For release 26 November 2019
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited
(“SREITâ€/ the “Company†/ “Groupâ€)
INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
PROFITABLE DISPOSALS PROVIDE CAPACITY FOR NEW ACQUISITIONS
REFINANCING UNDERPINS DIVIDEND INCREASE
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust, the actively managed UK focussed REIT, today announces its unaudited half year results for the six months ended 30 September 2019.
Highlights
Financial overview
Property portfolio overview
Commenting, Lorraine Baldry, Chairman of the Board, said:
“This has been another busy period for the Company with a focus on activity that has improved shareholder total returns and strengthened the balance sheet. This should support future returns during a period of greater market uncertainty. Whilst the disposals of lower yielding assets will result in a temporary decline in net income prior to reinvestment, the Board is comfortable with this approach as the Company has approximately £90 million of funding to take advantage of more attractively priced investment opportunities supporting the delivery of a fully covered, sustainable and growing dividend policy.â€
Duncan Owen, Global Head of Schroder Real Estate, added:
“The activity during the interim period leaves the Company in a strong position with a low borrowing ratio and operational flexibility. There is additional investment capacity of approximately £90 million ahead of an expected market correction. Selectively deploying this capital over the course of 2020 into Winning Cities at higher yields should mean the Company is well placed to deliver continued, sustainable growth in net income.â€
-Ends-
For further information:
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Duncan Owen / Nick Montgomery / Frank Sanderson |
020 7658 6000 |
Northern Trust Lisa Garnham |
01481 745001 |
FTI Consulting Dido Laurimore / Richard Gotla / Methuselah Tanyanyiwa |
020 3727 1000 |
A presentation for analysts and investors will be held at 08.45am today at the offices of Schroders plc, 1 London Wall Place, London, EC2Y 5AU. If you would like to attend, please contact Richard Gotla at FTI on +44 (0)20 3727 1000 or schroderrealestate.com
Alternatively, the dial-in details are as follows: +44 (0)330 336 9105
Participant passcode: 5812389
|
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited |
Interim Report and Consolidated Financial Statements For the period 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 |
Contents |
|
Company Summary | 3 |
Highlights Performance Summary |
4 |
Chairman’s Statement | 7 |
Investment Manager’s Report | 9 |
Responsibility Statement of the Directors in respect of the Interim Report | 18 |
Independent Review Report | 19 |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income | 20 |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position | 21 |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity | 22 |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | 23 |
Notes to the Interim Report | 24 |
Glossary Corporate Information |
33 34 |
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited aims to provide shareholders with an attractive level of income together with the potential for income and capital growth through investing in UK commercial real estate.
Company summary
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited (the ‘Company’ and together with its subsidiaries the ‘Group’) is a real estate investment company with a premium listing on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and whose shares are traded on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (ticker: SREI).
The Company is a real estate investment trust (‘REIT’) and benefits from the various tax advantages offered by the UK REIT regime. The Company continues to be declared as an authorised closed-ended investment scheme by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under section 8 of the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987, as amended and the Authorised Closed-ended Collective Investment Schemes Rules 2008.
Objective
The Company aims to provide shareholders with an attractive level of income and the potential for income and capital growth as a result of its investments in, and active management of, a diversified portfolio of UK commercial real estate.
The Company’s dividend policy is to pay a sustainable level of quarterly dividends to shareholders. It is intended that successful execution of the Company’s strategy will enable a progressive dividend policy to be adopted.
The portfolio is principally invested in the three main UK commercial real estate sectors of office, industrial and mixed-use, and may also invest in other sectors including, but not limited to, residential, leisure, healthcare and student accommodation. Over the property market cycle the portfolio aims to generate an above average income return with a diverse spread of lease expiries.
A prudent level of gearing is used to enhance income and total returns for shareholders with the level dependent on the property cycle and the outlook for future returns.
Investment strategy
The current investment strategy is to grow income and enhance shareholder returns through a disciplined approach to acquisitions, proactive asset management and selling smaller, lower-yielding properties on completion of asset business plans. The issuance of new shares will also be considered if it is consistent with the strategy.
Our objective is to own a portfolio of larger properties in Winning Cities and Regions with high growth diversified local economies, sustainable occupational demand and favourable supply and demand characteristics. These properties should offer good long-term fundamentals in terms of location and specification and be let at affordable rents with the potential for income and capital growth from good stock selection and asset management.
Highlights
Highlights for the period to 30 September 2019
Strategic
Performance
Financial
Performance Summary
Financial summary
30 September 2019 | 30 September 2018 | 31 March 2019 | |
NAV | £354.3m | £357.7m | £356.4m |
NAV per ordinary share (pence) | 68.3 | 69.0 | 68.7 |
EPRA NAV [5] | £354.3m | £357.7m | £356.4m |
Capital values
30 September 2019 |
30 September 2018 | 31 March 2019 | |
NAV total return5 | 0.5% | 3.0% | 4.5% |
Profit for the period | £4.6m | £10.6m | £15.9m |
EPRA earnings 5 | £6.7m | £3.9m | £12.0m |
Adjusted EPRA earnings | £6.7m | £7.1m[6] | £15.2m6 |
Share price and index
30 September 2019 |
30 September 2018 | 31 March 2019 | |
Share price (pence) | 55.4 | 59.9 | 55.4 |
Share price discount to NAV | (18.9%) | (13.2%) | (19.4%) |
FTSE All-Share Index | 4,061.74 | 4,127.91 | 3,978.28 |
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK Real Estate Index | 1,749.83 | 1,731.76 | 1,710.33 |
Earnings and dividends
Six months to 30 September 2019 | Six months to 30 September 2018 | Year to 31 March 2019 | ||
IFRS earnings per share (pence) | 0.9 | 2.0 | 3.1 | |
EPRA earnings per share (pence) 5 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 2.3 | |
Adjusted EPRA earnings per share (pence) | 1.3 | 1.46 | 2.9 6 | |
Dividends paid per share (pence) [7] | 1.30 | 1.24 | 2.53 | |
Annualised dividend yield on 30 September/ 31 March share price5 |
4.7% | 4.1% | 4.6% | |
Performance Summary (continued)
Bank borrowings
30 September 2019 | 30 September 2018 | 31 March 2019 | |
On-balance sheet borrowings [8] | £129.6m | £160.1m | £158.6m |
Loan to value ratio, net of cash [9] | 23.1%[10] | 29.2% | 22.1% |
Ongoing charges
Six months to 30 September 2019 |
Six months to 30 September 2018 | Year to 31 March 2019 | |
Ongoing charges (including fund only expenses) [11] | 1.4% | 1.0% | 1.1% |
Ongoing charges (including fund and property expenses) [12] | 2.3% | 2.0% | 2.2% |
Chairman’s Statement
Overview
The strategy during the interim period was focused on delivering sustainable income growth and maximising total returns through active asset management, the refinancing of the Canada Life debt facility and the further crystallising of profits from low-yielding disposals. This focus mitigated the impact of ongoing market uncertainty, with a total return from the underlying portfolio of 2.5% compared with the MSCI Benchmark of 1.0%.
A 0.4% decline in the value of the underlying portfolio led to a 0.6% decline in the Net Asset Value (‘NAV’) as at 30 September 2019 to £354.3 million, or 68.3 pence per share (‘pps’). Dividends of £6.7 million, or 1.3 pps, were paid during the period which resulted in a NAV total return of +0.5%.
Following the period end, the Company completed a significant refinancing to reduce the Company’s cost of debt compared with prevailing market rates and capitalise on historically low long-term interest rates. The interest saving of £2.5 million per annum is to be paid directly to shareholders via an approximate 19% dividend increase with effect from 1 October 2019, further building on the 5% dividend increase delivered in the financial year to March 2019.
Following the refinancing, and post-period end disposals, the Company has approximately £90 million of funding capacity which provides valuable operational flexibility including the ability to take advantage of lower asset pricing in the market with acquisitions.
Strategy
The Company has a clear investment strategy focused on delivering a sustainable income return from a diversified portfolio located in Winning Cities which are expected to generate higher levels of economic growth. This strategy, combined with active asset management, has generated 1.1% per annum of relative outperformance of the underlying portfolio compared with its MSCI peer group Benchmark since IPO in 2004.
