Adding to the delight of its shareholders, Ventas, Inc. (VTR) has announced a prorated dividend on the common stock upon closing the acquisition of American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc. The dividend will be applicable only after the successful merger of American Realty Capital with Ventas.
Notably, Ventas has been taking necessary initiatives to acquire American Realty Capital for some time. In Dec 2014, Ventas moved a step closer to this merger when the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) declared the Form S-4 related to this merger as effective. (Read more: Ventas Moves Closer to American Realty Healthcare Merger).
The merger is expected to be completed on or after Jan 16, 2015, although it is subject to approval from the shareholders of American Realty Capital and certain other customary closing conditions. The dividend will be paid in cash to shareholders of record at the close of business on the last business day immediately before the effective merger day.
Ventas has a track record of remaining committed to increasing its shareholders’ value. Notably, the Chicago, IL-based health-care Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) announced a 9% sequential hike in fourth-quarter 2014 dividend to 79 cents per share.
Ventas currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked healthcare REITs include Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. (OHI), Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (HTA) and Medical Properties Trust Inc. (MPW). All these stocks hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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