RioCan adapts to an online world

Article Excerpt

Dear client: Owning a home is all the real estate exposure most Canadians need. However, real estate investment trusts (REITs) let investors profit from a wider variety of properties without the risk of finding tenants and collecting rent. Our top pick among REITs is RioCan. It began operating in November 1993 and is now the country’s largest REIT. RioCan did well in the 1990s and the early part of this century as more people moved to the suburbs and shopped at its big-box malls. While these properties are still profitable, they now face increased competition as more people buy goods online. In response, the trust continues to add office and residential spaces to its properties. It has also begun to shift its focus to urban areas. We feel these moves will set it up for many more years of growth. RIOCAN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST $27 (Toronto symbol REI.UN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Units outstanding: 326.3 million; Market…