TIDMLBOW
RNS Number : 6099C
ICG-Longbow Snr Sec UK Prop DebtInv
02 October 2018
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments
Limited
Interim Report And
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements
For the six months ended 31 July 2018
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments Limited
(the "Company") is pleased to announce the release of its Interim
Financial Statements for the six months ended 31 July 2018 which
will shortly be available on the Company's website at
(www.lbow.co.uk) where further information on the Company can also
be found.
All capitalised terms are defined in the Glossary of Capitalised
Defined Terms unless separately defined.
Corporate Summary
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Group, as approved by the
shareholders of the Company, is to construct a portfolio of UK real
estate debt related investments predominantly comprising loans
secured by first ranking fixed charges against commercial property
investments, with the aim of providing shareholders with
attractive, quarterly dividends, capital preservation and, over the
longer term, a degree of capital appreciation.
Structure
The Company is a non-cellular company limited by shares
incorporated in Guernsey on 29 November 2012 under the Companies
Law. The Company's registration number is 55917, and it has been
registered with the GFSC as a registered closed-ended collective
investment scheme. The Company's ordinary shares were admitted to
the premium segment of the UK Listing Authority's Official List and
to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange as part
of its IPO, which completed on 5 February 2013. The issued capital
comprises the Company's ordinary shares denominated in Pounds
Sterling. The Company is an internally managed non-EU domiciled
alternative investment fund and makes investments in its portfolio
through ICG-Longbow Senior Debt S.A., the Company's wholly owned
subsidiary.
Investment Adviser
The Investment Adviser (Intermediate Capital Managers Limited),
which trades under the name of ICG-Longbow, is authorised and
regulated by the FCA. The Board manages the assets of the Group
after receiving advice from the Investment Adviser under the terms
of the non-discretionary Investment Advisory Agreement.
Highlights
Key Developments
-- Continued dividend of 1.5 pence per quarter.
-- Progress in transitioning the portfolio to the Investment Policy approved on 1 March 2017.
-- Working capital facility arranged with OakNorth Bank plc on
27 September 2018 to support the investment in new loan
opportunities and also reduce potential cash drag between
maturities and replacement loans.
-- Growing pipeline with opportunities to deploy capital beyond
the current size of the Company's portfolio.
Performance
-- NAV of GBP121.36 million as at 31 July 2018 (31 January 2018: GBP117.98 million).
-- Total investment income excluding prepayment fees of GBP3.60
million (31 July 2017: GBP3.42 million).
-- Prepayment fees of GBP0.39 million (31 July 2017: GBP0.99
million), reflect the lower volume of early loan repayments and
maturing nature of the existing investment portfolio.
-- Profit after tax of GBP2.70 million for the six months ended
31 July 2018 (31 July 2017: GBP3.15 million).
-- Earnings per share for the period of 2.25 pence (31 July 2017: 2.91 pence).
-- The portfolio continues to perform in line with expectation.
-- Total NAV returns (dividends reinvested) achieved since inception, 5 February 2013, 30.6%.
Dividend
-- Dividends maintained in line with policy utilising prior
period retained earnings to supplement current income through
portfolio transition.
-- Total dividends paid or declared for the period ended 31 July
2018 of 3 pence per share (31 July 2017: 5.25 pence per share which
included the special dividend of 2.25 pence), made up as
follows:
o First interim dividend of 1.50 pence per share approved in
respect of the quarter ended 30 April 2018.
o Second interim dividend of 1.50 pence per share approved in
respect of the quarter ended 31 July 2018.
-- Second interim dividend details:
o Approved 27 September 2018
o Amount 1.5 pence per share
o Dividend ex-date 11 October 2018
o Dividend payment date 2 November 2018
Investment Portfolio
-- During the six-month period, the IRAF loan was repaid
GBP11.94 million, and the proceeds reinvested into a new GBP16.20
million, four-year loan secured by a multi-let office property in
Bristol.
-- An increase to the Northlands loan of GBP0.92 million
completed in the period, together with an extension to the
prepayment protection period.
-- As at 31 July 2018, the Group's investment portfolio
comprised ten loans with an aggregate principal balance of
GBP112.16 million (31 January 2018: ten loans with aggregate
principal balance of GBP111.15 million).
-- The portfolio weighted average LTV was 61.2% (31 January
2018: 58.0%), reflecting changes to the composition of the loan
portfolio, and the weighted average ICR was 216% (31 January 2018:
218%).
-- The portfolio weighted average residual term was 1.31 years,
of which on average 0.69 years remains income protected (31 January
2018: residual term 1.37 years, income protected term 0.53
years).
Chairman's Statement
Introduction
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Interim
Financial Statements for the Group for the six months ended 31 July
2018. As the portfolio transitions under the new investment
strategy, the Group's performance has remained solid in the period,
even if a little below our historic long-term rate of returns. This
solid performance reflects the robust characteristics of our loan
investments, which have allowed us to continue to declare regular
interim dividends of 1.50 pence per share.
Despite the political uncertainty arising from the UK's exit
from the European Union, economic conditions have remained
relatively robust, with the labour market in particular showing
strength and in turn contributing to a marked improvement in the
public finances through strong income tax receipts. The various UK
property sub-markets have also seen a period of relative stability,
where aside from ongoing weaknesses in the retail sector,
occupational and investor demand has remained steady. In the second
half of the year, there remains the potential for a drop off in
leasing and investment transactional activity as occupiers and
investors await the outcome of Brexit negotiations.
Portfolio
During the reporting period, the IRAF loan was repaid as the
sponsor sold the assets to a Blackstone joint venture, as part of a
wider portfolio trade. Although the loan was outside its prepayment
protection period, the Company nonetheless received interest and
exit fees of approximately GBP0.43 million. The repayment proceeds,
together with Group cash, were rapidly reinvested into the GBP16.20
million Affinity loan, which, at an initial loan to value (LTV)
ratio of 67.3%, demonstrates that high quality, modestly leveraged
transactions are still available at returns accretive to
shareholders.
The Group's portfolio now comprises ten loans with a weighted
average portfolio LTV ratio of 61.20% (31 January 2018: 58.03%).
The weighted average ICR has reduced modestly to 216% (31 January
2018: 218%) but remains at a comfortable level. Wider portfolio
performance continues to be stable, as outlined more fully in the
Investment Adviser's commentary below.
Following the end of the reporting period, the Company agreed
terms to extend the Halcyon and Carrara loans at the existing
coupon rate for a further 12 months, together with an extended
coupon protection period. In addition to managing the Company's
redemption profile, the extensions will allow shareholders to
benefit from the attractive returns available from these high
quality defensive investments for a longer period. Should these
extensions complete, the Investment Adviser will have succeeded in
reinvesting, increasing or extending GBP90m of loans since the
first repayment was received from the original portfolio in Q1
2016.
Following these changes, the Company's weighted average loan
maturity stands at 1.38 years, slightly ahead of the 1.37 years
reported at 31 January 2018, with weighted average coupon
protection of 0.72 years (31 January 2018: 0.53 years).
Revenue and Profitability
Income from the loan portfolio for the six month period of
GBP3.60 million (31 July 2017: GBP3.42 million), was in line with
expectations, reflecting the modest growth in loans advanced during
the period. Total income fell to GBP3.99 million (31 July 2017:
GBP4.41 million) owing to a reduced level of early prepayment fees
received by the Company in the period. The nature of these fees is
such that there will always be some variability in the timings of
their receipt but we have been able to continue to deploy capital
into new loans with similar fee revenue streams for the future.
Total expenses are comparable to those incurred in the first half
of 2017, although the 2017 one-off tax rebate was not repeated. As
a result, post tax earnings were GBP0.45 million lower at GBP2.70
million (31 July 2017: GBP3.15 million).
Dividend Performance
As we outlined in our 31 January 2018 Annual Report, while the
Group is in the process of transitioning the investment portfolio
we will continue to use prior period retained earnings to
supplement current income to maintain our dividend at the current
level. We anticipate returning to full dividend cover by Q2
2019.
