Technical Analysis of FTSE ST REIT Index (FSTAS8670)

FTSE ST Real Estate Investment Trusts (FTSE ST REIT Index) has little changes from 837.43 to 835.40  (-0.35%) compared to last month update. REIT Index has rebounded c43% as of Aug 16 from the bottom on Mar 23, 2020.

Currently the REIT index is currently trading on sideway consolidation, sandwiched between 800 support and 860 resistance. There is a Bollinger Band Squeeze with very tight range and low volatility on FTSE ST REIT Index. The index can start big move in either direction.

As for now, Short term direction: Sideway.

Previous chart on FTSE ST REIT index can be found in the last post Singapore REIT Fundamental Comparison Table on July 12, 2020.

Fundamental Analysis of 41 Singapore REITs

The following is the compilation of 41 REITs in Singapore with colour coding of the Distribution Yield, Gearing Ratio and Price to NAV Ratio.

• Note 1: The Financial Ratio are based on past data and there are lagging indicators.
• Note 2: This REIT table takes into account the dividend cuts due to COVID-19 outbreak. Yield is calculated trailing twelve months (ttm), therefore REITs with delayed payouts might have lower displayed yields, thus yield displayed might be lower.

• Price/NAV decreased from 0.93 to 0.92 (Singapore Overall REIT sector is undervalued now).
• Distribution Yield increased from 5.31% to 6.56% (take note that this is lagging number with better visibility after Q2 earning release). About 43.9% of Singapore REITs (18 out of 41) have Distribution Yield > 7%. Do note that these yield numbers are based on current prices taking into account delayed distribution/dividend cuts due to COVID-19.
• Gearing Ratio maintains increase slightly from 36.47% to 36.61%.  In general, Singapore REITs sector gearing ratio is healthy. Note: Gearing may be affected (ie. potential increase) as the valuation of the portfolio would be reduced.
• The most overvalued REITs are Keppel DC REIT (Price/NAV = 2.50), followed by Mapletree Industrial Trust (Price/NAV = 1.84), Parkway Life (Price/NAV = 1.82), Mapletree Logistic Trust (Price/NAV = 1.67) and Ascendas REIT (Price/NAV = 1.62).
• The most undervalued REITs (based on NAV) are Eagle Hospitality Trust* (Price/NAV =0.17), followed by ARA Hospitality Trust (Price/NAV = 0.44), Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust (Price/NAV = 0.44), Far East HT (Price/NAV = 0.58) and Starhill Global (Price/NAV = 0.55)
• The Highest Distribution Yield (TTM) is First REIT (11.09%), followed by Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust (10.83%), Prime US REIT (8.66%), ARA Hospitality Trust (8.38%) and Cromwell REIT (8.59%). Reminder that these yield numbers are based on current prices taking into account delayed distribution/dividend cuts due to COVID-19. Some REITs opted for semi annual reporting and thus no quarterly DPU was announced.
• The Highest Gearing Ratio REITs are ARA US Hospitality Trust (42.5%), ESR REIT (41.8%), Suntec REIT (41.3%), ARA Logos Log Trust (40.4%) (previously Cache Log Trust) and OUE Commercial REIT (40.1%)
• Top 5 REITs with biggest market capitalisation are Ascendas REIT ($12.5B), Mapletree Logistics Trust ($8.1B), CapitaMall Trust ($6.9B), Mapletree Commercial Trust ($6.3B) and Capitaland Commercial Trust ($6.3B)
• The bottom 3 REITs with smallest market capitalisation are Eagle Hospitality Trust ($119M), BHG Retail REIT ($290M), United Hamsphire REIT ($286M), ARA Hospitality Trust ($264M) and Elite Commercial REIT ($401M)
• *Eagle Hospitality Trust is currently suspended

Disclaimer: The above table is best used for “screening and shortlisting only”. It is NOT for investing (Buy / Sell) decision. To learn how to use the table and make investing decision, Sign up next REIT Investing Workshop here to learn how to choose a fundamentally strong REIT for long term investing for passive income generation.

Top 20 Performance of the Month (Source: https://stocks.cafe/kenny/free)

REIT Sectors Performance (Source: https://stocks.cafe/kenny/overview)

Singapore SIBOR Rate Watch

• 1 month stays at 0.25000%
• 3 month decreases from 0.43900% to 0.43775%
• 6 month decreases from 0.62450% to 0.62375%
• 12 month decreases from 0.96725% to 0.87550%

Summary

Fundamentally the whole Singapore REITs is undervalued now based on simple average on the Price/NAV. The REIT index is powered by the big cap Industrial sectors such as Keppel DC REIT, Ascendas REIT, Mapletree Industrial Trust and Mapletree Logistic Trust. See 4 Heavenly Kings REIT here.  Retail & Hospitality sectors, small & medium cap REITs are very attractive based on the NAV. However, do take note that NAV would probably be adjusted downward caused by the devaluation of property value. We have already seen the NAV of some REITs are adjusted downward and the increase of gearing ratio, from the latest earning release or business update.

Yield spread (reference to 10 year Singapore government bond of 0.895%) has increased from 4.414% to 5.665%. The risk premium are still attractive to accumulate Singapore REITs in stages to lock in the current price and long term yield after the recovery.

Technically the REIT Index is currently trading on sideway consolidation with low volatility until the breakout either above 860 resistance and 800 support. Current macro factors such as low interest rate environment and recovery of global economic support the bullish breakout.

Note: This above analysis is for my own personal research and it is NOT a buy or sell recommendation. Investors who would like to leverage on my extensive research and years on REIT investing experience can approach me separately for REIT Portfolio Consultation.