The extended economic and real estate market cycle, combined with the current political uncertainty, is leading to weaker overall returns from UK real estate, with average capital values falling by 1.1% over the period. As expected, structural changes are having the greatest impact on real estate returns, with unprecedented polarisation between the sectors. To illustrate, retailer failure and weaker consumer spending led to average retail values falling 5.3% over the period. This was in contrast to the industrial sector, where robust occupier demand led to rental growth and capital values increasing by 1.1%. The Company’s low weighting to retail, and higher weighting to office and industrial compared to the Benchmark, continues to positively contribute to relative performance.
Lower returns are now expected across all real estate sectors as investors downgrade growth expectations. Whilst the extent of any pricing correction may depend on the outcome of next month’s UK general election, average values are forecast to fall in the remainder of 2019 and 2020. Against this backdrop the Company has capitalised on late cycle demand to sell £95 million of assets since the beginning of 2019 at an average net initial yield of 3.0%, with £45 million of disposals during the period and since the period end. As a result, the Company has significant capacity of approximately £90 million in cash and undrawn debt facilities to take advantage of any market correction with opportunistic reinvestment.
In addition to making disposals, the Manager has continued to invest in the existing portfolio in order to maximise returns and improve its defensive qualities. Our capital expenditure programme is being predominantly targeted at multi-let office and industrial refurbishments to increase rental values and support pre-let activity where tenants are committing to long leases offering fixed or inflation linked rental increases. The Gym Group fifteen year letting at the mixed-use Headingley Central in Leeds is an example of this, achieving a 16% premium above the previous apportioned office rent and the occupier will further enhance the tenant mix. The Manager’s report includes further detail on a growing pipeline of income-generating capital expenditure initiatives.
Environmental, Social and Governance (‘ESG’) considerations are an increasingly important focus. In September 2019 the Company secured its second consecutive GRESB Benchmark Green Star in recognition of the portfolio’s sustainability performance. The annual GRESB Benchmark assesses governance as well as implementation of relevant initiatives and encouragingly the Company improved its rating on both measures. The Manager is also
Chairman’s Statement (continued)
focused on ensuring that its activities deliver a positive social impact, illustrated in the Manager’s report by the collaborative working approach with the Council at City Tower in Manchester.
Debt
During the period, proceeds from recent disposals were used to repay the revolving credit facility with the Royal Bank of Scotland. This facility matures in July 2023 and has a margin of 1.6%, as well as the ability to be repaid and redrawn as often as required. The Company uses interest rate caps to mitigate against potential rising interest rates.
As noted above, on 15 October 2019 the Company refinanced its £129.6 million term loan with Canada Life and extended its maturity with 50% of the loan maturing in 13 years and 50% of the loan maturing in 20 years. The transaction reduces the interest cost on the loan from 4.4% to approximately 2.5%, resulting in interest savings of approximately £2.5 million per annum. The interest savings will be used to increase the dividend by approximately 19%, starting at the period 1 October 2019. The refinancing incurred a negotiated break cost, and related fees, of approximately £26.1 million.
Based on the period end valuation, and adjusting for refinancing and post period end disposals, the Company remains conservatively geared with a net Loan to Value ratio of approximately 22%. Our long-term target leverage range of 25% to 35% remains unchanged.
Auditor
Following a formal and competitive tender process, Ernst & Young LLP agreed to take up the position on 6 November 2019. The Board would like to thank KPMG for its professional service to the Company throughout its tenure in office. Shareholder approval to reappoint Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s auditor will be sought at the Company’s next Annual General Meeting to be held in the autumn of 2020.
Outlook
This has been another busy period for the Company with a focus on activity that has improved shareholder total returns and strengthened the balance sheet. This should support future returns during a period of greater market uncertainty. Whilst the disposals of lower yielding assets will result in a temporary decline in net income prior to reinvestment, the Board is comfortable with this approach as the Company has approximately £90 million of funding to take advantage of more attractively priced investment opportunities supporting the delivery of a fully covered, sustainable and growing dividend policy.
Lorraine Baldry
Chairman
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited
25 November 2019
Investment Manager’s Report
The Company’s Net Asset Value (‘NAV’) as at 30 September 2019 was £354.3 million, or 68.3 pence per share (‘pps’), compared with £356.4 million, or 68.7 pps, as at 31 March 2019. This reflected a decrease of 0.4 pps, or 0.6%, with the underlying movement in NAV per share set out in the table below:
Pence per share (‘pps’) | |
NAV as at 31 March 2019 | 68.7 |
Unrealised change in valuation of direct real estate portfolio and Joint Ventures | (0.3) |
Capital expenditure | (0.5) |
Realised gains on disposal | 0.3 |
Net revenue [13] | 1.3 |
Dividends paid | (1.3) |
Others | 0.1 |
NAV as at 30 September 2019 | 68.3 |
The underlying portfolio, including capital expenditure, decreased in value by -0.4% over the period. Profitable disposals contributed positively to returns and reduced the overall portfolio capital value decline to 0.4%. This compared favourably with the MSCI Benchmark on a like-for-like basis at -1.1%.
Our disposal programme resulted in a reduction in income over the period but this was mitigated by new lettings and rental growth of 0.2% compared with the MSCI Benchmark of -0.1%. Net revenue therefore totalled £6.7 million or 1.3 pps. The NAV total return including dividends paid of 1.3 pps was 0.5%.
On 15 October 2019, the Company refinanced its £129.6 million long-term debt with Canada Life. The transaction reduced the cost of this debt from 4.4% to 2.5%, representing a £2.5 million per annum interest saving, and extended the term from 8.5 years to an average 16.5 years (50% of the loan maturing in 13 years and 50% of the loan maturing in 20 years). The interest saving will be paid to shareholders as an increased dividend of £16 million per annum with effect from 1 October 2019. This is a 19% increase on the previous dividend and follows the 5% increase announced during the financial year to March 2019. The negotiated break cost and associated fees paid totalled £26.1 million which, together with a write off of £1.4m of previously unamortised loan costs, result in a pro forma NAV of £326.8 million or 63.0 pps.
Strategy
The strategy over the period remained focused on the following key objectives:
Investment Manager’s Report (continued)
Continued progress has been made executing this strategy which has delivered the following:
Market overview
UK real estate capital values peaked in October 2018 and have subsequently fallen by 3.0% to the end of the period. This masks significant polarisation between the sectors with, for example, shopping centre values falling 21.5% from their peak in November 2017 to the end of September 2019. This is in contrast with average industrial values that increased 17.3% over the same period. Further capital value declines are expected but the structural changes leading to this polarisation are expected to intensify meaning that we expect a dislocation in the cycles driving underlying real estate sectors.[16]
This slowdown in returns follows an unusually long period of sustained growth. The outlook for UK real estate markets in 2020 may be negatively impacted by political risks as well as macroeconomic factors. A risk of the UK leaving the EU without a deal could lead to a recessionary environment as companies delay investment decisions. An orderly Brexit transition should lead to continued growth with real assets benefiting from a low interest rate environment. This more uncertain outlook has driven a disciplined approach to selling low-yielding assets on completion of asset management initiatives.
In general, office markets appear to be relatively well placed to withstand a period of economic weakness. Take-up was steady through 2019 with tech, media and serviced office providers offsetting reduced demand from financial services. In strong regional centres vacancy rates are close to their low point before the financial crisis and new building is limited. Cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Bristol are capturing higher levels of growth and diversified economies with constrained supply are performing well.
The City of London office market is arguably most exposed to a hard Brexit which could cut demand from financial services occupiers. Serviced office providers such as WeWork have also been an important source of demand in certain London sub-markets and it is unclear how resilient they would be in a downturn. The Company has minimal exposure to the serviced office sector and no exposure to the City of London.
Investment Manager’s Report (continued)
Industrial rental growth has eased to 3% this year from 5% in 2018, in part reflecting weaker demand from manufacturers who account for a quarter of space. Increased speculative development of large distribution units and retailer insolvencies have also added to supply. Rents on well-located, multi-let industrial estates are expected to rise further but at a slower rate, particularly in London following a 40% increase since 2014. This led the Company to sell low-yielding industrial assets such as the Booker Unit in Acton where the price reflected a net initial yield of 3.5%.
