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Safehold Announces Tax Treatment of 2023 Dividends, Including Pre-Merger Distributions

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Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) completed a merger with iStar Inc. and changed its name to Safehold Inc. The tax treatment of distributions for both companies pre-and-post-merger is detailed in the press release.
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The merger between Safehold Inc. and iStar Inc., with iStar surviving for tax purposes and assuming Safehold's name, presents significant tax implications for both entities and their shareholders. The tax treatment of distributions is a critical aspect for investors to consider, as it affects the after-tax return on their investment. The distributions classified as return of capital rather than ordinary income or qualifying dividends indicate that the payments reduce the shareholder's cost basis in the stock, rather than being taxed at the individual's ordinary income tax rate. This can be advantageous for shareholders in the short-term by deferring taxes until the sale of the shares, potentially at a lower capital gains tax rate.

However, this also means that the company is not paying out profits but returning capital, which could suggest that it is not generating sufficient income. This could impact the company's future growth prospects and ability to raise capital. Investors must also be aware of the complexities associated with the tax treatment of distributions post-merger, as it could affect their investment strategy and tax planning.

From a financial analysis perspective, the merger's completion and subsequent distribution details provide insight into the financial health and strategic direction of the combined entity. The consistent return of capital distributions post-merger could indicate a strategy to provide steady cash returns to investors. However, it is essential to scrutinize whether these distributions are sustainable in the long term, given that they are not derived from earnings.

Additionally, the presence of preferred stock distributions, particularly with high fixed dividend rates, suggests a commitment to meet obligations to preferred shareholders. This could be a sign of financial stability, but it also places a demand on the company's cash flow. The financial performance of the merged entity must be monitored to ensure that it can support these obligations without compromising its operational needs or growth investments.

It is crucial to consider the merger's impact on the broader market and competitive landscape. The merger could result in operational synergies and a more substantial market presence, potentially leading to enhanced shareholder value in the long term. However, the market's response to the merger and the tax treatment of distributions will also depend on the perceived strength of the combined company's business model, its competitive position and its ability to generate sustainable earnings.

An analysis of the industry trends, regulatory environment and competitive dynamics is necessary to assess the potential success of the merger. Investors and stakeholders should also evaluate the merged entity's strategic initiatives and how they align with market opportunities and challenges.

NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Safehold Inc. completed a merger with iStar Inc. on March 31, 2023 (the "Merger"), in which iStar was the survivor for tax purposes. iStar changed its name to Safehold Inc. immediately following the merger. The following tax treatment of distributions applies to the companies pre-and-post-merger:

Safehold Common Stock (Pre-and-Post-Merger)

NYSE: SAFE (Post-Merger)
CUSIP: 78646V107

Record
Date

Payment
Date

Distribution
per Share

Ordinary
Income

Return of Capital
(Non-dividend
Distribution)


06/30/23

07/14/23

$0.1770

$0.0000

$0.1770


09/29/23

10/13/23

0.1770

0.0000

0.1770


Total


$0.3540

$0.0000

$0.3540


NYSE: SAFE (Pre-Merger)
CUSIP: 78645L100

Record
Date

Payment
Date

Distribution
per Share

Ordinary
Income

Return of Capital
(Non-dividend
Distribution)


12/30/22

1/13/23

$0.1770

$0.0000

$0.1770


3/30/23

3/30/23

0.1770

0.0000

0.1770


Total


$0.3540

$0.0000

$0.3540


NYSE: STAR (Pre-Merger)
CUSIP: 45031U-101

Record
Date

Payment
Date

Distribution
per Share

Ordinary
Income
(Qualifying
Dividend)

Capital Gain
Distribution

Non dividend
Distribution

Treas. Reg.
§ 1.1061-6(c)
One year and
Three-Year
Amount

03/30/23

03/30/23

$2.7853

$0.5203

$0.0144

$2.2506

$0.0144

Total


$2.7853

$0.5203

$0.0144

$2.2506

$0.0144

8.00% Series D Preferred Stock  |  Liquidation Preference: $25.00

NYSE: STAR prD (Pre-Merger)
CUSIP: 45031U-408

Record
Date

Payment
Date

Distribution
per Share

Ordinary
Income
(Qualifying
Dividend)

