CICT Gearing Breaches 39% As Paragon Deal Closes | SGX Daily Pulse 20 April 2026 | 🦖EP1559
The market is pricing CICT's Paragon acquisition as a trophy win, but the balance sheet is carrying a 39.2% pro-forma gearing and an ICR of approximately 3.1x — both in forensic breach before the ink is dry. At that coverage ratio, a single rate cycle turn or a DPU cut from slowing Orchard retail reversion erases the 4.85% yield margin entirely. CDLHT compounds the picture: a 5.75% yield sounds like sanctuary until you realise interest expense is already consuming roughly half of operating income at a 2.0x ICR.
At a 5,000-point STI, the rally feels validating — but the forensic question is what you are being paid to own. The 6-month T-Bill sits at 1.47%, my forensic floor holds at 3.2%, and the minimum yield hurdle remains 4.7%. CICT clears the income line and fails the structure test. CDLHT earns its yield premium but offers almost no shock-absorption. Capital protection is not about avoiding REITs — it is about knowing exactly which balance sheet you are sleeping with.
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