Data Centres
Search documents
3 Blue-Chip S-REITs Raising Their DPU Before 2026
The Smart Investor· 2025-11-26 23:30
Core Insights - Three blue-chip Singapore REITs are increasing their distributions for 2025, but each is following a distinct strategy that reflects varying market conditions and operational focuses [1][14]. Keppel DC REIT - Keppel DC REIT reported a 55.5% year-on-year increase in distributable income to S$195.3 million for the first nine months of 2025, with a DPU of S$0.0767, up 8.8% [3][4]. - The growth was driven by data centre acquisitions, including Keppel DC Singapore 7 & 8 and Tokyo Data Centre 1, leading to a 37.7% increase in gross revenue to S$322.4 million [3][4]. - Net property income rose 42.2% to S$280.2 million, with occupancy at 95.8% and a weighted average lease expiry of 6.7 years [4]. - The REIT is divesting non-core assets to focus on data centres, positioning itself to benefit from the AI infrastructure boom [5]. Frasers Centrepoint Trust - Frasers Centrepoint Trust achieved gross revenue of S$389.6 million for FY2025, a 10.8% increase year-on-year, while net property income rose 9.7% to S$278.0 million [5][6]. - The DPU increased only 0.6% to S$0.12113 due to dilution from a S$1.1 billion acquisition of Northpoint City South Wing [6][7]. - Despite dilution, operational metrics remained strong, with rental reversion at 7.8% and portfolio committed occupancy at 98.1% [7][8]. - The REIT is actively recycling its portfolio, including the divestment of Yishun 10 Retail Podium [9]. Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust - Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust reported a 3.2% decline in gross revenue to S$218.5 million for 2Q'FY5/26, while net property income fell 2.2% to S$163.9 million [10][12]. - Despite revenue decline, DPU increased by 1.5% to S$0.0201, supported by cost savings from lower operating expenses and finance costs [10][11]. - Committed occupancy was at 88.9%, with rental reversion flat at negative 0.1% for the first half [11][12]. - The REIT's revenue decline was influenced by divestments, indicating a defensive rather than growth-oriented strategy [12][13]. Comparative Analysis - All three REITs are increasing distributions, but through different mechanisms: Keppel DC REIT benefits from structural tailwinds in the data centre sector, Frasers Centrepoint Trust is focused on long-term growth despite short-term dilution, and Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust is emphasizing financial discipline amid revenue challenges [14][15].
Big Tech's AI debts threatening to swamp credit markets
The Economic Times· 2025-11-25 00:56
Core Viewpoint - The rapid increase in debt issuance by major tech firms to fund artificial intelligence and data center expansions could lead to market oversupply and widen credit spreads, raising concerns among investors about potential risks in the sector [1][9]. Group 1: Debt Issuance and Market Impact - Tech firms are projected to seek up to $1.5 trillion in debt by 2028 for expansion in AI and data centers, which may lead to wider spreads across the credit market [1][9]. - JPMorgan Chase's strategist Matthew Bailey expressed concerns that excessive data center financing could result in supply indigestion, particularly in dollar markets [2][9]. - The total tech debt supply is expected to exceed $900 billion next year, indicating a significant increase in borrowing needs [6][10]. Group 2: Major Players and Capital Expenditure - Major tech companies, including Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle, have capital expenditure needs estimated at around $570 billion for 2026, a substantial increase from $125 billion in 2021 [6][10]. - Alphabet raised $17.5 billion in the US and ₹6.5 billion ($7.5 billion) in Europe, while Meta sold $30 billion, marking significant corporate deals in the region [5][10]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment and Market Dynamics - Despite the large-scale debt issuance, there are no broad signs of panic in the credit market, as many sales have come from top-tier companies [2][9]. - Investors are questioning the potential returns on massive AI investments, with concerns about a glut of lower-quality names in the AI space [5][10]. - The strategic importance of these projects has made tech issuers less price-sensitive, which could lead to broader market repricing [7][10]. Group 4: Credit Market Trends - Investment-grade credit spreads are expected to widen to a range of 100-110 basis points in 2026, up from 75-85 basis points this year, driven by increased bond issuance [10]. - The corporate bond market has remained stable this year, supported by significant cash inflows chasing higher yields compared to previous years [7][10]. - For European investors, the rise in issuance from Big Tech presents an opportunity for exposure that is currently underrepresented [8][10].