The retail sector is weakening and while 2019 has seen fewer administrations than in 2018, several retailers have announced store closures and retailers are increasingly asking for reductions in rent. Average retail rents could fall over 20% as online sales are forecast to increase from 19% to 30% over five years. Lower rents are encouraging some retailers and leisure operators to expand and whilst this will benefit assets with good fundamentals, many retail assets will become functionally obsolete. The Company’s retail exposure is resilient as it includes no shopping centres and a high proportion of mixed-use assets whose retail benefits from convenient locations. This has facilitated value enhancing capital expenditure initiatives such as the Lidl letting at St. John’s Retail Park and The Gym letting at Headingley Central.
Real estate portfolio
As at 30 September 2019 the portfolio comprised 44 properties valued at £462.7 million. This includes the assets that were unconditionally exchanged for disposal during the period, but not completed at period end, and the Company’s share of joint venture properties at City Tower in Manchester and Store Street in London.
The portfolio generates a rental income of approximately £26.7 million per annum, reflecting a net initial income yield of 5.4% which compares with the MSCI Benchmark (the ‘Benchmark’) at 4.8%. The portfolio also benefits from fixed contractual annual rental uplifts of £1.9 million over the next 24 months. The independent valuers’ estimate that the current rental value of the portfolio is £33.0 million per annum, reflecting a reversionary income yield of 7.1%, which compares favourably with the Benchmark at 5.3%. 26 new lettings, rent reviews and renewals completed during the period for an additional £1.1 million of rent. This activity combined with disposals during and post the period end have maintained a stable void rate of 7.3%.[17] The data tables below summarise the portfolio information as at 30 September 2019.
Weighting (% of portfolio) | ||
Sector weightings by value | SREIT | Benchmark |
City | 0.0 | 3.2 |
Mid-town and West End | 7.9 | 5.6 |
Rest of South East | 6.7 | 9.3 |
Office Rest of UK | 21.5 | 7.1 |
Offices | 36.1 | 25.1 |
South Eastern | 12.9 | 16.9 |
Industrial Rest of UK | 20.2 | 9.3 |
Industrial | 33.1 | 26.2 |
South East | 1.0 | 7.1 |
Rest of UK | 11.3 [18] | 5.3 |
Shopping centres | 0.0 | 4.8 |
Retail warehouse | 11.8 | 12.3 |
Investment Manager’s Report (continued) |
||
Retail | 24.1 | 29.4 |
Other | 6.7 | 19.3 |
Regional weightings by value |
SREIT |
Benchmark |
Central London [19] | 7.9 | 13.4 |
South East excluding Central London | 22.4 | 39.0 |
Rest of South | 6.7 | 15.3 |
Midlands | 28.2 | 11.2 |
North | 29.7 | 14.4 |
Wales | 1.3 | 1.7 |
Scotland | 3.8 | 5.0 |
The top ten properties comprised 59.5% of the portfolio value as at 30 September 2019:
Top ten properties | Value (£m) | (% of portfolio) | |
1 | Manchester, City Tower (25% share) | 43.1 | 9.3 |
2 | London, Store Street, Bloomsbury (50% share) | 36.8 | 7.9 |
3 | Milton Keynes, Stacey Bushes Industrial Estate | 36.6 | 8.2 |
4 | Leeds, Millshaw Industrial Estate | 34.5 | 7.5 |
5 | Leeds, Headingley Central | 28.7 | 6.2 |
6 | Bedford, St. John’s Retail Park | 28.0 | 6.1 |
7 | Acton, Allied Way Industrial Estate [20] | 18.9 | 4.1 |
8 | Uxbridge, 106 Oxford Road | 18.0 | 3.9 |
9 | Norwich, Union Park Industrial Estate | 17.6 | 3.8 |
10 | Luton, The Galaxy | 12.0 | 2.6 |
Total as at 30 September 2019 | 274.2 | 59.5 |
Investment Manager’s Report (continued)
The top ten tenants represented 28% of the portfolio as a percentage of annual rent as at 30 September 2019:
Top ten tenants | Rent p.a. (£000) | (% of portfolio) | |
1 | University of Law Limited | 1,578 | 5.9 |
2 | Buckinghamshire New University | 1,152 | 4.3 |
3 | Recticel Limited [21] | 731 | 2.8 |
4 | Sportsdirect.com Retail | 722 | 2.8 |
5 | The Secretary of State | 715 | 2.7 |
6 | Booker Limited [22] | 700 | 2.6 |
7 | TJX UK Limited T/A Homesense | 505 | 1.9 |
8 | Jupiter Hotels Limited T/A Mercure | 461 | 1.7 |
9 | Cine UK Limited | 451 | 1.7 |
10 | Premier Inn Hotels Limited | 421 | 1.6 |
Total as at 30 September 2019 | 7,436 | 28.0 |
Portfolio performance
A high level of asset management has led to continued outperformance of the underlying property portfolio compared with the MSCI Benchmark. The table below shows the performance to 30 September 2019 with the portfolio ranked on the 17th percentile of the Benchmark since inception in 2004:
SREIT total return p.a. (%) | MSCI/IPD Benchmark total return p.a. (%) | Relative p.a. (%) | |||||||||
Period | Six Months | Three years | Since IPO[23] | Six Months | Three years | Since IPO | Six Months | Three years | Since IPO | ||
Retail | 2.4 | 8.9 | 8.3 | 2.1 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 0.4 | ||
Office | 6.3 | 19.6 | 9.7 | 3.3 | 14.8 | 8.9 | 2.9 | 4.2 | 0.7 | ||
Industrial | -1.9 | 1.8 | 4.9 | -2.7 | 1.1 | 4.1 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 | ||
Other | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 8.7 | 8.2 | 0.2 | -5.0 | -4.2 | ||
All sectors | 2.5 | 9.4 | 7.7 | 1.0 | 6.9 | 6.5 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 1.1 | ||
Investment Manager’s Report (continued)
Asset management
City Tower, Manchester (Office/Mixed-use - 25% share)
Description: 610,000 sq ft of office, retail, leisure and hotel accommodation on a three acre island site in Manchester city centre.
Valuation: £43.1 million at 30 September 2019 reflecting a net initial income yield of 5.1% and a reversionary yield of 6.8%. During the period the property delivered a 2.2% total return.
Asset strategy: To continue to improve the office accommodation to take advantage of good levels of occupational demand and reposition the retail and leisure offer.
Key activity:
Millshaw Industrial Estate, Leeds (Industrial)
Description: 460,000 sq ft multi-let industrial estate comprising 27 units. Strategically located two miles south of Leeds city centre, the property is adjacent to White Rose Office Park and benefits from close proximity to the M62 and M621 motorways.
Valuation: £34.5 million at 30 September 2019 reflecting a net initial income yield of 4.8% and a reversionary yield of 6.3%. During the period the property delivered an 8.7% total return.
Asset strategy: To refurbish units to drive further rental income growth and progress planning for higher value alternative uses given the prominent site frontage to the Leeds ring road.
Key activity:
Investment Manager’s Report (continued)
Leeds, Headingley Central (Retail/Mixed-use)
Description: Mixed-use 90,000 sq ft town centre scheme anchored by core convenience retail and leisure operators including Premier Inn Hotels, Sainsbury’s and Boots with a new pre-let to The Gym Group.
Valuation: £28.7 million at 30 September 2019 reflecting a net initial income yield of 3.7% and a reversionary yield of 6.0%. During the period the property delivered a 1.2% total return.
Asset strategy: To improve tenant mix and to convert the upper floor offices to alternative uses which are complementary to the ground floor retail and leisure to create a vibrant and sustainable scheme.
Key activity:
Disposals overview
Since the beginning of 2019 the Company has completed, or contracted to complete, on disposals totalling £95 million at an average net initial yield of 3.0 %. These disposals have crystallised profits from asset management and supported performance. The table below sets out the disposals that have contracted during the period, and since the period end, at a combined premium of 15% net of capex over the period:
Investment Manager’s Report (continued)
Completion Date | Address | Sector | March 19 valuation (£m) | Net sale price (£m) |
01-Oct-19 | Edinburgh, Haston House | Office | 5.5 | 6.5 |
08-Oct-19 | Alfreton, Recticel Unit | Industrial | 10.2 | 10.4 |
15-Nov-19 | Acton, Allied Way Industrial Estate | Industrial | 17.2 | 18.9 |
22-Nov-19 | Hinckley, Coventry Road 24 | Land | 2.0 | 2.2 |
12-Dec-19 | Peterborough, Finmere Park [24] | Industrial | 3.8 | 7.0 |
Total | 38.7 | 45.0 |
Finance
As noted above, on 15 October 2019 the Company refinanced its principal £129.6 million loan with Canada Life to take advantage of low long-term interest rates.
