Half Yearly Report

RNS Number : 6681O
Carpathian PLC
21 September 2011
 



Date:

21 September 2011

On behalf of:

Carpathian PLC ("Carpathian", the "Company" or the "Group")

For immediate release


 

 

Carpathian PLC

Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2011

 

Carpathian PLC (AIM: CPT), the commercial property investment company focused on retail properties within Central and Eastern Europe, today announces its interim results for the six month period ended 30 June 2011.

 

Financial Highlights 

 

-      Profit after tax of €6.6 million (six months to 30 June 2010: €23.4 million)

 

-      Earnings per share of 2.9 euro cents for the period (six months to 30 June 2010: 10.1 euro cents)

 

-      Net asset value per share of 41.9 euro cents (39.1 euro cents as at 31 December 2010)

 

-      Net rental income of €7.6 million (six months to 30 June 2010: €11.2 million)

 

-      Total cash of €110.9 million as at 30 June 2011 (as at 30 June 2010: €26.1 million)

 

-      As at 31 August 2011, total cash at holding company level was approximately €89.1 million

 

-      The net deferred tax liabilities are €1.6 million (30 June 2010:  €22.4 million)

 

-      Intention to distribute 25 euro cents per ordinary share via a B Share bonus issue with a record date of 30 September 2011

 

-      The ordinary shares will be marked ex-entitlement to the B Share bonus issue on 28 September 2011

 

Operational Highlights

 

-     Six property sales were completed within the core portfolio representing 97% of its year end valuation as described below.

 

-     Adequate cash reserves retained for all applicable actual and contingent liabilities.

 

-     Arrangements will also be made to deal with any assets not sold by the end of the current Portfolio Management Agreement, expiring on 31 December 2011.

 

-     Three out of the four properties in the Blue Knight portfolio of assets in Poland were sold for a gross consideration of €40.2 million. The initial net equity amount realised from the partial Blue Knight sale was approximately €7.6 million.

 

-     Last remaining asset in the Blue Knight portfolio - Osowa shopping centre in Gdansk - was sold for a consideration of €34.5 million in cash.

 

-     Promenada shopping centre in Warsaw, Poland was sold for a gross consideration of €169.5 million as announced on 6 May 2011. The net equity realised from the sale after transaction costs was approximately €59.5 million.

 

-     The single tenanted property in Slupsk, Poland was sold for a consideration of €0.75 million on 18 April 2011 delivering net equity proceeds of approximately €0.7 million.

 

-     The remaining core properties of the Babilonas Shopping Centre in Lithuania, Macromall Centre and Satu Mare and Baia Mare development land plots in Romania are in varying stages of sales processes.

 

-     The joint venture project of the Riga Shopping Centre in Latvia continues to underperform.  We are exploring alternatives for co-operating with the joint venture partner and the financing bank, enabling the further investment that is required for the project's longer term success on terms acceptable to our shareholders, and, entertaining interest from potential longer term investment buyers.

 

-     Carpathian disposed of the non-core Plaza property portfolio in Hungary for a nominal sum to the financing bank in Hungary on 19 April 2011.

 

Rory Macnamara, Non-executive Chairman of Carpathiansaid:

 

"A significant part of the programme for realising value from the core portfolio has been completed this year in line with the revised strategy of the Company.  As a result, the Board is able to announce an immediate distribution of 25 euro cents per share - we are also aiming to make a further distribution before the end of 2011.  We will continue to maintain the cash levels within the Group needed to meet essential operational requirements and future termination costs."

 

-Ends-

 

Enquiries:

Carpathian PLC


Rory Macnamara, Non-executive Chairman

 Via Redleaf Polhill



CPT LLP

 020 7529 6413

Paul Rogers/Balazs Csepregi

ir@carpathianam.com

Collins Stewart Europe Limited

 020 7523 8350

Bruce Garrow




Redleaf Polhill

 020 7566 6720

Henry Columbine / Luis Mackness

carpathian@redleafpolhill.com

 

Notes to Editors

 

-

Carpathian was created in 2005 for the purpose of investing in Central and Eastern European commercial real estate.

-

Carpathian's primary focus is on shopping centres, supermarkets and retail warehousing in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Lithuania and Latvia.

-

Carpathian was admitted to trading on AIM in July 2005.

-

CPT LLP is the Property Investment Adviser to Carpathian. CPT LLP owns 100% of Carpathian Asset Management Limited ("CAM").  CAM, which was previously owned as to 50% by the Company, became fully externalised when the Company and CPT LLP implemented the new portfolio management agreement on 1 March 2010. CAM, together with its parent undertaking, CPT LLP, is responsible for managing the core portfolio of assets and transactions within Central and Eastern Europe.

 

 

Chairman's Statement

 

During the first six months of 2011, the Company has achieved significant progress towards completing its value realisation programme of the core property portfolio as outlined in its Strategic Review completed in January 2010.

 

At 30 June 2011, the Group retained 4 core properties (Babilonas, Macromall and the 2 development assets at Baia Mare and Satu Mare), 4 non-core properties comprising the MID portfolio and the non-consolidated investment in the Galleria Riga joint venture.  All properties continue to be actively marketed for sale and are at varying stages of the sales cycle, as more fully described in the Property Investment Adviser's Report.

 

Financial results

 

As a consequence of the substantial disposals completed during the first six months of 2011, the Company has presented its Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard 5 ('IFRS 5'), and therefore now separately discloses the operations sold during the period as discontinued.

