The REIT stuff

: Consensus estimates among the largest 13 firms in the index predict average growth of adjusted funds from operations of 10.5% between 2011 and 2012.

Despite large forecasted dividend increases over the next three years, 12-month yields for many firms are not projected to be much higher than 10-year Treasuries.

The apartment sector is well-positioned to increase dividends because of a weak housing market and supply-and-demand imbalances.