The Structure, Conduct and Performance of REITs in Emerging Markets: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the correlations between the structure, conduct and performance of Real Estate Investment Trusts in Nigeria (N-REITs) with a view to providing information that will enhance and guide real estate investment decisions on N-REITs. Design/Approach: The study population consists of all three REIT companies in Nigeria, namely: Skye Shelter Fund, Union Home REIT and UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) REIT. Secondary data on dividends and share prices of N-REITs; Total Business Revenues (TBR) and Total Individual Expenditure (TIE) on conduct variables were sourced from periodicals of the respective companies covering the period from 2008 to 2016. The data series for the study were analyzed by means of the Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schimidt-Shin (KPSS) unit root tests, Philip-Perron (PP) unit root tests, Granger Causality tests, and the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. Findings: The study shows a Herfindahl Hischman Index (HHI) that ranged between 41.81% (recorded in 2010) and 100% recorded in 2008. This suggests a high concentration in the N-REITs industry. Similarly, the Granger Causality Test conducted reveals a bi-directional causal relationship between the structure, conduct and performance of N-REITs. Practical Implications: The study provides essential information (on the HHI, return performance and causal relationships) for stakeholders in the real estate sector regarding the influence of structure and conduct on the performance of N-REITs. This information will be valuable for equipping asset managers, insurance companies, pension funds and individual real estate investors in making informed investment decisions. Originality/Value: This study is unique as it is the first to draw a link between the structure, conduct and performance of REITs in an African emerging real estate market; something that has not been considered in previous studies.