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L.2 · INTERMEDIATE · 2 MIN

REIT Metrics: FFO, AFFO, and NAV

Traditional earnings metrics break down for REITs because of depreciation. Real estate depreciates for accounting purposes (27.5–39 years) but well-maintained commercial properties often appreciate. FFO and AFFO adjust for this.

Quiz · 5 questions ↓
§ 01
MetricCalculationUse
FFONet Income + Depreciation + Amortization − Gains on SalesStandard REIT profitability (NAREIT definition)
AFFOFFO − Recurring CapEx − Straight-line Rent AdjustmentsTrue cash available for dividends
NAVFair Value of Properties − LiabilitiesWhat the REIT’s assets are actually worth
§ 02
AFFO = FFO − Maintenance CapEx − Straight-line Rent Adj.
§ 03

P/FFO is the REIT equivalent of P/E. A REIT trading at 15x FFO is comparable to a stock at 15x earnings. P/AFFO is more conservative and reflects true cash generation after maintenance spending.

§ 04
Look up a REIT in **Fundamentals**. Compare its P/E to its P/FFO. The P/E will look artificially low because depreciation depresses net income — P/FFO gives the true picture.
§ 05
A REIT reports net income of $80M and FFO of $200M. The difference is mostly depreciation. Which is the better profitability measure?
§ 06

NAV (net asset value) is the ultimate check on REIT pricing. If a REIT trades at a 20% discount to NAV, the market is saying the properties are worth more than the stock price implies — a potential opportunity or a sign of management concerns.

§ 07
A REIT reports Net Income of $100M and FFO of $180M. What explains the $80M gap, and why do REIT investors prefer FFO?
Five questions · AI feedback

Sit with the ideas.

A healthcare REIT reports net income of $120M, depreciation of $300M, and a $40M gain from selling an old medical office building. Recurring capex is $80M. What are FFO and AFFO?

Why:
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