 

Profit after tax for the period is €6.6 million, while the Group generated a profit of €23.4 million during the first six months of 2010.  Earnings per share are 2.9 euro cents (2010: Earnings per share of 10.1 euro cents).  The substantially higher accounting profit for the first six months of 2010 was the result of the sale and derecognitions of loss-making non-core assets (the Plaza and Atrium portfolios).

 

The profit after tax for the period was the result of investment realisations - the remaining assets owned as at 30 June 2011 created a loss after tax of €1.8 million for the period.

 

During the first six months of 2011, the Group's net rental and related income was €7.6 million (six months to June 2010: €11.2 million). This is in line with our expectations; the variance was driven by the sale of the Agrokor portfolio in December 2010 and the Blue Knight portfolio along with the Promenada and Biedronka properties in 2011.

 

Administrative expenses for the period were €2.9 million (2010: €2.7 million). The administrative expenses for the period included one-off items relating to the sold assets as well as corporate restructuring costs of approximately €0.6 million. This restructuring of various group companies has delivered reductions in corporate income tax liabilities from the sales of the core property portfolio as shown in the movement of the net deferred tax liabilities (described below).

 

The expenses relating to the Property Investment Adviser decreased from €2.3 million in the six months to June 2010 to €1.5 million in 2011. On a cumulative basis, this is approximately €0.5 million below the maximum amount set out in the Property Management Agreement signed in February 2010.  This expense is allocated substantially within property operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

Based on the sales completed as at 30 June 2011, the Company has made an accrual for a capital performance payment of €9.5 million, though not all conditions are yet satisfied for the payment to be made.

 

The Group's net asset value per share is 41.9 euro cents as at 30 June 2011 (as at 31 December 2010: 39.1 euro cents) based on the latest independent property valuations as at 31 December 2010.  There is no fair value adjustment of the property portfolio for the first six months of 2011. Independent property valuations are only performed at the year-end. The Board has assessed the property valuations and believes that the valuation at 31 December 2010 is a reasonable estimate for the 30 June 2011 fair value.

 

Total Group cash as at 30 June 2011 was €110.9 million (as at 31 December 2010: €26.8 million) and €107.8 million as at 31 August 2011. The Group had approximately €89.1 million cash at holding company level including its entities in Isle of Man and Luxembourg.

 

The Group has reclassified all of its long-term assets to current assets as they are held for sale. The Group also has no long-term liabilities, as each of its debt facilities expire at the end of 2011.

 

The Group's consolidated debt position as at 30 June 2011 was €75.7 million (as at 31 December 2010: €221.3 million), a decrease of €145.6 million. Further detail on the Group's debt facilities can be found in the Property Investment Adviser's Report.

 

The Group has no goodwill as at 30 June 2011 (as at 31 December 2010: €6.6 million).

 

The Group's net deferred tax liabilities are €1.6 million (as at 31 December 2010: €21.0 million). The change is the result of the progress made on the corporate restructuring of the Group.

 

Key operational matters for the period

 

In line with the priorities set out in the Strategic Review, the Company has disposed of six core investment assets representing approximately 97% of the core investment portfolio valued at €238.6 million as at 31 December 2010. 

 

As announced on 9 March 2011, three out of the four properties in the Blue Knight portfolio of assets in Poland were sold for a gross consideration of €40.2 million. The initial net equity amount realised from the partial Blue Knight sale was approximately €7.6 million. The financing bank, Deutsche Pfandbriefbank ('DPB') retained approximately €9.4 million in addition to the allocated loan amount of approximately €22 million to cover an additional loan repayment against the fourth property in Gdansk of €7.9 million and the Babilonas shopping centre of €0.9 million, as had been agreed during the DPB debt restructuring in June 2009 and a further €0.6 million loan repayment agreed in connection with obtaining DPB's consent for the corporate restructuring which has delivered substantial tax benefits to the Group.

 

On 18 May 2011, the sale of the fourth and last remaining asset in the Blue Knight portfolio - Osowa shopping centre in Gdansk - was completed for a consideration of €34.5 million in cash. The sale price includes a €3 million retention to be held pending the resolution of questions related to the occupancy permit. At this stage, realisation of this retention is uncertain.  The initial net equity released after transaction costs was approximately €9.8 million. Further to this, DPB released retained funds of €8.9 million previously held from the sale of the first three assets in the Blue Knight portfolio and Promenada.

 

The Promenada shopping centre in Warsaw, Poland was sold for a gross consideration of €169.5 million as announced on 6 May 2011.  This price was subject to a net deduction of €1 million arising principally from payments for warranty insurance and modification of the trademark licence. An escrow account was established of €0.6 million, all of which has already been released.  Carpathian also received an additional consideration of €1.5 million in August 2011 when the purchaser reclaimed the relevant VAT.  Total bank debt and related fees payable to DPB were approximately €108.1 million, which included a loan repayment of approximately €1 million against the Gdansk property, an additional €2.1 million against the Babilonas shopping centre in Lithuania and a further €0.2 million repayment in relation to the corporate restructuring. The initial net closing payment was €59.8 million, while the net equity realised from the sale after transaction costs was approximately €59.5 million.

 

The single tenanted property in Slupsk, Poland was sold for a consideration of €0.75 million on 18 April 2011 delivering net equity proceeds of approximately €0.7 million.

