NEWTON, Mass. - Service Properties Trust (NASDAQ:SVC), a real estate investment trust (REIT), has announced a significant reduction in its regular quarterly cash distribution from $0.20 to $0.01 per common share, starting with the distribution payable on or about November 14, 2024. This move is expected to preserve around $127 million in annual liquidity for the company.
In a strategic shift, SVC also revealed plans to sell 114 focused service hotels managed by Sonesta International Hotels Corporation in 2025. The properties, comprising 14,925 keys with a net carrying value of $850 million, are anticipated to generate substantial liquidity upon sale. SVC aims to use the proceeds to repay debt and forecasts approximately $725 million in capital expenditure savings over six years.
The sale is part of SVC's broader effort to reduce leverage and improve the performance of its hotel portfolio. Following the planned disposals, SVC will retain a portfolio of 59 hotels across various service levels, managed by Sonesta, in which SVC holds a 34% ownership interest.
Todd Hargreaves, SVC’s President and Chief Investment Officer, stated that the actions are in response to a slow recovery in the hotel sector and a need to enhance financial flexibility. The company expects these measures to lead to reduced capital expenditure and leverage while positioning SVC's portfolio for long-term success.
SVC, which is managed by The RMR Group (NASDAQ:RMR), owns a diverse range of properties, including hotels and retail service-focused net lease properties. As of June 30, 2024, SVC's investments surpassed $11 billion, with assets spanning the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
The company is scheduled to discuss these announcements in further detail during its third quarter 2024 conference call on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
This report is based on statements from a press release and contains forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. SVC's future distributions and ability to sell the hotels as planned, as well as the anticipated benefits of such actions, cannot be assured.
In other recent news, Diversified Healthcare Trust (NASDAQ:DHC) has announced its agreement to sell 18 senior living communities to Brookdale (NYSE:BKD) Senior Living Inc. for $135 million. The transaction, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, is part of DHC's strategy to optimize its portfolio and improve liquidity. The sale price reflects a premium valuation and an in-place cap rate on the lease's annualized income of 7.3%.
In parallel, The RMR Group, which manages DHC, reported a stable fiscal third quarter for 2024. The company presented an adjusted net income per share of $0.37 and distributable earnings per share of $0.45. RMR Group also emphasized its strategic plans to expand its residential platform and expects to close the next quarter with approximately $150 million in cash.
Moreover, RMR Group is currently assessing 125 deals in the value-add multifamily sector, primarily in Sunbelt markets. The company anticipates closing between two and ten multifamily deals, contingent on syndicating equity beforehand. These recent developments present a picture of strategic growth and financial stability for both DHC and RMR Group.
InvestingPro Insights
As Service Properties Trust (SVC) navigates through its strategic shift, data from InvestingPro offers additional context to the company's financial position and market performance.
SVC's market capitalization stands at $803.27 million, reflecting its current market valuation. The company's P/E ratio of 16.67 suggests that investors are willing to pay a moderate premium for its earnings, which could be influenced by the anticipated benefits of its strategic moves.
Notably, SVC boasts a significant dividend yield of 7.11%, which may attract income-focused investors despite the announced reduction in quarterly cash distribution. This high yield is complemented by a 12.5% dividend growth over the last twelve months, indicating the company's commitment to shareholder returns prior to the recent announcement.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that SVC holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which could provide some financial flexibility as it implements its new strategy. Additionally, the company's liquid assets exceed short-term obligations, potentially offering a buffer during the transition period.
These insights align with SVC's stated goal of reducing leverage and improving financial flexibility. The planned sale of 114 hotels is likely to further strengthen the company's balance sheet and support its long-term strategic objectives.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 10 additional tips for SVC, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.
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