Q: As a shareholder I am curious as to their reasoning for not raising the distribution since inception (about 12 years!). It has been about 6 cents for all that time. I also note that the share price has not been growing also, which more or less defeats any convincing argument that funds are being held back to do accretive acquisitions. The payout ratio seems low for a REIT, at 69%, and I note that it has been steadily decreasing. The share count is also increasing (primarily the DRIP?)
My current view is that I can no longer be a shareholder if there is no dividend increase, or if there is an argument as to why that isn't going to happen.
Do you have any argument that could support my remaining a shareholder in a company where neither the distribution nor the share price is increasing?
Thanks!
Paul K.
My current view is that I can no longer be a shareholder if there is no dividend increase, or if there is an argument as to why that isn't going to happen.
Do you have any argument that could support my remaining a shareholder in a company where neither the distribution nor the share price is increasing?
Thanks!
Paul K.
5i Research Answer:
Our main argument would be growth overall, vs other REITs, and very low valuation (9X cash...