 

The remaining core properties of the Babilonas Shopping Centre in Lithuania, Macromall Centre and Satu Mare and Baia Mare development land plots in Romania are in varying stages of sales processes.

 

The joint venture project of the Riga Shopping Centre in Latvia continues to underperform.  We are exploring alternatives for co-operating with the joint venture partner and the financing bank, enabling the further investment that is required for the project's longer term success on terms acceptable to our shareholders, and, entertaining interest from potential longer term investment buyers.

 

The only remaining non-core investment portfolio of the MID properties in Czech Republic and Hungary is also in the due diligence phase of a sales process.

 

Carpathian disposed of the non-core Plaza property portfolio in Hungary to the financing bank in Hungary for a nominal sum on 19 April 2011. This portfolio was derecognised from our balance sheet in 2010.

 

Dividend

 

In line with the business plan set by the Strategic Review in January 2010, the Company intends to distribute the cash received from asset sales to shareholders.  Based on the progress made following the above transactions and the transfer of the net proceeds through various jurisdictions to the holding company, Carpathian intends to distribute 25 euro cents per ordinary share via a B Share bonus issue with a record date of 30 September 2011. The ordinary shares will be marked ex-entitlement to the B Share bonus issue on 28 September 2011.  In addition, the Company aims to make a further distribution before the end of 2011. 

 

Adequate cash reserves will be retained for all applicable actual and contingent liabilities.  Arrangements will be made to deal with any assets of which the Company has been unable to dispose by the end of the current Portfolio Management Agreement, expiring 31 December 2011.

 

At the Annual General Meeting held on 6 August 2010, the Company adopted new Articles of Association, which provide for the creation of new share classes.  In respect of such distribution of 25 euro cents, your Board proposed to implement the proposals then outlined. This would result in an issue of new B shares pro rata to existing shareholders, offering qualifying shareholders the opportunity to elect for a conventional dividend (income) distribution or for a share sale and purchase (capital) distribution.  The details were described in the circular dated 14 July 2010 that convened the above Annual General Meeting. A copy of this circular is available for download from the Company's website: http://www.carpathianplc.com/Attachments/000033/Circular%202010.pdf

 

Further particulars and a form of election will be circulated in the next few weeks.

 

Note on going concern

 

At some time after 31 December 2011, the Company intends to effect a further distribution to shareholders of any residual surplus cash balance and to seek shareholders' approval to de-list the Company from the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange and in due course thereafter to commence and implement an orderly members voluntary liquidation, of itself and its then remaining subsidiaries.

 

The Board expects that this process will be initiated within the next 12 months. In the meantime, and based on these proposed steps, no material uncertainties that cast significant doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern have been identified by the Directors.

 

Rory Macnamara

Chairman

21 September 2011

  

 

 

 

PROPERTY INVESTMENT ADVISER'S REPORT

 

Overview

 

During 2011, the Company has successfully disposed the majority of its core assets as outlined in the Strategic Review in January 2010.

 

As a result of the sales, the Company has now exited the Polish and Croatian markets. The remaining countries where we are invested and their weighted values are Czech Republic (25%), Hungary (16%), Latvia* (34%), Lithuania (19%), and Romania (6%).

 

*Latvia is a JV in which Carpathian PLC has an 80% equity stake, but not majority management control.

 

Transactions

 

As mentioned in the Chairman's Statement, six property sales were completed during the period within the core portfolio representing 97% of its 2010 year-end valuation.

 

Now the outstanding matters in relation to these sales processes are minimal. All of the retained funds from the Promenada sale have now been released. From the sales of the first three assets of the Blue Knight portfolio, we are still working with the Purchaser to release amounts relating to tenant deposit transfers and additional documents. This amount represents approximately €0.6 million, and expected to be realised before year-end.

 

From the sale of the fourth and last remaining asset in the Blue Knight portfolio - Osowa shopping centre in Gdansk, €3 million retention is kept on a separate account pending the resolution of questions related to the occupancy permit. At this stage, realisation of this retention is uncertain.

 

The Agrokor sale transaction which closed in December 2010 kept €1.1 million on escrow for a six months period should any claims against the warranties arise. That period has now passed with no claims from the Purchaser, and the funds have been released to the Company.

 

Core assets

 

 

CORE PORTFOLIO

Investment properties - 30 June 2011


Weighted average lease expiry

2.2 years

Voids by rental value / %

€251k / 8%

Lease expiries within 1 year (value / no. of leases)

€1,126k / 114

NOI growth over the last 12 months

-3%

 Income collection - year to date

96%

  

The core portfolio now only consists of two assets: the Babilonas Centre in Lithuania and the Macromall Centre in Romania. The weighted average lease length is 2.2 years, which is a decrease from the 4.16 years reported as at 31 December 2010 as a result of the sale transactions completed. Vacancy is concentrated at the Macromall Centre at approximately 30%, while the Babilonas Centre has a very low level of 3%. The majority of expiring leases are at the Babilonas Centre with 86 expiring leases in the next 12 months with an annual rent of €0.9 million. The Net Operating Income ('NOI') decrease of 3% was substantially realised at the Macromall Centre.

