perceived risk.
Cash (or Funds) Available for Distribution
Cash (or Funds) available for distribution (CAD or FAD) is a measure of a REIT’s ability to generate cash and to distribute dividends to its shareholders. In addition to subtracting from FFO normalized recurring real estate-related expenditures and other non-cash items to obtain AFFO, CAD (or FAD) is usually derived by also subtracting nonrecurring expenditures.
Cost of Capital
The cost to a company, such as a REIT, of raising capital in the form of equity (common or preferred stock) or debt. The cost of equity capital generally is considered to include both the dividend rate as well as the expected equity growth either by higher dividends or growth in stock prices. The cost of debt capital is merely the interest expense on the debt incurred.
EBITDA
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. This measure is sometimes referred to as Net Operating Income (NOI).
Equitization
The process by which the economic benefits of ownership of a tangible asset, such as real estate, are divided among numerous investors and represented in the form of publicly-traded securities.
Equity Market Cap
The market value of all outstanding common stock of a company.
Equity REIT
A REIT which owns, or has an “equity interest” in, rental real estate (rather than making loans secured by real estate collateral).
Funds From Operations (FFO)
The most commonly accepted and reported measure of REIT operating performance. Equal to a REIT’s net income, excluding gains or losses from sales of property, and adding back real estate depreciation.
Hybrid REIT
A REIT that combines the investment strategies of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs.
Implied Equity Market Cap
The market value of all outstanding common stock of a company plus the value of all UPREIT partnership units as if they were converted into the REIT’s stock. It excludes convertible preferred stock, convertible debentures and warrants even though these securities have similar conversion features.
Leverage
The amount of debt in relation to either equity capital or total capital.
Mortgage REIT
A REIT that makes or owns loans and other obligations that are secured by real estate collateral.
Net Asset Value (NAV)
The net “market value” of all a company’s assets, including but not limited to its properties, after subtracting all its liabilities and obligations.
Positive Spread Investing (PSI)
The ability to raise funds (both equity and debt) at a cost significantly less than the initial returns that can be obtained on real estate transactions.
Real Estate Investment Trust Act of 1960
The federal law that authorized REITs. Its purpose was to allow small investors to pool their investments in real estate in order to get the same benefits as might be obtained by direct ownership, while also diversifying their risks and obtaining professional management.
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
A REIT is a company dedicated to owning, and in most cases, operating income-producing real estate, such as apartments, shopping centers, offices and warehouses. Some REITs also engage in financing real estate.
REIT Modernization Act of 1999
Federal tax law change whose provisions allow a REIT to own up to 100% of stock of a taxable REIT subsidiary that can provide services to REIT tenants and others. The law also changed the minimum distribution requirement from 95 percent to 90 percent of a REIT’s taxable income — consistent with the rules for REITs from 1960 to 1980.
Rotation Schedule
One of the methods by which sponsors or advisors of multiple real estate funds determine which fund should be presented with an investment opportunity.
Securitization
Securitization is the process of financing a pool of similar but unrelated financial assets (usually loans or other debt instruments) by issuing to investors security interests representing claims against the cash flow and other economic benefits generated by the pool of assets.
Straight-lining
Real estate companies such as REITs “straight line” rents because generally accepted accounting principles require it. Straight lining averages the tenant’s rent payments over the life of the lease.
Tax Reform Act of 1986
Federal law that substantially altered the real estate investment landscape by permitting REITs not only to own, but also to operate and manage, most types of income-producing commercial properties. It also stopped real estate “tax shelters” that had attracted capital from investors based on the amount of losses that could be created.
Total Market Cap
The total market value of a REIT’s (or other company’s) outstanding common stock and indebtedness.
Total Return
A stock’s dividend income plus capital appreciation, before taxes and commissions.
