TIDMLBOW
RNS Number : 4887R
ICG-Longbow Snr Sec UK Prop DebtInv
22 September 2017
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments
Limited
Interim Report And Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim
Financial Statements
For the six months ended 31 July 2017
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments Limited
(the "Company") is pleased to announce the release of its Interim
Financial Statements for the six months ended 31 July 2017 which
will shortly be available on the Company's website at
(www.lbow.co.uk) where further information on the Company can also
be found.
All capitalised terms are defined in the Glossary of Capitalised
Defined Terms unless separately defined.
Chairman's Statement
Introduction
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Interim
Financial Statements for the Group for the six months ended 31 July
2017.
The Group's performance in the period has been stable, and the
Board was pleased to be able to return to shareholders some of the
exceptional returns resulting from early repayment fees realised
during 2016 by way of a 2.25 pence per share special dividend,
while maintaining its regular quarterly dividend.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank shareholders on
behalf of the Board for their support in passing the various
resolutions put forward at the Company's EGM on 1 March 2017, which
will leave the Group well positioned for future growth and to
capitalise on what continue to be attractive market conditions for
real estate lending.
During the reporting period, the triggering of the Article 50
provisions to commence the UK's exit from the EU, followed by the
unexpected call for a snap general election and the loss of the
Conservatives' parliamentary majority, added uncertainty to the
economic outlook. More positively, labour market statistics remain
robust, Sterling weakness is helping exporters and corporate
earnings have been generally healthy. However, the Board is mindful
that the recent rise in inflation, falling real wages and subdued
consumer spending in H1 2017 all contributed to a moderation in
economic growth. The performance of the UK commercial property
market has been variable by sector but has, in aggregate, performed
robustly against a more difficult economic and political
backdrop.
Portfolio
During the reporting period, the Group saw the Lanos loan repay
as the sponsor capitalised on significant value growth at the
asset, with interest, exit and prepayment fees received of GBP1.12
million. More recently, a modest partial repayment of the BMO loan
of approximately GBP0.21 million, and two further advances in
respect of the Northlands facility totalling GBP1.10 million, have
taken the Group's total capital invested to GBP100.22 million.
The Group's portfolio now comprises nine loans with a weighted
average portfolio LTV ratio of 57.90% (31 January 2017: 57.04%).
The weighted average ICR has reduced modestly from 235% (31 January
2017) to 222%, but remains at a comfortable level. Wider portfolio
performance continues to be stable, as outlined more fully in the
Investment Adviser's commentary below.
Revenue and Dividend Performance
Income from loans for the six month period of GBP3.42 million
(31 July 2016: GBP4.10 million), was in line with expectations
reflecting the change in mix and size of the portfolio and lower
weighted average interest rate following reinvestments.
Total income for the six month period is GBP4.41 million (31
July 2016: GBP6.82 million), a reduction on the prior year as the
exceptional level of prepayment fee income from the Mansion and
First Light repayments received in H1 2016 (GBP2.69 million) was
not repeated. The Lanos loan repaid in the period with prepayment
fees of GBP0.97 million.
From the Mansion and First Light prepayment fees, the Company
paid a special dividend of 2.25 pence per share in respect of the
financial year ended 31 January 2017 on 2 June 2017.
The Company paid a first interim dividend of 1.50 pence per
share in respect of the quarter ended 30 April 2017 on 4 August
2017, and on 21 September 2017 declared a second interim dividend
in respect of the quarter ended 31 July 2017 of 1.50 pence per
share.
NAV and Share Price Performance
The Group's NAV fell by GBP2.54 million, 2.34 pence per share,
to GBP109.79 million (31 January 2017: GBP112.33 million),
principally due to the special dividend payment of GBP2.43 million
(2.25 pence per share). The period end NAV per share was 101.46
pence (31 January 2017: 103.80 pence).
The Company's shares traded in a range of 100.75 pence per share
to 106.00 pence per share finishing the quarter at a circa 2.4%
premium to NAV, reflecting the stable and predictable nature of the
underlying high yield income stream in a low interest
environment.
Governance
The Board has recently established a dedicated Investment Risk
Committee to meet the increasing demands of, and to focus on, the
monitoring and oversight of investment risk management. A full
report on the work of this committee will be included in the Annual
Report and Financial Statements for 31 January 2018.
Outlook
Following the approval of the ordinary and special resolutions
put before shareholders at the March 2017 EGM, the revised
investment parameters available to the Group mean it is now in a
position to capitalise on what the Board continues to believe are
attractive market conditions for UK real estate debt
investments.
The clear intention remains not only to reinvest proceeds from
any repayments but also to grow the scale of the business. We are
encouraged by the developing pipeline of deals under discussion
with the Investment Adviser. This pipeline of potential deals
exceeds GBP100 million across eight loans with coupons between 6.5%
and 8.0% and a projected average IRR of approximately 9.0%. In the
near term three of these loans are anticipated to move towards
completion, which would deploy a principal balance in excess of
GBP40 million with a projected average IRR of 9.6%, and the
Investment Adviser is also in discussion with two existing
borrowers in relation to loan extensions and additional
advances.
Whilst these investments remain subject to contract and due
diligence, and there can be no assurance that they will complete,
they would successfully reinvest the Group's surplus cash and
provide a platform for the growth of the Company through a capital
placement under the approved share placement programme.
Based on the pipeline of potential investments and the
reinvestment of the current cash surplus, we anticipate the
weighted average coupon will increase as the portfolio is
transitioned to the new investment policy which, taken together
with fees received and the potential for exceptional returns from
early prepayments will result in an increase in total revenues.
This should enable the Board to maintain the established quarterly
dividend and see some modest capital growth over the long term.
Jack Perry
Chairman
21 September 2017
Highlights
Investment Portfolio
-- During the six-month period, the GBP10.00 million Lanos loan
was repaid in full together with interest, exit and prepayment fees
of GBP1.12 million; GBP0.21 million was repaid on the BMO loan and
a further GBP1.10 million was advanced on the Northlands loan.
-- As at 31 July 2017, the Group's investment portfolio
comprised nine loans with an aggregate principal balance of
GBP100.22 million (31 January 2017: 10 loans with aggregate
principal balance of GBP109.33 million).
-- The portfolio weighted average LTV was 57.90% (31 January
2017: 57.04%), reflecting changes to the composition of the loan
portfolio, and the weighted average ICR was 222% (31 January 2017:
235%).
-- The portfolio weighted average residual term was 1.35 years,
of which on average 0.36 years remains income protected (31 January
2017: residual term 1.85 years, income protected term 0.74
years).
Performance
-- Total income excluding prepayment fees of GBP3.44 million (31 July 2016: GBP4.13 million).
-- Prepayment fees of GBP0.97 million (31 July 2016: GBP2.69
million), reflect the lower volume of loan repayments and maturing
nature of the investment portfolio.
-- Profit after tax of GBP3.15 million for the six months ended
31 July 2017 (31 July 2016: GBP5.94 million).
-- Earnings per share of 2.91 pence (31 July 2016: 5.49 pence)
broadly in line with target returns of 3.0 pence per share.
Dividend
-- Total dividends paid or declared for the period ended 31 July
2017 of 5.25 pence per share (31 July 2016: 3.00 pence per share),
made up as follows:
o First interim dividend of 1.50 pence per share paid in respect
of the quarter ended 30 April 2017.
o Special dividend of 2.25 pence per share paid in respect of
the exit and prepayment fees received during the year ended 31
January 2017.
o Second interim dividend of 1.50 pence per share approved in
respect of the quarter ended 31 July 2017.
-- Second interim dividend details:
o Approved 21 September 2017
o Amount 1.50 pence per share
o Dividend ex-date 5 October 2017
o Dividend payment date 27 October 2017
Net Asset Value
-- NAV of GBP109.79 million as at 31 July 2017 (31 January 2017: GBP112.33 million).
