So just like other companies, a REIT's success can be measured by looking at its earnings growth, return on invested capital and whatever else you'd consider if you were picking a stock in any other business.

FORBES: What The Heck Is A REIT?

It has made negative economic earnings (meaning its return on invested capital has been lower than its weighted average cost of capital) every year going back to 1998 when my model begins.

FORBES: Financial Sector Funds And ETFs Need Less Citi, More Discover

Over the next five years or so he's targeting annual sales growth of at least 10%, earnings growth of 10% to 15% and return on invested capital of 15% to 16%.

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