The Company also has a £52.5 million revolving credit facility with Royal Bank of Scotland (‘RBS’) that matures in July 2023. The RCF is an efficient and flexible funding source with a margin of 1.6% and the ability to be repaid and redrawn as often as required. The Company uses interest rate caps to mitigate the potential of rising interest rates.
The table below provides the details for both loans adopting the portfolio valuation as at 30 September 2019, utilising the refinancing terms:
Lender | Loan (£m)[25] | Maturity | Interest rate (%) | LTV ratio[26] (%) | LTV ratio covenant (%) | Interest cover ratio (%)[27] | ICR ratio covenant (%) | Forward looking ICR ratio (%) [28] | Forward looking ICR ratio covenant (%) |
Canada Life | 129.6 | 50%: 15/04/2032 50%: 15/10/2039 |
2.5 [29] | 43.3 | 65 | 269 | 185 | 473 | 185 |
RBS | 0.0 | 03/07/2023 | 2.4 [30] | 0.0 | 65 [31] | 1155 | 185 | 1675 | 250 |
Following the Canada Life refinancing, and taking into account the post period end disposals, the Company’s consolidated net loan to value is approximately 22%.
Responsible investing with impact
The Board and the Manager believe corporate social responsibility is key to long-term future business success. A successful sustainable investment programme should deliver enhanced returns to investors, improved business
Investment Manager’s Report (continued)
performance to occupiers and deliver tangible positive impacts to local communities, the environment and wider society.
Schroder Real Estate’s sustainability programme is continually evolving reflecting progression with industry sustainability targets, available technologies and the regulatory environment. Our programme looks to continually improve the sustainability credentials of the Company’s portfolio. In 2019, the Company’s work has again been recognised with the achievement of a Green Star in the annual Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark survey and an EPRA Best Practise Sustainability Reporting Gold Award for the year end accounts.
Schroder Real Estate is evolving its investment philosophy to incorporate impact investing at the heart of its investment management activities. Impact investing involves proactively taking action to improve social and environmental outcomes. Schroders has identified four pillars of impact and mapped these to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We are working to understand the opportunities and deliver positive impact through our activities within the built environment to communities and the environment. In relation to the environment, positive action is needed as the built environment is generally accepted to be responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions. In recognition of the role and responsibilities of the real estate industry and property owners, Schroder Real Estate signed the Better Buildings Partnership Climate Commitment in September. This initiative supports the drive to net zero carbon in buildings and the first stage of this is to set out our pathway to net zero in 2020.
This commitment is a natural extension of Schroder Real Estate’s sustainability programme which includes targets to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Please refer to the Company’s Annual Sustainability Report for more information on the sustainability strategy. We will report on the Company’s progress with this impact programme in next year’s Annual Report.
Outlook
The outlook for the UK real estate market remains uncertain given slowing economic growth and current political situation. Recent activity has improved the Company’s defensive characteristics as well as increased shareholder total returns through profitable disposals and the higher dividend.
Importantly, the activity during the interim period leaves the Company in a strong position with a low borrowing ratio and operational flexibility. There is additional investment capacity of approximately £90 million ahead of an expected market correction. Selectively deploying this capital over the course of 2020 into Winning Cities at higher yields should mean the Company is well placed to deliver continued, sustainable growth in net income.
Duncan Owen
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited
25 November 2019
Responsibility Statement of the Directors 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; and
• the interim management report (comprising the Chairman’s and the Investment Manager’s report) includes a fair review of the information required by:
(a) 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 condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
(b) 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 current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.
We are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s website, and for the preparation and dissemination of financial statements. Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
By order of the Board
Lorraine Baldry
Chairman
25 November 2019
Independent Review Report to Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited
Introduction
We have been engaged by Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited (the “Companyâ€), to review the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“Interim Financial Statementsâ€) in the Interim Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 September 2019 which comprise the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and related notes 1 to 15. We have read the other information contained in the Interim Report and Consolidated Financial Statements and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the Interim Financial Statements.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) (“ISRE 2410â€) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Directors’ responsibilities
The Interim Report and Consolidated Financial Statements are the responsibility of, and have been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report and Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (“DTRâ€) of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (“FCAâ€). As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The Interim Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34,
“Interim Financial Reporting,â€
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the Interim Financial Statements in the Interim Report and Consolidated Financial Statements based on our review.
Scope of Review
We conducted our review in accordance with ISRE 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the Interim Financial Statements in the Interim Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 September 2019 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 and the DTR of the United Kingdom's FCA.
Ernst & Young LLP
Guernsey, Channel Islands
25 November 2019
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Six months to | Six months to |
Year to |
||
30/09/2019 | 30/09/2018 | 31/03/2019 | ||
Notes | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | ||
Rental income | 11,755 | 12,528 | 25,278 | |
Other income | 1,089 | 39 | 1,339 | |
Property operating expenses | (1,237) | (1,040) | (2,375) | |
Net rental and related income, excluding joint ventures | 11,607 | 11,527 | 24,242 | |
Share of net rental income in joint ventures | 1,290 | 1,512 | 3,311 | |
Net rental and related income, including joint ventures | 12,897 | 13,039 | 27,553 | |
Profit on disposal of investment property | 5 | 1,536 | 2 | 2,156 |
Net valuation (loss)/gain on investment property | 5 | (3,507) | 7,286 | 1,556 |
Expenses | ||||
Investment management fee | 2 | (1,802) | (1,551) | (3,363) |
Valuers’ and other professional fees | (849) | (726) | (1,633) | |
Administrator’s fee | 2 | (60) | (60) | (120) |
Auditor’s remuneration | (66) | (66) | (128) | |
Directors’ fees | (75) | (75) | (150) | |
Other expenses | (42) | (140) | (202) | |
Total expenses | (2,894) | (2,618) | (5,596) | |
Net operating profit before net finance costs | 6,742 | 16,197 | 22,358 | |
Refinancing costs | 9 | - | (3,128) | (3,128) |
Finance costs payable | (3,323) | (3,369) | (6,807) | |
Net finance costs | (3,323) | (6,497) | (9,935) | |
Share of net rental income in joint ventures | 6 | 1,290 | 1,512 | 3,311 |
Share of net valuation (loss)/gain in joint ventures | 6 | (94) | (617) | 167 |
Profit and total comprehensive income for the period attributable to the equity holders of the parent | 4,615 | 10,595 | 15,901 | |
Basic and diluted earnings per share | 3 | 0.9p | 2.0p | 3.1p |
All items in the above statement are derived from continuing operations. The accompanying notes 1 to 15 form an integral part of the condensed interim financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Restated | ||||||
Notes | 30/09/2019 £000 |
30/09/2018 £000 |
31/03/2019 £000 |
|||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | ||||
Investment property | 5 | 331,695 | 417,783 | 352,186 | ||
Investment in joint ventures | 6 | 80,071 | 78,381 | 80,165 | ||
Non-current assets | 411,766 | 496,164 | 432,351 | |||
Trade and other receivables | 7 | 49,360 | 18,067 | 49,689 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 8 | 23,348 | 8,881 | 21,042 | ||
Investment property held for sale[32] | 5 | 8,373 | 2,000 | 18,911 | ||
Current assets | 81,081 | 28,948 | 89,642 | |||
Total assets | 492,847 | 525,112 | 521,993 | |||
Issued capital and reserves | 380,703 | 384,187 | 382,828 | |||
Treasury shares | (26,452) | (26,452) | (26,452) | |||
Equity | 354,251 | 357,735 | 356,376 | |||
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 9 | 127,406 | 157,973 | 156,230 | ||
Lease liability | 5 | 2,655 | - | - | ||
Non-current liabilities | 130,061 | 157,973 | 156,230 | |||
Trade and other payables | 10 | 8,535 | 9,404 | 9,387 | ||
Current liabilities | 8,535 | 9,404 | 9,387 | |||
Total liabilities | 138,596 | 167,377 | 165,617 | |||
Total equity and liabilities | 492,847 | 525,112 | 521,993 | |||
