Brief Overview:Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX: ME8U), or MIT, has an investment focus on industrial (with its range of properties including hi-tech and business space buildings, along with general industrial buildings), and data centres. As at 31 December 2025, MIT’s portfolio comprises 55 properties in North America (with the number inclusive of the 13 data centres held through the joint venture with its Sponsor, Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd), 79 properties in Singapore, and 2 properties in Japan.In tota ...

Singapore’s Mapletree family of real estate investment trusts (REITs) have been busy reshaping their portfolios.Across logistics, commercial, and industrial properties, the three trusts have been actively divesting older assets and redeploying capital—a strategy that has weighed on near-term distributions but aims to position the REITs for stronger growth ahead.With earnings releases due in the week of 26 January 2026, here’s what dividend investors should be watching.Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U): ...

After several quiet years, Singapore’s initial public offering (IPO) market finally showed signs of life in 2025. The Lion City led Southeast Asia’s (SEA) IPO market with US$1.6 billion raised in the first 10.5 months of the year, driven by two major REITs.1Government initiatives, stronger liquidity, and improved investor appetite contributed to this revival.What’s in store for 2026? We may get some clues from 2025’s IPO debuts.Centurion Accommodation REIT (SGX: 8C8U)Centurion Accommodation REIT (SGX: 8C8U) ...

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming earnings season for 2025 is anticipated to present investment opportunities, particularly in blue chip stocks that are expected to provide stability and potential upside as companies report their results in early 2026 [1] Group 1: Keppel DC REIT - Keppel DC REIT operates data centres across Asia, Australia, and Europe, with 72% of its revenue generated from Singapore in H1 2025 [3] - The REIT's financial performance has shown significant growth, with gross revenue increasing by 34.4%, net property income by 37.8%, and distribution per unit by 12.8% in H1 2025 [4] - The REIT is expected to benefit from falling interest rates, which have been reduced to a range of 3.5% to 3.75% by the US Federal Reserve, potentially lowering finance costs and increasing distributions to investors [4][5] - The increasing adoption of AI is anticipated to drive demand for data centres, further benefiting Keppel DC REIT [6] - Keppel DC REIT has the lowest gearing among its peers, with an aggregate leverage of 29.8%, providing it with more capacity for growth and resilience against economic disturbances [6][7] Group 2: Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) - SingTel, Singapore's leading telecommunications provider, has shown positive financial momentum, with group revenue increasing by 1.9% and underlying net profit by 16.7% in H1 FY2026 [9] - The company is in discussions for a S$5 billion bank loan to acquire ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, enhancing its digital infrastructure [10] - Analysts expect SingTel's average revenue per user to stabilize in Singapore, grow in India, and strengthen in Australia, leading to a potential re-rating of its forward EV/EBITDA ratio from 5x to 7x [11] Group 3: Sembcorp Industries Ltd - Sembcorp is acquiring Alinta Energy for S$4.8 billion, which is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings, increasing adjusted EBITDA by 36% and net profit by 14% [12] - The acquisition will raise Sembcorp's net debt by 74%, but the stock is currently trading at a trailing PE ratio of 10.6, significantly lower than the regional median of 24x [13][14] - Positive analyst coverage following the Alinta acquisition has led to an upgrade to 'outperform' with a target price of S$7.04, while management expects to maintain dividends [16]

