4 REITs That Could Lead the Recovery in 2026

Market Overview - 2025 was characterized by high borrowing costs leading to flat REIT valuations and chilled investor sentiment, but signs of recovery emerged towards the end of the year with rate cuts and softened inflation [1][19] - The recovery in 2026 is expected to be steadier and built on real operating improvements rather than a rapid rebound [2] Ascendas REIT - Ascendas REIT reported a portfolio occupancy of 91.3% by September 2025, with a stable Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) of 3.6 years and rental reversions increasing by 7.6% [3] - As of December 1, 2025, Ascendas REIT had a market cap of approximately S$12.95 billion, with an annualized yield of about 5.1% and an aggregate leverage of 39.8% [4] - The REIT's financial strength is highlighted by an interest coverage ratio of 3.6 times, and it is well-positioned for new acquisitions if financing costs decrease [5] CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) - CICT led the retail and office REITs in Singapore, reporting S$403.9 million in gross revenue for 3Q2025, a 1.5% increase year-over-year, and a net property income (NPI) of S$294.4 million, up 1.6% [6] - The trust had a market cap of about S$17.559 billion as of December 1, 2025, with an overall occupancy rate of 97.2% [8] - CICT's distributable income increased by 12.4% to S$411.9 million in 1H2025, with a DPU of S$0.0562, reflecting positive rental reversions in both retail and office sectors [9][10] AIMS APAC REIT - AIMS APAC REIT reported a slight increase in gross revenue of 0.2% year-over-year to S$93.7 million, with a net property income of S$68.4 million, up 1.1% [11] - The REIT's DPU increased by 1.1% to S$0.04720, with a market cap of approximately S$1.177 billion as of December 1, 2025 [12] - The portfolio's occupancy was 93.3%, with a WALE of 4.2 years, supported by a diverse tenant base [12][13] Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) - FCT achieved a gross revenue increase of 10.8% to S$389.6 million in FY2025, with an NPI rise of 9.7% to S$278.0 million [16] - The trust's DPU increased by 0.6% to S$0.12113, and its market cap was about S$4.64 billion as of December 1, 2025 [16] - FCT maintained a strong retail committed occupancy of 98.1% and reported a rental reversion increase of 7.8% [17][18] Investment Outlook - The expected decline in interest rates and stabilizing capitalization rates may ease valuation pressures, encouraging investors to return to income-producing assets [19][21] - The REITs identified for potential growth in the upcoming cycle share characteristics such as strong balance sheets and reliable tenants, positioning them well for recovery [21][22]