Report: Four U.S. REITs Declare Dividend Increases in November
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 16 2025
0mins
Source: SeekingAlpha
Dividend Increases: Four US real estate investment trusts (REITs) announced dividend hikes in November, contributing to a total of 67 public US REITs that have increased dividends in 2025, which is 43% of the industry.
Specific Companies: Notable increases include Medical Properties Trust (12.5% to $0.09), Four Corners Property (3.2% to $0.36), Iron Mountain ($0.86), and Simon Property Group ($2.20).
Canadian REITs: Canadian multifamily REITs Minto Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust and Morguard North American Residential REIT also raised their monthly dividends to 4.46 and 6.58 Canadian cents per share, respectively.
Market Insights: The article highlights ongoing trends in the REIT sector, including the performance of specific companies and market concerns regarding valuations and business issues.
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Analyst Views on MPW
Wall Street analysts forecast MPW stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 5.020
Low
5.00
Averages
5.50
High
6.00
Current: 5.020
Low
5.00
Averages
5.50
High
6.00
About MPW
Medical Properties Trust, Inc. is a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company conducts all of its operations through its subsidiary, MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. It acquires and develops healthcare facilities and leases the facilities to healthcare operating companies under long-term net leases. It also makes mortgage loans to healthcare operators collateralized by their real estate assets. It selectively makes loans to certain of its operators through its taxable REIT subsidiaries (TRS). It has healthcare investments in the United States, Europe and South America. The Company owns hospital real estate with approximately 396 facilities and approximately 39,000 licensed beds in nine countries and across three continents. Its financing model facilitates acquisitions and recapitalizations and allows operators of hospitals to unlock the value of their real estate assets to fund facility improvements, technology upgrades and other investments in operations.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Market Analysis of Heavily Shorted Stocks
- Attraction of Shorted Stocks: Investors maintain high short interest in overvalued stocks, indicating significant perceived risks such as poor earnings or industry headwinds that could drive prices down, impacting market sentiment and investment strategies.
- Bear vs. Bull Dynamics: Short sellers meticulously identify companies they view as ticking time bombs, while retail traders see high short interest as a potential springboard for price rebounds, where rising stock prices can trigger short squeezes, affecting market liquidity.
- Understanding Short Squeeze Mechanics: A short squeeze creates a volatile feedback loop initiated by unexpected price increases, forcing short sellers to buy back shares to cover positions, which spikes demand and further elevates prices, trapping more short sellers and potentially leading to outsized returns.
- Current Market Landscape: As of February 2, the most shorted stocks include those with market caps above $2 billion and free floats exceeding 5 million shares, ranked by short interest, highlighting the market's focus on these stocks and their associated risks.
See More
Analysis of High Dividend Stock Investment Opportunities
- Pfizer's Outlook: With a forward yield of 6.7%, Pfizer is overcoming recent struggles by expanding its oncology pipeline and cutting costs through AI initiatives, expecting to launch new drugs that will boost sales and mitigate patent cliffs, making it appealing for income-seeking investors.
- Bristol Myers Squibb's Growth Potential: Bristol Myers Squibb offers a forward yield of 4.6%, and despite facing patent expirations and rising competition, its portfolio of new medicines is significantly contributing to sales, particularly with the approval of a subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo, which will support revenue growth into the next decade.
- Medical Properties Trust's Turnaround: Medical Properties Trust has a forward yield of 7.1%, and despite challenges from a major tenant's bankruptcy and two dividend cuts, it has successfully added new tenants and refinanced its debt, improving its financial outlook and attracting income investors.
- Market Environment Impact: The appeal of high dividend stocks lies in their stability; while some investors are skeptical about the sustainability of high yields, the strong fundamentals and strategic adjustments of Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Medical Properties Trust make them noteworthy investment options.
See More
Medical Properties Trust Inc (MPW) Options Volume Surges to 68,075 Contracts
- Surge in Options Volume: Medical Properties Trust Inc (MPW) has seen options trading volume reach 68,075 contracts today, equivalent to approximately 6.8 million shares, which is 107.3% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, indicating strong market interest in the stock.
- High-Frequency Trading Insights: Among all options, the $5.50 strike call option expiring on January 30, 2026, stands out with a trading volume of 19,342 contracts, representing about 1.9 million shares, suggesting investor optimism regarding MPW's future performance.