-- NAV per share fell by 2.34 pence over the period, of which
2.25 pence related to the special dividend paid.
Investment Objective
-- The investment objective of the Group, after the passing of
Resolution 1 at the EGM held on 1 March 2017, is as follows; to
construct a portfolio of UK real estate debt related investments
predominantly comprising loans secured by first ranking fixed
charges against commercial property investments, with the aim of
providing shareholders with attractive, quarterly dividends,
capital preservation and, over the longer term, a degree of capital
appreciation.
For further information, please contact:
Heritage International Fund Managers Limited:
James Christie +44 (0)14 8171 6000
Cenkos Securities plc:
Will Rogers +44 (0)20 7397 1920
Alex Collins
Maitland Consultancy Limited:
Rebecca Mitchell +44 (0)20 7379 5151
Corporate Summary
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Group, as approved by the
shareholders of the Company, is to construct a portfolio of UK real
estate debt related investments predominantly comprising loans
secured by first ranking fixed charges against commercial property
investments, with the aim of providing shareholders with
attractive, quarterly dividends, capital preservation and, over the
longer term, a degree of capital appreciation.
Structure
The Company is a non-cellular company limited by shares
incorporated in Guernsey on 29 November 2012 under the Companies
Law. The Company's registration number is 55917, and it has been
registered with the GFSC as a registered closed-ended collective
investment scheme. The Company's ordinary shares were admitted to
the premium segment of the UK Listing Authority's Official List and
to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange as part
of its IPO which completed on 5 February 2013. The issued capital
comprises the Company's ordinary shares denominated in Pounds
Sterling. The Company is an internally managed non-EU domiciled
alternative investment fund and makes investments in its portfolio
through ICG-Longbow Senior Debt S.A., the Company's wholly owned
subsidiary.
Investment Adviser
The Investment Adviser (Intermediate Capital Managers Limited),
which trades under the name of ICG-Longbow, is authorised and
regulated by the FCA. The assets of the Group are managed by the
Board after receiving advice from the Investment Adviser under the
terms of the non-discretionary Investment Advisory Agreement.
Investment Adviser's Report
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Group, as approved by the
shareholders of the Company, is "to construct a portfolio of UK
real estate debt related investments predominantly comprising loans
secured by first ranking fixed charges against commercial property
investments, with the aim of providing shareholders with
attractive, quarterly dividends, capital preservation and, over the
longer term, a degree of capital appreciation."
Fund facts
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Fund Closed ended investment
Fund launch: 5 February 2013 type: company
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Investment
Adviser: ICG-Longbow Domicile: Guernsey
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Base currency: GBP Listing: London Stock Exchange
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ISIN
Issued shares: 108.22 million code: GG0B8C23581
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Management
fee: 1.0% LSE code: LBOW
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Website: www.lbow.co.uk
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Share price & NAV at 31 Key portfolio statistics
July 2017 at 31 July 2017
------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
Share price (pence
per share): 104.38 Number of investments: 9
---------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------------------- --------
Percentage capital
NAV (pence per share): 101.46 invested(2) : 92.35%
---------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------------------- --------
Weighted avg. investment
Premium: 2.88% coupon: 6.11%
---------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------------------- --------
Weighted avg. projected
Market capitalisation: GBP112.95 million gross IRR(4) : 9.19%
-------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------- --------
Approved dividend
(pence per share)(1)
: 1.5 Weighted avg. LTV: 57.90%
---------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------------------- --------
Dividend payment 27 October
date(1) : 2017 Weighted avg. ICR: 222%
--------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------- --------
(4) Weighted average
projected gross IRR reflects
loan cashflows including
interest, fees, advances
and repayments, comprising
(i)
actual cashflows arising
from loans in current
portfolio and repaid
loans since origination
Total NAV return to date, and (ii) projected
since April 2014(3) cashflows from the current
(annualised):)(3) portfolio through to
: 7.68% each loan's maturity.
---------------------------------- ------------------
Total return during
the period(3) : 6.18%
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(1) For Quarter ended
31 July 2017 (Ex-dividend
date 5 October 2017).
(2) Loans advanced at
amortised cost /Total
equity attributable to
the owners of the Company.
(3) Date of full investment
of IPO proceeds.
Summary
At 31 July 2017, the investment portfolio comprised nine loans
following the repayment during the period of the Lanos facility,
and as a result the Group held cash balances of GBP10.6
million.
Each loan investment in the portfolio continues to be secure
from a capital perspective, with a weighted average LTV exposure of
57.90% (31 January 2017: 57.04%). The portfolio level gross
expected IRR if held to contracted loan term maturity, and
recognising prepayment/exit fees received to date is 9.19%.
At the portfolio level, the ICR reduced modestly during the
period to 222% (31 January 2017: 235%).
Group Performance
The total revenue from the loan portfolio for the period of
GBP4.41 million (31 July 2016: GBP6.82 million) included GBP0.97
million of prepayment and exit fees from the Lanos loan compared to
GBP2.69 million of prepayment and exit fees received in the six
months to 31 July 2016.
As a result of the lower revenues and GBP0.4 million of
additional costs associated with the EGM and share placement
programme, the Group's profit after tax for the six-month period to
31 July 2017 was GBP3.15 million (2.91 pence per share), down from
GBP5.94 million for the six months to 31 July 2016.
Portfolio
Portfolio statistics 31 July 2017 31 January 2017
------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ----------------
Number of loan investments 9 10
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Aggregate principal advanced GBP100,223,477 GBP109,329,750
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Weighted average LTV 57.90% 57.04%
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Weighted average ICR 222% 235%
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Weighted average interest coupon 6.11% 6.24% pa
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Weighted average projected gross IRR(1) 9.19% 8.96% pa
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Weighted average unexpired loan term 1.35 years 1.85 years
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Weighted average unexpired interest income protection 0.36 years 0.74 years
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Cash held GBP10,571,446 GBP3,258,954
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(1) Weighted average projected gross IRR reflects loan cashflows
including interest, fees, advances and repayments, comprising (i)
actual cashflows arising from loans in current portfolio and repaid
loan since origination to date, and (ii) projected cashflows from
the current portfolio through to each loan's maturity.
Investment Portfolio as at 31 July 2017
Day Day Day Principal
Unexp 1 1 1 Balance Current Current
Term term balance LTV ICR outstanding LTV ICR
Project Region Sector start (yrs) (GBPm) (%) (%) (GBPm) (%) (%)
IRAF North West Industrial/distribution Jul-13 1.34 14.20 55.3 193 11.93 43.4 185
Meadows London Retail Sep-13 0.42 18.07 65.0 150 18.07 63.0 114
Northlands London Mixed use Nov-13 1.32 7.20 61.7 192 7.58 45.6 146
Hulbert West Midlands Industrial/distribution Dec-13 1.34 6.57 65.0 168 6.57 52.2 171
Halcyon National Industrial/distribution Dec-13 1.35 8.60 64.8 116 8.60 63.3 116
Regional
Carrara Yorks/Humberside office Dec-13 1.35 1.30 65.0 113 1.30 65.0 113
Ramada North East Other (hotel) Apr-14 1.75 7.98 64.4 180 7.98 66.0 167
Commercial
Regional
Space North West Industrial/distribution Mar-16 1.71 22.40 64.0 280 22.40 64.0 281
BMO National Mixed use Jan-17 1.71 16.00 55.4 404 15.79 54.7 442
------------ ------------------ ------------------------- -------- ------ -------- ----- ---- ------------ -------- --------
Total / weighted average 1.35 102.32 61.6 227 100.22 57.9 222
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------ -------- ----- ---- ------------ -------- --------
Economy and Financial Market Update
UK GDP growth eased to 0.5% during H1 2017 (down from 0.8% in
the same period last year), largely a result of a slowdown in
consumer expenditure. Consequently, many commentators have
moderated their full-year growth forecasts, with the Bank of
England forecast now at 1.7% (from 1.9%) for 2017 and 1.6% (from
1.7%) for 2018. Even these reduced levels are comfortably above the
0.8% forecast for 2017 in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, and the
1.4% forecast as recently as November 2016.
