DISTRIBUTION YIELD

The amount of cash flow received or paid out by an annuity, REIT or other similar income paying instrument. The distribution yield of a security is calculated by dividing the distributions paid (yearly, monthly, etc.) by its cost or net asset value. Distribution yield can be used as a measure of investment cash flow provided by an investment relative to the cost paid for that investment.

For instance, a REIT trading at an average annual price of $20 per unit which distributed $5 in distributions to unit holders would thus have a distribution yield of 0.25, or 25%. A REIT, annuity or fund with a higher yield with the same or similar cost of contract or ownership would then be considered, on the basis of cash flow only, a superior investment.