TIDMEPIC
RNS Number : 0262G
Ediston Property Inv Comp PLC
24 May 2017
24 May 2017
Ediston Property Investment Company plc
(the "Company")
LEI: 213800JRL87EGX9TUI28
THE COMPANY IS WELL POSITIONED FOR GROWTH
HALF YEAR RESULTS
Ediston Property Investment Company plc (LSE: EPIC) announces
its half-year results for the six months ended 31 March 2017.
Highlights for the six months to 31 March 2017:
-- Net asset value increased 2.43% to 109.67 pence (30 September 2016: 107.07 pence)
-- Property portfolio increased in value by 1.84%
-- Share price total return of 7.9%
-- Continued 5.5 pence dividend per share (annualised)
-- Fully covered dividend
William Hill, Chairman of the Company, said:
"The Investment Manager remains true to its promise of driving
value from the intensive management of the Company's assets. The
Board believes shareholders should be very encouraged by the
continued progress in the last six months with the growth in asset
values and improved levels of portfolio income. The Company is in a
good position to build further on this excellent record and the
Board believes that continued progress can be achieved in the
second half of the year, particularly if it can grow its equity
base and expand the investment portfolio."
Enquiries:
Ediston Properties Limited (Investment Manager)
Danny O'Neill
Calum Bruce 0131 225 5599
------------------------------------------------- ----------------
Canaccord Genuity Limited
Will Barnett
Neil Brierley
Dominic Waters
David Yovichic 020 7523 8000
------------------------------------------------- ----------------
Lansons
Laura Cronin 020 7294 3607
David Masters 07825 427 514
------------------------------------------------- ----------------
R&H Fund Services Limited (Company Secretary)
Michael Woodward 0131 550 3761
------------------------------------------------- ----------------
Chairman's Statement
"Ready for Growth: a secure platform to grow the Company with
further progress in capital values and rental income."
INTRODUCTION
Following the market volatility over the last six months of 2016
induced by the Brexit vote, 2017 has seen relative stability return
to the UK commercial property market. Against this background the
Company continues to make good progress. Management initiatives
have driven improvements in asset values and the overall level of
income has risen with new lettings. In addition, 500,000 new shares
were issued during the period.
The Board believes that there are good investment opportunities
available that suit the Company's investment style. If market
conditions permit, the Board would like to expand the Company's
capital base to take advantage of these opportunities.
INVESTMENT AND SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE
The Company's portfolio was valued at GBP184.7 million at 31
March 2017, a rise of 1.8% on the GBP181.4 million reported at 30
September 2016.
Over the period, the EPRA net asset value (NAV) per share has
risen from 107.07 pence to 109.67 pence, an increase of 2.4%. The
share price has delivered a capital return of 5.2% as the discount
to NAV per share narrowed from 3.4% at 30 September 2016 to 0.8% at
31 March 2017. Taking into account dividends paid in the period,
the total return per share over the first half of the year based on
NAV movement was 5.0%. The total return on a share price basis was
7.9%.
PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY
Management initiatives during the period reduced the EPRA
vacancy rate from 4.7% to 3.9%. This falls to 1.5% when additional
lettings complete post the half-year. Letting activity is fully
described in the Investment Manager's Review. The weighted average
unexpired lease term has fallen marginally over the six months,
from 7.9 years to 7.4 years.
The effect of the lettings has been to improve portfolio income
and dividend cover, and drive the increases in value of Birmingham
and Daventry.
Further management initiatives are in progress and, if
successfully executed, should help increase income and value in the
second half of the year.
Consideration is being given to the sale of some mature assets
where new assets can be substituted with greater potential to add
value and enhance portfolio income. A number of situations are
being evaluated. The Board is mindful of the impact of sale and
purchase costs on the NAV but is prepared to consider some short
term dilution in the longer term interests of shareholders.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND POTENTIAL GROWTH
Growing the Company, on the right terms, remains a strategic
objective of the Board. Scott Harris, an independent, specialist
equity marketing consultancy has been appointed to work with the
Company's broker, Canaccord Genuity, towards this aim.
In November 2016, demand for the shares meant that the share
price was at a sufficient premium to cover the costs of issue. The
Company issued 500,000 new shares at 109.0 pence each under the
Company's annual tap issuance authority. Shareholder authority has
been granted for the issue of up to 10% of the Company's issued
capital, approximately GBP15 million of value.
The Company still has flexibility to issue from its existing
'tap stock authorities' and would be prepared to embark on a wider
issuance programme if the demand can be found, particularly against
specific acquisition opportunities for the portfolio.
The growth in value of the Company's assets has reduced the
borrowings in the Company as a percentage of gross assets to 28.4%
at the half year. The Board may choose to take out additional
borrowings under its existing authorities if suitable opportunities
arise in the portfolio where capital expenditure is required, or to
balance a sale and purchase transaction. As at 31 March 2017, the
Company held GBP11.97 million of cash on its balance sheet.
DIVIDS
Over the six months, total dividends of 2.75 pence per share
have been paid. Using the period end share price of 108.75 pence,
this represents an annualised yield of 5.1%.
The Company has maintained monthly dividend payments at an
annual rate of 5.5 pence per share since launch in 2014. After the
period of investment, these dividends are fully covered by net
income.
The Board is aware of the attractions of a high monthly dividend
and remains mindful of the objective of growing income, if
appropriate to do so.
BOARD
Following a formal recruitment process, the Board is pleased to
report that good progress is being made in finding a suitable
addition to the Board. It expects to be able to announce an
appointment in the relatively near future.
OUTLOOK
Investors remain active despite the uncertainties of the Brexit
negotiations and their potential impact on the UK economy. This
interest is influenced by favourable exchange rates for overseas
investors, the level of available income, the attractive rates of
finance and the lack of value in other asset classes.
As a consequence prices have hardened for long dated income that
can be aggressively financed. Investors are more cautious where
leases are shorter and where an understanding of the property
fundamentals is required to assess the resilience of that income.
This is creating some mispriced opportunities and is a market that
suits the Company's investment style. A number of potential
investments have been or are being assessed which would form the
basis for the deployment of any new capital raised.
The Investment Manager remains true to its promise of driving
value from the intensive management of the Company's assets. The
Board believes shareholders should be very encouraged by the
continued progress in the last six months with the growth in asset
values and improved levels of portfolio income. The Company is in a
good position to build further on this excellent record and the
Board believes that continued progress can be achieved in the
second half of the year, particularly if it can grow its equity
base and expand the investment portfolio.
William Hill
Chairman
23 May 2017
Investment Manager's Review
"Adding Value at Every Step"
DELIVERING ASSET MANAGEMENT
The ability to unlock value is key to delivering superior
returns. We have a well-resourced team, which is always looking to
identify value-adding opportunities for each asset.
We have a generous ratio of properties to surveyor which ensures
all asset management initiatives can be identified and properly
followed through to execution. Generally three to six projects are
allocated to each surveyor but, given the diverse skill set of the
team, it is usual to have more than one member of the team involved
on a project.
This approach has secured three lettings over the period,
totalling in excess of 27,000 sq. ft. In December 2016, the
Company's largest property (by value), St Philips Point in
Birmingham, achieved fully let status when AXA Insurance UK plc
agreed to lease its fifth floor in the building at an annual rental
of GBP129,600. AXA now occupies floors four to eight, totalling
some 33,000 sq. ft. We were able to deliver this letting as we had
a good understanding of our tenant's occupational needs and were
able to provide them with the solutions they required.
Contracts were exchanged to let an office suite at Phoenix,
Reading to Handd Business Solutions Limited. Handd has agreed to
lease 4,333 sq. ft. for ten years with a five-year option to break.
The rent is GBP30.50 per sq. ft. per annum which enhances the
rental tone of the building.
Finally, the Company announced that it had exchanged contracts
to let 17,610 sq. ft. at Abbey Retail Park, Daventry, to B&M
Retail Limited (B&M). The lease is for ten years, on full
repairing and insuring terms, at a rent of GBP14 per sq. ft. per
annum. The retail park element of this property is now fully let,
with just one 550 sq. ft. kiosk unit remaining vacant, for which
there is good tenant interest.
The letting secures another high profile tenant for the Company
and will improve footfall for the retail park. This was a
particularly complex transaction to execute requiring the
negotiation of two lease surrenders, a relocation of one tenant via
a new letting and a reconfiguration of space to give the contiguous
units required by B&M.
We are always looking for ways to add value and are currently
working on a number of asset management initiatives which we
believe will further improve the portfolio's income stream and
capital value.
INVESTMENT MARKET
Pricing remained resilient over the period, supported by
continued strong demand from overseas investors. It is unlikely
that this demand is going to reduce as the year progresses as
sterling looks set to remain weak. As a result, average yields
remained relatively unchanged, although the gap between prime and
secondary yields widened, particularly in the retail sector.
2017 started slowly in terms of investment volumes with little
activity in January but there was an improvement as the quarter
progressed and initial estimates suggest that volumes will be up by
approximately one-third on the same period last year. However, this
number is skewed by the sale of larger 'trophy' assets, such as the
'Cheesegrater' in London, which was sold for GBP1.15 billion to a
Hong Kong investor.
An interesting development in the investment market is the
increased activity by local authorities. It has been suggested that
they accounted for GBP1 billion of acquisitions in 2016, which is
more than the previous three years combined. This activity has been
driven by their requirement for income as they need to find
additional cash flow to backfill budget holes created by central
government funding cuts.
PROPERTY MARKET OUTLOOK
The property market is in an interesting phase of the cycle,
with overseas investors the most active buyers. The flight to
quality remains, with properties let to good covenants, on long
leases with index-linked rent reviews, achieving prices higher than
pre-referendum. There is also a weight of money from private equity
looking for opportunities with high post-leverage returns.
The UK institutions are not especially active but relatively low
levels of property on the market are ensuring prices are holding up
reasonably well.
Income supplemented by value gains from management initiatives
will be the key driver of total returns this year. Therefore,
identifying and executing asset management initiatives to increase
capital value and enhance income will be more important than ever.
Consideration will also be given to selling lower yielding or more
mature assets and recycling the capital into properties with
value-add opportunities to exploit.
As demonstrated over recent quarters, we have the skill set,
plus the time, resource and expertise to do this and continue to
build on the attractive income received by the Company.
PORTFOLIO VALUATION
The Company's property portfolio is valued by Knight Frank on a
quarterly basis throughout the year. As at 31 March 2017 it was
valued at GBP184.7 million, compared to GBP181.4 million at 30
September 2016.
Sector Exposure at 31 March 2017
Sector %
------------------ ---
Leisure 5
Office 58
Retail warehouse 37
------------------ ---
Regional Exposure at 31 March 2017
Region %
--------------- ---
North East 12
North West 2
West Midlands 18
South West 2
Scotland 15
South East 12
Yorkshire 11
East Midlands 7
Wales 21
--------------- ---
Tenant exposure at 31 March 2017
Tenant %
-------------------------- ---
B&Q plc 15
Capita Business Services
Ltd 14
Ernst & Young LLP 7
AXA Insurance UK plc 6
Weightmans LLP 5
Tenants less than 5% 53
-------------------------- ---
SUMMARY
- Stable pricing in the investment market
- Good demand for commercial property
- Buying opportunities for value-add assets
- Strength of Investment Manager will continue to drive
performance
We are increasingly seeing more opportunities where assets with
value-add initiatives can be acquired at attractive yields in line
with our strategy, and our active investment style. We are
confident that if the Company's ambitions for growth are achieved,
we would be able to quickly deploy the proceeds of an issue in
assets which would be positively accretive to the long-term
performance of the Company.
Calum Bruce
Investment Manager
23 May 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the six months ended 31 March 2017
Six months Year ended
ended
Six months 31 March 30 September
ended 2016 (unaudited) 2016
31 March 2017 (audited)
(unaudited)
Revenue Capital Total Total Total
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Revenue
Rental income 6,022 - 6,022 5,225 11,323
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Total revenue 6,022 - 6,022 5,225 11,323
Unrealised gain on
revaluation of investment
properties 5 - 2,821 2,821 1,113 231
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Total income 6,022 2,821 8,843 6,338 11,554
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Expenditure
Investment management
fee 2 (662) - (662) (656) (1,309)
Other expenses (465) - (465) (559) (958)
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Total expenditure (1,127) - (1,127) (1,215) (2,267)
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Profit before finance
costs and taxation 4,895 2,821 7,716 5,123 9,287
Net finance costs
Interest receivable 8 - 8 46 65
Interest payable (836) - (836) (714) (1,553)
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Profit before taxation 4,067 2,821 6,888 4,455 7,799
Taxation - - - - -
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Profit and total
comprehensive income
for the period 4,067 2,821 6,888 4,455 7,799
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
Basic earnings per
share 3 3.16p 2.20p 5.36p 3.47p 6.08p
---------------------------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------
The total column of this statement represents the Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in
accordance with IFRS. The supplementary revenue return and capital
return columns are prepared under guidance published by the
Association of Investment Companies.
All revenue and capital items in the above statement are derived
from continuing operations.
No operations were acquired or discontinued in the period.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2017
As at As at As at
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current assets
Investment properties 5 180,239 177,718 177,534
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
180,239 177,718 177,534
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Current assets
Lease incentives 5 4,501 3,350 3,876
Trade and other receivables 49 275 64
Cash and cash equivalents 11,967 10,705 9,967
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
16,517 14,330 13,907
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Total assets 196,756 192,048 191,441
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Non-current liabilities
Loan 6 (51,820) (51,747) (51,783)
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
(51,820) (51,747) (51,783)
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (3,718) (2,788) (2,327)
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Total liabilities (55,538) (54,535) (54,110)
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Net assets 141,218 137,513 137,331
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Equity and reserves
Called up equity share
capital 7 1,288 1,283 1,283
Share premium 35,429 34,898 34,898
Capital reserve - investments
held 11,959 10,020 9,138
Capital reserve - investments - - -
sold
Special distributable
reserve 84,914 84,578 85,115
Revenue reserve 7,628 6,734 6,897
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Equity shareholders'
funds 141,218 137,513 137,331
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
Net asset value per Ordinary
Share 8 109.67p 107.21p 107.07p
------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- --------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six months ended 31 March 2017 (unaudited)
Capital
Share reserve Special
capital Share - investments distributable Revenue Total
account premium held reserve reserve equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
As at 30 September
2016 1,283 34,898 9,138 85,115 6,897 137,331
Profit and total
comprehensive income
for the period: - - 2,821 - 4,067 6,888
Transactions with
owners recognised
in equity:
Issue of Ordinary
Share capital 5 531 - - - 536
Dividends paid - - - - (3,537) (3,537)
Transfer from special
reserve - - - (201) 201 -
----------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------
As at 31 March 2017 1,288 35,429 11,959 84,914 7,628 141,218
----------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------
For the six months ended 31 March 2016 (unaudited)
Capital
Share reserve Special
capital Share - investments distributable Revenue Total
account premium held reserve reserve equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
As at 30 September
2015 1,283 34,898 8,907 89,035 2,463 136,586
Profit and total
comprehensive income
for the period: - - 1,113 - 3,342 4,455
Transactions with
owners recognised
in equity:
Dividends paid - - - (756) (2,772) (3,528)
Transfer from special
reserve - - - (3,701) 3,701 -
----------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------
As at 31 March 2016 1,283 34,898 10,020 84,578 6,734 137,513
----------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------
For the year ended 30 September 2016 (audited)
Capital
Share reserve Special
capital Share - investments distributable Revenue Total
account premium held reserve reserve equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
As at 30 September
2015 1,283 34,898 8,907 89,035 2,463 136,586
Profit and total
comprehensive income
for the year: - - 231 - 7,568 7,799
Transactions with
owners recognised
in equity:
Dividends paid - - - (755) (6,299) (7,054)
Transfer from special
reserve - - - (3,165) 3,165 -
----------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------
As at 30 September
2016 1,283 34,898 9,138 85,115 6,897 137,331
----------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the six months ended 31 March 2017
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 March 31 March Year ended
2017 2016 30 September
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Profit before tax 6,888 4,455 7,799
Adjustments for:
Interest receivable (8) (46) (65)
Interest payable 836 714 1,553
Unrealised revaluation gains
on property portfolio (2,821) (1,113) (231)
Operating cash flows before
working capital changes 4,895 4,010 9,056
Increase in trade and other
receivables (420) (41) (356)
Increase in trade and other
payables 1,487 886 539
----------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------------
Net cash inflow from operating
activities 5,962 4,855 9,239
----------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------------
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of investment properties - (41,353) (41,353)
Capital expenditure (154) (1,935) (2,781)
----------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------------
Net cash outflow from investing
activities (154) (43,288) (44,134)
----------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------------
Cash flows from financing
activities
Loan drawn down, net of
costs - 12,258 12,257
Dividends paid (3,544) (3,528) (7,011)
Interest received 8 46 65
Interest paid (808) (623) (1,434)
Issue of Ordinary Share
capital, net of costs 7 536 - -
Net cash (outflow)/inflow
from financing activities (3,808) 8,153 3,877
----------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------------
Net increase/(decrease)
in cash 2,000 (30,280) (31,018)
Opening cash and cash equivalents 9,967 40,985 40,985
----------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------------
Closing cash and cash equivalents 11,967 10,705 9,967
----------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------- ---------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Interim results
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards ('IFRS') and IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as
adopted by the European Union and the accounting policies set out
in the statutory accounts of the Group for the year ended 30
September 2016. The condensed consolidated financial statements do
not include all of the information required for a complete set of
IFRS financial statements and should be read in conjunction with
the financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30
September 2016, which were prepared under IFRS as adopted by the
European Union. There have been no significant changes to
management judgements and estimates.
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared on the going concern basis. In assessing the going concern
basis of accounting the Directors have had regard to the guidance
issued by the Financial Reporting Council. After making enquiries,
and bearing in mind the nature of the Group's business and assets,
the Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For
this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing these financial statements.
2. Investment Management Fee
Six months Six months Year ended
ended ended 30 September
31 March 31 March 2016
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- ----------- ----------- --------------
Investment management
fee 662 656 1,309
Total 662 656 1,309
------------------------ ----------- ----------- --------------
Ediston Investment Services Limited has been appointed as the
Company's Alternative Investment Manager ('AIFM') and Investment
Manager, with the property management arrangements of the Group
being delegated to Ediston Properties Limited. The Investment
Manager is entitled to a fee calculated as 0.95% per annum of the
net assets of the Group up to GBP250 million and 0.75% per annum of
the net assets of the Group over GBP250 million.
The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated by either
party by giving not less than 12 months' notice. The agreement may
be terminated earlier by the Group provided that a payment in lieu
of notice, equivalent to the amount the Investment Manager would
otherwise have received during the notice period, is made. The
Investment Management Agreement may be terminated immediately
without compensation if the Investment Manager: is in material
breach of the agreement; is guilty of negligence, wilful default or
fraud; is the subject of insolvency proceedings; or there occurs a
change of key managers to which the Board has not given its prior
consent.
