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Effects of Regulatory and Market Constraints on the Capital Structure and Share Value of REITs: Evidence from the Italian Market

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  • Massimo Biasin

    (University of Macerata, Italy)

  • Anna Grazia Quaranta

    (University of Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

In contrast to the US experience, most international (European) real estate investments trusts (REITs) are subject to prudential regulation. This paper investigates the effects of prudential regulation on capital structures and consequently, the REIT share values of major legal and market constraints (i.e. leverage limitations, market discount on net asset value (NAV), tax controls) that affect non-US REITs. Italian market data are used for an empirical analysis. Our hypothesis is that in a constrained environment, the effects on share price significantly depend on the adopted valuation perspective, i.e. if shares are valued by following a NAV or a financial approach. The logic for this hypothesis is that the two valuation methodologies perceive leverage and implied financial risk differently. In particular, we argue that NAV valuation techniques incentivise REITs to maximize leverage regardless of the financial theory which indicates a contrasting impact of debt on the market value of shares. Differences in financial risk perception could also partially explain market price discounts on NAVs.The empirical results seem to support these expectations. Almost all Italian REITs tend to increase debt ratios over time. NAV discounts are significantly related to leverage. The discount effect is largely attributable to NAV increases that result from rising debt levels. On the contrary, share market prices tend to be independent from leverage. The latter result may indicate that the classic capital theory applies and current debt ratios do not imply bankruptcy risk. The results have significant policy implications in terms of an optimal regulatory design.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimo Biasin & Anna Grazia Quaranta, 2010. "Effects of Regulatory and Market Constraints on the Capital Structure and Share Value of REITs: Evidence from the Italian Market," International Real Estate Review, Global Social Science Institute, vol. 13(3), pages 282-322.
    • Handle: RePEc:ire:issued:v:13:n:03:2010:p:282-322
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Howe, John S & Shilling, James D, 1988. " Capital Structure Theory and REIT Security Offerings," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 43(4), pages 983-993, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pierpaolo Pattitoni & Barbara Petracci & Massimo Spisni, 2011. "Fee Structure, Financing, and Investment Decisions: The Case of REITs," Working Paper series 30_11, Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis.
    2. Su Chan & Jiajin Chen & Ko Wang, 2013. "Are REIT IPOs Unique? The Global Evidence," The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 719-759, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    REIT regulation; Leverage; NAV discount; REIT capital structure; REIT valuation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L85 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Real Estate Services

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