Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust: UK development projects fully leased

  • Revenue and earnings were lower y-o-y due to divestment of CSE, weaker foreign currencies against the SGD
  • Strong positive rental reversions of +23.2% in 2Q23
  • Recently completed development projects 100% committed, will generate c.GBP2.4m in NPI
  • Maintain BUY with TP of S$1.55
Read More

Lower revenues and NPI y-o-y; mainly due to divestment of CSE

  • 1H23 revenue and NPI were 11.7% and 13.4% lower y-o-y
    • Mainly due to divestment of Cross Street Exchange (on 31 March 2022)
    • Capital distributions have been utilised to supplement some of the absence of income from CSE
    • Lower exchange rates for AUD, EUR, and BGP against the SGD
    • Absence of early surrender fee from Farnborough Business Park (c.S$2m in 1H22)

1H23 DPU of 3.52 Scts, in line with projections

  • DPU for 1H23 was 3.52 Scts, in line with our projections
    • Forming more than 49% of our FY23 estimates
  • DPU includes capital distributions of c.S$9.6m in 1H23
    • Mainly from coupon interest for ongoing development projects (c.S$2.5m for Worcester and Ellesmere developments) and distribution of divestment gains (c.S$4.3m)
    • Other capital distribution from rental support (c.S$1.4m) and lease incentives (S$1.3m)

23.2% positive rental reversions in 2Q23

  • Solid positive rental reversions of +23.2% in 2Q23, mainly from the Logistics & Industrial (L&I) portfolio
    • L&I positive rental reversion was mainly from Australia (+23.6%) and Germany (+24.3%)
    • Commercial portfolio also reported an overall positive rental reversion; positive rental reversion in the UK offset the negative reversion for two small renewals in Singapore
  • Total of 14 leases (c.84,500 sqm) renewed in 2Q23
  • Only 3.4% of portfolio leases (by GRI) due to expire in 2H23
    • 3% from Commercial portfolio (UK, AU, SG), and 1.1% (AU, EU) from L&I portfolio
  • Portfolio occupancy rate remained stable at 95.9% (flat q-o-q)
    • Slight dip in occupancy at 357 Collins Street q-o-q (88.6% vs. 94.4%)
      • CBA extended their lease by four years, but cut down on space
      • Occupancy likely to see further downside with the return of another floor in June 2023
    • Offset by higher occupancies at ATP, Central Park, and Blythe Valley Park

Completion of two developments in the UK; 100% leased

  • Development projects in Blyth Valley Park and Worcester completed during the quarter
    • Will drive revenue growth going forward from 2H23
  • Blythe Valley Park expansion completed and is 100% committed with three leases
    • One of the tenants was Tesla, which signed a 15-year lease
    • Total NPI contribution from the extension at BVP is c.GBP1.3m per annum
    • ROI on development is c.8.3%
  • Worcester has been pre committed by a leading UK flooring distributor on a 15-year lease
    • Estimated annual NPI contribution of c.GBP1.1m

Maintained low gearing of 27.8%

  • Gearing remained low at 27.8%; debt headroom of more than S$3.1bn (until 50% gearing)
  • Cost of borrowings inched up 10 bps q-o-q to 1.8%
    • 76.2% of loans remains hedged to fixed rates
  • Borrowing costs expected to continue inching up with rising interest rates
    • Only c.S$78m of loans remain to expire in 2H23
    • Sufficient internal funds to repay this tranche of loans
    • S$527m in loans due to expire in June and August 2024 (EUR borrowings)
  • Every potential 50 bps increase in interest rates will lead to c.0.8% impact to DPU

Watching out for Google lease expiry at ATP

  • Google will be surrendering part of its lease at ATP when on 20 Feb 2024 (c.15% of ATP NLA)
  • Google’s remaining lease will expire in December 2024; another c.25% of ATP NLA
  • Total space occupied by Google is c.400,000 sq ft, or c.40% of ATP’s NLA
    • Accounts for c.4.3% of FLCT’s total GRI
  • We have taken the conservative approach to assume some vacancies in our FY24 projections
    • Assumed that only half of the vacancy is backfilled by the end of FY24
    • e. c.25% vacancy at ATP by end of FY24

Our thoughts

Despite weaker FX during the first half of FY23, partially leading to the lower revenues and NPI, 1H23 DPU of 3.52 Scts was in line with our projections. It forms slightly more than 49% of our full year estimates.

