Topic: How To Invest

What is your opinion regarding the future prospects for Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT, $9.02, symbol CSH.UN (Units outstanding: 143.2 million; Market cap: $1.3 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 109 retirement homes and 24 long-term care facilities in Canada. In the U.S., it has 51 retirement homes and 14 long-term care operations. In all, the company manages facilities 25,709 beds. In the three months ended December 31, 2010, the real estate investment trust’s revenue rose 14.2%, to $189.6 million from $166.1 million a year earlier. Cash flow per unit rose 7.7%, to $0.14 from $0.13. Chartwell’s units yield 6.0%. In 2010, the trust paid out 88.5% 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. Finding skilled workers will become…