Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, student housing community manager Education Realty Trust (NYSE: EDR) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Education Realty's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Education Realty facts

Headquarters (founded) Memphis, Tenn. (1964)
Market Cap $1.1 billion
Industry Residential REIT
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $129.5 million
Management President/CEO Randall Churchey
Vice President/CFO Randall Brown
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) (2.0%)
Cash/Debt $8.4 million / $340.5 million
Dividend Yield 3.5%
Competitors American Campus Communities
JPI Partners
Place Properties

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 89% of the 98 of the members who have rated Education Realty believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

Just yesterday, one of those Fools, davidebuell, succinctly summed up the Education Realty bull case for our community: "With challenging budget conditions at many large public universities, public student housing REITs will be able to take advantage to grow. In addition, the Company's expertise with managing will allow the Company to increase operating income."

If you want market-topping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite its five-star rating, Education Realty may not be your top choice.

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Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.