Commercial property investment firm Aspen Group has moved to reassure investors about its outlook, as its securities succumbed to the fallout in the property sector.
Aspen's stapled securities were down almost ten per cent, as the property sector continued to fall after shopping centre group Centro Properties said on Monday it has had trouble refinancing maturing debt and downgraded its distribution guidance. Centro securities were down a further 50 per cent today, after slumping 75 per cent Monday.
Aspen said it was looking forward to a "sound" fiscal 2008 first half result and confirmed its quarterly distribution guidance.
"Aspen believes it is particularly well positioned in the present economic backdrop and looking forward to announcing a sound half year result early in 2008," it said.
"The group confirms its December quarter distribution of 3.875 cents is to be paid on or about 23 January 2008."
Aspen's stapled securities were down 8.66 per cent, or 20 cents, to $2.11 at 1351 AEDT Tuesday, as the property sector continued to fall after shopping centre group Centro Properties said on Monday it has had trouble refinancing maturing debt and downgraded its distribution guidance.
Centro securities were down a further 42.65 per cent on Tuesday to 78 cents, after slumping 75 per cent Monday. The securities had hit an intraday low of 42 cents.
A number of other property trusts and investment funds have released earnings and distributions guidance.
Aspen also said it gearing was at 36 per cent, and within its long term range of 30 per cent to 40 per cent.
It had debt facilities of $218 million, comprising core debt of $130 million to funds its property portfolio and $88 million in variable rate facilities to fund acquisitions.
"The group's core debt is fully hedged against increases in interest rates with a weighted average expiry of three years," it said.
"Excluding the short term funding to Aspen unlisted funds, the group's long term core gearing would be 23 per cent." By CompareShares.com.au - for more articles like this click here. CompareShares.com.au is Australia's pre-eminent news and investing site for investors and traders, covering shares, superannuation, property, financial planning strategies and more.
14th-December-2007 |