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Finding Value and 11.0% Yields in REITs

By Carla Pasternak
Editor, High-Yield Investing
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Published:  July 9, 2007

Not all subprime mortgage lenders are bad. In fact, the sell-off in the sector has created a value opportunity for well-managed subprime lenders like Vestin Realty Mortgage II (Nasdaq: VRTB, $5.83). Since listing on the Nasdaq exchange in May 2006, Vestin shares have held steady above the $5.00-range, even amid the recent subprime mortgage meltdown.

This mortgage REIT (real estate investment trust) pays a monthly dividend of $0.0535, which equates to $0.64 annually and gives the stock a yield of 11.0%. With cash flow of $17.8 million, the trust paid out $16.3 million worth of dividends in 2006, giving it a 92% payout ratio.

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Since 1995, the Las Vegas lender has made more than $2.0 billion in loans and has diversified its loan portfolio across 11 states. The company was formed in 2001 and has paid out monthly dividends since 2003. It converted to a real estate investment trust last year after merging with a subsidiary.

The firm's dividend is powered by revenue from the interest income on short-term (one to two-year) commercial real estate loans. The loans are backed by trust deeds or mortgages, and the company maintains a fairly conservative loan-to-value ratio of 70%. In other words, its $300 million loan portfolio is backed by real estate worth about $429 million.

Many mortgage REITs use leverage to expand their investment opportunities, but borrowing money against real estate assets also puts these firms at risk if interest rates rise. What makes Vestin particularly attractive to risk-averse investors is its policy of remaining virtually debt-free to limit risk.

Still, the company is not entirely risk-free. In late 2006, it had four delinquent loans on the books, worth $35 million, that will likely go into foreclosure.

In March, management approved a share buyback program, allowing it to take $10 million worth of shares off the marketplace. Share buybacks like that generally bode well for the share price.

As a REIT, Vestin's dividend income is taxable at the ordinary income tax rate of up to 35%, making the shares suitable for a tax-deferred IRA or 401(k) type of account. The company has a dividend reinvestment plan, and you can call 610-649-7300 for more information.

Action To Take ---> With its stated "low-to-no-debt" policy, Vestin's double-digit yield may be less risky than many of its subprime mortgage peers. Still, rising long-term interest rates together with a slowing economy could reduce demand for commercial real estate loans and weigh on the company's returns. As such, we consider VRTB a more aggressive high-yield play.

Good investing!


Carla Pasternak
Editor
High-Yield Investing
http://www.StreetAuthority.com

To receive in-depth guidance on today's leading income investing opportunities each month, plus access to several model portfolios, please subscribe to Carla Pasternak's premium newsletter -- High-Yield Investing.

Carla Pasternak draws on a variety of financial backgrounds to make profitable calls on income-generating stocks for her readers.

Carla has been employed in the investment industry for more than two decades. In addition to her work as a writer for several other nationally recognized financial publishers, her previous experience includes a position as President of a well-respected investor relations firm. She has also been writing shareholder reports for public companies (annual reports, speeches, corporate profiles, slide shows, etc.) since 1980.

A highly successful investment analyst, Carla specializes in high-yield, income-paying stocks. In that pursuit, she's always mindful to select companies that not only pay rich dividends, but that also have the potential to deliver strong long-term capital gains.

On the educational front, Carla holds both MBA and Ph.D. degrees. When she's not watching the market, she's teaching business courses at the college level and managing several million dollars in portfolio assets.


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