Medical Properties Trust reached a settlement with Steward Health Care, allowing the REIT to lease properties to new tenants, reducing uncertainty and negative sentiment. The REIT's shares soared more than 30% after the settlement, despite a recent 47% dividend cut. Medical Properties is set to control 23 hospitals, with 15 already leased to new tenants. This re-tenanting effort could result in a significant NFFO recovery.
MPW faced uncertainty due to Steward Hospitals' default but has now reached an agreement to own and re-lease the properties. MPW's earnings will bottom out in Q4 but are expected to ramp up through 2025 and 2026 as new operators take over. The dividend is restricted to $0.08/quarter but could increase if property transitions are completed rapidly; expect potential raises by mid-2025.
Medical Properties Trust's relationship with Steward Health is set to come to an end, with 15 hospitals set to be leased to higher-quality operators. MPW is focusing on retiring as much debt as possible to align with industry peers. The dividend move is set to save $170 million per year for debt reduction with $2.5 billion in liquidity raised year-to-date and with the Fed set to cut interest rates.
Two days after reporting good news about a set of assets, the REIT got a lift from two analysts. One upgraded his recommendation, while the other increased his price target.
Colliers Securities upgraded Medical Properties Trust, Inc. MPW stock to a Buy rating and announced a $6.5 price target.
MPW remains a "Strong Buy" for risk-tolerant investors with its attractive 6.6% dividend yield and compelling valuation. Positive developments around Steward and the expected Fed policy pivot are strong catalysts for MPW's growth and market sentiment. Despite recent challenges, MPW's balance sheet has improved, with net debt decreasing significantly and a fair share price estimated 22% higher.
Medical Properties (MPW) witnessed a jump in share price last session on above-average trading volume. The latest trend in FFO estimate revisions for the stock doesn't suggest further strength down the road.
Medical Properties Trust will lease 15 former Steward-operated hospitals to four new tenants. The leases will provide the REIT with very stable cash flow in the future.
Medical Properties Trust is currently selling at a P/AFFO ratio 59% lower than the sector median, primarily due to recent, significant fundamental contractions. The company is selling assets to improve liquidity and strengthen its balance sheet. However, this impacts its long-term income and capital gains opportunities. I see potential for significant near-term upside, but due to instability in growth estimates, long-term investors are primarily paying for the dividend yield.
Medical Properties Trust, Inc. surged 16% after a positive deal with bankrupt tenant Steward Health Care, showcasing the underlying value of MPW's assets. The deal allows the company to re-tenant 23 hospitals, with 15 already re-tenanted, indicating strong demand for MPW's properties. Medical Properties Trust's shares trade at around 50% of book value, suggesting substantial upside potential despite high debt levels and recent dividend cuts.
MPW settles with the Steward Health Care System by reinstating control over its real estate to safeguard the essential operations of these facilities.
Medical Properties Trust reached an interim settlement yesterday with bankrupt tenant Steward Health. The troubled saga has forced Medical Properties to slash its dividend twice in a year.