PRT Forest is a hold

Article Excerpt

PRT FOREST REGENERATION INCOME FUND $1.91 (Toronto symbol PRT.UN; SI Rating: Speculative) (250-381-1404; www.prtgroup.com; Shares outstanding: 9.7 million; Market cap: $18.5 million; Dividends suspended in January 2009) is the largest producer of container-grown forest seedlings in North America. It grows its seedlings in 12 greenhouses and open outdoor compounds. In the three months ended September 30, 2009, PRT’s revenue dropped 19.6%, to $5.6 million from $6.9 million a year earlier. Cash flow per unit was negative $0.07, compared to negative $0.03. The fund paid a $0.02 monthly distribution in January 2009, and then suspended distributions to conserve cash. Lower U.S. housing starts have driven down lumber demand. As a result, the U.S. forest industry is ordering fewer seedlings from PRT. However, demand should improve over the longer term as the U.S. economy recovers and housing starts revive. Demand should also rise as British Columbia begins to replace forests destroyed by the mountain pine beetle infestation. PRT Forest is a hold. hold…