Frasers Commercial Trust’s earnings resilient from master leases

Over 47% of its revenue is tied to master leases of up to 25 years.

DBS says a strong tenant base gives a certain level of stability and certainty to cash flows and earnings, even in times of crisis.

Here's more from DBS:

Multi-pronged growth strategies to drive DPU. In a recent NDR with FCOT, investors view management’s efforts to reshape its portfolio and strengthen its balance sheet as proactive steps to steer the reit in the right direction. Performance portfolio has improved remarkably compared to the last crisis with occupancy standing at a high of 98% and signing rents moving up nicely.

Meanwhile, its balance sheet has improved with gearing at 37% and the imminent refinancing that is likely to lower all-in interest cost by 50-100 bps. The recent approval for an outline planning permission to redevelop KeyPoint as well as possible asset enhancement plans at China Square Central upon expiry of the master lease in Mar 2012 should further help to optimize portfolio yield.

Stable earnings supported by “sticky” tenant base and long leases. Excluding CSC’s master lease, almost half of its revenue is tied to master/long leases of up to 25 years. This would ensure resilient and stable earnings, while allowing the trust to enjoy positive rental reversion. At the same time, we note that rents for its SG portfolio are competitive, hence it is able to cater to a “niche market” ie cost conscious small-to mid-size companies or relocating tenants from soon-to be demolished older buildings. In addition, our scenario study shows that FY12/13F DPU will only fall by a marginal 2-5% should reversion rents fall by 5-10% or to 2009 levels for its SG portfolio, hence minimizing downside risk should there be an economic slowdown.

If you've been wondering whether SBR could work for your company — yes, probably.

A lot of the companies we partner with started as readers. They'd been following our coverage for a while, saw their own customers and competitors in it, and eventually asked the obvious question: could we do something with you? The answer is usually yes. The shape of it depends on what you're trying to do.

The options are broader than most people assume — thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. Some partners use one channel; most use a mix. We figure out the right combination by starting with your brief, not with our rate card.

So if the question has been on your mind, here's the easy way to ask it.

We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how. It's a better use of everyone's time.

Book a meeting

| Or download the media kit (PDF)

240,000 senior readers quarterly in print Top 1,700 Singapore companies reached

7 markets across Southeast Asia