Gazit Globe Ltd. or First Capital Realty Inc.: Which Is the Better Buy?

Gazit Globe Ltd. (TSX:GZT)(NYSE:GZT) owns 33% of First Capital Realty Inc. (TSX:FCR). Both have underperformed in 2017. Both are worth considering.

| More on:

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 More

Does the name Dori Segal ring any bells?

It should if you’ve owned First Capital Realty Inc. (TSX:FCR) for more than five years. Segal was CEO for 15 years until February 2015 and is still the company’s chairman.

Segal transitioned out of his position to spend more time growing Gazit Globe Ltd. (TSX:GZT)(NYSE:GZT), an Israeli-controlled real estate company, which, not coincidentally, also owns 33% of First Capital.

Both have underperformed relative to the TSX Composite Index in 2017 — Gazit Globe and First Capital are up 1% and 5.4%, respectively, versus 7.3% for the TSX — yet an argument can be made to buy either stock.

By the end of this article, you’ll have my answer as to which is the better buy.

Gazit Globe’s value

Over the past three years, Gazit Globe’s stock’s delivered a negative annual return of 2.1% at a time when both the TSX and New York Stock Exchange have handily beat it.

In those three years, Gazit Globe’s net operating rental income has remained relatively flat around US$831 million, or $1.02 a share.

The company has ownership varied ownership interests in four publicly traded companies: First Capital at 33%, Regency Centers Corp. (NYSE:REG) at 12%, Citycon (trades on Helsinki Stock Exchange) at 44% and Atrium (trades on the Vienna and Euronext Stock Exchanges) at 60%. It also owns 100% of the three private subsidiaries operating shopping centres in Brazil, Israel and Gazit Horizons, its new U.S. subsidiary investing in mixed-use developments in urban centres.

Together, it has an ownership interest in 426 properties in 20 countries with 71 million square feet of space valued at US$22.1 billion.

A quick back-of-the-napkin calculation of its interests in the four public companies is $5.3 billion, or more than double its current market cap, and that doesn’t include its three private subsidiaries.

It’s a buy, right? Not so fast.

Both its Citycon and Atrium ownership interests are consolidated on its balance sheet, meaning the debt of those businesses, as well as its private subsidiaries, also have to be considered before making an assessment.

At the end of 2016, it had $5 billion in long-term debt outstanding. So, for the investment to make sense, the private subsidiaries need to be worth more than $300 million to deliver any value.

Considering it carries its investment in its Brazil subsidiary at $818 million, I’d say Gazit Globe’s stock is undervalued. By how much? That’s the million-dollar question.

Bottom line on both stocks

Risk-averse investors should buy First Capital’s stock for two reasons. First, because it avoids the various currencies Gazit Globe uses to carry out its business. Second, it’s got a dividend yield of 4.1% you can count on.

However, as value investments go, if you’re a patient investor, Gazit Globe probably has the better upside.

Should you invest $1,000 in First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust right now?

Before you buy stock in First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 Will Ashworth has no position in any stocks mentioned.   

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Investing

data center server racks glow with light
Tech Stocks

Shopify vs. Constellation Software: Where I’d Allocate $8,000 for Tech Exposure

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock and another tech play look like bargains right now.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, April 15

Besides Canada’s consumer inflation report for March, TSX investors will also continue to monitor developments on the global trade front…

Read more »

Super sized rock trucks take a load of platinum rich rock into the crusher.
Dividend Stocks

Invest $25,000 in This Dividend Stock for $536.90 in Annual Passive Income

This dividend stock is one of the best options for those looking to create income long term.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Stock Market

Seize the Dip: 2 Investment Opportunities to Grab Now

The tariff-induced market dip has created an opportunity to seize the opportunity to buy the dip in these investment trends.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Put $10,000 in Top Canadian Energy Stocks This April for Dividend Income

These three energy stocks are ideal for income-seeking investors, given their solid cash flows and consistent dividend growth.

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Dividend Stocks

This Could Be the Top Canadian Dividend Stock to Buy Right Now

Here's why I think Enbridge (TSX:ENB) remains a top option for dividend investors in this current macroeconomic climate.

Read more »

Silver coins fall into a piggy bank.
Stocks for Beginners

Here’s How Many Shares of Scotiabank You Should Own to Get $5,000 in Annual Dividends

This dividend stock is a strong investment, but it could take a large investment to create this much income.

Read more »

senior man smiles next to a light-filled window
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Invest My $7,000 TFSA Across These 3 Canadian Stocks for Dividend Income

Investors looking for Canadian stocks for dividend income that can last decades should consider buying these three stocks today.

Read more »