Furthermore, with the recent completion of the development projects at Blythe Valley Park and Worcester, we believe FLCT is on track to deliver a DPU of 7.15 Scts for FY23. Both developments are estimated to generate an additional income of c.GBP2.4m per annum and should help partially offset further increases in financing costs and FX volatility. Given that FLT hedges its foreign income on a forward six-month rolling basis, we expect earnings to continue seeing pressure from weaker foreign currencies against the SGD.

Continued strong positive rental reversions and stable occupancy rates will also drive earnings going forward. The average positive rental reversion for 1H23 was more than 14%, providing another lever for earnings growth even as operating and financing costs continue to inch up. Looking ahead, the Ellesmere Port development in the UK is on track to complete in December 2024. Estimated to generate an NPI of c.S$6.0m per annum, the property will drive help support earnings amidst pressure from higher financing costs and weak foreign currencies against the SGD.

On the capital management front, we believe that borrowing costs will continue to inch up but only marginally for the rest of FY23, given FLCT’s low gearing and high proportion of borrowings hedged to fixed rates. Moreover, only c.S$78m of loans remains to expire in FY23 which FLCT will be able to repay with internal funds. More importantly, we will be watching out for the c.S$527m in loans that will be due for refinancing in FY24, where quite a significant portion of their interest rate hedges will also roll off.

We continue to remain positive on FLCT given their strong positive rental reversions, income contribution from completed development projects, and high occupancy rates. Although we have revised our estimates to assume some vacancies at ATP given Google’s surrender of part of its lease next year (and potentially the surrendering of their remaining space in December 2024), full occupancy at BVP came in earlier than expected, and we believe that FLCT will continue to tap on capital distributions to supplement the absence of income from recent divestments (CSE and property at Port Melbourne). As such, we will be maintaining our BUY recommendation with a TP of S$1.55.

.

FY Sep

1H2022

2H2022

1H2023

% chg y-o-y

% chg h-o-h

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross revenue

236

215

208

(11.7)

(3.0)

Property expenses

(52.1)

(49.3)

(50.1)

(3.9)

1.6

Net Property Income

184

165

158

(14.0)

(4.4)

Other Operating expenses

(25.7)

(21.9)

(4.8)

(81.1)

(77.9)

Other Non Opg (Exp)/Inc

0.15

2.25

2.02

1,284.9

(10.3)

Associates & JV Inc

0.0

0.0

0.0

-

-

Net Interest (Exp)/Inc

(22.3)

(18.6)

(20.9)

6.1

(12.6)

Exceptional Gain/(Loss)

170

0.0

0.0

-

-

Net Income

305

127

134

(56.1)

5.7

Tax

(18.0)

(101)

(14.9)

(17.5)

(85.3)

Minority Interest

(1.1)

(9.0)

(1.2)

(7.4)

(86.3)

Net Income after Tax

286

16.8

118

(58.8)

604.7

Total Return

286

442

118

(58.8)

(73.3)

Non-tax deductible Items

(151)

(311)

3.13

(102.1)

(101.0)

Net Inc available for Dist.

136

140

131

(3.6)

(6.3)

Ratio (%)

 

 

 

 

 

Net Prop Inc Margin

77.9

77.0

75.9

 

 

Dist. Payout Ratio

100.0

100.0

100.0

 

 

Get more in-depth analysis from DBS Research
Disclaimers and Important Notices


GENERAL DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER 

This report is prepared by 
DBS Bank LtdThis report is solely intended for the clients of DBS Bank Ltd, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd, its respective connected and associated corporations and affiliates only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form or by any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBS Bank Ltd.      

The research set out in this report is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we (which collectively refers to DBS Bank Ltd, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd, its respective connected and associated corporations, affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the “DBS Group”) have not conducted due diligence on any of the companies, verified any information or sources or taken into account any other factors which we may consider to be relevant or appropriate in preparing the research.  Accordingly, we do not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or correctness of the research set out in this report. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation. Any recommendation contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate independent legal or financial advice. The DBS Group accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect and/or consequential loss (including any claims for loss of profit) arising from any use of and/or reliance upon this document and/or further communication given in relation to this document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities. The DBS Group, along with its affiliates and/or persons associated with any of them may from time to time have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. The DBS Group, may have positions in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.

