š Strong Financial Performance Amid Rising Demand
Centurion Corporation delivered a stellar financial performance for FY2024, driven by higher rental and occupancy rates in its worker dormitories. Revenue surged 22% y-o-y to $253.6 million, while net profit jumped 125% to $344.8 million, boosted by fair value gains. Excluding these gains, net profit rose 43% to $99.3 million.
š¹ Dividend Growth: Shareholders will receive a final dividend of 2 cents per share, bringing the total FY2024 payout to 3.5 cents, up from 2.5 cents in FY2023.
šļø Construction Boom Fuels Worker Dormitory Demand
With Singapore’s construction demand projected to hit $47B-$53B in 2025 (up from $44.2B in 2024), Centurion sees a positive demand-supply dynamic for its purpose-built worker accommodation (PBWA).
Centurionās Malaysia segment is also growing, with 7,000 new beds planned in Nusajaya, Iskandar & Johor. Meanwhile, Hong Kongās rising demand for Mainland workers adds another growth avenue.
š« Student Housing & Global Expansion
Beyond worker dorms, Centurion is thriving in student accommodation across Australia, the UK & the US, benefiting from higher occupancy & rental rates.
- UK: Rising international student intake boosts demand.
- Australia: Persistent student housing shortage drives rental growth.
- Hong Kong: The cityās push to become an education hub presents expansion opportunities.
- Melbourne & Sydney: Identified for future bed count expansion.
Additionally, Centurion is entering Chinaās build-to-rent (BTR) market via a partnership in Xiamen, catering to working professionals as China increases bank financing for rental housing projects.
š¢ Centurion Revives REIT Listing Plans
After a decade, Centurion is ready to spin off a REIT, leveraging its $2.5B assets under management (AUM), 69,929 beds, and 37 properties across six countries. CEO Kong Chee Min believes the time is right for this move.
Analysts React Positively:
- UOB Kay Hian (Adrian Loh): Raised target price to $1.16 (from $1.11), citing higher valuation at 8.7x earnings (up from 6.9x).
- RHB Bank Singapore (Alfie Yeo): Buy rating, $1.17 target price, citing stronger earnings outlook for FY2025-FY2026 due to an expanded bed capacity.
š Outlook: Growth on Multiple Fronts
With robust demand for worker housing, a growing student accommodation portfolio, and REIT plans on the horizon, Centurion is well-positioned for further expansion. Its global footprint, regulatory compliance, and strategic acquisitions make it a strong player in the rental housing market.
Thank you