Topic: How To Invest

Dear Patrick: I would be interested in your opinion on Amica Mature Lifestyles, which runs a number of high-class retirement homes. My wife and I have recently inspected one here in Victoria and were very impressed. With the aging population, there must be a good opportunity for growth here. Thank you.

Article Excerpt

Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc., $7.87, symbol ACC on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 30.8 million; Market cap: $242.3 million; www.amica.ca), manages, develops and markets luxury housing for seniors. Amica now owns or has interests in 26 residences, including two under development. These properties are in B.C., Alberta and Ontario, with a focus on the Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver areas. When all of its buildings are complete, the company will have a total of 3,623 suites. Amica caters to an affluent market, with rent starting at more than $3,000 a month for a one-bedroom suite. The company owns 100% of 12 properties (which include 1,492 suites) and has interests in the other 14 (which include 2,131 suites). Amica’s occupancy rate is 94.1%. About 20% of the suites in each building are for assisted living, and 80% are for independent living. While the company holds only part ownership in most of its properties, it has 99-year management contracts on all of them, with a base management fee…