Singapore REITs Monthly Update (07 Jan, 2024)

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!!

Technical Analysis of FTSE ST REIT Index (FSTAS351020)

FTSE ST Real Estate Investment Trusts (FTSE ST REIT Index) increased from 686.24 to 712.46 (3.82%) compared to last month's update. The REIT Index is trading within an uptrend parallel channel (purple), above the 200D SMA support. The Moving Averages have reversed from a downtrend to an uptrend.

FTSE REIT Index Chart

Previous chart on FTSE ST REIT index can be found in the last post: Singapore REITs Monthly Update on December 10th, 2023.

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 Q3 2023 update 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 January 7th, 2023.
  • Notes: ESR-LOGOS REIT and Paragon REIT: Annualised yield, after taking into account the switch to semi-annual distribution declaration. For Paragon REIT: calculated after converting from 13 months of distribution to 12 months.
• 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 trading in USD is referenced to US Gov Bond Yield, everything else is referenced to SG Gov Bond Yield.

Price/NAV Ratios Overview

• Price/NAV increase to 0.79. (Weighted Average: 0.79)
  • Remained from 0.76 in December 2023.
  • Singapore's Overall REIT sector is very undervalued now.
  • Take note that NAV is adjusted upwards for some REITs due to pandemic recovery.
    
    
• Most overvalued REITs (based on Price/NAV)

• Only 5 REITs are overvalued now based on Price/NAV value.
• No change in the Top 2 in the last 8 months.
  
  
• Most undervalued REITs (based on Price/NAV)

Distribution Yields Overview

• TTM Distribution Yield decreased to 8.35%. (Weighted Average is 6.16%)    
  • Decreased from 8.83% in December 2023 (Weighted Average was 6.46%)
  • 19 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.
  • 8 REITs have a TTM yield of over 10%!
    
    
• Highest Distribution Yield REITs (TTM)

• A reminder that these yield numbers are based on current prices. This has caused Manulife US REIT and Prime US REIT's TTM yields to be over 25%.
• 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 5.40%. (Weighted Average remains similar at 3.80%) 
  • Tightened from 5.77% in December 2023. (Weighted Average was 4.39%)

Gearing Ratios Overview

• Gearing Ratio remained at 38.16% (Weighted Average: 38.38%)
  
  • Remained at 38.08% in December 2023. (Weighted Average: 38.38%)  
  • Gearing Ratios are updated quarterly. No REITs have updated their gearing ratios for this month.
  • S-REITs Gearing Ratio has been on a steady uptrend. It was 35.55% in Q4 2019.

• Highest Gearing Ratio REITs

• Manulife's gearing ratio has exceeded MAS's gearing limit of 50%. In last month's Money and Me episode, we discussed why has the proposal to rescue Manulife US REIT fallen flat, and can Manulife US REIT be saved. Listen to it here.

Market Capitalisation Overview

• Total Singapore REIT Market Capitalisation increased by 5.47% to S$97.462 Billion.
  • Increase from S$92.40 Billion in December 2023.
    
    
• 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, here's a subsidised 2-day course with all you need to know about REITs and how to start investing in them.

Top 20 Best Performers of December 2023

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

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

• SG 10 Year: 2.78% (decreased from 2.89%)
• US 10 Year: 4.05% (decreased from 4.23%)

Summary

The past month has been a bullish month for S-REITs, finally! Firstly, the drop in the 10-year government bond yields has continued. The announcement of further rate cuts projected for 2024 has also helped. Fundamentally, the whole Singapore REITs landscape remains undervalued based on the average Price/NAV (at 0.79) value of the S-REITs, with still a very attractive DPU yield of 8.35%! (Weighted average yield of 6.16%). Do take note that NAV and DPU are lagging numbers.

(Source: https://stocks.cafe/kenny/overview)

Weighted Average Yield spread (in reference to the 10-year Singapore government bond yield of 2.78% as of 10th December 2023) narrowed from 4.39% to 3.80%. The Fed Rate has further adjusted its forecast lower. The image below shows the new forecast.

Seminar: Singapore REITs Outlook: What's ahead for 2024 - SGX Academy (Free Registration)

Rising interest rates have impacted global REITs over the past 2 years. Are rates expected to peak in 2024? Will this create an opportunity for a recovery in the REITs sector? Secure your seat for this exclusive in-person event to find out! Join us as industry experts unravel trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Singapore's REIT landscape in 2024. Delve into key topics such as sector performances, macroeconomic influences, and industry insights. Also engage in discussions, gain insights, and network with fellow investors and industry experts.

You will gain insights on:

• Sector Resilience Amid Economic Recovery: Discover how Singapore REITs are positioned for the year ahead. Explore insights into the resilience of different REIT sectors, identifying those that are well-positioned to ride varying market conditions.
• Navigating Risk and Opportunity: Gain strategies to navigate the intricate balance of risks and opportunities within the sector. Understand how to assess risk factors going into 2024 and learn to identify investment opportunities that align with the broader economic recovery.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: 27th January 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
  Registration opens at 9:30am
• Location: SGX Auditorium, Level 2, SGX Centre 1, 2 Shenton Way
  Singapore 068804
• Dress Code: Smart Casual
• Admission is free. Registration is required. Register Now!

Speakers:

Programme:

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