The real estate sector is a stronghold of stability in any economy, and the United States is no exception. In this article, we will explore the top 30 largest American real estate companies by market capitalization in 2021. These companies are not only providing homes to millions of Americans but also venturing into various verticals beyond the residential market, such as industrial and commercial properties, medical facilities, communication towers, and forests.
What is a Real Estate Investment Trust - REIT?
Before diving into the list, let's understand what a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is. A REIT is a type of company that owns and operates income-producing properties. It enables multiple investors to pool their capital, while individual investors receive dividends from real estate. REITs are highly liquid investments and are usually specialized in specific types of properties like residential, commercial, or industrial.
To be classified as a REIT, a company must comply with certain financial rules while benefiting from reduced corporation tax and capital gains tax. This model has proven successful, with 28 out of the 30 top real estate companies in the US being REITs.
Now, let's take a look at the top 30 largest American real estate companies:
30. Annaly
Industry: Mortgage REIT
Market Cap.: $11.4 Billion
Website: annaly.com
29. W.P. Carey
Industry: Diversified REIT
Market Cap.: $11.6 Billion
Website: wpcarey.com
28. AIR Communities
Industry: Residential REIT
Market Cap.: $11.8 Billion
Website: aircommunities.com
27. Medical Properties Trust
Industry: Healthcare REIT
Market Cap.: $12.2 Billion
Website: medicalpropertiestrust.com
26. Vici Properties
Industry: Diversified REIT
Market Cap.: $13.6 Billion
Website: viciproperties.com
25. Boston Properties
Industry: Office REIT
Market Cap.: $14.2 Billion
Website: bostonproperties.com
24. Opendoor
Industry: Real Estate Services
Market Cap.: $14.2 Billion
Website: opendoor.com
23. Duke Realty
Industry: Industrial REIT
Market Cap.: $14.7 Billion
Website: dukerealty.com
22. Extra Space Storage
Industry: Industrial REIT
Market Cap.: $14.9 Billion
Website: extraspace.com
21. Mid-America Apartments
Industry: Residential REIT
Market Cap.: $15.2 Billion
Website: maac.com
20. Sun Communities
Industry: Residential REIT
Market Cap.: $15.4 Billion
Website: suncommunities.com
19. Essex Property Trust
Industry: Residential REIT
Market Cap.: $15.6 Billion
Website: essexapartmenthomes.com
18. Healthpeak Properties
Industry: Healthcare REIT
Market Cap.: $16 Billion
Website: healthpeak.com
17. Invitation Homes
Industry: Residential REIT
Market Cap.: $16.5 Billion
Website: invitationhomes.com
16. Ventas
Industry: Healthcare REIT
Market Cap.: $17.3 Billion
Website: ventasreit.com
15. CBRE
Industry: Real Estate Services
Market Cap.: $20.5 Billion
Website: cbre.com
14. Realty Income
Industry: Retail REIT
Market Cap.: $22.1 Billion
Website: realtyincome.com
13. AvalonBay Communities
Industry: Residential REIT
Market Cap.: $22.8 Billion
Website: avalonbay.com
12. Equity Residential
Industry: Residential REIT
Market Cap.: $22.9 Billion
Website: equityapartments.com
11. Weyerhaeuser
Industry: Specialized REIT
Market Cap.: $23.3 Billion
Website: weyerhaeuser.com
10. Alexandria
Industry: Office REIT
Market Cap.: $24.2 Billion
Website: are.com
9. Welltower
Industry: Healthcare REIT
Market Cap.: $25.3 Billion
Website: welltower.com
8. SBA Communications
Industry: Specialized REIT
Market Cap.: $29.8 Billion
Website: sbasite.com
7. Simon Property Group
Industry: Retail REIT
Market Cap.: $30.5 Billion
Website: simon.com
6. Public Storage
Industry: Industrial REIT
Market Cap.: $39.8 Billion
Website: publicstorage.com
5. Digital Realty
Industry: Office REIT
Market Cap.: $40.3 Billion
Website: digitalrealty.com
4. Equinix
Industry: Specialized REIT
Market Cap.: $65.9 Billion
Website: equinix.com
3. Crown Castle
Industry: Specialized REIT
Market Cap.: $68.7 Billion
Website: crowncastle.com
2. Prologis
Industry: Industrial REIT
Market Cap.: $76.3 Billion
Website: prologis.com
1. American Tower
Industry: Specialized REIT
Market Cap.: $101 Billion
Website: americantower.com
These are the top 30 largest real estate companies in the US. Each company plays a vital role in the American real estate market, offering a range of properties and services. What are your thoughts on these companies? Do you believe they are worth their market capitalization? Share your opinions in the comments below!
(Note: The original article and images were retrieved from here.)