With inflation running at 2.9% in the year to June 2017, wages
have fallen by 0.7% in real terms over the period, contributing to
the slowdown in consumer expenditure described above. However,
employment growth has continued and even accelerated, with 175,000
jobs created in the three months to May 2017 and 324,000 jobs
created in the last 12 months. Of note, 360,000 new full time jobs
were created in the year, with a loss of 44,000 part time jobs,
which somewhat contradicts a media narrative of a labour force
facing 'zero hours' contracts and the gig economy. This new job
creation brings total employment to over 32 million for the first
time and unemployment to 4.5% of the workforce - the lowest since
1975.
Five-year swap rates have remained steady at circa 0.75% for the
last three months, as the Bank of England has left base rates
unchanged believing the outlook for inflation remains stable. That
said, the Monetary Policy Committee appears to be becoming more
hawkish with two members now voting in favour of a rate rise.
Occupational Demand/Supply
Over the last quarter, the RICS floorspace availability survey
pointed to a softening market for all sectors. Retail is the only
sector showing a material growth in availability, whilst industrial
and offices are largely in the same position as a year ago, with
industrial still the most supply constrained market.
In terms of new construction activity, Markit Ltd confidence
surveys have pointed to a marked retraction over recent months -
with the cause attributed to uncertainty over Brexit. This is
reflected in the Deloitte Crane Survey for H1 2017, which shows a
6% reduction in Central London construction activity. However, City
construction activity points to circa 3.5 million square feet of
completions in 2019, of which 2 million square feet is located in
towers in Bishopsgate, timed to coincide with the UK's actual exit
from Europe.
The relatively low levels of construction activity in the
regions and higher activity in London, coupled with a slowdown in
Central London leasing activity has resulted in a rise in void rate
in Central London offices to circa 7% - a level broadly in line
with the IPD all property figure.
Property Investment Market
The increase in investment activity in the UK commercial
property market observed in Q1 2017 continued into Q2, resulting in
H1 aggregate transactions of GBP25.8 billion, in line with the five
year average. This figure was however, flattered by a number of
sizeable Central London transactions, including British Land's
GBP1.15 billion sale of the Leadenhall Building to Hong Kong-based
CC Land Holdings Ltd, and Great Portland Estates' GBP435 million
sale of Rathbone Place to WestInvest Gesellschaft Für
Investmentfonds and Deka Immobilien Investment.
This trend of large sales by leading UK REITs to international
investors continued into Q3, with Canary Wharf and Land Securities
Group plc agreeing a well-publicised GBP1.28 billion sale of the
'Walkie Talkie' to LKK Health Products Group Ltd. In addition, St
Modwen Properties plc agreed a GBP470 million sale of a Nine Elms
site to a reported Chinese buyer. Additionally several large
corporates, including KPMG, Lloyds Banking Group and Anglo American
plc, have commenced marketing their headquarters buildings on a
sale and leaseback basis. This trend confirms London's enduring
appeal for international investors but perhaps indicates the REITs
and others calling the top of the London market.
More broadly, the MSCI UK All Property Quarterly Index reported
a 2.0% rebound in capital values in H1 2017, offsetting 2016's 1.3%
decline. Looking forward, consensus remains for a period of limited
capital growth, resulting in all property income yields of circa 5%
per annum being the main driver of property returns in the short to
medium term.
Finance Market
The UK banks continue to show restraint in their lending
appetite, with LTVs typically in the 50% to 55% range. According to
the semi-annual De Montfort University lending survey, released
during the period and reflecting H2 2016 activity, more aggressive
pricing by international lenders and insurers has resulted in
margin compression for senior loans secured on prime property, but
otherwise the Investment Adviser has observed loan margins widen
over the last twelve months. Benchmark interest rates (both 3-month
LIBOR and the 5-year swap rate) remain extremely low by historic
standards and the overall cost of finance remains very affordable
for borrowers.
Mezzanine lending remains competitive, in a market that is
notable for its low volume of transactions, with larger
opportunities now being marketed on a global basis through brokers
such as Eastdil Secured LLC and Jones Lang LaSalle IP Inc. Also
notable is the continued reduction over the last several years in
lending to UK regional markets, where De Montfort University
figures show a fall in aggregate loan exposures from circa 75% in
2010 to circa 53% today. These twin trends reinforce the Investment
Adviser's view that best value, and lowest competition, is to be
found outside of prime, big-ticket London deals. Good opportunities
exist for the Group to lend in accordance with the new investment
objective.
Portfolio Profile and Activity
During the reporting period, the Group's investment portfolio
saw the redemption of the Lanos facility, as the sponsor
capitalised on value creation at the asset driven by the
refurbishment programme. The repayment crystallised interest, exit
and prepayment fees of circa GBP1.12 million. The BMO loan also saw
a circa GBP0.21 million repayment in line with the customer's
business plan.
Two separate increases were made to the borrower of the
Northlands facility during the period, totalling GBP1.10 million,
as described further below.
Performance has generally been stable across the Group's
investments. The weighted average LTV at the end of the period was
57.90% (31 January 2017: 57.04%), owing to the modest changes in
the make-up of the loan portfolio. The weighted average ICR on the
portfolio reduced to 222%, from 235% at 31 January 2017.
As at 31 July 2017, the loan portfolio carried a weighted
average coupon of 6.11%, whilst the projected portfolio IRR has
improved to 9.19%. Notable changes during the year included:
1. IRAF - media reports in July 2017 suggested that the sponsor
has placed a large industrial portfolio, including the assets
securing the Group's loan, on the market for sale. To the extent
any such sale is concluded, we would anticipate the loan facility
will repay which would result in additional fees to the Group.
2. Northlands - the Group advanced two further increases to the
Northlands borrower during the reporting period. The first (GBP0.50
million) was applied towards financing certain corporate
restructuring costs, together with identified refurbishment works
on the portfolio properties. The second (GBP0.60 million) supported
the acquisition of a new property adjoining one of the existing
portfolio assets, with the new property being added to the Group's
security pool. With the loan now closer to the end of its income
protection period, the sponsor has notified the Investment Adviser
of its intention to repay the facility in the second half of the
year.
3. Meadow - having secured a new planning permission for a
reconfiguration of the existing retail units, the sponsor continues
to work towards a residential-led planning consent. With the loan
due to mature in December, we have commenced discussions regarding
a possible increase and extension to the facility to support the
sponsor as they continue to enhance the value of the property
through the planning process.
Portfolio Outlook
Notwithstanding a degree of uncertainty during the period caused
by the unexpected announcement of a general election, the
performance of the investment portfolio has remained stable and the
outlook remains generally positive. As highlighted in the Annual
Report and Financial Statements, with the relatively modest LTV
positions with several of the loans, there may be a number of loan
repayments during the second half of the year as coupon protection
periods continue to reduce with time.
We are encouraged by the developing pipeline of deals under
discussion. This pipeline of potential deals exceeds GBP100 million
across eight loans with coupons between 6.5% and 8.0% and a
projected average IRR of approximately 9.0%. In the near term three
of these loans are anticipated to move towards completion, which
would deploy a principal balance in excess of GBP40 million with a
projected average IRR of 9.6%, and we are also in discussion with
two existing borrowers in relation to loan extensions and
additional advances.
Whilst these investments remain subject to contract and due
diligence, and there can be no assurance that they will complete,
they would successfully reinvest the Group's surplus cash and
provide a platform for the growth of the Company through a capital
placement under the approved share placement programme.
