Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from leasing decreased by 1% year-on-year, primarily due to the depreciation of the renminbi, while operating profit increased by 1% and underlying profit improved by 3% [9][10] - The net gearing ratio decreased to 32.7%, lower than the previous year, aided by a scrip dividend arrangement and reduced capital expenditures [30][66] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mainland rental revenue remained flat year-on-year, with retail revenue up by 1% while office revenue faced headwinds, down by 8% overall [11][20] - In Hong Kong, rental revenue decreased by 2%, an improvement from a 4% decline in the first half of the year [10][24] - New letting increased by 15% and renewals by 5%, indicating effective tenant management [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail sector in Mainland China showed resilience, with a 3% increase in the second half of the year, while the office market continues to face challenges due to oversupply [11][20] - Hong Kong's retail market is stabilizing, with a notable improvement from a -9% to -2% decline in 2025 [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on its V3 strategy, which aims to expand with minimal capital expenditure and faster project execution, leveraging existing resources and relationships [4][7][36] - The company plans to enhance its presence in key cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuxi, and Kunming, aiming for increased market share and community engagement [5][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a mix of structural and cyclical corrections in the Hong Kong and Mainland markets, with cautious optimism for recovery in retail sales, particularly in non-luxury segments [8][56] - The company anticipates continued challenges in the office market for the next 18-24 months due to high supply levels [21][22] Other Important Information - The company achieved record-high footfall and sales in Q4, driven by effective tenant management and promotional events [18][19] - The company is preparing for its 66th anniversary with a focus on consumer engagement and experiential marketing [55] Q&A Session Summary Question: CEO's succession and qualities sought in a new CEO - The current CEO expressed a personal goal to retire at 55, emphasizing the importance of family time and confirming that the board has been informed well in advance [45][47] - The company is actively searching for a successor, with no specific timeline announced yet [46][52] Question: Outlook for Mainland China retail and tenant sales - Management remains cautiously optimistic about tenant sales growth, noting strong performance in non-luxury segments and a record-breaking Q4 [53][56] - January sales figures are expected to be comparable to last year, with the Chinese New Year falling later this year, which may positively impact sales [59]

Singapore REITs have always been popular among local investors due to their low cost and reliable income. REITs are expected to benefit from easing interest rates with lower financing costs and increased property valuations, which should lead to potentially higher distributions. We compare two well-known retail REITs, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (SGX: C38U), or CICT, and Frasers Centrepoint Trust (SGX: J69U), or FCT.- for investors to consider for their portfolios. Business Model and Portfolio Fo ...

Core Insights - Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) is the largest suburban retail mall owner in Singapore, with assets under management of approximately S$8.3 billion [1] - The portfolio has expanded from 3 malls at its listing in July 2006 to 9 retail malls and an office building, strategically located in suburban regions [2] Key Developments during the Financial Year - Proposed acquisition of Northpoint City South Wing for S$1.17 billion completed in May 2025, enhancing FCT's position in the market [6] - Asset enhancement works commenced at Hougang Mall, expected to yield a 7% return on investment upon completion in September 2026 [6] - Divestment of Yishun 10 Retail Podium for S$34.5 million completed in September 2025, aimed at reducing debt and strengthening financial position [6] FY2024/25 Performance Highlights - Gross revenue increased by 10.8% year-on-year to S$389.6 million, while net property income rose by 9.7% to S$278.0 million, driven by contributions from Northpoint City South Wing and Tampines 1 [6] - Distribution payout to unitholders increased by 0.6% year-on-year to 12.113 cents [6] - Committed occupancy slightly decreased to 98.1% from 99.7% a year ago, with positive rental reversions averaging +7.8% across all malls [6] ESG Progress - FCT awarded the Regional Sector Leader (Listed) in the Asia, Retail category in the 2025 GRESB Real Estate Assessment, maintaining a 5-Star rating for five consecutive years [6] - Implemented Singapore's first circular economy food waste solution, reducing approximately 258,000 kg of food waste, equivalent to over 1.6 tonnes of carbon emissions avoidance [6] - Secured S$694 million in green loans, increasing the proportion of green loans in borrowings to 90.1% [11] Market Outlook - The Singapore retail sector is expected to remain resilient due to population growth, rising household incomes, supportive government schemes, and limited new retail space supply [8] - Upcoming developments in northern Singapore, including new housing and commercial projects, are anticipated to drive growth and increase footfall at FCT's properties [11] Financial Health - Aggregate leverage increased to 39.6%, with an average cost of debt down to 3.8% [6] - Strong occupancy rates and a healthy debt profile indicate stability in financial performance [12]

Core Viewpoint - Investing in Singapore REITs (S-REITs) can provide stable and reliable passive income for investors, with specific focus on three REITs for long-term monthly income generation. Group 1: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) - CICT is Singapore's largest REIT with a total property value of S$27.0 billion, comprising 21 properties in Singapore, two in Frankfurt, and three in Sydney [2][3] - The portfolio's occupancy rate is 97.2%, with a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 3.2 years, and a distribution yield of 4.8% [5][4] - CICT's net property income grew by 0.2% year-on-year to S$874.2 million, with a slight increase in gearing ratio to 39.2% and an improved interest coverage ratio of 3.5 [4][5] Group 2: CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (CLAR) - CLAR is Singapore's first and largest listed industrial REIT, with a portfolio value of S$17.7 billion and 228 properties [8][9] - The portfolio occupancy rate is 91.3%, with a WALE of 3.6 years, and a distribution yield of 5.4% [10][9] - CLAR's DPU has shown stability, with a slight increase to S$0.15205 in 2024, and a healthy rental reversion rate of 7.6% in Q3 2025 [10][11] Group 3: Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) - FCT is a suburban retail REIT with assets under management of approximately S$8.3 billion, owning four of Singapore's top ten largest prime suburban malls [14][15] - In FY2025, FCT's gross revenue increased by 10.8% year-on-year to S$389.6 million, with a total DPU of S$0.12113 [15][16] - The overall portfolio occupancy rate is strong at 98.1%, with a distribution yield of 5.4% and a rental reversion rate of 7.8% in FY2025 [16][18]