[SINGAPORE] The manager of Aims Apac Real Estate Investment Trust (AA Reit) reported higher distribution per unit (DPU) of S$0.0493 for the second half ended Mar 31, up 4.7 per cent from S$0.0471 the year before, citing resilient operational performance.
The industrial and logistics Reit’s revenue for the second half rose to S$93.1 million on strong portfolio performance and rental reversions, up 2.9 per cent from S$90.4 million in H2 of 2024, said the manager on Wednesday (May 7).
The Reit’s manager had completed deals for 25 new leases and 50 renewals in FY2025, representing 159,827 square metres or 20.6 per cent of its portfolio’s net lettable area, making up a positive rental reversion rate of 20 per cent.
Net property income (NPI) in the second half was down 0.8 per cent at S$66.2 million, from S$66.7 million in the corresponding year-ago period. The overall portfolio occupancy of the Reit stood at 93.6 per cent, while weighted average lease expiry by income reached 4.4 years.
Excluding the impact of asset enhancement initiatives and transitory tenant movement, portfolio occupancy based on committed leases would be at 95.8 per cent.
The Reit also posted H2 distribution to unitholders of S$40.2 million, up 5.3 per cent from the previous corresponding period at S$38.2 million.
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DPU for the full year was up 2.6 per cent on the year, reaching S$0.096, from S$0.0936 in FY2024. Distributions to unitholders climbed from S$74.3 million to S$78.2 million, an increase of 5.2 per cent.
For the full year, NPI grew 2.1 per cent to reach S$133.7 million, from S$131 million the previous year. Revenue increased 5.3 per cent, from S$177.3 million in FY2024 to S$186.6 million.
As of Mar 31, AA Reit’s aggregate leverage stood at 28.9 per cent with an interest coverage of 2.4 times. There would be no debt refinancing until FY2027, the manager added.
The Reit’s portfolio comprises 28 properties worth S$2.1 billion, of which 70.9 per cent or S$1.5 billion are investment properties in Singapore. The remaining 29.1 per cent or S$0.62 billion are based in Australia, including a 49 per cent stake in Optus Centre in Melbourne’s central business district.
The distribution will be paid out on Jun 25, after books closure on May 19.
Russell Ng, the manager’s chief executive, said: “Through disciplined execution of our strategies, we have continued to drive strong operational and financial performance that support the delivery of sustainable growth for our unitholders.”
As part of its capital management strategy during the year, the manager issued S$125 million in perpetual securities at rates of 4.7 per cent, down from 5.65 per cent. This strategy “enhances financial flexibility and secures competitive funding, providing headroom for growth,” AA Reit’s manager said.
The manager maintained confidence in the Reit’s business model amid global trade uncertainty, citing continued demand for the Singapore portfolio and quality tenants, as well as structural tailwinds in Australia, including the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games in Brisbane.
The portfolio is supported by 200 tenants across multiple sectors, the manager said, with 83.1 per cent of gross rental income stemming from defensive and resilient sectors.
“Industrial warehouses have shown resilience amidst uncertainties around the US administration’s approach to trade,” AA Reit’s manager said. However, it expected growth to moderate as industrial demand weakened against supply.
The counter was trading flat at S$1.27 on Wednesday at 10 am after the announcement.
