Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-generating real estate across a range of property sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and retail. REITs provide investors with an opportunity to invest in real estate without directly owning or managing properties. They are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends, making them attractive for income-seeking investors.

As of my last update in January 2022, there were over 200 publicly traded REITs in the United States. However, the number may vary over time due to mergers, acquisitions, and new listings. Investors can find publicly traded REITs on major stock exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq.