Interim Results

Derwent Valley Holdings PLC 17 September 2002 DERWENT VALLEY HOLDINGS PLC Interim results for the six months ended 30th June 2002 Derwent Valley, a specialist investor and refurbisher of Central London commercial property, announces an increase in net asset value per share to 1016p for the half year ended 30th June 2002. Half year Half Year Year to Change 30.6.02 30.6.01 31.12.01 (restated) (%) Net asset value per share (p) 1016 971 1004 1.2 * Net rental income (£m) 20.9 20.5 43.0 2.0 Adjusted profit before tax (£m) 9.0 7.9 17.9 13.9 FRS3 profit before tax (£m) 9.1 9.4 21.7 (3.2) Adjusted earnings per share (p) 12.02 11.75 27.73 2.3 Dividend per share (p) 3.05 2.75 9.35 10.9 * Increase based on December 31, 2001 • Lettings made at the group's major schemes at Panton House, SW1; 21 Grosvenor Place, SW1 and 5-8 Southampton Street, WC2. • 13.9% growth in adjusted profit before tax to £9.0 million and a 10.9% increase in the interim dividend to 3.05p. • Investment portfolio valued at £845 million. • Capital expenditure of £19.4 million incurred in the half year with a further £36.5 million projected for the 18 months to December 2003. John Ivey, Chairman, commented "In tougher conditions than experienced for a number of years, good progress was made with letting vacant space. In what continue to be challenging times, the group's refurbishment opportunities and the substantial reversionary income stream, will enable the board to drive the business forward". 17 September 2002 ENQUIRIES: Derwent Valley Holdings plc Tel: 020 7659 3000 John Burns, Managing Director College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020 Gareth David Email: gareth.david@collegehill.com CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Results Net asset value at the half year increased to 1016p per share from 1004p at last year end. This performance was achieved against the background of a widespread downturn in world financial markets and demonstrates the resilience of the group's portfolio of Central London commercial property. In tougher conditions than experienced for a number of years, good progress was made with letting vacant space and, since the half year, a further 1,640m(2) has been let at 21 Grosvenor Place, SW1. Profit before tax, excluding disposals, was £9.0 million against £7.9 million for the corresponding period, an increase of nearly 14%. However, FRS3 profit at £9.1 million was lower than the £9.4 million last time, reflecting reduced profits from disposals of investments. Gross rental income increased by £0.8 million to £22.8 million with lettings and rent reviews, net of development voids, contributing £0.4 million, while acquisitions less disposals added £0.4 million. Capital expenditure on current projects amounted to £19.4 million with a further £21.1 million anticipated in the second half and £15.4 million for 2003. A single acquisition of an office building in Holborn was completed in the first half for £5.2 million. Dividend The board has declared a dividend of 3.05p per share, an increase of nearly 11% on the 2.75p paid at this stage last year. Valuation In 2002, a weaker Central London occupational market was evidenced by increased vacancy levels and lower rents. At the same time, well let property was sought by investors as a stable alternative to the volatile equity market. As a consequence, there was a buoyant investment market which resulted in a slight improvement in yields on the group's portfolio. These opposing factors are reflected in the half year valuation of the investment portfolio which, at £844.7 million, shows a small surplus of £1.9 million. Excluding the development properties of £40.7 million, the underlying performance of properties held throughout the half year was an increase of 0.2%. Financing Following the renegotiation of the group's facilities last year, there has been little change in its financial position since the year end. With a net cash inflow of under £0.1 million, group debt remained at £271 million. The significant cash inflows were the £14.4 million realised on disposal of properties and the assignment inducement payment of £11.3 million received from Globix at Oliver's Yard. These were offset by capital expenditure on acquisitions and developments of £24.6 million and £3.5 million on the payment of dividends. Approximately £236 million of the debt was in the form of medium term, floating rate, bank facilities of which 51% has been converted to fixed rate through various hedging instruments. The current weighted average cost of borrowing is 6.4%. Committed, but unutilised, bank facilities continue to exceed £150 million. Lower average interest rates during the first half have improved the interest cover from 1.83 for the comparable period last year to 2.01. Balance sheet gearing at just over 50% is virtually unchanged from the December year-end. There are two adjustments required to the basic net asset value to calculate the "triple net asset value" used by analysts. The first is the fair value adjustment