Capital Gain
Distribution

Non dividend
Distribution

Treas. Reg.
§ 1.1061-6(c)
One year and
Three-Year
Amount

03/01/23

03/15/23

$0.5000000

$0.0000

$0.5000000

$0.0000

$0.5000000

03/30/23

03/30/23

0.0888889

0.0000

0.0888889

0.0000

0.0888889

Total


$0.5888889

$0.0000

$0.5888889

$0.0000

$0.5888889









7.65% Series G Preferred Stock  |  Liquidation Preference: $25.00

NYSE: STAR prG (Pre-Merger)
CUSIP: 45031U-705

Record
Date

Payment
Date

Distribution
per Share

Ordinary
Income
(Qualifying
Dividend)

Capital Gain
Distribution

Non dividend
Distribution

Treas. Reg.
§ 1.1061-6(c)
One year and
Three-Year
Amount

03/01/23

03/15/23

$0.478125

$0.000000

$0.478125

$0.000000

$0.478125

03/30/23

03/30/23

0.085000

0.000000

0.085000

0.000000

0.085000

Total


$0.563125

$0.000000

$0.563125

$0.000000

$0.563125









7.50% Series I Preferred Stock  |  Liquidation Preference: $25.00

NYSE: STAR prI (Pre-Merger)
CUSIP: 45031U-804

Record
Date

Payment
Date

Distribution
per Share

Ordinary
Income
(Qualifying
Dividend)

Capital Gain
Distribution

Non dividend
Distribution

Treas. Reg.
§ 1.1061-6(c)
One year and
Three-Year
Amount

03/01/23

03/15/23

$0.4687500

$0.00000

$0.4687500

$0.00000

$0.4687500

03/30/23

03/30/23

0.0833333

0.00000

0.0833333

0.00000

0.0833333

Total


$0.5520833

$0.00000

$0.5520833

$0.00000

$0.5520833









About Safehold:

Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) is revolutionizing real estate ownership by providing a new and better way for owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings. Having created the modern ground lease industry in 2017, Safehold continues to help owners of high quality multifamily, office, industrial, hospitality, student housing, life science and mixed-use properties generate higher returns with less risk. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT), seeks to deliver safe, growing income and long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders. Additional information on Safehold is available on its website at www.safeholdinc.com.

Company Contact:
Pearse Hoffmann
Senior Vice President
Capital Markets & Investor Relations
T 212.930.9400
E investors@safeholdinc.com 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/safehold-announces-tax-treatment-of-2023-dividends-including-pre-merger-distributions-302028631.html

SOURCE Safehold Inc.

FAQ

What was the outcome of the merger between Safehold Inc. and iStar Inc.?

Safehold Inc. completed a merger with iStar Inc. and changed its name to Safehold Inc.

What is the ticker symbol for Safehold Inc.?

The ticker symbol for Safehold Inc. is NYSE: SAFE.

What is the tax treatment of distributions for Safehold Inc. post-merger?

The press release details the tax treatment of distributions for Safehold Inc. post-merger.

What is the tax treatment of distributions for iStar Inc. pre-merger?

The press release provides information on the tax treatment of distributions for iStar Inc. pre-merger.

What is the distribution per share for Safehold Inc. post-merger?

The distribution per share for Safehold Inc. post-merger is detailed in the press release.

What is the distribution per share for Safehold Inc. pre-merger?

The distribution per share for Safehold Inc. pre-merger is detailed in the press release.

What is the distribution per share for iStar Inc. pre-merger?

The distribution per share for iStar Inc. pre-merger is detailed in the press release.

What is the liquidation preference for the 8.00% Series D Preferred Stock of iStar Inc. pre-merger?

The liquidation preference for the 8.00% Series D Preferred Stock of iStar Inc. pre-merger is $25.00.

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