Blackstone(US:BX) GlobeNewswire News Room·2025-04-30 20:01Core Viewpoint - Sun Communities, Inc. has completed the initial closing of the sale of its interests in Safe Harbor Marinas to Blackstone Infrastructure, marking a strategic shift towards focusing on its core manufactured housing (MH) and recreational vehicle (RV) portfolio [1][2]. Financial Impact - The pre-tax cash proceeds from the transaction are approximately $5.25 billion, with certain properties valued at around $250 million excluded from the initial closing, pending third-party consents [3]. - The company plans to repay approximately $3.3 billion of debt using the net proceeds, which includes $1.6 billion from its senior credit facility and $740 million of secured mortgage debt [6]. - The expected annualized interest expense savings from the initial debt paydowns is approximately $160 million, reducing the weighted average interest rate on outstanding indebtedness to about 3.5% [7]. Strategic Focus - The company aims to reposition itself as a pure-play MH and RV focused entity, enhancing its leverage profile and financial flexibility to support disciplined growth [2][4]. - Approximately $1.0 billion has been allocated into 1031 exchange escrow accounts for potential future MH and RV acquisitions on a tax-efficient basis [8]. Capital Return Strategy - A one-time special cash distribution of $4.00 per share, totaling around $520 million, has been authorized by the Board of Directors, payable on May 22, 2025 [9]. - The company intends to increase its quarterly distribution by approximately 10.6% to $1.04 per common share, starting with the second quarter distribution anticipated in July 2025 [9][10]. - A stock repurchase program of up to $1.0 billion has been authorized, allowing management discretion in executing repurchases [11]. Upcoming Events - The company is scheduled to report its first quarter earnings for 2025 on May 5, 2025, and will provide updated guidance reflecting the financial impact of the initial closing [13].