Net Asset Value per ordinary share | 11 | 68.3p | 69.0p | 68.7p | ||
The financial statements on pages 19-32 were approved at a meeting of the Board of Directors held on 25 November 2019 and signed on its behalf by:
Lorraine Baldry
Chairman
The accompanying notes 1 to 15 form an integral part of the condensed interim financial statements
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the period from 1 April 2018 to 30 September 2018 (unaudited)
Notes | Stated Capital | Treasury share reserve | Revenue reserve | Total | |||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||
Balance as at 31 March 2018 | 219,090 | (26,452) | 160,932 | 353,570 | |||||
Profit and total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | 10,595 | 10,595 | |||||
Dividends paid | 4 | - | - | (6,430) | (6,430) | ||||
Balance as at 30 September 2018 | 219,090 | (26,452) | 165,097 | 357,735 | |||||
For the year ended 31 March 2019 (audited) and for the period from 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 (unaudited) |
|||||||||
Notes | Stated Capital | Treasury share reserve | Revenue reserve | Total | |||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||
Balance as at 31 March 2018 | 219,090 | (26,452) | 160,932 | 353,570 | |||||
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year | - | - | 15,901 | 15,901 | |||||
Dividends paid | 4 | - | - | (13,095) | (13,095) | ||||
Balance as at 31 March 2019 | 219,090 | (26,452) | 163,738 | 356,376 | |||||
Profit and total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | 4,615 | 4,615 | |||||
Dividends paid | 4 | - | - | (6,740) | (6,740) | ||||
Balance as at 30 September 2019 | 219,090 | (26,452) | 161,613 | 354,251 | |||||
The accompanying notes 1 to 15 form an integral part of the condensed interim financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Six months to |
Six months to |
Year to |
||
30/09/2019 | 30/09/2018 | 31/03/2019 | ||
£000 | £000 | £000 | ||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | ||
Operating activities | ||||
Profit for the period/year |
4,615 |
10,595 |
15,901 |
|
Adjustments for: | ||||
Profit on disposal of investment property | (1,536) | (2) | (2,156) | |
Net valuation (loss)/gain on investment property | 3,507 | (7,286) | (1,556) | |
Share of profit of joint ventures | (1,195) | (895) | (3,478) | |
Net finance cost | 3,323 | 3,369 | 9,935 | |
Operating cash generated before changes in working capital |
8,714 | 5,781 | 18,646 | |
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables | 328 | (3,664) | (179) | |
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables | (852) | 648 | 1,105 | |
Cash generated from operations | 8,190 | 2,765 | 19,572 | |
Finance costs paid | (3,189) | (3,298) | (6,541) | |
Net cash from operating activities | 5,001 | (533) | 13,031 | |
Investing Activities | ||||
Proceeds from sale of investment property | 34,378 | - | 12,447 | |
Additions to investment property | (2,623) | (1,142) | (2,761) | |
Acquisition of investment property | - | (22,377) | (23,191) | |
Investment in joint ventures | - | (1,250) | (2,250) | |
Net income distributed from joint ventures | 1,290 | 1,512 | 3,311 | |
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities | 33,045 | (23,257) | 12,444 | |
Financing Activities | ||||
Repayment of external debt | (29,000) | - | - | |
Additions to debt | - | 9,883 | 8,500 | |
Refinancing fees paid | - | - | (4,168) | |
Dividends paid | (6,740) | (6,430) | (13,095) | |
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities | (35,740) | 3,453 | (8,763) | |
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents for the period/year | 2,306 | (20,337) | (8,176) | |
Opening cash and cash equivalents | 21,042 | 29,218 | 29,218 | |
Closing cash and cash equivalents | 23,348 | 8,881 | 21,042 | |
The accompanying notes 1 to 15 form an integral part of the condensed interim financial statements.
Notes to the Interim Report
1. Significant accounting policies
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited (“the Companyâ€) is a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey. The condensed interim financial statements of the Company for the period ended 30 September 2019 comprise the Company, its subsidiaries and its interests in joint ventures (together referred to as the “Groupâ€).
Statement of compliance
The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority and IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. They do not include all the information required for the full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the year ended 31 March 2019. The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Group’s annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019. The financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSâ€) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The Group’s annual financial statements refer to new Standards and Interpretations. Management’s assessment of IFRS 16 has resulted in an adjustment in the recognition of the fair value of a head lease relating to The Galaxy, Luton which can be seen in note 5.
Going concern
The Directors have examined significant areas of possible financial risk including cash and cash requirements and the debt covenants, in particular the loan to value covenants and interest cover ratios on the loans with Canada Life and Royal Bank of Scotland (“RBSâ€). As at the period end, the undrawn capacity of the RBS facility was £52.5 million. The RCF is an efficient and flexible source of funding due to the margin of 1.6% and the ability to be repaid and redrawn as often as required. Following the September period end, in October 2019 the Group completed a refinancing activity relating to the facility held with Canada Life. This £129.6 million fixed rate loan will now attract a total interest rate of 2.5% per annum, compared to a previous 4.4%, resulting in an immediate interest saving of £2.5 million per annum.
The Directors have not identified any material uncertainties which would cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of not less than twelve months from the date of the approval of the condensed interim financial statements. The Directors have satisfied themselves that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
After due consideration, the Board believes it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed interim financial statements.
Use of estimates and judgments
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. There have been no changes in the judgements and estimates used by management as disclosed in the last annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019.
Segmental reporting
The Directors are of the opinion that the Group is engaged in a single segment of business, being property investment and in one geographical area, the United Kingdom. There is no one tenant that represents more than 10% of group revenues. The chief operating decision maker is considered to be the Board of Directors who are provided with consolidated IFRS information on a quarterly basis.
Notes to the Interim Report (Continued)
2. Material agreements
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited is the Investment Manager to the Company.
The Investment Manager is entitled to a fee, together with reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of its duties. The fee is payable monthly in arrears and shall be an amount equal to one twelfth of the aggregate of 1.1% of the NAV of the Company. The Investment Management Agreement can be terminated by either party on not less than twelve months written notice or on immediate notice in the event of certain breaches of its terms or the insolvency of either party. The total charge to profit during the period was £1,802,000 (year to 31 March 2019: £3,363,000) (6 months to 30 September 2018: £1,551,000). At the period end £497,000 (31 March 2019: £287,000; 30 September 2018: £581,000) was outstanding.
The Board appointed Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited as the Administrator to the Company with effect from 25 July 2007. The Administrator is entitled to an annual fee equal to £120,000 of which £30,000 (31 March 2019: £30,000; 30 September 2018: £30,000) was outstanding at the period end.
3. Basic and Diluted Earnings per share
The basic and diluted earnings per share for the Group is based on the profit for the period of £4,615,000 (31 March 2019: £15,901,000; 30 September 2018: £10,595,000) and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period of 518,513,409 (31 March 2019: 518,513,409 and 30 September 2018: 518,513,409)
EPRA earnings reconciliation
As recommended by the European Public Real Estate Association (‘EPRA’), EPRA performance measures are disclosed in the section below.
Six months to 30/09/2019 |
Six months to 30/09/2018 |
Year to 31/03/2019 |
|||
£000 | £000 | £000 | |||
Profit after tax | 4,615 | 10,595 | 15,901 | ||
Adjustments to calculate EPRA Earnings exclude: | |||||
Profit on disposal of investment property | (1,536) | (2) | (2,156) | ||
Net valuation (gain)/loss on investment property | 3,507 | (7,286) | (1,556) | ||
Share of valuation loss/(gain) in joint ventures | 94 | 617 | (167) | ||
EPRA earnings | 6,680 | 3,924 | 12,022 | ||
Company adjustments [33] | - | 3,128 | 3,128 | ||
Adjusted EPRA earnings | 6,680 | 7,052 | 15,150 | ||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 518,513,409 | 518,513,409 | 518,513,409 | ||
EPRA earnings per share (pence) | 1.3 | 0.8 | 2.3 | ||
Adjusted EPRA earnings per share (pence) | 1.3 | 1.4 | 2.9 | ||
EPRA earnings per share reflects the underlying performance of the Group calculated in accordance with the EPRA guidelines. EPRA earnings represents the net income generated from the operational activities of the Group. It excluded all capital components not relevant to the underlying net income performance of the portfolio, such as the realised and unrealised fair value gains or losses on investment properties.
