Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: I am thinking of buying some shares in Amica Mature Lifestyles. What is your opinion of this company? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Amica Mature Lifestyles, $7.52, symbol ACC on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 17.2 million; Market cap: $168.1 million; www.amica.ca) manages, develops and markets luxury housing for seniors. There are 25 Amica “Wellness & Vitality” residences, including three in pre-development. When all of these residences are complete, the company will have a total of 3,367 suites. Amica caters to an affluent market, with charges starting at more than $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom suite. The properties are located in B.C., Alberta and Ontario, with a focus on the Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver areas. The company owns 100% of eight properties (which include 873 suites), and has interests in the other 17 properties (which include 2,494 suites) ranging from 10% to 83.5%. Amica’s occupancy rate is 91.9%. About 20% of the suites in each building are for assisted living, and 80% for independent living. While the company holds only part ownership in most of its properties, it has 99-year management contracts on…