What: In the last quarter, the real estate investment trust traded its share in Eddie Bauer as the group’s net operating income fell 35.4% in the fourth quarter.

Why it is important: If the company is going to reach its potential, retail and brand operations need to improve as the company faces rising costs, including higher interest expenses as USD 1.8 billion in debt matures this year.

Net operating income from Simon Property Group’s retail and brand interests, which include investments in J.C. Penney, Sparc Group, Authentic Brands Group, and Rue Gilt Groupe fell 35.4% to USD 125 million and 33.4% to USD 355 million for the year.

In the fourth quarter, the group’s comparable funds from operations rose 1.1% to USD 1.18 billion and net come attributable to common stockholders rose 33.9% to USD 673.8 million. However, retail and brand operations were still down considerably and must improve.

Simon Property Group sells off Eddie Bauer interest as its retail investments tumble