How is the current yield of a REIT calculated?

The current yield of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is calculated by taking the annual dividends per share and dividing that by the current share price. This calculation provides a straightforward representation of the income generated per dollar invested in the REIT's shares, giving investors an idea of the income return they can expect relative to the price they would pay for a share at any given moment.

This approach to calculating yield is significant because it helps investors assess the attractiveness of the investment in relation to its price. A higher current yield can indicate a more favorable income opportunity, assuming the REIT's performance and dividend payments remain stable. In contrast, the other options involve different financial metrics that don't directly measure the income relative to the price of the REIT’s shares, which is essential to understanding current yield.