AIMS APAC REIT: Assurance on Several Fronts

Timothy Ang  |   28 Feb 2020  |    158 views

  • Completed redevelopment at 3 Tuas Ave 2, which will strengthen cash flows
  • Dialed down exposure to CWT from 7.9% to 4.8% gross rental income
  • Warehouse supply in Singapore expected to taper in 2020-2023, while AAREIT searches for new tenants for their multi-tenant lease properties
  • Stand to benefit from extension of Land Intensification Allowance (LIA) scheme, option to develop under-utilised portfolio

 

AIMS APAC REIT (AAREIT) shows signs of resilience amid a stabilizing industrial property environment. We point out the REIT’s status at this moment, and the path they have ahead.

 

Company Background

AIMS APAC REIT, formerly MacarthurCook Industrial REIT, is an industrial REIT listed on the SGX in 2007. AAREIT has a market cap of S$1.006 billion, with a portfolio of 27 industrial properties based in Singapore and Australia – 25 of which are located throughout Singapore, and the remainder in Gold Coast, as well as a 49.0% interest in a business park, Optus Centre, located in New South Wales. AAREIT’s portfolio is valued at S$1.5 billion.

 

AIMS Financial Group (AIMS), the sole sponsor of AAREIT, is a diversified financial services and investment group, rated AAA by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. AIMS APAC REIT Management Limited, the REIT manager of AAREIT, is wholly-owned by AIMS.

 

Holding a 8.05% stake, the group’s Chairman Mr. George Wang is a key stakeholder of AAREIT.

 

Expect new cash flow from 3 Tuas Ave 2

AAREIT expects to receive additional rental income from 31 March 2020 following the expiry of the fitting-out period and commencement of the master lease at 3 Tuas Ave 2. The c.25,000 sqm four-storey ramp-up industrial facility was under a redevelopment programme. Upon completion, additional revenue will elevate EBITDA interest cover, which stands at c.3.7x as of 31 December 2019.

 

Figure 1: 3 Tuas Ave 2

3 tuas ave 2

Source: Company

 

Portfolio occupancy slashed in one-off lease changes

In Q3FY2020, a conversion of properties from master leases into multi-tenant leases led to portfolio occupancy rates dropping from 92.2% to 89.4%. These properties are 1A International Business Park, a 19,949 sqm GFA business park catered to high-technology industries, including software development, research and ancillary support activities, and 20 Gul Way, a 153,892 sqm GFA five-storey warehouse and logistics facility.

We note that this is a one-off event and expect occupancy rates to remain stable as AAREIT focuses on new tenant search.

 

Figure 2: 1A International Business Park, Singapore 

1a international business park singapore

and 20 Gul Way

aims apac reit 20 gul way

Source: Company

 

Encouraging logistics supply outlook

According to a Real Estate Market Outlook 2020 report by CBRE, warehouse supply in Singapore is expected to taper from 2020-2023. Average new warehouse supply per annum from 2020-2023 is estimated to be 1.53mn sqft, a significantly lower figure compared to the historical 10-year average of 4.42mn sqft from 2010 to 2019. This led to industrial property rentals stabilizing. AAREIT’s rental reversions have also held steady at c.-0.9% versus c.-24.6% a year ago, reflecting the more sanguine environment.

 

Figure 3: Singapore industrial property rental index exhibits stabilizing rental rates

Singapore industrial property rental index

Source: URA, CEIC

 

Despite this, Singapore warehouse vacancy rates remain high at 12.0%. As the virus situation affects economic growth, we expect vacancy rates to remain high and could offset against any rental gains.

 

Well spread debt maturity profile

As at 31 December 2019, AAREIT’s debt maturity is well spread, with no more than 30% of total debt maturing in any year from FY2021 to FY2025, with gearing standing at a comfortable level of 35.2%, representing a large debt headroom from the MAS gearing limit of 45%. This gives AAREIT room to maneuver through economic troubles. At the moment, the group has S$185.5 million in undrawn credit facilities, sufficient to cover total debt maturing this year (FY2021).

 

Figure 4: Well spread debt maturity, with no more than 30% of total debt maturing in any one year

aims apac reit debt maturity profile

Source: Company

 

Figure 5: Debt to asset ratio is low compared to peers

aims apac reit peer gearing comparison

Source: Bloomberg

 

Newly executed long-term lease agreement with top tenant

AAREIT serves a well-spread tenant base, with top ten tenants contributing 50.4% of total gross rental income (GRI) in 3QFY2020. The group’s top tenant, Optus Administration, contributed 13.1% of GRI, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of SingTel Group.

On 25 November 2019, AAREIT successfully executed a new 12-year lease with Optus Administration, commencing from 1 July 2021. The new lease is estimated to bring in c.AUD28.3mn in net property income (NPI) for the first year, with an average of c.AUD36.5mn NPI annually over the lease term, representing roughly c.40% of FY2019 NPI. This long lease term further extends AAREIT’s income visibilty.

 

Figure 6: Top tenant contributes 13.1% of gross rental income

aims apac reit top 10 tenants

Source: Company

 

Better WALE of 4.01 years, up from 2.45 years

Within 3QFY2020, AAREIT secured a longer weighted average lease expiry (WALE) profile of 4.01 years, up from 2.45 years quarter on quarter (accounting for forward committed leases). 10.1% of GRI in the group’s portfolio is set to expire in the final quarter of FY2020. The group renewed c.6.5% of FY2020 expiring leases during 3QFY2020.