arising as a result of the application of FRS13, "Financial Instruments", which at the half year was a negative £12.9 million (31st December 2001: negative £12.5 million). This is equivalent to a reduction in the group's net asset value per share before and after tax of 24p and 17p respectively (31st December 2001: 24p and 17p respectively). The second adjustment is that required for the capital gains tax that the group would have to pay if its land and buildings were sold at their June 2002 values. This amounts to £72.9 million (31st December 2001: £74.3 million), equivalent to 137p per share (31st December 2001: 140p). Together these adjustments result in a "triple net asset value" of 862p (31st December 2001: 847p). While on the subject of taxation, the group's success in claiming capital allowances has required it to provide, in accordance with FRS19, "Deferred Tax", a further £0.7 million in respect of such allowances. The total deferred tax provision at the half-year amounted to £9.5 million of which little, if any, is likely to be paid. This provision amounts to 17p per share and gives rise to the adjusted net asset value per share of 1033p. Prospects The directors have assembled a portfolio of properties in London's West End and surrounding areas where planning regulations are becoming increasingly restrictive. Consequently, successful development will become more difficult and protracted to achieve and the management's skill in implementing well-designed, imaginative schemes on existing buildings will become an even more essential component in generating increased asset value. In what are undoubtedly challenging times, your company is soundly financed and has a management team which is both experienced enough to deal with current market conditions, and is poised to take advantage of future improvements in business sentiment. Our medium term programme of refurbishment opportunities and the substantial reversionary income stream together with further acquisitions, will enable your board to drive the business forward. J C Ivey CHAIRMAN 17th September 2002 INTERIM PROPERTY REVIEW Portfolio performance The portfolio is concentrated in the Central London mid market rental range of £30-£50 per sq ft (£320 -£540 per m(2)), and the valuation performance reflected that this sector has been less vulnerable than prime West End to the current economic environment. The West End properties, comprising 73% of the portfolio, saw an underlying increase in value of 1.2%, with the best performing areas being Soho/Covent Garden at 3.5% and Victoria at 2.7%. Paddington increased by 1.7% as the major regeneration schemes continued to attract tenants to this location whilst the higher rental locations of Mayfair/Belgravia fell by 1.9%. The properties in the City and its borders, which comprise the balancing 27% of the portfolio, fell by 2.2%. Lettings The group's strategy of providing well designed office space through innovative refurbishment continued to be successful in attracting tenants, despite a difficult letting market. The following are the principal lettings in the period: • At Panton House, 25-27 Haymarket, SW1, which has undergone extensive refurbishment and includes a striking new atrium entrance, 760m(2) has been let at rental levels in the region of £540 per m(2) on ten-year terms. The remaining 1,420m(2) of this 2,700m(2) building is being marketed. • A new image has been created at 21 Grosvenor Place, SW1, with the offices refurbished to a high specification. Hicks Muse Tate & Furst Ltd have leased 1,640m(2) of the 3,110m(2) space available, at £540 per m(2), for a minimum term of ten years. • In Covent Garden, Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd have pre-let the retail element of the new development at 5-8 Southampton Street, WC2 for a 25 year term at £575,000 per annum. The group currently has 5,200m(2) of space available for letting, including the above mentioned completed schemes at Panton House and 21 Grosvenor Place. This represents 2.3% by floor area of the investment portfolio. Properties under refurbishment/development comprise a further 26,800m(2) with a number of the schemes due to be completed in the second half. Plans are also being formulated for several schemes, including the 31,700m(2) Centric House, E1 where, as planned, vacant possession was obtained in June 2002. In addition to the rental income from recent lettings and that expected from the refurbishment programme, the portfolio offers good reversionary prospects through rent reviews and lease renewals over the next few years. This is despite the difficult rental market and is a consequence of the group's strategy of acquiring and retaining properties in improving locations that are let at modest rental levels. Current projects Development • Tower House and 5-8 Southampton Street, WC2 - Tower House, the refurbishment element of this project, will be completed ahead of the new build and consists of a substantial retail unit of 1,300m(2), offices of 3,500m (2) and 300m(2) of residential space. As part of the scheme a new double height office entrance has been created for this prominent building, which is close to the Covent Garden piazza. At 5-8 Southampton Street, there will be 2,900m(2) of innovative new build offices designed and constructed behind a retained facade and atrium. Additionally, there is a 1,100m(2) retail unit which is to be occupied by Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd. Refurbishments • 135-155 Charing Cross Road, WC2 - This imaginative 3,200m (2) project, which refocuses the building around a new courtyard entrance adjacent to Soho Square, is nearing completion. There will be 2,400m(2) of offices, to include a new penthouse office floor, and 800m(2) of retail space. • Greencoat and Gordon House, SW1 - The 11,200m(2) complex has undergone a rolling refurbishment programme over the last 5 years. The latest phase of work, due to be completed shortly, involves a 1,500m(2) office refurbishment and the conversion of a loading area into a new, spacious entrance to Gordon House. • Centric House, Shoreditch High Street, E1 - Occupying a prominent corner location, the 31,700m(2) building is adjacent to the Bishopsgate Goods Yard, which is the focal point of major commercial development and transport proposals for the area. This improving location, just north of Broadgate, is emerging as a new London village. Permission has been obtained for a change in planning use from warehouse to offices and proposals are being formulated for the phased refurbishment of the building to allow short term letting whilst the long term development plans are evaluated. • 1 Oliver's Yard, EC2 - In April, Globix's lease of the 17,400m(2) building was restructured and the group received a payment of £11.3 million. Globix now occupy 6,400 m(2) on a new 15 year lease at a similar rental level to that prior to the restructure. On the reduced space, this produces rental income of £1.6 million per annum. The remaining 11,000m(2) of the space is undergoing a £6.8 million fitout and will be available for occupation in the new year. Acquisitions and sales The group continued to seek acquisitions where value could be added by utilising its management and refurbishment skills. However, it remained discerning in a competitive investment market and the only purchase in the first half was that of 12 Roger Street, WC1 for £5.2 million, a 1,660m(2) office building, let at £225 per m(2) on a lease expiring in 2005. This low rental provides a future opportunity for active lease management. During the half year, Caledonia House, N1 and Dragon Court, WC2 were sold for £14.4 million, net of costs and realised slightly above book value. These sales reflected an exit yield of 6.6%. GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 (restated) Notes £m £m £m Gross rental income Group and share of joint ventures 23.0 22.2 47.3 Less share of joint ventures (0.2) (0.2) (0.4) Group gross rental income 22.8 22.0 46.9 Property outgoings net of recoveries 3 (1.9) (1.5) (3.9) Net revenue from properties 20.9 20.5 43.0 Administrative costs (3.1) (2.9) (6.2) Operating profit 17.8 17.6 36.8 Share of operating results of joint ventures 0.2 0.1 0.3 Profit on disposal of investments 4 0.1 1.5 3.8 18.1 19.2 40.9 Interest receivable - 0.1 0.1 Interest payable 5 (9.0) (9.9) (19.3) Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 9.1 9.4 21.7 Taxation on profit on ordinary activities 6 (2.6) (1.9) (4.8) Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 6.5 7.5 16.9 Dividend (1.6) (1.4) (5.0) Retained profit 12 4.9 6.1 11.9 Adjusted earnings per share 7 12.02p 11.75p 27.73p Adjustment for disposal of investment 0.27p 2.43p 3.95p properties Basic earnings per share 7 12.29p 14.18p 31.68p Adjustment for dilutive share options (0.03p) (0.04p) (0.07p) Diluted earnings per share 7 12.26p 14.14p 31.61p Dividend per share 8 3.05p 2.75p 9.35p Total return 9 1.5% 11.9% 16.5% GROUP BALANCE SHEET 30.6.02 31.12.01 Notes £m £m Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 845.4 834.1 Investments in joint ventures Share of gross assets 3.1 3.1 Share of gross liabilities (2.9) (2.9) 0.2 0.2 845.6 834.3 Current assets Properties held for resale 6.4 5.4 Debtors 9.4 10.0 15.8 15.4 Creditors falling due within one year Bank loans and overdrafts (0.5) (1.6) Other current liabilities (40.4) (35.4) Net current liabilities (25.1) (21.6) Total assets less current liabilities 820.5 812.7 Creditors falling due after more than one year Bank loans (236.0) (235.0) 10 1/8% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2019 (34.4) (34.4) Provisions for liabilities and charges Deferred tax 11 (9.5) (8.8) Other provisions (0.8) (0.8) 539.8 533.7 Capital and reserves - equity 12 Called up share capital 2.6 2.6 Share premium account 153.7 153.7 Revaluation reserve 291.9 294.0 Profit and loss account 91.6 83.4 539.8 533.7 Net asset value per share 13 1016p 1004p Adjusted net asset value per share 13 1033p 1020p GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT Half year Half year Year to to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 31.12.01 Notes £m £m £m Net cash inflow from operating activities 14 30.0 16.5 34.9 Net cash outflow from return on investments and servicing of finance (9.7) (10.1) (19.7) Corporation tax paid (6.3) (0.5) (6.5) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from capital expenditure and financial investment (10.4) 6.8 8.4 Equity dividends paid (3.5) (3.2) (4.6) Cash inflow before management of liquid resources and financing 0.1 9.5 12.5 Financing Net cash inflow/(outflow)from financing Movement in bank loans 15 1.0 (13.5) (14.0) Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period 15 1.1 (4.0) (1.5) GROUP STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 (restated) £m £m £m Profit for financial period 6.5 7.5 16.9 Unrealised surplus on revaluation of investment properties 1.9 53.3 69.2 Taxation on realisation of property revaluation gains of previous years (0.7) (5.8) (9.7) 7.7 55.0 76.4 Notes 1. The results for the six months ended 30th June 2002 include those for the holding company and all of its subsidiary undertakings together with the group's share of the results of its joint ventures. The results are prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the 2001 annual report and accounts. At the 2001 year end, the group adopted Financial Reporting Standard 19, "Deferred Tax" (FRS19). Accordingly, it has been necessary to restate the results for the half year ended 30th June 2001. The effect of the revised accounting policy on the current period results, the results to 30th June 2001 and the results to 31st December 2001 is shown below. Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 £m £m £m Taxation on profit on ordinary activities Deferred tax 0.7 0.6 1.1 The additional provision for deferred tax required to be deducted from the balance sheet at 30th June 2001 amounted to £8.3 million. The resulting net asset value per share of 971p gives a restated total return of 11.9% for the period. 2. During the period, the group received £11.3 million net of VAT in respect of the assignment of a lease which has been accounted for in accordance with the group's accounting policy relating to reverse premiums. 3. Property outgoings net of recoveries Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 £m £m £m Ground rents 0.6 0.5 1.4 Other property outgoings net of recoveries 1.3 1.0 2.5 1.9 1.5 3.9 4. Profit on disposal of investments Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 £m £m £m Investment properties Disposals 14.4 73.3 73.3 Cost/valuation (14.3) (71.8) (71.8) Profit on disposal of investment properties 0.1 1.5 1.5 Permanent diminution in value of investment properties - - (0.8) 0.1 1.5 0.7 Subsidiary undertaking Disposal - - 31.2 Net assets on disposal - - (28.1) Profit on disposal of subsidiary undertaking - - 3.1 Total profit on disposal of investments 0.1 1.5 3.8 5. Interest payable Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 £m £m £m Group 8.8 9.7 19.0 Share of joint ventures 0.2 0.2 0.3 9.0 9.9 19.3 6. Taxation on profit on ordinary activities Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 (restated) £m £m £m UK Corporation tax on profit, adjusted for the surplus on disposal of investments, at 30% (2001 - 30%) 2.7 2.6 4.5 Capital allowances (0.8) (1.3) (2.3) Deferred tax 0.7 0.6 1.1 Other differences - (0.2) - 2.6 1.7 3.3 Tax on profit on disposal of investments 0.7 6.0 11.4 Less amount allocated to the statement of total recognised gains and losses (0.7) (5.8) (9.7) Tax charge in respect of current period profit 2.6 1.9 5.0 Adjustments in respect of prior periods - - (0.2) 2.6 1.9 4.8 7. Earnings per share Earnings per ordinary share have been computed on the basis of profit after tax of £6,535,000 (2001 interim - £7,536,000 as restated; 2001 full year - £16,841,000) and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period of 53,157,000 (2001 interim - 53,157,000; 2001 full year - 53,157,000). The adjusted earnings per share have been calculated using a profit after tax of £6,390,000 (2001 interim - £6,246,000 as restated; 2001 full year - £14,740,000). This figure excludes the profit after tax arising from the disposal of investments in order to show the recurring element of the group's profit. The diluted earnings per share have been calculated based on a weighted average number of shares of 53,289,000 (2001 interim - 53,301,000; 2001 full year - 53,285,000) which includes the number of dilutive share options outstanding at the end of the period. 8. Dividend per share The interim dividend will be paid on 4th November 2002 to those shareholders on the register at the close of business on 18th October 2002. 9. Total return Total return is the increase in net asset value per share plus dividend per share expressed as a percentage of the net asset value per share at the beginning of the year. 10. Tangible assets Freehold Other land and Leasehold fixed buildings property assets Total £m £m £m £m Cost or valuation: At 1st January 2002 540.6 292.9 1.0 834.5 Additions 20.4 3.2 0.2 23.8 Disposals (14.3) - (0.1) (14.4) Revaluation 2.2 (0.3) - 1.9 At 30th June 2002 548.9 295.8 1.1 845.8 Amortisation and depreciation: At 1st January 2002 - - 0.4 0.4 Provision for period - - 0.1 0.1 Disposals - - (0.1) (0.1) At 30th June 2002 - - 0.4 0.4 Net book value: At 30th June 2002 548.9 295.8 0.7 845.4 At 31st December 2001 540.6 292.9 0.6 834.1 Assets stated at cost or valuation: 30th June 2002 valuation 508.2 295.8 - 804.0 Prior years' valuation plus subsequent costs 40.7 - - 40.7 Cost - - 0.7 0.7 At 30th June 2002 548.9 295.8 0.7 845.4 Short leasehold property with a value of £19.2 million (December 2001 - £16.7 million) is included in leasehold property above. Investment property in the course of development with a carrying value of £40.7 million (December 2001 - £34.4 million) is included in freehold land and buildings above. The freehold land and buildings and leasehold property, other than those in the course of development, were revalued by either Keith Cardale Groves (Commercial) Limited or CB Hillier Parker Limited, chartered surveyors, at open market value on 30th June 2002. At 30th June 2002, the historical cost of the freehold land and buildings and leasehold property owned by the group was £554.0 million (December 2001 - £540.6 million). 11. Deferred tax £m At 1st January 2002 8.8 Provided during period 0.7 At 30th June 2002 9.5 The provision for deferred tax relates to timing differences on accelerated capital allowances and other reversing timing differences. A taxation liability of approximately £72.9 million (December 2001 - £74.3 million) would arise on the disposal of land and buildings at the valuation shown in the balance sheet. This is equivalent to 137p per share (December 2001 - 140p). In accordance with FRS19, no provision has been made for this. 12. Capital and reserves Share Profit Share premium Revaluation and loss capital account reserve account £m £m £m £m At 1st January 2002 2.6 153.7 294.0 83.4 Surplus on property revaluation - - 1.9 - Profit realised on disposal of investment properties - - (4.0) 4.0 Tax attributable to revaluation surplus realised on disposal of investment properties - - - (0.7) Retained profit for the six months - - - 4.9 At 30th June 2002 2.6 153.7 291.9 91.6 13. Net asset value per share Net asset value per share has been calculated on the basis of net assets at 30th June 2002 of £539,853,000 (December 2001 - £533,657,000) and the number of shares in issue at 30th June 2002 of 53,157,000 (December 2001 - 53,157,000). An adjusted net asset value per share figure has been calculated using net assets of £549,299,000 (December 2001 - £542,415,000). This figure excludes the deferred tax provided in accordance with FRS19 on the basis that it is unlikely that this liability will crystallise. 14. Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 £m £m £m Operating profit 17.8 17.6 36.8 Depreciation charge 0.1 0.1 0.1 Decrease/(increase) in debtors 0.6 (2.8) (0.2) Increase/(decrease) in creditors 10.7 (1.0) (1.3) Increase in properties held for resale (1.0) (0.7) (2.8) Effect of other deferrals and accruals on operating activity cash flow 1.8 3.3 2.3 Net cash inflow from operating activities 30.0 16.5 34.9 15. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt Half year Half year Year to 30.6.02 to 30.6.01 to 31.12.01 £m £m £m (Increase)/decrease in cash in the period (1.1) 4.0 1.5 Cash inflow/(outflow) from movement in debt financing 1.0 (13.5) (14.0) Amortisation of discount and costs on issue of debenture - 0.1 0.1 Movement in net debt in the period (0.1) (9.4) (12.4) Net debt at 1st January 2002 271.0 283.4 283.4 Net debt at 30th June 2002 270.9 274.0 271.0 16. Valuation of financial instruments The group's fixed rate debt and interest rate hedging instruments were revalued at 30th June 2002. The fair value adjustment, arising as a result of this revaluation, which is not reflected in the financial statements, was a negative £12.9 million (December 2001 - negative £12.5 million). After tax relief this would reduce the group's net asset value per share by 17p (December 2001 - 17p). 17. Post balance sheet events On the 13th August 2002, the group sold a leasehold property for £2.5 million before costs. On the 14th August 2002, the group purchased a freehold property for £9.4 million before costs. 18. This statement does not comprise statutory accounts as defined in Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information for the year ended 31st December 2001 is an extract from the latest group accounts. The accounts received an unqualified auditor's report and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The results for the half years ended 30th June 2001 and 2002 are unaudited. 19. Copies of this announcement are being posted to shareholders on 18th September 2002 and are available from the Company Secretary, Derwent Valley Holdings plc, 25 Savile Row, London, W1S 2ER. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange MPTMMBBBAT
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