Income trust conversion survey published
A Harris/Decima survey of Canadian income trust executives was published today, revealing that 84% of trust executives expect that conversion to a corporation will trigger a reduction in distributions/dividends currently paid to investors. The survey, conducted on behalf of BarnesMcInerney Inc., Stikeman Elliott LLP and Computershare/Georgeson, surveyed 82 income fund executives during November/December 2009 in anticipation of legislation scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2011 that will affect the tax advantage currently enjoyed by the approximately 165 income trusts currently operating in Canada. Andrew Willis discusses the survey and the hard decisions facing income trusts in today's Globe and Mail, stating that "[t]he overarching theme for trusts CEOs is that the coming year will mean walking a tightrope." According to Stikeman Elliott partner Simon Romano, quoted in Mr. Willis' article, "[i]n directing trust conversions, boards will have to select a dividend policy which will typically be based on a mix of factors, including expected free cash flow, tax pool availability, a balancing of where the company wants to fit on the growth vs. steady-state continuum, and the nature of the shareholder base."
For more information on conversions, see our Income Trust Conversion Guide, updated for 2010.