The Company paid a first interim dividend of 1.50 pence per
share in respect of the quarter ended 30 April 2018 on 27 July
2018, and on 27 September 2018 declared a second interim dividend
in respect of the quarter ended 31 July 2018 of 1.50 pence per
share. Given the high quality nature of the security that underpins
our loans, the dividend yield of 6% remains highly attractive.
NAV and Share Price Performance
The Group's NAV increased by GBP3.38 million, to GBP121.36
million (31 January 2018: GBP117.98 million) in the period. The
issuance of 4,260,000 new ordinary shares in March 2018 was
partially offset by the distribution of retained earnings as
previously noted. The period end NAV per share was 100.05 pence (31
January 2018: 100.80 pence).
The Company's shares traded in a range of 100.25 pence per share
to 105.50 pence per share finishing the quarter at a circa 2.0%
premium to NAV, reflecting the value that investors place upon the
stable and predictable nature of our underlying high yield income
stream in a low interest rate environment.
Outlook
During the reporting period, the Board has been firmly focused
on laying the foundations for the future growth of the Company. Key
to this has been the establishment of a GBP25 million working
capital facility with OakNorth Bank plc. This will enable new
investments to be made in advance of anticipated redemptions, as
well as in anticipation of potential share issuance through the
placing programme. This will help minimise cash drag and allow the
Investment Adviser to provide greater certainty to the Company's
borrowers.
The Board is encouraged by the pipeline of new opportunities
sourced by the Investment Adviser, with a new investment in excess
of GBP20m in solicitors' hands and a total advance pipeline in
excess of GBP100m, with loan coupons in the 6.5% to 8.0% range, and
returns supplemented by arrangement and exit fees.
In addition to seeking new investments for the Company, the
Investment Adviser has where appropriate, sought to provide further
support to existing borrowers through quantum increases or term
extensions. This has supported the continued stability of the
Company's portfolio in the short term with the aim of maintaining
high performing investments and avoiding a concentration of loan
repayments. As a result of these agreements, the Company does not
expect a significant volume of repayments in the near term, and can
instead be fully focused on growth. It is, therefore, the Board's
intention, when conditions are right, to approach shareholders for
support for new share issuance under the approved share placement
programme.
As highlighted in last year's report, with property and debt
market conditions still supportive of the Company's product
offering, we continue to expect the weighted average coupon on the
portfolio to increase. This should be most notable in H1 2019 when
the lower yielding Commercial Regional Space and BMO loans - which
were put in place under the previous investment policy - come
towards the end of their terms and are restructured or replaced
with higher returning investments. Any such increase in average
coupons will help underpin the full coverage of quarterly dividends
from current income. This will also lay the foundations for modest
capital growth over the medium to long term.
Jack Perry
Chairman
1 October 2018
Investment Adviser's Report
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Group, as approved by the
shareholders of the Company, is "to construct a portfolio of UK
real estate debt related investments predominantly comprising loans
secured by first ranking fixed charges against commercial property
investments, with the aim of providing shareholders with
attractive, quarterly dividends, capital preservation and, over the
longer term, a degree of capital appreciation."
Fund facts
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Closed ended investment
Fund launch: 5 February 2013 Fund type: company
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Investment
Adviser: ICG-Longbow Domicile: Guernsey
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Base currency: GBP Listing: London Stock Exchange
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Issued shares: 121.30 million ISIN code: GG00B8C23S81
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Management
fee: 1.0% LSE code: LBOW
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Website: www.lbow.co.uk
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Key portfolio statistics at
Share price & NAV at 31 July 2018 31 July 2018
--------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Share price (pence per
share): 102.00 Number of investments: 10
-------------------------------------- ----------- ------------------------------- -------
Percentage capital invested(2)
NAV (pence per share): 100.05 : 93.47%
-------------------------------------- ----------- ------------------------------- -------
Weighted avg. investment
Premium: 1.95% coupon: 6.30%
-------------------------------------- ----------- ------------------------------- -------
Approved dividend (pence
per share)(1) : 1.50 Weighted avg. LTV: 61.2%
-------------------------------------- ----------- ------------------------------- -------
Dividend payment date(1) 2 November
: 2018 Weighted avg. ICR: 216%
------------------------------------- ------------ ------------------------------- -------
(1) For Quarter ended 31 July
2018 (Ex-dividend date 11 October
2018).
(2) Loans advanced at amortised
cost /Total equity attributable
to the owners of the Company.
Summary
At 31 July 2018, the investment portfolio comprised ten
loans.
-- The par value of the loan portfolio was GBP112.16 million (31
January 2018: GBP111.15 million).
-- NAV per share fell from 100.80 pence to an estimated 100.05
pence where, as in previous quarters, a modest level of retained
earnings was applied towards the interim dividend payment of 1.5
pence per share.
-- Weighted average interest coupon of 6.30% (31 January 2018: 6.29%).
-- Portfolio LTV of 61.2% (31 January 2018: 58.03%) and
portfolio ICR now 216% (31 January 2018: 218%).
-- Weighted average loan maturity of 1.31 years (31 January
2018: 1.37 years) and weighted average remaining coupon protection
of 0.69 years (31 January 2018: 0.53 years).
Group Performance
The Group's loan portfolio saw some modest change in the period,
with the GBP11.94 million IRAF loan repaid and the subsequent
advance of a GBP16.20 million commitment secured by a Bristol
office property. The Group also received circa GBP2.2 million
repayment of the Halcyon loan, as the borrower refinanced one of
the underlying security properties for future residential
development. Elsewhere in the portfolio, the borrowers focused on
executing their business plans.
As the unexpired loan terms of certain of the Group's original
investments continue to shorten, discussions have commenced where
appropriate for extensions or refinancing of the relevant loans,
with a view to improving the weighted average loan term and coupon
protection periods. The portfolio otherwise continues to perform in
line with expectations and in compliance with all of the Group's
investment parameters.
Portfolio
Portfolio statistics 31 July 2018 31 January 2018
Number of loan investments 10 10
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Aggregate principal advanced GBP112,164,507 GBP111,153,477
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Weighted average LTV 61.2% 58.03%
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Weighted average ICR 216% 218%
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Weighted average interest coupon 6.30% pa 6.29% pa
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Weighted average unexpired loan term 1.31 years 1.37 years
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Weighted average unexpired interest income protection 0.69 years 0.53 years
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Cash held GBP8,937,259 GBP6,486,150
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Investment Portfolio as at 31 July 2018
Day Day Principal
Unexp Day 1 1 1 Balance Current Current
Term term balance LTV ICR outstanding LTV ICR
Project Region Sector start (yrs) (GBPm) (%) (%) (GBPm) (1) (%) (%)
Meadows London Retail Sep-13 1.50 18.07 65.0 150 20.00 69.4 100
Northlands London Mixed use Nov-13 0.32 7.20 61.7 192 8.50 53.5 159
Hulbert West Midlands Industrial/distribution Dec-13 0.34 6.57 65.0 168 6.57 50.4 194
Halcyon National Industrial/distribution Dec-13 0.35 8.60 64.8 116 6.42 65.2 151
Carrara Yorks/Humberside Office Dec-13 0.35 1.30 65.0 113 1.30 65.0 113
Ramada North East Other (hotel) Apr-14 0.75 7.98 64.4 180 7.98 66.0 163
Commercial
Regional
Space North West Industrial/distribution Mar-16 0.71 22.40 64.0 280 22.40 50.9 402
BMO National Mixed use Jan-17 0.71 16.00 55.4 404 15.79 51.1 372
Quattro South East Mixed use Oct-17 2.46 9.00 83.7 100 9.00 83.7 100
Affinity South West Office Mar-18 3.79 14.20 67.3 100 14.20 67.3 100
------------ ------------------ ------------------------- -------- ------ -------- ----- ---- ------------ -------- --------
Total / weighted average 1.31 111.32 65.0 287 112.16 61.2 216
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------ -------- ----- ---- ------------ -------- --------
(1) Total may vary due to rounding.
