Singapore REITs Monthly Update (02 June 2024)

Technical Analysis of FTSE ST REIT Index (FSTAS351020)

FTSE ST Real Estate Investment Trusts (FTSE ST REIT Index) increased from 632.65 to 640.49 (1.24%) compared to last month's update. The REIT Index is currently forming a Symmetrical Triangle, consolidation pattern, approaching the apex of the triangle. We shall see which direction the breakout will occur in the next few weeks.

•    Short-term direction: Sideway
•    Medium-term direction: Sideway
•    Long-term direction: Down
•    Immediate Support at 620
•    Immediate Resistance at 50D SMA, followed by 200D SMA

FTSE REIT Index Chart (5 years time period)

Previous chart on FTSE ST REIT index can be found in the last post: Singapore REITs Monthly Update on May 04, 2024.

Fundamental Analysis of 38 Singapore REITs

The following is the compilation of 38 Singapore REITs with colour-coding of the Distribution Yield, Gearing Ratio and Price to NAV Ratio.

• The Financial Ratios are based on past data and these are lagging indicators.
• REITs with yellow highlights have the latest Q1 2024 values.
• I have introduced weighted average (weighted by market cap) to the financial ratios, in addition to the existing simple average ratios. This is another perspective where smaller market cap REITs do not disproportionately affect the average ratios.

Data from REITsavvy Screener. https://screener.reitsavvy.com/

What does each Column mean?

• FY DPU: If Green, FY DPU for the recent 4 Quarters is higher than that of the preceding 4 Quarters. If Lower, it is Red.
• Yield (TTM): Yield, calculated by DPU (trailing twelve months) and Current Price as of May 31st, 2024.
• Gearing (%): Leverage Ratio.
• Price/NAV: Price to Book Value. Formula: Current Price over Net Asset Value per Unit.
• Yield Spread (%): REIT yield (ttm) reference to Gov Bond Yields. REITs are referenced to SG Gov Bond Yield.

• As of May 2024, all REITs' Yield Spread will be referenced to SG Gov Bond Yields, regardless of trading currency.

Price/NAV Ratios Overview

• Price/NAV remained at 0.78 (Weighted Average: 0.78)
  • Remained at 0.78 in May 2024.
  • Singapore's Overall REIT sector is undervalued now.
  • Price/NAV increased due to NAV trending downwards from the latest Q4 2023 update.
    
    
• Most overvalued REITs (based on Price/NAV)

• Only 5 REITs are overvalued now based on Price/NAV value.
• EC World REIT has its NAV/Unit dropped from 0.75 to 0.12 as of the latest update. This caused its Price/NAV to skyrocket to 2.33. Also, it is currently suspended.
  
  
• Most undervalued REITs (based on Price/NAV)

Distribution Yields Overview

• TTM Distribution Yield decreased to 7.88%. (Weighted Average decreased to 6.51%)    
  • Decreased from 8.07% in May 2024 (Weighted Average was 6.63%)
  • 21 of 38 Singapore REITs have TTM distribution yields of above 7%.
  • Do take note that these yield numbers are based on current prices taking into account the delayed distribution/dividend cuts due to COVID-19, and economic recovery.
  • 9 REITs have a TTM yield of over 10%!
    
    
• Highest Distribution Yield REITs (TTM)

• A reminder that these yield numbers are based on current prices. DPU payouts are lagging numbers. 
• Some REITs opted for semi-annual reporting and thus no quarterly DPU was announced.
• A High Yield should not be the sole ratio to look for when choosing a REIT to invest in.

• Yield Spread tightened to 4.52%. (Weighted Average remained almost the same at 3.92%)   
  
  • Tightened from 4.68% in May 2024. (Weighted Average was 3.93%)
  • From May 2024 onwards, all yield spread measurements are now in relation to SG Gov Bond Yields, no longer a mix with US Gov Bond Yields

Gearing Ratios Overview

• Gearing Ratio increased to 39.21%. (Weighted Average: 38.25%)
  
  • Increased from 39.12% in May 2024. (Weighted Average: 38.13%)
  • Gearing Ratios are updated quarterly.
  • S-REITs Gearing Ratio has been on a steady uptrend. It was 35.55% in Q4 2019.

• Highest Gearing Ratio REITs

• MUST and EC World REIT's gearing ratio has exceeded MAS's gearing limit of 50%. However, the aggregate leverage limit is not considered to be breached if exceeding the limit is due to circumstances beyond the control of the REIT Manager.

Market Capitalisation Overview

• Total Singapore REIT Market Capitalisation increased by 1.35% to S$85.98 Billion.
  • Increased from S$84.84 Billion in May 2024.
    
    
• Biggest Market Capitalisation REITs (S$ Million):

• There have been no changes in the rankings since November 2022.
  
  
• Smallest Market Capitalisation REITs (S$ Million):

Disclaimer: The above table is best used for “screening and shortlisting only”. It is NOT for investing (Buy / Sell) decisions. If you want to know more about investing in REITs, scroll down for more information on the REITs courses.

Top 20 Best Performers of May 2024

Source: https://screener.reitsavvy.com/

SG 10-Year & US 10-Year Government Bond Yield

• SG 10 Year: 3.36% (decreased from 3.39%)

Summary

The index is currently consolidating within a symmetrical triangle waiting for the breakout. 

S-REITs sector is currently trading close to the COVID low, which is considered a good entry point again based on the current chart pattern, valuation, DPU yield and projected interest rate movement. Current yield @6.5% with 20-30% upside potential based on fair book valuation.

The cut in US Interest Rate and the drop in US 10 Years Bond Yield would be the key catalysts to kick start the Singapore REIT sectors again. Until that happens, investors need to continue to wait patiently while collecting the dividend. Patience is needed at the moment for REITs investors.

Kenny Loh is a Wealth Advisory Director and REITs Specialist of Singapore’s top Independent Financial Advisor. He helps clients construct diversified portfolios consisting of different asset classes from REITs, Equities, Bonds, ETFs, Unit Trusts, Private Equity, Alternative Investments, Digital Assets and Fixed Maturity Funds to achieve an optimal risk-adjusted return. Kenny is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, SGX Academy REIT Trainer, Certified IBF Trainer of Associate REIT Investment Advisor (ARIA) and also an invited speaker of REITs Symposium and Invest Fair.  You can join my Telegram channel #REITirement – SREIT Singapore REIT Market Update and Retirement-related news. https://t.me/REITirement