In general, Healthcare REITs have the lowest risk levels in terms of revenue generation. But there is also the inflexibility risks per say - Due to regulations, there is little chance of changing the asset usage or even the operator (ie. customer of the REIT). Finally, one also can't kick out the patients or the residents in the aging home (ie. customers of the customer of the REIT), like you would to a defaulting tenant who rented your shoplot, factory space or AirBnB.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON 21 APRIL 2025 RESPONSES TO THE SUBSTANTIAL AND RELEVANT QUESTIONS
When the tenant encountered financial difficulties initially, the REIT had worked out a catchup payment plan to provide a temporary cash flow relief for the tenant to ensure no disruption to the services provided to the senior residents staying in the properties. The tenant had initially made payment in line with the payment plan but subsequently fall behind. The REIT promptly took tough action and filed bankruptcy against the tenant when they lagged behind in their payments. The court has already sentenced bankruptcy on the tenant and bankruptcy proceedings have commenced.
As the REIT has fully utilised the three months’ security deposit against the rent arrears, an allowance for doubtful debt of
S$472,000 on the remaining rent arrears for the two properties (Kikuya Warakuen and Sanko) of about six months was provided as of 31 December 2024.
Currently, a replacement operator has been secured and ready to take over the operations. The REIT is negotiating with the various stakeholders to ensure that the transfer of operations can be carried out without disruption to the residents. A provision has been made for prudence as the transfer of nursing home operations is subject to the bankruptcy proceedings and approval from the local government.
The REIT regularly monitors the financial health of the operators. When the operators face issues, the REIT will work closely with them to help them and also ensure that the lease obligations continue to be fulfilled. On the other hand, the REIT also engages with potential replacement operators to take over the nursing home operations if necessary. Given that the Japan nursing home market is mature with many operators, it is always possible to find another operator willing to take over. Upon agreement between the current operator, replacement operator and the landlord, approval from the relevant authority will be sought to effect the transfer of operation.
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