Topic: How To Invest

Dividend Advisor Hotline – Friday, June 6, 2025

Article Excerpt

RIOCAN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, $17.41, Toronto symbol REI.UN, is a top pick for 2025. The REIT owns all or part of 177 shopping centres and other properties across Canada, including eight under development. Its occupancy rate is a high 98.0%. RioCan cut its monthly distribution by 33.3% to $0.96 a unit (on an annual basis) in February 2021 as retailers shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the restrictions eased, the trust resumed annual distribution increases. Under that policy, RioCan increased your monthly distribution by 4.3% with the March 2025, payment. Investors now receive $0.0965 a unit from $0.0925. The new annual rate of $1.158 yields a solid 6.7%. RioCan is now selling its 50% stake in four properties held by its RioCan Living business, which owns 13 residential rental buildings and two projects under development. The REIT will receive $197.3 million when it completes the transaction in the third quarter of 2025. The trust will apply the proceeds to its total debt…