Highwoods Declares Quarterly Dividends

Rhea-AI Summary

Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HIW) has declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, amounting to an annualized dividend of $2.00 per share. Additionally, a cash dividend of $21.5625 per share of the Company’s 8 5/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock has been declared. Both dividends are payable in February and March 2024.

Financial Analyst

The declaration of a cash dividend of $0.50 per share for Highwoods Properties represents a sustained return to shareholders and indicates the company's current liquidity and profitability status. This figure, translating to an annualized dividend of $2.00 per share, can be compared to industry standards and historical dividend payments to assess the company's performance and growth trajectory. It is essential to evaluate the dividend yield, which is the dividend per share divided by the share price, as this provides an indication of the return on investment for shareholders.

Furthermore, the declaration of dividends can also be a signal of the company's confidence in its future cash flows. Investors often view consistent and possibly growing dividends as a sign of a company's stability and maturity. However, it is crucial to analyze the payout ratio, which is the proportion of earnings paid out as dividends to shareholders, to understand if the dividends are sustainable in the long term without compromising the company's capital needs for future growth.

Market Research Analyst

The impact of dividend announcements on stock prices is a well-documented phenomenon, known as the 'dividend signaling theory'. The market may interpret the steady dividends by Highwoods Properties as a positive signal about the company's future prospects, potentially leading to a favorable movement in its stock price. This theory suggests that a company would only pay out dividends if it believes that it can maintain or increase its earnings.

However, investor reaction can vary based on broader market conditions, interest rate environment and individual investment strategies. For income-focused investors, such as retirees, the dividend payout is a critical aspect of their investment return and they may be more attracted to Highwoods Properties' stock based on this announcement. Conversely, growth-oriented investors might be less interested in dividend payments and more concerned with reinvestment strategies for future growth.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Analyst

As a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Highwoods Properties is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends, which can provide a steady income stream for investors. The declared cash dividend on the preferred stock, which is set at a substantial $21.5625 per share, reflects the fixed-income-like characteristics of preferred shares, which typically offer higher dividend payments than common stock in exchange for less capital appreciation potential.

The dividend rate on the preferred stock, 8 5/8%, is notably high, which may reflect a premium for the higher risk associated with this type of equity, or it could be a characteristic of the issuance terms. Investors should be aware of the tax implications of REIT dividends, which are often taxed differently than dividends from other types of corporations. Additionally, the financial health and the ability of the REIT to cover its dividend payments through operational cash flow should be carefully evaluated to ensure the sustainability of such dividends.

RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HIW) announces its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, which equates to an annualized dividend of $2.00 per share. This quarterly dividend is payable on March 12, 2024 to all holders of record as of February 20, 2024.

The Board also declared a cash dividend of $21.5625 per share of the Company’s 8 5/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The dividend is payable on February 29, 2024 which is the next regularly scheduled dividend payment date, to all holders of record as of February 15, 2024.

About Highwoods
Highwoods Properties, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh, is a publicly-traded (NYSE:HIW), fully-integrated office real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties primarily in the best business districts (BBDs) of Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, Richmond and Tampa. Highwoods is in the work-placemaking business. We believe that by creating environments and experiences where the best and brightest can achieve together what they cannot apart, we can deliver greater value to our customers, their teammates and, in turn, our stakeholders. For more information about Highwoods, please visit our website at www.highwoods.com.

Contact:	Brendan Maiorana
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	brendan.maiorana@highwoods.com
	919-872-4924

What is the cash dividend declared by Highwoods Properties, Inc. for the quarter ended December 31, 2023?

Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HIW) has declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock.

What is the annualized dividend per share for Highwoods Properties, Inc.?

The annualized dividend per share for Highwoods Properties, Inc. is $2.00.

When is the quarterly dividend payable for Highwoods Properties, Inc.?

The quarterly dividend is payable on March 12, 2024.

When is the cash dividend for the Company’s 8 5/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock payable?

The cash dividend for the Company’s 8 5/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock is payable on February 29, 2024.