Suntec REIT posts 5.6% lower 4Q DPU of 2.6 cents; unveils development plans for new commercial building at 9 Penang Road
By Michelle Zhu / theedgemarkets.com | January 25, 2017 : 8:52 AM MYT
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SINGAPORE (Jan 25): Suntec REIT has declared a distribution per unit (DPU) of 2.6 cents for the fourth quarter ended Dec 2016, 5.6% lower from the previous year’s DPU of 2.75 cents.
This resulted from a decline in 4Q distributable income by 4.9% to $66.1 million, from $69.5 million a year ago.
The trust’s 4Q gross revenue rose 1.6% to $88.94 million from $87.54 million in the preceding year, which was largely attributable to the contribution of 177 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, Australia, which Suntec REIT holds a 100% interest in.
However, the higher revenue was offset by the divestment of Park Mall in Singapore, which was the main cause of net property income (NPI) declining by 2.9% to $60.7 million for the quarter.
Suntec Singapore’s revenue contribution for the quarter notably fell 14.3% on-year, mainly due to lower retail and convention revenue compared to that of the preceding year.
The overall committed occupancy for Suntec REIT’s office and retail portfolio stood at 98.6% and 97.7% respectively as at Dec 31 2016.
DPU for FY16 remained at 10 cents, unchanged from the previous financial year.
Looking ahead, ARA Trust Management (Suntec), the manager of Suntec REIT, says it expects the performance of the office portfolio as well as retail contribution from Suntec City to both remain stable.
The manager separately adds that development works commenced in Dec 2016 to build a 10-storey Grade A commercial building at 9 Penang Road in place of the former Park Mall, where its land lease has been extended to 99 years.
9 Penang Road’s development is undertaken through a joint venture with Singhaiyi Group Ltd, Haiyi Holdings Pte Ltd and Suntec REIT, with an interest of 35%, 35% and 30% respectively. The entire project is estimated to cost approximately $800 million.
Units of Suntec REIT closed 2.32% lower at $1.68 on Tuesday.
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