TIDMRLE
RNS Number : 1225K
Real Estate Investors PLC
19 September 2016
Real Estate Investors Plc
("REI" or the "Company" or the "Group")
Half year results for the six months to 30 June 2016
Record rental income, portfolio and dividend growth
Real Estate Investors Plc (AIM: RLE), the Birmingham based
property group and UK listed Real Estate Investment Trust, today
announces its unaudited half year results for the six-month period
ending 30 June 2016.
Financial Highlights
-- Gross property assets of GBP194.5 million, up 23.5% (FY 2015: GBP157.5 million)
-- EPRA NAV per share of 63.1p, down 2.2% (FY 2015: 64.5p)
-- Revenue of GBP6.0 million, up 58% (H1 2015: GBP3.8 million)
-- EPRA EPS of 1.3p, up 160% (H1 2015: 0.5p)
-- Profit before tax, revaluation and loss on valuation of
interest rate swaps of GBP2.4 million, up 60% (H1 2015: GBP1.5
million)
-- Pre-tax loss of GBP560,000 (H1 2015: profit GBP8.1 million)
due to loss on revaluation of interest rate swaps of GBP1.2 million
(H1 2015: GBP690,000 surplus) and property revaluation loss of
GBP1.8 million (H1 2015: GBP5.9 million surplus), both non-cash
items
-- Second quarter dividend of 0.625p, making total dividend for
the first half of 1.25p, up 25% (H1 2015: 1.0p)
-- Average cost of debt reduced to 4.1% (FY 2015: 5.7%)
-- Cash and available facilities of GBP14 million (FY 2015: GBP11 million)
Operational Highlights
-- Annualised contracted rental income increased to GBP15.6
million, up 31% (FY 2015: GBP11.9 million)
-- Total acquisitions of GBP37.3 million (inclusive of costs)
were made during H1, with a combined income of GBP3.6 million and a
potential reversion to GBP3.8 million, showing a 9.1% net initial
yield and 10.2% reversionary yield (excluding land acquisition),
with significant asset management potential
-- Total ownership of 1.4 million sq ft (FY 2015: 1.1 million sq ft) up 27.4%
-- Overall occupancy increased to 92.6% - (FY 2015: 89%)
-- WAULT of 4.8 years (to break) (FY 2015: 5.2 years)
-- Number of tenants 241 (FY 2015: 211) up 14.2%
-- REI's portfolio benefitting from the active management programme:
o Improved occupier demand, in particular the retail sector
o Rental uplifts from rebased recessionary rents
o Reducing incentives and increasing lease terms
o Change of use planning approvals, capturing rising occupier demand
o 19 new lettings and 3 lease renewals in H1 2016
Paul Bassi, CEO of Real Estate Investors Plc, commented:
"Notably the market place has been dominated by the European
Referendum, and as anticipated, this uncertainty created a window
of opportunity, during which we secured GBP37.3 million of new
assets, increasing our contracted rental income to GBP15.6 million,
up 31% since the year end. Our portfolio is now valued at GBP194.5
million, up 23.5% since the year end. Our profit before tax of
GBP2.4 million, excluding non-cash items was up 60% (H1 2015:
GBP1.5 million) and our EPRA EPS was 1.3p, up 160% (H1 2015:
0.5p).
Our portfolio has grown to almost GBP200 million and we remain
well positioned to continue to grow our property portfolio, rental
income and dividend payments, whilst maintaining prudent gearing
levels and capitalising on the historically low interest rate
environment. Additionally, the existing portfolio has significant
capital growth potential from new lettings, planning approvals and
rental growth, and is set to benefit from the GBP3.6 million of
annualised new income secured in H1 2016.
There remains a positive appetite for quality income producing
assets in our region, as demand continues to outstrip supply for
investment property of most types and there is almost no sign of
distressed vendors or discounted asset sales. We will consider
sales at a surplus to existing valuations, subject to acquiring
further property to maintain our income levels."
Enquiries:
Real Estate Investors Plc
Paul Bassi +44 (0)121 212 3446
Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance
Limited
Azhic Basirov/David Jones +44 (0)20 7131 4000
Liberum
Jamie Richards/Ben Roberts +44 (0)20 3100 2000
Gable Communications Limited +44 (0)20 7193 7463
John Bick +44 (0)7872 061 007
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT
The events in H1 have had a mixed impact on our business. On a
positive note, the uncertainty around the European Referendum
allowed us to secure a further GBP37.3 million of criteria
compliant assets, increasing our contracted rental income to
GBP15.6 million, up 31% since December 2015 year-end. We have not
seen any material income benefit from these acquisitions during H1,
but will benefit fully in H2. Our profit before tax of GBP2.4
million, excluding non-cash items was up 60% (H1 2015: GBP1.5
million) and our EPRA EPS was 1.3p, up 160% (H1 2015: 0.5p). Our
dividend, which is fully covered by EPRA earnings, is now paid
quarterly and is up 25% for H1. Our like for like portfolio
valuation is up 0.35%, despite the GBP1.6 million valuation
reduction on our BHS property block, which we anticipate recovering
once the property is re-let.
However, the interest rate outlook has driven a non cash GBP1.2
million loss on our interest rate swap. Furthermore, our results
have also been impacted by the change in Stamp Duty announced in
the March 2016 Budget and the closure of the aforementioned BHS in
Walsall.
