CapitaLand Investment Ltd, one of Asia’s largest property investors, has flagged potential losses as it works to reduce its exposure to China’s troubled real estate market.
The Singapore-based firm plans to cut its China exposure to 10-20% of its targeted S$200 billion in funds under management by 2028. Currently, 27% of its S$113 billion portfolio is tied to China. This transition could result in “fair value or divestment losses” that impact its near-to-medium-term earnings, the company said during its Investor Day presentation on Friday.
Key Points
- China Exposure Reduction: CapitaLand aims to decrease reliance on China, citing years-long real estate downturns that have hurt investments in office space and malls.
- Current Divestment Progress: Of the S$4.6 billion in divestments this year, most assets sold were in Singapore and Japan, with limited sales in China.
- Target Adjustments: The company plans to divest about S$1 billion in China this year, but as of early November, only S$300 million has been sold, according to Citigroup estimates.
Strategic Outlook
CapitaLand is focusing on growth outside China, including a recent acquisition of SC Capital Partners Group, a Japan-focused property investor. It is also exploring new real estate investment trust (REIT) listings in Australia, China, and India.
The company aims to double operating earnings to over S$1 billion by 2028-2030 while ceasing to issue divestment targets from 2025.
Market Impact
CapitaLand’s struggles with its China portfolio have weighed on its stock, which has fallen 12% year-to-date, compared to a 16% gain in Singapore’s benchmark equity index.
As CapitaLand shifts focus to diversify its global investments, its move to scale down exposure in the world’s second-largest economy marks a critical pivot for its long-term strategy.
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