Keppel REIT announces on 17th January 2016 that it has divested 100% of its interest in 77 King Street, Sydney, Australia for A$160 million. The news came one day before Keppel REIT announces its financial results on 18th January 2016.
77 King Street is a freehold Grade A commercial building in Sydney’s Central Business District. 77 King Street comprises 18 levels of offices and two basement levels of retail space. Its tenants include Apple, Facebook and Capgemini.
According to the news released on Keppel REIT website, the sale was 40% of the original purchase price of A$116 million in year 2010. The buyer is ARE Noble Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Invesco Asia Core Fund. The proceeds from the sale will be used to pay off existing debts and used for future investment opportunities.
With the divestment of 77 King Street, below is the updated portfolio of Keppel REIT.
Singapore
- Bugis Junction Towers
- Marina Bay Financial Centre
- One Raffles Quay
- Ocean Financial Centre
Australia
- 8 Chifley Square, Sydney
- 8 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
- 275 George Street, Brisbane
- Office Tower on the Old Treasury Building site, Perth
Some positive points to note from 3Q2015 results (Keppel REIT announces DPU of 1.70 cents for 3Q2015).
They are:
- 70% of total leases are not due for renewal till 2018 and beyond.
- Positive rent reversion averaging 16% for office leases signed, renewed and reviewed year‐to‐date
- 25‐year long lease in the fourth quarter of 2015 (“4Q 2015”) for Old Treasury Building site in Perth. The tenant is the Government of Western Australia (WA).
In my personal opinion and observation, as compared to year 2014, the full year DPU for Keppel REIT is expected to be lower in 2015.