RioCan offers attractive returns with low risk

Article Excerpt

Many Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) moved down in January on investor concerns that problems in credit markets would hinder expansion plans, and that a slower economy might hurt cash flows. However, interest rates have dropped, and occupancy levels and leasing rates remain high at REITs in Canada. We still advise against overindulging in REITs. But if you stick with the highest quality, like RioCan REIT, you should make attractive long-term returns with low risk. RIOCAN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST $20.80 (Toronto symbol REI.UN; SI Rating: Average) is Canada’s largest REIT. RioCan has ownership interests in a portfolio of 207 retail properties across Canada, including 10 under development. These properties contain over 53 million square feet of leasable area. RioCan is Canada’s largest owner of neighbourhood shopping centres. These are enclosed malls in smaller urban centres. But where the company is showing the strongest growth is as the largest owner of ‘New Format’ malls. These are in the suburbs of larger cities, and…