Notes to the Interim Report (continued)
4. Dividends paid
Number of | 01/04/2019 to | ||
In respect of | ordinary | Rate | 30/09/2019 |
shares | (pence) | £000 | |
Quarter ended 31 March 2019 (paid 7 June 2019) | 518.51 million | 0.65 | 3,370 |
Quarter ended 30 June 2019 (paid 16 August 2019) | 518.51 million | 0.65 | 3,370 |
1.30 | 6,740 |
Number of | 01/04/2018 to | ||
In respect of | ordinary | Rate | 30/09/2018 |
shares | (pence) | £000 | |
Quarter ended 31 March 2018 (paid 31 May 2018) | 518.51 million | 0.62 | 3,215 |
Quarter ended 30 June 2018 (paid 31 August 2018) | 518.51 million | 0.62 | 3,215 |
1.24 | 6,430 |
Number of | 01/04/2018 to |
|||
In respect of | ordinary | Rate | 31/03/2019 | |
shares | (pence) | £000 | ||
Quarter ended 31 March 2018 (paid 31 May 2018) | 518.51 million | 0.62 | 3,215 | |
Quarter ended 30 June 2018 (paid 31 August 2018) | 518.51 million | 0.62 | 3,215 | |
Quarter ended 30 Sept 2018 (paid 5 December 2018) | 518.51 million | 0.64 | 3,295 | |
Quarter ended 31 Dec 2018 (paid 15 March 2019) | 518.51 million | 0.65 | 3,370 | |
2.53 | 13,095 | |||
A dividend for the quarter ended 30 September 2019 of 0.65p (£3.4 million) was approved on 25 November 2019 and will be paid on 18 December 2019.
5. Investment property and Investment property held for sale
For the period 1 April 2018 to 30 September 2018 (unaudited)
Leasehold | Freehold | Total | |
£000 | £000 | £000 | |
Fair value as at 1 April 2018 | 37,180 | 351,796 | 388,976 |
Acquisitions of investment property | - | 22,377 | 22,377 |
Additions | 52 | 1,090 | 1,142 |
Realised gain on disposals | - | 2 | 2 |
Net valuation (loss)/gain on investment property | (81) | 7,367 | 7,286 |
Fair value as at 30 September 2018 | 37,151 | 382,632 | 419,783 |
The balance above includes:
Leasehold £000 |
Freehold £000 |
Total £000 | |
Investment property | 37,151 | 380,632 | 417,783 |
Investment property held for sale | - | 2,000 | 2,000 |
Fair value as at 30 September 2018 | 37,151 | 382,632 | 419,783 |
Notes to the Interim Report (continued)
5. Investment property and Investment property held for sale (continued)
For the year 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 (audited)
Leasehold | Freehold | Total | |
£000 | £000 | £000 | |
Fair value as at 1 April 2018 | 37,180 | 351,796 | 388,976 |
Reclassification between freehold and leasehold | 5,600 | (5,600) | - |
Additions | 88 | 25,864 | 25,952 |
Gross proceeds on disposals | - | (47,543) | (47,543) |
Realised gain on disposals | - | 2,156 | 2,156 |
Net valuation (loss)/gain on investment property | (3,046) | 4,602 | 1,556 |
Fair value as at 31 March 2019 | 39,822 | 331,275 | 371,097 |
The balance above includes:
Leasehold £000 |
Freehold £000 |
Total £000 | |
Investment property | 39,822 | 312,364 | 352,186 |
Investment property held for sale | - | 18,911 | 18,911 |
Fair value as at 31 March 2019 | 39,822 | 331,275 | 371,097 |
For the period 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 (unaudited)
Leasehold | Freehold | Total | |
£000 | £000 | £000 | |
Fair value as at 1 April 2019 | 39,822 | 331,275 | 371,097 |
Additions | 31 | 2,592 | 2,623 |
Gross proceeds on disposals | - | (34,336) | (34,336) |
Realised gain on disposals | - | 1,536 | 1,536 |
Fair value leasehold adjustment * | 2,655 | - | 2,655 |
Net valuation (loss)/gain on investment property | (1,405) | (2,102) | (3,507) |
Fair value as at 30 September 2019 | 41,103 | 298,965 | 340,068 |
* Further to the new IFRS 16 requirements, there has been an adjustment to include the fair value of the leasehold element of The Galaxy, Luton. The corresponding lease liability is included on the balance sheet under non-current liabilities.
The balance above includes:
Leasehold £000 |
Freehold £000 |
Total £000 | |
Investment property | 41,103 | 290,592 | 331,695 |
Investment property held for sale | - | 8,373 | 8,373 |
Fair Value as at 30 September 2019 | 41,103 | 298,965 | 340,068 |
Two of the investment properties have been determined to meet the criteria of a held for sale asset at the period end with a total value of £8,373,000 (31 March 2019: £18,911,000; 30 September 2018: £2,000,000). The 31 March 2019 held for sale balance has been restated. The held for sale assets were previously included in investment property and therefore the statement of financial position has been restated accordingly.
The fair value of investment property, as determined by the valuer, totals £376,425,000 (31 March 2019: £417,550,000; 30 September 2018: £431,475,000). Of this amount, £18,875,000 is in relation to the unconditional exchange of contracts for Allied Industrial Estate, Acton and £10,400,000 is in relation to the unconditional exchange
Notes to the Interim Report (continued)
5. Investment property and Investment property held for sale (continued)
of contracts for The Reticel Unit, Alfreton (March 2019: £36,100,000 in relation to the unconditional exchange of contracts for Victory House, Brighton). As at 30 September 2019, £9,737,000 (31 March 2019: £10,352,000; 30 September 2018: £11,692,000) in connection with lease incentives is included within trade and other receivables and a further adjustment of £2,655,000 is included in non-current liabilities (31 March 2019: £nil; September 2018: £nil) relating to the fair value of the leasehold.
The fair value of investment property has been determined by Knight Frank LLP, a firm of independent chartered surveyors, who are registered independent appraisers. The valuation has been undertaken in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards 2017, which incorporates the International Valuation Standards, and the RICS National Supplement effective from January 2019, issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (the “Red Bookâ€).
The properties have been valued on the basis of “Fair Value†in accordance with the RICS Valuation - Professional Standards VPS4(7.1) Fair Value and VPGA1 Valuations for Inclusion in Financial Statements which adopt the definition of Fair Value used by the International Accounting Standards Board.
The valuation has been undertaken using appropriate valuation methodology and the Valuer’s professional judgement. The Valuer’s opinion of Fair Value was primarily derived using recent comparable market transactions on arm’s length terms, where available, and appropriate valuation techniques (The Investment Method).
The properties have been valued individually and not as part of a portfolio.
All investment properties are categorised as Level 3 fair values as they use significant unobservable inputs. There have not been any transfers between Levels during the year. Investment properties have been classed according to their real estate sector. Information on these significant unobservable inputs per class of investment property is disclosed below:
Quantitative information about fair value measurement using unobservable inputs (Level 3) as at 30 September 2019 (unaudited)
Industrial | Retail (incl retail warehouse) | Office | Other | Total | ||
Fair value (£’000) | 153,125 | 106,500 | 96,700 | 20,100 | 376,425 | |
Area (‘000 sq ft) | 1,737 | 556 | 463 | 177 | 2,933 | |
Net passing rent psf per annum | Range Weighted average |
£0 - £11.45 £4.75 | £0 - £38.50 £11.30 | £6.15 - £29.10 £14.71 | £6.65 -£13.00 £7.82 |
£0 - £38.50 £7.75 |
Gross ERV psf per annum | Range Weighted average |
£3.75 - £13.00 £5.60 |
£7.40 - £37.75 £14.49 | £9.75 - £27.00 £16.66 |
£8.18 -£13.00 £8.46 |
£3.75 - £37.75 £9.21 |
Net initial yield (1) | Range Weighted average |
0% - 6.59% 5.05% | 0% -9.02% 5.53% | 2.10% - 8.74% 6.60% | 4.73% -7.54% 6.46% |
0% - 9.02% 5.66% |
Equivalent yield | Range Weighted average |
4.05% - 7.03% 5.82% | 5.08%-9.95% 6.49% | 5.65%-9.08% 7.17% | 4.73% -8.04% 6.71% |
4.05%-9.95% 6.41% |
Notes: (1) Yields based on rents receivable after deduction of head rents, but gross of non-recoverables.
Notes to the Interim Report (continued)
5. Investment property and Investment property held for sale (continued)
Quantitative information about fair value measurement using unobservable inputs (Level 3) as at 31 March 2019 (audited)
Industrial | Retail (incl retail warehouse) | Office | Leisure | Total | ||
Fair value (£000) | 146,350 | 111,450 | 139,500 | 20,250 | 417,550 | |
Area (‘000 sq ft) | 1,737 | 553 | 634 | 177 | 3,101 | |
Net passing rent per sq ft per annum | Range Weighted average |
£0 - £10.84 £4.58 | £0 - £38.50 £12.63 | £0 - £25.72 £11.50 | £0 - £13.00 £7.92 |
£0 - £38.50 £7.62 |
Gross ERV per sq ft per annum | Range Weighted average |
£3.75 - £12.77 £5.58 |
£7.40 - £38.50 £14.73 | £9.50 - £27.50 £16.46 | £8.18 -£13.00 £9.07 |
£3.75 - £38.50 £9.64 |
Net initial yield (1) | Range Weighted average |
0% - 6.75% 5.09% | 0% -9.54% 5.87% | 0% - 8.98% 4.89% | 4.73% -7.68% 6.49% |
0% - 8.98% 5.30% |
Equivalent yield | Range Weighted average |
4.44% - 8.05% 5.95% | 5.35%-10.09% 6.38% | 5.15%-10.53% 6.75% | 4.73% -7.83% 6.59% |
4.44%-10.53% 6.36% |
Notes: (1) Yields based on rents receivable after deduction of head rents, but gross of non-recoverables.
Sensitivity of measurement to variations in the significant unobservable inputs
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy of the Group’s property portfolio, together with the impact of significant movements in these inputs on the fair value measurement, are shown below:
Unobservable input | Impact on fair value measurement of significant increase in input | Impact on fair value measurement of significant decrease in input |
Passing rent | Increase | Decrease |
Gross ERV | Increase | Decrease |
Net initial yield | Decrease | Increase |
Equivalent yield | Decrease | Increase |
There are interrelationships between the yields and rental values as they are partially determined by market rate conditions.
Notes to the Interim Report (continued)
5. Investment property and Investment property held for sale (continued)
The sensitivity of the valuation to changes in the most significant inputs per class of investment property are shown below:
Estimated movement in fair value of investment properties at 30 September 2019 (unaudited) | Industrial £’000 |
Retail £’000 |
Office £’000 |
Other £’000 |
Total £’000 |
Increase in ERV by 5% | 7,383 | 4,626 | 4,133 | 665 | 16,807 |
Decrease in ERV by 5% | (7,147) | (4,504) | (4,087) | (406) | (16,144) |
Increase in net initial yield by 0.25% | (7,229) | (4,607) | (3,529) | (749) | (15,930) |
Decrease in net initial yield by 0.25% | 7,983 | 5,044 | 3,807 | 809 | 17,403 |
Estimated movement in fair value of investment properties at 31 March 2019 (audited) | Industrial £000 |
Retail £000 |
Office £000 |
Other £000 |
Total £000 |
Increase in ERV by 5% | 7,147 | 5,236 | 6,003 | 549 | 18,935 |
Decrease in ERV by 5% | (6,860) | (4,490) | (5,846) | (526) | (17,722) |
Increase in net initial yield by 0.25% | (6,846) | (4,550) | (6,781) | (750) | (18,799) |
Decrease in net initial yield by 0.25% | 7,552 | 4,955 | 7,512 | 811 | 20,659 |
6. Investment in joint ventures
For the period 1 April 2018 to 30 September 2018 (unaudited)
£000 | ||
Opening balance as at 1 April 2018 | 77,748 | |
Purchase of units in City Tower Unit Trust to fund capital expenditure | 1,250 | |
Share of profit for the period | 895 | |
Distributions received | (1,512) | |
Amounts recognised as joint ventures at 30 September 2018 | 78,381 |
For the year 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 (audited)
£000 | |
Opening balance as at 1 April 2018 | 77,748 |
Purchase of units in City Tower Unit Trust to fund capital expenditure | 2,250 |
Share of profit for the period | 3,478 |
Distribution received | (3,311) |
Amounts recognised as joint ventures at 31 March 2019 | 80,165 |
For the period 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 (unaudited)
£000 | ||
Opening balance as at 1 April 2019 | 80,165 | |
Share of profit for the period | 1,196 | |
Distributions received | (1,290) | |
Amounts recognised as joint ventures at 30 September 2019 | 80,071 |
Notes to the Interim Report (continued)
7. Trade and other receivables
Six months to 30/09/2019 |
Six months to 30/09/2018 |
Year to 31/03/2019 |
||
£000 | £000 | £000 | ||
Rent receivable | 2,609 | 1,873 | 866 | |
Sundry debtors and prepayments | 12,966 | 16,194 | 12,604 | |
Receivable relating to disposals | 33,785 | - | 36,219 | |
49,360 | 18,067 | 49,689 |
Sundry debtors and other receivables includes £9,737,000 (31 March 2019: £10,352,000, 30 September 2018: £11,692,000) in respect of lease incentives.
8. Cash and cash equivalents
As at 30 September 2019 the group had £23.3 million in cash (31 March 2019: £21.0 million, 30 September 2018: £8.9 million) of which £3.6 million is held within the Canada Life security pool. (31 March 2019: £0.3 million, 30 September 2018: £nil).
9. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
The Group entered into a £129.6 million loan facility with Canada Life on 16 April 2013 that had 20% of the loan maturing on 15 April 2023 and with the balance of 80% maturing on 15 April 2028, with a fixed interest rate of 4.77%. On the 2 July 2018, the 20% of the Canada Life loan maturing on 15 April 2023 was refinanced extending the maturity date, increasing the length of the loan to that of the 80%, maturing on the 15 April 2028 making it coterminous with the 80% balance. The interest rate for this element of the loan was amended to 3.00% from 4.77%.
On 2 July 2018, the Company refinanced its existing £20.5 million revolving credit facility with Royal Bank of Scotland. The RCF with RBS was increased from £20.5 million to £32.5 million. In January 2019 the RCF limit was further increased from £32.5 million to £52.5 million. As at 30 September 2019 this facility was completely undrawn following a repayment of the balance of £29 million on 4 July 2019.
The existing RCF had been due to expire in July 2019, but was extended and now expires in July 2023. The interest rate is based on the loan to value ratio as below:
During the period the loan to value has remained less than 60%. Since this loan has variable interest, an interest rate cap for 100% of the loan was entered into, which comes into effect if GBP 3 month LIBOR reaches 1.5%. As at the reporting date GBP 3 month LIBOR has not reached 1.5%.
As at 30 September 2019 the group has a loan balance of £129.6 million and £2.2 million of unamortised arrangement fees (31 March 2019: £158.6 million and £2.4 million of unamortised arrangement fees, September 2018: £160.1 million and £2.1 million of unamortised arrangement fees).
Fair values are based on the present value of future cash flows discounted at a market rate of interest. Issue costs are amortised over the period of the borrowings. As at 30 September 2019 the fair value of the Group’s £129.6 million loan with Canada Life was £150.6 million (31 March 2019: £143.3 million, 30 September 2018: £145.3 million).
Notes to the Interim Report (continued)
10. Trade and other payables
Six months to 30/09/2019 |
Six months to 30/09/2018 |
Year to 31/03/2019 |
||
£000 | £000 | £000 | ||
Rent received in advance | 3,998 | 4,938 | 4,532 | |
Rental deposits | 1,276 | 1,105 | 1,193 | |
Interest payable | 1,254 | 1,391 | 1,391 | |
Other payables and accruals | 2,007 | 1,970 | 2,271 | |
8,535 | 9,404 | 9,387 |
11. NAV per ordinary share
The NAV per ordinary share is based on the net assets of £354,251,000 (31 March 2019: £356,376,000, 30 September 2018: 357,735,000) and 518,513,409 ordinary shares in issue at the Statement of Financial Position reporting date (31 March 2019: 518,513,409 and 30 September 2018: 518,513,409).
12. Financial risk factors
The Directors are of the opinion that there have been no significant changes to the financial risk profile of the Group since the end of the last annual financial reporting period ended 31 March 2019 of which it is aware.
The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments and properties are market price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk. The Group is only directly exposed to sterling and hence is not exposed to currency risks. The Board regularly reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks.
13. Related party transactions
Material agreements are disclosed in note 2. The Directors’ remuneration for the period for services to the Group was £75,000 (31 March 2019: £150,000, 30 September 2018: £75,000). Transactions with joint ventures are disclosed in note 6.
14. Capital Commitments
At 30 September 2019 the Group had capital commitments for capital expenditure of £9.9 million (31 March 2019: £9.4 million, 30 September 2018: £2.0 million).
15. Post balance sheet events
Since the end of the period the Group has completed on the sale of four properties and has exchanged to sell one other.
On 1 October Haston House, Edinburgh was sold for £6.5 million; on 8 October the Recticel Unit, Alfreton was sold for £10.4 million; on 15 November the Allied Industrial Estate, Acton was sold for £18.9 million; and on 22 November Coventry Road, Hinckley was sold for £2.2 million.
On 18 November Finmere Park, Peterborough exchanged for £6.9 million with completion set for 12 December 2019.
On 14 October an amount of £5.0 million was drawn down on the revolving credit facility with RBS. The remaining balance of £47.5 million remains undrawn.
On 15 October the loan of £129.6m with Canada Life was refinanced. A break cost inclusive of fees of £26.1m was paid and a sum of £1.4m of previously unamortised loan costs was written off.
Glossary
Alternative performance measure (“APMâ€) | Alternative performance measure |
Annualised dividend yield | being the dividend paid during the period annualised and expressed as a percentage of the period end share price. |
Articles | means the Company's articles of incorporation, as amended from time to time. |
Companies Law | means The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. |
Company | is Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited. |
Directors | means the directors of the Company as at the date of this document. |
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules | means the disclosure guidance and transparency rules contained within the FCA's Handbook of Rules and Guidance. |
Earnings per share (“EPSâ€) | is the profit after taxation divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. Diluted and Adjusted EPS are derived as set out under NAV. |
Estimated rental value (“ERVâ€) | is the Group’s external valuers’ reasonable opinion as to the open market rent which, on the date of valuation, could reasonably be expected to be obtained on a new letting or rent review of a property. |
EPRA | is European Public Real Estate Association. |
EPRA Earnings | is the earnings excluding all capital components not relevant to the underlying net income performance of the portfolio, such as the realised and unrealised fair value gains or losses on investment properties. |
EPRA Earnings per share | is the EPRA earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. |
EPRA NAV | is the NAV calculated under IFRS adjusted to reflect the fair value of financial instruments, debt and deferred taxation. |
FCA | is the UK Financial Conduct Authority. |
Gearing | is the Group’s net debt as a percentage of adjusted net assets. |
Group | is the Company and its subsidiaries. |
Initial yield | is the annualised net rents generated by the portfolio expressed as a percentage of the portfolio valuation. |
Interest cover | is the number of times Group net interest payable is covered by Group net rental income. |
Listing Rules | means the listing rules made by the FCA under Part VII of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended. |
Market Abuse Regulation | means regulation (EU) No.596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse. |
MSCI | (formerly Investment Property Databank or ‘IPD’) is a Company that produces an independent benchmark of property returns. |
Net Asset Value or NAV | is shareholders’ funds divided by the number of shares in issue at the period end. |
NAV total return | is calculated taking into account both capital returns and income returns in the form of dividends paid to shareholders. |
Net rental income | is the rental income receivable in the period after payment of ground rents and net property outgoings. |
REIT | is Real Estate Investment Trust. |
Reversionary yield | is the anticipated yield, which the initial yield will rise to once the rent reaches the estimated rental value. |
Corporate information
Registered Address PO Box 255 Trafalgar Court Les Banques St. Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL Directors Lorraine Baldry (Chairman) Stephen Bligh Graham Basham Alastair Hughes (All Non-Executive Directors) Investment Manager and Accounting Agent Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited 1 London Wall Place London EC2Y 5AU Secretary and Administrator Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited PO Box 255 Trafalgar Court Les Banques St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL Depositary Northern Trust (Guernsey) Limited PO Box 255 Trafalgar Court Les Banques St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL |
Independent Auditor Ernst & Young LLP PO Box 9, Royal Chambers St Julian’s Avenue St. Peter Port Guernsey GY1 4AF Property Valuers Knight Frank LLP 55 Baker Street London W1U 8AN Sponsor and Broker J.P. Morgan Securities plc 25 Bank Street Canary Wharf London E14 5JP Tax Advisers Deloitte LLP 2 New Street Square London EC4A 3BZ Receiving Agent and UK Transfer/Paying Agent Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited Queensway House Hilgrove Street St Helier Jersey JE1 1ES |
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Solicitors to the Company as to English Law: Stephenson Harwood LLP 1 Finsbury Circus London EC2M 7SH |
as to Guernsey Law: Mourant Ozannes Royal Chambers St Julian’s Avenue St. Peter Port Guernsey GY1 4HP |
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ISA The Company’s shares are eligible for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). FATCA GIIN 5BM7YG.99999.SL.831 |
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[1] Winning Cities defined as higher growth regions. Source: Oxford Economics/Schroders
[2] Source: MSCI property level returns gross of fees on a like-for-like basis including direct and indirect property investments. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated.
[3] This includes the assets that were unconditionally exchanged for disposal during the period, but not completed at period end, and the Company’s share of joint venture properties at City Tower in Manchester and Store Street in London.
[4] Adjusted EPRA Earnings.
[5] This is an Alternative Performance Measure (‘APM’) as defined in the glossary
[6] Adjusted for one-off refinancing costs.
[7] Based on the dividends paid during the period.
[8] On-balance sheet borrowings reflect the loan facilities with Canada Life and RBS excluding the deduction of finance costs.
[9] Cash excludes rent deposits, service charges and floats held with managing agents.
[10] Adjusting for the refinancing and post period end disposals, the Loan to Value ratio, net of cash, is approximately 22%.
[11] Ongoing charges calculated in accordance with AIC recommended methodology, as a percentage of average NAV during the year. Fund only expenses exclude all property operating expenses, valuers’ and professional fees in relation to properties.
[12] Ongoing charges exclude all exceptional costs, when incurred, and interest during the period.
[13] Net Revenue is defined as profit less capital items.
[14] Source: Oxford Economics/Schroders.
15 Like-for-like with MSCI i.e. ignoring standard acquisition costs.
[16] All figures source CBRE UK Monthly Index
[17] Calculated as percentage of Estimated Rental Value.
[18] 49% of the 11.3% comprises retail as part of mixed-use assets such as City Tower in Manchester and Headingley Central in Leeds.
[19] Note Central London is defined by MSCI as City, Mid-Town, West End and Inner London.
[20] This asset sale unconditionally exchanged on 16 May 2019 with completion on 15 November 2019 for £18.875 million.
[21] Single tenant of a distribution building in Alfreton which was sold on 8 October 2019.
[22] Single tenant of a cash and carry warehouse in Acton which was sold on 15 November 2019.
[23] The Company listed in July 2004.
[24] These assets unconditionally exchanged post period end.
[25] Balance as at 30 September 2019; Post period end £5 million drawn from the RBS facility.
26 Loan to Value (‘LTV’) is the loan balance divided by the property value as at 30 September 2019.
[27] For the quarter preceding the Interest Payment Date (‘IPD’), ((rental income received – void rates, void service charge and void insurance)/interest paid).
[28] For the four quarters following the IPD, ((rental income to be received – void rates, void service charge and void insurance)/interest paid).
[29] Fixed total interest rate for the loan term.
[30] Total interest rate as at 30 Sept 2019 comprising 3 months LIBOR and the margin of 1.6% at an LTV below 60% and a margin of 1.90% above 60% LTV.
[31] This covenant drops to 60% after year three of the five-year term.
[32] Please see note 5 for details of the reclassification in the 31 March 2019 figures.
[33] The Company adjustments relate to one-off costs.