Italy's A2A lifts investment plan to $27 billion on data centre demand
Yahoo Finance· 2025-11-12 10:17
Group 1 - A2A has raised its total projected investments for 2024-2035 to €23 billion ($27 billion), with €1.6 billion allocated for data centres [1] - The updated business plan increases projected investment by €1 billion and raises financial targets for the latter part of the strategy period, while confirming a minimum annual dividend growth of 4% [1] - A2A's stock fell by 7% due to overly cautious financial estimates for the upcoming year, despite a 14% increase in stock price over the last 30 days [2] Group 2 - A2A aims to become a developer of data centres and a power supplier, estimating that Italian data centre electricity demand could reach 42 Terawatt hours by 2035, up from 3 TWh this year [3] - The company is in a strong position to support the development of digital infrastructures in Lombardy, which is expected to increase electricity demand and network needs [4] - A2A sees opportunities to enhance its district heating business by leveraging digital infrastructures [5] Group 3 - A2A is considering potential acquisitions beyond Italy, although it is not interested in acquiring a minority stake in rival Edison [6] - The company reported a 4% year-on-year decline in its nine-month core profit, amounting to €1.73 billion [6]
MIT vs MLT: Which Industrial REIT Is the Stronger Buy Right Now?
The Smart Investor· 2025-11-11 03:30
Core Viewpoint - Industrial real estate investment trusts (REITs) are favored by investors due to their resilient performance and exposure to growth trends like e-commerce and AI, with Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT) and Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT) being key players in this sector [1]. Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT) - MIT has a portfolio valued at S$8.5 billion, focusing on industrial properties and data centers in Singapore and North America as of September 30, 2025 [2]. - For 2Q FY25/26, MIT's distribution per unit (DPU) decreased by 5.6% year-on-year to S$0.0318, attributed to exchange rate headwinds, reduced rental income, and property divestments [3]. - The overall occupancy rate for MIT is stable at 91.3%, with a positive rental reversion of 6.2% for its Singapore portfolio, which constitutes 45.2% of its total portfolio [4]. - MIT reported a lower leverage of 37.3% in 2Q FY25/26 compared to 40.1% in 1Q, with a cost of debt of 3.0% and 92.9% of its debt hedged or fixed [5]. Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT) - MLT's portfolio is valued at S$13.0 billion, focusing on logistics assets across nine Asia-Pacific markets [6]. - In 2Q FY25/26, MLT's DPU fell by 10.5% year-on-year to S$0.01815 due to forex impacts and the absence of divestment gains [6]. - MLT's occupancy rate improved to 96.1%, up from 95.7% in the previous quarter, indicating strong demand for its assets, with a positive rental reversion of 0.6% [6]. - MLT has an aggregate leverage ratio of 41.1% and a cost of debt of 2.6%, with 84% of its borrowings hedged or fixed [7]. Comparative Analysis - MIT has a trailing twelve-month (TTM) yield of approximately 6.0%, while MLT has a TTM yield of about 5.6% [10]. - Both REITs are expected to maintain distribution growth due to their exposure to data centers and e-commerce, although they face risks from foreign exchange fluctuations [10]. - MIT is positioned for growth in AI and digitalization through its data centers, while MLT benefits from regional e-commerce growth through its logistics properties [12].
3 REITs With the Strongest Balance Sheets and Steady Payout
The Smart Investor· 2025-10-30 03:30
Core Insights - In a high-interest-rate environment, many REITs have seen a decline in their distribution per unit (DPU), but strong REITs have managed to increase their DPU while maintaining low gearing ratios and healthy interest coverage ratios [1][16]. Group 1: Parkway Life REIT - Parkway Life REIT is recognized as one of Singapore's most defensive REITs, focusing on healthcare assets with a portfolio valued at S$2.46 billion, primarily consisting of hospitals and medical centers [3][4]. - For 1H2025, Parkway Life raised its DPU by 1.5% YoY to S$0.0765 per share, supported by a distributable income of S$49.9 million, which is up 9.5% YoY [4][6]. - The REIT has a low gearing ratio of 35.4% and an impressive interest coverage ratio (ICR) of 9.1 times, indicating strong financial health [5][6]. Group 2: Keppel DC REIT - Keppel DC REIT is a pure-play data center REIT benefiting from strong digitalization and AI demand, raising its DPU by 8.8% YoY to S$0.767 per share for 9M2025 [7][10]. - Distributable income surged by 55.5% YoY due to higher contributions from contract renewals and new acquisitions, with a strong occupancy rate of 95.8% [8][9]. - The REIT maintains a disciplined capital structure with a leverage ratio of 29.8% and an ICR of 6.6 times, with over 50% of contracts having built-in rental escalations [9][10]. Group 3: Capitaland Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) - CICT, Singapore's largest REIT, reported a net property income growth of 1.4% YoY to S$874.2 million for 9M2025, with an overall occupancy rate of 97.2% [11][12]. - The REIT achieved positive rental reversions of 7.8% and 6.5% YoY for its retail and office properties, respectively, and increased its DPU by 3.5% YoY to S$0.0562 per share for 1H2025 [13][14]. - CICT has a strong balance sheet with a leverage ratio of 39.2% and an ICR of 3.5 times, positioning it well for refinancing opportunities [13][14]. Group 4: Investment Implications - All three REITs demonstrate positive momentum in growing their distributable income and distributions, supported by strong balance sheets that mitigate refinancing risks [16]. - The ability to sustain distribution payouts through challenging market conditions is attributed to their low leverage and healthy financial positions [16][17].