 

Figure 7: 10.1% of gross rental income leases set to expire in FY2020 

aims apac reit lease expiry profile

Source: Company

 

CWT exposure dialed down

Upon expiry of all CWT Pte Ltd (CWT) leases at 20 Gul as at December 2019, the group’s exposure to the distressed company fell from 7.9% to 4.8% of GRI. Exposure is expected to decline an additional c.2.7% in FY2020 as more leases expire. CWT’s final lease at 30 Tuas West expires in July 2021 (2QFY2022).

In April 2019, CWT Pte Ltd suffered from a cross default tiggered by its parent, CWT International, placing concern over its lease obligations with several Singapore REITs.

 

Singapore Budget measures ideal for under-utilised portfolio development

AAREIT holds about 0.5mn sf in untapped gross floor area (GFA) in its underutilised portfolio, representing c.7% of existing net lettable area. To foster organic growth, the group has the option of developing the area, which we understand to be encouraged by the extension of the Land Intensification Allowance (LIA) scheme from 31 June 2020 to 31 December 2025 in the Budget 2020 measures.

The scheme encourages the intensification of industrial land use by providing an allowance of 25% for qualifying Capex incurred on construction/renovation/extension of an approved LIA building. This is to address the issue of depleting land reserves in Singapore.

 

Key financials

aims apac reit financials

 

 

Related Articles

Wing Tai 4.38% 5yr Senior Unsecured SGD

Wing Tai recently announced the issuance of its Senior Unsecured notes at final price guidance of 4.38%.

Shawn Sng  |   26 Mar 2024

Phillip Macro Update – Key Points for March FOMC Meeting

The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its two-day meeting on the 20th of March 2024. The meeting discussed the Fed’s monetary policy stance and economic projection.

Shawn Sng  |   21 Mar 2024

Oxley’s 6.9% Exchange Offer to the New 7.25% Notes

On 11th March 2024, Oxley announced the exchange offer for their bondholders to exchange their existing Oxley 6.9% 8July2024 notes for the new 7.25% notes.

Shawn Sng  |   12 Mar 2024

Disclaimers


These commentaries are intended for general circulation. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person who may receive this document. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of the units and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. Investors may wish to seek advice from a financial adviser before investing. In the event that investors choose not to seek advice from a financial adviser, they should consider whether the investment is suitable for them.

The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the "Research") contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries.

Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned.

Contact us to Open an Account

Need Assistance? Share your Details and we’ll get back to you

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This material is provided by Phillip Capital Management (S) Ltd (“PCM”) for general information only and does not constitute a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to invest in any of the exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) or the unit trust (“Products”) mentioned herein. It does not have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation and any of your particular needs. You should read the Prospectus and the accompanying Product Highlights Sheet (“PHS”) for key features, key risks and other important information of the Products and obtain advice from a financial adviser (“FA“) pursuant to a separate engagement before making a commitment to invest in the Products. In the event that you choose not to obtain advice from a FA, you should assess whether the Products are suitable for you before proceeding to invest. A copy of the Prospectus and PHS are available from PCM, any of its Participating Dealers (“PDs“) for the ETF, or any of its authorised distributors for the unit trust managed by PCM.  

An ETF is not like a typical unit trust as the units of the ETF (the “Units“) are to be listed and traded like any share on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”). Listing on the SGX-ST does not guarantee a liquid market for the Units which may be traded at prices above or below its NAV or may be suspended or delisted. Investors may buy or sell the Units on SGX-ST when it is listed. Investors cannot create or redeem Units directly with PCM and have no rights to request PCM to redeem or purchase their Units. Creation and redemption of Units are through PDs if investors are clients of the PDs, who have no obligation to agree to create or redeem Units on behalf of any investor and may impose terms and conditions in connection with such creation or redemption orders. Please refer to the Prospectus of the ETF for more details.  

Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The purchase of a unit in a fund is not the same as placing your money on deposit with a bank or deposit-taking company. There is no guarantee as to the amount of capital invested or return received. The value of the units and the income accruing to the units may fall or rise. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance of the Products. There can be no assurance that investment objectives will be achieved.  

Where applicable, fund(s) may invest in financial derivatives and/or participate in securities lending and repurchase transactions for the purpose of hedging and/or efficient portfolio management, subject to the relevant regulatory requirements. PCM reserves the discretion to determine if currency exposure should be hedged actively, passively or not at all, in the best interest of the Products.  

The regular dividend distributions, out of either income and/or capital, are not guaranteed and subject to PCM’s discretion. Past payout yields and payments do not represent future payout yields and payments. Such dividend distributions will reduce the available capital for reinvestment and may result in an immediate decrease in the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Products. Please refer to <www.phillipfunds.com> for more information in relation to the dividend distributions.  

The information provided herein may be obtained or compiled from public and/or third party sources that PCM has no reason to believe are unreliable. Any opinion or view herein is an expression of belief of the individual author or the indicated source (as applicable) only. PCM makes no representation or warranty that such information is accurate, complete, verified or should be relied upon as such. The information does not constitute, and should not be used as a substitute for tax, legal or investment advice.  

The information herein are not for any person in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or availability for use would contravene any applicable law or regulation or would subject PCM to any registration or licensing requirement in such jurisdiction or country. The Products is not offered to U.S. Persons. PhillipCapital Group of Companies, including PCM, their affiliates and/or their officers, directors and/or employees may own or have positions in the Products. Any member of the PhillipCapital Group of Companies may have acted upon or used the information, analyses and opinions herein before they have been published. 

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.  

 

Phillip Capital Management (S) Ltd (Co. Reg. No. 199905233W)  
250 North Bridge Road #06-00, Raffles City Tower ,Singapore 179101 
Tel: (65) 6230 8133 Fax: (65) 65383066 www.phillipfunds.com

?>