"Medical Properties Trust Takes a Dive: Here's Why"

Shares of Medical Properties Trust (MPW) dropped 8.6% on Friday, continuing a downward trend caused by rising interest rates and the need to de-lever the business through asset sales. Stifel analyst Stephen Manaker downgraded the stock from buy to hold, citing tight financial conditions and potential issues with recent asset sales. Medical Properties faces challenges in obtaining financing and ensuring rental payments from struggling hospital tenants. The company's future depends on the recovery of its hospital tenants, a decrease in interest rates, and effective cost management.