Spinoff would add to H&R’s value

Article Excerpt

H&R REIT says it wants to raise its unit price to narrow the gap between it and the REIT’s net asset value (NAV) per unit. As of December 31, 2020, NAV—the market value of its properties less any mortgage liabilities—stood at $21.93. As we often remind investors, one of the best ways for a company to unlock hidden or under-appreciated value is through its breakup into one or more pure-play businesses. That kind of spinoff plan appears to be in the early stages for H&R as it waits for COVID-19 lockdowns to ease and rent collection to improve. Even so, we feel H&R investors will benefit from its likely breakup, while also enjoying the REIT’s sustainable distribution, yielding a high 4.6%. H&R REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST $15 (Toronto symbol HR.UN; Manufacturing sector; Units outstanding: 286.9 million; Market cap: $4.3 billion; Dividend yield: 4.6%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.hr-reit.com) owns 470 properties: 33 office buildings, 327 retail developments, 87 industrial buildings and 23 residential properties. It also…