H&R unlocks value

Article Excerpt

H&R REIT $22.71 (Toronto symbol HR.UN; Units outstanding: 274.1 million; Market cap: $6.1 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 5.9%; www.hr-reit.com) is selling part ownership of 101 industrial properties in Canada and the U.S. for $731 million. In all, these buildings comprise 19.5 million square feet. The buyers include the Canadian Public Sector Pension Investment Board. H&R will keep a 50% interest in the Canadian properties and a 49.5% stake in the U.S. portfolio. It will keep managing these assets and will receive fees for doing so. H&R will retain full ownership of 14 other industrial properties. The REIT will use the proceeds to pay down debt and buy more shopping malls and office buildings. H&R REIT is still a buy. buy. …