3 Singapore REITs That Just Reported: Here’s What Investors Need To Know
The Smart Investor· 2025-10-24 01:43
Core Insights - The latest earnings season highlights varying performances across Singapore's REIT landscape, with each sector facing distinct opportunities and challenges [1] Frasers Centrepoint Trust - Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) reported a gross revenue of S$389.6 million for FY2025, marking a 10.8% increase from S$351.7 million in FY2024 [2] - The acquisition of Northpoint City South Wing, valued at S$1.17 billion, significantly contributed to FCT's revenue growth [3] - Net property income rose by 9.7% to S$278 million, while distribution per unit (DPU) increased by 0.6% to S$0.12113 [3] - FCT achieved a robust rental reversion of 7.8%, indicating strong leasing demand and landlord pricing power [3] - Committed occupancy stood at 99.9%, with shopper traffic increasing by 1.6% YoY and tenant sales rising by 3.7% [4] - The REIT's cost of debt decreased to 3.5% in 4Q2025, with aggregate leverage at 39.6%, providing room for future growth [5] Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust - Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust (MPACT) experienced a gross revenue decline of 3.2% YoY to S$218.5 million, with net property income falling by 2.2% [6] - Despite revenue challenges, DPU rose by 1.5% to S$0.0201, driven by divestments and cost savings rather than organic growth [7] - VivoCity reported a rental reversion of 14.1%, helping to offset weaknesses in other areas [7] - Committed occupancy was at 88.9%, with overall rental reversion showing a negative 0.1% for the first half of FY25/26, indicating tenant retention challenges [8] Digital Core REIT - Digital Core REIT reported a gross revenue increase of 83.9% YoY to US$132.4 million, with net property income rising by 49.6% to US$67.7 million [10] - Distributable income only increased by 1.9% to US$35.2 million, reflecting higher finance costs from recent acquisitions [11] - The REIT is positioned well in a supply-constrained market, with wholesale data centre pricing in Northern Virginia rising to US$225 per kilowatt monthly [11] - Digital Core REIT is trading at a 39% discount to net asset value, with management repurchasing 1.8 million units year-to-date at an average price of US$0.565 [12] - Aggregate leverage is at 38.5%, providing US$431 million in debt headroom for acquisitions and buybacks [13]
3 Singapore REITs Reporting Earnings Next Week: What to Watch
The Smart Investor· 2025-10-16 23:30
Core Insights - The earnings season has commenced with three Singapore dividend-paying stocks reporting their latest results, namely Frasers Centrepoint Trust, Keppel DC REIT, and Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust [1][2] Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) - FCT is set to report on 22 October 2025, managing S$7.1 billion in assets across nine suburban malls with a total retail space of 2.7 million square feet [3] - The REIT maintained a high occupancy rate of 99.5% for the first half of FY25, with a year-on-year increase in shopper traffic by 1.0% and tenant sales by 3.3% [4] - FCT achieved a positive rental reversion of 9% for 1H'FY25, up from 7.5% the previous year, indicating strong demand for its properties [4] - Gross revenue rose 7.1% year on year to S$184.4 million, while net property income increased 7.3% to S$133.7 million, with distribution per unit (DPU) edging up 0.5% to S$0.060 [5] - FCT is acquiring Northpoint City South Wing for S$1.133 billion, expected to complete in 2H'FY25, which is anticipated to be DPU-accretive [6] Keppel DC REIT - Keppel DC REIT will report on 24 October 2025, owning 24 data centres across 10 countries with assets under management of approximately S$5.0 billion [7] - The REIT's gross revenue surged 34.4% year on year to S$211.3 million, and net property income jumped 37.8% to S$182.8 million for 1H'25 [8] - DPU rose 12.8% year on year to S$0.05133, reflecting strong operational performance, with a portfolio occupancy of 95.8% [9] - The REIT achieved