Axis-REIT lodges RM3bil Sukuk programme for expansion

New Straits Times

21-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Axis Real Estate Investment Trust's (Axis-REIT) trustee, RHB Trustees Bhd, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Axis REIT Sukuk Two Bhd, has lodged a Sukuk Programme with the Securities Commission Malaysia with an aggregate nominal value of up to RM3 billion.
In a Bursa Malaysia filing today, Axis-REIT said that the Sukuk Programme, based on the Shariah principle of Wakalah Bi Al-Istithmar, allows for the issuance of Senior Islamic Medium Term Notes (Senior Sukuk) and Subordinated Perpetual Islamic Notes (Perpetual Sukuk).
"The proceeds to be raised from the Sukuk issuance will be used to, among others, support Axis-REIT's capital and development expenditure, working capital requirements, refinancing its existing or future Islamic financing, as well as other general corporate purposes," it said.
Leong Kit May, chief executive officer and executive director of Axis REIT Managers Bhd, the manager of Axis-REIT, said, "We have secured our maiden credit ratings from RAM Ratings Services Bhd, which recognises Axis-REIT's resilient fundamentals and steady growth trajectory over the years.
"The Sukuk Programme forms a key part of our prudent capital management strategy as it allows us to diversify our funding sources and optimise financing costs in a disciplined manner," she said.
RAM Ratings has assigned long-term ratings of AA2(s) for the Senior Sukuk and A1(s) for the Perpetual Sukuk, both with a stable outlook, reflecting Axis-REIT's strong credit profile and proven operating track record.
This also marks a significant milestone for Axis-REIT as it is the first time it has received inaugural credit ratings based on its corporate credit strength.