Half Year Results

RNS Number : 2226A
Life Science REIT PLC
22 September 2022
 

22 September 2022

LEI: 213800RG7JNX7K8F7525

 

 

 

Life Science REIT plc

("Life Science REIT", the "Company" or, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group")

 

Results for the six months ended 30 June 2022

 

Life Science REIT (AIM: LABS), the real estate investment trust focused on UK life science properties, today announces its interim results for the period ended 30 June 2022.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 


Six months to

30 June 2022

Revenue

£6.3m

Profit before tax

£6.9m

IFRS earnings per share

2.0p

EPRA earnings per share

0.2p

Adjusted earnings per share

0.2p

Dividend per share

n/a

 


As at 30 June

2022

As at 31 December 2021

Portfolio valuation

£413.4m

£192.2m

IFRS net asset value ("NAV")

£357.5m

£350.6m

IFRS NAV per share

102.1p

100.2p

EPRA NTA

£357.0m

£350.6m

EPRA net tangible assets per share

102.0p

100.2p

Loan to value ("LTV")

9.5%

n/a

 

· IPO proceeds fully invested, in line with the plan to deploy net proceeds within six months of IPO

· Portfolio valued at £413.4 million, including revaluation gain of £5.8 million and reflecting like-for-like valuation growth of 7.4% for assets held throughout the period

· IFRS net asset value of £357.5 million or 102.1 pence per share at the period end, up 2.0% from the start of the year and primarily reflecting the gain on revaluation in the period of £5.8 million

· Agreed £150.0 million debt facility with HSBC, comprising £75.0 million three-year term loan and £75.0 million revolving credit facility at 225 basis points over SONIA

· Total gross debt of £98.1 million at the period end, including £33.8 million of debt acquired with Oxford Technology Park ("OTP"), resulting in a LTV of 9.5%

· Cancelled the share premium account of £339.3 million, to create substantial distributable reserves

 

 

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

 


As at 30 June

20221,2

As at 31 December 2021

Contracted rent roll

£13.7m

£9.3m

Estimated rental value

£17.2m

£10.1m

Occupancy

81.1%

80.9%

Weighted average unexpired lease term ("WAULT") to expiry

6.7 years

6.6 years

WAULT to first break

5.0 years

4.1 years

Net reversionary yield ("NRY")

4.8%

5.0%

 

· Acquired Oxford Technology Park ("OTP"), comprising two complete multi let office/lab buildings, an onsite hotel and a development site, which is being forward funded, for £120.3 million

· Acquired 7-11 Herbrand Street, London ("Herbrand") for £85.0 million, which is currently fully let as offices and has excellent potential for lab conversion

· Well balanced portfolio at the period end between the Golden Triangle locations and income-producing assets, major conversion opportunities and new-build developments

· Contracted rent roll increased from £9.3 million at 31 December 2021 to £13.7 million at 30 June 2022, primarily as a result of the acquisitions

· Significant potential in the investment portfolio, with the estimated rental value ("ERV") of £17.2 million reflecting a reversionary percentage of 8.2% on let space, partly driven by like-for-like ERV growth of 7.0% since 31 December 2021

· WAULT to expiry increased by 0.1 years principally as a result of the OTP acquisition offsetting the natural reduction in WAULT over time

· Occupancy of 81.1% at the period end is in line with 31 December 2021

· Continued to progress asset management strategy, identifying a range of different opportunities to grow income, increase capital values and enhance ESG performance across the portfolio

 

ESG

· Further developed the Group's ESG strategy, including appointing an experienced partner to help draft the Group's sustainability policy and a roadmap to establish metrics and targets

· Appointed Richard Howell as a Non-Executive Director and subsequently as Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

· Appointed Sally Ann Forsyth as the Board's Sustainability Lead and Michael Taylor as Chair of the Management Engagement Committee

 

Post balance sheet events

· In August 2022, a further £37.2 million was drawn down from the HSBC facility. The £75.0 million term loan is now fully drawn, with a further £26.3 million drawn from the £75.0 million revolving credit facility

· Secured additional protection against potential future interest rate rises through capping the SONIA rate at 2.0% until 31 March 2025 on the full amount of the HSBC term loan from August 2022 at a premium of £2.3 million. Group debt is now 77.1% hedged following the issuance of this cap and August 2022 debt draw downs

· The Company continues to target a dividend yield of 4.0% based on the IPO issue price for the period from 19 November 2021 (the date of the Company's admission to trading on AIM) to 31 December 2022. The Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.0 pence per share in respect of the period ended 30 June 2022. This will be payable on 31 October 2022, the ex-dividend date will be 29 September 2022 and this will be paid entirely as an ordinary dividend.

 

Claire Boyle, Chair of Life Science REIT, commented:

 

"This was the Company's first full six months of operation and I am pleased to report that we have made further excellent progress with our strategy. During the period, we acquired Oxford Technology Park ("OTP"), which was the final asset to be acquired from our initial pipeline, and 7-11 Herbrand Street, London, which has excellent potential for creating new laboratories and hybrid space for life science occupiers to grow.

 

"As a result of these purchases, the portfolio is well balanced between all three points of the Golden Triangle and is well diversified by asset size and development stage. We have immediate income-producing assets let to life science occupiers, major conversion opportunities and new build developments at OTP. This gives us significant potential to drive value from the portfolio, through both income growth and increased capital values. We also intend to add further attractive assets in our chosen locations.

 

"The Group is expected to deliver further revenue and earnings growth in the remainder of the year, as we benefit from a full period of the assets acquired in the first half. We therefore look forward to the second half of 2022 with confidence."

 

 

Simon Farnsworth, Managing Director of the Investment Adviser, Ironstone Asset Management Limited, added:

 

"The Group's six acquisitions since IPO last year represent an excellent platform for growth in the key life science centres of Oxford, Cambridge and London, where the imbalance between high demand and constrained supply is driving rental growth and increased capital values. This imbalance is particularly acute for laboratory space, for example there was no vacant laboratory space available in Cambridge at the end of June this year.

 

"The Group's portfolio was independently valued by CBRE as at 30 June 2022 at £413.4 million, representing a £5.8 million uplift in the period, and a 7.4% like-for-like valuation increase of assets held throughout the period. The net initial yield of the portfolio at 30 June 2022 was 3.8%. As a result of the valuation, the IFRS NAV was 102.1 pence per share, up from 100.2 pence per share at 31 December 2021."

 

 

Analyst meeting

 

An online meeting for analysts will be held at 9.30am this morning, 22 September 2022. The meeting will be hosted by Simon Farnsworth, Managing Director, and David Lewis, Director of Operations and Finance, at Ironstone Asset Management, the Company's Investment Adviser. For further details, please contact LifeSciencereit@buchanan.uk.com .

 

 

1.  Investment properties only. Development properties and land have been excluded from the above metrics.

2.  The Group presents EPRA Best Practices Recommendations as Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") to assist stakeholders in assessing performance alongside the Group's statutory results reported under IFRS. APMs are among the key performance indicators used by the Board to assess the Group's performance and are used by research analysts covering the Group. EPRA Best Practice Recommendations have been disclosed to facilitate comparison with the Group's peers through consistent reporting of key real estate specific performance measures, however these are not intended as a substitute for IFRS measures. Please see unaudited supplementary notes below for further details on APMs.

 

Enquiries:

 

Link Company Matters Limited - Company Secretary

 

labs_cosec@linkgroup.co.uk

 

 

 

Ironstone Asset Management - Investment Adviser

 

Simon Farnsworth

via Buchanan below

 


Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited - Nominated Adviser and Joint Corporate Broker

+44 20 7886 2500

Atholl Tweedie / Alex Collins / Philip Shields / Chloe Ponsonby


 


Jefferies International Limited - Joint Corporate Broker

+44 20 7029 8000

Tom Yeadon / Andrew Morris / Oliver Nott / Harry Randall 


 


G10 Capital Limited - AIFM

+44 20 7397 5450

Verity Morgan-Jones / Paul Cowland


 


 


Buchanan - Financial PR

+44 20 7466 5000

Mark Court / Henry Wilson / Verity Parker 

 

LifeSciencereit@buchanan.uk.com

 

 

 

Notes to editors

Life Science REIT plc is a property business focused solely on the UK's growing life science sector, specifically targeting opportunities in the "Golden Triangle" research and development hubs of Oxford, Cambridge and London St Pancras. The Company's intention is to become the property provider of choice for life science companies in the UK, whilst enabling shareholders to gain exposure to a specific growth sector. 

 

The objective of the Company's investment policy is focused on capital growth, whilst also providing a growing level of income, by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of properties that are leased, or intended to be leased, to tenants operating in the life science sector in the UK. 

 

Life Science REIT joined the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange on 19 November 2021, having raised £350 million in its IPO. Its shares trade under the ticker LABS.

 

Further information is available at https://lifesciencereit.co.uk

 

 

 

 

CHAIR'S STATEMENT

 

"We have made excellent strategic progress and deployed the remaining IPO proceeds. We have further opportunities to invest in new assets and in unlocking the value inherent in the portfolio."

 

Claire Boyle

Chair

 

This was the Company's first full six months of operation and I am pleased to report that we have made further excellent progress with our strategy. In particular, we have now acquired five assets from our initial pipeline, plus a further property in London's Knowledge Quarter (encompassing Bloomsbury, King's Cross and St Pancras). As a result, we met our target of fully deploying the IPO proceeds within six months.

 

A highly attractive market

Underpinning our proposition for shareholders is a highly attractive market, with long-term structural growth drivers. