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Half-year Report

30 Nov 2016 07:00

RNS Number : 4830Q
LondonMetric Property PLC
30 November 2016
 

LONDONMETRIC PROPERTY PLC

("LondonMetric" or the "Group" or the "Company")

HALF YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016

STRONG INCOME GROWTH DELIVERS OUTPERFORMANCE

 

LondonMetric today announces its half yearly results for the six months ended 30 September 2016.

 

Income Statement

30 Sept 2016

30 Sept 2015

EPRA Earnings (£m)

25.3

23.4

EPRA EPS (p)

4.0

3.7

Reported (Loss)/ Profit (£m)

(13.1)

64.3

Net rental income (£m)1

39.7

36.9

Dividend per share (p)

3.6

3.5

Balance Sheet

30 Sept 2016

31 March 2016

EPRA NAV per share (p)

143.0

147.7

Net borrowing (£m)1

590.7

591.2

LTV (%)1

36

38

1 Including share of Joint Ventures

 

EPRA earnings of £25.3 million or 4.0p per share, up 8%

· Net rental income up 8% to £39.7 million

 

Dividend grown to 3.6p, up 3%

· Second quarterly interim dividend declared today of 1.8p with scrip alternative

· Dividend cover increased to 112% with further progression expected in final quarter

 

EPRA NAV of 143.0p (FY 16: 147.7p)

· Portfolio revaluation deficit1 of £23.0 million, contributing to a reported loss of £13.1 million

· Property total return of 1.5% compared to IPD of 0.2%, 130 bps outperformance

· Portfolio valued at £1,482 million, core portfolio valuation fall of 1.1%

 

Distribution weighting up to 58.5% of portfolio

· £78.4 million of retail assets sold, reducing retail park weighting to 16.8%

· £32.2 million of distribution investments acquired, with a further £47.2 million post period end

Income growth with structural support

· £4.0 million of new income secured from completed developments

· £2.0 million of additional income from 11 lettings and 22 rent reviews

· 1.9% like-for-like income growth on core portfolio

· Rent reviews at 4.8% above previous passing and new lettings at 2.1% above ERV

 

Short cycle development activity

· Post period end, terms agreed to let our 357,000 sq ft development in Warrington and 140,000 sq ft at our Stoke development. These two lettings represent £2.9 million additional rent

 

Portfolio metrics reflect income security, reliability and growth

· Occupancy of 98.5% and WAULT of 12.6 years (12.0 years to first break)

· 22% of rental income subject to RPI uplifts and 29% subject to fixed uplifts

Finances strengthened and diversified by £130 million private debt placement

· Net debt of £590.7 million (FY 16: £591.2 million) and undrawn facilities of £183.8 million

· Debt maturity of 5.7 years (FY 16: 5.6 years) and average cost of debt at 3.3% (FY 16: 3.5%)

Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of LondonMetric, commented:

"At a time when the political and economic outlook remains uncertain, investors are increasingly looking for predictable income returns with the security of capital preservation. We continue to focus on compounding our long and strong income and value highly the repetitive, reliable and secure nature of our rents which gives us confidence to deliver dividend progression.

"Our income is structurally supported by our investment in the winning sectors and we continue to draw on our deep occupier relationships to make the correct investment decisions and create value. We have continued to sell down our mature retail parks and have further sharpened our focus on the distribution sector which offers higher growth opportunities. In particular, we have grown our 'last mile' distribution portfolio where we are capitalising on attractive demand/supply dynamics arising from consumer delivery demands for instant gratification."

For further information, please contact:

LondonMetric Property Plc: +44 (0)20 7484 9000

Andrew Jones (Chief Executive)

Martin McGann (Finance Director)

Gareth Price (Investor Relations)

 

FTI Consulting: +44 (0)20 3727 1000

Dido Laurimore /Tom Gough /Richard Gotla

 

Meeting and audio webcast

A meeting for investors and analysts will be held at 9.00 am today at FTI Consulting, 200 Aldersgate, Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4HD. A conference call dial-in is available for the meeting: +44(0)20 7026 5967 (Participant Passcode: 2660679).

For the live webcast see: http://webcasting.brrmedia.co.uk/broadcast/583881117b884957387e782d

An on demand recording will be available from the same link after the meeting and will also be available from: http://www.londonmetric.com/investors/reports-and-presentations

Notes to editors

LondonMetric is a FTSE 250 REIT (ticker: LMP) that aims to deliver attractive returns for shareholders through a strategy of increasing income and improving capital values. It invests across the UK in retail led distribution, out of town and convenience retail properties with a total of 12 million sq ft under management, the majority of which is in distribution. It employs an occupier-led approach with a focus on strong and growing income, asset management initiatives and short cycle development. LondonMetric works closely with retailers, logistics providers and leisure operators to help meet their evolving real estate requirements.

Neither the content of LondonMetric's website nor any other website accessible by hyperlinks from LondonMetric's website are incorporated in, or form part of this announcement nor, unless previously published by means of a recognised information service, should any such content be relied upon in reaching a decision as to whether or not to acquire, continue to hold, or dispose of shares in LondonMetric.

Forward looking statements: This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to LondonMetric's expectations and plans, strategy, management objectives, future developments and performance, costs, revenues and other trend information. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that may occur in the future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts. Certain statements have been made with reference to forecast price changes, economic conditions and the current regulatory environment. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of LondonMetric speak only as of the date they are made. LondonMetric does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in LondonMetric's expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast. Past share price performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

CEO's overview

We have delivered a robust performance over the period and continue to generate long term shareholder value through our highly repetitive, predictable and growing income streams as well as good capital returns from our asset management activities and pre-let development programme. We expect income to be the major component of total property returns over the next few years, and so are focused on an investment strategy that will deliver repetitive income, income growth and capital appreciation. This is exactly what a REIT was designed to do and gives us the confidence to further progress the dividend in the future.

Given the lack of clarity that exists in the world, we will focus on the fundamentals - the winning sectors, reliable and consistent income returns and value add opportunities. We believe that modern logistics assets benefit from structural growth with highly defensive characteristics including low obsolescence risk, high occupancy and long leases.

Income growth with structural support

Our management actions over this and previous periods have ensured that we have maintained our sector leading portfolio metrics with 12.6 years average lease lengths, 98.5% occupancy and a 98.0% gross to net income ratio. These robust metrics are reflective of the quality of our tenant list, the high occupier appeal of our real estate and our strong occupier relationships.

Our core focus, therefore, is to continue to enhance the income security, reliability and growth prospects of the portfolio. We have grown EPRA earnings by 8.1% over the period as income has flowed from completed developments, asset management initiatives, as well as agreed rent reviews at 4.8% above previous passing rents. Over half of the portfolio benefits from contractual rental uplifts which will help to drive future rental growth.

We have also adopted the same approach to our financing where we have continued to lengthen and strengthen our debt facilities with new lenders and under more flexible arrangements.

Aligning the portfolio to changing consumer shopping patterns

Innovation and convenience continues to influence how we live and shop. Our portfolio of assets is further aligned to those sectors that are benefiting from a fast changing world. The early move into the distribution sector to capture the benefits from the rise in online and mobile shopping has seen our distribution portfolio grow to £867.0 million by the period end, representing nearly 60% of the total portfolio. Occupational demand for distribution space, both large and small, is strong. This is likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future as retailers improve their logistics infrastructure, leading to further falls in vacancy rates and positive rental growth.

We are continuing to take further advantage of this rapid growth in online retailing and have made further investments in last mile distribution depots.

Conversely, we have continued to reduce our investment within retail parks and the London residential sector, with £82.2 million of disposals in these sectors during the half year period. The early decision to down weight our retail park portfolio has seen our exposure to this sector fall from c.30% two years ago to a little over half of that today.

These sectoral choices have meant that we have materially outperformed the wider real estate market at both an income and capital return level.

Outlook

Whilst the political outlook remains uncertain and the economy faces a number of challenges, investors are increasingly looking for assets with the potential to generate stable, consistent returns whilst still offering capital preservation. The motivated selling that we witnessed for a few weeks in the immediate aftermath of the referendum vote has largely subsided and liquidity is generally returning to the property market, although not everywhere and not for everything. The impact of this market uncertainty across the sector should result in a polarisation of performances, with those assets let on long leases and benefiting from structural growth, the likely winners. Investors are being increasingly discerning in their stock selection and more accurately pricing the underlying real estate fundamentals of security, longevity and growth. 

We will look to focus on our reliable income, strong free cash flow, robust balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation. We have set the portfolio up to thrive in these conditions and it has performed exactly as we had hoped and so we will continue to be drawn to the winning sectors, and use our strong customer relationships to ensure that we continue to make the right structural decisions and our real estate remains fit for purpose.

Investment activity

Our investment strategy of selling mature assets within the retail parks portfolio and reinvesting into our preferred distribution sector continues to be successfully implemented. Year to date we have sold £84.2 million of retail and leisure assets and made £79.4 million of distribution acquisitions.

Distribution

Our weighting towards the distribution sector continues to grow and, including assets under development, totalled £867.0 million as at 30 September 2016, representing 58.5% of the total portfolio. Our distribution investment portfolio is 100% let, has a WAULT of 12.7 years and 57.1% of rental income is subject to contractual rental uplifts; retailers account for 74% of our distribution rental income.

Large distribution warehouses let to good covenants with long leases continue to be in high demand from investors and we have remained very disciplined and resisted buying where covenant strength, location, lease lengths and expected rental growth do not meet our investment criteria. We have continued to build our larger distribution warehouse portfolio by investing in our development sites in Wakefield and Warrington. These two developments total over 880,000 sq ft and have an attractive combined yield on cost of 6.6%.

As part of our hub and spoke strategy, we continue to see good value in last mile distribution warehouses. These are increasingly critical to the distribution networks for retailers and third party logistics providers servicing their spoke operations to larger hubs. These assets are typically c.100,000 sq ft or less in size, are well located and facilitate next day and same day delivery to major cities and conurbations. Yields are up to 100bps higher than available on larger hub locations and, as demonstrated by rent reviews that we have settled this year, offer stronger rental growth prospects.

During the half year, we acquired £32.2 million of last mile warehouse investments at a NIY of 6.4%:

· 112,000 sq ft development in Crawley for £20.1 million at an anticipated 6.3% yield on cost

· 89,000 sq ft warehouse in Hemel Hempstead for £8.3m at a NIY of 6.4% let to ITAB for 8.5 years

· 41,000 sq ft warehouse in Basildon for £3.8 million at a NIY of 6.5% let to Modular Heating Group for 4.0 years.

Post period end, nine further last mile investments were acquired for £47.2 million at a yield of 6.1%:

· 382,000 sq ft portfolio across six locations for £26.0 million at a NIY of 6.5% and with a WAULT of 7.0 years

· 74,000 sq ft warehouse in Stevenage for £7.3 million at a NIY of 6.3% let to Dixons Carphone with a WAULT of 8.7 years

· 53,000 sq ft warehouse pre-let development in Crawley for £10.7 million at a yield on cost of 5.2% let to Barker & Stonehouse with a WAULT of 15.0 years

· 30,000 sq ft warehouse in Bicester for £3.2 million at a NIY of 5.9% let to DPD with a WAULT of 9.5 years.