Core Viewpoint - The stock market, particularly the Straits Times Index, is experiencing a bull run in 2025, with a year-to-date increase of over 21% as of December 15, 2025, yet three blue-chip stocks are underperforming, indicating potential investment opportunities beneath the surface [1]. Group 1: Thai Beverage (ThaiBev) - ThaiBev reported a total return of -11.1% year-to-date, with revenue declining by 2.1% year-on-year to THB333.3 billion and profit attributable to owners falling by 6.8% to THB25.4 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 [2]. - The spirits segment saw a revenue dip of 1.8% to THB118.6 billion, while beer revenue tumbled by 2.5% to THB123.2 billion, with a significant 14% decline in beer revenue from Vietnam [3]. - A notable reduction in profit from associates and joint ventures contributed to the sharper drop in net profit, decreasing from THB5.5 billion in FY2024 to THB2.8 billion in FY2025 due to the disposal of Frasers Property Limited [4]. - Despite weaker earnings, ThaiBev's operating cash flow increased by 20.5% year-on-year to THB46 billion, and free cash flow rose by 12.5% to THB32.4 billion [4]. - The company declared a total dividend of THB0.62 per share for FY2025, an increase from THB0.6 the previous year [5]. Group 2: Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT) - MIT reported a total return of -3.4% year-to-date, with gross revenue of S$346.1 million for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, down 3% year-on-year [6]. - Net property income declined by 3.5% to S$257.7 million, and distribution per unit fell by 5.1% year-on-year to S$0.0645 [6]. - Portfolio occupancy remained resilient at 91.3%, with Singapore maintaining 92.6% occupancy and Japan at full occupancy [7]. - The decline in financial performance was primarily due to lower contributions from the North American portfolio and foreign exchange headwinds from a weaker US dollar [7]. - MIT completed strategic divestments totaling S$535.3 million in Singapore and US$11.8 million for a Georgia data center, achieving premiums of 22.1% and 18.6% above market valuation, respectively [8]. - Aggregate leverage improved to 37.3% post-divestment, enhancing financial flexibility for future growth [8]. Group 3: SATS Ltd - SATS reported a total return of -2.8% year-to-date, with revenue rising by 9% year-on-year to S$3.1 billion for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, driven by higher cargo volumes and flight handling activities [9]. - Gateway services contributed nearly 78% of revenue, while net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 11.2% year-on-year to S$149.8 million [10]. - Free cash flow surged by 79.4% year-on-year to S$232.7 million, with management optimistic about continued growth in the global air cargo market in 2025 [10]. Group 4: Cash Flow Insights - ThaiBev's free cash flow rose by 12.5% year-on-year, SATS experienced a nearly 80% surge in cash generation, and MIT unlocked value through strategic divestments at premiums exceeding 20% [11].

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in US technology stocks, particularly those associated with artificial intelligence, raises concerns about the potential formation of a market bubble, especially for Indian investors heavily exposed to US equities [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The US market rally is increasingly narrow, driven by a small group of AI-linked mega-cap companies, with 10 US stocks each holding a market cap over $1 trillion [3]. - AI-related firms contributed nearly 80% of US equity gains in 2025, with the five largest AI mega-caps making up about 30% of the S&P 500 and 20% of the MSCI World Index, marking the highest concentration in nearly 50 years [4]. - The US technology sector now represents around 35% of total US market capitalization, with the 10 largest US companies accounting for over 20% of global equity value, indicating an extraordinary historical dominance [5]. Group 2: Valuation Concerns - The S&P 500 is trading at approximately 23 times forward earnings, suggesting one of the most stretched valuation phases since the dot-com boom [6]. - Despite high valuations, analysts argue that the US tech sector is not in a classic bubble, as some companies continue to generate strong cash flows that support their valuations [7][8]. - A Deutsche Bank report highlights that the rise in AI-driven valuations is accompanied by real earnings growth and robust profitability, contrasting with previous bubbles fueled by unproven business models [9]. Group 3: Risks for Indian Investors - Indian investors face unique risks due to their heavy reliance on US markets, with potential double-layered risks during a US market correction [10][11]. - The current market environment suggests that Indian investors should diversify globally rather than remain overly concentrated in US equities [10][12]. - Valuation opportunities outside the US appear more balanced, with Europe and Japan identified as attractive regions for investment [13][14]. Group 4: Investment Strategies - Indian investors are encouraged to diversify across developed markets like Europe and Japan, with a suggested allocation of 80% to these regions and 20% to emerging markets like Brazil [16]. - Mutual fund data indicates a growing trend among Indian investors to rebalance their portfolios towards non-US geographies, with significant growth in AUM for international funds outside the US [17]. - Experts recommend using mutual funds or ETFs for international exposure, as they provide better risk control and simpler taxation compared to direct stock ownership [21][22].

