Mapletree Industrial Trust Reports 5% Net Profit Growth in 2QFY24/25, Boosted by Data Center Expansion

Mapletree Industrial Trust Financial Analysis Report for 2QFY24/25

Report Date: 29 October 2024
Reporting Period: 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024 (2QFY24/25) and Half-Year from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 (1HFY24/25).

Business Description

Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the Singapore Exchange. The trust primarily invests in income-generating industrial properties in Singapore and data centers globally. As of 30 September 2024, MIT’s assets include:

Property Segments: Data Centres, Hi-Tech Buildings, Business Park Buildings, Flatted Factories, Stack-up/Ramp-up Buildings, and Light Industrial Buildings.
Geographic Distribution: Singapore (48.6%), North America (45.9%), and Japan (5.5%).
Portfolio Scale: 140 properties with a book value of approximately S$8.9 billion, including a recent acquisition in Tokyo.

Industry Position and Competitive Landscape

MIT holds a robust position within the industrial and data center REIT sector. Key competitors include other REITs focused on industrial properties and data centers, such as Ascendas REIT and Keppel DC REIT. MIT’s substantial exposure to data centers, a high-demand sector with limited supply in regions like Japan, provides a competitive advantage.

Financial Statement Analysis

Income Statement

Gross Revenue: S$181.4 million, a 4.2% increase year-on-year, driven by new leases and contributions from Osaka Data Centre.
Net Property Income: S$134.5 million, up 4.6% due to higher occupancy and rental rates, offset partially by higher property taxes and maintenance costs.
Profit Attributable to Unitholders: Increased by 5.1% to S$95.7 million, illustrating effective cost management despite rising expenses.

Balance Sheet

Total Assets: S$8.6 billion, a slight decrease from March 2024.
Total Liabilities: Increased to S$3.42 billion, mainly due to higher borrowing costs from the recent Tokyo acquisition.
Net Asset Value per Unit: Declined to S$1.72 from S$1.76, attributed to increased liabilities and retained earnings reduction through distributions.

Cash Flow Statement

Operating Cash Flow: Positive at S$240.3 million, reflecting strong rental income despite higher operating costs.
Investing Activities: Cash outflows of S$49.4 million due to asset acquisitions and property enhancements.
Financing Activities: Net outflow of S$174 million, primarily from distributions to unitholders and debt servicing costs.

Dividend and Distribution

Distribution per Unit (DPU): Increased by 1.5% year-on-year to 3.37 cents for 2QFY24/25, translating to a half-year DPU of 6.80 cents. The DRP (Distribution Reinvestment Plan) will be retained to enhance MIT’s liquidity for further investments.

Key Findings for Investor Action

Steady Revenue Growth: MIT’s revenue and net income growth are attributed to the strategic expansion of data centers, such as the Osaka facility, which positions it well in a high-growth sector. This is a compelling reason for investors to consider MIT for potential capital appreciation and steady income.
Higher Borrowing Costs and Increased Liabilities: Rising costs associated with debt (related to recent acquisitions) and increasing interest rates may impact future cash flows. This risk, however, is partly mitigated by the DRP retention strategy and stable occupancy levels.
Strong Occupancy and Demand for Data Centers: MIT reported a quarter-on-quarter occupancy increase to 92.9%, driven by a stable demand for data center spaces, particularly in Japan and North America. This signals long-term revenue stability and supports income sustainability.
Investment in Growth and Expansion: The recent Tokyo acquisition offers redevelopment potential into a data center, supporting MIT’s growth strategy in the high-demand data center industry.

Recommendation

For Existing Investors: Hold the stock to benefit from steady returns and potential capital gains from the expansion into high-growth sectors like data centers.
For New Investors: Consider buying MIT units, especially if seeking exposure to industrial and data center assets with high demand in Asia-Pacific and North America.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on financial data for 2QFY24/25 provided in MIT’s financial reports. It does not account for external economic factors. Investors are advised to perform additional due diligence or consult with a financial advisor.