2011 trust tax is a plus for these REITs

Article Excerpt

Most of our real estate investment trust (REIT) recommendations, including the two below, have moved up lately. REITs are exempt from Ottawa’s income-trust tax, which comes into effect on January 1, 2011. That’s making their high yields increasingly attractive as many trusts convert to corporations, or cut their distributions. Even though their prices have risen, we still think the best REITs offer attractive long-term returns at relatively low risk. ALLIED PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST $22.28 (Toronto symbol AP.UN; Units outstanding: 42 million; Market cap: $934.8 million; SI Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 5.9%) owns office buildings in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Winnipeg. These mainly Class I properties contain over 5.9 million square feet of leasable area. Class I refers to 19th and early 20th-century light industrial buildings that have been restored and converted to office and retail space. These properties usually feature high ceilings, natural light, exposed beams, interior brick and hardwood floors. The trust has 53 mainly Class I..