Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat, I am wondering what your thoughts are on SmartCentres REIT? They have a nice dividend north of 5%. Regards.

Article Excerpt

A: SmartCentres REIT, $31.20, symbol SRU.UN on Toronto (Units outstanding: 144.6 million; Market cap: $5.3 billion; www.smartcentres.com), owns or has a stake in 168 shopping centres, most of them anchored by a Walmart store. Together, they make up 34.2 million square feet of leasable space across Canada. The REIT’s holdings also include one office and 10 mixed-use properties as well as 11 projects under development. As of June 30, 2021, SmartCentres had an occupancy rate of 97.3%. The REIT has grown slowly over the last five years, with the number of properties rising to 168 from 143. Revenue rose 7.7% between 2016 and 2020, from $725.3 million to $781.3 million. Cash flow rose 12.1%, from $326.0 million, or $2.09 a share, to $365.4 million, or $2.12. In the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, SmartCentre’s revenue increased 1.9%, to $193.9 million from $190.3 million a year earlier. The REIT’s overall cash flow rose 25.8%, to $94.2 million, or $0.55 per unit, from…