$484m Gain In Value Of A-Reit Properties

Source : The Business Times, March 28, 2008

The trust attributes the 14.2% surge to improving industrial property market

ASCENDAS Real Estate Investment Trust (A-Reit) said yesterday the book value of its investment properties rose $483.6 million - about 14.2 per cent - during the latest annual valuation exercise.

A-Reit attributed the increase - from the previous book value at Feb 29, 2008 - to an improving industrial property market, which has led to higher occupancy and higher rents across its portfolio.

The latest valuations will be reflected in A-Reit’s financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2008, the trust said.

Valuations were revised upwards across all sectors, with the business & science parks sector registering the largest appreciation of $244.4 million.

Properties in the high-tech industrial sector appreciated $116.5 million, while those in the light industrial sector (including flatted factories) and logistics & distribution centres registered gains of $60.2 million and $63.2 million respectively.

A-Reit’s third development property - HansaPoint@CBP, which was completed in January 2008 - appreciated by $43.2 million, or 166 per cent, from its development cost. Post-revaluation, the annualised net property income yield of the property portfolio is about 6.4 per cent, which is in line with the prevailing market, A-Reit said.

The adjusted net asset value, based on the Dec 31, 2007 balance sheet, will be $1.85 per unit.

The valuations were done by DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, CB Richard Ellis, Chesterton and Jones Lang LaSalle, A-Reit said.

The trust said the increases in valuation are testament to the ‘manager’s proactive asset management strategies in maintaining high occupancy rates and the manager’s ability to deliver value to unit-holders by pursuing attractive acquisitions and development opportunities while maintaining a disciplined approach to ensure risks are mitigated’.

A-Reit’s shares closed nine cents higher at $2.29 yesterday. The stock price has shed 6.9 per cent since the start of the year.