In FY2023 however, Suntec REIT is unlikely to distribute from capital given its high aggregate leverage (gearing), the risk of downward revaluations, and interest coverage ratio (ICR) of 2.4x, below the minimum of 2.5x by the Monetary Authority of Singapore for REITs that are allowed an aggregate leverage of 50%.
Mapletree Logistics Trust and Suntec REIT which announced results on Jan 19 and 20 respectively, and AIMS APAC REIT (AAREIT) which announced on Jan 25, reported rises in their distributions per unit (DPU). Suntec REIT’s DPU was supported by capital distributions. Capital distributions are paid out of profit when REITs divest properties.
Suntec REIT’s DPU from operations for the 12 months to Dec 31, 2022 fell 6.7% y-o-y to 8.084 cents, but DPU from capital of 0.8 cents took full year DPU to 8.884 cents, up 2.5% y-o-y.