The portfolio of last mile assets currently totals £120.1 million across 1.2 million sq ft and 19 assets, with over 60% located in the South East.

In November 2016 we disposed of our Hut Group warehouse in Warrington which we funded the development of and completed over twelve months ago. The occupier had exercised its option to purchase the asset for £53.7 million and we generated a geared IRR of c.20% from the disposal.

Retail

All of our retail investment activities during the period related to disposals, which has helped to reduce our exposure to retail parks, inclusive of developments, to 16.8% of the portfolio with our long income JV assets representing 7.1%. We remain opportunistic in our retail investment activities and have continued to grow our convenience retail portfolio which now accounts for 5.4% of the portfolio.

Seven retail assets were sold in the period for £86.3 million (Group share: £78.4 million) at close to book value:

· In Newry, our 165,000 sq ft Damolly Retail Park was sold for £30.7 million at a NIY of 7.4%. During ownership, new lettings were signed with Lidl, Pets at Home, Home Bargains and Costa

· In Kings Lynn, the refurbished 74,000 sq ft Pierpoint Retail Park was sold for £24.0 million at a NIY of 5.8%. New lettings were signed with Next, B&M, DFS, Tapi, Poundland and Greggs, increasing the rental income by 47% and the WAULT from 4.3 years to 13.3 years

· In Warrington, our 20,000 sq ft Fordton Retail Park was sold for £6.6 million at a NIY of 5.4%

· Our MIPP Joint Venture sold three properties in Chatham, Bridgwater and Grimsby for £15.9 million (Group share: £8.0m) at a NIY of 5.7%

· One Odeon Cinema was sold in Taunton for £9.1 million at a NIY of 5.5%. The sale reduces our cinema ownership to seven assets which account for £3.9 million of rental income p.a., 100% of which is RPI linked, and have a WAULT of 20.7 years.

Newry and Kings Lynn were significant retail park disposals for us and represented the opportunity to monetise two of our larger retail park investments following an intense period of asset management activity. We continue to sell down our retail portfolio and, post period end, we sold our retail unit in St Albans for £5.8 million at a NIY of 6.1%.

Post period end, our MIPP Joint Venture re-invested the proceeds from the three disposals made during the period into two single let warehouses:

· a 71,000 sq ft warehouse in Hull for £9.4 million (Group Share: £4.7 million) at a NIY of 7.5%, let to B&Q with a WAULT of 12.0 years

· a 40,000 sq ft warehouse in Dartford for £9.0 million (Group Share: £4.5 million) at a NIY of 6.2%, let to Wickes who had signed a new 20 year lease shortly prior to purchase

The MIPP Joint Venture continues to see opportunities in selective high quality assets that have smaller lot sizes and offer the potential to generate stable, consistent income returns whilst providing capital protection. Following discussions with our MIPP Joint Venture partner, we have agreed to extend the term of the Joint Venture by a further three years to 2023.

We continue to pursue convenience retail opportunities although this sector remains very competitively bid. Following completion of several convenience developments recently for Aldi and M&S, this modern right rented portfolio of convenience assets has grown to £80.0 million, representing 5.4% of the portfolio, with a WAULT of 18.3 years. The convenience portfolio offers an attractive hedge against inflation with 79% of our convenience income benefiting from some form of indexation.

Residential 

At Moore House in Chelsea, our last remaining residential asset in which we have a 40% share, we continue to patiently sell down individual units. Purchaser interest has been strong over recent months and we sold eight units in the period. A further four units have been sold post period end and nine units are currently under offer. There are 70 units remaining which represents less than half of the original 149 units owned.

Asset management

During the period, our occupier transactions generated £2.0 million of rental income uplift, achieving a 4.1% uplift against ERV. EPRA like-for-like income growth on the investment portfolio was 1.1% and 1.9% for the core portfolio, which excludes our last remaining office. ERV growth in the period was 0.6% for the core portfolio.

A summary of occupier transactions undertaken in the period is set out below.

 

Areasq ft

'000

No. of transactions

 Net upliftin income

 £m

WAULT

to expiry

years

New lettings and re-gears

76

11

0.9

13.8

Rent reviews

3,082

22

1.1

-

Total

3,158

33

2.0

-

Lettings

11 lettings were undertaken generating a rental uplift of £0.9 million at an average of £17.80 per sq ft, 2.1% above ERV and with average lease lengths of 13.8 years. The main lettings in the period were at:

· Kirkstall, where we signed lettings with Peacocks, Holland & Barrett, Shoezone and Specsavers in the period totalling 14,000 sq ft at our newly developed retail park in Leeds. The development is now 95% let

· Ipswich, where Wickes signed a 15 year lease on 21,000 sq ft at our recently acquired development site

· Tonbridge, where lettings were signed with Go-Outdoors, Jollyes and Costa on 21,000 sq ft. Including the 15 year lease signed with Home Bargains previously, the former B&Q unit is now substantially pre-let.

Post period end, we signed lettings which generated £0.4 million of additional income including at:

· Launceston, where B&M has signed a 15 year lease on 17,000 sq ft. Including a further 13,000 sq ft lettings in discussions, the former B&Q unit is pre-let

· Dartford, where Wickes has signed a 20 year lease on 40,000 sq ft at our newly acquired investment

· Marlow, where Aptos has signed a 10 year lease on 9,000 sq ft of the third floor.

Post period end, we have also agreed terms to let our completed 357,000 sq ft distribution development in Warrington and 140,000 sq ft of our 270,000 sq ft distribution warehouse development in Stoke.

Rent reviews

During the period, we agreed 22 rent reviews, including fixed uplifts, across 3.1 million sq ft at 4.8% above previous passing and 4.3% above ERV. Post period end, we have settled a further seven rent reviews across 950,000 sq ft.

Our distribution assets are benefiting from strong rental growth and, year to date, we have settled eight logistics rent reviews at 5.0% above previous passing and 3.5% above ERV. Three of these reviews related to open market settlements on last mile and regional warehouses where, across 354,000 sq ft, the average uplift was 16.2% above previous passing. The remaining reviews were RPI or fixed uplifts, four of which were annual uplifts and the other a five yearly review. 

On our retail and leisure assets, year to date, we have settled 21 rent reviews at 2.4% above previous passing and 6.7% above ERV. The majority of these reviews were RPI linked rent reviews although we did settle six open market reviews at 2.7% above previous passing.

Valuation

Despite the uncertainty seen during the period, the resilience and quality of our assets limited the revaluation impact. Our core portfolio valuation was 1.1% lower, benefiting from our distribution assets which held up strongly, falling by only 0.6%. The attractive fundamentals of the distribution sector led to robust investor demand during the period, and transactional evidence since suggests investor demand remains strong.

Our retail and leisure portfolio saw moderate softening, falling by 2.1%, albeit significantly outperforming the comparative IPD retail measure by 90 bps. Performance was polarised with larger retail parks falling 3.2% whilst our convenience, leisure and single let retail assets held up well, falling only 0.7%. The long lease lengths and attractive lot sizes of our retail portfolio gives us confidence in our valuations, as evidenced by our recent retail disposals where aggregate pricing was close to March 2016 book value.

Our last two non-core buildings at Moore House and Marlow saw more of an adverse valuation impact. Our office in Marlow was the worst performer, falling by 9.6%. We continue to let up the vacant third floor and closely monitor the South East office market to determine the best timing for disposal. Our residential building in Chelsea was also impacted and our residential valuations fell by 5.7%, although we continue to make good progress in selling the remaining units with 12 sold since 31 March 2016.

Overall, the valuation of the total portfolio was 1.5% lower. Against IPD all property, however, we significantly outperformed by 80 bps.

Short Cycle Developments

Following the completion of 1.9 million sq ft of developments in FY 16, we successfully completed 615,000 sq ft of further developments in the period representing £4.0 million of additional income.

Excluding developments completed post period end, committed and pipeline developments currently total 1.2 million sq ft. We continue to de-risk our pipeline developments and we are also in discussions with several occupiers on redevelopment, regear and extension opportunities across the existing distribution warehouse estate.

We were delighted to have received the 2016 Winners Award for "Deal of the Year over 250,000 sq ft" from the Industrial Agents Society (IAS) for our one million sq ft Primark development in Islip which completed last year.

Development Summary

Scheme

Tenants

 

Areasq ft'000

Additional rent£m

Yieldon cost%

Expected PC

date

Completed in period

 

 

 

 

 

Wakefield

Poundworld

527

2.5

6.3

Sept 16

Liverpool

M&S, Aldi

29

0.5

5.9

July 16

Leicester

Home Bargains, Smyths Toys

29

0.4

7.4

July 16

Leicester

Aldi

19

0.3

5.7

Aug 16

Ferndown

M&S

11

0.3

5.4

May 16

 

 

615

4.0

6.3

 

Committed

 

 

 

 

 

Warrington1

Terms agreed to let property

357

2.1

7.0

Nov 16

Kings Lynn1, 3

Next, DFS, B&M, Tapi

64

1.0

11.3

Oct 16

Crawley

Barker & Stonehouse

53

0.6

5.2

Mar 17

Tonbridge

Home Bargains, Jollyes, Go-Outdoors

53

0.3

6.3

Q3 17

Ipswich2

Wickes

31

0.6

7.3

Q3 17

Tonbridge1

M&S, Halfords

18

0.4

10.1

Oct 16

Coventry

Aldi

18

0.3

7.9

Feb 17

Loughborough

Morrisons

12

0.5

5.1

Dec 16

 

 

606

5.8

7.2

 

Pipeline

 

 

 

 

 

Bedford2

In discussions

660

4.3

7.0

2017/18

Stoke2

Terms agreed to let 140,000 sq ft

270

1.4

6.3

2017/18

Crawley2

In discussions

112

1.3

6.3

Q4 17

Launceston2

B&M and two tenants in legals

30

0.2

5.9

Q4 17

 

 

1,072

7.2

6.7

 

1 Completed post period end

2 Based on anticipated rents

3 Sold in the period

 

Distribution developments

Bedford

The site has planning for up to 700,000 sq ft. Discussions are ongoing with the council over final matters and the land is expected to be acquired in the second quarter of 2017. Occupier demand remains strong and we are in discussions to let over half the space.

Stoke

Planning consent for 270,000 sq ft was received earlier in the year and demolition work is expected to complete in December 2016. Terms have been agreed to let 140,000 sq ft of the proposed two unit scheme.

Crawley

Planning is expected by December 2016 for the development of 112,000 sq ft, where work is expected to commence during the first quarter of 2017 and complete in the fourth quarter.

Crawley

Construction of the 53,000 sq ft pre-let development is expected to complete in March 2017.

Retail developments

Tonbridge

The Halfords downsize was completed in October 2016 and M&S have now taken occupation. Planning consent to split and extend the former B&Q unit to 53,000 sq ft has been received and construction works are due to commence shortly with practical completion expected in the third quarter of 2017.

