Singapore REITs Monthly Update (06 September 2024)

Technical Analysis of FTSE ST REIT Index (FSTAS351020)

FTSE ST Real Estate Investment Trusts (FTSE ST REIT Index) increased from 654.43 to 702.98 (7.15%) compared to last month's update. This is the highest percentage gain in the index in a while. The REIT Index has started an uptrend and enter bullish territory.

•    Short-term direction: Up
•    Medium-term direction: Up
•    Long-term direction: Sideways
•    Immediate Support: 20D, 50D SMA and 200D SMA (665-675 zone)
•    Immediate Resistance: 732-740 Zone

FTSE REIT Index Chart (2 years)

Previous chart on FTSE ST REIT index can be found in the last post: Singapore REITs Monthly Update on 12 August, 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.
• All REITs have the latest Q2 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/ - For more information about REITsavvy Screener, check out over here.

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 August 12, 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 increase to 0.89 (Weighted Average: 0.89)
  • Increased from 0.85 in August 2024.
  • Singapore Overall REIT sector is slightly undervalued

• Most overvalued REITs (based on Price/NAV)

• EC World REIT is currently suspended, however at current Price and NAV/Unit values it has a value of 4.67 (N.M)
  
  
• Most undervalued REITs (based on Price/NAV)

Distribution Yields Overview

• TTM Distribution Yield decreased to 6.37% (Weighted Average decreased to 5.91%)    
  • Decreased from 7.14% in August 2024 (Weighted Average was 6.36%)
  • 15 of 38 Singapore REITs have TTM distribution yields of above 7%.

• 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 3.76%. (Weighted Average remained similar at 3.99%)   
  
  • Tightened from 4.25% in August 2024. (Weighted Average was 4.01%)
  • 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 remained similar at 39.12% (Weighted Average: 38.28%)
  
  • Remained similar from 39.14% in August 2024. (Weighted Average: 38.28%)
  • Gearing Ratios are updated quarterly. Therefore there were only 2 gearing ratio updates this month.
  • 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 7.12% to S$92.57 Billion.
  • Increased from S$86.20Billion in August2024.
    
    
• Biggest Market Capitalisation REITs (S$ Million):

• 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 / Worst Performers of August 2024

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

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

• SG 10 Year: 2.59% (decreased from 2.88%)

Summary

Singapore REITs have experienced a strong rally over the past month in anticipation of an interest rate cut in September. The FTSE ST REIT index has recently begun an uptrend, signaling the start of a bull market for Singapore REITs.

The expected cut in the U.S. interest rate and the decline in the U.S. 10-year bond yield are key catalysts that could further boost the Singapore REIT sector. According to the current Fed Fund Rate projections from the CME Group, a minimum 25 basis point cut is expected by Q3, with a total reduction of at least 100 basis points by the end of 2024.

The S-REIT sector is currently trading at an 11% discount to its fair value, with an average trailing twelve-month (TTM) yield of 6.42%. Despite the recent rally, valuations and distribution per unit (DPU) yields remain attractive. Investors may consider locking in the current yield at a discounted valuation, while awaiting a potential valuation re-rating in response to the anticipated interest rate cut by the end of 2024.

US 10 Year Risk Free Rate

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