RioCan Gains From Retail Focus

Article Excerpt

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are among the most stable of the royalty and investment trusts. That’s because they own non-depleting assets, and can lock in lease rates and financing costs for long terms. The best REITs have good management, well-located properties and balance sheets strong enough to weather an economic downturn. They have high-quality tenants, and carefully match their debt with their leases. They also have room to build or expand on existing properties. We don’t think you should overindulge in REITs. But if you stick with the highest-quality issues, like RioCan, you’ll likely make steady returns with low risk. RIOCAN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST $22 (Toronto symbol REI.UN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Units outstanding: 212.0 million; Market cap: $4.7 billion; SI Rating: Average) is Canada’s largest real estate investment trust. It owns 214 retail properties, including 12 under development, comprising an aggregate of almost 55 million square feet. RioCan specializes in “New Format” shopping centres. These are large, outdoor…