Topic: How To Invest

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

Article Excerpt

Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT, $7.77, symbol CSH.UN (Units outstanding: 145.6 million; Market cap: $1.1 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. Chartwell has 116 retirement homes and 29 long-term care facilities in Canada, as well as 51 retirement homes in the U.S. In the three months ended June 30, 2011, the real estate investment trust’s revenue rose 5.3%, to $185.0 million from $175.7 million a year earlier. Cash flow rose 3.1%, to $21.9 million from $21.2 million. However, cash flow per unit fell 6.3%, to $0.15 from $0.16, on more units outstanding. Chartwell’s units yield 7.0%. In the latest quarter, the trust paid out 88.4% of its cash flow as distributions. Chartwell’s cash flow is steady, and it is in a growing business. However, finding qualified employees remains a problem for the company, and the senior-care industry as a whole…