Ipswich

Revised planning consent for the 31,000 sq ft development on the former Tesco site has been received. Construction is expected to complete in Autumn 2017 and discussions are ongoing with potential occupiers for the remaining 10,000 sq ft.

Coventry

Development of the 18,000 sq ft Aldi store at the Airport Retail Park is expected to complete in February 2017. Planning has been received for a new Costa unit which is expected to be built by June 2017.

Loughborough

Extension works to the Morrisons store is expected to complete in December 2016.

Launceston

Planning has been submitted for the subdivision and refurbishment of the former B&Q unit and is expected to be approved at the start of 2017 with construction expected to complete by the end of 2017.

 

 

Financial review

The growth in secure and sustainable income across the portfolio in particular in our preferred distribution sector, has delivered earnings growth in the period and we have significantly strengthened and diversified our financing position.

EPRA earnings and other performance measures are presented as alternatives to IFRS equivalent measures as they highlight the Group's underlying recurring performance. In addition, management monitors the performance of the business on a proportionally consolidated basis, although the statutory results reflect the share of joint ventures using the equity accounting method. The commentary in this review is consistent with the proportionally consolidated approach.

EPRA earnings have increased by 8.1% to £25.3 million or 4.0p per share, compared with £23.4 million or 3.7p last half year. Our dividend for the period of 3.6p per share comprises two quarterly payments of 1.8p per share and was 112% covered by EPRA earnings.

The reported loss of £13.1 million reflects a revaluation deficit in the period of £23.0 million and an adverse movement in the fair value of derivatives and debt break costs of £13.1 million.

EPRA NAV is £894.2 million or 143.0p per share, a decrease of 3.0% in the period since March 2016.

Our financial position and liquidity has been strengthened by a new £130 million private debt placement which we entered into in September, diversifying our funding sources and providing capacity for further investment into our preferred logistics sector.

Our financing ratios have improved, with LTV and the average cost of debt both falling to 36% (FY 16: 38%) and 3.3% (FY 16: 3.5%) respectively, complemented by average loan maturity and undrawn debt facilities both increasing to 5.7 years (FY 16: 5.6 years) and £183.8 million (FY 16: £69.9 million) respectively.

Income statement

EPRA earnings for the Group and its share of joint ventures are detailed as follows:

For the six months to 30 September

Group£m

JV£m

2016£m

Group£m

JV£m

2015£m

Gross rental income

36.0

4.5

40.5

31.7

5.8

37.5

Property costs

(0.6)

(0.2)

(0.8)

(0.3)

(0.3)

(0.6)

Net rental income

35.4

4.3

39.7

31.4

5.5

36.9

Management fees

0.9

(0.4)

0.5

1.1

(0.5)

0.6

Administrative costs

(6.7)

-

(6.7)

(6.6)

(0.1)

(6.7)

Net finance costs

(7.1)

(1.1)

(8.2)

(5.8)

(1.6)

(7.4)

EPRA earnings

22.5

2.8

25.3

20.1

3.3

23.4

The table below reconciles the movement in EPRA earnings in the year:

 

£m

p

EPRA earnings 2015

23.4

3.7

Net rental income

2.8

0.4

Administrative costs

(0.1)

-

Net finance costs

(0.8)

(0.1)

EPRA earnings 2016

25.3

4.0

 

Net rental income

Net rental income increased 7.6% to £39.7 million. Movements in net rental income are reflected in the table below.

 

 

 

£m

Net rental income 2015

 

36.9

Like for like properties

 

0.5

Developments

 

4.4

Acquisitions

 

3.0

Disposals

 

(4.9)

Property costs

 

(0.2)

Net rental income 2016

 

39.7

 

The £3.0 million increase in rental income over the period was due to like for like growth and income from completed developments over the last 18 months, more than offsetting the impact of net sales.

Property costs have increased marginally by £0.2 million due to increased vacant unit costs associated with asset management and development activity. Our gross to net income ratio of 98% remains strong.

Administrative costs and EPRA cost ratio

Administrative costs net of management fees in the period were £6.2 million (2015: £6.1 million). Staff costs of £0.9 million (2015: £0.8 million) have been capitalised in respect of time spent on development activity.

The Group's cost base continues to be closely monitored and the EPRA cost ratio is used as a key measure of effective cost management. The full calculation is shown in Supplementary note iv.

For the six months to 30 September

2016%

2015%

EPRA cost ratio including direct vacancy costs

17

18

EPRA cost ratio excluding direct vacancy costs

16

17

 

Net finance costs

Net finance costs, excluding the costs associated with repaying debt and terminating hedging arrangements on sales and refinancing in the period were £8.2 million, an increase of £0.8 million over the previous period. This was due to increased bank interest costs associated with higher levels of debt, commitment fees on undrawn facilities and a reduction in the amount of interest capitalised on development projects, offset by an increase in interest receivable from forward funded developments. The movements are shown in note 4 to the accounts. Underlying debt increased by £20.9 million between September 2015 and September 2016.

Our interest rate exposure is hedged by a combination of fixed and forward starting interest rate swaps and caps. Independent advice is given by J C Rathbone Associates.

Share of joint ventures

EPRA earnings from joint venture investments were £2.8 million, a reduction of £0.5 million over the comparative period due to the impact of disposals as reflected in the table below.

For the six months to 30 September

2016£m

2015£m

MIPP

1.6

2.0

Retail Warehouse

1.1

1.3

Residential

0.1

-

 

2.8

3.3

 

In addition the Group received management fees of £0.9 million for acting as property advisor to each of its joint ventures. The Group's MIPP joint venture disposed of three retail assets in the period and its residential joint venture sold a further eight flats at Moore House, London.

IFRS reported profit

A full reconciliation between EPRA earnings and IFRS reported profit is given in note 7(a) to the accounts and is summarised in the table below.

For the six months to 30 September

Group£m

JV£m

2016£m

Group£m

JV£m

2015£m

EPRA earnings

22.5

2.8

25.3

20.1

3.3

23.4

Revaluation of investment property

(17.9)

(5.1)

(23.0)

47.0

0.2

47.2

Fair value of derivatives

(9.4)

(0.1)

(9.5)

(6.7)

-

(6.7)

Debt and hedging early close out costs

(3.5)

(0.1)

(3.6)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(Loss)/profit on disposal

(1.6)

(0.5)

(2.1)

1.0

(0.1)

0.9

Other items1

(0.2)

-

(0.2)

(0.2)

-

(0.2)

IFRS reported (loss)/profit

(10.1)

(3.0)

(13.1)

61.1

3.2

64.3

 1 Other items include amortisation of intangible assets

The Group's reported loss was £13.1 million compared with a profit of £64.3 million in the previous comparative period. The adverse movement was due primarily to the property revaluation deficit of £23.0 million compared with a surplus of £47.2 million in the previous period.

In addition, the reduction in interest rates post the EU referendum has further increased our exposure to out of the money swaps. In April 2016 we bought down £66.3 million of legacy out of the money interest rate swaps at a cost of £3.5 million as reflected in the table above as debt close out costs.

Balance sheet

EPRA net assets for the Group and its share of joint ventures are as follows:

As at

Group£m

JV£m

30 September

2016£m

Group£m

JV£m

31 March 2016£m

Investment property

1,324.7

157.7

1,482.4

1,346.2

174.7

1,520.9

Gross debt

(591.2)

(58.7)

(649.9)

(575.0)

(62.9)

(637.9)

Cash

48.9

10.3

59.2

42.6

4.1

46.7

Other net assets/(liabilities)

1.4

1.1

2.5

(11.7)

4.1

(7.6)

EPRA net assets

783.8

110.4

894.2

802.1

120.0

922.1

 

EPRA net assets have decreased £27.9 million or 3.0% since March 2016 to £894.2 million. The movement in the year is summarised below.

 

EPRA

 Net Assets£m

EPRA NAV

per share

p

At 1 April 2016

922.1

147.7

EPRA earnings

25.3

4.0

Ordinary dividend paid

(23.4)

(3.8)

Property revaluation

(23.0)

(3.7)

Other movements1

(6.8)

(1.2)

At 30 September 2016

894.2

143.0

 1 Other movements include loss on sales (£2.1m), debt/hedging break costs (£3.6m), other movements (£1.1m)

Portfolio valuation

The Group's portfolio valuation including its share of joint venture properties at 30 September 2016 was £1,482.4 million, a reduction of £38.5 million over the six months. This was a result of net divestment of assets and the adverse valuation movement. The 1.5% decline in our property valuation demonstrates the resilience of our portfolio compared with the wider property market as measured by IPD. This is discussed in more detail in the Asset Management review.

As at

30 September 2016£m

30 September 2016%

31 March

2016

£m

31 March

2016

%

Distribution

832.0

56.1

784.4

35.7

Retail

490.0

33.1

543.8

51.6

Core Portfolio

1,322.0

89.2

1,328.2

87.3

Offices

72.3

4.8

80.2

5.3

Residential

48.8

3.3

55.9

3.7

Development1

39.3

2.7

56.6

3.7

Property value

1,482.4

100.0

1,520.9

100.00

1 Distribution £35.0 million; Retail £4.3 million (FY 16: Distribution £40.0 million; Retail £16.6 million)

Investment in distribution assets, including those under development, has increased to 58.5% of the portfolio from 54.2% last year as reflected in Supplementary note ix.

Investment in development assets at the period end has fallen as four forward funded developments at Ferndown, Liverpool, Leicester and Wakefield have completed and been reclassified as investment property. Total development expenditure was £38.0 million, of which £15.7 million was in respect of these assets. In addition the Group acquired land at Crawley for £7.6 million and completed its remaining forward funded development at Warrington incurring expenditure of £11.9 million in the period.

The movement in the investment portfolio is explained in the table below.

 

Portfolio value£m

Valuation as at 1 April 2016

1,520.9

Acquisitions

12.9

Developments

38.0

Capital expenditure on completed properties

12.8

Disposals

(80.0)

Revaluation

(23.0)

Lease incentives

0.8

Valuation as at 30 September 2016

1,482.4

 

Further detail on the split between Group and joint venture movements can be found in Supplementary note vii.

Seven retail assets were disposed of in the period generating gross proceeds of £78.4 million for the Group. A further eight residential flats were sold for £3.8 million at share. The associated carrying value of investment property reduced by £80.0 million as a result of the disposals. Included within the trade and other receivables balance of £27.5 million on the Group balance sheet is £24.0 million due on completion of the sale of Pierpoint Retail Park in King's Lynn.

Last year, the occupier at our recently completed development in Warrington exercised its option to purchase the asset for £53.7 million. This disposal completed in November 2016 and has been reflected as a transaction in the second half of the year.

Financing

The proportionally consolidated key performance indicators used to monitor the Group's debt and liquidity position are shown in the table below.

As at

30 September 2016£m

31 March 2016£m

Gross debt

649.9

637.9

Cash

59.2

46.7

Net debt

590.7

591.2

Loan to value1

36%

38%

Cost of debt2

3.3%

3.5%

Undrawn facilities

183.8

69.9

Average debt maturity

5.7 years

5.6 years

1 At 30 September 2016, LTV includes £72.6 million of deferred consideration receivable on sales at King's Lynn (£18.9 million)3 and Warrington (£53.7 million) and excludes the value of Warrington of £53.7 million.