Loan Portfolio
As set out above, as at 31 July 2017, the Group's portfolio
comprised of nine loans with an aggregate balance outstanding of
GBP100.22 million.
A summary of each of the individual loans as at 31 July 2017 is
set out below:
Loan 1 IRAF
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Initially a GBP14.20 million advance was made to LM Real Estate, to refinance a portfolio
of five multi-let industrial and distribution warehouse units located in the North West of
England, following which the borrower disposed of one of the properties resulting in a GBP0.9
million repayment.
LM Real Estate sold the majority of the remaining portfolio in September 2014 to a borrower
(IRAF Catch Ltd), managed by Infrared Capital Partners. A new GBP11.94 million senior loan
was made to IRAF on substantially the same terms secured on the residual portfolio, resulting
in a net repayment of GBP1.37 million to reflect the excluded properties.
At 185% ICR and 43.4% LTV the loan remains strongly secured. Media reports in the period suggested
the security assets have been included in the marketing for sale of a wider industrial portfolio
by the sponsor, and to the extent such a sale is concluded, the Investment Adviser anticipates
a repayment of the facility.
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Property profile Debt profile
---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Number of properties 4 Day one debt GBP14,200,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP27,485,000 Debt outstanding GBP11,935,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP56.87 Original term 5.4 years
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 483,294 Maturity December 2018
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 30 Current LTV 43.4%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 3.14 years Current ICR 185%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP24.70
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 2 Meadow
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An GBP18.07 million senior loan facility used to assist financing an established and well
supported international real estate fund in the acquisition of a highly prominent retail park
in North London.
The borrower is an SPV owned by Meadow Real Estate Fund II LP, and is managed by Meadow Partners,
an international real estate investor and asset manager.
The retail units are now vacant and debt service continues to be met from a pre-funded reserve
account (topped up quarterly) which provides interest cover through to loan maturity. The
sponsor continues to liaise with both the local council and the Greater London Authority with
the aim of securing planning permission for a major residential-led scheme, which would likely
enhance value from the existing consent for a reconfiguration of the existing retail space.
During the period, the Investment Adviser entered into discussions with the sponsor for a
possible increase and extension to the loan.
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Property profile Debt profile
---------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Number of properties 1 Day one debt GBP18,070,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Property value (GBP) GBP28,700,000 Debt outstanding GBP18,070,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP308.99 Original term 4.3 years
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 92,882 Maturity December 2017
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Number of tenants 1 Current LTV 63.0%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Weighted lease length 3.71 Current ICR 114%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP194.55
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Loan 3 Northlands
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A GBP7.20 million senior loan facility used to refinance existing senior debt secured on a
mixed use portfolio of high street retail and tenanted residential units located predominantly
in London and the South East. The borrower is Northlands Holdings and group affiliates on
a cross-collateralised basis.
The security portfolio offers a highly diverse income stream from both retail and residential
tenants, and steady progress continues to be made against business plan, particularly with
planning gains and residential conversion projects. During the period, the Group advanced
two increases to the facility, with GBP0.5 million to cover certain corporate structuring
costs along with management initiatives including further capital expenditure; and GBP0.6
million to acquire a property adjoining one of the borrower's existing holdings. The new property
has been added to the security pool, with LTV now 45.6%.
The loan remains well secured from both a value and income perspective, with demand for the
underlying security from both an occupational and investment standpoint. Given the modest
LTV, and as the coupon protection period on the loan continues to run down, the sponsor has
notified the Investment Adviser that it will seek to repay the loan during the second half
of 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property profile Debt profile
---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Number of properties 16 Day one debt GBP7,200,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP16,632,950 Debt outstanding GBP7,577,250
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP130.31 Original term 5.0 years
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 127,638 Maturity November 2018
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 123 Current LTV 45.6%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 2.22 Current ICR 146%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP59.37
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 4 Hulbert
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A GBP6.57 million loan to refinance a well let portfolio of industrial units predominantly
located in Dudley in the West Midlands, with 80% by value being the 270,000 square foot Grazebrook
Industrial Estate. The borrower, Hulbert Properties Ltd, is a West Midlands based private
property company.
Following a lease renewal with the principal tenant of the portfolio, the borrower remains
in discussions to extend the lease of the second major tenant. In the longer term, the borrower
intends to focus on disposing of non-core units to free up cashflow for potential new developments
on the vacant land at Grazebrook.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property profile Debt profile
---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Number of properties 3 Day one debt GBP6,565,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP12,565,000 Debt outstanding GBP6,565,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP43.86 Original term 5.0 years
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 286,454 Maturity December 2018
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 12 Current LTV 52.2%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 2.77 Current ICR 171%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP22.92
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 5 Halcyon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A GBP8.60 million senior loan facility utilised to refinance a portfolio of freehold ground
rents.
The Halcyon security comprises a diversified portfolio of 21 freehold ground rent investments
with a weighted unexpired lease term of 86 years, of which 72% are industrial with leasehold
rents receivable geared to 22 to 25% of open market rentals, with the balance being leisure
uses at leasehold gearings of 50%.
As highlighted in the Annual Report and Financial Statements, GBP375,000 of sales proceeds
are currently held by the lender following an historic asset sale, and during the period the
borrower has requested that these be applied to support the acquisition of a new property,
which would be added to the security pool. The Group is currently considering the request.
With the loan being secured by a portfolio of defensive freehold ground rent investments,
the security position is considered strong despite an ICR below the average of the Group's
investments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property profile Debt profile
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of properties 21 Day one debt GBP8,600,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP13,196,000 Debt outstanding GBP8,600,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP35.57 Original term 5.0 years
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 370,972 Maturity December 2018
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 4 Current LTV 63.3%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 86.47 Current ICR 116%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP23.18
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 6
Carrara
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A GBP1.30 million senior loan facility was used to refinance an individual ground rent investment.
The Carrara security comprises a single virtual freehold ground rent investment located in
Leeds with an unexpired lease term of 83 years, subject to a 25% rental gearing. The property
is a modern office building on an established business park accessed from the M1 motorway,
which is fully let to a strong covenant until 2018. No material activity on the loan or security
portfolio took place during the reporting period.
At 65% LTV and 113%, ICR the gearing is at the top of the Group's investment parameters. However,
the defensive nature of the ground rent investment means that the loan benefits from very
strong security.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property profile Debt profile
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Number of properties 1 Day one debt GBP1,300,000
------------------------------ ------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP2,000,000 Debt outstanding GBP1,300,000
------------------------------ ------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP81.73 Original term 5.0 years
------------------------------ ------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 24,470 Maturity December 2018
------------------------------ ------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 1 Current LTV 65.0%
------------------------------ ------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 83.44 Current ICR 113%
------------------------------ ------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP53.13
------------------------------ ------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 7
Ramada
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A GBP7.98 million loan to Quay Hotels Limited, which has a maturity date of April 2019.
The investment is secured by a first and only charge over the Ramada Encore hotel in Gateshead,
a modern 200 bedroom hotel that was constructed in 2012. The secured property, which is operated
by Wyndham Hotels Group, is situated in a highly visible location in Gateshead Quays, adjacent
to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and within a short walk of the Sage Gateshead concert
venue and the Millennium footbridge, which links Gateshead and Newcastle quayside areas.
