This paper empirically examines the extent to which and how local economic growth and asset location affect firm growth based on a sample of US equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) from 2001 to 2016. Using the GDP growth rate by MSA and individual property data of REITs, we construct an...

The impact of technology investment on bank production and employment is examined. Using a new bank-level technology spending dataset from 2000-2017, we estimate the parameters of a firm-level production function correcting for endogenous input choices. We document that technology input on...

This paper examines the effects of property age on the operational efficiency, firm risk, stock performance, and executive compensation of real estate investment trusts (REITs). Using a large property-level data set of U.S. equity REITs from 1995 to 2020, we construct a firm-level property age...

We investigate the impacts of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on a firm’s valuation, cash flow, and risk. Using newly available GRESB ESG performance data from 2019 to 2021 for global equity real estate investment trusts (REITs), we document that REITs with higher ESG...

Relations between REIT CEO compensation, firm stock performance and risk, after FASB accounting changes and additional SEC compensation disclosure requirements in 2006, are examined. Total compensation becomes more weighted to bonus payments and stock grants and away from options and salary. The...

Investment and liquidity management are analyzed in a sector in which firms are exogenously cash constrained and empirical estimates of Tobin's q provide reliable measures of investment opportunity. Across the entire sector, we document substantial realized investment as well as high investment...

This paper examines the evolution of REIT capital structure in the new REIT era with a focus on the effects of banking relationships on REIT capital structure. Using a unique sample of REITs from 1992 to 2003, we find that, after controlling for firm characteristics, REITs with banking...

The impact of bank mergers on REIT loan pricing and takeover likelihood is assessed. REITs that lose their primary banking relationship due to bank mergers pay higher interest rates on future borrowings. Bank consolidation reduces bank competition for REIT loans which affects loan pricing....

During an asset boom a property can develop a new usage. Appreciation investors emerge to change a property's occupant mix or letter grade. Rental investors not intending to change the mix or grade are outbid. Sellers receive a capitalized premium from the new type of bidder. For apartments in...