It’s time once again for corporate updates from three companies — a real estate investment manager, a growth company in the technology field, and a REIT.
CapitaLand Investment (SGX: 9CI)
CapitaLand Investment, or CLI, has seen its shares surge since its debut on 20 September.
On Tuesday, the group announced that its wholly-owned lodging unit, The Ascott, has formed a strategic partnership with Sun Group, one of Vietnam’s largest real estate developers.
Together, they will manage one of Vietnam’s largest serviced residence integrated development — Tay Ho View Complex in Hanoi.
For context, Ascott will manage 1,905 units across three distinct brands — The Crest Collection (28 units), Ascott the Residence (1,167 units), and Citadines Apart’hotel (710 units).
These three serviced residences are slated to open in phases from the first quarter of 2023.
Facilities in all three properties include residents’ lounges, a reading room, and a gymnasium, and residents will also have access to high-end, Michelin-starred restaurants.
With these additions, Ascott’s portfolio in Vietnam now comprises around 9,200 lodging units in 30 properties across 12 cities in Vietnam.
The CEO of CLI’s Lodging Unit, Kevin Goh, remarked that strategic collaborations are a key growth strategy for Ascott and are in line with CLI’s vision to go asset-light and grow its portfolio of recurring fee income.
AIMS APAC REIT (SGX: O5RU)
AIMS APAC REIT owns a diversified portfolio of 28 properties in the industrial, logistics, and business park space.
26 properties are located throughout Singapore, one is in Queensland, Australia, while the REIT owns a 49% interest in Optus Centre located in Macquarie Park in New South Wales, Australia.
The REIT recently announced earnings for its fiscal 2022 first half (1H2022) for the period ended 30 September 2021.
Gross revenue increased by 13% year on year to S$65.2 million while net property income jumped by 19.4% year on year to S$47.7 million.
Distribution per unit increased by 18.8% year on year to S$0.0475.
At AIMS APAC REIT’s closing unit price of S$1.50, annualised dividend yield stands at around 6.3%.
The REIT has one of the lowest gearing ratios among all S-REITs at just 24.7% as of 30 September 2021, while the interest coverage ratio is healthy at 4.5 times.
Its overall blended cost of debt is 2.8% with an average maturity of 2.1 years.
AIMS APAC REIT’s portfolio occupancy remains high at 97.3% with a weighted average lease expiry of close to four years.
The REIT has significant redevelopment opportunities within its portfolio, with a large portion of its Singapore properties having under-utilised plot ratios.
If redeveloped, this could unlock potential untapped gross floor area of more than 500,000 square feet.
Nanofilm Technologies International Ltd (SGX: MZH)
Nanofilm Technologies is a provider of nanotechnology solutions in Asia across a wide range of industries.
The group has three main business units — advanced materials, nanofabrication, and industrial equipment.
On Thursday, Nanofilm announced that it has appointed Gary Ho as its new CEO, with effect from 1 January 2022.
He is the current deputy CEO and chief commercial officer for the group and has been providing strategic and operational guidance to its various business units as well as spearheading business development for the group.
Recall that nearly four months ago, Nanofilm’s then-CEO Lee Liang Huang had resigned due to personal reasons. Founder and executive chairman Shi Xu then took over as interim CEO until a replacement could be found.
At the same time, Nanofilm has also provided a quick business update.
The group is building its revenue pipeline for its fiscal 2021 third quarter (3Q2021), with multiple projects under development and new product introductions that should boost revenue for 4Q2021.
Its largest division, Advanced Materials, faced short-term supply chain disruptions but still saw strong demand.
Its peak period has been delayed to 4Q2021 and may spill over into next year.
Its joint venture with Temasek, Sydrogen, has been completed and is working towards its maiden revenue contribution next year.
Meanwhile, the group has also been active on the mergers and acquisitions front.
It agreed to fully acquire Miller Technologies Pte Ltd, a supplier for computer numerical control (CNC) parts and components.
Through this acquisition, Nanofilm can enjoy cost savings on such parts for use in its manufacturing processes.
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Disclaimer: Royston Yang does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.
