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Business Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Investors should be excited about Singapore's biggest Reit IPO in a decade – but not too excited
[SINGAPORE] Japanese telco Nippon Telegraph and Telephone's (NTT) NTT DC Reit is stirring up some excitement in Singapore's floundering equities market. The real estate investment trust (Reit), which launched its initial public offering (IPO) on Monday (Jul 7), is checking all the right boxes that make for great headlines – and attract investor interest. It is set to be the biggest Singapore-listed real estate investment trust (S-Reit) listing in over a decade. It is a pure-play data centre Reit, a sector which has demonstrated sizeable growth underpinned by scalable, long-term demand drivers, and is offering higher distribution yields than its peers. And, above all, it will have Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC in its corner as its second-largest unitholder. But investors should perhaps slightly temper their excitement. Following the offering, NTT DC Reit will have some 1.03 billion issued units, including those held by public and institutional investors, cornerstone investors and its sponsor, NTT Limited. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up At US$1 apiece, NTT DC Reit will come to market with a theoretical market capitalisation of US$1.03 billion (about S$1.3 billion). Putting things in perspective, this places NTT DC Reit at around the middle of the pack among its S-Reit peers. Singapore-listed Reits and business trusts on average have a market cap of about S$2.4 billion, according to Bloomberg data. The largest – CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust – boasts a market cap of around S$15.9 billion. Even among its pure-play data centre peers, NTT DC Reit will also be middling in terms of market size. Keppel DC Reit has a market cap of S$5 billion, and Digital Core Reit has a market cap of US$681.7 million. Other S-Reits with exposure to data centre assets include CapitaLand Ascendas Reit and Mapletree Industrial Trust, the market values of which stand at S$12.3 billion and S$5.7 billion, respectively. Bigger is better For investors both retail and institutional, there is no doubt that bigger is better. For example, it helps the listed company to be included in indices. Notably, NTT DC Reit's data centre peers Keppel DC Reit, CapitaLand Ascendas Reit and Mapletree Industrial Trust are constituents of Singapore's blue-chip Straits Times Index. 'There are merits to having a larger size,' said Masayuki Ozaki, chief financial officer of NTT DC Reit manager, at a briefing on Monday. 'There're a lot of conversations around that and the group ultimately decided on this US$1 billion market cap as a good bite size so that it's not too big for the market to absorb.' 'We're very cognisant of that as well, so we'll balance all that and make sure that this Reit is well managed and that it continues to grow,' he added. For better or worse, NTT DC Reit shares some similarities with the smallest of the S-Reit data centre plays, Digital Core Reit – at least on the surface. For one, both are owned by foreign companies with major data centre footprints. The sponsor of Digital Core Reit is New York-listed Digital Realty, the world's largest owner, operator and developer of data centres; the sponsor of NTT DC Reit, NTT Limited, is part of the NTT Group. The NTT Group, through its global data centre business NTT GDC, is the third-largest data centre provider globally, excluding China. Digital Core Reit's portfolio comprises 11 data centres in North America (US and Canada), Europe (Germany) and Asia (Japan), with assets under management worth about US$1.7 billion. NTT DC Reit's IPO portfolio comprises six data centres in North America (US), Europe (Austria) and Asia (Singapore), with an appraised value of around US$1.6 billion. The US makes up the largest geographical segment for both Reits. Both NTT DC Reit and Digital Core Reit will look attractive to yield hunters. NTT is forecasting an annualised distribution yield of 7.5 per cent for the nine months ended Mar 31, 2026, and projecting a distribution yield of 7.8 per cent for the following full year ended March 2027. This is higher than Digital Core Reit's indicative yield of 6.9 per cent, which is already higher than most S-Reit peers. Payout ratio may drop However, NTT DC Reit's yield might fall after the second year, as the forecast for 9M FY2025/26 and the projection for FY2026/27 are based on a 100 per cent payout of the income available for distribution. The Reit manager at the briefing indicated that the payout ratio could fall to the required 'at least 90 per cent' level after this period. Nonetheless, NTT DC Reit will be hoping to fare better than Digital Core Reit has in the market. Year to date, units of Digital Core Reit have fallen 9.5 per cent amid uncertainties in the US; since its IPO on the Singapore Exchange in December 2021, the counter has come down by 54.3 per cent. The NTT DC Reit manager believes that, backed by its strong sponsor, it has the potential to become among the largest Reits in the world. If fully acted upon, the sponsor right-of-first-refusal pipeline could contribute over 2,000 megawatts of additional IT capacity, potentially allowing NTT DC Reit to become the largest listed data centre Reit in the Asia-Pacific, the manager said. For now, it will be interesting to see how it gets there – if at all.
