Stock price when the opinion was issued
He's generally positive on retail across Canada. WMT is its largest tenant, with very good credit; but doesn't pay a lot in terms of "escalators" on rents. Lower growth profile than other opportunities. Last quarter, income growth just 1.3%. Own it for a consistent yield; previously not covered, but now it is.
True that main tenant WMT typically doesn't have to pay large annual increases in rent, but it does attract other tenants and that's who pays the rent increases. Entering new leases with WMT as it expands. The very large parking lots can be converted to other uses. Great potential to collect the yield and wait for that potential to be realized.
Very defensive, and so distribution is high. Flipside of being defensive and with high occupancy rates is that growth of 1-1.5% is below inflation. Higher leverage means income doesn't translate to earnings potential. Better opportunities, especially in necessity-based retail.