This new retail REIT is attractive

Article Excerpt

PRIMARIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST $15 is a buy. The REIT (Toronto symbol PMZ.UN; Manufacturing sector; Units outstanding: 98.3 million; Market cap: $1.5 billion; Distribution yield: 5.3%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.primarisreit.com) owns 35 enclosed and open-air shopping malls in Canada. The occupancy rate is 89.1%. H&R REIT (Toronto symbol HR.UN) recently spun off most of its retail properties, including all of its enclosed shopping malls, to this new REIT created in partnership with the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP). H&R unitholders received one unit of Primaris for every four H&R units they held. As a group, they now own 74% of Primaris, while HOOPP owns 26%. The new REIT is now working with retailers to develop their omni-channel networks as consumers shift to online shopping. That includes building distribution and curbside pickup hubs near their stores. The annual rate of $0.80 a unit yields a high 5.3%. Primaris REIT is a buy. buy…