What's going on?

IWG, the world�s largest shared office firm and rival to WeWork, announced a big payout to shareholders on Tuesday � a move that might just keep its investors onside…

What does this mean?

IWG slogged to an 8% increase in profit for the first half of 2019, compared to the same period last year. Investors, however, might�ve been distracted by its other announcement: IWG also said it�ll increase its dividend by 10% and buy back $122 million worth of shares, in turn increasing the value of those remaining. That might seem like a bold move, given the current climate of economic uncertainty � especially in the UK, where IWG�s shares are listed (in the less-than-secure British pound). And if IWG loses tenants in the storm, it�ll have a lot less income to its name.

Why should I care?

For markets: Offense is the best defense.

Rival WeWork looks set to list on the stock market in the next few months, and it�s already caught investors� eyes. The company has proven itself with a revolving door of startups and big names alike, and IWG may worry its own investors will see something in the the cool kid of office-sharing. But $47 billion WeWork still hasn�t made a profit, and that�s where IWG has the upper hand. By increasing its dividend and buying back shares, IWG�s reminding shareholders just what it has to offer � which may be why its stock rose 3% on Tuesday.

The bigger picture: It�s not all golden in real estate.

Looks like mall owner Intu � and others like it � have a tough time ahead. The company cut its dividend last week and warned shareholders that it expects its rental income to fall. Luxury department store Barneys plans to close a number of stores after filing for bankruptcy protection on Tuesday (tweet this), and recently rescued sportswear outlet Jack Wills hopes to lower its own store rental costs too.