Q: What are your current thoughts on Plaza Reit and the sustainability of its dividend? thx. JR
5i Research Answer:
PLZ.UN is an open-ended Canadian REIT whose portfolio largely consists of open-air centres and stand-alone small box retail outlets. It pays a distribution yield of 7.1%, sales growth has been improving recently, margins have stabilized, and its free cash flow is sufficient for its distribution payments. It trades at an OK valuation of 12X forward earnings, and it is trading below its book value. We think it is a slightly risky REIT due to its small size and minimal growth rates. We would consider it 'OK' as part of a basket of higher risk income names, but not overly attractive as a single holding.