Frasers Commercial Trust: Results slightly below expectation due to higher interest cost

Operationally weaker yoy. FCOT reported 1Q09 results which were slightly below expectations. Gross revenues and NPI fell by 16-17% yoy to S$24m and S$18.7m respectively on the back of (i) weaker earnings from its Australian properties due to weaker forex and loss of income support from Central Park, (ii) lower draw-down of income support from Keypoint (S$0.9m vs S$2.3m in 1Q08) and (iii) lower contribution from Cosmo Plaza due to the loss of a major tenant.

Further DPU erosion from increasing interest cost. DPU of 0.72 Scts for 1Q09 (-56% yoy, -47% qoq) was largely due to higher than projected interest cost on the extension of its debt facility. Our forward FY09-10 DPU estimates are adjusted downwards to 3.4cts to reflect higher interest cost on its debt.

Writing down a further S$143m off book. FCOT recorded a further devaluation of its portfolio in 1Q09, a reflection of an updated realizable value of its properties in current environment. Management believes that further write-down of its property value is unlikely in the immediate term. NAV is adjusted downwards to S$0.79. As a result, gearing level is hiked up to 58%.

19% of space up for renewal in remaining quarters. A majority of expiring leases are from Keypoint which has an average passing rent of S$4.45 psf pm, we expect continued positive rental reversions given its low base.

Maintain HOLD, TP S$0.18. We believe that improving its balance sheet strength will remain key for a possible re-rating of the stock in the near term. Maintain HOLD, TP S$0.18 based on DCF. FCOT currently offers a prospective FY09-10F yield of 19%.

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