Let our updates keep you on track

Article Excerpt

CHOICE PROPERTIES REIT, $15.49, is a buy. The trust (Toronto symbol CHP.UN; Units outstanding: 723.4 million; Market cap: $11.3 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 4.8%; www.choicereit.ca) recently agreed to sell six office properties (3 in Toronto, 2 in Vancouver, and 1 in Montreal). The buyer is ALLIED PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, $46.56 (Toronto symbol AP.UN; Units outstanding: 127.9 million; Market cap: $6.0 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 3.8%; www.alliedreit.com). The sale was for $794 million. That price consists of $594 million worth of Allied units, which could eventually give Choice an 8% stake in Allied, plus a $200 million note due December 31, 2023. After Choice completes the sale, it will own 10 office properties. About 70% of those properties are in the Greater Toronto Area and are primarily leased to affiliates of the Weston Group. They account for 4% of the REIT’s total portfolio. Choice Properties REIT is a buy. Allied Properties REIT is also a buy. BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, $91.41, is a #1 Buy…