Group 1 - LG Electronics Inc is exploring overall business cooperation with Microsoft and its affiliates regarding data centres [1] - No specific deal has been signed between the parties at this time [1]

Core Viewpoint - Singapore REITs have faced challenges due to high financing costs and investor sentiment but are expected to recover as interest rates decline, making it a favorable time to consider quality REITs [1][14]. Group 1: Market Overview - Singapore REITs have been under pressure for the past two years due to high interest rates and dampened investor sentiment [1]. - The outlook is likely to improve with anticipated interest rate cuts, which typically boost distributions and support asset values [1][14]. Group 2: Individual REIT Analysis - **Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust (MPACT)**: - Owns properties across multiple countries and reported a DPU of S$0.0201 for 2QFY2025/2026, up 1.5% YoY [3]. - Committed occupancy fell to 88.9% from 96.4% YoY, with NPI down 2.2% YoY to S$163.9 million [4]. - VivoCity achieved 100% commitment and 14.1% rental reversion [4][5]. - **Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT)**: - Manages S$8.5 billion in assets and reported a DPU of S$0.0318 for 2QFY2025/2026, down 5.6% YoY [6]. - Occupancy rate was 91.3%, with a weighted average rental reversion of 6.2% for its Singapore portfolio [6][7]. - Average borrowing cost declined to 3.0%, with data center demand as a long-term growth driver [7]. - **AIMS APAC REIT (AA REIT)**: - Reported a DPU of S$0.0472 for 1HFY2026, up 1.1% YoY, with portfolio occupancy at 93.3% [9]. - Achieved positive rental reversions of 7.7% in 1HFY2026 and has stable income from essential industries [10]. - **CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (CLAR)**: - DPU dipped 0.6% YoY to S$0.07477 in 1H2025, with aggregate leverage rising to 39.8% by September 2025 [11][12]. - Achieved rental reversions of 7.6% for renewed leases in 3Q2025, supported by a strong sponsor [12][13]. Group 3: Investment Outlook - Lower interest expenses are expected to boost distributable income and attract investors back to REITs [14]. - REITs with strong sponsors and quality assets are likely to lead the recovery as interest rates decline [16]. - MPACT, MIT, CLAR, and AA REIT are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of the anticipated rate cuts [16].

Core Insights - Amazon.com Inc. has accused PacifiCorp of not providing sufficient electricity to support four new data centers in Oregon [1] Company Summary - Amazon.com Inc. is expanding its data center operations in Oregon, indicating a growing demand for cloud services and infrastructure [1] - PacifiCorp, owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is facing allegations from Amazon regarding its inability to meet electricity supply needs for these new facilities [1] Industry Summary - The incident highlights potential challenges in the utility sector, particularly in meeting the energy demands of rapidly growing tech companies [1] - The situation may prompt discussions on energy infrastructure and capacity planning in regions experiencing tech industry expansion [1]

Core Insights - Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp is expanding its data centre portfolio with a new project in Alabama, aimed at diversifying its asset base and addressing the growing demand for AI-ready data centres [1][2] - The Alabama Data Centre Project is strategically located near major fibre routes and renewable energy sites, providing reliable power and low-latency connectivity [2] - The company aims to integrate renewable energy assets with data processing facilities, positioning itself at the intersection of renewable energy and artificial intelligence [3] Company Strategy - The expansion into Alabama aligns with Westbridge's long-term vision of creating a diversified platform that supports renewable energy transition and digital technologies [4] - The company is advancing a pipeline of solar, battery energy storage, and data centre projects across North America, focusing on locations with grid capacity and fibre connectivity [4] Market Position - Westbridge operates in four key jurisdictions: Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Italy, delivering long-term returns through an international portfolio of renewable energy assets [5] - The company has a strong track record with over 40 development projects worldwide, providing investors access to early-stage greenfield solar and energy storage projects [5]