Spinoff created two high-yielding buys

Article Excerpt

Spinoffs tend to work out well, as investors gemerally prefer “pure-play” companies that focus on a single business. H&R’s spinoff of its retail properties as Primaris has enhanced its appeal and is behind our decision to name H&R as a top pick for 2022. In addition, the spinoff has let the REIT raise its monthly dividend payment. Note—we’re also enthusiastic about Primaris, which is helping brick-and-mortar retailers expand their online operations. H&R REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST $13 is a top pick for 2022. The REIT (Toronto symbol HR.UN; Cyclical-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing sector; Units outstanding: 268.5 million; Market cap: $3.5 billion; Distribution yield: 4.2%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Average; www.hr-reit.com) spun off most of its retail properties to Primaris REIT (see right) in January 2022. Unitholders received one unit of Primaris for every four H&R units they held. H&R investors now own 74% of Primaris, while the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) owns the remaining 26%. The spinoff is part of H&R’s strategy to focus…