Citi maintains neutral stance on Keppel REIT stock with SGD0.90 target

Published 27/01/2025, 18:22
Citi maintains neutral stance on Keppel REIT stock with SGD0.90 target

Despite these positive aspects, the report expressed caution regarding Keppel REIT (OTC:KREVF)'s future share price performance. High leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, was cited as a potential constraint. InvestingPro analysis reveals a concerning current ratio of 0.25, indicating potential liquidity challenges. Additionally, the current state of the office market cycle, which is perceived to be at or near its peak, could limit the upside for Keppel REIT's stock.

Despite these positive aspects, the report expressed caution regarding Keppel REIT's future share price performance. High leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, was cited as a potential constraint. InvestingPro analysis reveals a concerning current ratio of 0.25, indicating potential liquidity challenges. Additionally, the current state of the office market cycle, which is perceived to be at or near its peak, could limit the upside for Keppel REIT's stock.

The Citi report further detailed the CEO's plan to alter the management fee structure, moving from the current model where no fees are received in cash to a new framework where 25% would be cash-based. This change is seen as a move to align the management's interests more closely with those of shareholders.

Despite these positive aspects, the report expressed caution regarding Keppel REIT's future share price performance. High leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, was cited as a potential constraint. InvestingPro analysis reveals a concerning current ratio of 0.25, indicating potential liquidity challenges. Additionally, the current state of the office market cycle, which is perceived to be at or near its peak, could limit the upside for Keppel REIT's stock.

Citi's analysis suggests that while Keppel REIT has solid fundamentals and has taken steps to improve transparency and management fee structures, external factors such as market cycles and debt levels could temper stock performance. As a result, the Neutral rating and price target have been reiterated, signaling a stance of watchful waiting on the part of the analysts.

In other recent news, Keppel (OTC:KPELY) DC REIT experienced a significant upgrade from Goldman Sachs, moving from a Sell to a Neutral rating. This change was influenced by the positive developments in Singapore's data center market, where prices have surged by 39% from 2020 to October 2024. Keppel DC REIT, holding a majority of its assets in Singapore, is seen as well-situated in this growing market, particularly following the recent renewal of two key leases at an over 40% rent reversion.

The upgrade by Goldman Sachs takes into account a higher rent reversion of 20-30% for Singapore assets, leading to a hike in FY24-26 distribution per unit (DPU) estimates by 1-4%. This adjustment anticipates DPU growth of 5% and 9% over FY25E/26E. The revised 12-month DDM-based target price of SGD2.24, up from the previous SGD1.79, suggests a 2.5% upside from the current valuation.

These recent developments underscore Keppel DC REIT's strong position in the Singapore market and the expected growth in rental income due to favorable market conditions and strategic lease renewals. The upgrade and new price target imply that Keppel DC REIT is anticipated to maintain a steady performance in the coming years, as demand for data center services in Singapore continues to escalate. The revisions to the DPUs reflect confidence in the REIT's capacity to leverage current market trends and deliver value to its investors.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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