“For 1Q 2017, China’s economy expanded 6.9% and retail sales grew 10.0%. This was in line with the Chinese government’s commitment to achieve stable growth and steer the economy towards a consumer-driven model. Against this backdrop, CRCT’s family-oriented shopping malls are well-positioned to benefit from the sustained increase in China’s domestic consumption.”
Mr Soh Kim Soon, Chairman
- 2.74 cents (1Q 2017)
CRCT’s 1Q 2017 net property income rises 15.1% year-on-year
Boosted by contribution from CapitaMall Xinnan
CapitaLand Retail China Trust Management Limited (CRCTML), the manager of CapitaLand Retail China Trust (CRCT), announced today that it registered net property income (NPI) of RMB194.9 million for the period 1 January to 31 March 2017 (1Q 2017), 15.1% higher than the RMB169.4 million for the corresponding period in 2016 (1Q 2016). The increase was mainly due to the contribution from CapitaMall Xinnan which was acquired on 30 September 2016, partially offset by the additional tax provision for Beijing malls due to a change from cost to revenue basis effective 1 July 2016.
In SGD terms, distributable income for the quarter was S$24.4 million, 5.0% higher than the S$23.2 million a year ago. Distribution per unit was 2.74 Singapore cents, 1.1% higher than 1Q 2016. Based on CRCT’s closing price of S$1.515 on 21 April 2017, the annualised distribution yield for 1Q 2017 was 7.3%.
Mr Soh Kim Soon, Chairman of CRCTML, said: “For 1Q 2017, China’s economy expanded 6.9% and retail sales grew 10.0%. This was in line with the Chinese government’s commitment to achieve stable growth and steer the economy towards a consumer-driven model. Against this backdrop, CRCT’s family-oriented shopping malls are well-positioned to benefit from the sustained increase in China’s domestic consumption.”
Mr Tan Tze Wooi, CEO of CRCTML, said: “CRCT’s performance for 1Q 2017 was lifted mainly by contribution from newly acquired CapitaMall Xinnan, which notched up its committed occupancy to 99.6% from 98.2% as at 31 December 2016. Proactive lease management to refresh CapitaMall Xinnan’s tenant mix is progressing ahead of schedule and new tenants, such as popular restaurants Lei Men Ramen and Dou Wa, will start contributing income from the second half of this year. Our performance was also boosted by CapitaMall Minzhongleyuan which recorded year-on-year increases of more than 90% and over 60% in shopper traffic and tenants’ sales respectively, after the reopening of Zhongshan Avenue enhanced its accessibility. As at 31 March 2017, CRCT’s portfolio occupancy was 96.2%, an improvement over the 95.9% at the end of last quarter.
“As part of proactive asset management, we also undertook unit reconfiguration works in our malls to maximise their value. At CapitaMall Grand Canyon, we added more than 600 square metres of retail space, mainly from converting underutilised common area on levels one to three. Well-known brands in fashion, sporting goods and food & beverages brought in to occupy the new space increased the reconfigured zone’s rental income by about 24%, and helped to diversify the mall’s offerings and drive shopper traffic. Looking ahead, we will continue to optimise the retail mix in our malls and strengthen their appeal so as to further enhance unitholders’ value.”
Revenue and net property income
In RMB terms
For 1Q 2017, gross revenue increased RMB34.3 million, or 13.4% over 1Q 2016. This was mainly due to the contribution from CapitaMall Xinnan, which was acquired on 30 September 2016. NPI grew by RMB25.5 million or 15.1% over the corresponding period in 2016.
In SGD terms
Gross revenue for 1Q 2017 rose by S$4.5 million, or 8.2% compared to 1Q 2016, while NPI grew by S$3.6 million 9.8% year-on-year, mainly due to a weaker RMB against SGD.
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Important Notice and Disclaimer
This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Representative examples of these factors include (without limitation) general industry and economic conditions, interest rate trends, cost of capital and capital availability, competition from other developments or companies, shifts in expected levels of occupancy rate, property rental income, charge out collections, changes in operating expenses (including employee wages, benefits and training costs), governmental and public policy changes and the continued availability of financing in the amounts and the terms necessary to support future business. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on the current view of management on future events.
The information contained in this release has not been independently verified. No representation or warranty expressed or implied is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information or opinions contained in this release. Neither CapitaLand Retail China Trust Management Limited (the “Manager”) or any of its affiliates, advisers or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising, whether directly or indirectly, from any use, reliance or distribution of this release or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with this release.
The past performance of CapitaLand Retail China Trust (“CRCT”) is not indicative of the future performance of CRCT. Similarly, the past performance of the Manager is not indicative of the future performance of the Manager.
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