Topic: How To Invest

Pat: Can I have your outlook on Amica Mature Lifestyles? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc., $8.53, symbol ACC on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 30.7 million; Market cap: $262.3 million; www.amica.ca), manages, develops and markets luxury housing for seniors. Amica now owns or has interests in 27 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 these buildings are complete, the company will have a total of 3,474 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 10 properties (which include 1,212 suites) and has interests in the other 17 (which include 2,262 suites). Amica’s occupancy rate is 94.5%. 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..