Any valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments herein constitutes a judgment as of the date of this report, and there can be no assurance that future results or events will be consistent with any such valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments. The information in this document is subject to change without notice, its accuracy is not guaranteed, it may be incomplete or condensed, it may not contain all material information concerning the company (or companies) referred to in this report and the DBS Group is under no obligation to update the information in this report. 

This publication has not been reviewed or authorized by any regulatory authority in Singapore, Hong Kong or elsewhere.
There is no planned schedule or frequency for updating research publication relating to any issuer. 

The valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments described in this report were based upon a number of estimates and assumptions and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. It can be expected that one or more of the estimates on which the valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments were based will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Therefore, the inclusion of the valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments described herein IS NOT TO BE RELIED UPON as a representation and/or warranty by the DBS Group (and/or any persons associated with the aforesaid entities), that: 

(a)   such valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments or their underlying assumptions will be achieved, and

(b)  there is any assurance that future results or events will be consistent with any such valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments stated therein.

Please contact the primary analyst for valuation methodologies and assumptions associated with the covered companies or price targets.

Any assumptions made in this report that refers to commodities, are for the purposes of making forecasts for the company (or companies) mentioned herein. They are not to be construed as recommendations to trade in the physical commodity or in the futures contract relating to the commodity referred to in this report. 

DBSVUSA, a US-registered broker-dealer, does not have its own investment banking or research department, has not participated in any public offering of securities as a manager or co-manager or in any other investment banking transaction in the past twelve months and does not engage in market-making.



General

This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. 

Australia

This report is being distributed in Australia by DBS Bank Ltd, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd (“DBSVS”) or DBSV HK. DBS Bank Ltd holds Australian Financial Services Licence no. 475946. 

DBS Bank Ltd, DBSVS and DBSV HK are exempted from the requirement to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence under the Corporation Act 2001 (“CA”) in respect of financial services provided to the recipients. Both DBS and DBSVS are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the laws of Singapore, and DBSV HK is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission under the laws of Hong Kong, which differ from Australian laws.

Distribution of this report is intended only for “wholesale investors” within the meaning of the CA. 

Hong Kong

This report has been prepared by a personnel of DBS Bank, who is not licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to carry on the regulated activity of advising on securities in Hong Kong pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). This report is being distributed in Hong Kong and is attributable to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (''DBS HK''), a registered institution registered with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to carry on the regulated activity of advising on securities pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch is a limited liability company incorporated in Singapore. 

For any query regarding the materials herein, please contact Dennis Lam (Reg No. AH8290) at [email protected] 

Indonesia

This report is being distributed in Indonesia by PT DBS Vickers Sekuritas Indonesia. 

Malaysia

This report is distributed in Malaysia by AllianceDBS Research Sdn Bhd ("ADBSR"). Recipients of this report, received from ADBSR are to contact the undersigned at 603-2604 3333 in respect of any matters arising from or in connection with this report. In addition to the General Disclosure/Disclaimer found at the preceding page, recipients of this report are advised that ADBSR (the preparer of this report), its holding company Alliance Investment Bank Berhad, their respective connected and associated corporations, affiliates, their directors, officers, employees, agents and parties related or associated with any of them may have positions in, and may effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment  banking/corporate advisory and other services for the subject companies. They may also have received compensation and/or seek to obtain compensation for broking, investment banking/corporate advisory and other services from the subject companies.                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               Wong Ming Tek, Executive Director, ADBSR 

Singapore

This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) or DBSVS (Company Regn No. 198600294G), both of which are Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBSVS, may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 6878 8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

Thailand

This report is being distributed in Thailand by DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) Co Ltd. 

For any query regarding the materials herein, please contact Chanpen Sirithanarattanakul at [email protected]

United Kingdom

This report is produced by DBS Bank Ltd which is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

This report is disseminated in the United Kingdom by DBS Bank Ltd, London Branch (“DBS UK”). DBS Bank Ltd is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS UK is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and is subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request.

