More Of The Same25 Nov 2019 16:08
A small point but something worth mentioning. At today's webinar, covering its interim results, the company made clear that it avoided the German automobile sector. Sure, it was interested in renting space to companies at the more futuristic end of the car market, such as those involved in autonomous driving but it appears to be avoiding the more commoditised side. Given the size and importance of the industry to the German economy, I would suggest that this is not an unimportant factor.
As for its outlook, it does not seem to be experiencing a decline in enquiries, something that it believes is a good indicator of future demand for its space. Interestingly, it's also not encountering lengthier negotiation periods with prospective tenants – as the German economy gets more fraught, tenants seem to protract their negotiations.
Its overall strategy appears unchanged. It still seeks to buy real estate at some 50% below its replacement cost and to leverage its capex to substantially increase occupancy at modestly higher rental rates. And to benefit from the subsequent revaluations. But it's worth remembering that it intends to remain a light industrial specialist – with office space taking up no more than 40% of its portfolio.
Basically, it seems to have a model that is working well and has significant mileage.
I continue to hold.