Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: Can I get your opinion on Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT, $9.70, symbol CSH.UN (Units outstanding: 170.6 million; Market cap: $1.7 billion; www.chartwellreit.ca), owns and manages seniors’ housing communities in Canada and the U.S. The company’s housing options range from independent, supported living to assisted living and long-term care. On March 31, 2012, Chartwell had 116 retirement homes and 29 long-term care facilities in Canada, as well as 51 retirement homes in the U.S. In the first quarter of 2012, the real estate investment trust’s revenue rose 9.9%, to $201.6 million from $183.5 million a year earlier. Cash flow rose 9.7%, to $22.2 million from $20.3 million. Cash flow per unit rose just 7.1%, to $0.15 from $0.14, on more units outstanding. Chartwell’s units yield 5.6%. In the latest quarter, the trust paid out 89.0% of its cash flow as distributions. In May 2012, Chartwell teamed up with U.S.-based Health Care REIT (symbol HCN on New York) to buy 42 buildings containing 8,187 suites. These properties are mainly assisted-living suites, and…