 

CORE PORTFOLIO

Investment properties

30 June 2011

Gross Lettable Area (sqm)

Loan amount

€ 000's

NOI**

€'000's

Loan Expiry

Valuation

€'000's

Status

Babilonas

22,429

18,800*

1,212

Dec-11

25,000

Under Offer

Macromall

7,748

-

-

-

2,500

Under Offer

Total

30,177




27,500


*              €3.8 million of loan paid down or held on a blocked account, as part of the Blue Knight and Promenada sale agreements

**           Net Operating Income ('NOI') for the six months ended 30 June 2011

***         Independent valuation as at 31 December 2010

 

The Babilonas Centre was re-classified to a core asset on 1 April 2011. The Net Operating Income ('NOI') for the first six months of 2011 shows a 20% increase from the same period a year earlier. The increase is due to expired rent rebates granted to tenants during difficult trading periods in 2010, decreased vacancy from 7.1% to 3.5% as at 30 June 2011, and improved collection virtually eliminating any bad debt provision.  Rent collection is at 99% for the period. The weighted average lease length of the property is 2.35 years.

 

As part of the cross-collateralisation agreed with DPB bank during the re-finance, a cumulative sum of €3.8 million of the loan is to be repaid out of the proceeds of the Blue Knight portfolio and Promenada Shopping Centre sales. Of this amount, €2.3 million has been repaid in September.

 

The property is currently under offer, with the purchaser completing its due diligence. Final negotiations are currently taking place aiming a deal to be closed shortly.

 

The Macromall Centre continues to struggle with high vacancy (30%) and poor rent collection (77%). The Company recently settled a lawsuit with the building contractor related to the installation of the air conditioning units brought by the installer in 2008.

 

The property is currently under offer to a local buyer. Due diligence is complete and the sale contract has been agreed. A ruling from the Romanian tax office regarding the Vat treatment of the sale is expected by late September, with closing scheduled to take place shortly afterwards.

 

 

 

CORE PORTFOLIO

Development Land

30 June 2011

Land size  (sqm)

Valuation

€'000's

Status

Baia Mare - Land

125,238

3,000

Actively Marketing

Satu Mare - Land

26,759

2,100

Under Offer

Total

151,997

5,100


 

The Satu Mare land is under offer, and we expect the transaction to be closed before year-end.  The Satu Mare land is actively marketed at the moment.

 

Non-core assets

 

NON-CORE PORTFOLIO

Investment properties - 30 June 2011


Weighted average lease expiry               

7.34 years

Voids by rental value / %

€65k / 1%

Lease expiries within 1 year (value / no. of leases)

€5k / 2

NOI growth over the last 12 months

0%

Year to Date income collection

100%

 

The non-core assets are represented only by the MID portfolio. Other assets, comprising the Antana logistics warehouse and the Anglo Irish Bank portfolio are derecognised, as the management control has been taken over by the financing banks. All four properties of the MID portfolio are anchored by Interspar on long-term leases, which is the reason for the long lease length of 7.34 years. Collection is 100% and there is very little vacancy or upcoming expiries.  A cash sweep is in place with the bank.

 

The portfolio is currently under offer, with the purchaser undertaking initial due diligence. If due diligence / contract negotiations are successful, then closing is forecast to take place at the end of October.

 

NON-CORE PORTFOLIO

Investment properties

Gross Lettable Area (sqm)

 

Loan amount

€'000

 

NOI*

€'000

Loan Expiry

Valuation**

€'000

Status

MID portfolio

45,370

53,060

2,345

Dec-11

53,150

Under offer

Total

67,799

53,060

2,345


53,150


 

*              Net Operating Income ('NOI") for the six months ended 30 June 2011

**           Independent valuation as at 31 December 2010

 

Galleria Riga is a non-consolidated investment property as Carpathian PLC is a joint venture partner and does not have majority management control.

 

The centre opened with greater vacancy than anticipated, and the focus has been on attracting major international retailers to enhance the retail offer of the centre. Discussions are ongoing with a number of major brands who have expressed interest in the centre and are monitoring the management and marketing of the centre together with the progress made upgrading the tenant mix.

 

Since opening in October 2010, the occupancy has improved from 40% to its current level of 75%.  However, two of the anchor tenants in the centre have failed and will shortly close due to problems with the franchisees; this will reduce the occupancy to 67%.

 

Until further anchor tenants and international brands are in place, existing retailers will continue to experience trade the potential offered by the city centre location.  The current trading conditions require rental concessions being granted to support tenants and have given rise to high levels of arrears.

 

In April 2011, EMCM (now CBRE) were appointed as property manager and leasing agent of the shopping centre; the change has been positively received by tenants and rental collection rates have improved. Heads of Terms have recently been signed with a major UK fashion retailer who will open their first Latvian store at Galleria Riga in February 2012; this is expected to catalyse further interest from major retailers.

 

Paul Rogers

Managing Partner

CPT LLP

21 September 2011



 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 




for the six months ended 30 June 2011









30 June

30 June

30 June

30 June

31 December


 Note

2011

2011

2011

2010

2010



Continuing

Discontinued

Total

Total

Total



€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000








Gross rental income


3,866

6,725

10,591

15,676

30,659

Service charge income


994

2,867  

3,861

5,884

11,287

Service charge expense


( 1,161)

( 3,379)  

( 4,540)

( 7,420)

( 13,688)

Property operating expenses


( 2,225)

( 897)  

( 3,122)

( 3,326)

( 6,482)

Other property income


13

842  

855

346

420

Net rental and related income


1,487

6,158

7,645

11,160

22,196








Changes in fair value of investment  property


-  

-  

-  

-  

7,862








Profit on sale of investment property

 8

-  

13,151  

13,151  

24,042  

21,574








Profit on derecognition of investment property


-

-

-

6,145

5,296








Profit on disposal of subsidiary companies


-

586

586

-

-








Capital performance payment

11

-

( 9,451)

