Increased interest expenses and rental income constraints due to a crowded office market in China hinder Yuexiu Real Estate Investment Trust's (HKG:0405) rating potential, Fitch Ratings said in a Monday release.

The trust saw its recurring EBITDA interest coverage falling to 1.4x in H1 from 1.6x in 2023, given a large exposure to Hong Kong-dollar floating rate debt and steep interest rates.

Weak demand and the surplus in China's office market have also reduced the trust's H1 recurring EBITDA by 2% year over year.

The trust could lessen its financing costs and raise the recurring EBITDA interest coverage above Fitch's negative threshold of 1.7x by refinancing its Hong Kong dollar notes with yuan-denominated debt, the rating agency said.

Although parent Yuexiu Property's (HKG:0123) contracted sales declined 31% in the first eight months of 2024, its positive operating cash flow through decreased land purchases and construction cost outflows should mitigate working capital pressure.

The parent also preserves its leverage well below Fitch's negative trigger and maintains solid funding access, the rating agency said.

Shares of Yuexiu Real Estate Investment Trust jumped more than 4% at market close.

Price (HKD): $0.96, Change: $+0.040, Percent Change: +4.35%