AvalonBay Communities Investor Relations Material

AvalonBay Communities is an American Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that invests, owns, and operates multifamily apartments across the US. It’s one of the largest owners of apartments in the entire country, and it primarily focuses on homes in metropolitan areas. The company is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and the shares of the company trade on the NYSE.

AvalonBay is, like many similar companies that manage vast portfolios of real estate, a Real Estate Investment Trust. A REIT is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate across a range of property sectors. Designed to provide an investment structure similar to mutual funds, REITs allow individual investors to earn dividends from real estate investments without having to buy, manage, or finance any properties themselves. To qualify as a REIT, a company must comply with certain regulatory guidelines. A key requirement is that REITs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders annually in the form of dividends. Most REITs operate along a straightforward business model: they either lease space and collect rents on the properties they own, or they finance real estate and earn income from the interest on these investments.

Similar Companies to AvalonBay that also operate as REITs include Equity Residential, UDR, and Essex Property Trust.

The origins of AvalonBay can be traced back to the 1998 merger of two distinct REITs: Avalon Properties and Bay Apartment Communities. Avalon Properties was predominantly active in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, developing a robust portfolio in these areas. Conversely, Bay Apartment Communities was more concentrated in the Western part of the U.S., complementing Avalon’s presence on the other side of the country. Their decision to merge was driven by the goal of establishing a more geographically diversified footprint in the multifamily housing sector.

Post-merger, the combined entity, AvalonBay Communities, embarked on a journey of expansion and consolidation. It systematically broadened its operations, acquiring and developing properties in strategic locations, primarily in high-income areas. As a result, AvalonBay has since grown to become one of the leading multifamily REITs in the country, managing a substantial number of residential units across various states.

Their portfolio consists of a diverse range of apartment types to cater to various demographics and market segments. This includes high-rise, mid-rise, and garden-style apartments. AvalonBay often focuses on quality construction, thoughtful design, and community-oriented amenities in their properties.