The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, May 16, edition that Canaccord Genuity analyst Mark Rothschild now rates Automotive Properties REIT "buy," up from "hold." The Globe's David Leeder writes that Mr. Rothschild continues to target the units at $12.50. Analysts on average target the units at $12.72. Mr. Rothschild says a recent drop in the unit price has brought an "attractive entry point" for investors. Mr. Rothschild says in a note: "Automotive Properties REIT's continued steady operating performance reflects the defensive nature of its assets, strong tenant profile and long lease terms. However, while operating performance was solid as expected, it was offset by the impact of refinancing debt at higher rates. We continue to expect internal growth in the low single-digits going forward, driven mostly by contractual rent escalations, as the REIT has no lease maturities in the near term. ... Our forecast assumes continued steady internal growth from contractual rent escalations and a modest level of accretive acquisitions. ... While the pace of external growth may be slow in the near term, cap rates are generally in-line with the current cost of financing for automotive dealership operators."