The prospects for REITs in 2016 are encouraging, with sovereign wealth funds continuing to invest aggressively in U.S. markets and the Fed’s policy of incremental interest rate hikes signaling confidence in the U.S. economy as a whole. Although the precipitous decline in oil prices has created headwinds in Houston, especially for multifamily and office sectors, even here, job growth remains positive. In the meantime, REITs are reconfiguring their portfolios to focus on new uses of space in the industrial and office sectors in response to new business models and advances in technology.
Fitch Analyst Says Stock Buybacks at Low Level Among REITs
Steven Marks, managing director with Fitch Ratings, joined REIT.com for a video interview at REITWorld 2014: NAREIT’s Annual Convention for All Things REIT at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
Marks has been monitoring REITs’ stock buybacks in the second half of the year, and he noted that activity has been limited. He attributed the lack of buybacks to the performance of REIT stocks in 2014, as most are trading at prices about their net asset values (NAV).
“Thus, [the stocks] are less economic from a buyback standpoint; they’re not as accretive,” Marks said.
Consultant Says Social Media Use Growing Among REITs
Evan Urbania, CEO of ChatterBlast Media, joined REIT.com for a video interview during REITWise 2014: NAREIT’s Law, Accounting and Finance Conference held in Boca Raton, Fla.
Urbania’s company advises clients on how to best utilize social media. He was asked for his assessment of REITs’ incorporation of social media platforms.