3. Earnings per Share
Six months ended Six months ended Year ended
31 March 2017 31 March 2016 30 September 2016
Pence Pence Pence
GBP'000 per share GBP'000 per share GBP'000 per share
------------------ ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Revenue earnings 4,067 3.16 3,342 2.60 7,568 5.90
Capital earnings 2,821 2.20 1,113 0.87 231 0.18
Total earnings 6,888 5.36 4,455 3.47 7,799 6.08
------------------ ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Average number
of shares in
issue 128,612,832 128,263,931 128,263,931
------------------ ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Earnings for the period to 31 March 2017 should not be taken as
a guide to the results for the year to 30 September 2017.
4. Dividends
Dividends paid as distributions to equity shareholders during
the period were:
Six months Six months Year ended
ended ended 30 September
31 March 2017 31 March 2016 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
In respect of the prior
year:
Tenth interim dividend - 588 588
Twelfth interim dividend 589 - -
In respect of the current
year:
First interim dividend 588 588 588
Second interim dividend 590 588 588
Third interim dividend 590 588 588
Fourth interim dividend 590 588 588
Fifth interim dividend 590 588 588
Sixth interim dividend - - 588
Seventh interim dividend - - 588
Eighth interim dividend - - 588
Ninth interim dividend - - 588
Tenth interim dividend - - 587
Eleventh interim dividend - - 587
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total 3,537 3,528 7,054
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
A sixth interim dividend for the year ending 30 September 2017,
of 0.4583 pence per share, was paid on 28 April 2017 to
shareholders on the register on 21 April 2017. A seventh interim
dividend for the year ending 30 September 2017, of 0.4583 pence per
share, will be paid on 31 May 2017 to shareholders on the register
on 12 May 2017.
5. Investment Properties
As at As at As at
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Freehold and leasehold properties GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------
Opening book cost 168,396 124,126 124,126
Opening unrealised appreciation 9,138 8,907 8,907
----------------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------
Opening fair value 177,534 133,033 133,033
----------------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------
Purchases - 41,353 41,353
Capitalised costs (116) 2,219 2,917
Revaluation movement 2,821 1,113 231
----------------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------
Closing book cost 168,280 167,698 168,396
Closing unrealised appreciation 11,959 10,020 9,138
----------------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------
Closing fair value 180,239 177,718 177,534
----------------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------
5. Investment Properties (continued)
Changes in the valuation of investment properties
Six months Six months Year ended
ended ended 30 September
31 March 31 March 2016
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------------
Unrealised gain on revaluation
of investment properties 2,821 1,113 231
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------------
At 31 March 2017, the properties were valued at GBP184,740,000
(31 March 2016: GBP181,068,000, 30 September 2016: GBP181,410,000)
by Knight Frank LLP ('Knight Frank'), in their capacity as external
valuers. The valuation report was undertaken in accordance with the
RICS Valuation - Professional Standards VPS4 (1.5) Fair Value and
VPGA1 Valuations for Inclusion in Financial Statements, which adopt
the definition of Fair Value adopted by the International
Accounting Standards Board.
Fair value is based on an open market valuation (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), provided by Knight Frank on a quarterly
basis, using recognised valuation techniques as set out in the
accounting policies and Note 9 of the consolidated financial
statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2016. There
were no significant changes to the valuation process, assumptions
or techniques used during the period.
The difference between the Knight Frank valuation of
GBP184,740,000 and the closing fair value of investment properties
disclosed above of GBP180,239,000 consists of lease incentives
granted to tenants totalling GBP4,501,000, which are separately
recorded in the accounts within current assets.
