PORTFOLIO ACQUISITION IN AUSTRALIA
An interesting development : Sim Lian buys 5 small local shopping centers, anchored with Woolworths supermarkets.
http://infopub.sgx.com/Apps?A=COW_Corpor...140224.pdf
- 4 are operating, 1 is in construction.
- overall acquisition is A$133 millions, ie about 16-17% of market capitalization.
- no immediate impact on NTA or NAV.
- financing : cash + debt (Sim Lian had until now very little debt ; net gearing on 30/6/2013 was close to nil.) On 31/12/2013, the Company had about S$260 millions in cash.
- the document emitted by the Company speaks of a net profit before tax of S$ 7 millions (with only the current 4 operating centers ? Or is it an estimation for the 5, after the fifth is operating ?). That is about A$ 6,15 millions. 6,15/133 gives something like 4,6%. Not huge.
-> I think that
- diversification is wise ;
- Australia is now attractive ;
- this move confirms my understanding that the optic of the directors is
patrimonial over a medium term.
-> I subscribe to the move. (vested)