There is a fairly recent gov. change allowing them to dist the div. in 90% shares/10% cash (this is not the same as the req. to dist. 90% of their taxable income). Anyone who leaves it up to the co. will likely receive 100% in shares (as well as those who elect to rec. 100% in shares). Then, for the remaining who elect to receive "100%" in CASH, the cash leftover will be distributed to all of them, on a pro-rated basis. If very few elect/allow to receive 100% in shares, then those wanting cash will still only get about 10% in cash. Actually... here's the story when the special div. was announced: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/BRT-Realty...