Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2015
Publisher
Social Science Electronic Publishing Inc.
Source Publication
Social Science Research Network
Abstract
Relationships play a central role across the spectrum of real estate transactions. Whether negotiating prices, securing funding, or acquiring permits, knowing the right people provides multiple channels to facilitate deal making. To better understand the role of relationships in real estate markets, we examine how the connectedness of REIT directors is associated with deal making, growth, and profitability. We find strong evidence that REIT connections are positively associated with both deal making and accounting based measures of profitability, however, those relations do not translate into better market returns or higher valuations. One explanation of these somewhat contradictory results is that connections also increase firm risk. Preliminary support for this conjecture is found through our examination of each firm’s implied cost of equity capital. Specifically, we find increasing connectedness is associated with a higher cost of equity capital. Thus, connections appear to offer both advantages and disadvantages to REIT managers and shareholders.
Recommended Citation
Cashman, George D.; Gillan, Stuart L.; Harrison, David M.; and Whitby, Ryan J., "Network Connections in REIT Markets" (2015). Finance Faculty Research and Publications. 147.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/fin_fac/147
Comments
Published version. Social Science Research Network, (2015). DOI. © 2015 Social Science Electronic Publishing Inc. Used with permission.
George D. Cashman was affiliated with Texas Tech University at the time of publication.