After a strong 2015 boosted by the Rugby World Cup games held in the city during the second
half of the year, trading slipped back in recent quarters given the level of competition in
the market. While LTV and ICR remain relatively comfortable, the borrower, under the facility,
breached a financial covenant on the loan during the second quarter, as the covenant had tightened
from day 1 levels. The Investment Adviser is in discussion with the borrower about their options
to cure the default.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property profile Debt profile
------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Number of properties 1 Day one debt GBP7,982,500
-------------------------- --------------- ----------------------- -------------
Property value (GBP) GBP12,100,000 Debt outstanding GBP7,982,500
-------------------------- --------------- ----------------------- -------------
Property value (GBP/bed) GBP60,500 Original term 5.0 years
-------------------------- --------------- ----------------------- -------------
Bedrooms 200 Maturity April 2019
-------------------------- --------------- ----------------------- -------------
Current LTV 66.0%
------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------
Current ICR 167%
------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------
Loan exposure per bed GBP39,912.50
------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------
Loan 8
Commercial Regional Space
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A GBP22.40 million loan to Commercial Regional Space Limited and affiliates made on 16 March
2016, and secured by first charges against two multi-let industrial estates located in Lancashire
comprising 1.25 million sq. ft. of accommodation and providing a highly diversified income
stream from lettings to 160 tenants.
Performance has been strong during the year, with income up over 25% since loan closing via
new lettings and re-geared leases.
The loan is considered very well secured, given low exposure per sq. ft. and high ICR. The
sponsor has approached the Investment Adviser regarding a possible increase to the facility,
however given the loan remains the largest within the Group's portfolio this will only be
considered when there has been sufficient growth in the Group's assets to allow for such an
increase without breaching investment concentration restrictions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property profile Debt profile
---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Number of properties 2 Day one debt GBP22,400,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP35,000,000 Debt outstanding GBP22,400,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP28.02 Original term 3 years
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 1,249,029 Maturity April 2019
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 160 Current LTV 64.0%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Current ICR 281%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP17.93
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 9
BMO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 31 January 2017, the Group advanced a new GBP16.00 million loan to clients of BMO Real
Estate Partners, with an initial LTV ratio of 55.4% and a maturity date in April 2019.
The loan is secured by first charges against a portfolio of 17 properties located across the
UK, principally in the high street retail and industrial sectors, and provides a diversified
income stream from lettings to 55 tenants.
During the period, two small assets were sold from the security pool, in line with the business
plan, resulting in a debt repayment of GBP0.21 million. Separately, it was announced during
the reporting period that certain of the assets of BMO Real Estate Partners would demerge
from the larger BMO Global Asset Management Group, following the retirement of two of the
board members. As such the Group's loan, and the property assets securing it, are now managed
by Capreon Limited. The ownership of the borrower and key personnel at the sponsor remain
unchanged, so there should be no effect on the Group as a result of this demerger.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property profile Debt profile
---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Number of properties 17 Day one debt GBP16,000,000
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP28,855,000 Debt outstanding GBP15,793,727
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP87.33 Original term 2 years
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 330,399 Maturity April 2019
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 55 Current LTV 54.7%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 8.36 Current ICR 442%
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP47.80
------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------------
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Company, through its subsidiary, invests primarily in UK
commercial real estate loans of a fixed rate nature; as such, it is
exposed to the performance of the borrower, and underlying property
on which its loans are secured. The Company's key risks are
discussed below. In this statement, references to the Company also
apply to the Group as a whole.
The Directors have identified the following as the key risks
faced by the Company:
-- inherently subjective valuations of property and property-related assets;
-- real estate loans made by the Company may, after funding, become non-performing;
-- loan principals may be repaid earlier than anticipated, which
may lead to the Company replacing such pre-paid loans with lower
yielding investments;
-- in the event of a repayment, in whole or in part, the Company
may not be able to reinvest the surplus cash on terms that are
accretive in value to shareholders;
-- a change in market conditions affecting the performance of
the Company and its underlying investments; and
-- a change in tax legislation.
The principal risks and uncertainties of the Company were
identified in further detail in the Annual Report and Financial
Statements for the year ended 31 January 2017. There have been no
changes to the Company's principal risks and uncertainties for the
six months ended 31 July 2017 and no changes are anticipated in the
second half of the year. The Company's principal risk factors are
fully discussed in the Company's Prospectus, available on the
Company's website (www.lbow.co.uk) and should be reviewed by
shareholders.
Subsequent Events
On 21 September 2017, the Company approved a dividend of 1.50
pence per ordinary share in respect of the quarter ended 31 July
2017, payable on 27 October 2017.
ICG-Longbow
21 September 2017
Directors' Responsibilities Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing this Interim
Financial Report in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
-- The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim
Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU; and
-- The Chairman's Statement and Investment Adviser's Report
include a fair review of the information required by:
(i) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred
during the first six months of the financial year and their impact
on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements; and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
(ii) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in
the first six months of the financial year and that have materially
affected the financial position and performance of the entity
during that period; and any changes in the related party
transactions described in the last Annual Report and Financial
Statements that could do so.
On behalf of the Board
Jack Perry
Chairman
21 September 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD TO 31 JULY 2017
1 February 2017 1 February 2016
to 31 July 2017 to 31 July 2016
GBP GBP
Notes (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Income
Income from loans 3,419,728 4,104,702
Other fee income from loans 992,285 2,708,330
Income from cash and cash equivalents 363 3,553
----------------
Total income 4,412,376 6,816,585
---------------- ----------------
Expenses
Investment advisory fees 11 551,138 548,127
Administration fees 11 85,000 89,645
Directors' remuneration 11 105,833 77,500
Luxco operating expenses 95,364 48,779
Broker fees 25,905 26,990
Audit fees 18,000 17,500
Regulatory fees 13,007 7,587
Listing fees 6,633 4,848
Legal & professional fees 6 405,983 5,497
Other expenses 58,545 52,176
Total expenses 1,365,408 878,649
---------------- ----------------
Profit for the period before tax 3,046,968 5,937,936
---------------- ----------------
Taxation (99,718) 104
Profit for the period after tax 3,146,686 5,937,832
---------------- ----------------
Total comprehensive income for the period 3,146,686 5,937,832
---------------- ----------------
Basic and diluted Earnings per share (pence) 7 2.91 5.49
---------------- ----------------
All items within the above statement have been derived from
continuing activities.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 July 2017
31 July 2017 31 January 2017
GBP GBP
Notes (Unaudited) (Audited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 10,571,446 3,258,954
Trade and other receivables 15,386 25,020
Loans advanced at amortised cost 5 101,390,922 109,943,262
Total assets 111,977,754 113,227,236
-------------------------- ----------------
Liabilities
Dividend payable 1,623,289 -
Other payables and accrued expenses 560,596 898,542
Total liabilities 2,183,885 898,542
-------------------------- ----------------
Net assets 109,793,869 112,328,694
========================== ================
Equity
Share capital 106,038,522 106,038,522
Retained earnings 3,755,347 6,290,172
Total equity attributable to the owners of the Company 109,793,869 112,328,694
========================== ================
Number of ordinary shares in issue at period/year end 8 108,219,250 108,219,250
========================== ================
Net Asset Value per ordinary share (pence) 7 101.46 103.80
========================== ================
The Interim Financial Statements were approved by the Board of
Directors on 21 September 2017 and signed on their behalf by:
Jack Perry Patrick Firth
Chairman Director
21 September 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six month period to 31 July 2017
Number Share Retained
Notes of shares capital earnings Total
GBP GBP GBP
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
As at 1 February 2017 108,219,250 106,038,522 6,290,172 112,328,694
Profit for the period - - 3,146,686 3,146,686
Dividends paid 9 - - (5,681,511) (5,681,511)
As at 31 July 2017 108,219,250 106,038,522 3,755,347 109,793,869
============ ============ ============ ============
For the six month period to 31 July 2016
Number Share Retained
Notes of shares capital earnings Total
GBP GBP GBP
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
As at 1 February 2016 108,219,250 106,038,522 2,370,387 108,408,909
Profit for the period - - 5,937,832 5,937,832
Dividends paid 9 - - (3,246,578) (3,246,578)
As at 31 July 2016 108,219,250 106,038,522 5,061,641 111,100,163
============ ============ ============ ============
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the six month period to 31 July 2017
1 February 2017 1 February 2016
to 31 July 2017 to 31 July 2016
Notes GBP GBP
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Cash flows generated from operating activities
Profit for the period 3,146,686 5,937,832
Adjustments for non-cash items:
Movement in other receivables 9,634 (201,115)
Movement in other payables and accrued expenses (235,508) (563,648)
Movement in tax payable (102,438) 2,093
Dividends payable 1,623,289 -
Loan amortisation (605,795) (373,295)
---------------- ----------------
3,835,868 4,801,867
Loans advanced less arrangement fees 5 (1,100,000) (22,400,000)
Loans repaid 5 10,258,135 19,831,824
---------------- ----------------
Net loans advanced less arrangement fees 9,158,135 (2,568,176)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash generated from operating activities 12,994,003 2,233,691
---------------- ----------------
Cash flows used in financing activities
Dividends paid 9 (5,681,511) (3,246,578)
Net cash used in financing activities (5,681,511) (3,246,578)
---------------- ----------------
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents 7,312,492 (1,012,887)
Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period 3,258,954 5,306,129
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 10,571,446 4,293,242
================ ================
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Interim
Financial Statements.