Whilst sentiment towards investment property values immediately
after the EU result was negative, it has quickly become apparent
that demand for income producing property remains strong from all
sectors of the market, with excellent banking support available to
investors. There is little sign of any distressed sales or
'bargains', though we have a pipeline of criteria compliant assets
with asset management opportunities that only a cash buyer can
capitalise upon.
We continue to have a strong and stable portfolio, which can
withstand periods of uncertainty, during which we can make
opportunistic acquisitions, with the benefit of our cash and
banking facilities.
Market Overview
The uncertainty created by the European Referendum during H1,
provided us with the opportunity to grow our portfolio and income.
The unexpected result could potentially provide further
opportunities to well connected, cash buyers like ourselves.
However, we believe this will be a very short lived opportunity, as
the signs are that calm is already returning to the market place,
with sentiment and activity recovering, fund redemption pressure
reducing and others becoming acquisitive. It is quite possible that
the 'Brexit' window of opportunity has passed. Overseas buyers and
private equity funds are actively looking to capitalise on the
combination of a weak Sterling and expectations of discounts.
At this stage, we remain positive about regional investment
values and note that regional occupier activity in the lead up to
the referendum was 15% above average and, post-election, occupier
demand in particular for retail space has remained buoyant. Our
strategic decision to invest in value creation opportunities in the
Midlands, where we add value through asset management initiatives,
continues to provide some protection from any downward valuation
pressure, whilst generating excellent investment returns and
providing potential capital upside. This has been readily
demonstrated with our like for like valuation up by 0.35%, despite
the GBP1.6 million downward valuation on the Walsall BHS scheme and
allowing for valuers amending their calculations to take account of
the stamp duty change.
The Birmingham and wider Midlands economy remains healthy, as
indicated in the regional review below. With the continuation of
the HS2 project, the growth of the manufacturing base, which is
benefitting from Sterling depreciation, the relocation of HSBC's UK
Head Office and the continued growth of the tourism, digital media,
creative industries and the service sector, the regional prospects
remain positive and we anticipate the continued re-emergence of
Birmingham and the West Midlands as an economic powerhouse.
In contrast with London, regional investment remains buoyant,
with GBP4.4 billion worth of transactions in H1 2016 (up 17% on H1
2015 and 10% above the 5 year average). Regional volume accounts
for 45% of the Q2 totals, its highest share over 5 years. There is
a distinct possibility that there will be further increase in
demand for regional investment property, as buyers 'look away' from
London and the South East, where there remains a long overdue
correction for property valuations and a potentially declining
occupier market, which may reveal a reducing rental pattern.
Property Portfolio
We have enjoyed an active period, successfully executing
property acquisitions of GBP37.3 million. We have seen our
contracted rental income rise to a record GBP15.6 million p.a., up
31% since the year end. We are however disappointed not to have
secured further additional assets, but this reflects the limited
number of criteria compliant opportunities available and the desire
by vendors to retain assets for income, unless they secure a
premium sale price. We remain disciplined and well placed to
acquire further criteria compliant properties in the region with
longer term income and capital growth potential.
Property Investment
Total acquisitions of GBP37.3 million (inclusive of costs) were
made during the period, with a combined income of GBP3.6 million
and a potential reversion to GBP3.8 million, showing a 9.1% net
initial yield and 10.2% reversionary yield (excluding land
acquisition). New tenants from acquisitions include Grafton Group,
C&J Clark, Iceland, Argos, B&M Ltd, Wilko Retail,
Sainsburys, Bathstore, Hewlett Packard and Premier Inn.
New acquisitions include:
-- Market Square Shopping Centre, Crewe - June 2016 (Retail -
GBP20 million, excluding acquisition costs), acquired from a major
UK based fund, representing a net initial yield of 9%. The covered
shopping centre incorporates 25 retail units with predominantly
ground floor retail accommodation and first floor ancillary. In
total, there is 154,130 square feet of retail and ancillary
accommodation, with 294 external car parking spaces. Current
tenants include River Island, Halifax, Superdrug, Brighthouse,
Ernest Jones, Hutchinson 3G, Argos, Iceland, B&M, Peacocks and
Poundworld. The retail space has 100% occupancy, with a weighted
average annual unexpired lease term (WAULT) of 5.1 years to expiry
and 4.4 years to break. The acquisition provides significant
opportunities to 'add value' through rent reviews, lease renewals
and the creation of additional units on the substantial external
car parking facility to increase the retail footprint of the
overall site which is attractive for retailers and consumers alike.
There is also scope to restructure the scheme, which will provide
potential for significant capital uplift. The location will further
benefit from substantial and nearby developments of a new college
and offices.
-- West Plaza, West Bromwich - May 2016 (Mixed Hotel and offices
- GBP8 million, excluding acquisition costs). This investment
comprises a ten storey building adjoining Metro Court - an existing
REI building. 95,400 sq ft with a strong / diverse spread of
tenants. The current rent reflects a low overall rental rate of
GBP6.9 per square foot, with good scope for reversionary potential.
Broadly 50% of the income is underpinned to Whitbread as Premier
Inn at GBP310,000 p.a., which is reversionary following an
outstanding rent review. The existing WAULT to expiry is 10.6 years
and 4.7 years to break options. We are currently in discussions
with Premier Inn to extend their lease. There is also a longer term
opportunity for residential development, as the building lends
itself to residential occupation, with significant capital upside
potential.
-- Titan House, Euston Park, Telford - February 2016 - (offices
- GBP2.8 million, excluding acquisition costs). Acquired from
receivers, the building is situated on a modern business park,
adjacent to Telford Central Station and Junction 5 of the M54.
Titan House comprises 33,166 sq ft of modern office accommodation
over four floors and 103 car parking spaces. The property is let to
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Service UK Ltd with 4.5 years remaining
and a current rental income of GBP270,000 p.a. The purchase price
reflects a net initial yield of 9.9% and a low capital value rate
of GBP83 per square foot. Whilst the property is fully occupied,
the tenant currently benefits from a rent free period until lease
expiry in October 2020 over the entire first floor, which offers
good prospects for rental improvement.
-- Boundary House, 2 Wythall Green Way, Birmingham - February
2016 (offices - GBP2.5 million, excluding acquisition costs). This
comprises a modern 2-storey office building, positioned in a good
strategic location on the southern side of Birmingham. The property
is fully let to Grafton Group (UK) Plc with an unexpired term of
6.5 years at a low rent equivalent to GBP11.4 per square foot,
producing total rental income of GBP243,547 p.a. at a net initial
yield of 9.4%. Grafton Group (UK) Plc, which has a Dun &
Bradstreet rating of 5A 1, has historically expanded within the
building as space has become available, taking the majority for its
Selco subsidiary and the remainder for its group executive.
-- Commodore Court, Nuthall Road, Nottingham - April 2016 (Mixed
Retail and Residential - GBP2.4 million, excluding acquisition
costs), acquired in April 2016 from a private property company. The
property comprises a prominent mixed use development, situated on a
busy arterial route in Nottingham. The building incorporates three
fully occupied retail units, occupied by Sainsbury's Supermarkets
Limited, Barnardos and Bathstore Limited, with WAULT to expiry of
11.3 years and 5.3 years to break options. The property produces a
rental income of GBP216,710 p.a. and the purchase price reflects a
net initial yield of 8.5%.
-- Land at Bourne Street, Coseley - April 2016 (Land GBP1.1
million, excluding acquisition costs) which has been acquired with
a view to securing planning approval for approximately 100
residential units for subsequent sale. The application has the
support of the planning officers.
We anticipate our contracted rental income will continue to rise
by the year end as we have a good pipeline of potential
acquisitions and a healthy number of new lettings within our
portfolio.
Asset management
As a consequence of our active management programme, our
portfolio has continued to benefit from steady occupier demand. In
terms of rental levels, new benchmarks set over the previous 12
months are still being achieved on lettings. We are also now seeing
higher rental values starting to be reflected in our current
property valuations. This combined activity will provide further
revaluation surplus.
-- Gateway House, 50-53 High St, Birmingham - The building
comprises a mixed retail and office scheme of 27,071 sq. ft.
extending over seven floors. In the ground floor retail unit, we
have recently agreed a surrender from the previous tenant Arcadia,
which has allowed a new 10 year lease to Holland and Barrett.
Shelter has surrendered their lease, previously on a single floor
and we have agreed a new overriding 10 year lease over two floors
with Shelter, at higher rents and overall improved WAULT. The
second floor offices have also been refurbished, with prospects to
increase rental and capital values.
-- Acocks Green Shopping Centre, Acocks Green - The property
comprises a 60,457 sq ft retail scheme in Acocks Green on the
outskirts of Solihull and Birmingham. The scheme is anchored by
Wilkinson, Boots, Argos and Lloyds Bank, with a WAULT at purchase
of 3.7 years. We have agreed dilapidations on two retail units,
where the proceeds will support the cost of capital improvements.
We have recently agreed a new lease to a national retailer on 10
year terms at levels in excess of our assumed rental tone. We have
also agreed a new 20 year lease term to a national restaurant
operator - the agreement incorporates three void units and
eliminates a void unit which was otherwise difficult to let. We
have re-geared a number of existing leases, which has extended the
unexpired lease term. Since acquiring the property in 2015, our
management initiatives have reduced voids and associated costs and
we further future anticipate capital appreciation through current
lease restricting and letting activity.
-- Peat House, 1 Waterloo Way, Leicester - A prominent 43,437
sq. ft. office building located in the city's central office core
and directly opposite Leicester railway station. We have increased
the rental tone during the year, having recently completed the
refurbishment of two floors, utilising dilapidations receipts. We
have subsequently completed a new 10 year lease to Bellrock FM at
GBP13.5 per square foot and the remainder of the space is either in
legals or under offer.
-- Dudley Street, Wolverhampton - A distressed asset, acquired
from NAMA for the sum of GBP2 million. The unit is currently
occupied by River Island who are holding over and who we believe
are in the process of moving into the nearby Mander centre, which
is currently being refurbished. The unit is situated outside one of
the main entrances to the Mander centre in one of the best trading
locations within the town centre. Our intention at acquisition was
to take the benefit of the passing income from River Island and
simultaneously re-gear with a new tenant. We are in discussions
with a number of national multiples who are interested in taking a
new lease on terms yet to be agreed. All of these opportunities are
expected to show a substantial capital uplift.
-- Park Street, Walsall - A unit was previously occupied by BHS
at a rent equivalent to GBP10.5 per square foot, which we feel is
low and offers scope for further improvement through a potential
change of use to leisure or reconfiguration of the unit to
incorporate designated public realm. We are in discussions with a
number of parties who are keen to be involved and remain confident
of a positive outcome. However, the collapse of BHS has had a
negative impact on our June 2016 valuation figures of GBP1.6
million, which we anticipate recovering.
New tenants to our existing portfolio include; Holland and
Barrett, Viva Brazil, Footasylum and Poundworld.
Sales
We have not made any properties available for sale during H1, as
we believe it has been a 'buyers' market. With lowering interest
rates and limited supply, we expect demand for stock to pick up by
the end of the year. We have identified a number of properties that
are suitable for sale and will monitor this position over the
coming months, and will only seek to make sales above existing book
values.
Portfolio Overview
Further to recent acquisitions, the portfolio is split (by
income) into the following sectors: Retail (59%); Offices (37%);
and other (4%).
Our overall occupancy has improved, other than City centre,
where we have undergone refurbishments at 75-77 Colmore Row (20,000
sq ft) and have sought to secure vacant possession of 6 Bennetts
Hill (10,000 sq ft), with a view to selling this office property
for residential value and make a capital gain.
Our objective for H2 is to grow the portfolio further, subject
to making strategic sales, and to grow our rental income to allow
us to continue with our objective of growing our quarterly dividend
payments, in line with our progressive dividend policy. We expect
property yields to remain stable with increasing demand and a
shortage of investment stock at the end of the year. Our recent
acquisitions have improved the tone of the portfolio and continue
to provide us with a variety of opportunities to add value and
increase rental income.
At 30 Value % Sq Ft Contracted ERV GBP Net Equivalent Reversionary Occupancy
June GBP Rent GBP Initial Yield Yield %
2016 Yield % %
%
------------ ------- ------ ---------- ------------ ----------- --------- ------------ -------------- -----------
Birmingham
City
Centre 36.2m 18.6% 156,618 1,944,354 2,773,333 5.04 6.74 7.19 75.56
------------ ------- ------ ---------- ------------ ----------- --------- ------------ -------------- -----------
Other
Midlands 148.8m 76.5% 1,194,611 13,138,760 13,897,884 8.31 8.61 8.79 94.07
------------ ------- ------ ---------- ------------ ----------- --------- ------------ -------------- -----------
Total
Core 185.0m 95.1% 1,351,229 15,083,114 16,671,217 7.68 7.90 8.47 91.93
------------ ------- ------ ---------- ------------ ----------- --------- ------------ -------------- -----------
Non Core
Portfolio 9.5m 4.9% 50,491 538,716 646,626 8.52 9.26 10.23 92.60
------------ ------- ------ ---------- ------------ ----------- --------- ------------ -------------- -----------
Total
Portfolio 194.5m 100% 1,401,720 15,621,830 17,317,843 7.70 7.95 8.53 92.63
------------ ------- ------ ---------- ------------ ----------- --------- ------------ -------------- -----------
Finance Review
The underlying profit for the six months to 30 June 2016 was
GBP2.4 million (2015: 1.3 million), an increase of 60% (underlying
profit excludes the effect of property revaluations, property sales
and financial instrument valuations).
The statutory loss before tax for the period was GBP560,000
(2015: profit GBP8.1 million) due to property revaluation deficit
of GBP1.8 million (2015: surplus GBP5.9 million) and a loss on
revaluation of financial instruments of GBP1.2 million (2015:
profit GBP700,000).
Rental income increased due to acquisition of properties and
letting of void space and was up 58% to GBP6 million (2015: GBP3.8
million). The results for the half year have not benefitted from
the GBP20 million acquisition of Crewe, which completed on 24 June
2016 and little benefit from the acquisition of West Plaza, which
completed in May 2016.
Costs continue to be monitored closely - administrative expenses
increased to GBP1.6 million (2015: GBP1.2 million) due to the
provision for LTIPs of GBP300,000 (2015: GBPnil).
30 June 2016 31 December Change
2015
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Gross Property Assets GBP194.5m GBP157.5m +23.5%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
EPRA NAV per share 63.1p 64.5p -2.2%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
EPRA NNNAV per share 60.7p 62.8p -3.3%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Net Assets GBP114.6m GBP117.9m -2.8%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Loan to Value 42.8% 28.4% +50%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Loan to Value (net of
cash) 37.9% 22.8% +66%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Like for like growth
in rental income GBP12m GBP11.9m +0.8%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Like for like capital GBP143.68/sq GBP143.18/sq
value per sq ft ft ft +0.35%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Like for like valuation GBP158.1m GBP157.5m +0.35%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
The property revaluation deficit of GBP1.8 million in the main
is as a consequence of bearing the cost of GBP1.3 million of SDLT
paid on the acquisitions of West Plaza, West Bromwich and Crewe
completed in May and June respectively as well as the GBP1.6
million deficit on our Park Street, Walsall property where BHS was
a tenant.
The Chancellor announced a change in Stamp Duty in the March
budget. This 1% impact on the basis of valuation has also been
included in our property revaluations.
Banking
We continue to receive excellent support from our bankers, who
are open to us increasing our facilities. Banks have remained 'open
for business', with healthy competition amongst banks to secure new
lending to experienced management teams with diversified portfolios
and prudently geared balance sheets. REI comfortably meets these
criteria.
As at 30 June 2016, we have cash and undrawn facilities of GBP14
million. Our current average cost of debt has reduced to 4.1%
(2015: 5.7%) and the average term of debt is 5 years (2015: 5.8
years), with our GBP20 million facility with Lloyds Banking Group
to be renewed next month.
The RBS facilities at 1.75% above Libor demonstrate our ability
to secure debt going forward, with a number of other banks prepared
to lend on similar terms. We are capitalising on the low interest
rate environment and it is our intention to grow the portfolio
further, whilst maintaining prudent levels of gearing.
Dividend
As announced the Company has moved to quarterly dividend
payments in 2016. The first quarterly interim dividend of 0.625p
was paid in July 2016 and further payments at this level will be
made in October 2016 and January 2017. The final dividend will be
announced with the results in March 2017 and paid in April
2017.
The dividend for the first half year is therefore 1.25p (2015:
1.0p) an increase of 25%.
The Board's intention is to continue with a sustained, covered
and progressive dividend.
Dividend Timetable
Q2 Ex-dividend date: 29 September 2016
Q2 Record date: 30 September 2016
Q2 Dividend payment date: 28 October 2016
Outlook
The EU referendum vote has provided us with opportunities that
we have capitalised upon, but these opportunities will likely
diminish as investment demand remains strong and there is little
evidence of distressed vendors, or sales at discounts.
Demand for investment property continues to outstrip supply. A
variety of investors from institutions, funds and overseas
investors who are seeking to capitalise on the fall in value of
Sterling. We are also seeing competition for assets from private
property companies and HNW individuals who have banking support and
confidence to invest in property as an asset class, as it provides
significantly higher yields than many alternative opportunities.
This investment demand is enhanced by investors looking outside the
traditionally safer market of London.
The regional economy remains robust with many sectors reporting
positively about future growth in the Midlands, with exporters also
capitalising on a weak Sterling.
The REI portfolio remains stable and secure, with significant
opportunity to deliver further growth from asset management
activity, with a strong and growing rental income and improving
occupancy. We will continue to make criteria compliant acquisitions
and consider sales where we have completed our asset management
objectives at a premium to existing valuations.
Our progressive dividend policy is secure and looking forward,
we expect to deliver another year of positive results across all
aspects of our business, with the growth of our rental income,
portfolio and dividend payment to shareholders.
REI's Regional Review
Our region continues to re-establish itself as a major economic
powerhouse and the early signs 'post Brexit' is that the West
Midlands economy is benefitting significantly from rising output
and export activity.
Sir Michael Bear, chairman of the UKTI Regeneration Investment
Organisation, said: "The Midlands Engine has grown at record levels
over the past decade, and its offer to investors is among the most
desirable in the world. Home to major investors including Jaguar
Land Rover, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Toyota UK and Boots, the Midlands
is the largest economic area outside of London, and is worth GBP222
billion to the British economy.
Nigel Hinshelwood of HSBC, said- "We see Birmingham as the
centre of a GBP110 billion regional economy," "It has the largest
concentration of businesses outside of London, home to 37,000
companies and it really gives us an opportunity to contribute to
regional growth."
Property
-- Birmingham registered the highest office H1 take up amongst
the UK's major cities according to Knight Frank, with 501,000 sq ft
of office space consumed, a 42& increase on the 10 year average
for an H1 period
-- Country Garden, the fifth largest property developer in China
in terms of sales, has signed an agreement to invest in Birmingham
in a deal that could be worth up to GBP2 billion to the city's
economy.
-- HSBC is committed to its Birmingham move after the Brexit
vote, with the 2017 relocation of its UK Head Office to bring 1,200
jobs to the city.
-- Birmingham's City centre and out of town office markets are
ahead of the 5 year quarterly average despite uncertainty caused
ahead of the European referendum. The market has remained buoyant
with the quarterly figures 15% above the average. Birmingham
recorded its best ever figures for the period, with the figures
(covering city centre and out-of-town activity in the UK's nine
largest regional cities) showing that the Birmingham city centre
market recorded the largest take-up of any regional English city, a
52.6% increase on the 5 year quarterly average.
-- Birmingham celebrates Network Rail's 83,000 sq ft letting at
Baskerville House, Birmingham - it is the largest letting to have
taken place in any of the nine regional cities.
-- Brexit fails to dampen Birmingham's office market according
to Lambert Smith Hampton, with statistics showing that lettings
totalling 216,000 sq ft were made in the city in the months between
March and June, the third highest recorded for the second quarter
since 2007.
-- M&G Real Estate to fund GBP200 million construction of
Ballymore's Three Snowhill, an office development in Birmingham
city centre that will comprise 420,000 sq ft of office and retail
space and will be home to 4,000 workers. It is the largest
speculative scheme of its kind outside of London.
-- Plans revealed for GBP500 million Birmingham Markets Quarter,
aimed to deliver 300,000 sq metres of floor space, 2,000 new homes
and 3,000 new jobs to Birmingham city centre. The 10 year
Birmingham Smithfield plan is one of the largest city centre
developments in the country and aims to add GBP470 million GVA to
the local economy and boost visitors to the region.
-- UK institutions have been the most prominent investors in the
Birmingham office market, accounting for over 58% of the value of
transactions in 2015, according to a new report, with GBP992
million transacted across both office and retail sectors during
2015.
-- More than 5.5 million sq ft of industrial and logistics space
was let in the Midlands in the first half of 2016 according to new
research from real estate agency CBRE.
-- Auction property sales in the Midlands surge according to a
study by Essential Information Group which found GBP169.5 million
was spent at auction between January and March 2016, up by 8.6% on
the same period last year. The number of lots sold at auctions also
increased by 15%.
-- The West Midlands generated a record amount of foreign direct
investment (FDI) last year, according to new figures from EY, with
the region labelled as the "driving force" behind the Midlands
Engine.
Travel & Tourism/Entertainment & Shopping
-- Birmingham airport saw passenger numbers rise by 9% in
January 2016 compared to January 2015, with 55,000 more passengers,
representing the eleventh consecutive month of record breaking
passenger figures.
-- Birmingham International Airport has seen its 17th
consecutive month of record growth, with 1.2 million people
travelling through the airport in July 2016, up 14% on the same
month last year.
-- Birmingham's hotels have recorded their best spring occupancy
results to date with 75% occupancy in March and May 2016, up from
74% in 2015 and 71% in 2014, according to data from Marketing
Birmingham's Regional Observatory.
-- Birmingham has been named as one of the most popular places
to move to across every demographic, according to the latest
findings from Urban.co.uk. In the over 30 age category, Birmingham
topped the popularity table, with 12,500 people making the move to
the city across the last 12 months.
-- The British Ambassador to Qatar has welcomed the new
Birmingham Airport route to Qatar and expects it to lead to a surge
in investment in Birmingham as the airport officially becomes Qatar
Airway's fourth UK gateway, connecting the Midlands to over 150
destinations worldwide.
-- Birmingham welcomed 1 million international visitors for the
first time in 2015 and is confirmed as the fourth most visited
place in the UK by global guests, with a 17% increase in visitors
from overseas and a 29% increase in their spending.
Manufacturing
-- Jaguar Land Rover has enjoyed a record August, up 26% on the
corresponding month last year. Sales in the United States were
especially strong.
-- The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
revealed that output rose by 7.6% in July compared to the same
month last year, to 126,566, amid double digit growth for home and
export markets. Exports were up by 6% in July 2016, with a 14% rise
in output for the domestic market.
-- Orders for British manufacturing exports hit a 2 year peak in
August 2016, following a Brexit-induced fall in Sterling, as the
weaker pound also pushed up price expectations to their highest in
over a year, a survey showed.
-- Jaguar Land Rover's GBP500 million expansion plans in the
West Midlands have been signed off by central Government, with the
project expected to inject GBP200 million into the local
economy.
-- Jaguar Land Rover also confirmed record car sales in July 2016, after Referendum decision.
Employment
-- A bid to attract GBP14.4 billion investment to the Midlands
could bring 178,000 jobs to the region. The 33 investment
opportunities include the HS2 project, a range of prospects
adjacent to the Rolls-Royce global civil aerospace and plans to
expand the existing Jaguar Land Rover facilities to create a
designated technology campus in Coventry.
Business
-- The Midlands has ranked as the most confident region in the
future, with three quarters of all businesses expecting growth in
2016, according to the latest Attitudes in Business Investment
Survey
-- The Midlands bucks the national trend with the number of
profit warnings among quoted companies in the Midlands dropping
during the second quarter of 2016, amid uncertainty created in the
run up to the EU referendum.
-- The West Midlands has been named among the top three places
in the UK to own a business, according to research by
BusinessesForSale.com, with London, Devon and the West Midlands
being the top three regions in which business buyers are seeking to
invest in the UK.
Economy & Trade
-- The West Midlands shows return to growth in August with the
fastest rate of business activity growth in three months during
August. Lloyds Bank Regional PMI registered a rate of 5.24 in
August, up from 47.4 in July following Brexit
-- The West Midlands has experienced the largest
quarter-on-quarter increase in export orders this quarter,
according to the Trade Confidence Index and revealed that the West
Midlands surpassed the national average with a 7.4% increase in
trade documentation issued in Q1 2016.
-- The West Midlands bucks the national trend on exports, with
the value of goods exported by companies in the West Midlands
rising in the first quarter of 2016 according to latest official
figures - bucking the national trend which saw the value of UK
exports decline. The value of exports from businesses in the West
Midlands rose to GBP7.6 billion in Q1, up by 3% from the same
quarter of 2015.
-- HSBC commits a GBP1 billion lending fund to support West
Midlands SMEs as part of a commitment to 'make banking cheaper and
simpler for customers' and includes a GBP500 million package in
Birmingham alone.
PAUL BASSI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
16 SEPTEMBER 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the 6 months ended 30
June 2016
Six months Six months
to to Year ended
31 December
30 June 2016 30 June 2015 2015
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 5,957 3,832 8,381
Cost of sales (600) (600) (1,477)
------------- ------------- --------------------------------
Gross profit 5,357 3,232 6,904
Administrative expenses (1,598) (1,161) (3,072)
Surplus on sale of investment
property - 711 1,687
Change in fair value of investment
properties (1,776) 5,860 8,552
------------- ------------- --------------------------------
Profit from operations 1,983 8,642 14,071
Finance income 26 48 113
Finance costs (1,351) (1,311) (2,609)
(Loss)/profit on financial
liabilities held at fair value (1,218) 690 669
------------- ------------- --------------------------------
(Loss)/profit on ordinary
activities before taxation (560) 8,069 12,244
Income tax charge (5) (138) (157)
------------- ------------- --------------------------------
Net (loss)/profit after taxation
and total comprehensive income (565) 7,931 12,087
------------- ------------- --------------------------------
Basic earnings per share 6 (0.31p) 4.93p 7.46p
------------- ------------- --------------------------------
Diluted earnings per share 6 (0.30p) 4.93p 7.46p
------------- ------------- --------------------------------
EPRA Earnings per share 6 1.31p 0.50p 0.84p
------------- ------------- --------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
IN EQUITY
for the 6 months ended 30 June 2016
Share Share Capital Other Retained Total
Capital Premium Redemption Reserve Earnings
Account Reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 31 December 2014 11,142 15,533 45 - 37,843 64,563
Issue of new shares 7,500 - - - - 7,500
Premium on issue of
shares - 37,500 - - - 37,500
Expenses of share issue - (1,312) - - - (1,312)
Dividends - - - - (836) (836)
-------- -------- ----------- -------- --------- --------
Transactions with owners 7,500 36,188 - - (836) 42,852
-------- -------- ----------- -------- --------- --------
Profit for the period
and total comprehensive
income - - - - 7,931 7,931
At 30 June 2015 18,642 51,721 45 - 44,938 115,346
Share based payment - - - 300 - 300
Dividends - interim
2015 - - - (1,864) (1,864)
-------- -------- ----------- -------- --------- --------
Transactions with owners - - - 300 (1,864) (1,564)
-------- -------- ----------- -------- --------- --------
Profit for the period
and total comprehensive
income - - - - 4,156 4,156
At 31 December 2015 18,642 51,721 45 300 47,230 117,938
Share based payment - - - 300 - 300
Dividends - final 2015 - - - - (1,864) (1,864)
Dividends - interim
2016 - - - - (1,165) (1,165)
-------- -------- ----------- -------- --------- --------
Transactions with owners - - - 300 (3,029) (2,729)
-------- -------- ----------- -------- --------- --------
Loss for the period
and total comprehensive
income - - - - (565) (565)
At 30 June 2016 18,642 51,721 45 600 43,636 114,644
======== ======== =========== ======== ========= ========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
POSITION
as at 30 June
2016
31 December
30 June 2016 30 June 2015 2015
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Assets
Non current assets
Intangible assets 171 171 171
Investment properties 5 190,872 128,046 155,092
Property, plant and
equipment 15 13 16
Deferred taxation 806 802 806
191,864 129,032 156,085
----- ------------- -------------------------------- ------------
Current assets
Inventories 3,599 2,366 2,380
Trade and other receivables 3,576 10,809 3,385
Cash and cash equivalents 9,413 23,790 8,777
16,588 36,965 14,542
----- ------------- -------------------------------- ------------
Total assets 208,452 165,997 170,627
===== ============= ================================ ============
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Bank loans 20,499 23,248 20,499
Trade and other payables 6,887 3,977 4,577
27,386 27,225 25,076
----- ------------- -------------------------------- ------------
Non-current liabilities
Bank loans 61,177 19,418 23,585
Financial liabilities 5,245 4,008 4,028
66,422 23,426 27,613
----- ------------- -------------------------------- ------------
Total liabilities 93,808 50,651 52,689
===== ============= ================================ ============
Net assets 114,644 115,346 117,938
===== ============= ================================ ============
Equity
Ordinary share capital 18,642 18,642 18,642
Share premium account 51,721 51,721 51,721
Capital redemption
reserve 45 45 45
Other reserves 600 - 300
Retained earnings 43,636 44,938 47,230
----- ------------- -------------------------------- ------------
Total equity 114,644 115,346 117,938
----- ------------- -------------------------------- ------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS
for the 6 months ended 30 June 2016
Six months Six months
to to Year ended
30 June 31 December
30 June 2016 2015 2015
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cashflows from operating activities
Profit after taxation (565) 7,931 12,087
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 2 1 3
Surplus on sale of investment
property - (711) (1,687)
Net valuation deficits/(surpluses) 1,776 (5,860) (8,552)
Share based payment 300 - 300
Finance income (26) (48) (113)
Finance costs 1,351 1,311 2,609
Loss/(surplus) on financial
liabilities held at fair value 1,218 (690) (669)
Taxation charge recognised in
profit and loss 5 138 157
Increase in inventories (1,219) - (14)
(Increase)/decrease in trade
and other receivables (191) 310 360
Increase in trade and other
payables 1,140 714 1,291
3,791 3,096 5,772
Interest paid (1,351) (1,311) (2,609)
Net cash from operating activities 2,440 1,785 3,163
============= ============ ========================
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investment properties (37,556) (28,343) (58,175)
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (2) (8) (13)
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment - 1,512 15,339
Interest received 26 48 113
(37,532) (26,791) (42,736)
============= ============ ========================
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share
capital net of expenses - 43,688 43,688
Equity dividends paid (1,864) (836) (2,700)
Proceeds from bank loans 38,000 2,000 7,000
Payment of bank loans (408) (2,330) (5,912)
35,728 42,522 42,076
============= ============ ========================
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents 636 17,516 2,503
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 8,777 6,274 6,274
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period 9,413 23,790 8,777
============= ============ ========================
NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
for the 6 months ended 30 June 2016
1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
Real Estate Investors Plc, a Public Limited Company, is
incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom.