( 9,451)

-

-








Impairment of goodwill


( 228)

( 228) 

(251)  

1,011








Impairment of other investments


-

-

-

-

( 11,372)








Impairment of loans receivable


-

-

-

-

( 2,000)








Changes in fair value of derivative assets and liabilities


1,676  

-

1,676

(3,222)

( 3,896)








Net foreign exchange (loss) / gain


( 935)  

705

( 230)

1,602

1,553








Administrative expenses


( 1,894)

( 1,006)  

( 2,900)

( 2,738)

( 5,974)

Net operating profit before net financing expense


106

10,143

10,249

36,738

36,260








Financial income


19

479  

498

173

325

Financial expenses


( 3,032)

( 3,530)

( 6,562)

( 8,695)

( 15,963)

Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps


1,612

1,368

2,980

( 957)

647

Net financing expense

5

( 1,401)

( 1,683)

( 3,084)

( 9,479)

( 14,991)








Net profit / (loss) before tax


( 1,295)

8,460

7,165

27,259

21,269








Tax expense


( 518)

-

( 518)

(3,842)

( 6,248)

Profit / (loss) for the period and total comprehensive income for the period


( 1,813)

8,460

6,647

23,417








Attributable to:







Equity holders of the Company




6,647

23,428

15,032

Non-controlling interest




-

( 11)

( 11)








Basic and diluted earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the







Company during the period







(expressed as cents per share)














Basic earnings per share

6



2.9 c

10.1 c

6.5 c

Diluted earnings per share

6



2.9 c

10.1 c

6.5 c



 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 




for the six months ended 30 June 2011







 Share capital
 €'000

 Share premium
€'000

 Non-controlling interest
€'000

 Retained earnings
€'000

 Total
€'000







Balance as at 1 January 2010

2,321

91,477

11

(18,091)

75,718







Total comprehensive income for the period






Profit for the period

                       -  

                       -  

                      -  

23,417

23,417







Transactions with owners recorded directly to equity






Loss allocation to non-controlling shareholders

                       -  

                       -  

( 11)

                11

                       -  

Balance as at 30 June 2010

2,321

            91,477

                 -

5,337

            99,135







 

Balance as at 1 January 2011

                2,321

            91,477

                     -

( 3,059)

90,739 







Total comprehensive income for the period






Profit for the period

                       -  

                       -  

                      -  

6,647

6,647







Balance as at 30 June 2011

                2,321

            91,477

                     -

3,588

            97,386

 



 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Financial Position





as at 30 June 2011







30 June

30 June

31 December


 Note

2011

2010

2010



€'000

€'000

€'000






Assets





Non-current assets





Investment property

7

              -

              379,161

                89,250

Goodwill


                -

                7,902

                  6,564

Investments in equity accounted investees


                   -

                   11,372

                       -

Deferred income tax assets


-

                  2,060

                   618



              -

              400,495

                96,432






Current assets





Trade and other receivables


                14,587

                8,136

                  7,126

Loans receivable


                  -

                  2,000

                    -

Assets held for sale

8

88,500

-

237,900

Cash and cash equivalents


                110,917

                26,092

                  26,773

Deferred income tax assets


149

-

-

Financial assets


                  5,498

                  4,502

                    3,823



                219,651

                40,730

                  275,622






Total assets


             219,651

             441,225

                372,054






Equity





Issued capital

9

                  2,321

                  2,321

                    2,321

Share premium

9

              91,477

              91,477

                91,477

Retained earnings


3,588

5,337

( 3,059)

Total equity


              97,386

              99,135

                90,739






Liabilities





Non-current liabilities





Bank loans


              -

              259,668

                -

Other payables


-

                  28,731

                    19,160

Deferred income tax liabilities


                -

                24,499

                  21,647



             -

             312,898

                40,807






Current liabilities





Trade and other payables


                43,615

                21,408

                  14,812

Bank loans


              75,674

              1,088

                221,308

Provisions


                992

                890

                  997

Deferred income tax liabilities


1,623

-

-

Financial liabilities


                  361

                  5,805

                    3,391



122,265

             29,192

                240,508






Total liabilities


              122,265

              342,090

                281,315






Total equity and liabilities


              219,651

              441,225

                372,054






 



 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows





for the six months ended 30 June 2011







30 June

30 June

31 December


 Note

2011

2010

2010



€'000

€'000

€'000






Cash flows from operating activities





Cash generated from operations

10

              9,444

              11,717

           18,273

Income taxes received / (paid)


574

                 39

( 1,014)

Net cash generated from operating activities


10,018

11,756

           17,259






Cash flows from investing activities





Capital expenditure on investment property


-

(185)

( 178)

Cash received / (conceded) on disposal of investment property


                   227,050

                   (744)  

          2,924

Cash conceded on derecognition


-

(2,122)

( 2,866)

Interest received


514

272

                    283  

Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities


227,564

( 2,779)

163






Cash flows from financing activities





Interest paid


( 7,189)

( 8,931)

( 16,884)

Repayments of borrowings


( 146,249)

( 3,452)

( 3,263)

Dividends paid


                  -

                    (10,446)  

 ( 10,446)

Net cash used in financing activities


( 153,438)

                 ( 22,829)

( 30,593)






Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


84,144

( 13,852)

( 13,171)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period


           26,773

           39,944

           39,944

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period


           110,917

           26,092

           26,773








 


Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements




 






 

1

General information




 






 


Carpathian PLC (the "Company") is a company domiciled and incorporated in the Isle of Man on 2 June 2005 for the purpose of investing in the retail property market in Central and Eastern Europe. On 24 July 2009 the Company re-registered as a company governed by the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006 and redenominated the par value of it's Ordinary Shares from Pounds Sterling 0.01 to Euro 0.01.

 






 


The Interim Report of Carpathian PLC for the six months ended 30 June 2011, comprises the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

 






 


The consolidated financial statements include the share capital of the Company denominated in Euro. The share capital was converted from Pounds Sterling to Euro on 24 July 2009 based on the exchange rate prevailing in that date.

 






 


The Company's registered address is IOMA House, Hope Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1AP.

 






 


The Company was admitted to the AIM of the London Stock Exchange and commenced trading its shares on 26 July 2005. The Company raised approximately £140 million at listing and a further £100 million in May 2007 (before admission costs).

 






 

2

Going concern




 






 


In line with the priorities set out in the Strategic Review, completed in January 2010, and as announced on 9 March, 6 May and 18 May, the Group has disposed of 6 core investment properties during the period.

 

 






 


At 30 June 2011, the Group retains 4 core properties (Babilonas, Macromall and the 2 development assets at Baia Mare and Satu Mare), 4 non-core properties comprising the MID portfolio and the non consolidated investment in the Galleria Riga joint venture.  All properties continue to be actively marketed for sale and are at varying stages of the sales cycle, as more fully described in the Property Investment Adviser's Report.

 






 


In line with the Strategic Review, the Company intends to distribute to shareholders all of the surplus cash received from asset sales. At the appropriate time, adequate reserves will be retained for all applicable actual and contingent liabilities and arrangements will be made to deal with any assets of which the Company has been unable to dispose by the end of the current Portfolio Management Agreement, expiring 31 December 2011.

 

The Company then intends to prepare its final accounts, effect a final distribution to shareholders of any residual surplus cash balances and to seek shareholders' approval to commence and implement an orderly members voluntary liquidation, of itself and its then remaining subsidiaries and then to de-list the Company from the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.

 






 


The Board has an expectation that the de-listing process will be initiated within the next 12 months, including liquidation of subsidiaries no longer required due to property sales. In the meantime, and based on these proposed steps, no material uncertainties that cast significant doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern have been identified by the Directors.

 






 

3

Significant accounting policies




 






 


(a) The interim report for the six months ended 30 June 2011 is unaudited and has been prepared based on the       accounting polices set out in the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2010, and the new and revised accounting policies and other changes as disclosed in paragraph 2(b).

 






 


(b) Changes in accounting policies

 






 


(i) Assets held for sale




 






 


An asset is classified as held for sale as and when the Group is actively marketing the asset for sale and if such assets meet the full criteria laid down in IFRS 5 'Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations'. An asset classified as held for sale is measured initially at its fair value less future costs to sell. Should a sale agreement be entered into at the period end but is not yet completed the fair value of the asset shall be its value as prescribed by the sales agreement.

 






 


Assets held for sale are shown separately on the face of the Statement of Financial Position.

 






 

4

Operating segments










The Group has three reportable segments, as described below, which are the Groups business units. The business units are managed separately because they represent the varying strategic objectives of the Group. For each of these strategic business units the Board reviews internal management accounts on at least a quarterly basis.






The Fund segment comprises the holding companies in Isle of Man and Luxembourg.




Core assets are those which are considered to retain significant enduring equity value, to protect on a prudent basis. All other assets are classified as non-core.








Information about reportable segments












The Fund segment includes arising from discontinued operation as per the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income of €9.4 million relating to the capital performance payment.




The Core segment includes discontinued operations as per the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. As such €6.7 million of €8.1 million gross rental income is discontinued and profits of €17.9 million are discontinued.

 








Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income







2011

2011

2011

2011



Fund

Core

Non-core

Total



€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000








Gross rental income

                   -  

8,143

               2,448

10,591


Service charge income

           -  

3,411

               450

3,861


Service charge expense

                   -  

( 4,047)

( 493)

( 4,540)


Property operating expenses

( 1,293)

( 1,617)

( 212)

( 3,122)


Other property income

       -  

              844

                  11

855               


Net rental and related income

( 1,293)

6,734

2,204

7,645








Profit / (loss) on sale of investment property

-

                  13,151  

             -

13,151








Profit / (loss) on disposal of subsidiary companies

     ( 288)  

874

-

586








 Capital performance payment

( 9,451)

-

 ( 9,451)








Impairment of goodwill

                   -  

( 109)

( 119)

( 228)








Changes in fair value of derivative assets and liabilities

    1,676

-

                       -  

1,676








Net foreign exchange gain / (loss)

405

             71

( 706)

( 230)








Administrative expenses

( 1,147)

( 1,474)

( 279)

( 2,900)








Net operating profit / (loss) before net financing expense

( 10,098)

19,247

1,100

10,249








Financial income

                69

               428

1

498


Financial expenses

( 166)

( 4,689)

( 1,707)

( 6,562)


Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps

                   -  

1,548

1,432

2,980


Net financing expense

( 97)

( 2,713)

( 274)

( 3,084)








Net profit / (loss) before tax

( 10,195)

16,534

826

7,165








Current tax credit / (expense)

( 243)

( 81)

( 3)

( 327)


Deferred tax

                   -  

( 42)

( 149)

(191)








Profit / (loss) for the period and total comprehensive income for the period

( 10,438)

16,411

674

6,647







 


Consolidated Statement of Financial Position







2011

2011

2011

2011



Fund

Core

Non-core

Total



€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000








Assets






Current assets






Trade and other receivables

1,289

13,085

213

14,587


Assets held for sale

-

32,600

55,900

88,500


Cash and cash equivalents

22,399

88,189

329

110,917


Deferred income tax assets

-

82

67

149


Financial assets

5,496

2

-

5,498



27,483

133,958

56,509

217,950








Total assets

29,184

133,958

56,509

219,651








Liabilities






Current liabilities






Trade and other payables

( 22,712)

( 11,281)

( 9,622)

( 43,615)


Bank loans

-

( 22,600)

( 53,074)

( 75,674)


Provisions

-

( 992)

-

( 992)


Deferred income tax liabilities

-

( 79)

( 1,544)

( 1,623)


Derivative liabilities

-

( 34)

( 327)

( 361)



( 22,712)

( 34,986)

( 64,567)

( 122,265)








Total liabilities

( 22,712)

( 34,986)

( 64,567)

( 122,265)








Net assets

6,472

98,972

( 8,058)

97,386








Equity






Issued capital




2,321


Share premium




91,477


Retained earnings




3,588


Total equity




97,386







 

 

Geographical segments














The Company is incorporated in the Isle of Man but operates in several jurisdictions in mainland Europe. In presenting information on geographical segments revenue is based on geographical location of property. Segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets.









Isle of Man

Poland (Discontinued)  

Lithuania  

Czech Republic  

 Other Jurisdictions

Total


€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000








Revenue







Gross rental income

-

6,725

1,293

1,469

1,104

10,591

Service charge income

-

2,868

455

385

153

3,861

Other property income

-

843

2

6

4

855

Total

-

10,436

1,750

1,860

1,261

15,307








Non-current assets







Investment property held for sale

-

-

25,000

32,250

31,250

88,500

 

 

 

5

Net financial expense








30 June

30 June

31 December




2011

2010

2010




€'000

€'000

€'000








Interest income from financial institutions


498

173

325




498

173

325








Net interest expenses on bank borrowings


( 5,241)

( 8,244)

( 14,690)


Finance costs amortised


( 291)

( 537)

( 1,098)


Unwinding of unrealised direct issue costs of borrowings


( 1,030)

86

( 175)




( 6,562)

( 8,695)

( 15,963)








Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps


2,980

( 957)

647

 

6

Earnings per share










Basic and diluted earnings per share










The calculation of basic earnings per share at 30 June 2011 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of €6,646,509 and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the six months ended 30 June 2011 of 232,148,175, calculated as follows:







Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

30 June

30 June

31 December



2011

2010

2010



€'000

€'000

€'000







Profit for the period

6,647

23,417

15,021


Non-controlling interest

-

11

              11


Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

4,946

           23,428

15,032







Weighted average number of ordinary shares










1 January

232,148,175

232,148,175

  232,148,175


Weighted average number of ordinary shares

232,148,175

232,148,175

  232,148,175







Basic and diluted earnings per share

2.9 €, c

10.1 €, c

6.5 €, c

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Investment and development property










30 June

30 June

30 June

30 June

31 December



2011

2011

2011

2010

2010



Investment Property

Development Property

Total

Total

Total



€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000









Balance at 1 January

84,150

5,100

89,250

453,227

453,227


Additions

-

-

-

185

177


Disposals

( 750)

-

( 750)

(27,300)

( 73,300)


Derecognition of assets

-

-

-

(46,950)

( 46,950)


Finance lease obligations

-

-

-

-

817


Movement in fair value

-

-

-

-

7,872


Assets transferred to held for sale

( 83,400)

( 5,100)

( 88,500)

-

( 252,593)



-

-

-

379,161

89,250









The Group's policy is to formally value investment property annually at 31 December; management have assessed valuation and believe that valuation at 31 December 2010 is a reasonable estimate for 30 June 2011 fair value. Fair value represents the amount at which the assets could be exchanged between a knowledgeable, willing buyer and a knowledgeable, willing seller in an arm's length transaction after proper marketing at the date of the valuation.









On 18 April 2011, the Company disposed of its Biedronka property in Poland for a consideration of €0.8 million. The property was included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at 31 December 2010 at a valuation of €0.8 million. There was no external debt outstanding on the property.








8

Assets held for sale






30 June

31 December






2011

2010






€'000

€'000









Balance at 1 January




237,900

-


Assets classified as held for sale




88,500

237,900


Disposals




( 237,900)

-






88,500

237,900









On 9 March 2011, the Company disposed of three properties held within the Blue Knight portfolio in Poland for a consideration of €40.2 million. The properties were included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at sales value less costs to sell amounting to €38.3 million. The direct debt repayment to Deutsche Pfandbriefbank from the sales proceeds was approximately €21.9 million including fees.









On 5 May 2011, the Company disposed of the property held within the Promenada property in Poland for a consideration of €169.5 million with an additional consideration of €1.5 million received on 25 August 2011 when the VAT was reimbursed to the buyer. The property was included in the Statement of Financial Position at sales value less costs to sell amounting to €168.2 million. The direct debt repayment to Deutsche Pfandbriefbank from the sales proceeds was approximately €108.1 million including fees.









On 17 May 2011, the Company disposed of the final property held within the Blue Knight portfolio in Poland for a consideration of €34.5 million. The property was included in the Statement of Financial Position at sales value less costs to sell amounting to €31.3 million. €3 million consideration from the purchase price will be retained on an escrow account and will become payable to the Company if an occupancy permit amendment is obtained by 31 December 2011. This amount will be reduced to €1.5 million if such amendment is obtained after 31 December 2011, but before 30 June 2012. The direct debt repayment to Deutsche Pfandbriefbank from the sale proceeds was approximately €20.5 million including fees.









In addition to these transactions, Deutsche Pfandbriefbank retained €3.8 million from the sales proceeds against the separate debt facility relating to the Babilonas property.




The Group's policy is to formally value investment property annually at 31 December; management have assessed valuation and believe that valuation at 31 December 2010 is a reasonable estimate for 30 June 2011 fair value. Fair value represents the amount at which the assets could be exchanged between a knowledgeable, willing buyer and a knowledgeable, willing seller in an arm's length transaction after proper marketing at the date of the valuation.









All investment properties held are currently being actively marketed for sale and have been classified as current assets held for sale. As at 30 June 2011 no sale contracts had been entered into for these properties.









The profit and loss on disposal, after all accounting adjustments, of the properties is analysed below.














30 June







2011







€'000









Loss on disposal





( 2,353)


Release of deferred tax





21,218


Release of goodwill





( 5,714)


Profit on disposal





13,151









The assets disposed were valued at their values per the sales agreements as at 31 December 2010 less estimated transaction costs. The loss on disposal during the period above arises from amendments to the sales price and variations in actual sales costs compared to estimates.















 

9

Share capital and share premium







 Number of Ordinary Shares of
1 euro cent each

 €'000


Authorised:





At 31 December 2010 and 30 June 2011


350,000,000

3,500








 Number of shares issued and fully paid

 Share capital
€'000

 Share premium
€'000


Issued:





Ordinary Shares of 1p each





Balance at 31 December 2010 and 30 June 2011

232,148,175

2,321

         91,477






10

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement






30 June

30 June

31 December



2011

2010

2010


Cash generated from operations

€'000

€'000

€'000







Profit for the period

6,647

23,417

15,021


Adjustments for:





Increase / (decrease) in fair value of financial instruments

( 4,707)

4,456

2,773


Unwinding of unrealised direct issue costs of borrowings

615

537

1,215


Net other finance income

6,064

8,328

15,463


Decrease in fair value of investment and development property

-  

-  

( 7,872)


Provisions

( 5)

( 8)

                 203


Impairment of loans receivable

-

-

13,372


Impairment of goodwill

6,564

-

-          


Income tax (credit) / expense

( 1,009)

3,920

6,428


Profit on disposal of investment property

( 10,915)  

(30,154)  

( 28,688)              


Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

3,254

10,496

           17,915


(Increase) / decrease in receivables

( 5,967)

374

              216


Increase / (decrease) in payables

12,157

847

142


Cash generated from operations

9,444

11,717

           18,273










11

Amounts payable to property investment adviser








CPT LLP, the Company's Property Investment Adviser, is paid a fixed management fee of £1.55m per annum and a variable management fee, which reduces in line with the sale of the Company's assets comprising the Core Portfolio.

These fees amounted to €1.5 million for the period (six months to June 2010; €2.3 million). This expense is allocated substantially within property operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

CPT LLP is also entitled to a sales fee of 0.5% of the gross property sale value (including debt but as reduced by certain retentions and indemnity or warranty claims) for each asset within the core portfolio that is sold, rising to a maximum of 1.0% if no other brokers or agents are engaged on the sale. The sales fee is conditional on equity value being released for the benefit of the Company as part of any disposal and cash received on disposals being made available for distribution to shareholders. Additionally, any payment of the sales fee is pro rata to cash available for return to shareholders arising from the sale on a 50:50 basis until the entire sales fee has been paid in full. If the Portfolio Management Agreement is terminated on a takeover, a fixed fee of €0.7 million will become payable in lieu of any further sales fees. The sales fees accrued in six months to 30 June 2011 for the sales of the Blue Knight, Promenada and Biedronka portfolios totals €1.2 million.

 

CPT LLP is also entitled to receive a capital performance payment, based upon actual cash available for return to shareholders. CPT LLP will receive 10% of any return above a distribution available to shareholders in excess of 17.25 euro cents per share hurdle and 25% of any returns available to shareholders above 34.5 euro cents per share hurdle. However, to avoid the capital performance payment reducing the 34.5 euro cents hurdle below this level following payment, the effective hurdle is set at 36.4 euro cents in order to accommodate any capital performance payment. Such capital performance payment shall be payable in cash but accumulated and deferred until the earlier of (i) the completion of the sale of the core portfolio and (ii) the termination of the Portfolio Management Agreement. Based on the Group's cash reserves following receipt of proceeds from the disposal of investment property during the period and the anticipated distribution to shareholders, having retained sufficient cash for all applicable actual and contingent liabilities (Note 2), the capital performance payment is estimated to be €9.5 million. This does not take into account any additional cash available from future disposals.









12

Events after the Balance Sheet date








During September 2011 the Group paid €2.3 million to Deutsche Pfandbriefbank in order to reduce the debt facility relating to the Babilonas property.





 


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