TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Slate Retail REIT (TSX: SRT.U) (TSX: SRT.UN) (the "REIT"), an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate, today provided an update regarding the impact of COVID-19 on its business.
“We remain focused on the well-being of our team, tenants and partners as we continue to work together to navigate these unprecedented times,” said David Dunn, Chief Executive Officer of Slate Retail REIT. “The majority of the REIT’s tenants are providers of grocery and essential goods and services who continue to operate during the COVID-19 crisis. Based on industry feedback, we estimate that a number of strip center landlords are experiencing April rent collections of 40-50%. In contrast, we expect to substantially collect April rents, underscoring the defensive nature of our portfolio.”
COVID-19 Update
- As of April 14th, the REIT has collected 80% of April rents in cash and expects more cash collections by month end
- The REIT expects to substantially collect the remaining 20% of April rents through immediate cash collection or deferral programs
- All of the REIT’s grocery-anchored centers remain open with over 70% of tenants currently operating
- Over 60% of the REIT’s portfolio is comprised of essential tenants including grocers, pharmacies, medical, government, financial institutions, liquor stores and veterinary services
- The REIT has no debt maturities until 2023
About Slate Retail REIT (TSX: SRT.U / SRT.UN)
Slate Retail REIT is a real estate investment trust focused on U.S. grocery-anchored real estate. The REIT owns and operates approximately U.S.$1.3 billion of assets located across the top 50 U.S. metro markets that are visited regularly by consumers for their everyday needs. The REIT’s diversified portfolio and quality tenant covenants provide a strong basis to continue to grow unitholder distributions and the flexibility to capitalize on opportunities that drive value appreciation. Visit slateretailreit.com to learn more about the REIT.
About Slate Asset Management
Slate Asset Management is a leading real estate focused alternative investment platform with over $6.5 billion in assets under management. Slate is a value-oriented manager and a significant sponsor of all of its private and publicly traded investment vehicles, which are tailored to the unique goals and objectives of its investors. The firm's careful and selective investment approach creates long-term value with an emphasis on capital preservation and outsized returns. Slate is supported by exceptional people, flexible capital and a demonstrated ability to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information herein constitutes “forward-looking information” as defined under Canadian securities laws which reflect management’s expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the REIT. The words “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate”, “projects”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results “may”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “occur”, “be achieved”, or “continue” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings of the REIT with securities regulators.
