Independence Realty Trust Announces $250 Million Share Repurchase Authorization and Increases Quarterly Dividend By 17%

Rhea-AI Summary

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (IRT) has authorized a $250 million stock repurchase program, reflecting confidence in its financial position. Additionally, a 17% increase in quarterly dividends to $0.14 per share was announced, payable on July 22, 2022. This strong capital allocation strategy aims to enhance shareholder value while balancing growth initiatives and leverage optimization. The repurchase program has no set timeframe and may be adjusted based on market conditions.

Positive

• Approved a $250 million stock repurchase program, enhancing shareholder value.
• Increased quarterly dividend by 17% to $0.14 per share, demonstrating confidence in financial health.
• Potential for stock price appreciation due to buyback program.

Negative

• None.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: IRT) (“IRT”) today announced that its Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $250 million of the Company’s common stock. The Board also approved a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share of IRT common stock, which represents a 17% increase in the dividend over the prior quarterly rate of $0.12 per share. The dividend is payable on July 22, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 1, 2022.

“Today’s announcement underscores the strength of our business model and our balance sheet, while providing us with the flexibility to unlock value for our shareholders,” said Scott Schaeffer, Chairman and CEO of IRT. “We will continue to execute a disciplined capital allocation strategy that balances our organic growth initiatives, while optimizing our leverage position over time and enhancing our capital return program.”

Under the repurchase program, the Company, in its discretion, may purchase its shares of common stock from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of purchases of shares will depend on a number of factors, including the price and availability of shares, trading volume and general market conditions. The repurchase program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

About Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: IRT) is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates multifamily apartment properties, across non-gateway U.S. markets including Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Oklahoma City, OK, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Houston, TX , Nashville, TN, and Memphis, TN. IRT’s investment strategy is focused on gaining scale within key amenity rich submarkets that offer good school districts, high-quality retail and major employment centers. IRT aims to provide stockholders attractive risk-adjusted returns through diligent portfolio management, strong operational performance, and a consistent return on capital through distributions and capital appreciation. More information may be found on the Company’s website www.irtliving.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements can generally be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as “will,” “strategy,” “expects,” “seeks,” “believes,” “potential,” or other similar words. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, our expectations as to the timing and amount of future dividends and anticipated benefits of our capital allocation strategy. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions and our actual results may differ materially from the expectations, intentions, beliefs, plans or predictions of the future expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and not within our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Risks and uncertainties that might cause our future actual results and/or future dividends to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: risks related to the impact of COVID-19 and other potential future outbreaks of infectious diseases on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance and those of our residents as well as on the economy and real estate and financial markets; changes in market demand for rental apartment homes and pricing pressures, including from competitors, that could limit our ability to lease units or increase rents or that could lead to declines in occupancy and rent levels; uncertainty and volatility in capital and credit markets, including changes that reduce availability, and increase costs, of capital; inability of tenants to meet their rent and other lease obligations and charge-offs in excess of our allowance for bad debt; legislative restrictions that may delay or limit collections of past due rents; risks endemic to real estate and the real estate industry generally; impairment charges; the effects of natural and other disasters; delays in completing, and cost overruns incurred in connection with, our value add initiatives and failure to achieve projected rent increases and occupancy levels on account of the initiatives; unexpected costs of REIT qualification compliance; unexpected changes in our intention or ability to repay certain debt prior to maturity; inability to sell certain assets within the time frames or at the pricing levels expected; costs and disruptions as the result of a cybersecurity incident or other technology disruption; and share price fluctuations. Please refer to the documents filed by us with the SEC, including specifically the “Risk Factors” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and our other filings with the SEC, which identify additional factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law. In addition, the declaration of dividends on our common stock is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends upon a broad range of factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable legal requirements and such other factors as our Board of Directors may from time to time deem relevant. For these reasons, as well as others, there can be no assurance that dividends in the future will be equal or similar to the amount of the dividend described in this press release.

 

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Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

Edelman Financial Communications & Capital Markets

Ted McHugh and Lauren Torres

917-365-7979

IRT@edelman.com

Source: Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of IRT's $250 million stock repurchase program?

The stock repurchase program aims to enhance shareholder value and reflects confidence in IRT's financial position.

When will IRT's increased dividend be paid?

The increased dividend of $0.14 per share will be payable on July 22, 2022.

How much was IRT's previous quarterly dividend before the increase?

IRT's previous quarterly dividend was $0.12 per share.

What factors will influence IRT's stock repurchase timing and amount?

The timing and amount of stock repurchases will depend on share price, trading volume, and market conditions.

Is there a time limit on IRT's stock repurchase program?

No, the repurchase program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.