a remarkable rental reversion of around 51%, including over 50% for a major contract renewal [9] - Keppel DC REIT is acquiring a 98.47% stake in Tokyo Data Centre 3 for approximately S$707 million, which is expected to be 2.8% DPU-accretive on a pro forma 2024 basis [10] Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust (MPACT) - MPACT will report on 23 October 2025, managing S$15.7 billion in assets across 17 retail and commercial properties [12] - VivoCity recorded a rental reversion of 14.7% with tenant sales rising 2.1%, while shopper traffic dipped 1.3% [13] - Festival Walk in Hong Kong saw shopper traffic increase by 7.8% but tenant sales fell by 3.2% [13] - MPACT's DPU decreased by 3.8% year on year, with a portfolio occupancy of 89.3%, down from 94% a year ago [14]
5 Singapore REITs That Raised Their DPUs
The Smart Investor· 2025-10-15 23:30
Core Insights - Singapore REITs faced challenges in the first half of 2025 due to high interest rates impacting financing costs and valuations, yet five REITs managed to increase their distributions per unit (DPUs) [1] Group 1: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) - CICT reported a 3.5% YoY increase in DPU to S$0.0562 for 1H2025, despite a slight revenue decline of 0.5% to S$787.6 million [2] - Net Property Income (NPI) decreased by 0.4% to S$579.9 million, but distributable income rose 12.4% YoY to S$411.9 million, aided by the ION Orchard acquisition and lower interest expenses [3] - Committed occupancy was high at 96.3% as of 30 June 2025, with retail and office portfolios achieving rental reversions of 7.7% and 4.8%, respectively [3] - CICT is optimistic about asset management enhancement initiatives costing S$61 million, targeting a 7% return on investment [4] - The acquisition of a 55% stake in CapitaSpring's office tower is expected to strengthen CICT's position in Singapore's office market [4][5] Group 2: Keppel DC REIT - Keppel DC REIT, focused on data centres, reported a 34.4% YoY revenue increase to S$211.3 million for 1H2025, with NPI rising 37.8% to S$182.8 million [6] - DPU increased by 12.8% YoY to S$0.05133, driven by strong portfolio performance and contributions from acquisitions [6] - The REIT achieved a 51% positive rental reversion, with portfolio occupancy at 95.8% and a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 6.9 years [7] - An acquisition of Tokyo Data Centre 3 for JPY82.1 billion (approximately S$707 million) was announced, fully leased to a global hyperscaler [8] Group 3: Elite Commercial REIT - Elite UK REIT declared a 10% YoY increase in DPU to GBP 0.0154 (S$0.027) as of 30 June 2025, with portfolio occupancy at 95.0% [9] - The REIT's WALE is 2.9 years, focusing on long leases with government tenants, providing a stable income stream [10] Group 4: AIMS APAC REIT - AIMS APAC REIT reported a DPU of S$0.096 for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025, a 2.6% increase YoY [11] - Overall portfolio occupancy was 93.7%, or 96.5% on a committed basis, with a WALE of 4.4 years [12] - The REIT is actively enhancing its portfolio through asset upgrades and strategic divestments, benefiting from demand for high-spec logistics and industrial space [13] Group 5: Suntec REIT - Suntec REIT's DPU increased by 3.7% YoY to S$0.03155 for 1H2025, with committed occupancy at 99% for the office division and 98% for retail [15] - The REIT experienced favorable rent reversion rates of 10% for office and 17.2% for retail, with positive rental reversion of 22.9% in Australia [15][16] - Management's proactive leasing efforts are expected to maintain resilience in Suntec City Mall despite slight dips in shopper traffic [16] Group 6: Overall Trends - The five REITs showcased resilience amid interest rate pressures, with positive rental reversions and strategic portfolio management contributing to distribution growth [17] - Focus on REITs with strong operational metrics, active management strategies, and high occupancy rates is emphasized for income investors [18]
Can Keppel Corporation Keep Powering Ahead After its Share Price Surge?