6. Loan
As at As at As at
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- --------------
Principal amount outstanding 52,420 52,420 52,420
Set-up costs (723) (723) (723)
Amortisation of loan set-up
costs 123 50 86
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- --------------
Total 51,820 51,747 51,783
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- --------------
In May 2015, the Group entered into a GBP40 million secured
10-year term loan arrangement with Aviva Commercial Finance
Limited. In February 2016, the Group borrowed an additional
GBP12.42 million, also from Aviva Commercial Finance Limited. The
final maturity of both loans is May 2025.
The interest rate on the original GBP40 million loan is fixed at
3.09% for the period of the loan as long as the loan-to-value ratio
is maintained below 40%, increasing to 3.19% if the loan-to-value
ratio is 40% or higher. The interest rate on the second tranche of
borrowings of GBP12.42 million is fixed at 2.95%, increasing to
3.05% if the loan-to-value is 40% or higher. The Company's weighted
average cost of borrowings is therefore 3.06%. The loans are
secured over EPIC (No.1) Limited's current property portfolio.
The fair value of the loans based on a marked-to-market basis,
being the yield on the Treasury 5% 2025 plus the appropriate
margin, was GBP56,255,000 at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016:
GBP54,622,000, 30 September 2016: GBP57,500,000).
Under the terms of early repayment relating to the loan, the
costs of repaying the loan at 31 March 2017 would have been
approximately GBP59,327,000, including repayment of the principal
(31 March 2016: GBP57,987,000, 30 September 2016:
GBP60,839,000).
7. Called-up Equity Share Capital
The Company had 128,763,931 Ordinary Shares of 1 pence par value
in issue at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016: 128,263,931, 30 September
2016: 128,263,931).
During the period to 31 March 2017, the Company issued 500,000
Ordinary Shares, raising net proceeds of GBP536,000 (six months
ended 31 March 2016: nil, year ended 30 September 2016: nil). The
Company did not buyback or resell from treasury any Ordinary Shares
during the period or during either comparative period.
The Company did not hold any shares in treasury at 31 March 2017
(31 March 2016: nil, 30 September 2016: nil).
8. Net Asset Value
The Group's net asset value per Ordinary Share of 109.67 pence
(31 March 2016: 107.21 pence, 30 September 2016: 107.07 pence) is
based on equity shareholders' funds of GBP141,218,000 (31 March
2016: GBP137,513,000, 30 September 2016: GBP137,331,000) and on
128,763,931 (31 March 2016: 128,263,931, 30 September 2016:
128,263,931) Ordinary Shares, being the number of shares in issue
at the period end.
The net asset value calculated under IFRS is the same as the
EPRA net asset value as at 31 March 2017 and both comparative
periods.
9. Investment in Subsidiary
The Group's results consolidate those of EPIC (No.1) Limited, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Ediston Property Investment Company plc,
incorporated in England & Wales (Company Number: 09106328).
EPIC (No.1) Limited was incorporated on 27 June 2014 and began
trading on 5 May 2015, when it was transferred the ownership of the
entirety of the Group's property portfolio. EPIC (No.1) Limited
continues to hold all the investment properties owned by the Group
and is also the party which holds the Group's borrowings (see Note
6).
10. Related Party Transactions
The Directors are considered to be related parties. No Director
has an interest in any transactions which are, or were, unusual in
their nature or significant to the nature of the Group. There are
no other key management personnel, as the Group has no employees
except for the Directors.
The Directors of the Group receive fees for their services.
Total fees for the six months ended 31 March 2017 were GBP55,000
(six months ended 31 March 2016: GBP53,000, year ended 30 September
2016: GBP108,000) of which GBPnil (31 March 2016: nil, 30 September
2016: nil) remained payable at the period end.
Ediston Investment Services Limited has received GBP662,000 in
relation to the six months ended 31 March 2017 (six months ended 31
March 2016: GBP656,000, year ended 30 September 2016: GBP1,309,000)
of which GBP335,000 (31 March 2016: GBP326,000, 30 September 2016:
GBP327,000) remained payable at the period end.
