U.S. REIT industry grows steadily in Q2, debt ratio hits record low

Earnings for U.S. equity REITs grew at 2.8 percent in the second quarter of 2019 over the prior quarter, according to the Nareit Total REIT Industry Tracker Series (T-Tracker®) report. The report also showed REITs’ property development pipeline grew 7 percent from the last quarter, and net acquisitions were up almost $6 billion. This growth took place at the same time REITs’ debt to market assets ratio dropped to 32.5 percent, a record low.

“We’re seeing growth in REIT earnings in the second quarter,” said Steven Wechsler, Nareit president and CEO. “It is accompanied by a rising development pipeline and increasing net acquisitions, all taking place when the balance sheet of the entire industry is stronger than it’s ever been. The REIT industry is well prepared for whatever economic conditio