CCT achieved higher DPU of 1.96 cents in 1Q 2013
Singapore, 19 April 2013 – CapitaCommercial Trust Management Limited, the Manager of CapitaCommercial Trust (CCT or Trust), is pleased to announce a distribution per unit (DPU) of 1.96 cents for the
CCT’s 1Q 2013 distributable income of S$55.7 million is 3.3% higher than the S$53.9 million achieved in 1Q 2012. 1Q 2013 gross revenue grew by 9.7% from 1Q 2012 mainly due to a full quarter contribution from Twenty Anson acquired in March 2012 and HSBC Building’s higher rent which started from end-April 2012. Net property income in 1Q 2013 saw a 7.1% rise due to higher revenue offset by higher property tax and operating expenses. An increase
The Trust’s unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2013 results is available on its website (www.cct.com.sg) and on SGXNet (www.sgx.com).
Summary of CCT’s 1Q 2013 Results
|
1Q 2013 |
1Q 2012 |
Change |
Gross Revenue (S$’000) Net Property Income (S$’000) Distributable Income (S$’000) |
95,915 74,910 55,703 |
87,433 69,936 53,914 |
9.7% 7.1% 3.3% |
Distribution Per Unit (cents) - For the period |
1.96¢1 |
1.90¢ |
3.2% |
(1) DPU for 1Q 2013 was computed on the basis that none of the convertible bonds due 2015 (“CB due 2015”) and/or convertible bonds due 2017 (“CB due 2017”) collectively known as “Convertible Bonds”, is converted into CCT units (“Units”). Accordingly, the actual quantum of DPU may differ if any of these Convertible Bonds is converted into Units.
Mr Kee Teck Koon, Chairman of the Manager, said, “The Trust has delivered a good set of results with a higher DPU for 1Q 2013 compared to the same period last year. This is attributable to our proactive approach towards asset and portfolio management, and capital management. CCT’s office portfolio is well positioned to benefit from positive rent reversions given that the average rent of leases expiring in the rest of 2013 is lower than the average monthly office market rent as at 1Q 2013. The ongoing asset enhancement works at Six Battery Road and Raffles City Tower are scheduled for completion by
Mr Kee added, “With a total asset value of approximately S$7 billion, CCT has a strong balance sheet given the low gearing at 30.4%, and 78% of the debt being fixed rate borrowings. The 69% of assets being unsecured also affords CCT greater flexibility in capital management.”
Ms Lynette Leong, Chief Executive Officer of the Manager, said, “CCT’s portfolio occupancy is resilient at 95.3% compared to the market average occupancy of 93.2% for Core CBD as at the end of 1Q 2013. CCT’s properties also registered positive rent reversions; as a result, CCT’s average monthly portfolio office rent continued to increase from S$7.64 per square feet in 4Q 2012 to S$7.83 per square feet in 1Q 2013.”
Ms Leong added, “A total of 409,900 square feet of new and renewed leases for both office and retail spaces were signed in the first quarter of 2013. Of the total lettable area committed in 1Q 2013, about 88% were renewals and 12% new leases. The activities were largely generated by expansion of existing tenants within our portfolio and also new tenants relocating from another building. CCT’s weighted average lease term to expiry for its top 10 tenants (excluding the lease to the hotels and convention centre) is now 3.8 years extended from 3.0 years in the fourth quarter of 2012, due to a few major tenants’ renewals. We are pleased by the lease renewals of JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, and Henderson Global Investors (Singapore)
Robust Capital Structure
The Trust’s outstanding debt of S$50.0 million due in June 2013 will be easily refinanced by its existing bank facilities. The percentage of borrowings on fixed interest rate reduced from 96% in 4Q 2012 to 78% in 1Q 2013 due to the expiry of the S$370 million notional amount of fixed interest rate swap in March 2013. The weighted average interest rate for the expired interest rate swap was at 3.59% per annum, and hence, we would expect interest rate savings assuming funding at the current lower interest rate. However, the savings may be partially offset by increased borrowings required to fund existing asset enhancement initiatives and capital expenditure requirements going forward.
Singapore Office Market
Singapore island-wide office’s net demand was approximately 126,046 sq ft in the first quarter of 2013. The Core Central Business District (CBD) occupancy increased from 92.2% in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 93.2% in the first quarter of 2013. The office market has gained greater tenant profile diversification with increased demand from small to midsize companies in the Central Business District. The average monthly Grade
Outlook
Looking ahead, Singapore’s new office supply in the CBD and
CapitaGreen, our Grade
These developments will rejuvenate CCT’s property portfolio which will reap future benefits to our unitholders.
However, CCT’s performance in the later half of 2013 will be affected by One George Street, the yield protection for which will expire on 10 July 2013. To minimise this impact, CCT will continue its proactive portfolio management to increase overall occupancy rates and generate higher property income.
Note: Source of office market statistics, CBRE Research 1Q 2013