SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust Releases First Quarter Results for 2025

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SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust
SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust

TORONTO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust (“SmartCentres”, the “Trust” or the “REIT”) (TSX: SRU.UN) is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

“We are pleased to report a strong start to 2025," said Mitchell Goldhar, CEO of SmartCentres. "We continue to outperform the current market, resulting in a $7.4 million increase in net operating income(1) and a 4.1% increase in Same Properties NOI(1) compared to the first quarter of last year. Walmart took possession of its 110,000 square foot supercentre in our South Oakville Centre during the quarter with a planned opening in a few months. In addition, exceptional retention of maturing tenancies has led to lease extensions with a compelling average rent growth of 8.4% (excluding anchors). Our relentless focus on value-oriented retail reinforces our strong relationships and delivers a more attractive place to shop for consumers. On the development front, we are continuing to make significant progress on projects under construction. In addition, we delivered and closed four additional units during the quarter in Phase I of our Vaughan NW Townhomes project, bringing the total closed to approximately 90% of the pre-sold units and to-date profit of $12.4 million, resulting in a cumulative margin of approximately 21%.”

2025 First Quarter Highlights

Retail Operations

  • With growing demand for existing space and strong retention, Same Properties NOI(1) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased by 4.1% (6.7% excluding Anchors) compared to the same period in 2024.

  • 178,408 square feet of existing space leased during the quarter, resulting in an in-place and committed occupancy rate of 98.4% as at March 31, 2025. In addition, growing demand for new-build retail continues with approximately 28,620 square feet executed during the quarter.

  • Renewed and extended over 68% of leases maturing in 2025 at strong rental growth of 8.4% (excluding Anchors).

  • In March 2025, Walmart took possession at the South Oakville Centre property filling the 110,000 square foot space, and has commenced fixturing with an opening planned for later this year.

Development

  • Our significant stock of municipal approvals is expected to provide long-term portfolio expansion and profitable growth from the approximately 59.1 million square feet (at the Trust’s share) of zoned mixed-use development permissions, including 1.0 million square feet of sites currently under construction.

  • Construction of self-storage facilities in Toronto (Gilbert Ave.), Toronto (Jane St.), and Dorval (St-Regis Blvd.) is progressing, with all three facilities on schedule to open during the second quarter of 2025. Site preparation and demolition works have been completed for three additional self-storage facilities in Montreal (Notre Dame St. W), Laval E, Quebec, and Burnaby, British Columbia, with facilities expected to open in 2026.

  • Construction of Phase I of the Vaughan NW townhomes is progressing well, with four units completed and closed in Q1 2025, bringing the total to approximately 90% of the pre-sold units now closed with to-date profit of $12.4 million resulting in a cumulative margin of approximately 21%.

  • Construction of the ArtWalk condo Tower A in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre is continuing with siteworks and below-grade work nearing completion. Approximately 93% of the 340 units in Tower A have been pre-sold.

  • Construction of the Trust’s flagship 224,000 square foot Canadian Tire store on Laird Drive in Toronto continues on schedule, with possession expected in Q2 2026.