2 Cost of debt is based on gross debt and including amortised costs but excluding commitment fees

3 Gross proceeds of £24.0 million less capital commitments of £5.1 million

 

The Group and joint venture split is shown in Supplementary note iii.

Net debt on a proportionately consolidated basis at 30 September 2016 was £590.7 million in line with March 2016.

In September 2016 the Group entered into a £130 million private placement at a blended coupon of 2.7% and a weighted average maturity of 8.3 years. The proceeds were used to repay the Group's existing unsecured debt, which remains available to draw in full. This improved the Group's debt maturity at the Half Year to 5.7 years (FY 16: 5.6 years) and substantially increased the Group's undrawn facilities by 163% to £183.8 million.

The other key financial ratios remain strong. Average debt cost has fallen to 3.3% (FY 16: 3.5%) and loan to value net of cash resources and deferred consideration on sales which completed post period end was 36% (FY 16: 38%).

The Group's share of joint venture gross debt has fallen by £4.2 million or 6.7% since last year as a result of sales of MIPP retail assets and residential flats at Moore House. The Moore House debt facility with RBS was extended by one year in August 2016.

At 30 September 2016, the Group had hedged 105% of its exposure to interest rate fluctuations by way of current and forward starting swaps and caps. This reduces to 82% as debt facilities are fully utilised.

Key risks and uncertainties

Managing risk

The strategic priorities for the business continue to be the delivery of sustainable, progressive earnings and long term capital growth. Issues which might prevent the attainment of these goals are identified and action is taken to reduce or remove the likelihood of such issues having a material adverse impact. The Company's appetite for risk is low where it prejudices the achievement of its strategic priorities.

The process for identifying, assessing and mitigating the principal risks of the business are set out in the Managing Risk section on pages 36 to 43 of the 2016 Annual Report. The Board is satisfied that the systems for identifying, managing and mitigating risk are sound. The Board considers the Group's risk management at each meeting. Significant changes to the risks being faced by the business since publication of the 2016 Annual Report are highlighted below.

The principal uncertainties and risks facing the Group are summarised as follows:

Corporate risks

Corporate strategy

The Company's strategy may be inappropriate for the current stage of the property cycle and the economic climate and as a result it may not be able to take advantage of opportunities and effectively manage threats or ensure that it has the right people, resources and systems in place.

Economic and political outlook

Risks from external factors may lead to a downturn in the economy or specific industry sector turbulence resulting in poorer than expected performance.

Following the result of the referendum vote in June and the US election in November the Board considers political and economic uncertainty to have increased.

Human resources

There may be an inability to attract, motivate and retain high calibre skilled staff which could jeopardise the delivery of the Company's strategy.

Systems, processes and financial management

Controls for safeguarding assets and supporting strategy may not be robust.

Regulatory and tax framework

Non-compliance with legal or regulatory obligations including planning, environmental, health and safety and tax could result in increased costs, impact the letting prospects of an asset, damage corporate reputation and investor demand in the Company. 

Property and transactional risks

Investment risk

The Company may be unable to source investment opportunities at attractive prices and recycle capital into value enhancing and earnings accretive investments.

Development risk

Excessive capital could be allocated to activities which carry development risk. Developments may fail to deliver expected returns due to inconsistent timing with the economic cycle, adverse letting conditions, increased costs, planning or construction delays.

Valuation risk

Property values may not be realised which would impact the Group's NAV and put pressure on loan covenants. This risk is inherent to the property industry.

Increased political and economic uncertainty following the EU referendum outcome and US election result has increased this risk. The Company's resilient portfolio metrics have protected it to date from the larger valuation declines experienced by some of its industry peers. There is a continuing intention to reduce the Group's exposure to non core and retail park assets.

Transaction and tenant risk

Property purchases may be inconsistent with strategy. Inadequate due diligence may be undertaken. Tenant default and failure to let vacant units could reduce earnings and dividend cover and if material put pressure on loan covenants.

Financing risks

Capital and finance risk

The Company may have insufficient funds and credit available to it to enable it to fund investment opportunities and implement strategy.

The £130 million private debt placement completed in September provides additional funding capacity for the Company.

 

Group income statement

 

Note

UnauditedSix months to30 September 2016£000

UnauditedSix months to

30 September 2015£000

AuditedYear to31 March

 2016£000

Gross rental income

 

36,033

31,731

67,948

Property operating expenses

 

(617)

(313)

(830)

Net rental income

3

35,416

31,418

67,118

Property advisory fee income

 

900

1,105

2,191

Net income

 

36,316

32,523

69,309

Administrative costs

 

(6,735)

(6,629)

(13,636)

Amortisation of intangible asset

 

(147)

(161)

(315)

Total administrative costs

 

(6,882)

(6,790)

(13,951)

(Loss)/profit on revaluation of investment properties

8

(17,896)

47,009

51,063

(Loss)/profit on sale of investment properties 

 

(1,558)

953

2,359

Share of (loss)/profit of joint ventures

9

(3,004)

3,256

4,528

Operating profit

 

6,976

76,951

113,308

Finance income

 

1,386

988

2,182

Finance costs

4

(21,441)

(13,598)

(32,748)

(Loss)/profit before tax

 

(13,079)

64,341

82,742

Taxation

5

(15)

(4)

(18)

(Loss)/profit for the period and total comprehensive income

 

(13,094)

64,337

82,724

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

7

(2.1)p

10.3p

13.3p

EPRA

7

4.0p

3.7p

7.8p

All amounts relate to continuing activities 

Group balance sheet

 

Note

Unaudited

30 September2016£000

 Unaudited

30 September

2015£000

Audited

31 March2016£000

Non current assets

 

 

 

 

Investment properties

8

1,324,755

1,261,773

1,346,110

Investment in equity accounted joint ventures

9

110,418

134,766

119,666

Intangible asset

 

36

336

182

Other tangible assets

 

340

440

392

 

 

1,435,549

1,397,315

1,466,350

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

10

27,532

64,529

16,049

Cash and cash equivalents

11

48,914

21,860

42,621

 

 

76,446

86,389

58,670

Total assets

 

1,511,995

1,483,704

1,525,020

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

12

33,530

24,904

35,343

Non current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

13

584,627

544,178

567,910

Derivative financial instruments

13

32,989

13,568

23,570

 

 

617,616

557,746

591,480

Total liabilities

 

651,146

582,650

626,823

Net assets

 

860,849

901,054

898,197

Equity

 

 

 

 

Called up share capital

14

62,804

62,804

62,804

Capital redemption reserve

15

9,636

9,636

9,636

Other reserve

15

224,445

223,137

222,936

Retained earnings

15

563,964

605,477

602,821

Equity shareholders' funds

 

860,849

901,054

898,197

Net asset value per share

7

137.6p

144.4p

143.9p

EPRA net asset value per share

7

143.0p

146.6p

147.7p

 

Group statement of changes in equity

Six months ended 30 September 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Note

Sharecapital£000

Capital redemption reserve£000

Otherreserve£000

Retained earnings

 £000

Total

 £000

At 1 April 2016

 

62,804

9,636

222,936

602,821

898,197

Loss for the period and total comprehensive income

 

-

-

-

(13,094)

(13,094)

Purchase of shares held in trust

 

-

-

(2,124)

-

(2,124)

Vesting of shares held in trust

 

-

-

3,633

(3,590)

43

Share-based awards

 

-

-

-

1,231

1,231

Dividends paid

6

-

-

-

(23,404)

(23,404)

At 30 September 2016

 

62,804

9,636

224,445

563,964

860,849

 

Year ended 31 March 2016 (Audited)

 

Note

Sharecapital£000

Capital redemption reserve£000

Otherreserve£000

Retained earnings

 £000

Total

 £000

At 1 April 2015

 

62,804

9,636

223,061

574,650

870,151

Profit for the year and total comprehensive income

 

-

-

-

82,724

82,724

Purchase of shares held in trust

 

-

-

(419)

-

(419)

Vesting of shares held in trust

 

-

-

294

12

306

Share-based awards

 

-

-

-

1,606

1,606

Dividends paid

6

-

-

-

(56,171)

(56,171)

At 31 March 2016

 

62,804

9,636

222,936

602,821

898,197

 

Six months ended 30 September 2015 (Unaudited)

 

Note

Sharecapital£000

Capital redemption reserve£000

Otherreserve£000

Retained earnings

 £000

Total

 £000

At 1 April 2015

 

62,804

9,636

223,061

574,650

870,151

Profit for the period and total comprehensive income

 

-

-

-

64,337

64,337

Purchase of shares held in trust

 

-

-

(218)

-

(218)

Vesting of shares held in trust

 

-

-

294

12

306

Share-based awards

 

-

-

-

803

803

Dividends paid

6

-

-

-

(34,325)

(34,325)

At 30 September 2015

 

62,804

9,636

223,137

605,477

901,054

 

Group cash flow statement

 

 

Unaudited

Six months to30 September2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to30 September 2015£000

Audited

Year to31 March2016£000

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit before tax

(13,079)

64,341

82,742

Adjustments for non-cash items:

 

 

 

Loss/(profit) on revaluation of investment properties

17,896

(47,009)

(51,063)

Loss/(profit) on sale of investment properties

1,558

(953)

(2,359)

Share of post-tax loss/(profit) of joint ventures

3,004

(3,256)

(4,528)

Movement in lease incentives

417

(3,131)

(5,173)

Share-based payment amortisation

1,231

803

1,606

Amortisation of intangible asset

147

161

315

Net finance costs

20,055

12,610

30,566

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital

31,229

23,566

52,106

Change in trade and other receivables

1,365

65

2,360

Change in trade and other payables

1,013

(5,876)

(165)

Cash flows from operations

33,607

17,755

54,301

Interest received

40

988

50

Interest paid

(8,783)

(5,397)

(16,516)

Tax paid

(3)

(4)

(8)

Financial arrangement fees and break costs

(4,476)

(5,269)

(6,960)

Cash flows from operating activities

20,385

8,073

30,867

Investing activities

 

 

 

Purchase of investment properties

(50,891)

(79,499)

(179,000)

Purchase of other tangible assets

-

(55)

(60)

Capital expenditure on investment properties

(14,358)

(36,228)

(43,584)

Lease incentives paid

(1,506)

(20,866)

(26,006)

Sale of investment properties

55,723

30,224

123,353

Investments in joint ventures

(200)

(7)

(10)

Distributions from joint ventures

6,444

16,863

33,238

Cash flow from investing activities

(4,788)

(89,568)

(92,069)

Financing activities

 

 

 

Dividends paid

(23,404)

(33,021)

(56,171)

Purchase of shares held in trust

(2,124)

(218)

(419)

Vesting of shares held in trust

43

306

306

New borrowings

146,181

373,276

478,275

Repayment of loan facilities

(130,000)

(287,556)

(368,736)

Cash flows from financing activities

(9,304)

52,787

53,255

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

6,293

(28,708)

(7,947)

Opening cash and cash equivalents

42,621

50,568

50,568

Closing cash and cash equivalents

48,914

21,860

42,621

 

Notes to the financial statements

1. Basis of preparation and general information

Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated financial information included in this half yearly report has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union. The current period information presented in this document is reviewed but unaudited and does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of S434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial information for the year to 31 March 2016 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that period has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those accounts was not qualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report, and did not contain statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those as reported in the Group's annual financial statements for the year to 31 March 2016 and in accordance with those the Group expects to be applicable at 31 March 2017.

