On the other hand, the REIT managed stronger same-store operating performance.
Operationally, portfolio revenue per available unit (RevPAU) grew 1% y-o-y to $137 on a same-store basis, driven by average daily rates (ADR) while occupancy was flat at 77%.
Distribution income for the quarter remained relatively stable due to top-ups from past divestment gains and lower interest costs.
In her April 27 note, Lim says that CLAS is not directly impacted by the Iran war as it does not have properties located in the Gulf Area.
As a source market, the Middle East makes up around 2% of total guests at its Ascott-managed properties.
However, second-order effects will likely take time to emerge and are challenging to quantify, and that the conflict, if prolonged will lead to higher airfares as jet fuel scarcity may weigh on long-haul travel demand, partially offset by stronger domestic and regional demand.
Meanwhile, CLAS has to manage lofty energy prices which will lead to higher operating costs. In FY2025, electricity made up around 4% of the REIT's operating costs.
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According to Lim, utility costs for master leases and living sector assets are largely borne by the master lessees and tenants, respectively. For management contracts and management contracts with minimum guaranteed income, CLAS has secured fixed rates with energy brokers until the end of 2026 in most instances.
As such, CLAS is looking to defer non-critical capex, and AEI schedules may be adjusted in view of potentially higher renovation costs.
"We think CLAS’s performance should remain resilient given its exposure to stable income sources," says Lim, referring to how 67% of CLAS's 1QFY2026 gross profit are as such.
Lim has kept her dividend per share forecast but has trimmed that of the coming FY2027's by 0.2%. She has also increased her cost of equity assumption to 7.7% on higher equity risk premium to account for uncertainties from the war.
CLAS, which last traded at 91 cents, is down 6.25% year to date.
