Moody's Investors Service gives U.S. REITs and real estate operating companies an overall stable rating, with an increased number of companies on the "cusp" of moving from Baa to A ratings for the year as of Aug. 31, according to the rating agency's REIT and REOC Industry Study, released today.
It gives 16% of companies positive outlooks and 2% negative outlooks; the negative ratings were based on increased leverage and secured debt of companies that have merged or been acquired.