In respect of the United Kingdom, this report is solely intended for the clients of DBS UK, its respective connected and associated corporations and affiliates only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form or by any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBS UK. This communication is directed at persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments. Any investment activity following from this communication will only be engaged in with such persons. Persons who do not have professional experience in matters relating to investments should not rely on this communication.

Dubai International Financial Centre

This communication is provided to you as a Professional Client or Market Counterparty as defined in the DFSA Rulebook Conduct of Business Module (the "COB Module"), and should not be relied upon or acted on by any person which does not meet the criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparty under the DFSA rules.

This communication is from the branch of DBS Bank Ltd operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (the "DIFC") under the trading name "DBS Bank Ltd. (DIFC Branch)" ("DBS DIFC"), registered with the DIFC Registrar of Companies under number 156 and having its registered office at units 608 - 610, 6th Floor, Gate Precinct Building 5, PO Box 506538, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

DBS DIFC is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (the "DFSA") with a DFSA reference number F000164. For more information on DBS DIFC and its affiliates, please see http://www.dbs.com/ae/our--network/default.page.

Where this communication contains a research report, this research report is prepared by the entity referred to therein, which may be DBS Bank Ltd or a third party, and is provided to you by DBS DIFC. The research report has not been reviewed or authorised by the DFSA. Such research report is distributed on the express understanding that, whilst the information contained within is believed to be reliable, the information has not been independently verified by DBS DIFC.

Unless otherwise indicated, this communication does not constitute an "Offer of Securities to the Public" as defined under Article 12 of the Markets Law (DIFC Law No.1 of 2012) or an "Offer of a Unit of a Fund" as defined under Article 19(2) of the Collective Investment Law (DIFC Law No.2 of 2010).

The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying this communication or any associated documents in connection with this investment and it is not subject to any form of regulation or approval by the DFSA. Accordingly, the DFSA has not approved this communication or any other associated documents in connection with this investment nor taken any steps to verify the information set out in this communication or any associated documents, and has no responsibility for them. The DFSA has not assessed the suitability of any investments to which the communication relates and, in respect of any Islamic investments (or other investments identified to be Shari'a compliant), neither we nor the DFSA has determined whether they are Shari'a compliant in any way.

Any investments which this communication relates to may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers should conduct their own due diligence on any investments. If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorised financial adviser.

United States

This report was prepared by DBS Bank Ltd.  DBSVUSA did not participate in its preparation.  The research analyst(s) named on this report are not registered as research analysts with FINRA and are not associated persons of DBSVUSA. The research analyst(s) are not subject to FINRA Rule 2241 restrictions on analyst compensation, communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst. This report is being distributed in the United States by DBSVUSA, which accepts responsibility for its contents. This report may only be distributed to Major U.S. Institutional Investors (as defined in SEC Rule 15a-6) and to such other institutional investors and qualified persons as DBSVUSA may authorize.  Any U.S. person receiving this report who wishes to effect transactions in any securities referred to herein should contact DBSVUSA directly and not its affiliate. 

Other jurisdictions

In any other jurisdictions, except if otherwise restricted by laws or regulations, this report is intended only for qualified, professional, institutional or sophisticated investors as defined in the laws and regulations of such jurisdictions. 




HONG KONG
DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd
Contact: Dennis Lam
13th Floor One Island East,
18 Westlands Road,
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: 852 3668 4181
Fax: 852 2521 1812
e-mail: [email protected]

SINGAPORE
DBS Bank Ltd
Contact: Andy Sim
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
Singapore 018982
Tel: 65 6878 8888
e-mail: [email protected]
Company Regn. No. 196800306E



INDONESIA
PT DBS Vickers Sekuritas (Indonesia)
Contact: Maynard Priajaya Arif
DBS Bank Tower
Ciputra World 1, 32/F
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5
Jakarta 12940, Indonesia
Tel: 62 21 3003 4900
Fax: 6221 3003 4943
e-mail: [email protected]



THAILAND
DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) Co Ltd
Contact: Chanpen Sirithanarattanakul
989 Siam Piwat Tower Building,
9th, 14th-15th Floor
Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan,
Bangkok Thailand 10330
Tel. 66 2 657 7831
Fax: 66 2 658 1269
e-mail: [email protected]
Company Regn. No 0105539127012
Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand