In Brief: Capstead's Net Up But Dividend May Fall

Capstead Mortgage Corp., a real estate investment trust, reported a 15% increase in net income, to $41 million, for the fourth quarter. Earnings per share declined reduced 5%, to 63 cents.

Ronn K. Lytle, Capstead's chief executive officer, said the recent decline in interest rates has caused increased prepayments in the company's servicing and investment portfolios.

As a result, Capstead's dividend for the first quarter will probably be 50 cents per share, Mr. Lytle said. He added that if interest rates do not rise, the dividend will probably stay at that level for the remainder of the year. Capstead paid a 61.5 cent dividend in the fourth quarter.

Capstead reported net income of $159.9 million in 1997, a 26% increase from 1996. Earnings per share rose 11%, to $2.62.

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