He does not own REITs but this is probably his favourite in the space.  They did it right in the right markets.  They created liberty village.  They really did well pumping money into Hazelton Lanes.  He believes it is still selling at a discount to its NAV.

Not a sell, though he owns the bonds. A retail story, but more defensive with liquor, drug, and grocery stores. Higher rates, and did a questionable issuance. Into new green development. Likes the company and its assets. But not the time to own it.

This is an urban everyday needs portfolio. Very resilient. He models 3.8% growth from 2016 to 2018. This is not cheap, trading at around 19X, it is still trading slightly below its five-year average. 81% payout ratio, so you are going to get paid the 4.3% distribution. Its balance sheet is very good. Thinks you could buy this closer to $18.50 or $19 if you get an opportunity.

A very well-capitalized Real Estate Operating Company, with a lot of retail properties across Canada. Focused in urban major city centres and are buying up real estate in good locations, in close proximity to where people live, which benefits from a combination of an increase in population growth and an increase in incomes. About 20% of properties are anchored by grocery stores. Has a good development pipeline and an exceptional balance sheet. 70% of assets are unencumbered, which gives a lot of flexibility in the event of higher rates or an economic downturn. Dividend yield of 4.1%.

Feels the 3 top picks have probably lagged the market unfairly. This has lagged for a number of reasons. There is a bit of a concern on the retail market in general, but he would argue that their locations are highly resilient. They’ve had their guidance lowered a little because of some of the acquisitions they did, some developments cost a fair bit of money. However, long term, this is going to work out very well. Thinks management has got the message that they need to provide more FFO per share growth over the next couple of quarters. The previous CEO has been selling which has put some pressure on the stock, but has nothing to do with the valuation of the company. Dividend yield of 4.2%. (Analysts’ price target is $23.)

Ranks in the top 3^rd of his database. A fairly slow growing company. Earnings growth is forecast to be negative, going from $1.03 in 2016 to $.86 in 2017. Free cash flow is a minus 3% on a 4^th quarter trailing basis. Using enterprise value to EBITDA, it trades at 22X 4^th quarter trailing and is down 2.6%. Dividend yield of 4.2%.

Retail focused, but it owns a lot of Yorkville and assets in areas of high income. They came out with a perfect quarter, raised guidance, and the stock dropped 5%, so he was buying aggressively that day. This is a rare opportunity to buy a very high quality high end retail at a very reasonable price. Yield of 4.31%. (Analysts’ price target is $23.81.)

They are not taxable yet so they don’t have to be a REIT.  The real estate market is not great right now:  Target left, rising rates, anything related to Alberta.  FCR-T is defensive.  They are great managers.  A lot of properties are anchored by Shoppers or grocery stores.  They de-levered their balance sheet a few years ago.  They are benefiting from intensification in large cities.