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Key Points
- Barry Stuhler's 5.21% stake in Lighthouse Properties rose by R69.62 million ($4.85 million) in 2024, driven by a 9.93% share price increase.
- Lighthouse Properties’ $183.8 million acquisition of Spanish assets bolstered its European portfolio, supporting a 12.65% total return for investors.
- Strengthening of the South African rand amplified Lighthouse Properties’ shareholder gains, enhancing its appeal to long-term investors amid sustained dividend payouts.
South African-born real estate magnate Barry Stuhler has registered substantial gains in his 5.21 percent stake in Lighthouse Properties, driven by sustained buying interest that has boosted the company’s share price on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
With 95,369,273 shares in the Malta-based property firm, Stuhler’s stake has risen by R69.62 million ($4.85 million) since the start of the year. A seasoned investor with a diverse portfolio of real estate ventures, this growth solidifies his position among South Africa’s affluent individuals and underscores the strong investor confidence in Lighthouse Properties.
Lighthouse Properties: Expansion meets investor interest
Lighthouse Properties, listed on the JSE, has been actively pursuing a growth strategy, evidenced by its recent €168.2 million ($183.8 million) acquisition of Alegro Montijo and Espai Gironès in Spain. This transaction, funded through the sale of 349 million Hammerson shares, has significantly bolstered its European portfolio—a key focus area of its expansion plans.
In line with its commitment to creating shareholder value, it distributed an interim dividend of $25.19 million, reinforcing investor confidence. These strategic moves have underpinned the resilience of its stock this year. The share price rose by 9.93 percent, with the strengthening of the South African rand against the U.S. dollar amplifying total gains to 12.65 percent.
The stock climbed from R7.35 ($0.407) on Jan. 1 to R8.08 ($0.447), pushing the company’s market capitalization past $900 million and delivering solid returns to its shareholders, including prominent investor Barry Stuhler.
As a result of the stock price increase, Stuhler’s stake in Lighthouse Properties has grown substantially this year, surging by R69.62 million ($4.85 million) from R700.96 million ($38.32 million) to R770.58 million ($43.16 million). This highlights the tangible benefits of the company’s strategic focus on expansion and value creation.
Rand strength amplifies investor gains
Lighthouse Properties’ sustained dividend payouts reflect its focus on growth and commitment to creating value for shareholders, making it an attractive choice for long-term investors.
Despite recent price declines that have raised concerns among stakeholders, the stock has delivered a year-to-date increase of 9.93 percent.
Additionally, the strengthening South African rand has amplified gains, bringing the total return to 12.65 percent. For instance, a $100,000 investment in the company's shares at the start of 2024 has grown to $111,158, yielding a profit of $11,158.