11. Commitments
The Group did not have any contractual commitments to refurbish,
construct or develop any investment property, or for repair,
maintenance or enhancements as at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016:
nil, 30 September 2016: nil).
12. Contingent Assets and Liabilities
The Group acquired the units in a Jersey Property Unit Trust on
7 November 2014. Prior to the sale of the units to the Group, the
seller transferred a property to another group entity by way of a
distribution in specie for nil consideration. The Group has
indemnified the Seller should any Stamp Duty Land Tax ('SDLT')
arise as a result of that property transfer. Both the Seller's and
the Group's tax advice is that there is a low probability of an
SDLT liability on the transaction.
13. Operating Segments
The Board has considered the requirements of IFRS 8 'Operating
Segments'. The Board is of the view that the Group is engaged in a
single unified business, being property investment, and in one
geographical area, the United Kingdom, and that therefore the Group
has no segments. The Board of Directors, as a whole, has been
identified as constituting the chief operating decision maker of
the Group. The key measure of performance used by the Board to
assess the Group's performance is the total return on the Group's
net asset value. As the total return on the Group's net asset value
is calculated based on the IFRS net asset value per share as shown
at the foot of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position,
the key performance measure is that prepared under IFRS. Therefore
no reconciliation is required between the measure of profit or loss
used by the Board and that contained in the financial
statements.
14. Fair Value Measurements
The fair value measurements for assets and liabilities are
categorised into different levels in the fair value hierarchy based
on the inputs to valuation techniques used. These different levels
have been defined as follows:
-- Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities that the Group can access at the
measurement date.
-- Level 2 - inputs, other than quoted prices included within
Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either
directly or indirectly.
-- Level 3 - unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Value is the Directors' best estimate, based on advice from
relevant knowledgeable experts, use of recognised valuation
techniques and on assumptions as to what inputs other market
participants would apply in pricing the same or similar instrument.
All investment properties are included in Level 3.
There were no transfers between levels of the fair value
hierarchy during the six months ended 31 March 2017.
15. Interim Report Statement
The Company's auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, has not audited or
reviewed the Interim Report to 31 March 2017 pursuant to the
Auditing Practices Board guidance on 'Review of Interim Financial
Information'. These are not full statutory accounts in terms of
Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited. Statutory
accounts for the year ended 30 September 2016, which received an
unqualified audit report and which did not contain a statement
under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006, have been lodged with
the Registrar of Companies. No full statutory accounts in respect
of any period after 30 September 2016 have been reported on by the
Company's auditor or delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The interim report and condensed consolidated financial
statements for the six months ended 31 March 2017 will be posted to
shareholders and made available on the website:
www.ediston-reit.com Copies may also be obtained from the Company
Secretary, R&H Fund Services Limited, 20 Forth Street,
Edinburgh, EH1 3LH.
Statement of Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The risks, and the way in which they are managed, are described
in more detail under the heading 'Principal Risks' within the
Strategic Report in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the
year ended 30 September 2016. The Group's principal risks and
uncertainties have not changed materially since the date of that
report and are not expected to change materially for the remainder
of the Group's financial year.
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities in Respect of the
Interim Report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared
in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted
by the European Union and gives a true and fair view of the assets,
liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group;
-- the Chairman's Statement and Investment Manager's Review
(together constituting the Interim Management Report) include a
fair review of the information required by the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules ('DTR') 4.2.7R, being an indication of important
events that have occurred during the first six months of the
financial year and their impact on the condensed set of
consolidated financial statements;
-- the Statement of Principal Risks and Uncertainties above is a
fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R; and
-- the Chairman's Statement and Investment Manager's Review
together with the condensed set of consolidated financial
statements include a fair review of the information required by DTR
4.2.8R, being related party transactions that have taken place in
the first six months of the current financial year and that have
materially affected the financial position or performance of the
Group during the period, and any changes in the related party
transactions described in the last Annual Report that could do
so.
On behalf of the Board
William Hill
Chairman
23 May 2017
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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