Build a Global Real Estate Empire With 1 Stock Purchase

Brookfield Property Partners LP (TSX:BPY.UN)(NYSE:BPY) is a great real estate company that trades at a serious discount. Act fast.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

When we think about investing in real estate, there are two ways to do it. The first is the do-it-yourself model, where you buy properties. This can be incredibly lucrative, but it can also be a difficult business. The second is to invest in a real estate company that specializes in acquiring high-quality properties.

The first way is more fun, but the second is safer. And when it comes down to it, the easiest way to build a global real estate empire is to buy Brookfield Property Partners LP (TSX:BPY.UN)(NYSE:BPY). Although it is not technically a real estate investment trust (REIT), this limited partnership is probably the best pure-play real estate stock on the market today.

The business is broken down into three pieces. The first two are the core office and retail operations, which account for about 80% of the business. The other 20% is the opportunistic operation.

The core office portfolio consists of 146 locations with more than one million square feet. Its holdings are in major markets, including New York City, Toronto, Los Angeles, London, and others. More than half of the net operating income for Brookfield Property comes from the core office portfolio and 92% of its portfolio is leased.

The core retail portfolio is through its 34% ownership of GGP Inc., a U.S.-based retail operation. GGP has 127 properties with 125 million square feet through the country. Thanks to a strong occupancy rate over 95%, the net operating income for the retail portfolio is about 25%.

Then there are the opportunistic holdings. These are higher risk, but they provide larger growth than the core holdings can. They include a portfolio of multifamily units, hospitality properties, industrial assets, triple net lease units, self-storage, and student housing. Like I said, this smaller portfolio accounts for 20% of its earnings, but the growth is the real play here.

This global real estate empire results in a strong 5% yield paid to investors — good for US$1.18 per year. It distributes about 80% of its funds from operations, which is a strong, but secure position. And, even better, the dividend continues to increase — management has already done it this year, in 2016, and in 2015.

But here’s where things get interesting…

As of Q1 2017, the company’s IFRS was approximately $39 per share. However, the stock is only trading around $30. That means if you were to buy the stock, you’d be getting shares at a serious discount to the value of the real estate. More specifically, you’re getting $9 in free real estate for every share you buy.

There are a few ways management is looking to rectify this discount. The first is by buying back shares. In Q1, management bought back 4.4 million shares. I expect this to continue. The second way is to convert to a U.S. REIT structure. Right now, Brookfield is a limited partnership, which means REIT index funds can’t invest in it. If it were to convert to a REIT structure, those index funds would be able to invest. Management said on the recent conference call, “we are actively considering conversion of BPY’s structure to a U.S. REIT.” Whether or not it happens remains to be seen.

Ultimately, here’s what you’re buying: a global real estate empire that trades at a serious discount to its total value. Further, you’re earning 5% in income. And finally, you don’t have to worry about tenants, because the experts are handling everything.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Jacob Donnelly has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

customer uses bank ATM
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your TFSA Into a Cash-Creating Machine With $10,000

These TSX stocks can transform your TFSA into a cash-creating machine and generate $682.32 per year in tax free income.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

Cash-Rich Canadian Companies That Thrive in Economic Downturns

The strong fundamentals and financial base of these cash-rich Canadian stocks make them attractive buys in 2025.

Read more »

shopper buys items in bulk
Dividend Stocks

2 Consumer Defensive Stocks for Every Canadian’s Portfolio

Cautious investors can protect their portfolio from potential market volatility by adding these two consumer defensive stocks to their holdings…

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend ETFs to Buy to Generate Passive Income

Here are two top high-yield Canadian dividend ETFs that could help you earn reliable passive income irrespective of economic conditions.

Read more »

up arrow on wooden blocks
Dividend Stocks

Trump Rally: This Low-Cost Dividend Stock Is Gaining Speed

Great-West Lifeco (TSX:GWO) is a fantastic financial stock to own for decades.

Read more »

man shops in a drugstore
Dividend Stocks

Got $3,500? 5 Consumer Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

These top Canadian consumer stocks could continue to deliver strong returns on your investment even amid tough economic times.

Read more »

man in suit looks at a computer with an anxious expression
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Canadian Stocks Could Double as Tariffs Shake the Market

These two Canadian stocks could certainly help beat the market, and strengthen your portfolio.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

3 TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

The robust long-term growth prospects of these three rallying TSX stocks could help them keep soaring in the years to…

Read more »