Amendments to existing standards including IFRS 10, IFRS 11, IFRS 12, IAS 1, IAS 16, IAS 27, IAS28 and IAS 38 (amendments) and Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2012 - 2014 which came into effect during 2016 have not had a significant impact on the accounting policies, method of computation or presentation of the condensed financial statements.

These condensed financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 November 2016.

Going concern

The Group's business activities, together with the factors affecting its performance, position and future development are set out in the CEO's Overview, Investment Activity and Asset Management reports. The finances of the Group, its liquidity position and borrowing facilities are set out in the Financial Review.

The Directors have reviewed the current and projected financial position of the Group, making reasonable assumptions about future trading performance. As part of the review the Directors have considered the Group's cash balances, debt requirements and the maturity profile of its undrawn facilities. On the basis of this review, and after making due enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Half Year Report.

2. Segmental information

Property value

 

 

100% owned

£000

Share of JV £000

Unaudited

30 September

 2016

£000

Unaudited

30 September

 2015£000

Audited

31 March

 2016£000

Distribution

825,960

6,054

832,014

674,958

784,408

Retail

385,570

104,397

489,967

548,622

543,798

Offices

72,300

-

72,300

77,400

80,200

Residential

1,645

47,200

48,845

61,731

55,895

Development

39,280

-

39,280

108,650

56,550

 

1,324,755

157,651

1,482,406

1,471,361

1,520,851

Gross rental income

 

100% owned

£000

Share of JV £000

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September

 2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September

2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March

 2016£000

Distribution

21,498

206

21,704

16,828

37,835

Retail

12,447

3,772

16,219

17,683

35,178

Offices

2,018

-

2,018

2,045

4,471

Residential

38

528

566

781

1,468

Development

32

-

32

193

80

 

36,033

4,506

40,539

37,530

79,032

Net rental income

 

100% owned

£000

Share of JV £000

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September

2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September

2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March

2016£000

Distribution

21,442

205

21,647

16,803

37,688

Retail

12,004

3,738

15,742

17,366

34,469

Offices

1,910

-

1,910

2,034

4,434

Residential

28

342

370

549

1,014

Development

32

-

32

188

82

 

35,416

4,285

39,701

36,940

77,687

An operating segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that engages in business activities, earns revenue and incurs expenses, whose results are reviewed by the Group's chief operating decision makers and for which discrete financial information is available. Gross rental income represents the Group's revenues from its tenants and the net rental income is the principal profit measure used to determine the performance of each sector. Total assets are not monitored by segment. However, property assets are reviewed on an on-going basis. The Group operates entirely in the United Kingdom and no geographical split is provided in information reported to the Board.

3. Net income

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September

2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to 30 September

2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March

 2016

£000

Gross rental income

36,033

31,731

67,948

Property operating expenses

(617)

(313)

(830)

 

35,416

31,418

67,118

For the six months to 30 September 2016 14% of the Group's gross rental income was receivable from one tenant. For the comparative period to 30 September 2015 11% of the Group's gross rental income was receivable from one tenant and for the year to 31 March 2016 22% of the Group's gross rental income was receivable from two tenants.

4. Finance costs

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to30 September

 2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March2016£000

Interest payable on bank loans and related derivatives

8,245

7,195

15,641

Debt and hedging early close out costs

3,514

70

77

Amortisation of loan issue costs

681

681

1,404

Commitment fees and other finance costs

817

721

1,595

Total borrowing costs

13,257

8,667

18,717

Less amounts capitalised on developments

(1,235)

(1,767)

(2,669)

Net borrowing costs

12,022

6,900

16,048

Fair value loss on derivative financial instruments

9,419

6,698

16,700

 

21,441

13,598

32,748

 

5. Taxation

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to30 September

2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March2016£000

The tax charge comprises:

 

 

 

Current tax

 

 

 

Current tax charge on profit

15

4

18

As the Group is a UK-REIT there is no provision for deferred tax arising on the revaluation of properties or other temporary differences. 

6. Dividends

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to30 September

2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March2016£000

Ordinary dividends paid

 

 

 

2015 Final dividend: 3.5p per share

-

21,843

21,843

2015 Special dividend: 2.0p per share

-

12,482

12,482

2016 Interim dividend: 3.5p per share

-

-

21,846

2016 Second Interim dividend: 3.75p per share

23,404

-

-

 

23,404

34,325

56,171

Quarterly dividend paid in October 2017

 

 

 

2017 First quarterly Interim dividend: 1.8p per share

11,257

 

 

Quarterly dividend proposed

 

 

 

2017 Second quarterly Interim dividend: 1.8p per share

11,257

 

 

The Company paid a first quarterly interim dividend in respect of the current financial year of 1.8p per share, wholly as a Property Income Distribution (PID), on 7 October 2016. 

The second quarterly interim dividend for 2017 of 1.8p per share was approved by the Board on 29 November 2016 and will be paid on 11 January 2017, wholly as a PID, to ordinary shareholders on the register at the close of business on 9 December 2016.

A scrip dividend alternative was available to shareholders for the first quarterly dividend and is intended for the second quarterly payment.

Neither dividend has been included as a liability in these accounts. Both dividends will be recognised as an appropriation of retained earnings in the six months to 31 March 2017.

7. Earnings and net assets per share

Adjusted earnings and net assets per share are calculated in accordance with the Best Practice Recommendations of The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA). The EPRA earnings measure highlights the underlying recurring performance of the property rental business.

The earnings per share calculation uses the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the period and excludes the average number of shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust for the period.

The net asset per share calculation uses the number of shares in issue at the period end and excludes the actual number of shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust at the period end.

a) EPRA Earnings

EPRA earnings for the Group and its share of joint ventures are detailed as follows:

 

Group

£000

JV

£000

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to30 September 2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March2016£000

Gross rental income

36,033

4,506

40,539

37,530

79,032

Property costs

(617)

(221)

(838)

(590)

(1,345)

Net income

35,416

4,285

39,701

36,940

77,687

Management fees

900

(368)

532

635

1,326

Administrative costs

(6,735)

(32)

(6,767)

(6,723)

(13,808)

Net finance costs1

(7,122)

(1,076)

(8,198)

(7,465)

(16,736)

Other

(15)

-

(15)

(4)

(18)

EPRA earnings

22,444

2,809

25,253

23,383

48,451

1 Group net finance costs reflect net borrowing costs of £12,022,000 (note 4) less early close out costs of £3,514,000 (note 4) and finance income of £1,386,000.

The reconciliation of EPRA earnings to IFRS reported (loss)/profit can be summarised as follows:

 

 

Group

£000

JV

£000

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to30 September 2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March2016£000

EPRA earnings

22,444

2,809

25,253

23,383

48,451

Revaluation of investment property

(17,896)

(5,140)

(23,036)

47,184

49,787

Fair value loss on derivatives

(9,419)

(67)

(9,486)

(6,721)

(16,832)

Debt/hedging early close out costs

(3,514)

(111)

(3,625)

(249)

(488)

(Loss)/profit on disposal

(1,558)

(495)

(2,053)

901

2,121

Amortisation of intangible assets

(147)

-

(147)

(161)

(315)

IFRS reported (loss)/profit

(10,090)

(3,004)

(13,094)

64,337

82,724

 

b) Earnings per ordinary share

 

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016

£000

Unaudited

Six months to 30 September 2015

£000

Audited

Year to

31 March

2016

£000

Basic and diluted (losses)/earnings

(13,094)

64,337

82,724

EPRA adjustments1

38,347

(40,954)

(34,273)

EPRA earnings

25,253

23,383

48,451

1 Adjustments shown in table reconciling EPRA profit with IFRS reported (loss)/profit

 

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016

Unaudited

Six months to 30 September 2015

Audited

Year to

31 March

2016

Number of shares (in thousands)

 

 

 

Ordinary share capital

628,044

628,044

628,044

Average number of shares held in employee trust

(4,044)

(3,878)

(3,885)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

624,000

624,166

624,159

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

(2.1)p

10.3p

13.3p

EPRA earnings per share

4.0p

3.7p

7.8p

c) Net assets per share

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

30 September 2015£000

Audited

31 March

 2016£000

Equity shareholders' funds

860,849

901,054

898,197

Fair value of derivatives

32,989

13,568

23,570

Fair value of joint ventures' derivatives

404

230

338

EPRA net asset value

894,242

914,852

922,105

 

 

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016

Unaudited

Six months to 30 September 2015

Audited

Year to

31 March

2016

Number of shares (in thousands)

 

 

 

Ordinary share capital

628,044

628,044

628,044

Number of shares held in employee trust

(2,628)

(3,860)

(3,945)

Number of ordinary shares

625,416

624,184

624,099

 

 

 

 

Basic net asset value per share

137.6p

144.4p

143.9p

EPRA net asset value per share

143.0p

146.6p

147.7p

8. Investment properties

 

Completed £000

Under development £000

Unaudited

30 September

2016

£000

 

Completed £000

Under development £000

Audited

31 March

2016

£000

Opening balance

1,289,560

56,550

1,346,110

 

1,033,045

131,095

1,164,140

Acquisitions

12,910

33,296

46,206

 

109,546

70,290

179,836

Capital expenditure

12,854

4,703

17,557

 

13,720

34,665

48,385

Disposals

(68,311)

-

(68,311)

 

(128,493)

-

(128,493)

Property transfers

58,169

(58,169)

-

 

204,823

(204,823)

-

Revaluation movement

(20,731)

2,835

(17,896)

 

41,991

9,072

51,063

Tenant incentives

1,024

65

1,089

 

14,928

16,251

31,179

 

1,285,475

39,280

1,324,755

 

1,289,560

56,550

1,346,110

Investment properties are held at fair value as at 30 September 2016 based on external valuations performed by professionally qualified valuers CBRE Limited ("CBRE") and Savills Advisory Services Limited ("Savills"). The valuation of property held for sale at 30 September 2016 was £59.5 million (30 September 2015: £7.5 million, 31 March 2016: £62.8 million).

The valuations have been prepared in accordance with the RICS Valuation - Professional Standards 2014 on the basis of fair value. Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There has been no change in the valuation technique in the year. The total fees earned by CBRE and Savills from the Company represent less than 5% of their total UK revenues. CBRE and Savills have continuously been the signatory of valuations for the Company since October 2007 and September 2010 respectively.

Long-term leasehold values included within investment properties amount to £93.5 million (30 September 2015: £68.3 million, 31 March 2016: £93.9 million). All other properties are freehold.