The interim financial report for the period ended 30 June 2016
(including the comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2015 and
the period ended 30 June 2015) was approved by the board of
directors on 16 September 2016. Under the Security Regulations Act
of the EU, amendments to the financial statements are not permitted
after they have been approved.
It should be noted that accounting estimates and assumptions are
used in preparation of the interim financial information. Although
these estimates are based on management's best knowledge and
judgement of current events and action, actual results may
ultimately differ from these estimates. The areas involving a
higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where
assumptions and estimates are significant to the interim financial
information are set out in note 3 to the interim financial
information.
The interim financial information contained within this
announcement does not constitute statutory accounts within the
meaning of the Companies Act 2006. The full accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2015 received an unqualified report from the
auditor and did not contain a statement under Section 498 of the
Companies Act 2006.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The interim financial information has been prepared under the
historical cost convention.
The principal accounting policies and methods of computation
adopted to prepare the interim financial information are consistent
with those detailed in the 2015 financial statements approved by
the Company on 11 March 2016.
3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future.
The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom
equal actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next accounting year
are as follows:
Investment property revaluation
The Group uses the valuations performed by its independent
valuers or the directors as the fair value of its investment
properties. The valuation is based upon assumptions including
future rental income, anticipated maintenance costs, anticipated
purchaser costs and the appropriate discount rate. The valuer and
the directors also make reference to market evidence of transaction
prices for similar properties.
Interest rate swap valuation
The Group carries the interest rate swap as a liability at fair
value through the profit or loss at a valuation. This valuation has
been provided by the Group's bankers.
Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting
policies
The Group makes critical judgements in applying accounting
policies. The critical judgement that has been made is as
follows:
REIT Status
The Group elected for REIT status with effect from 1 January
2015. As a result, providing certain conditions are met, the
Group's profit from property investment and gains are exempt from
UK corporation tax. In the Directors' opinion the Group have met
these conditions.
4. SEGMENTAL REPORTING
Primary reporting - business segment
The only material business that the Group has is that of
investment in commercial properties. Revenue relates entirely to
rental income from investment properties.
5. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
The carrying amount of investment properties for the periods
presented in the interim financial information is reconciled as
follows:
GBP'000
Carrying amount at 31 December 2014 102,017
Additions 28,343
Disposals (8,174)
Revaluation 5,860
-----------
Carrying amount at 30 June 2015 128,046
Additions 29,832
Disposals (5,478)
Revaluation 2,692
-----------
Carrying amount at 31 December 2015 155,092
Additions 37,556
Revaluation (1,776)
Carrying amount at 30 June 2016 190,872
===========
6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of the earnings per share is based on the profit
attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted
average number of shares in issue during the period. The
calculation of the diluted earnings per share is based on the basic
earnings per share adjusted to allow for all dilutive potential
ordinary shares.
The basic earnings per share has been calculated on the loss for
the period of GBP565,000 (31 December 2015: GBP12,087,000 profit
and 30 June 2015: GBP7,931,000 profit) and on 186,420,598 ordinary
shares (31 December 2015: 161,968,543 and 30 June 2015:
160,729,990) being the weighted average number of shares in issue
during the period.
The European Public Real Estate Association ("EPRA") earnings
and asset value figures have been included to allow more effective
comparisons to be drawn between the Group and other businesses in
the real estate sector.
EPRA EPS per share
30 June 2016 31 December 2015
Earnings Shares Earnings per share p Earnings Shares Earnings per share p
GBP'000 GBP'000
Basic earnings per
share (565) 186,420,598 (0.3) 12,087 161,968,543 7.4
Fair value of
investment
properties 1,776 (8,552)
Profit on disposal of
investment
properties - (1,687)
Change in fair value
of derivatives 1,218 (669)
Deferred tax in
respect of EPRA
adjustments - 134
--------- ------------ --------- ------------
EPRA Earnings 2,429 186,420,598 1.3 1,313 161,968,543 0.8
========= ============ ===================== ========= ============ =====================
EPRA NAV per share
30 June 2016 31 December 2015
Net asset value per Net asset value per
Net Assets Shares share p Net Assets Shares share p
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Basic 114,644 186,420,598 61.5 117,938 186,420,598 63.3
Dilutive impact of
share options and
warrants - 2,406,745 - 1,375,000
----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
Diluted 114,644 188,827,343 60.7 117,938 187,795,598 62.8
Adjustment to fair
value of
derivatives 5,245 - 4,028 -
Deferred tax (806) - (806) -
----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
EPRA NAV 119,083 188,827,343 63.1 121,160 187,795,598 64.5
Adjustment to fair
value of
derivatives (5,245) - (4,028) -
Deferred tax 806 - 806 -
----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
EPRA NNNAV 114,644 188,827,343 60.7 117,938 187,795,598 62.8
=========== ============ ==================== =========== ============ ====================
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 19, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)