REIT Gets Thumbs Down From Zacks

The stock of Hospitality Properties Trust, a real estate investment trust based in Newton, Mass., has received a "strong sell" rating from Zacks.com.Zacks said the hotel REIT's earnings estimates for the year have declined by about 4% over the past three months, while projections for next year have fallen about 6%. The company reported net income available to common shareholders of $0.43 per share for the second quarter, down from $0.54 per share a year earlier, Zacks said. "As conditions improve, then so too should the performance of Hospitality Properties and others in its industry," Zacks said. "But for right now, investors may want to hold off on opening or deepening a position until its earnings estimates gain more upside mobility." Other REITs identified by Zacks as "struggling" include Associated Estates Realty, First Industrial Realty Trust, and Sizeler Property Investors. Zacks.com, the online edition of Zacks Investment Research, Chicago, can be found online at http://www.zacks.com.