Hype Malaysia
12-05-2025
- Hype Malaysia
Star Voyager Set To Sail On 3-Night Cruises From Port Klang Starting 28th May, So Hop Aboard!
All aboard, fam! Marking a grand return to Malaysian waters, the revitalised StarCruises brand proudly announces the arrival of the Star Voyager at Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) on 28th May, just in time for the school holidays. With over 30 years of cruising excellence across Asia and beyond, StarCruises is set to rekindle the excitement of sea travel for Malaysian vacationers. The first sailing is scheduled to depart on 28th May, with three additional special sailings scheduled on 31st May, 3rd June, and 6th June 2025. These 3 Night Cruises offer a captivating itinerary from Port Klang to Medan and Singapore, before returning to Port Klang – perfect for families and holidaymakers seeking a short yet memorable getaway. Having undergone a US$50 million (RM215.8 million) transformation, the Star Voyager has been refurbished to offer guests a truly one-of-a-kind experience at sea. Every detail of the ship has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the onboard journey, promising a seamless blend of comfort, innovation, and elevated service. 4 Exclusive Departures From Port Klang Cruise Terminal Sail Dates: 28th & 31st May; 3rd & 6th June 2025 Celebrate your school holiday with your families and friends with an adventure at sea aboard the Star Voyager and enjoy a 3-night cruise to Medan and Singapore. Cruise Highlights: Sail The Straits & Discover Medan & Singapore In Comfort Depart from Port Klang and embark on a relaxing cruise to Medan, one of Indonesia's hidden gems. As the capital of North Sumatra, Medan offers a unique blend of colonial charm, cultural heritage and culinary delights. Explore the majestic Maimun Palace, a royal residence built in 1888 that showcases a mix of Malay, Islamic and European architecture. Visit the iconic Grand Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Al Mashun), known for its stunning design and peaceful ambiance. Don't miss tasting Medan's famed street food – try delights like Soto Medan, Bika Ambon, and Durian Ucok, a must for adventurous foodies. Next cruise destination is the vibrant city-state of Singapore, where you'll dock at the centrally located Singapore Cruise Centre. With direct access to HarbourFront Centre, VivoCity, and the MRT, you'll have seamless connections to Singapore's top attractions. Explore iconic landmarks like Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, or dive into cultural districts such as Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Shoppers will enjoy easy access to Orchard Road and a wide range of retail and dining options just steps from the port. The Star Voyager Experience In between destinations, the ship will be your 'home' for three nights with an abundance of chances to experience new things while at sea. Relax in the comfort of your own cabin with options ranging from Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, to the opulent Palace Suites, complete with exclusive access to private facilities, 24-hour butler service, and bespoke experiences. Onboard entertainment and activities abound, including: Adventure Park, Aqua Park & Waterslides Kids Waterpark & Rock-Climbing Wall Lawn Bowling, Ziplining & Thematic Events Live Performances at Zodiac Theatre Each cruise package offers a range of onboard accommodations tailored to your preferences, along with complimentary access to daily dining options, including a certified Halal menu at the designated venue in the Lido Restaurant. Enjoy a wealth of recreational facilities and live entertainment throughout your journey. Cruise fares begin at just RM939 per person based on twin sharing, providing exceptional value for an unforgettable school holiday getaway that seamlessly blends culture, cuisine, and comfort. Booking Information To reserve your voyage or learn more, contact StarCruises's local travel partners or visit
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Singapore Stocks Suffered a Bloodbath Last Friday: How Should Investors React?
The Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI), or STI, had been performing reasonably well this year until President Trump announced sweeping tariffs. As the US market plunged for two days in a row, the S&P 500 Index suffered a correction while the technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite Index plunged into a bear market. The STI was not spared, either, as it fell nearly 3% in its biggest one-day drop since the pandemic. Investors are naturally worried about the effects of these tariffs as they reverberate across the globe. How should investors react to this news? Should you sell all your stocks? The three local banks bore the brunt of the sell-off. DBS Group (SGX: D05) tumbled nearly 4.9% to S$43.30 while United Overseas Bank (SGX: U11) fell 3.9% to S$35.46. OCBC Ltd (SGX: O39) saw its share price slide 2.8% to S$16.62. Shipbuilders, which are highly exposed to global trade, also slumped in tandem with the bellwether blue-chip index's decline. Nam Cheong (SGX: 1MZ), a marine group specialising in the construction of offshore support vessels, saw its share price plunge 8.4% to S$0.53. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (SGX: BS6) slid 4% to S$2.17 while Seatrium (SGX: 5E2) fell 3% to S$1.94. Although semiconductors were spared from the tariffs for now, analysts believe that the sector could be subject to another round of tariffs for specific products. AEM Holdings (SGX: AWX) tumbled 3.1% to S$1.24 while UMS Integration (SGX: 558) saw its share price decline 2.8% to S$1.03. Fast-growing companies such as iFAST Corporation (SGX: AIY) were not spared from the carnage. The fintech saw its share price fall 4.1% to S$6.93 as investors fret over the pace of inflows following the comprehensive tariff announcement. With the US market suffering a second day of selling as China announced retaliatory tariffs of 34% on all US imports, Singapore could be in for another bout of selling when the markets open on Monday. The latest, and thus far most comprehensive, salvo from Trump seeks to upend years of free trade. It's still early days as countries reel from the impact of these punishing tariffs. Supply chains will be impacted and companies need time to assess the impact of these additional taxes. These tariffs are sure to increase the cost of production and distribution and cause significant disruption to many businesses' plans. There is also significant uncertainty as to how each country will respond to these tariffs, which are set to take effect on 9 April. Larger economies may choose to retaliate the slam the US with its own set of tariffs while smaller nations may choose to negotiate and broker a different arrangement. Trump says he is 'open to negotiations', signalling that these tariffs are not final and could be used as a bargaining tool for the US to gain the upper hand. No one knows what the next move will be for the notoriously unpredictable Trump, but investors are fearing a worst-case scenario where a widening trade war may trigger a global recession. In situations like these, it's recommended that investors keep a level head and continue to monitor and assess the developments. While fear and panic are natural emotions that you will experience in the face of growing uncertainty, the last thing you want to do is to sell all your stocks. Remember to check your investment thesis as to why you purchased these stocks in the first place. Companies with strong brands, sturdy business models and pricing power should eventually rise above these tariffs and stand tall above their competition. Yes, there will be a lot of short-term pain as companies react and adjust to the new reality of a possible trade war. But what you, as an investor, should do is carefully monitor companies' commentaries to see how they are coping with the tariffs and the strategies they intend to use to mitigate their impact. Stock markets go through various types of crises regularly. There was the global financial crisis back in 2008-2009 which was triggered by sub-prime mortgages. More recently, the pandemic also triggered a bear market as uncertainty reigned in 2020 over whether the COVID-19 virus could decimate the population. Throughout these crises, the market plunged and then recovered as strong companies continued to soldier on. Trump's tariffs are turning out to be a different type of crisis. As investors, you should keep calm, assess the situation, and continue to monitor the companies within your portfolio. With patience and tenacity, you can get through this crisis, just like how the previous ones were eventually resolved. First-time investors: We've finally released our beginner's guide to investing. Read it in an afternoon, follow the principles, pick an investing style and buy your first SGX stocks within the next few hours! Click here to download it for free. Follow us on Facebook and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! Disclosure: Royston Yang owns shares of DBS Group and iFAST Corporation. The post Singapore Stocks Suffered a Bloodbath Last Friday: How Should Investors React? appeared first on The Smart Investor.