Economy and Financial Market Update
Q2 2018 saw the UK economy improve from its weak start to the
year, with GDP rising by 0.4% to June 2018 pushing annualised
growth up to 1.3%. Whilst employment growth was slightly weaker in
the three months to June 2018, unemployment again reached lows not
seen since 1975. Unemployment remains steady at just over 4%. The
tight labour market is now beginning to trigger real wage growth,
and improved consumer confidence is expected to follow.
The Bank of England responded to these potential inflationary
pressures by raising interest rates to 0.75% in August. This had
been largely priced in by markets, with the benchmark five year
swap rate continuing to trade in a tight range around the 1.25%
area during the quarter.
Occupational Demand/Supply
The economic environment continues to be generally positive for
the occupational markets, with another robust quarter in UK office
markets, led by Central London take-up at over 3 million sq. ft. -
the best quarter since Q2 2015. In the regions, strong activity was
evident in Glasgow, Birmingham and Bristol. According to GVA,
take-up in the Big Nine regional cities totalled 2.57m sq. ft. in
Q2, an increase of 12% on the first quarter and 15% higher than a
year ago.
Industrial take-up totalled 6.3 million sq. ft., down 32% on a
strong Q2 last year. However, with a lack of 'ready' supply, prime
rents remain under upward pressure, as evidenced by the record
GBP30 per sq. ft. rent secured for an industrial unit in Battersea.
JLL are currently forecasting over 5% p.a. rental growth in the
sector for 2018 and 2019. The weakness in retail markets identified
in previous quarters has become more broad-based, with a number of
high-profile retailers announcing CVA's and / or closures, most
recently Homebase. Whilst retail and leisure vacancy rates held
stable at around 12%, this figure is expected to increase as store
rationalisation programmes continue.
Property Investment Market
The Investment market was robust in the first six months of 2018
with GBP13.5bn worth of assets transacted in Q2 2018 according to
Lambert Smith Hampton, closely in line with Q1 volume albeit 8%
down on the five-year quarterly average. Central London office
deals totalled GBP4.3bn in Q2 after three quarters of subdued
investment; this was underpinned by several large transactions
notably CK Asset Holdings' GBP1.0bn acquisition of 5 Broadgate.
Post-quarter end, the largest transaction in The City this year was
announced as the Korean Pension Fund agreed the sale and leaseback
of the Goldman Sachs HQ for GBP1.16bn. These transactions provide
evidence that overseas interest in UK commercial property has not
been deterred by Brexit uncertainty, in particular demand for prime
assets.
Appetite for industrial and logistics assets continues to remain
strong despite strong upward movements in prices over the past two
years. In particular, regional industrial deals at GBP636m were 28%
above the quarterly average to June 2018. The retail investment
market meanwhile remains subdued amid the challenges in the
occupier markets, with the reported GBP1.87bn of deals identified
by Lambert Smith Hampton flattered by a few large transactions,
including Motcomb Estates acquisition of Burlington Arcade for
close to GBP300m, and M&G's purchase of Fort Kinnaird Retail
Park, Edinburgh for GBP167m. These deals are not reflective of the
wider market however, and overall sentiment remains weak.
Finance Markets
The Cass (formerly DeMontfort University) Commercial Real Estate
Lending Report for the calendar year 2017 was published during the
period, which recorded flat year-on-year lending activity at circa
GBP44.5 billion. Non-bank lenders, such as the Company, were
reported as continuing to increase market share.
The period also saw the modest return of UK CMBS issuance, with
BAML and Goldman Sachs both sponsoring new transactions at pricing
levels which, if sustained, would allow the investment banks to
compete for deals where they have previously been uncompetitive. It
should be noted that these issuances have focused on larger loans,
rather than the sub-GBP25m investments, which represent the
Company's target market. As such, CMBS lenders are not expected to
compete with the Company's core business. In the sub GBP100m
bracket, liquidity continues to remain challenging, particularly in
the regions, and the continued lack of activity amongst the UK
clearers allows alternative lenders such as the Company, room to
grow.
Portfolio Profile and Activity
The Group's investment portfolio was again generally stable
during the reporting period, with one repayment in full (the IRAF
facility, comprising an GBP11.94 million principal balance
accompanied by interest and exit fees of GBP0.44 million) and one
part repayment (the Halcyon facility, which saw its principal
balance reduce from GBP8.60 million to GBP6.42 million). One new
investment was made, a GBP16.20 million commitment secured by a
multi-let office facility in Bristol, along with a GBP0.92 million
increase to the Group's Northlands borrower.
The Group's investments have generally continued to perform to
business plan, with all financial covenants in compliance at the
end of the reporting period. The weighted average LTV of 61.2% (31
January 2018: 58.03%) increased modestly, largely owing to the
repayment of the relatively lowly leveraged IRAF loan, replaced by
the Bristol office loan at a higher LTV. The weighted average ICR
on the portfolio remains broadly stable at 216% (31 January 2018:
218%) and, as highlighted in previous reports, those investments
such as Meadows and Quattro with low interest coverage benefit from
funded interest reserves.
Notable changes during the reporting period included:
1. Meadows - the London Borough of Barnet turned down the
sponsor's residential-led planning application at first instance,
albeit discussions continue with the Greater London Authority as to
whether the London Mayor will call in the scheme for his own
determination. A decision is expected imminently, but the property
continues to benefit from an enhanced retail warehousing consent,
which underpins the value of the site as previously reported.
2. Halcyon / Carrara - after the period end, agreement was
reached with the sponsor of these two strongly secured ground rent
investments to provide a 12-month extension to the existing
facility maturities, with the Group benefiting from a further
coupon protection period.
3. Quattro - as previously reported, contracts have been
exchanged to sell one of the assets in the portfolio and, in
consideration for a delay in the completion date (which is
scheduled for the second half of the year); the sponsor has
procured an increase in the sale price to a level above the book
valuation. Further, heads of terms have been agreed with a third
party lender for a refinancing of one of the remaining properties.
To the extent both of these are concluded, the Group facility will
be secured by a single prominent retail and office asset at a
reduced LTV, with the Group retaining its profit participation
element in that asset, where the greatest potential upside
resides.
The Investment Adviser believes the Group's loan portfolio
remains satisfactorily secured, with senior-ranking mortgages and a
weighted average LTV of 61.2% at the end of the period. Risk
remains well diversified, with interest typically covered through
multi-tenanted property and where appropriate supplemented by
funded cash reserves.
Portfolio Outlook
As highlighted at year end, where prudent and desirable to do so
we continue to look to extend the Company's existing performing
loan investments, and following the end of the period agreed terms
with the borrowers of the Halcyon and Carrara loans to extend these
secure ground rent investments at existing coupon rates, together
with new prepayment protection periods. We are also in discussions
with certain of the Company's borrowers for longer term refinancing
opportunities.
We continue to seek new investment opportunities taking
advantage of the Company's more flexible investment parameters
under the new investment policy and, with the fourth quarter of the
year traditionally being one of the busiest periods in UK property
markets, we are beginning to see a pick-up in the deal pipeline
reflecting this, which should allow for growth in the Company's
portfolio.
Loan Portfolio
As set out above, as at 31 July 2018, the Group's portfolio
comprised of ten loans with an aggregate balance outstanding of
GBP112.16 million.
A summary of each of the individual loans as at 31 July 2018 is
set out below:
Loan 1
Meadows
Originally, an GBP18.07 million senior loan facility used to assist financing an established
and well-supported international real estate fund in the acquisition of a highly prominent
retail park in North London. The borrower is an SPV owned by Meadow Real Estate Fund II LP
and is managed by Meadow Partners, an international real estate investor and asset manager.
A GBP1.93 million increase was advanced to the borrower in January 2018, with the loan extended
for a further period of up to two years. Whilst the estate is now vacant, save for some temporary
occupancy of part of the site, debt service continues to be met from a pre-funded reserve
account (topped up quarterly) which provides interest cover through to loan maturity. The
loan remains compliant with all covenants and is satisfactorily secured.
The borrower remains committed towards its business plan of securing a major residential-led
planning consent on the site, however the local planning authority refused its application
for a 717 unit build-to-rent scheme, with ancillary retail and leisure provision, in July
2018. The Greater London Authority is currently considering whether to exercise its call in
powers in respect of the application, following which the sponsor will determine its next
steps. The site continues to benefit from its existing enhanced retail warehouse planning
consent.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 1 Day one debt GBP18,070,000
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Property value (GBP) GBP28,825,000 Debt outstanding GBP20,000,000
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Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP310 Original term 4.3 years
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Property area (sq. ft.) 92,882 Maturity January 2020
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Number of tenants n/a Current LTV 69.4%
---------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Weighted lease length n/a Current ICR 100%
---------------- -------------------------- ---------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP215
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Loan 2 Northlands
Originally, a GBP7.20 million senior loan facility used to refinance existing senior debt
secured on a mixed-use portfolio of high street retail and tenanted residential units located
predominantly in London and the South East. The borrower is Northlands Holdings and group
affiliates on a cross-collateralised basis.
The security portfolio is highly diverse across its property and tenant base, principally
being let to retail and residential occupiers. The borrower completed a small disposal from
the portfolio in July 2014, resulting in a GBP0.72 million part prepayment of the loan, triggering
prepayment and exit fees. Thereafter, a GBP0.5 million increase was advanced in March 2017
for the sponsor's general corporate purposes, followed by a further GBP0.6 million increase
in May 2017 in support of the acquisition of a property adjoining one of the sponsor's existing
assets.
On a like-for-like basis, portfolio net income is up approximately 29% since origination,
and given the exceptional income and valuation performance, the Group agreed and funded an
additional GBP0.92 million advance during the period, accompanied by an improvement to the
income protection period, which allows this strongly performing loan to be retained for an
extended period.
The Group is currently in discussions with the Sponsor to advance a new longer-term loan secured
by the portfolio, albeit there is no assurance that any such loan will be made.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 15 Day one debt GBP7,200,000
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Property value (GBP) GBP15,877,950 Debt outstanding GBP8,500,000
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP131 Original term 5.0 years
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 121,285 Maturity November 2018
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Number of tenants 126 Current LTV 53.5%
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Weighted lease length 2.36 years Current ICR 159%
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Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP70
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Loan 3 Hulbert
A GBP6.57 million loan to refinance a well let portfolio of industrial units predominantly
located in Dudley in the West Midlands, with 80% by value being the 270,000 square foot Grazebrook
Industrial Estate. The borrower, Hulbert Properties Ltd, is a West Midlands based private
property company.
Performance has been generally stable, and both LTV and ICR remain robust. With the loan maturing
in December 2018, the sponsor has recently reaffirmed to us its intention to repay the facility,
prior to loan maturity, via a sale of part of the portfolio and a refinance of the balance.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 3 Day one debt GBP6,565,000
-------------- --------------------------
Property value (GBP) GBP13,040,000 Debt outstanding GBP6,565,000
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP46 Original term 5.0 years
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 286,454 Maturity December 2018
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 20 Current LTV 50.4%
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Weighted lease length 2.99 years Current ICR 194%
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP23
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 4 Halcyon
Originally, an GBP8.60 million senior loan facility utilised to refinance a portfolio of freehold
ground rents.
The Halcyon security comprises a diversified portfolio of freehold ground rent investments
with a weighted unexpired lease term of over 85 years, of which the majority are industrial
with leasehold rents receivable based on 22-25% of market rents, with the balance being leisure
uses at ground rents of 50%.
During the period, the Sponsor refinanced one asset for possible future residential development,
with a resultant circa GBP2.18 million repayment of the loan, however with the loan being
secured by a portfolio of defensive freehold ground rent investments, the security position
is considered strong.
The Investment Adviser has agreed terms with the Sponsor for an extension of the loan, together
with a new coupon protection period.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 21 Day one debt GBP8,600,000
------------- --------------------------
Property value (GBP) GBP9,856,000 Debt outstanding GBP6,423,280
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP37 Original term 5.0 years
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 292,997 Maturity December 2018
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 4 Current LTV 65.2%
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 84.27 years Current ICR 151%
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP22
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 5 Carrara
A GBP1.30 million senior loan facility was used to refinance an individual ground rent investment.
The Carrara security comprises a single virtual freehold ground rent investment located in
Leeds with an unexpired lease term of 84 years, subject to a ground rent of 25% of market
rent. The property is a modern office building on an established business park accessed from
the M1 motorway, which is fully let to a strong covenant. The occupational tenant has recently
agreed terms for a lease renewal on part of its space in the asset, which is expected to complete
shortly, while the balance of the space will be released to the market.
Given the Group's senior position in the capital structure against the superior freehold interest
in the asset, the security position remains very strong.
The Investment Adviser has agreed terms with the Sponsor for an extension of the loan, together
with a new coupon protection period.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 1 Day one debt GBP1,300,000
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP2,000,000 Debt outstanding GBP1,300,000
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP82 Original term 5.0 years
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 24,470 Maturity December 2018
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 1 Current LTV 65.0%
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 82.44 years Current ICR 113%
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP53
------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 6 Ramada
A GBP7.98 million loan to Quay Hotels Limited, which has a maturity date of April 2019.
The investment is secured by a first and only charge over the Ramada Encore hotel in Gateshead,
a modern 200-bedroom hotel that was constructed in 2012. The secured property, which is operated
by Wyndham Hotels Group, is situated in a highly visible location in Gateshead Quays, adjacent
to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and within a short walk of the Sage Gateshead concert
venue and the Millennium footbridge, which links Gateshead and Newcastle quayside areas.
After a softening in trading during 2017, as highlighted in our previous report, performance
has now stabilised with year-to-date trading metrics slightly ahead of budget.
The LTV position of the loan, at 66%, and ICR (163%) remain robust, and with the recent announcement
of a new GBP200 million arena, concert hall and conference centre to be built in Gateshead,
very close to the subject property, the prospects of longer-term growth have improved.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 1 Day one debt GBP7,982,500
--------------- -----------------------
Property value (GBP) GBP12,100,000 Debt outstanding GBP7,982,500
--------------- ----------------------- -------------
Property value (GBP/bed) GBP60,500 Original term 5.0 years
--------------- ----------------------- -------------
Bedrooms 200 Maturity April 2019
--------------- ----------------------- -------------
Current LTV 66.0%
------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------
Current ICR 163%
------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------
Loan exposure per bed GBP39,912.50
------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------
Loan 7
Commercial Regional Space
A GBP22.40 million loan to Commercial Regional Space Limited and affiliates made on 16 March
2016, and secured by first charges against two multi-let industrial estates located in Lancashire
comprising 1.25 million sq. ft. of accommodation and providing a highly diversified income
stream from lettings to over 160 tenants.
Performance has remained robust during the year, with income stable. A revaluation concluded
during the year showed a significant increase in value, with a resultant reduction in LTV
from 64.0% to 50.9%. The loan is considered very well secured.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 2 Day one debt GBP22,400,000
-------------- --------------------------
Property value (GBP) GBP44,000,000 Debt outstanding GBP22,400,000
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP35 Original term 3 years
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 1,247,090 Maturity April 2019
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 166 Current LTV 50.9%
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 1.46 years Current ICR 402%
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP18
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 8 BMO
On 31 January 2017, the Company advanced a new GBP16.00 million loan to clients of BMO Real
Estate Partners, with an initial LTV ratio of 55.4% and a maturity date in April 2019. The
loan was secured by first charges against a portfolio of 17 properties located across the
UK, principally in the high street retail and industrial sectors, and provides a diversified
income stream from lettings to 57 tenants.
Income and portfolio performance has generally been stable during the period, with LTV and
ICR both remaining at robust levels.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 15 Day one debt GBP16,000,000
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP30,930,000 Debt outstanding GBP15,793,727
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP97 Original term 2 years
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 318,036 Maturity April 2019
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 57 Current LTV 51.1%
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 8.73 years Current ICR 372%
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP50
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan 9 Quattro
On 17 October 2017, the Group advanced a new GBP9.00 million loan to a private property company,
secured by three mixed-use assets in and around the London Borough of Kingston. The Group
initially financed a GBP6.00 million participation in the loan, acquiring the minority GBP3.00
million position from ICG following an equity issuance under the 2017 Placing Programme.
The loan carries an initial LTV ratio of 83.7%, at the top end of the Group's investment parameters;
however it offers significant income and value growth opportunities. The sponsor's business
plan envisaged the sale of one of the security assets in the short term, and contracts have
been exchanged for sale at a price ahead of book value.
The loan is structured with a profit participation component, allowing the Group to benefit
from any future value growth in the portfolio whilst retaining the security of a senior first
mortgage position. There has been no value growth to date.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 3 Day one debt GBP9,000,000
-------------- -------------------------- -------------
Property value (GBP) GBP10,750,000 Debt outstanding GBP9,000,000
-------------- -------------------------- -------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP283 Original term 3.2 years
-------------- -------------------------- -------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 38,038 Maturity January 2021
-------------- -------------------------- -------------
Number of tenants 7 Current LTV 83.7%
-------------- -------------------------- -------------
Weighted lease length 12.23 years Current ICR 100%
-------------- -------------------------- -------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP234
-------------- -------------------------- -------------
Loan 10
Affinity
On 1(st) March 2018, the Group advanced a new GBP16.20 million commitment to an affiliate
of Affinity Global Real Estate, secured by a multi-let office building in Bristol branded
as 'Spectrum'. The initial advance was GBP14.20 million, reflecting an LTV of 67.3%, with
the balance of the commitment available for value-enhancing capital expenditure works, in
line with the sponsor's business plan. The loan carries a four-year term, maturing May 2022.
The sponsor has made positive progress on its business plan, with heads of terms agreed with
prospective tenants for some of the vacant space within the building. If completed, these
transactions should be accretive to both cash flow and value. Whilst the sponsor continues
to lease up vacancy, the Company's interest is supported by a funded cash reserve to top up
any shortfall from tenant rents.
Property profile Debt profile
Number of properties 1 Day one debt GBP14,200,000
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP) GBP21,100,000 Debt outstanding GBP14,200,000
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property value (GBP/sq. ft.) GBP185 Original term 4.2 years
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Property area (sq. ft.) 114,346 Maturity May 2022
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Number of tenants 9 Current LTV 67.3%
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Weighted lease length 4.14 years Current ICR 100%
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Loan exposure per sq. ft. GBP124
-------------- -------------------------- --------------
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Company, through its subsidiary, invests primarily in UK
commercial real estate loans of a fixed rate nature; as such, it is
exposed to the performance of the borrower, and underlying property
on which its loans are secured. The Company's key risks are
discussed below. In this statement, references to the Company also
apply to the Group as a whole.
The Directors have identified the following as the key risks
faced by the Company:
-- inherently subjective valuations of property and property-related assets;
-- real estate loans made by the Company may, after funding, become non-performing;
-- loan principals may be repaid earlier than anticipated, which
may lead to the Company replacing such pre-paid loans with lower
yielding investments;
-- in the event of a repayment, in whole or in part, the Company
may not be able to reinvest the surplus cash on terms that are
accretive in value to shareholders;
-- a change in market conditions affecting the performance of
the Company and its underlying investments; and
-- a change in tax legislation.
The principal risks and uncertainties of the Company were
identified in further detail in the Annual Report and Financial
Statements for the year ended 31 January 2018. There have been no
changes to the Company's principal risks and uncertainties for the
six months ended 31 July 2018, and no changes are anticipated in
the second half of the year. The Company's principal risk factors
are fully discussed in the Company's Prospectus, available on the
Company's website (www.lbow.co.uk) and should be reviewed by
shareholders.
Subsequent Events
On 1 October 2018, the Company approved a dividend of 1.50 pence
per ordinary share in respect of the quarter ended 31 July 2018,
payable on 2 November 2018.
On 1 October 2018, the Company agreed a working capital facility
with OakNorth Bank plc, which will enable the Company to borrow up
to 20% of the portfolio, with a cap of GBP25m.
ICG-Longbow
1 October 2018
Directors' Responsibilities Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing this Interim
Financial Report in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
-- The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim
Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU; and
-- The Chairman's Statement and Investment Adviser's Report
include a fair review of the information required by:
(i) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred
during the first six months of the financial year and their impact
on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements; and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
(ii) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in
the first six months of the financial year and that have materially
affected the financial position and performance of the entity
during that period; and any changes in the related party
transactions described in the last Annual Report and Financial
Statements that could do so.
On behalf of the Board
Jack Perry
Chairman
1 October 2018
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD TO 31 JULY 2018
1 February 2018 1 February 2017 1 February 2017
to 31 July 2018 to 31 July 2017 to 31 January 2018
GBP GBP GBP
Notes (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
Income
Income from loans 3,595,754 3,419,728 7,035,459
Other fee income from loans 392,331 992,285 1,042,285
Income from cash and cash equivalents 2,754 363 1,928
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
Total income 3,990,839 4,412,376 8,079,672
---------------- ----------------
Expenses
Investment advisory fees 11 609,293 551,138 1,141,405
Administration fees 11 85,000 85,000 170,000
Directors' remuneration 11 98,125 105,833 203,333
Luxco operating expenses 74,398 95,364 153,379
Broker fees 27,501 25,905 52,775
Audit fees 20,000 18,000 40,000
Regulatory fees 9,651 13,007 21,765
Listing fees 4,352 6,633 10,161
Legal & professional fees 6 306,436 405,983 372,840
Other expenses 53,527 58,545 117,187
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
Total expenses 1,288,283 1,365,408 2,282,845
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
Profit for the period before tax 2,702,556 3,046,968 5,796,827
---------------- ----------------
Taxation - (99,718) (98,541)
Profit for the period after tax 2,702,556 3,146,686 5,895,368
---------------- ----------------
Total comprehensive income for the period 2,702,556 3,146,686 5,895,368
---------------- ----------------
Basic and diluted Earnings per share (pence) 7 2.25 2.91 5.33
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
All items within the above statement have been derived from
continuing activities.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Interim
Financial Statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 July 2018
31 July 2018 31 January 2018 31 July 2017
GBP GBP GBP
Notes (Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 8,937,259 6,486,150 10,571,446
Trade and other receivables 38,116 202,182 15,386
Loans advanced at amortised cost 5 113,437,717 112,331,666 101,390,922
------------- ----------------
Total assets 122,413,092 119,019,998 111,977,754
------------- ---------------- -------------
Liabilities
Interest reserve 358,387 - 1,623,289
Other payables and accrued expenses 696,924 1,037,809 560,596
------------- ----------------
Total liabilities 1,055,311 1,037,809 2,183,885
------------- ---------------- -------------
Net assets 121,357,781 117,982,189 109,793,869
------------- ---------------- -------------
Equity
Share capital 119,105,310 114,857,090 106,038,522
Retained earnings 2,252,471 3,125,099 3,755,347
Total equity attributable to the owners of the Company 121,357,781 117,982,189 109,793,869
------------- ---------------- -------------
Number of ordinary shares in issue at period/year end 8 121,302,779 117,042,779 108,219,250
------------- ---------------- -------------
Net Asset Value per ordinary share (pence) 7 100.05 100.80 101.46
------------- ---------------- -------------
The Interim Financial Statements were approved by the Board of
Directors on 1 October 2018 and signed on their behalf by:
Jack Perry Patrick Firth
Chairman Director
1 October 2018
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Interim
Financial Statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six month period to 31 July 2018
Number Share Retained
Notes of shares capital earnings Total
GBP GBP GBP
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
As at 1 February 2018 117,042,779 114,857,090 3,125,099 117,982,189
Shares issued 4,260,000 4,302,600 - 4,302,600
Share issue costs - (54,380) - (54,380)
Profit for the period - - 2,702,556 2,702,556
Dividends paid 9 - - (3,575,184) (3,575,184)
As at 31 July 2018 121,302,779 119,105,310 2,252,471 121,357,781
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
For the six month period to 31 July 2017
Number Share Retained
Notes of shares capital earnings Total
GBP GBP GBP
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
As at 1 February 2017 108,219,250 106,038,522 6,290,172 112,328,694
Profit for the period - - 3,146,686 3,146,686
Dividends paid 9 - - (5,681,511) (5,681,511)
As at 31 July 2017 108,219,250 106,038,522 3,755,347 109,793,869
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Interim
Financial Statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the six month period to 31 July 2018
1 February 2018 1 February 2017 1 February 2017
to 31 July 2018 to 31 July 2017 to 31 January 2018
Notes GBP GBP GBP
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
Cash flows generated from operating activities
Profit for the period 2,702,556 3,146,686 5,895,368
Adjustments for non-cash items:
Movement in other receivables 522,453 9,634 (177,162)
Movement in other payables and accrued expenses (317,278) (235,508) 241,027
Movement in tax payable (23,607) (102,438) (101,760)
Dividends payable - 1,623,289 -
Loan amortisation (668,450) (605,795) (706,539)
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
2,215,674 3,835,868 5,150,934
Loans advanced less arrangement fees (14,985,050) (1,100,000) (11,940,000)
Loans repaid 5 14,547,449 10,258,135 10,258,135
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
Net loans advanced less arrangement fees (437,601) 9,158,135 (1,681,865)
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
Net cash generated from operating activities 1,778,073 12,994,003 3,469,069
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
Cash flows used in financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares 4,302,600 - 9,000,000
Issue costs paid (54,380) - (181,342)
Dividends paid 9 (3,575,184) (5,681,511) (9,060,441)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in financing activities 673,036 (5,681,511) (241,873)
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents 2,451,109 7,312,492 3,227,196
Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the
period 6,486,150 3,258,954 3,258,954
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 8,937,259 10,571,446 6,486,150
---------------- ---------------- -------------------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Interim
Financial Statements.
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements
For the six month period to 31 July 2018
1. General information
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments Limited
is a non-cellular company limited by shares and was incorporated in
Guernsey under the Companies Law on 29 November 2012 with
registered number 55917 as a closed-ended investment company. The
registered office and principal place of business of the Company is
Heritage Hall, PO Box 225, Le Marchant Street, St Peter Port,
Guernsey, GY1 4HY, Channel Islands.
The Company's shares were admitted to the Premium Segment of the
Official Lists and to trading on the Main Market of the London
Stock Exchange on 5 February 2013.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
comprise the financial statements of the Group as at 31 July
2018.
The investment objective of the Group, as approved by the
shareholders of the Company, is to construct a portfolio of UK real
estate debt related investments predominantly comprising loans
secured by first ranking fixed charges against commercial property
investments, with the aim of providing shareholders with attractive
quarterly returns, capital preservation and, over the longer term,
a degree of capital appreciation.
The Investment Adviser, which trades under the name of
ICG-Longbow, is authorised and regulated by the FCA. The assets of
the Group are managed by the Board under the advice of the
Investment Adviser under the terms of the Investment Advisory
Agreement.
2. Accounting policies
a) Basis of preparation
The Interim Financial Statements included in this Interim
Report, have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim
Financial Reporting', as adopted by the EU, and the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the FCA.
The Interim Financial Statements have not been audited or
reviewed by the Company's Auditor.
The Interim Financial Statements do not include all the
information and disclosures required in the Annual Report and
Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the
Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended
31 January 2018, which are available on the Company's website
(www.lbow.co.uk). The Annual Report and Financial Statements have
been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU.
The same accounting policies and methods of computation have
been followed in the preparation of these Interim Financial
Statements as in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the
year ended 31 January 2018.
b) Going concern
The Directors, at the time of approving the Interim Financial
Statements, have a reasonable expectation that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future and do not consider there to be any threat to
the going concern status of the Group.
The Group is now substantially invested with loans advanced at
amortised cost representing 93.47% of the total equity attributable
to the owners of the Company and expects that the loan portfolio
will generate enough cash flows to pay on-going expenses and
returns to shareholders. The Directors have considered the cash
position and performances of current investments made by the Group
and have concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the going
concern basis of accounting in preparing the Interim Financial
Statements.
The first continuation vote was held on 1 March 2017 and passed
by the shareholders. The requirement for subsequent annual
continuation votes has been amended so that any follow-on
continuation resolutions shall be put to shareholders every five
years.
c) Segmental reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker.
The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for
allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating
segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors, as a
whole. The key measure of performance used by the Board to assess
the Company's performance and to allocate resources is the total
return on the Group's Net Asset Value, as calculated under IFRS,
and therefore no reconciliation is required between the measure of
profit or loss used by the Board and that contained in the Interim
Financial Statements.
For management purposes, the Group is organised into one main
operating segment, being the provision of a diversified portfolio
of UK commercial property backed senior debt investments.
The majority of the Group's income is derived from loans secured
on commercial and residential property in the United Kingdom.
The Directors do not analyse the portfolio based on geographical
segments on the basis that all of the Group's non-current assets
are invested in the United Kingdom.
Due to the Group's nature, it has no employees.
3. Seasonal and cyclical variations
The Group's results do not vary significantly during reporting
periods as a result of seasonal activity.
4. Critical accounting judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies
The preparation of the Interim Financial Statements under IFRS
requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions
that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and
associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other
factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances,
the results of which form the basis of making judgements about
carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily
apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an
on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in
the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects
only that period or in the period of the revision and future period
if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Impairment is considered to be the most critical accounting
judgement and estimate that the Directors make in the process of
applying the Group's policies and which has the most significant
effect on the amounts recognised in the Interim Financial
Statements (see note 5).
Revenue recognition is considered a significant accounting
judgement and estimate that the Directors make in the process of
applying the Group's accounting policies.
The Directors consider judgements and estimations in determining
the fair value of prepayment options embedded within the contracts
for loans advanced. The key factors considered in the valuation of
prepayment options include the exercise price, the interest rate of
the host loan contract, differential to current market interest
rates, the risk free rate of interest, contractual terms of the
prepayment option, and the expected term of the option.
5. Loans advanced
31 July 31 July 31 January 31 January
2018 2018 2018 2018
Principal At Principal advanced At
advanced amortised amortised
cost cost
GBP GBP GBP GBP
IRAF - - 11,935,000 12,150,584
Meadows 20,000,000 20,426,363 20,000,000 20,413,021
Northlands 8,500,000 8,649,951 7,577,250 7,690,133
Hulbert 6,565,000 6,695,529 6,565,000 6,666,450
Halcyon 6,423,280 6,576,239 8,600,000 8,730,605
Cararra 1,300,000 1,325,445 1,300,000 1,319,743
Ramada 7,982,500 8,111,295 7,982,500 8,077,179
Commercial Regional Space 22,400,000 22,584,859 22,400,000 22,556,213
BMO 15,793,727 15,787,483 15,793,727 15,770,768
Quattro 9,000,000 8,979,755 9,000,000 8,956,970
Affinity 14,200,000 14,300,798 - -
112,164,507 113,437,717 111,153,477 112,331,666
============ ============ =================== ============
The Directors consider that the carrying value amounts of the
loans, recorded at amortised cost in the Interim Financial
Statements, are approximately equal to their fair value. No element
of the loans is past due or impaired, and all investments are
secured by way of a fully registered first legal charge over the
property, and there is no subordinated debt or secondary charges
registered. As a result, there has been no impact on the financial
statements by the adoption of IFRS 9.
Amortised cost is calculated using the effective interest rate
method, which takes into account all contractual terms (including
arrangement and exit fees) that are an integral part of the loan
agreement. As these fees are taken into account when determining
initial net carrying value, their recognition in profit or loss is
effectively spread over the life of the loan.
The Group's investments are in the form of bilateral loans, and
as such are illiquid investments with no readily available
secondary market. Whilst the terms of each loan includes repayment
and prepayment fees, in the absence of a liquid secondary market,
the Directors do not believe a willing buyer would pay a premium to
the par value of the loans to recognise such terms and as such the
amortised cost represents the fair value of the loans.
