Trust says funds from operations rose 43 percent

Hospitality Properties Trust, a Newton real estate investment trust, today reported that funds from operations, or FFO, rose 43 percent in the fourth quarter, due to a rise in rent.

FFO rose to $108.3 million, or $1.15 per share, from $75.6 million, or $1 per share, during the same period the previous year.

FFO, which the real estate industry uses to gauge operating performance, adds depreciation and amortization expenses, as well as other nonoperating items, back to net income.

Net income available to common shareholders rose to $76 million, or 81 cents per share.

For the year, funds from operations rose to $431.8 million, or $4.64 per share, from $307.7 million, or $4.20 per share, in 2006.
(AP)