Included within the investment property valuation is £53.6 million (30 September 2015: £45.3 million, 31 March 2016: £52.5 million) in respect of lease incentives and rent free periods.

The historical cost of all of the Group's investment properties at 30 September 2016 was £1,119.4 million (30 September 2015: £1,047.0 million, 31 March 2016: £1,127.9 million).

Capital commitments have been entered into amounting to £46.2 million (30 September 2015: £93.2 million, 31 March 2016: £85.5 million) which have not been provided for in the financial statements.

Internal staff costs of the development team of £0.9 million (30 September 2015: £0.8 million, 31 March 2016: £1.5 million) have been capitalised in the period, being directly attributable to the development projects in progress.

9. Investment in joint ventures

At 30 September 2016 the following principal property interests, being jointly-controlled entities, have been equity accounted for in these financial statements:

 

Country of Incorporation or Registration

Property Sector

Group Share

 

 

 

 

Metric Income Plus Partnership

England and Wales

Retail

50.0%

LMP Retail Warehouse JV PUT

Guernsey

Retail

30.5%

LSP London Residential Investments

Guernsey

Residential

40.0%

The principal activity of all joint venture interests is property investment in the UK in the sectors noted in the table above, which complements the Group's operations and contributes to the achievement of its strategy.

The Metric Income Plus Partnership ("MIPP"), in which the Company has a 50% interest, disposed of three properties in the period for gross proceeds of £15.9 million (Group share: £8.0 million).

The Group also disposed of eight residential flats for £9.5 million (Group share: £3.8 million) through its 40% interest in LSP London Residential Investments in the period.

At 30 September 2016, the freehold and leasehold investment properties were externally valued by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Registered Valuers of CBRE Limited and Savills Advisory Services Limited.

The valuation of property held for sale by joint ventures at 30 September 2016 was £7.7 million (Group share: £3.1 million) (30 September 2015: £24.5 million (Group share: £7.5 million), 31 March 2016: £17.4 million (Group share: £8.7 million)). The movement in the carrying value of joint venture interests in the period is summarised as follows:

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

Six months to

 30 September 2015£000

Audited

Year to

31 March

2016£000

Opening balance

119,666

148,366

148,366

Additions at cost

200

7

10

Share of (loss)/profit in the period

(3,004)

3,256

4,528

Disposals

(3,583)

(2,088)

(14,110)

Profit distributions received

(2,861)

(14,775)

(19,128)

Closing balance

110,418

134,766

119,666

 

All Group interests are equity accounted for in these financial statements. The Group's share of the profit after tax and net assets of its associates and joint ventures is as follows:

 

Metric

Income Plus

Partnership

£000

LMP

Retail

Warehouse

JV PUT

£000

LSP

London

Residential

Investments

£000

Unaudited

30 September

 2016

£000

Unaudited

30 September

 2016

£000

Summarised income statement

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group share

Gross rental income

4,936

4,950

1,320

11,206

4,506

Property costs

(61)

(13)

(465)

(539)

(221)

Net rental income

4,875

4,937

855

10,667

4,285

Administrative costs

(17)

(24)

(42)

(83)

(32)

Management fees

(385)

(192)

(292)

(869)

(368)

Revaluation

(2,198)

(3,305)

(7,582)

(13,085)

(5,140)

Finance income

24

2

1

27

13

Finance cost

(1,487)

(1,157)

(262)

(2,906)

(1,200)

Movement in derivatives

(97)

(85)

19

(163)

(67)

Loss on disposal

(115)

-

(1,094)

(1,209)

(495)

Profit/(loss) after tax

600

176

(8,397)

(7,621)

(3,004)

EPRA adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

Revaluation

2,198

3,305

7,582

13,085

5,140

Movement in derivatives

97

85

(19)

163

67

Loss on disposal

115

-

1,094

1,209

495

Debt and hedging early close out costs

203

-

25

228

111

EPRA earnings

3,213

3,566

285

7,064

2,809

Summarised balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

Investment properties

147,470

120,380

118,000

385,850

157,651

Other current assets

51

2

7,107

7,160

2,868

Cash

18,627

609

2,046

21,282

10,316

Current liabilities

(2,876)

(1,048)

(521)

(4,445)

(1,967)

Bank debt

(71,775)

(60,328)

(11,029)

(143,132)

(58,699)

Unamortised finance costs

747

858

44

1,649

653

Derivative financial instruments

(810)

1

-

(809)

(404)

Net assets

91,434

60,474

115,647

267,555

110,418

Group share

50%

30.5%

40%

 

 

Group share of net assets

45,717

18,445

46,256

110,418

 

        

 

 

Metric

Income Plus

Partnership

£000

LMP

Retail

Warehouse

JV PUT

£000

LSP

London

 Residential

 Investments

£000

LSP

Green Park

 Distribution

Holdings

£000

LSP

Green Park

Trust

£000

Unaudited

30 September

 2015

£000

Unaudited

30 September

 2015

£000

Summarised income statement

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group share

Gross rental income

6,217

5,812

1,869

343

-

14,241

5,800

Property costs

(77)

-

(572)

(20)

-

(669)

(278)

Net rental income

6,140

5,812

1,297

323

-

13,572

5,522

Administrative costs

(52)

(42)

(61)

(23)

(63)

(241)

(94)

Management fees

(491)

(225)

(275)

(92)

-

(1,083)

(470)

Revaluation

(279)

1,725

(529)

-

-

917

175

Finance income

31

2

1

-

-

34

5

Finance cost

(1,790)

(1,381)

(909)

(277)

-

(4,357)

(1,807)

Movement in derivatives

(121)

(139)

66

105

-

(89)

(23)

(Loss)/profit on disposal

(145)

-

(329)

(188)

771

109

(52)

Tax

-

-

-

(5)

-

(5)

-

Profit/(loss) after tax

3,293

5,752

(739)

(157)

708

8,857

3,256

EPRA adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revaluation

279

(1,725)

529

-

-

(917)

(175)

Movement in derivatives

121

139

(66)

(105)

-

89

23

Loss/(profit) on disposal

145

-

329

188

(771)

(109)

52

Debt and hedging early close out costs

144

-

96

138

-

378

179

EPRA earnings

3,982

4,166

149

64

(63)

8,298

3,335

 

Metric

Income Plus

Partnership

£000

LMP

Retail

Warehouse

JV PUT

£000

LSP

London

 Residential

 Investments

£000

LSP

Green Park

 Distribution

Holdings

£000

LSP

Green Park

Trust

£000

Audited

31 March

 2016

£000

Audited

31 March

 2016

£000

Summarised balance sheet

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group share

Investment properties

165,335

123,685

135,875

-

-

424,895

174,741

Other current assets

12,912

75

349

-

-

13,336

6,620

Cash

3,198

3,285

3,596

20

-

10,099

4,049

Current liabilities

(3,588)

(3,971)

(860)

-

-

(8,419)

(3,349)

Bank debt

(77,075)

(60,328)

(14,933)

-

-

(152,336)

(62,911)

Unamortised finance costs

1,068

1,011

29

-

-

2,108

854

Derivative financial instruments

(713)

86

(19)

-

-

(646)

(338)

Net assets

101,137

63,843

124,037

20

-

289,037

119,666

Group share

50%

30.5%

40%

50%

-

 

 

Group share of net assets

50,569

19,472

49,615

10

-

119,666

 

          

 

10. Trade and other receivables

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

30 September 2015£000

Audited

31 March

2016£000

Trade receivables

246

2,602

1,771

Amounts receivable from property sales

24,199

57,640

11,402

Prepayments and accrued income

3,023

2,409

2,744

Other receivables

64

1,878

132

 

27,532

64,529

16,049

All amounts fall due for payment in less than one year.

Trade receivables comprise rental income which is due on contractual payment dates with no credit period.

At 30 September 2016 there were trade receivables of £16,000 which were overdue and considered at risk (30 September 2015: £311,000, 31 March 2016: £nil). A full provision has been made against these receivables.

11. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include £6.2 million (30 September 2015: £6.1 million, 31 March 2016: £4.9 million) retained in rent and restricted accounts which are not readily available to the Group for day to day commercial purposes.

12. Trade and other payables

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

30 September 2015£000

Audited

31 March

2016£000

Trade payables

3,763

1,793

4,780

Amounts payable on property acquisitions and disposals

6,677

2,667

9,595

Rent received in advance

14,285

11,487

12,160

Accrued interest

1,359

2,803

1,897

Other payables

1,976

1,861

525

Other accruals

5,470

4,293

6,386

 

33,530

24,904

35,343

The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit time frame.

13. Borrowings

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016£000

Unaudited

30 September 2015£000

Audited

31 March

2016£000

Secured Bank loans

196,170

551,170

179,989

Unsecured Bank loans

395,000

-

395,000

Unamortised finance costs

(6,543)

(6,992)

(7,079)

 

584,627

544,178

567,910

On 21 September 2016 the Group entered into a £130 million private placement at a blended fixed coupon of 2.7% and a weighted average maturity of 8.3 years. The proceeds were used to repay debt drawn under the existing unsecured credit facility, which remains available to draw.

Certain bank loans at 30 September 2016 are secured by fixed charges over Group investment properties with a carrying value of £384.7 million.

The following table shows the contractual maturity profile of the Group's bank loans on an undiscounted cashflow basis and assuming settlement on the earliest repayment date.

As at 30 September 2016

Less thanone year£000

One totwo years£000

Two tofive years£000

More thanfive years£000

Total£000

Bank loans

14,445

14,445

305,159

338,508

672,557

Derivative financial instruments

5,254

5,451

21,568

3,061

35,334

 

19,699

19,896

326,727

341,569

707,891

 

As at 31 March 2016

Less thanone year£000

One totwo years£000

Two tofive years£000

More thanfive years£000

Total£000

Bank loans

14,358

14,358

43,112

578,087

649,915

Derivative financial instruments

5,750

6,279

18,389

5,767

36,185

 

20,108

20,637

61,501

583,854

686,100

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk from the use of debt financing at a variable rate. It is Group policy that a reasonable portion of external borrowings are at a fixed interest rate in order to manage this risk. The Group uses interest rate swaps and caps to manage its interest rate exposure and hedge future interest rate risk for the term of the bank loan.

Details of the fair value of the Group's derivative financial instruments that were in place at 30 September 2016 are provided below:

 

Average rate

 

Notional amount

 

Fair value

Interest rate caps - expiry

Unaudited

30 September 2016

 %

Audited

31 March

2016

%

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016

£000

Audited

31 March

2016

£000

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016

£000

Audited

31 March

2016

£000

Less than one year

3.0

2.4

 

10,000

77,500

 

-

-

One to two years

2.0

2.0

 

116,313

16,313

 

-

4

Two to five years

3.0

2.1

 

10,000

110,000

 

-

128

More than five years

2.0

2.0

 

18,150

18,150

 

65

234

 

2.1

2.2

 

154,463

221,963

 

65

366

 

 

Average rate

 

Notional amount

 

Fair value

Interest rate swaps - expiry

Unaudited

30 September 2016

%

Audited

31 March

2016

%

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016

£000

Audited

31 March

2016

£000

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016

£000

Audited

31 March

2016

£000

Less than one year

0.0

3.3

 

-

10,500

 

-

(12)

One to two years

0.6

3.2

 

50,000

16,313

 

(288)

(624)

Two to five years

2.0

2.9

 

10,000

60,000

 

(451)

(3,185)

More than five years

2.0

1.9

 

497,290

467,290

 

(32,315)

(20,115)

 

1.8

2.1

 

557,290

554,103

 

(33,054)

(23,936)

Total fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

(32,989)

(23,570)

All derivative financial instruments are non-current interest rate derivatives and are carried at fair value following a valuation as at 30 September 2016 by J C Rathbone Associates Limited.