- Wendy's Options Activity: Wendy's Co (WEN) has recorded an options trading volume of 54,742 contracts today, representing approximately 5.5 million shares, nearly matching its average daily trading volume of 5.5 million shares over the past month, reflecting heightened market activity around the stock.
- Put Option Trading Situation: The $7 strike put option for WEN expiring on February 20, 2026, has seen a trading volume of 50,108 contracts today, representing about 5.0 million shares, indicating investor concerns regarding potential short-term risks facing the company.
See More
Medical Properties Trust Changes Ticker to MPT, Launches Branding Initiatives in 2026
- Ticker Change: Medical Properties Trust (MPW) announced a change of its NYSE ticker symbol to MPT, effective February 2, 2026, aimed at enhancing brand recognition and attracting more investor attention.
- Branding Initiatives: CEO Edward Aldag outlined several key branding initiatives for 2026 in a letter to shareholders, intending to strengthen market competitiveness and boost investor confidence through a refreshed corporate image.
- Headquarters Relocation: The company has begun the process of moving its team to a new corporate headquarters in Birmingham, a strategic move expected to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen ties with tenants.
- Cash Rent Target: Medical Properties Trust stated that as new tenants across the U.S. ramp up monthly rental payments, it remains committed to achieving over $1 billion in annualized cash rent by year-end, thereby enhancing financial stability and investment appeal.
See More
Medical Properties Trust Changes Ticker to 'MPT' Effective February 2, 2026
- Brand Update: Medical Properties Trust announces the change of its ticker symbol from 'MPW' to 'MPT', effective February 2, 2026, aiming to enhance brand recognition and align with its corporate identity.
- 20th Anniversary Celebration: The company celebrates its 20th anniversary as a publicly traded entity in 2026, highlighting its success in the hospital real estate sector with 388 facilities and approximately 39,000 licensed beds, showcasing its market leadership.
- New Headquarters Launch: Medical Properties Trust plans to relocate its headquarters to a new building in Birmingham, Alabama, aimed at enhancing sustainability and creating a better work environment for employees, reflecting the company's commitment to future growth.
- Rent Target: The company aims to achieve over $1 billion in annualized cash rent by the end of 2026, indicating confidence in the demand for hospital real estate and the potential for continued growth.
See More
RLJ Lodging Trust: Major Turning Point Expected in 2026
- Diversification Advice: Analysts recommend that investors diversify across cyclical sectors (like hotels and retail) and defensive sectors (like healthcare and residential) to mitigate downside risks in economic growth, thereby enhancing portfolio resilience.
- Attractive Hotel REITs: RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) stands out due to expected U.S. GDP growth rebound and the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently offering an attractive nearly 8% dividend yield, indicating strong income potential.
- European Market Opportunities: German residential REITs such as Vonovia (VONOY) and LEG Immobilien (LEGIF) are favored for their mid-single-digit dividends and capital gain potential, expected to trade above book value in 2026, attracting investor interest.
- Small REIT Acquisition Potential: Analysts predict an uptick in REIT M&A activity in 2027, suggesting a focus on smaller REITs with acquisition potential to benefit from market consolidation.
See More
Market Analysis of Heavily Shorted Stocks
- Attraction of Shorted Stocks: Investors maintain high short interest in overvalued stocks, indicating significant perceived risks such as poor earnings or industry headwinds that could drive prices down, impacting market sentiment and investment strategies.
- Bear vs. Bull Dynamics: Short sellers meticulously identify companies they view as ticking time bombs, while retail traders see high short interest as a potential springboard for price rebounds, where rising stock prices can trigger short squeezes, affecting market liquidity.
- Understanding Short Squeeze Mechanics: A short squeeze creates a volatile feedback loop initiated by unexpected price increases, forcing short sellers to buy back shares to cover positions, which spikes demand and further elevates prices, trapping more short sellers and potentially leading to outsized returns.
- Current Market Landscape: As of February 2, the most shorted stocks include those with market caps above $2 billion and free floats exceeding 5 million shares, ranked by short interest, highlighting the market's focus on these stocks and their associated risks.
See More
Analysis of High Dividend Stock Investment Opportunities
- Pfizer's Outlook: With a forward yield of 6.7%, Pfizer is overcoming recent struggles by expanding its oncology pipeline and cutting costs through AI initiatives, expecting to launch new drugs that will boost sales and mitigate patent cliffs, making it appealing for income-seeking investors.
