The Unibail (ASX:URW) share price is climbing today. Here's why.

The Unibail share price is charging higher today as the company announced the sale of an office block in Paris. We take a closer look.

| More on:
A happy businessman pointing up, inidicating a rise in share price

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 More

The Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield CDI (ASX: URW) share price is climbing today after the company announced the sale of a major office building in France. The Unibail share price is currently trading 6.76% higher at $3.00.

What does Unibail do?

Unibail is the largest listed real estate company in Europe. The company is classified as a retail real estate investment trust (REIT) on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Unibail focuses its operations on big shopping centres in major European cities, including the large office buildings in the heart and west of Paris, France, and major convention and exhibition venues in and around Paris.

Why happened today?

Unibail announced a deal this morning to sell the SHiFT office building in Paris for 620 million euros. The sale price represents a premium on the 30 June book value. However, shareholders should note that the transaction is subject to standard conditions and is expected to be completed by January 2021.

The SHiFT office building is located in the business district of Issy-les-Moulineaux (Paris) with a total area of 47,200 sqm. The property is currently leased to Nestlé for its French headquarters on a 12-year agreement.

What now for the Unibail share price

The transaction is part of the REIT's 9 billion euro reset plan to strengthen the group's balance sheet in response to COVID-19. On completion of the sale, the group will have generated 5.3 billion euros of net disposal proceeds since June 2018.

The Unibail share price has been on a downward spiral since the start of the pandemic. Despite this rare uptick in share price, shareholders are likely to be wary of the damage rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Europe may have on the company's shares.

The Unibail share price has fallen a huge 73% since the start of 2020.

Motley Fool contributor Daniel Ewing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

asx share price boosted by us investment represented by hand waving US flag across winning athlete
Best Shares

Here are the best-performing ASX 200 shares since the US election result

We reveal the 10 ASX stocks that have had the highest share price gains since the US Presidential election.

Read more »

A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face due to his ASX shares going up and in particular the Computershare share price
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

A decent finish to the week is expected for Aussie investors.

Read more »

A smiling man at a shop counter takes payment from a female customer, with racks of plants in the background.
Best Shares

Here's why I think Wesfarmers shares are a great buy for any ASX investor

I argue that Wesfarmers offers investors both growth and income potential.

Read more »

A golfer celebrates a good shot at the tee, indicating success.
Share Market News

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors finally enjoyed a win this Thursday...

Read more »

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today
Industrials Shares

Up 39% in a year, is there more growth to come for this ASX 200 share?

IML Equity Analyst Josh Freiman shares his views on a major ASX 200 industrial stock.

Read more »

Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.
Share Market News

What the latest US inflation print means for ASX 200 investors

The ASX 200 is likely to benefit if the US Fed cuts interest rates again in December. But will it?

Read more »

guy helping girl invest in shares and dividends
Opinions

5 ways for investors buying ASX shares to stay focused during economic uncertainty

AMP Chief Economist, Dr Shane Oliver, offers advice on how to handle the Trump factor.

Read more »

A worried man holds his head and look at his computer.
Share Fallers

Why Graincorp, Light & Wonder, Orica, and Wildcat shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough time on Thursday. But why?

Read more »