The market values of hedging products change with interest rate fluctuations, but the exposure of the Group to movements in interest rates is protected by way of the hedging products listed above. In accordance with accounting standards, fair value is estimated by calculating the present value of future cash flows, using appropriate market discount rates. For all derivative financial instruments this equates to a Level 2 fair value measurement as defined by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. The valuation therefore does not reflect the cost or gain to the Group of cancelling its interest rate protection at the balance sheet date, which is generally a marginally higher cost (or smaller gain) than a market valuation.

The Group has complied throughout the year comfortably with the financial covenants contained in its debt funding arrangements.

14. Share capital

 

Unaudited

30 September 2016Number

Unaudited

30 September 2016£000

Audited

31 March

2016Number

Audited

31 March

2016£000

Issued, called up and fully paid

 

 

 

 

Ordinary shares of 10p each

628,043,905

62,804

628,043,905

62,804

In June 2016 the Company granted options over 2,711,575 ordinary shares under its Long Term Incentive Plan and Deferred Bonus Plan and 414,727 ordinary shares in the Deferred Bonus Plan vested. In August 2016, 2,305,973 ordinary shares in the Company that were granted to certain Directors and employees under the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan in 2013 also vested.

15. Reserves

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

Share capital

The nominal value of shares issued.

Capital redemption reserve

Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued ordinary shares.

Other reserve

A reserve relating to the application of merger relief in the acquisition of LondonMetric Management Limited and Metric Property Investments Plc by the Company, the cost of the Company's shares held in treasury and the cost of shares held in trust to provide for the Company's future obligations under share award schemes.

Retained earnings

The cumulative profits and losses after the payment of dividends.

16. Related party transactions and balances

Management fees and dividends receivable from the Group's joint venture arrangements in which it has an equity interest were as follows:

 

 

Management fees

 

Dividends

 

Group interest

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2016

£000

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September 2015

£000

 

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September

2016

£000

Unaudited

Six months to

30 September

2015

£000

LSP Green Park Property Trust

31.4%

-

-

 

-

223

LPS Green Park Distribution Holdings

50.0%

-

92

 

10

11,210

LSP London Residential Investments

40.0%

243

229

 

-

-

Metric Income Plus Partnership

50.0%

465

558

 

1,768

2,074

LMP Retail Warehouse JV PUT

30.5%

192

226

 

1,083

1,268

 

 

900

1,105

 

2,861

14,775

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries which are related parties have been eliminated on consolidation.

There has been no significant movement in the beneficial interests of the Directors and their families who were in office during the period or at the date of this report.

17. Post balance sheet events

On 13 October 2016 the Group acquired a distribution warehouse in Stevenage for £7.3 million.

On 14 November 2016 the Group completed the acquisition of Unit 1 Bicester Distribution Park for £3.2 million.

On 16 November 2016 the Group completed the disposal of Alban Park in St Albans for £5.8 million to Dunelm Estates Limited.

On 16 November 2016 the Group's MIPP joint venture acquired a B&Q unit in Hull for £9.4 million (Group share: £4.7 million).

On 17 November 2016 the Group acquired a portfolio of six properties for £26.0 million.

On 21 November 2016 the Group's MIPP joint venture acquired a Wickes unit in Dartford for £9.0 million (Group share: £4.5 million).

On 22 November 2016 the Group acquired a pre-let development in Crawley for £10.7 million.

On 23 November 2016 the Group completed the disposal of its distribution warehouse in Warrington let to The HUT Group for £53.7 million.

Directors' responsibility statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

· This condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union, and

· This condensed set of financial statements includes a fair review of the information required by Sections DTR 4.2.7R and DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

By order of the Board

 

Andrew Jones

Chief Executive

Martin McGann

Finance Director

29 November 2016

 

Independent review report to LondonMetric Property Plc

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2016 which comprises the Group income statement, the Group balance sheet, the Group statement of changes in equity, the Group cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 17. We have read the other information contained in the half yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The half yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the company are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting," as adopted by the European Union.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

DELOITTE LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

29 November 2016

 

Supplementary information

i EPRA Summary table

 

30 September

2016

30 September

2015

31 March

2016

EPRA earnings per share

4.0p

3.7p

7.8p

EPRA net asset value per share

143.0p

146.6p

147.7p

EPRA triple net asset value per share

137.6p

144.4p

143.9p

EPRA vacancy rate

1.5%

0.1%

0.7%

EPRA cost ratio (including vacant property costs)

17%

18%

17%

EPRA cost ratio (excluding vacant property costs)

16%

17%

17%

EPRA net initial yield

4.8%

4.4%

4.9%

EPRA "topped up" net initial yield

5.4%

5.5%

5.4%

ii EPRA proportionally consolidated income statement

For the six months to 30 September

Group

£000

JV

£000

2016

£000

Group

£000

JV

£000

2015

£000

Gross rental income

36,033

4,506

40,539

31,731

5,799

37,530

Property costs

(617)

(221)

(838)

(313)

(277)

(590)

Net income

35,416

4,285

39,701

31,418

5,522

36,940

Management fees

900

(368)

532

1,105

(470)

635

Administrative costs

(6,735)

(32)

(6,767)

(6,629)

(94)

(6,723)

Net finance costs

(7,122)

(1,076)

(8,198)

(5,842)

(1,623)

(7,465)

Other

(15)

-

(15)

(4)

-

(4)

EPRA earnings

22,444

2,809

25,253

20,048

3,335

23,383

iii EPRA proportionally consolidated balance sheet

 

Group

£000

JV

£000

30 September

2016

£000

Group

£000

JV

£000

31 March

2016

£000

Investment property

1,324,755

157,651

1,482,406

1,346,110

174,741

1,520,851

Gross debt

(591,170)

(58,699)

(649,869)

(574,989)

(62,911)

(637,900)

Cash

48,914

10,316

59,230

42,621

4,049

46,670

Other

1,325

1,150

2,475

(11,641)

4,125

(7,516)

EPRA net assets

783,824

110,418

894,242

802,101

120,004

922,105

Loan to value

37%

31%

36%

38%

34%

38%

Cost of debt

3.3%

3.4%

3.3%

3.5%

3.6%

3.5%

Undrawn facilities

178,750

5,000

183,750

64,931

5,000

69,931

iv EPRA cost ratio

For the six months to 30 September

2016

£000

2015

£000

Property operating expenses

617

313

Administration expenses

6,735

6,629

Share of joint venture property operating, administration expenses and management fees

621

841

Less:

 

 

Joint venture property management fee income

(900)

(1,105)

Ground rents

(64)

(24)

Total costs including vacant property costs (A)

7,009

6,654

Group vacant property costs

(395)

(132)

Share of joint venture vacant property costs

(114)

(142)

Total costs excluding vacant property costs (B)

6,500

6,380

Gross rental income

36,033

31,731

Share of joint venture gross rental income

4,506

5,799

 

40,539

37,530

Less: Ground rents

(64)

(24)

Total gross rental income (C)

40,475

37,506

 

Total EPRA cost ratio (including vacant property costs) (A)/(C)

17%

18%

Total EPRA cost ratio (excluding vacant property costs) (B)/(C)

16%

17%

v EPRA net initial yield and "topped up" net initial yield

 

30 September

2016

£000

31 March

2016

£000

Investment property - wholly-owned

1,324,755

1,346,110

Investment property - share of joint ventures

157,651

174,741

Less development properties

(39,280)

(56,550)

Less residential properties

(48,845)

(55,895)

Completed property portfolio

1,394,281

1,408,406

Allowance for:

 

 

Estimated purchasers' costs

94,811

95,772

Estimated costs to complete

40,783

43,967

EPRA property portfolio valuation (A)

1,529,875

1,548,145

Annualised contracted rental income

65,840

71,945

Share of joint ventures

8,500

8,064

Less development properties

(487)

(3,972)

Less residential properties

(686)

(856)

Annualised net rents (B)

73,167

75,181

Contractual rental increased for rent free periods

7,620

5,334

Contractual rental increases for fixed uplifts

2,444

3,641

"Topped up" net annualised rent (C)

83,231

84,156

EPRA net initial yield (B/A)

4.8%

4.9%

EPRA "topped up" net initial yield (C/A)

5.4%

5.4%

vi EPRA vacancy rate

 

30 September

2016

£000

31 March

2016

£000

Annualised estimated rental value of vacant premises

1,253

604

Portfolio estimated rental value1

82,761

82,720

EPRA vacancy rate

1.5%

0.7%

1 Excludes residential and development properties

vii EPRA capital expenditure analysis

 

Group

£000

JV

£000

30 September

2016

£000

Group

£000

JV

£000

31 March

2016

£000

Opening valuation

1,346,110

174,741

1,520,851

1,164,140

236,245

1,400,385

Acquisitions

12,910

1

12,911

109,546

3,477

113,023

Developments

37,999

-

37,999

104,955

-

104,955

Capital expenditure

12,854

38

12,892

13,720

761

14,481

Disposals

(68,311)

(11,686)

(79,997)

(128,493)

(64,749)

(193,242)

Revaluation

(17,896)

(5,140)

(23,036)

51,063

(1,276)

49,787

Lease incentives

1,089

(303)

786

31,179

283

31,462

Closing valuation

1,324,755

157,651

1,482,406

1,346,110

174,741

1,520,851

viii Total accounting return

 

30 September 2016

£000

30 September 2015

£000

31 March

2016

£000

EPRA net asset value

 

 

 

- at end of year

894,242

914,852

922,105

- at start of year

922,105

877,226

877,226

(Decrease)/increase

(27,863)

37,626

44,879

Dividend paid

23,404

34,325

56,171

 (Decrease)/increase including dividend

(4,459)

71,951

101,050

Total accounting return

(0.5)%

8.2%

11.5%

ix Portfolio split and valuation

 

£m

30 September 2016

%

£m

31 March

2016

%

Distribution

832.0

56.1

784.4

51.6

Retail

429.3

29.0

474.8

31.2

Leisure

60.7

4.1

69.0

4.5

Office

72.3

4.8

80.2

5.3

Investment Portfolio

1,394.3

94.0

1,408.4

92.6

Development - distribution

35.0

2.4

40.0

2.6

Development - retail

4.3

0.3

16.6

1.1

Residential

48.8

3.3

55.9

3.7

 

