Note: The next session of REIT School is scheduled for 2011. The material below is from the most recent (June 2010) session. To receive more information on the 2011 session as it becomes available, click here.

REIT School: Analyst Training in Real Estate Securities provides a comprehensive introduction to the sector through lectures, group discussions and case studies led by a diverse slate of active practitioners, with a unique opportunity to network with attendees from across the spectrum of REITs and REIT finance.

Sessions include:

• The sector’s market cycles, the state of the sector and the competitive and strategic issues going forward
• The sources of financial data necessary for evaluating a REIT’s economic health and risk-return profile
• How fixed income analysts look at REITs and the qualitative factors, quantitative measures and benchmarks underlying corporate debt analysis
• Strategies for accessing the capital markets and managing capital
• Methods of evaluating acquisitions and dispositions at the property and corporate levels
• Issues surrounding REIT M&A
• Methodologies for valuing companies and structuring deals

What participants gain:

As a professional within a REIT

• A comprehensive picture of the REIT sector with an understanding of your
  company’s position
• An enhanced ability to communicate with investors by assimilating
  their perspective into your presentations
• An introduction to proven methodologies for evaluating competitive firms
• An understanding of options for accessing capital and their effects on the
  balance sheet
  

As an analyst, investor or advisor

• An understanding of the metrics unique to the analysis of REIT financial
  statements and how to apply them
• Improved analysis and forecasting techniques through an understanding of the impact of leverage levels, re-equitization and transactions at both the property and corporate levels
• Knowledge of the multiple approaches to valuation in the sector

This program presumes familiarity with basic accounting and finance concepts. Prior to the program, participants will receive materials for the Investing in REITs case study as well as suggested reading for those new to the sector.