Each property on which investments are secured was subject to an
independent, third party valuation at the time the investment was
entered into. All investments are made on a hold to maturity basis.
Each investment is monitored on a quarterly basis, in line with the
underlying property rental cycle, including a review of the
performance of the underlying property security. No market or other
events have been identified through this review process, which
would result in a fair value of the investments significantly
different to the carrying value.
Whilst the loans are performing and the balance outstanding in
each case is at a substantial discount to the value of the
underlying real estate on which they are secured, the Directors do
not consider the loans to be impaired, or for there to be a risk of
not achieving full recovery.
On 28 February 2018, the Group received a repayment of
GBP11,935,000 on the IRAF loan. As part of this repayment, the
Group received a total of GBP435,729 in interest and exit and
prepayment fees in accordance with the terms of the loan
agreement.
On 2 March 2018, the Group agreed a new facility of
GBP16,200,000 to an affiliate of Affinity Global Real Estate
(Affinity loan). The Affinity loan has a maturity date of May 2020
and is in accordance with the Company's revised investment policy,
approved by shareholders at the EGM in March 2017. At 31 July 2018,
GBP14,200,000 of the total facility had been drawn down.
On 5 March 2018, the Group advanced GBP922,750 on the Northlands
loan and extended the coupon protection period of the total
Northlands loan of GBP8.5 million.
On 28 June 2018, the Group received a partial repayment of
GBP2,176,720 on the Halcyon loan.
6. Legal and Professional Fees
1 February 1 February
2018 2017
to 31 July to 31 July
2018 2017
GBP GBP
Costs in respect of Circular and publication
of Prospectus 301,763 400,643
Other legal and professional fees 4,673 5,340
306,436 405,983
=========== ===========
7. Earnings per share and Net Asset Value per share
Earnings per share
1 February 2018 1 February 2017
to 31 July 2018 to 31 July 2017
Profit for the period (GBP) 2,702,556 3,146,686
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 120,008,304 108,219,250
---------------- ----------------
Basic and diluted EPS (pence) 2.25 2.91
Adjusted basic and diluted EPS (pence) 1.93 1.99
================ ================
The calculation of basic and diluted Earnings per share is based
on the profit for the period and on the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue during the period.
The calculation of adjusted basic and diluted Earnings per share
is based on the profit for the period, adjusted for one-off other
fee income during the period totalling GBP392,331 (31 July 2017:
GBP992,285).
There are no dilutive shares at 31 July 2018.
Net Asset Value per share
31 July 2018 31 January 2018
NAV (GBP) 121,357,781 117,982,189
Number of ordinary shares in issue 121,302,779 117,042,779
------------- ----------------
NAV per share (pence) 100.05 100.80
============= ================
The calculation of NAV per share is based on Net Asset Value and
the number of ordinary shares in issue at the period/year end.
8. Share capital
As at 31 July 2018, the Company had 121,302,779 (31 January
2018: 117,042,779) issued and fully paid ordinary shares with a par
value of GBP1 each.
9. Dividends
Dividends paid
Dividend per share Total dividend
1 February 2018 to 31 July 2018 Pence GBP
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 31 January 2018 1.50 1,755,642
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 30 April 2018 1.50 1,819,542
3.00 3,575,184
=================== ===============
Dividend per share Total dividend
1 February 2017 to 31 January 2018 Pence GBP
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 31 January 2017 1.50 1,623,289
Special dividend in respect of quarter ended 31 January 2017 2.25 2,434,933
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 30 April 2017 1.50 1,623,289
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 31 July 2017 1.50 1,623,289
Interim dividend in respect of quarter ended 31 October 2017 1.50 1,755,641
8.25 9,060,441
=================== ===============
10. Financial Risk Management
The Group through its investment in senior loans is exposed to a
variety of financial risks. The main risks arising from the Group's
financial instruments are: market risk (including currency risk and
interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk and are fully
disclosed on pages 62 to 65 of the Annual Report and Financial
Statements for 31 January 2018.
The Company's principal risk factors are fully discussed in the
Company's Prospectus, available on the Company's website
(www.lbow.co.uk) and should be reviewed by shareholders.
11. Related Party Transactions and Directors' Remuneration
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the
ability to control the other party or exercise significant
influence over the party in making financial or operational
decisions.
In the opinion of the Directors, on the basis of shareholdings
advised to them, the Company has no immediate or ultimate
controlling party.
Directors
Mark Huntley, a Director of the Company, is also a consultant to
the Administrator. During the period, the Company incurred
administration fees in relation to services provided by the
Company's Administrator of GBP85,000 (31 July 2017: GBP85,000) of
which GBP44,167 (31 January 2018: GBP31,583) was outstanding at the
period/year end. Mark Huntley also received a Director's fee for
the period of GBP17,500 (31 July 2017: GBP19,375) of which GBP8,750
(31 January 2018: GBP7,500) was outstanding at the period/year
end.
The Company Directors' fees for the period amounted to GBP98,125
(31 July 2017: GBP105,833) with outstanding fees of GBP49,375 (31
January 2018: GBP48,750) due to the Directors at 31 July 2018.
Investment Adviser
Investment advisory fees for the period amounted to GBP609,293
(31 July 2017: GBP551,138) of which GBP579,491 (31 January 2018:
GBP865,836) was outstanding at the period/year end.
12. Subsequent events
On 1 October 2018, the Company approved a dividend of 1.50 pence
per ordinary share in respect of the quarter ended 31 July 2018,
payable on 2 November 2018.
On 1 October 2018, the Company agreed a working capital facility
with OakNorth Bank plc, which will enable the Company to borrow up
to 20% of the portfolio, with a cap of GBP25m.
glossary of capitalised defined terms
"Administrator" means Estera International Fund Managers
(Guernsey) Limited;
"Admission" means the admission of the shares to the
premium-listing segment of the Official List and to trading on the
London Stock Exchange;
"AEOI" means Automatic Exchange of Information;
"Affinity" means Affinity Global Real Estate;
"Annual Report and Financial Statements" means the annual
publication of the Group provided to the shareholders to describe
their operations and financial conditions, together with their
Consolidated Financial Statements;
"Audit Committee" means the Audit and Operational Risk
Management Committee, a formal committee of the Board with defined
terms of reference;
"BMO" means BMO Real Estate Partners;
"Board" or "Directors" or "Board of Directors" means the
directors of the Company from time to time;
"Brexit" means the potential departure of the UK from the
EU;
"Cararra" means Cararra Ground Rents;
"CBI" means the Confederation of British Industry;
"Circular" means the Circular of the Company dated 11 January
2017 regarding proposals for a change in investment objective and
policy, a placing programme for 40 million shares and the
continuation vote;
"Commercial Regional Space" means Commercial Regional Space
Limited;
"Companies Law" means the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, (as
amended);
"Company" means ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt
Investments Limited;
"CVA" means Company Voluntary Arrangement;
"Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules" or "DTRs" means the
disclosure guidance published by the FCA and the transparency rules
made by the FCA under section 73A of FSMA;
"EGM" means the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company
held on 1 March 2017;
"EPS" or "Earnings per share" means Earnings per ordinary share
of the Company and is expressed in Pounds Stirling;
"ERV" means Estimated Rental Value;
"EU" means the European Union;
"Euro" or "EUR" means Euros, the currency introduced at the
start of the third stage of European economic and monetary
union;
"FCA" means the UK Financial Conduct Authority (or its successor
bodies);
"Financial Statements" or "Consolidated Financial Statements"
means the audited consolidated financial statements of the Group,
including the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows, and associated notes;
"GDP" means gross domestic product;
"GFSC" means the Guernsey Financial Services Commission;
"GIIN" means Global Intermediary Identification Number;
"Group" means the Company, ICG Longbow Senior Secured UK
Property Debt Investments Limited together with its wholly owned
subsidiary, ICG Longbow Senior Debt S.A (Luxco);
"Halcyon" means Halcyon Ground Rents;
"Hulbert" means Hulbert Properties;
"IAS" means international accounting standards as issued by the
Board of the International Accounting Standards Committee;
"ICG" means Intermediate Capital Group plc;
"ICG Private Funds" means private real estate debt funds managed
or advised by the Investment Adviser or its associates;
"IFRS" means the International Financial Reporting Standards,
being the principles-based accounting standards, interpretations
and the framework by that name issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board, as adopted by the EU;
"Interest Cover Ratio" or "ICR" means the debt/profitability
ratio used to determine how easily a company can pay interest on
outstanding debt;
"Interim Financial Statements" means the unaudited interim
condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group, including
the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and associated
notes;
"Interim Report" means the Company's interim report and
unaudited interim condensed financial statements for the period
ended 31 July;
"Investment Grade Tenant" means a tenant that is rated Aaa to
Baa3 by MIS and/or AAA to BBB- by S&P;
"Investment Adviser" or "ICG-Longbow" means Intermediate Capital
Managers Limited or its Associates;
"Investment Advisory Agreement" means Investment Advisory
Agreement dated 31 January 2013 between the Company and the
Investment Adviser, as amended and restated on 27 April 2017;
"Investment Risk Committee" means the Investment Risk Committee,
a formal committee of the Board with defined terms of
reference;
"IPO" means the Company's initial public offering of shares to
the public, which completed on 5 February 2013;
"IRAF" means IRAF Portfolio;
"ISIN" means an International Securities Identification
Number;
"JLL" means Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated;
"Listing Rules" means the listing rules made by the UK Listing
Authority under section 73A Financial Services and Markets Act
2000;
"London Stock Exchange" or "LSE" means London Stock Exchange
plc;
"LTV" means Loan to Value ratio;
"Luxco" means the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, ICG-Longbow
Senior Debt S.A.;
"Luxembourg Administrator" means Ocorian Services S.à r.l. being
the administrator of Luxco;
"Main Market" means the main securities market of the London
Stock Exchange;
"Management Engagement Committee" means a formal committee of
the Board with defined terms of reference;
"Meadow" means Meadow Real Estate Fund II;
"MIS" means Moody's Investors Service Ltd, a credit rating
agency registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009
with effect from 31 October 2011;
"MSCI" means Morgan Stanley Capital Index;
"NAV per share" means the Net Asset Value per ordinary share
divided by the number of Shares in issue (other than shares held in
treasury);
"Net Asset Value" or "NAV" means the value of the assets of the
Group less its liabilities, calculated in accordance with the
valuation guidelines laid down by the Board, further details of
which are set out in the Prospectus;
"Nomination Committee" means a formal committee of the Board
with defined terms of reference;
"Northlands" means Northlands Portfolio;
"NMPIs" means Non-Mainstream Pooled Investments;
"OECD" means The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development;
"Official List" is the Premium Segment of the UK Listing
Authority's Official List;
"IPO Prospectus" means the prospectus published on 31 January
2013 by the Company in connection with the IPO of ordinary
shares;
"Prospectus" means the prospectus published in May 2018 by the
Company in connection with the placing programme;
"Quattro" means CNM Estates (New Malden) Limited, CNM Estates
(Ewell Road) Limited, CNM Estates (Coombe Road) Limited and CNM
Estates (Coz Lane) Limited;
"Ramada" means Ramada Gateshead;
"Registrar" Link Asset Services Guernsey Limited (formerly
Capita Registrars (Guernsey) Limited);
"Registrar Agreement" means the Registrar Agreement dated 31
January 2013 between the Company and the Registrar;
"RICS" means the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors;
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services
Europe Limited, a credit rating agency registered in accordance
with Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009 with effect from 31 October
2011;
"SPV" means special purpose vehicle;
"UK" or "United Kingdom" means the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland;
"UK Listing Authority" or "UKLA" means the Financial Conduct
Authority;
"US" or "United States" means the United States of America, it
territories and possessions; and
"GBP" or "Pounds Sterling" or "Sterling" means British pound
sterling and "pence" means British pence.
directors and general information
Board of Directors Investment Adviser English Solicitors to
Jack Perry (Chairman) Intermediate Capital the Company
Stuart Beevor Managers Limited Gowlings WLG (UK) LLP
Patrick Firth Juxon House 4 More London Riverside,
Mark Huntley 100 St Paul's Churchyard London,
Paul Meader London SE1 2AU
EC4M 8BU
Audit and Operational Guernsey Advocates to
Risk Committee Independent Auditor the Company
Patrick Firth (Chairman) Deloitte LLP Carey Olsen
Stuart Beevor Chartered Accountants Carey House
Paul Meader PO Box 137 PO Box 98
Regency Court Les Banques
Glategny Esplanade St Peter Port
Investment Risk Committee St. Peter Port Guernsey
Paul Meader (Chairman) Guernsey GY1 4BZ
Stuart Beevor GY1 3HW
James Christie
Mark Huntley Bankers
David Mortimer Guernsey Administrator ABN AMRO (Guernsey)
and Company Secretary Limited
Estera International Martello Court
Management Engagement Fund Managers (Guernsey) Admiral Park
Committee Limited St Peter Port
Jack Perry (Chairman) Heritage Hall Guernsey
Patrick Firth PO Box 225 GY1 3QJ
Paul Meader Le Marchant Street
St. Peter Port Barclays Bank plc
Guernsey 6-8 High Street
Nomination Committee GY1 4HY St Peter Port
Jack Perry (Chairman) Guernsey
Stuart Beevor GY1 3BE
Patrick Firth Luxembourg Administrator
Mark Huntley Ocorian Services (Luxembourg) Lloyds Bank International
Paul Meader S.à r.l (formerly Limited
MAS International S.à PO Box 136
r.l.) Sarnia House
Registered office 6c Rue Gabriel Lippmann Le Truchot
Heritage Hall Munsbach St Peter Port
PO Box 225 Luxembourg Guernsey
Le Marchant Street L-5365 GY1 4EN
St Peter Port
Guernsey The Royal Bank of Scotland
GY1 4HY Registrar International
Link Market Services Royal Bank Place
(Guernsey) Limited 1 Glategny Esplanade
Identifiers Mont Crevelt House, St Peter Port
GIIN: 6IG8VS.99999.SL.831 Bulwer Avenue Guernsey
ISIN: GG00B8C23S81 St Sampsons GY1 4BQ
Sedol: B8C23S8 GY2 4LH
Ticker: LBOW Guernsey
Website: www.lbow.co.uk
Corporate Broker and
Financial Adviser
Cenkos Securities plc
6-8 Tokenhouse Yard
London
EC2R 7AS
cautionary statement
The Chairman's Statement and Investment Adviser's Report have
been prepared solely to provide additional information for
shareholders to assess the Company's strategies and the potential
for those strategies to succeed. These should not be relied on by
any other party or for any other purpose.
The Chairman's Statement and Investment Adviser's Report may
include statements that are, or may be deemed to be,
"forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can
be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including
the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects",
"intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their
negative or other variations or comparable terminology.
These forward-looking statements include all matters that are
not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout
this document and include statements regarding the intentions,
beliefs or current expectations of the Directors and the Investment
Adviser, concerning, amongst other things, the investment
objectives and investment policy, financing strategies, investment
performance, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity,
prospects, and distribution policy of the Company and the markets
in which it invests.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on
circumstances that may or may not occur in the future.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance.
The Company's actual investment performance, results of
operations, financial condition, liquidity, distribution policy and
the development of its financing strategies may differ materially
from the impression created by the forward-looking statements
contained in this document.
Subject to their legal and regulatory obligations, the Directors
and the Investment Adviser expressly disclaim any obligations to
update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to
reflect any change in expectations with regard thereto or any
change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any
statement is based.
ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments
Limited
Heritage Hall, PO Box 225,
Le Marchant Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey,
GY1 4HY, Channel Islands.
T +44 (0) 1481 742742
F +44 (0) 1481 742698
Further information available online:
www.lbow.co.uk
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR LLFFDIALLIIT
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