Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link REIT) is the only internally managed, the most liquid and the largest REIT in Asia in terms of market capitalisation. It is managed by Link Asset Management Limited, a leading real estate investor and asset manager in the world. Since its listing in 2005 as the first REIT in Hong Kong (Hong Kong stock code: 823), Link REIT has been 100% held by public and institutional investors.
Starting as an owner and manager of a portfolio of shopping centres and car parks in Hong Kong valued at about HK$33 billion at its IPO, we have transformed into a market leader with a diversified portfolio worth over HK$240 billion*, including retail facilities, car parks, offices and logistics assets which span Hong Kong, Mainland China, Australia’s Sydney and Melbourne, Singapore and the UK’s London. (*As of 31 March 2023)
Link REIT is a constituent of the Hong Kong securities market benchmark Hang Seng Index, as well as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index, the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index.
Link 1.0Building Three Core Competences |
Link 2.0Portfolio Diversification and Optimisation |
Link 3.0New Phase of Sustainable Growth |
|
We focused on building up our core competences in asset management, capital management and portfolio management. Asset enhancement was the most important topic we had to address following our listing in 2005 as we aimed to provide high-quality public spaces and to better serve the Hong Kong community. We initiated a series of asset enhancement initiatives, including placemaking, thematic makeover, as well as improvement in shopping experience, accessibility and tenant mix, supported by extensive market research and agile management. As a result, shoppers in our neighbourhood had more affordable choices of products and services and tenants saw their sales increase. |
Approaching the 10th anniversary of Link REIT’s listing, we incrementally diversified our asset class exposure across multiple markets including Mainland China and overseas to ensure there were drivers for future growth. We broadened our investment models to include joint ventures, minority ownership and development projects. We also initiated the capital recycling and reallocation programme to ensure our portfolio quality and maintain a robust capital structure. |
We remain committed to pursuing sustainable growth. In addition to our continuous effort to drive organic growth through active asset management, we aim to optimise our portfolio and diversify our source of income. We will actively consider accretive investments and asset recycling. We also plan to introduce an asset-lighter approach by working with capital partners to grow our assets under management and management fee income. We aim to focus on the Asia Pacific region and explore opportunities across multiple asset classes. We will continue to manage our cost of funding and financial risks through prudent capital management, as well as to uphold our ESG and sustainability stewardship. In our growth journey, we will further expand our capabilities and aspire to become a “Trusted Partner in APAC Real Estate”. |
Link’s Chief Executive Officer George Hongchoy discusses why the Link 3.0 strategy is important to Link’s business sustainability, how the company will deliver growth for stakeholders, and why he is confident Link can achieve this aspiration.
Link is a sizable and independent real estate investor and manager, a rarity in Asia. We are managed by a team of professionals, with the goal of promoting long-term success and delivering sustainable values to stakeholders. We provide insights into the opportunities presented by the real estate market for investors who are looking to capitalise on growth in the region.
Link has excellent track record and on-the-ground experience as a portfolio manager across geographies and asset classes. That give us unique advantages in identifying opportunities in different aspects of real estate.
We leverage our vast portfolio to find the most impactful ways to achieve sustainability goals. We have a track record of asset enhancement, investment, and financing to meet rising ESG standards.
Link is led by a strong and independent board, together with a host of corporate governance and risk management measures, providing a robust check and balance system.
We have successfully delivered over 90 asset enhancement projects in Hong Kong and Mainland China, with placemaking, thematic makeover, as well as improvement in shopping experience, accessibility and tenant mix.
Our regional and diversified portfolio has lent us resilience across market cycles. We continue to seek portfolio growth through yield accretive investments and active management of our portfolio.
Portfolio resilience, vigorous corporate governance and robust risk management mechanism have contributed to our strong credit rating. These, together with efficient capital management, empower us to pursue continuous growth.