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments
Limited
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements
For the six month period to 31 July 2017
1. General information
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments Limited
is a non-cellular company limited by shares and was incorporated in
Guernsey under the Companies Law on 29 November 2012 with
registered number 55917 as a closed-ended investment company. The
registered office and principal place of business of the Company is
Heritage Hall, PO Box 225, Le Marchant Street, St Peter Port,
Guernsey, GY1 4HY, Channel Islands.
The Company's shares were admitted to the Premium Segment of the
Official Lists and to trading on the Main Market of the London
Stock Exchange on 5 February 2013.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
comprise the financial statements of the Group as at 31 July
2017.
The investment objective of the Group, as approved by the
shareholders of the Company, is to construct a portfolio of UK real
estate debt related investments predominantly comprising loans
secured by first ranking fixed charges against commercial property
investments, with the aim of providing shareholders with attractive
quarterly returns, capital preservation and, over the longer term,
a degree of capital appreciation.
The Investment Adviser, which trades under the name of
ICG-Longbow, is authorised and regulated by the FCA. The assets of
the Group are managed by the Board under the advice of the
Investment Adviser under the terms of the Investment Advisory
Agreement.
2. Accounting policies
a) Basis of preparation
The Interim Financial Statements included in this Interim
Report, have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim
Financial Reporting', as adopted by the EU, and the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the FCA.
The Interim Financial Statements have not been audited or
reviewed by the Company's Auditor.
The Interim Financial Statements do not include all the
information and disclosures required in the Annual Report and
Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the
Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended
31 January 2017, which are available on the Company's website
(www.lbow.co.uk). The Annual Report and Financial Statements have
been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU.
The same accounting policies and methods of computation have
been followed in the preparation of these Interim Financial
Statements as in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the
year ended 31 January 2017.
b) Going concern
The Directors, at the time of approving the Interim Financial
Statements, have a reasonable expectation that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future and do not consider there to be any threat to
the going concern status of the Group.
The Group is now fully invested with a total loan portfolio
representing 92.35% of the net capital raised and expects that the
loan portfolio will generate enough cash flows to pay on-going
expenses and returns to shareholders. The Directors have considered
the cash position and performances of current investments made by
the Group and have concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Interim
Financial Statements.
The first continuation vote was held on 1 March 2017 and passed
by the shareholders. The requirement for subsequent annual
continuation votes has been amended so that any follow-on
continuation resolutions shall be put to shareholders every five
years and the Directors shall propose an ordinary resolution that
the Company continues its business as a closed-ended collective
investment scheme.
c) Segmental reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker.
The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for
allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating
segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors, as a
whole. The key measure of performance used by the Board to assess
the Company's performance and to allocate resources is the total
return on the Group's Net Asset Value, as calculated under IFRS,
and therefore no reconciliation is required between the measure of
profit or loss used by the Board and that contained in the Interim
Financial Statements.
For management purposes, the Group is organised into one main
operating segment, being the provision of a diversified portfolio
of UK commercial property backed senior debt investments.
The majority of the Group's income is derived from loans secured
on commercial and residential property in the United Kingdom.
The Directors do not analyse the portfolio based on geographical
segments on the basis that all of the Group's non-current assets
are invested in the United Kingdom.
Due to the Group's nature, it has no employees.
3. Seasonal and cyclical variations
The Group's results do not vary significantly during reporting
periods as a result of seasonal activity.
4. Critical accounting judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies
The preparation of the Interim Financial Statements under IFRS
requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions
that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and
associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other
factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances,
the results of which form the basis of making judgements about
carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily
apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an
on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in
the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects
only that period or in the period of the revision and future period
if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Impairment is considered to be the most critical accounting
judgement and estimate that the Directors make in the process of
applying the Group's policies and which has the most significant
effect on the amounts recognised in the Interim Financial
Statements (see note 5).
Revenue recognition is considered a significant accounting
judgement and estimate that the Directors make in the process of
applying the Group's accounting policies.
The Directors consider judgements and estimations in determining
the fair value of prepayment options embedded within the contracts
for loans advanced. The key factors considered in the valuation of
prepayment options include the exercise price, the interest rate of
the host loan contract, differential to current market interest
rates, the risk free rate of interest, contractual terms of the
prepayment option, and the expected term of the option.
5. Loans advanced
31 July 31 July 31 January 31 January
2017 2017 2017 2017
Principal At Principal advanced At
advanced amortised amortised
cost cost
GBP GBP GBP GBP
IRAF 11,935,000 12,119,936 11,935,000 12,090,936
Meadow 18,070,000 18,397,582 18,070,000 18,304,076
Northlands 7,577,250 7,656,083 6,477,250 6,515,144
Hulbert 6,565,000 6,759,454 6,565,000 6,607,396
Halcyon 8,600,000 8,837,269 8,600,000 8,654,038
Cararra 1,300,000 1,313,428 1,300,000 1,308,168
Ramada 7,982,500 8,038,814 7,982,500 8,007,693
Commercial Regional Space 22,400,000 22,519,691 22,400,000 22,492,465
BMO 15,793,727 15,748,665 16,000,000 15,911,483
Lanos - - 10,000,000 10,051,863
100,223,477 101,390,922 109,329,750 109,943,262
============ ============ =================== ============
The Directors consider that the carrying value amounts of the
loans, recorded at amortised cost in the Interim Financial
Statements, are approximately equal to their fair value. No element
of the loans is past due or impaired.
Amortised cost is calculated using the effective interest rate
method, which takes into account all contractual terms (including
arrangement and exit fees) that are an integral part of the loan
agreement. As these fees are taken into account when determining
initial net carrying value, their recognition in profit or loss is
effectively spread over the life of the loan.
The Group's investments are in the form of bilateral loans, and
as such are illiquid investments with no readily available
secondary market. Whilst the terms of each loan includes repayment
and prepayment fees, in the absence of a liquid secondary market,
the Directors do not believe a willing buyer would pay a premium to
the par value of the loans to recognise such terms and as such the
amortised cost represents the fair value of the loans.
Each property on which investments are secured was subject to an
independent, third party valuation at the time the investment was
entered into. All investments are made on a hold to maturity basis.
Each investment is monitored on a quarterly basis, in line with the
underlying property rental cycle, including a review of the
performance of the underlying property security. No market or other
events have been identified through this review process, which
would result in a fair value of the investments significantly
different to the carrying value.
Whilst the loans are performing and the balance outstanding in
each case is at a substantial discount to the value of the
underlying real estate on which they are secured, the Directors do
not consider the loans to be impaired, or for there to be a risk of
not achieving full recovery.