The Smart Investor· 2025-09-23 23:30
Core Insights - Keppel Ltd. has experienced a 29% year-to-date increase in share price due to strong business execution and a strategic shift from a conglomerate model to an asset-light global alternative real asset manager focusing on digital and green energy infrastructure [1][2] Business Transformation - The company is divesting legacy businesses and assets, reallocating proceeds into recurring income-generating assets such as data centers, renewables, and sustainable infrastructure, which aligns with long-term growth trends [2] - Keppel's urban development projects span multiple countries, providing a long-term pipeline for growth [9] Financial Performance - In 1H2025, Keppel reported a 5% year-on-year decrease in revenue to S$3.06 billion, while net profit surged 24% year-on-year to S$378 million [3] - Recurring income (excluding non-core portfolio for divestment) increased by 7.2% year-on-year to S$444 million [3] - The Real Estate segment saw a 45% year-on-year revenue increase to S$95 million, with net profit of S$98 million due to higher asset management fees and lower costs [4] - Infrastructure revenue declined 12% year-on-year to S$2.0 billion, accounting for 65.7% of total revenue, while net profit decreased 5% year-on-year to S$346 million [5] - Connectivity revenue increased 14% year-on-year to S$743 million, but net profit fell 19% year-on-year to S$57 million due to lower valuation gains [6] Growth Drivers - Singapore's Green Plan 2030 aims for 80% green buildings and increased solar energy, indicating a growing demand for green energy infrastructure [7] - As of 1H2025, Keppel has S$91 billion in funds under management, with S$25 billion undeployed, and secured an additional S$2.3 billion from institutional investors for investment in data centers and sustainable urban renewal [8] Debt and Dividends - Keppel's net debt stood at S$9.9 billion as of June 30, 2025, with a net gearing ratio of 0.9 times [13] - A dividend of S$0.15 per share was declared for 1H2025, translating to a yield of approximately 3.9% at the current share price of S$8.82 [13] Market Outlook - The company's successful transition and execution are critical for maintaining share price momentum, with current valuation at 17.8 times trailing earnings [14] - Continuous execution is necessary for Keppel to compound value in its new growth pillars [15]
4 Singapore REITs That Possess an Attractive Pipeline of Acquisition Opportunities
The Smart Investor· 2025-09-22 23:30
Core Insights - The REIT sector is appealing for income investors due to its requirement to distribute at least 90% of earnings for tax benefits, making it essential to evaluate the growth of these distributions in line with inflation [1] Group 1: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) - CICT has a portfolio of 26 properties with an AUM of S$25.9 billion as of 31 December 2024, supported by its sponsor CapitaLand Investment Limited [3][4] - For 1H 2025, CICT reported gross revenue of S$787.6 million, a decrease of 0.5% year on year, while net property income (NPI) fell by 0.4% to S$579.9 million [5] - The distribution per unit (DPU) increased by 3.5% year on year to S$0.0562, with a recent acquisition of a 55% interest in CapitaSpring's office tower expected to raise pro-forma DPU to S$0.0568 [5][6] Group 2: Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) - FCT manages a portfolio of nine suburban malls and an office building, with an AUM of approximately S$7.1 billion as of 30 June 2025, backed by Frasers Property Limited [7] - FCT's DPU increased by 0.5% year on year to S$0.06054, supported by a 7.1% rise in gross revenue to S$184.4 million [9] - The recent acquisition of Northpoint City South Wing for S$1.17 billion is expected to boost FY2024 DPU by 2% [8][9] Group 3: Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT) - MLT has a portfolio of 178 properties with an AUM of S$13 billion as of 30 June 2025, sponsored by Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd [10] - For 1Q FY2026, MLT reported a gross revenue decline of 2.4% year on year to S$177.4 million, with DPU down 12.4% to S$0.01812 [11] - MLT is actively involved in capital recycling, selling older assets and redeveloping properties to enhance its portfolio [11][12] Group 4: Digital Core REIT (DCR) - DCR focuses on data centres with a portfolio of 11 properties and an AUM of US$1.7 billion, achieving a high occupancy rate of 98% as of 30 June 2025 [13] - For 1H 2025, DCR's gross revenue surged by 84.2% year on year to US$88.9 million, while NPI increased by 52.2% to US$46.3 million [14] - Despite flat DPU year on year at US$0.018 due to higher finance costs, DCR maintains a leverage ratio of 38.3%, allowing for potential future acquisitions [14]