CapitaLand Ascott Trust H1 DPS falls 1% to S$0.0253

[SINGAPORE] The manager of CapitaLand Ascott Trust (Clas) on Tuesday (Jul 29) posted a 1 per cent drop in distribution per stapled security (DPS) to S$0.0253 for its first half ended Jun 30, from S$0.0255 in the previous corresponding period.

Revenue for the first half inched up 3 per cent to S$398.5 million from S$386.4 million in the year-ago period.

Gross profit rose 6 per cent, to S$182.5 million from S$172.9 million previously.

The higher gross profit and revenue were mainly attributed to stronger operating performance, a portfolio reconstitution strategy and asset enhancement initiatives.

H1’s total distribution was largely unchanged on the year, at S$96.49 million, compared to S$96.47 million.

The distribution will be paid out on Aug 29, after the record date of Aug 6.