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  5. BPYP.PR.A: I received these preferred shares with the Brookfield change over. [Brookfield Property Preferred L.P.]
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Q: I received these preferred shares with the Brookfield change over. I don’t have much of an understanding of preferred’s and would like you to educate me. There's a rating system out on preferred shares so how does this one rank? I understand they are good for income and I currently get $1.5625 US per share, does this dividend ever go up or down? I’m also down over 30% since I received them, will they recover one day and how long will that take(I thought preferred shares were a safer investment vehicle)? Is there a life span on this or can I hold forever? How do interest rates affect preferred shares? I assume when interest rates go up the then I can expect the principle amount goes down as it did in this case🤔 Thank you
Asked by James on August 01, 2023
5i Research Answer:

While BPYP is under the Brookfield banner, its office and property exposure has worried investors, as occupancy rates are very high, post-Covid. These are perpetual preferreds (though legally they have a stated maturity in 2081). Paying a fixed 6.25% on a $25 par value. They can be redeemed by the company at $25 as of July 26, 2026 but note this will only happen if it is too the company's advantage. If interest rates and the cost of capital were VERY low at the time, it is a possibility, but certainly not something we would count on. With a fixed rate, preferreds can be very sensitive to rates. If rates rise, 6.25% is less attractive and the price can fall, and vice versa if rates fall. The preferreds as noted will also be sensitive to economic conditions in its business. If rates do peak, this preferred 'should' do a bit better, but investor sentiment can take a while to change, and right now it is negative. The prefs are rated 3L (3 LOW): As per DBRS the credit agency: 

Preferred shares rated Pfd-3 are generally of adequate credit quality. While protection of dividends and principal is still considered acceptable, the issuing entity is more susceptible to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions, and there may be other adverse conditions present which detract from debt protection.