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SmartCentres REIT Hold Rating: Balancing Strong Performance with High Debt and Interest Rate Challenges

SmartCentres REIT Hold Rating: Balancing Strong Performance with High Debt and Interest Rate Challenges

In a report released yesterday, Michael Markidis from BMO Capital reiterated a Hold rating on SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust (SRU.UNResearch Report), with a price target of C$27.00.

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Michael Markidis has given his Hold rating due to a combination of factors impacting SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust. The Trust’s recent quarterly results exceeded expectations, and there is a forecast for a 5% growth in funds from operations per unit (FFOPU) for 2025. However, potential refinancing in a high-interest-rate environment is expected to constrain further earnings growth.
Furthermore, while the retail portfolio is performing robustly and the contributions from mixed-use developments like self-storage and rental residential are becoming more pronounced, the Trust’s debt levels remain high compared to some peers. This elevated debt, combined with potential interest rate challenges, is anticipated to impact earnings growth significantly, especially in 2026. As a result, Markidis maintains a cautious outlook, justifying a Hold rating.

Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 13 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is positive on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders buying their shares of SRU.UN in relation to earlier this year.

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