Management is intending to maintain development starts and completion targets at US$2.2 billion and US$1.7 billion respectively. These amounts are largely unchanged from FY17 actual development starts and completion of US$2.2 billion and US$1.6 billion respectively. The value of development starts and completion are derived mainly from China and Japan markets as they remain as GLP’s key markets (83% of net assets as at 4Q17). We are expecting near term challenges in both China and Japan amid a growing supply of warehouse and logistics properties. Consequently, we are of the view that development profit in FY18 is unlikely to keep up, and projected to decline 13% YoY to US$233 million (FY17: US$266 million) based on a long term development margin of 25% (FY17: 28%).
GLP’s China portfolio performance weakened as lease ratio dipped 2 ppts to 85% while effective rent has dipped 1.8% QoQ to RMB1.04/SQM/day as certain markets in China continue to face rising vacancy rates which has been exerting pressure on rent. Management mentioned that they will be focused on boosting portfolio performance in occupancy and rental rates moving forward. While we are optimistic that vacancy rates could improve as 4Q17’s occupancy took a hit from a significant amount of space that required stabilisation, rents could continue to face pressure in the next few quarters as effective rent growth on renewal continues to dip (4Q17: 4% QoQ, 3Q17: 5.3% QoQ) despite more favourable market conditions.
GLP has syndicated its stake in GLP US Income Partners III (USIPIII) from 100% to 49.9% as at 31 March 2017, and is expected to further syndicate its stake to 9.7% by 2H18. Post-transaction, the Group’s cash position is expected to grow to US$1.3 billion where net gearing ratio is expected to drop to 17.7% (4Q17: 19.2%), giving it plenty of room to pursue acquisitions. GLP targets a net gearing ratio of 40%. Given the favourable and growing dynamics of logistics properties in European markets, we view that the management could look beyond its current key markets for growth opportunities.
Investment Actions
The Group is likely to face some near-term headwinds in the key markets of China and Japan amid a near term oversupply condition. However, given its exposure to the strong markets (Tier-1 and 1.5 cities) in China backed by a strong balance sheet to pursue growth, we opine that the impact is unlikely to be significant. We maintained our “Neutral” call with an upgraded TP of S$2.87, following the payback of capital securities which has boosted the Group’s net debt position.
Valuations
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