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The Smart Investor’s Guide to the Best Singapore REITs in 2026
The Smart Investor· 2026-01-13 06:00
Core Insights - Singapore REITs (S-REITs) are stabilizing as financing conditions improve and income investing gains momentum, but the recovery will not be uniform across all REITs [1][22] - The best-performing REITs will focus on income visibility rather than just high yields, emphasizing disciplined capital management and operational excellence [2][24] Group 1: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) - CICT is the largest retail-and-office REIT on the SGX, with a portfolio valued at S$25.9 billion across 21 properties in Singapore, Germany, and Australia, demonstrating operational resilience [3][4] - As of 3Q2025, CICT's portfolio occupancy was 97.2%, with positive rental reversions of 7.8% for retail and 6.5% for office properties [4][19] - CICT maintained a disciplined balance sheet with aggregate leverage at 39.2% and reduced the average cost of debt to 3.3% [4][5] Group 2: Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) - FCT focuses on essential services in its suburban retail portfolio, which accounts for 54% of gross rental income, providing stability against economic fluctuations [8][10] - In FY2025, FCT achieved a portfolio occupancy of 98.1% and positive rental reversions of 7.8%, with a DPU increase of 0.6% to S$0.12113 [9][10] - The trust's disciplined capital management is reflected in its aggregate leverage of 39.6% and an average cost of debt of approximately 3.8% [9][10] Group 3: Parkway Life REIT (PLife) - PLife owns hospitals and nursing homes, providing predictable income due to the essential nature of healthcare services [11][12] - The REIT's lease structure includes long master leases with built-in rental increases, ensuring income stability [12][13] - For 1H2025, PLife reported a DPU of S$0.0765, with a conservative gearing of 35.4% [13][14] Group 4: Keppel DC REIT - Keppel DC REIT focuses on data centers, catering to the growing demand from cloud computing and digital infrastructure [15][16] - The REIT's gearing was 29.8% as of 3Q2025, allowing for significant debt headroom for acquisitions [17][20] - In 1H2025, DPU surged 12.8% YoY to S$0.05133, driven by tenant issue resolutions and organic rental growth [17][20] Group 5: Comparative Analysis - CICT anchors the group with its scale and high occupancy, while FCT offers defensive income through its suburban retail focus [19][20] - PLife is noted for its predictable income stream, and Keppel DC REIT provides a high-growth profile with lower current income [20][21] - These REITs serve complementary roles, allowing investors to build a resilient income stream amidst macroeconomic shifts [21][22]
Top 3 Blue-Chip REITs to Watch for January 2026
The Smart Investor· 2026-01-05 03:30
Core Insights - Singapore's REIT sector is approaching January 2026 with investors looking for clarity on future growth trajectories, particularly focusing on three blue-chip REITs set to release earnings updates [1][2] Group 1: Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT) - MLT owns 175 logistics properties across nine Asia Pacific markets with S$13 billion in assets under management (AUM) [3] - For 2Q'FY26, MLT reported gross revenue of S$177.5 million, a decrease of 3.2% year on year, and distribution per unit (DPU) fell 10.5% to S$0.01815 [3] - Key development includes China's rental reversion trajectory, which has improved from -12.2% a year ago to -3% in the latest quarter, while portfolio occupancy rose to 96.1% [4][5] Group 2: Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT) - MIT owns 136 industrial properties across Singapore, North America, and Japan, with an AUM of S$8.5 billion, and data centres constitute 58.3% of its portfolio [6] - For 1H'FY26, MIT reported gross revenue of approximately S$346 million, down 3% year on year, and DPU decreased by 5.1% to S$0.065 [6] - North American occupancy is a critical focus, currently at 87.8%, with management successfully renewing 71% of expiring leases [7][8] Group 3: Keppel DC REIT (KDC) - KDC owns and operates 25 data centres across 10 countries in Asia Pacific and Europe, with an AUM of approximately S$5.7 billion [9] - For the first nine months of 2025, distributable income surged 55.5% year on year to S$195.3 million, and DPU rose 8.8% to S$0.0767 [9] - Gross revenue increased by 37.7% year on year to S$322.4 million, driven by acquisitions and higher contributions from contract renewals [10] Group 4: Common Themes and Future Outlook - All three REITs are actively managing their portfolios to navigate distinct challenges and opportunities, with MLT focusing on divestments, MIT leveraging divestment proceeds, and KDC pursuing strategic acquisitions [12] - Upcoming earnings releases will be crucial for assessing whether these strategies lead to sustainable distribution growth [13] - The SGX is experiencing increased liquidity and supportive market conditions, which may benefit yield-focused assets [14]
Goodman (ASX:GMG) share price soars 9% on data centre partnership
Rask Media· 2025-12-23 02:11
Group 1 - Goodman Group's share price increased by 9% following the announcement of a European data centre partnership [1] - The partnership with Canada Pension Plan (CPP Investments) involves a total investment of A$14 billion, with an initial capital commitment of A$3.9 billion [2] - The partnership aims to develop data centre projects in key European cities: Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris [2][5] Group 2 - The European project will consist of four data centres, with a combined primary power of 435 MW and an IT load of 282 MW [5] - Construction is expected to begin by June 30, 2026, with secured power connections and planning permits already in place [5][7] - Goodman has a significant pipeline of projects, with 57% of its development work in progress focused on data centres, aligning with the growing demand for cloud computing and AI [8] Group 3 - Goodman and CPP Investments have a long-standing partnership since 2009, with this being their first data centre collaboration in Europe [4] - CEO Greg Goodman highlighted the rarity and quality of the portfolio in Europe's FLAP markets, emphasizing the importance of speed to market and delivery certainty [6] - The share price has seen a decline of over 11% in the past year, indicating reliance on capital growth rather than distribution payments [9]
Top Stock Market Highlights: GDP Forecast, Keppel DC REIT, and CapitaLand-UOL Consortium
The Smart Investor· 2025-12-19 23:30
Economic Outlook - Economists have upgraded Singapore's 2025 GDP growth forecast to 4.1%, up from 2.4% in September, driven by a stronger-than-expected third quarter expansion of 4.2% year on year [2] - Manufacturing growth expectations have increased significantly to 5.4% from 0.8%, with upward revisions in finance and insurance, wholesale and retail trade, and construction sectors [2] Inflation and Monetary Policy - Fourth quarter growth is projected at 3.6%, with 2026 growth expected to moderate to 2.3% [3] - Inflation forecasts for 2025 remain steady at 0.9% for headline and 0.7% for core inflation, with expectations of slight increases in 2026 [3] - All surveyed economists expect no changes in monetary policy during the January and April 2026 reviews, with only 11% anticipating potential tightening by July 2026 [3] Keppel DC REIT Developments - Keppel DC REIT has announced the acquisition of remaining interests in two Singapore data centres for approximately S$50.5 million, achieving 100% ownership of both properties [4] - The total acquisition outlay is about S$53.9 million, which includes purchase consideration and related expenses, and is expected to be 0.8% DPU-accretive [5] - Post-acquisition, the REIT's assets under management will increase by 3.5% to S$5.9 billion, with Singapore assets rising from 57.8% to 58.8% of the portfolio [6] CapitaLand-UOL Consortium Bid - A consortium of CapitaLand Development, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, and UOL Group submitted the top bid of S$1.5 billion for a mixed-use site in Hougang Central [7] - The site spans 504,820 square feet with a gross floor area of 1.27 million square feet, and if awarded, will feature approximately 830 residential units and 300,000 square feet of retail space [8]
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]