- Bristol Myers Squibb's Growth Potential: Bristol Myers Squibb offers a forward yield of 4.6%, and despite facing patent expirations and rising competition, its portfolio of new medicines is significantly contributing to sales, particularly with the approval of a subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo, which will support revenue growth into the next decade.
- Medical Properties Trust's Turnaround: Medical Properties Trust has a forward yield of 7.1%, and despite challenges from a major tenant's bankruptcy and two dividend cuts, it has successfully added new tenants and refinanced its debt, improving its financial outlook and attracting income investors.
- Market Environment Impact: The appeal of high dividend stocks lies in their stability; while some investors are skeptical about the sustainability of high yields, the strong fundamentals and strategic adjustments of Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Medical Properties Trust make them noteworthy investment options.
See More
Medical Properties Trust Inc (MPW) Options Volume Surges to 68,075 Contracts
- Surge in Options Volume: Medical Properties Trust Inc (MPW) has seen options trading volume reach 68,075 contracts today, equivalent to approximately 6.8 million shares, which is 107.3% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, indicating strong market interest in the stock.
- High-Frequency Trading Insights: Among all options, the $5.50 strike call option expiring on January 30, 2026, stands out with a trading volume of 19,342 contracts, representing about 1.9 million shares, suggesting investor optimism regarding MPW's future performance.
- Wendy's Options Activity: Wendy's Co (WEN) has recorded an options trading volume of 54,742 contracts today, representing approximately 5.5 million shares, nearly matching its average daily trading volume of 5.5 million shares over the past month, reflecting heightened market activity around the stock.
- Put Option Trading Situation: The $7 strike put option for WEN expiring on February 20, 2026, has seen a trading volume of 50,108 contracts today, representing about 5.0 million shares, indicating investor concerns regarding potential short-term risks facing the company.
See More
Medical Properties Trust Changes Ticker to MPT, Launches Branding Initiatives in 2026
- Ticker Change: Medical Properties Trust (MPW) announced a change of its NYSE ticker symbol to MPT, effective February 2, 2026, aimed at enhancing brand recognition and attracting more investor attention.
- Branding Initiatives: CEO Edward Aldag outlined several key branding initiatives for 2026 in a letter to shareholders, intending to strengthen market competitiveness and boost investor confidence through a refreshed corporate image.
- Headquarters Relocation: The company has begun the process of moving its team to a new corporate headquarters in Birmingham, a strategic move expected to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen ties with tenants.
- Cash Rent Target: Medical Properties Trust stated that as new tenants across the U.S. ramp up monthly rental payments, it remains committed to achieving over $1 billion in annualized cash rent by year-end, thereby enhancing financial stability and investment appeal.
See More
Medical Properties Trust Changes Ticker to 'MPT' Effective February 2, 2026
- Brand Update: Medical Properties Trust announces the change of its ticker symbol from 'MPW' to 'MPT', effective February 2, 2026, aiming to enhance brand recognition and align with its corporate identity.
- 20th Anniversary Celebration: The company celebrates its 20th anniversary as a publicly traded entity in 2026, highlighting its success in the hospital real estate sector with 388 facilities and approximately 39,000 licensed beds, showcasing its market leadership.
- New Headquarters Launch: Medical Properties Trust plans to relocate its headquarters to a new building in Birmingham, Alabama, aimed at enhancing sustainability and creating a better work environment for employees, reflecting the company's commitment to future growth.
- Rent Target: The company aims to achieve over $1 billion in annualized cash rent by the end of 2026, indicating confidence in the demand for hospital real estate and the potential for continued growth.
See More
RLJ Lodging Trust: Major Turning Point Expected in 2026
- Diversification Advice: Analysts recommend that investors diversify across cyclical sectors (like hotels and retail) and defensive sectors (like healthcare and residential) to mitigate downside risks in economic growth, thereby enhancing portfolio resilience.
- Attractive Hotel REITs: RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) stands out due to expected U.S. GDP growth rebound and the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently offering an attractive nearly 8% dividend yield, indicating strong income potential.
- European Market Opportunities: German residential REITs such as Vonovia (VONOY) and LEG Immobilien (LEGIF) are favored for their mid-single-digit dividends and capital gain potential, expected to trade above book value in 2026, attracting investor interest.
- Small REIT Acquisition Potential: Analysts predict an uptick in REIT M&A activity in 2027, suggesting a focus on smaller REITs with acquisition potential to benefit from market consolidation.
See More