1,482.4

100.0

1,520.9

100.0

Retail (Group and JV split)

 

 

 

 

Wholly-owned - Retail Parks

Wholly-owned - Convenience retail

244.9

80.0

16.5

5.4

293.9

66.6

19.3

4.4

Metric Income Plus Partnership

73.7

5.0

82.7

5.4

LMP Retail Warehouse JV Property Unit Trust

30.7

2.1

31.6

2.1

 

429.3

29.0

474.8

31.2

x Investment portfolio yields

 

 

EPRA NIY

%

EPRA

topped up NIY

%

30 September

2016

Equivalent yield

%

 

EPRA NIY

%

EPRA

topped up NIY

%

31 March

2016

Equivalent yield

%

Distribution

4.7

5.2

5.5

4.7

5.2

5.4

Retail

4.7

5.8

5.8

4.8

5.8

5.8

Leisure

6.1

6.1

7.1

6.0

6.0

7.0

Office

5.5

5.5

7.2

5.3

5.6

6.6

Investment portfolio

4.8

5.4

5.8

4.9

5.4

5.7

xi Investment portfolio - Key statistics

 As at 30 September 2016

Area

'000 sq ft

WAULT

to expiry

years

WAULT

to first break

years

 

Occupancy

%

 

Average rent

£ per sq ft

Distribution

8,462

12.7

12.1

100.0

5.60

Retail

2,196

12.1

11.2

98.1

17.20

Leisure

261

20.7

20.7

100.0

15.10

Office

231

7.7

7.7

85.9

21.50

Investment portfolio

11,150

12.6

12.0

98.5

8.00

Distribution development1

739

 

 

 

 

Retail development

61

 

 

 

 

Total investment & development portfolio

11,950

 

 

 

 

1 Excludes conditional development site at Bedford

xii Total property returns (%)

 

 

All

property

All

 property

All

property

 

 

30 September

2016

%

30 September

2015

%

31 March

2016

%

Capital return

 

(1.3)

4.0

4.9

Income return

 

2.8

2.6

5.3

Total return

 

1.5

6.7

10.5

xiii Contracted rental income

 

30 September

2016

£m

30 September

2015

£m

31 March

2016

£m

Distribution

46.6

36.0

42.3

Retail

28.0

31.0

31.3

Leisure

3.9

5.0

4.4

Office

4.4

4.9

4.9

Investment portfolio

82.9

76.9

82.9

Development - distribution

0.1

6.3

2.5

Development - retail

0.4

2.5

0.8

Residential

0.7

1.0

0.9

Total portfolio

84.1

86.7

87.1

xiv Rent subject to expiry

As at 30 September 2016

Within

5 years

%

Within

10 years

%

Within

15 years

%

Within

20 years

%

Over

20 years

%

Distribution

6.2

38.9

70.5

88.4

100.0

Retail

11.1

37.2

81.4

90.3

100.0

Leisure

-

-

11.4

11.4

100.0

Office

31.7

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

Total investment & development portfolio

8.9

39.7

72.9

86.0

100.0

       

xv Contracted rent subject to RPI or fixed uplifts for investment portfolio (%)

 

£m

30 September

2016

%

£m

31 March

 2016

%

Distribution

26.7

57.1

26.0

57.9

Retail

8.7

30.6

8.9

27.7

Leisure

3.9

100.0

4.4

100.0

Office

3.0

68.3

3.0

60.9

 

42.3

50.7

42.3

49.0

xvi Top ten assets (by value1)

As at 30 September 2016

Area

'000 sq ft

Contracted

 Rent

 £m

 

Occupancy

%

WAULT

to expiry

years

WAULT

to first break

years

Primark, Islip

1,062

5.4

100

24.0

24.0

Primark, Thrapston

783

4.0

100

16.0

16.0

Dixons Carphone, Newark

726

4.3

100

16.8

16.8

Marlow International, Marlow

231

4.4

86

7.7

7.7

Argos, Bedford

658

3.8

100

6.2

6.2

Eddie Stobart, Dagenham

410

3.1

100

14.8

14.8

HUT, Warrington

690

3.8

100

14.1

14.1

Royal Mail, Daventry

273

2.5

100

6.9

6.9

Marks & Spencer, Sheffield

626

2.6

100

7.2

4.8

Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Park, Leeds

120

2.4

95

11.9

9.5

1 Excluding residential asset

xvii Top ten occupiers

As at 30 September 2016

Contracted rental income

£m

Market capitalisation

£bn

Contracted rental income

%

Primark1

9.4

20.1

11.3

Dixons Carphone

5.8

3.9

6.9

M&S

5.3

5.4

6.4

Argos1

4.1

5.2

4.9

The Hut Group

3.8

Private

4.5

Odeon1

3.5

2.8

4.2

DFS

3.5

0.5

4.2

Royal Mail

3.3

4.7

4.0

Eddie Stobart

3.1

Private

3.7

Allergan

3.0

60.4

3.6

Top 10

44.8

 

53.7

Other commercial income

38.6

 

46.3

Total commercial

83.4

 

100.0

Residential

0.7

 

 

Total Group

84.1

 

 

1 Market capitalisation of parent company

 

Definitions

 

Capital Return

The valuation movement on the property portfolio adjusted for capital expenditure and expressed as a percentage of the capital employed over the period

Contracted Rent

The annualised rent adjusting for the inclusion of rent free periods

Cost of debt

Weighted average interest rate payable

Debt maturity

Weighted average period to expiry of drawn debt

EPRA Cost Ratio

Total operating costs as a percentage of gross rental income

EPRA Earnings per Share (EPS)

Recurring earnings from core operational activities divided by the average number of shares in issue over the period

EPRA Like for Like Income Growth

The movement in rental income on properties owned throughout the current and previous periods under review. The movement includes revenue recognition and lease accounting adjustments but excludes properties held for development and residential

EPRA NAV per Share

Balance sheet net assets excluding fair value of derivatives, divided by the number of shares in issue at the balance sheet date

EPRA NNNAV per Share

EPRA NAV per share adjusted to include the fair value of financial instruments, debt and deferred taxes at the balance sheet date

EPRA net initial yield

Annualised rental income based on cash rents passing at the balance sheet date, less non recoverable property operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of the market value of the property, after inclusion of estimated purchaser's costs

EPRA topped up net initial yield

EPRA net initial yield adjusted for expiration of rent free periods or other lease incentives such as discounted rent periods and stepped rents

 

EPRA Vacancy

The Estimated Rental Value (ERV) of immediately available vacant space divided by total annualised income of the investment portfolio

Equivalent Yield

The weighted average income return expressed as a percentage of the market value of the property, after inclusion of estimated purchaser's costs

Estimated Rental Value (ERV)

The external valuers' opinion of the open market rent which, on the date of valuation, could reasonably be expected to be obtained on a new letting or rent review of a property

European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA)

The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) is the industry body for European Real Estate Investment Trusts(REITs)

Group

LondonMetric Property Plc and its subsidiaries

IFRS

The International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and adopted by the European Union

Income Return

Net rental income expressed as a percentage of capital employed over the period

Investment Portfolio

The Group's property portfolio excluding development, land holdings and residential properties

Investment Property Databank (IPD) Investment Property Databank (IPD) is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSCI producing an independent benchmark of property returns and the Group's portfolio returns

Loan to Value (LTV)

Net debt expressed as a percentage of the total property portfolio value at the period end

Net Rental Income

The rental income receivable after deduction for ground rents and other net property outgoings including void costs and net service charge expenses

 

Occupancy Rate

The ERV of the let units as a percentage of the total ERV of the investment portfolio

Omni Channel Retailing

The evolution of multi channel retailing providing a seamless shopping experience for the consumer through all available shopping channels, ie physical, internet, mobile, social media, telephone, catalogue etc

Passing Rent

The gross rent payable by tenants under operating leases, less any ground rent payable under head leases

Property Income Distribution (PID)

Dividends from profits of the Group's tax-exempt property business under the REIT regulations. The PID dividend is paid after deducting withholding tax at the basic rate

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

A listed property company which qualifies for and has elected into a tax regime which is exempt from corporation tax on profits from property rental income and UK capital gains on the sale of investment properties

Total Accounting Return (TAR)

The movement in EPRA NAV plus the dividend paid during the period expressed as a percentage of the EPRA NAV at the beginning of the period

Total Property Return (TPR)

Unlevered weighted capital and income return of the property portfolio as calculated by IPD

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)

The movement in the ordinary share price as quoted on the London Stock Exchange plus dividends per share assuming that dividends are re-invested at the time of being paid

Weighted Average Interest Rate

The total loan interest and derivative costs per annum (including the amortisation of finance costs) divided by the total debt in issue at the period end

Weighted Average Unexpired Lease Term (WAULT)

Average unexpired lease term across the investment portfolio weighted by net rental income

 

 

 

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
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6th Mar 202412:43 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property Plc
6th Mar 202412:00 pmRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/RI) - LondonMetric Property Plc
6th Mar 202411:37 amRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI)-LondonMetric Property plc
6th Mar 202411:33 amRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI)-LondonMetric Property plc
6th Mar 202411:27 amRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/RI)-LondonMetric Property plc
6th Mar 202410:35 amRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI)LondonMetric Property plc
6th Mar 202410:10 amRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) LondonMetric Property Plc
6th Mar 20248:21 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
6th Mar 20247:00 amRNSCOMPLETION OF MERGER AND COMPANY UPDATE
6th Mar 20247:00 amRNSDelisting & Cancellation of LXI Shares
6th Mar 20247:00 amRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20245:19 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
5th Mar 20243:33 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20243:22 pmGNWForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20243:20 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20243:13 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LXI REIT plc
5th Mar 20242:54 pmPRNForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20242:33 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20242:27 pmEQSForm 8.3 - The Vanguard Group, Inc.: LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20242:25 pmGNWInvesco Ltd: Form 8.3 - LondonMetric Property PLC
5th Mar 20241:40 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20241:17 pmRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI)-LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20241:13 pmRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI)-LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20241:05 pmRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/RI)-LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 202412:24 pmGNWForm 8.3 - [LONDONMETRIC PROPERTY PLC] - 04 03 2024 - (CGWL)
5th Mar 202412:00 pmRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/RI) - LondonMetric Property Plc
5th Mar 202410:40 amRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) - LondonMetric Property plc
5th Mar 20249:57 amRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) LondonMetric Property Plc
5th Mar 20249:57 amRNSScheme of arrangement becomes effective
5th Mar 20249:51 amRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI)LondonMetric Property Amended
4th Mar 20243:45 pmRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/RI)-LondonMetric Property plc Amend
4th Mar 20243:40 pmRNSForm 8.5 (EPT/RI)-LondonMetric Property plc Amend
4th Mar 20243:25 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property Plc
4th Mar 20243:20 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc
4th Mar 20243:11 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LXI REIT PLC
4th Mar 20243:04 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LONDONMETRIC PROPERTY PLC
4th Mar 20242:55 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LXi REIT plc
4th Mar 20242:53 pmRNSForm 8.3 - LondonMetric Property plc

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