SUNTEC Reit has reported fourth-quarter income available for distribution of $30.4 million, an increase of 22.2 per cent from $24.8 million a year a

SUNTEC Reit has reported fourth-quarter income available for distribution of $30.4 million, an increase of 22.2 per cent from $24.8 million a year ago.

For the same July 1-Sept 30 period, Suntec Reit recorded gross revenue of $51.1 million, an increase of 13.7 per cent year-on-year. Net property income was up 12 per cent up at $36.6 million while distribution per unit (DPU) was 2.122 cents, up 11.3 per cent.

The Reit’s stake in Suntec City Mall and Office Towers contributes 87.4 per cent of its net property income (NPI) and it reported that Suntec office leases were secured at higher rental rates of between $11 and $13 per square foot (psf) per month, and the committed office occupancy at Suntec City is at 99.8 per cent.

Suntec Reit also reported that the committed retail passing rent at Suntec City Mall hit a new high of $10.46 psf per month.

The Reit, which also owns Park Mall and Chijmes, reported that the passing rents there rose to $6.60 psf per month and $10.68 psf per month respectively.

Suntec Reit also recognised a revaluation surplus of $677.5 million for the quarter after independent valuations of its porfolio was valued at $4.57 billion (as at Sept 30).

On a full-year basis (Oct 1, 2006 to Sept 30, 2007), income available for distribution was $115.4 million, up 21.6 per cent from $94.9 million in the corresponding period a year ago. Net property income was up 11.8 per cent at $140.6 million and DPU was up 11.8 per cent at 8.15 cents.

Based on the closing price of $1.84 on Oct 26, Suntec Reit’s distribution yield was 4.4 per cent, up 11.8 per cent compared to the previous year.

Yeo See Kiat, CEO of Reit manager ARA Trust Management said: ‘On the acquisition front, we have entered into an agreement to acquire one-third interest in One Raffles Quay which will be completed shortly.’

Suntec Reit’s other income revenue from A&P, pushcarts and kiosks for FY07 grew 10.2 per cent year-on-year, surpassing the $6 million mark.

For its current office portfolio, 26.8 per cent of leases are expected to expire next year, with 42.6 per cent expiring the following year.

For its retail portfolio, 30.4 per cent of the leases are expected to expire next year, with 23.4 per cent expiring the following year.

Suntec Reit ended the trading day yesterday at $1.84 per share, unchanged.

Source : Business Times - 30 Oct 2007