On 27 March 2017, the Group received a repayment of
GBP10,000,000 on the Lanos loan. As part of this repayment, the
Group received a total of GBP1,120,203 in interest and exit and
prepayment fees in accordance with the terms of the loan
agreement.
On 27 March 2017 the Group advanced GBP500,000 and on 2 May 2017
advanced a further GBP600,000 on the Northlands loan. The increase
is on substantially the same terms and conditions as the existing
loan.
On 10 May 2017, the Group received a partial repayment of
GBP206,273 on the BMO loan.
6. Legal and Professional Fees
1 February 1 February
2017 2016
to 31 July to 31 July
2017 2016
GBP GBP
Costs in respect of Circular
and publication of Prospectus 400,643 -
Other legal and professional
fees 5,340 5,497
405,983 5,497
=========== ===========
7. Earnings per share and Net Asset Value per share
Earnings per share
1 February 2017 1 February 2016
to 31 July 2017 to 31 July 2016
Profit for the period (GBP) 3,146,686 5,937,832
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 108,219,250 108,219,250
---------------- ----------------
Basic and diluted EPS (pence) 2.91 5.49
Adjusted basic and diluted EPS (pence) 1.99 2.98
================ ================
The calculation of basic and diluted Earnings per share is based
on the profit for the period and on the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue during the period.
The calculation of adjusted basic and diluted Earnings per share
is based on the profit for the period, adjusted for one-off other
fee income during the period totalling GBP992,285 (31 July 2016:
GBP2,708,330).
There are no dilutive shares in issue at 31 July 2017.
Net Asset Value per share
31 July 2017 31 January 2017
NAV (GBP) 109,793,869 112,328,694
Number of ordinary shares in issue 108,219,250 108,219,250
------------- ----------------
NAV per share (pence) 101.46 103.80
============= ================
The calculation of NAV per share is based on Net Asset Value and
the number of ordinary shares in issue at the period/year end.
8. Share capital
As at 31 July 2017, the Company had 108,219,250 (31 January
2017: 108,219,250) issued and fully paid ordinary shares with a par
value of GBP1 each.
9. Dividends
Dividends paid
Dividend per share Total dividend
1 February 2017 to 31 July 2017 Pence GBP
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 31 January 2017 1.50 1,623,289
Special dividend in respect of the prepayment fees received during the
year ended 31 January
2017 2.25 2,434,933
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 30 April 2017 1.50 1,623,289
5.25 5,681,511
=================== ================
Dividend per share Total dividend
1 February 2016 to 31 July 2016 Pence GBP
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 31 January 2016 1.50 1,623,289
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 30 April 2016 1.50 1,623,289
3.00 3,246,578
=================== ===============
Dividend proposed
On 21 September 2017, the Directors approved an interim dividend
in respect of the quarter ended 31 July 2017 of GBP1,623,289
equating to 1.50 pence per ordinary share to shareholders on the
register as at the close of business on 6 October 2017.
10. Financial Risk Management
The Group through its investment in senior loans is exposed to a
variety of financial risks. The main risks arising from the Group's
financial instruments are: market risk (including currency risk and
interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk and are fully
disclosed on pages 62 to 65 of the Annual Report and Financial
Statements for 31 January 2017.
The Company's principal risk factors are fully discussed in the
Company's Prospectus, available on the Company's website
(www.lbow.co.uk) and should be reviewed by shareholders.
11. Related Party Transactions and Directors' Remuneration
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the
ability to control the other party or exercise significant
influence over the party in making financial or operational
decisions.
In the opinion of the Directors, on the basis of shareholdings
advised to them, the Company has no immediate or ultimate
controlling party.
Directors
Mark Huntley, a Director of the Company, is also a Director of
the Company's Administrator. During the period, the Company
incurred administration fees in relation to services provided by
the Company's Administrator of GBP85,000 (31 July 2016: GBP89,645)
of which GBP31,583 (31 January 2017: GBP31,465) was outstanding at
the period/year end. Mark Huntley also received a Director's fee
for the period of GBP19,375 (31 July 2016: GBP13,750) of which
GBP7,500 (31 January 2017: GBP6,875) was outstanding at the
period/year end.
The Company Directors' fees for the period amounted to
GBP105,833 (31 July 2016: GBP77,500) with outstanding fees of
GBP42,083 (31 January 2017: GBP38,750) due to the Directors at 31
July 2017. With effect from 1 July 2017, the remuneration of the
Chairman increased from GBP40,000 to GBP50,000 per annum, the
remuneration of the Chairman of the Audit Committee increased from
GBP32,500 to GBP40,000 per annum and the remuneration of the
Directors increased from GBP27,500 to GBP35,000 per annum. During
the period, each Director received an additional, one-off fee of
GBP5,000 for extra services they have performed in connection with
the placing programme.
Investment Adviser
Investment advisory fees for the period amounted to GBP551,138
(31 July 2016: GBP548,127) of which GBP275,569 (31 January 2017:
GBP562,854) was outstanding at the period/year end.
12. Subsequent events
On 21 September 2017, the Company approved a dividend of 1.50
pence per ordinary share in respect of the quarter ended 31 July
2017, payable on 27 October 2017.
glossary of capitalised defined terms
"Administrator" means Heritage International Fund Managers
Limited;
"Admission" means the admission of the shares to the premium
listing segment of the Official List and to trading on the London
Stock Exchange;
"Annual Report and Financial Statements" means the annual
publication of the Group provided to the shareholders to describe
their operations and financial conditions, together with their
Consolidated Financial Statements;
"Article 50" means Article 50, a clause in the EU Lisbon Treaty
that outlines the steps to be taken by a country seeking to leave
the bloc voluntarily;
"AST" means assured shorthold tenancy;
"Audit Committee" means the Audit and Operational Risk
Management Committee, a formal committee of the Board with defined
terms of reference;
"BMO" means BMO Real Estate Partners;
"Board" or "Directors" or "Board of Directors" means the
directors of the Company from time to time;
"Brexit" means the potential departure of the UK from the
EU;
"Cararra" means Cararra Ground Rents;
"CBI" means the Confederation of British Industry;
"Circular" means the Circular of the Company dated 11 January
2017 regarding proposals for a change in investment objective and
policy, a placing programme for 40 million shares and the
continuation vote;
"Commercial Regional Space" means Commercial Regional Space
Limited;
"Companies Law" means the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, (as
amended);
"Company" means ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt
Investments Limited;
"Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules" or "DTRs" means the
disclosure guidance published by the FCA and the transparency rules
made by the FCA under section 73A of FSMA;
"EBITDA" means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortisation;
"EGM" means the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company
held on 1 March 2017;
"EPS" or "Earnings per share" means Earnings per ordinary share
of the Company and is expressed in Pounds Stirling;
"ERV" means Estimated Rental Value;
"EU" means the European Union;
"Euro" or "EUR" means Euros, the currency introduced at the
start of the third stage of European economic and monetary
union;
"FCA" means the UK Financial Conduct Authority (or its successor
bodies);
"Financial Statements" or "Consolidated Financial Statements"
means the audited consolidated financial statements of the Group,
including the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows, and associated notes;
"GDP" means gross domestic product;
"GFSC" means the Guernsey Financial Services Commission;
"GIIN" means Global Intermediary Identification Number;
"Group" means the Company, ICG Longbow Senior Secured UK
Property Debt Investments Limited together with its wholly owned
subsidiary, ICG Longbow Senior Debt S.A (Luxco);
"Halcyon" means Halcyon Ground Rents;
"Hulbert" means Hulbert Properties;
"IAS" means international accounting standards as issued by the
Board of the International Accounting Standards Committee;
"ICG" means Intermediate Capital Group plc;
"ICG Private Funds" means private real estate debt funds managed
or advised by the Investment Adviser or its associates;
"IFRS" means the International Financial Reporting Standards,
being the principles-based accounting standards, interpretations
and the framework by that name issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board, as adopted by the EU;
"IRR" means Internal Rate of Return;
"Interest Cover Ratio" or "ICR" means the debt/profitability
ratio used to determine how easily a company can pay interest on
outstanding debt;
"Interim Financial Statements" means the unaudited interim
condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group, including
the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and associated
notes;
"Interim Report" means the Company's interim report and
unaudited interim condensed financial statements for the period
ended 31 July;
"Investment Grade Tenant" means a tenant that is rated Aaa to
Baa3 by MIS and/or AAA to BBB- by S&P;
"Investment Adviser" or "ICG-Longbow" means Intermediate Capital
Managers Limited or its Associates;
"Investment Advisory Agreement" means Investment Advisory
Agreement dated 31 January 2013 between the Company and the
Investment Adviser, as amended and restated on 27 April 2017;
"Investment Risk Committee" means the Investment Risk Committee,
a formal committee of the Board with defined terms of
reference;
"IPD" means the Investment Property Databank;
"IPF" means the International Property Forum;
"IPO" means the Company's initial public offering of shares to
the public which completed on 5 February 2013;
"IRAF" means IRAF Portfolio;
"ISIN" means an International Securities Identification
Number;
"Lanos" means Lanos (York);
"LIBOR" means the London Interbank Offered Rate;
"Listing Rules" means the listing rules made by the UK Listing
Authority under section 73A Financial Services and Markets Act
2000;
"London Stock Exchange" or "LSE" means London Stock Exchange
plc;
"LTV" means Loan to Value ratio;
"Luxco" means the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, ICG-Longbow
Senior Debt S.A.;
"Luxembourg Administrator" means MAS International S.Ã r.l.
