Understanding First Capital REIT as a Real Estate Investment Trust

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First Capital REIT is a type of investment vehicle that allows individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate properties.

It's a way for people to earn rental income without directly managing properties themselves.

First Capital REIT is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, making it a publicly traded company.

This means that anyone can buy and sell shares of the REIT, giving it a level of liquidity and flexibility.

Here's an interesting read: Choice Properties REIT

Company Overview

First Capital REIT has a rich history that spans over three decades. It was founded in 1994 as Centrefund Realty through an initial public offering (IPO).

The company started small with just 5 properties but quickly grew to 70 properties by 2000. This rapid expansion laid the foundation for its future success.

Gazit Group, a significant shareholder, played a crucial role in the company's development. They acquired the company in 2001, restructured it, and renamed it First Capital Realty.

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As of 2003, First Capital had 81 properties in its portfolio after spinning off its American properties and acquiring 18 new ones. This strategic move helped the company expand its reach and diversify its assets.

First Capital Realty continued to grow, and in 2011, it made a significant purchase by acquiring Hazelton Lanes, a shopping centre in Yorkville, Toronto, for $110 million.

The company rebranded as First Capital REIT in December 2019 and reorganized into a Real Estate Investment Trust. This change marked a new chapter in the company's history.

Today, First Capital REIT owns interests in 139 neighbourhoods, totaling 22.2 million square feet of gross leasable area. This impressive portfolio is valued at $9.2 billion in total assets.

Investment Fundamentals

First Capital REIT has a market capitalization of $3,528,808 K, which gives you an idea of its overall size. This is a significant figure that can help you understand the company's financial health.

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The company's shares outstanding total 212,242 K, which is the number of shares that are currently held by investors. This can be an important factor in determining the company's stock price.

First Capital REIT's annual sales are a substantial $687,981 K, indicating a strong revenue stream. This is a crucial metric for any investor looking to gauge the company's financial performance.

Here's a quick snapshot of First Capital REIT's key financial metrics:

First Capital REIT's 60-month beta of 0.88 suggests that its stock price tends to move in tandem with the overall market. This can be an important consideration for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

Fundamentals

Market capitalization is a key fundamental to consider when evaluating a company's size and potential for growth. The market capitalization of $3,528,808 K gives us an idea of the company's overall value.

The number of shares outstanding, 212,242 K, is also an important fundamental to consider. This tells us how many shares of the company are currently held by investors.

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Annual sales of $687,981 K provide insight into the company's revenue and growth potential.

The company's annual income of $-134,056 K indicates that it is currently operating at a loss.

The 60-month beta of 0.88 suggests that the company's stock price is relatively stable compared to the overall market.

Here are some key fundamental ratios to consider:

These ratios can help us evaluate the company's valuation and potential for future growth.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a type of investment that allows individuals to invest in real estate without directly owning physical properties. It's a great option for those who want to diversify their portfolios.

First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust is an example of an REIT, and it has announced its distributions for February 2025 and January 2025. These distributions are a key aspect of REITs, as they provide a regular income stream for investors.

First Capital REIT has also reported strong results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024. This is a positive sign for investors, indicating that the trust is performing well.

Here are some key announcements from First Capital REIT:

  • February 2025 Distribution
  • Strong Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results
  • January 2025 Distribution

Performance and Returns

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First Capital REIT has had a mixed performance over the past year, outperforming the Canadian Retail REITs industry with a 5.4% return, but underperforming the Canadian Market with a 17.7% return.

In terms of shareholder returns, FCR.UN has consistently beaten the industry average, with a 7-day return of 0.2% and a 1-year return of 5.4%.

Here's a comparison of FCR.UN's returns with the Canadian Retail REITs industry and the Canadian Market over the past year:

Over the past 52 weeks, FCR.UN's share price has ranged from a low of CA$14.19 to a high of CA$18.98, with a current price of CA$16.62.

Risk and Volatility

In terms of risk and volatility, FCR.UN's price movement is relatively stable. FCR.UN's average weekly movement is 2.3%, which is comparable to the retail REITs industry average movement.

This stability is a positive sign for investors, as it suggests that the stock price is not subject to sudden and significant fluctuations.

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FCR.UN's weekly volatility has been stable over the past year, with a movement of 2% on average. This consistency is a key factor to consider when evaluating the stock's risk profile.

To put FCR.UN's volatility into perspective, let's compare it to the broader Canadian market. The market average movement is 8.4%, which is significantly higher than FCR.UN's average weekly movement.

Here's a comparison of FCR.UN's volatility to the Canadian market:

FCR.UN's price volatility is actually lower than that of the 10% least volatile stocks in the Canadian market, which have an average weekly movement of 2.9%.

Sustainability and Governance

First Capital REIT has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025. This ambitious target is in line with the company's focus on long-term value creation.

The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems in its properties. These upgrades have already resulted in significant energy savings.

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First Capital REIT's sustainability efforts are guided by a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. This framework sets out the company's ESG objectives and targets, which are reviewed and updated annually.

The company's ESG framework is designed to promote transparency and accountability, with regular reporting on its ESG performance. This reporting helps to inform stakeholders about the company's progress towards its sustainability goals.

First Capital REIT has a strong track record of governance, with a board of directors that is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. The board has a diverse range of skills and expertise, which helps to ensure that the company is well-managed and well-governed.

Financial Analysis

First Capital REIT's financial analysis reveals a strong track record of generating stable cash flows from its diversified portfolio of properties. This is largely due to its focus on long-term leases with high-quality tenants.

The REIT's ability to maintain a low debt-to-equity ratio is a key factor in its financial stability, with a ratio of 0.56 as of 2022. This is a testament to its conservative approach to financing.

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First Capital REIT's revenue has consistently increased over the years, with a growth rate of 5% in 2022. This is a result of its strategic portfolio management and expansion efforts.

The REIT's net operating income (NOI) has also seen significant growth, with a increase of 7% in 2022. This is a key indicator of its ability to generate stable cash flows from its properties.

First Capital REIT's financial analysis also highlights its strong cash flow generation, with a cash flow coverage ratio of 2.5 as of 2022. This demonstrates its ability to cover its debt obligations and maintain financial flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is First Capital Reit a good buy?

First Capital Realty has a consensus rating of Strong Buy from Wall Street analysts, with an average price target of C$20.25. This suggests a high level of confidence in the company's potential for growth, but it's always a good idea to do your own research before making an investment decision.

Who is the major shareholder of First REIT?

The major shareholders of First REIT are OUE Limited and OUE Healthcare Limited, collectively holding a 44.7% stake. They are also the Sponsors of the Manager, which directly holds 60% of the Manager.

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

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