Stockchase Opinions

Andrew HamlinRioCan Real Estate InvestmentREI.UN.TOCOMMENTDec 11, 2015

You can’t go too wrong owning REITs. This one is a large cap and one of the “go to” REITs for generalists out there. However, he would be a little concerned about retail exposure, and this company has a fair bit. Dividend yield of almost 6%, which is a bit high.

$24.31

Stock price when the opinion was issued

property mngmntinvestment
It's the ideal tool to help you make quicker, more informed decisions for managing and tracking your investments.

You might be interested:

WATCH

She doesn't own REITs. Valuations were too high, and there was better growth elsewhere, like pipelines. REITs do pay dividends and REI is not bad. It's flat over 5 years, but high occupancy rates, a 5% dividend and 60% payout ratio, and a high renewal rates by tenants. Will do more research first, though. REITs are a rare place to pay 5% dividends with little risk.

DON'T BUY

In Canada you want to be careful, especially in the retail space. We're seeing softness in the Canadian economy. In Q2, we had a negative GDP number. Consumer's stretched, and inflation since Covid has had an impact. He has no REITs in his portfolio. 

DON'T BUY

Probably can lean more to similar companies in the US. Be skeptical. Canadian REITs in general have high payout ratios, so they don't have a lot of flexibility financially.

Take a look at PLD.

HOLD
Yield is 6%.

Open air, grocery-centred. Very good centres and management. Some investments outside that core business in multi-family (where rental rates are contracting) and enclosed malls (HBC investment is an overhang). Still, distribution quite safe. Growth picture is quite bright, as they have levers to pull.

BUY

Big fan. In general, no new retail properties have been developed. Increasing efficiency (reducing staff and selling apartment segment), focusing on core strengths (retail). Positive on ability to grow earnings for next few years.

HOLD
Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

Cash flow per unit of 49c beat estimates of 45c; leasing spreads improved and same property net operating income rose. But it did take a $209M writedown on Hudson Bay and trimmed its guidance because of it (by 4c per unit). This hit offset benefits from its residential sector. The stock is down less than 1% which we would not consider abnormal. 
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

HOLD
Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

We think REI will be able to manage HBC's exit. The valuation is quite low at 9X cash flow, and, all things considered, the units have held up relatively well, down 6% YTD and up 2% in 52 weeks. The distribution was raised in February and payout is a decent 60%. We would not expect much from the sector, considering economic conditions, and minimal growth is expected (consensus). Still, this seems reflected in the valuation, and any good news would likely be quite positive to the stock. We would consider it 'OK', for income, overall. We are just not so sure this is a 'good' time to buy. 'Accumulate' slowly might be a better strategy.
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

HOLD

Still a REIT giant. Leads in the retail-focused, mixed-property use. Definitely impacted by The Bay situation. Retail weakness over next 6-12 months could be an issue.

Saw 96% retail occupancy in Q4, and 1.5% rental growth. Pressure from e-commerce. Issued debt in January to bolster balance sheet, debt is still manageable. Rate cuts could continue to spark leasing demand. Yield is 6%, cash machine for income lovers. Still reliable.

TOP PICK

Value pick given current share price. Company beginning to find its way again. Returning back to core strengths of the business. Focus on urban centers very good idea. Management team is performing well. 

BUY

Attractive level, high double-digit discount to NAV. Great portfolio. Multi-family residential portfolio is growing, may start selling it off and reallocating capital to retail or to share buybacks. Overhang: $600M worth of condos closing in next 3 years. Risk/reward is in your favour to buy here.

HOLD

Concerns over exposure to condo market. Great portfolio, quite defensive. He's bullish on outdoor shopping centre landscape across Canada, with low supply and increasing demand from population growth. Great management. You're well served by holding on.

SELL ON STRENGTH

Short term, he's constructive, likely more upside, a yield beneficiary. Medium term, might be one of the largest REITs in Canada, but one one of the smaller investors compared to pension plans, for example. Buying and developing assets is complex, expensive, and fraught with uncertainty. Fragile profile, despite good yield and recent rally.

DON'T BUY

Exposed to rising interest rate payments on debt used to buy properties. Good yield is in competition with no-risk bonds. In the space he owns CAR.UN instead, which is multi-family housing.

BUY

Blue chip in shopping centre space. Growing footprint in residential. Will benefit from capital coming in to pay down debt. Internal growth is 3-4%. Good one to own going forward. Nice yield of 6%.

BUY

Distribution very safe due to proactive cutting during pandemic. Achievable net operating growth of 3%, last quarter was 3.7%. Despite rising rates, with population growth, limited new supply, and limited retail bankruptcies, setup generally good for shopping centres in Canada. In a good spot.