being the administrator of Luxco;
"Main Market" means the main securities market of the London
Stock Exchange;
"Management Engagement Committee" means a formal committee of
the Board with defined terms of reference;
"Meadow" means Meadow Real Estate Fund II;
"MIS" means Moody's Investors Service Ltd, a credit rating
agency registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009
with effect from 31 October 2011;
"MSCI" means Morgan Stanley Capital Index;
"NAV per share" means the Net Asset Value per ordinary share
divided by the number of Shares in issue (other than shares held in
treasury);
"Net Asset Value" or "NAV" means the value of the assets of the
Group less its liabilities, calculated in accordance with the
valuation guidelines laid down by the Board, further details of
which are set out in the Prospectus;
"Nomination Committee" means a formal committee of the Board
with defined terms of reference;
"Northlands" means Northlands Portfolio;
"NMPIs" means Non-Mainstream Pooled Investments;
"OECD" means The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development;
"Official List" is the Premium Segment of the UK Listing
Authority's Official List;
"IPO Prospectus" means the prospectus published on 31 January
2013 by the Company in connection with the IPO of ordinary
shares;
"Prospectus" means the prospectus published in April 2017 by the
Company in connection with the placing programme;
"Ramada" means Ramada Gateshead;
"Registrar" Capita Registrars (Guernsey) Limited;
"Registrar Agreement" means the Registrar Agreement dated 31
January 2013 between the Company and the Registrar;
"REIT" means real estate investment trust;
"RICS" means the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors;
"SDLT" means stamp duty land tax;
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services
Europe Limited, a credit rating agency registered in accordance
with Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009 with effect from 31 October
2011;
"Single Property Sector" means office, retail,
industrial/warehousing and Other Sectors (all other real estate
sectors);
"SPV" means special purpose vehicle;
"UK" or "United Kingdom" means the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland;
"UK Listing Authority" or "UKLA" means the Financial Conduct
Authority;
"US" or "United States" means the United States of America, it
territories and possessions; and
"GBP" or "Pounds Sterling" or "Sterling" means British pound
sterling and "pence" means British pence.
directors and general information
Board of Directors Investment Adviser English Solicitors
Jack Perry (Chairman) Intermediate Capital to the Company
Stuart Beevor Managers Limited King & Wood Mallesons
Patrick Firth Juxon House LLP (until 7 March
Mark Huntley 100 St Paul's Churchyard 2017)
Paul Meader London 10 Queen Street
EC4M 8BU Place
London
Audit and Operational EC4R 1BE
Risk Committee Independent Auditor
Patrick Firth (Chairman) Deloitte LLP Gowlings WLG (UK)
Stuart Beevor Chartered Accountants LLP (effective
Paul Meader PO Box 137 7 March 2017)
Regency Court 4 More London Riverside,
Glategny Esplanade London,
Investment Risk St. Peter Port SE1 2AU
Committee Guernsey
Paul Meader (Chairman) GY1 3HW
Stuart Beevor Guernsey Advocates
James Christie to the Company
Mark Huntley Guernsey Administrator Carey Olsen
David Mortimer and Company Secretary Carey House
Heritage International PO Box 98
Fund Managers Limited Les Banques
Management Engagement Heritage Hall St Peter Port
Committee PO Box 225 Guernsey
Jack Perry (Chairman) Le Marchant Street GY1 4BZ
Patrick Firth St. Peter Port
Paul Meader Guernsey
GY1 4HY Bankers
ABN AMRO (Guernsey)
Nomination Committee Limited
Jack Perry (Chairman) Luxembourg Administrator Martello Court
Stuart Beevor MAS International Admiral Park
Patrick Firth 6c Rue Gabriel St Peter Port
Mark Huntley Lippmann Guernsey
Paul Meader Munsbach GY1 3QJ
Luxembourg
L-5365 Barclays Bank plc
Registered office 6-8 High Street
Heritage Hall St Peter Port
PO Box 225 Registrar Guernsey
Le Marchant Street Capita Registrars GY1 3BE
St Peter Port (Guernsey) Limited
Guernsey Mont Crevelt House Lloyds Bank International
GY1 4HY Bulwer Avenue Limited
St Sampson PO Box 136
Guernsey Sarnia House
Identifiers GY2 4JN Le Truchot
ISIN: GG00B8C23S81 St Peter Port
Sedol: B8C23S8 Guernsey
Ticker: LBOW Corporate Broker GY1 4EN
Website: www.lbow.co.uk and Financial Adviser
Cenkos Securities The Royal Bank
plc of Scotland International
6-8 Tokenhouse Royal Bank Place
Yard 1 Glategny Esplanade
London St Peter Port
EC2R 7AS Guernsey
GY1 4BQ
-------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------------
cautionary statement
The Chairman's Statement and Investment Adviser's Report have
been prepared solely to provide additional information for
shareholders to assess the Company's strategies and the potential
for those strategies to succeed. These should not be relied on by
any other party or for any other purpose.
The Chairman's Statement and Investment Adviser's Report may
include statements that are, or may be deemed to be,
"forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can
be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including
the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects",
"intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their
negative or other variations or comparable terminology.
These forward-looking statements include all matters that are
not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout
this document and include statements regarding the intentions,
beliefs or current expectations of the Directors and the Investment
Adviser, concerning, amongst other things, the investment
objectives and investment policy, financing strategies, investment
performance, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity,
prospects, and distribution policy of the Company and the markets
in which it invests.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on
circumstances that may or may not occur in the future.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance.
The Company's actual investment performance, results of
operations, financial condition, liquidity, distribution policy and
the development of its financing strategies may differ materially
from the impression created by the forward-looking statements
contained in this document.
Subject to their legal and regulatory obligations, the Directors
and the Investment Adviser expressly disclaim any obligations to
update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to
reflect any change in expectations with regard thereto or any
change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any
statement is based.
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments
Limited
Heritage Hall, PO Box 225,
Le Marchant Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey,
GY1 4HY, Channel Islands.
T +44 (0) 1481 716000
F +44 (0) 1481 730617
Further information available online:
www.lbow.co.uk
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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