3 Trade War-Proof REITs Yielding Up to 8.6%

Don’t worry about losing income from the never-ending trade war. Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:MRT.UN), True North Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:TNT.UN), and Slate Office REIT (TSX:SOT.UN) will relieve you of the worries are the top REIT stocks that will pay high income during recession.

Pixelated acronym REIT made from cubes, mosaic pattern

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

The trade war between the U.S. and China has gone too far, which could lead to a global recession. Investors are freaking out while scrambling to look for defensive investments. If you’re sick and tired of the trade disputes and a looming recession, own the best assets to dispel all uncertainties.

REIT stocks have a proven history of enduring a recession or slowing economic growth. Morguard (TSX:MRT.UN), True North (TSX:TNT.UN), and Slate Office (TSX:SOT.UN) will relieve you of those worries.

Expert asset manager

At the price of $11.19 at writing, you can be a quasi-landlord to Morguard’s tenants in 21 retail properties and 28 high-quality office and industrial properties worth $3.0 billion total. This $679.3 million REIT also yields a hefty 8.6%.

The retail properties are mostly located in major urban centres. Morguard’s office and industrial properties are well-situated in six provinces across Canada.

In order to guarantee sustainable, increasing cash flow and dependable returns, Morguard actively operates and manages its real estate portfolio. The high occupancy rate of 93% could rise to 100% when the redevelopment of some properties is completed.

Morguard can maintain its high occupancy rate because of its and re-merchandising and revitalization strategy. Your earnings from this REIT will be more than what you’ll earn from an average stock or bond.

Strongest tenant profiles

With True North, there’s little chance of your monthly budget being disrupted. The stock is among the highest dividend payers (8.55% yield) on the TSX. This $395.45 million diversified REIT has the most active tenant profiles compared with other REITs.

True North currently owns and operates a portfolio of 47 prime commercial properties. The Federal Government of Canada occupies 95% of True North’s 107,100-square-foot office property at 360 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario. Alberta Health Services is one of the top 10 tenants as well.

True North added eight more office properties to its growing real estate portfolio in the first quarter of 2019. As of the same quarter, the occupancy rate stands at 96% with an average lease term is 8.4 years.

Prime office spaces

For Slate Office, it’s all about reliable dividend income and wealth generation. This REIT stock $393 million REIT could boost your portfolio with its 7.0% yield.

Slate Office’s market capitalization as of August 31, 2019, is $393 million. To date, real estate portfolio consists of 39 properties located across Canada’s major population centres. Slate Office has two prime assets in downtown Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

This REIT focuses on maximizing value through strategic acquisitions. The acquisitions will deliver organic rental and occupancy growth. Slate Office sold non-core properties recently to preserve cash flow and toughen its balance sheet.

Slate Office is far more superior to bonds and other assets when it comes to providing a steady income stream.

Enough of the trade war

The three REITs can shield your investment against the trade war while you earn from the rich dividends. You receive passive income while the U.S. and China continue with their trade barbs.

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 Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »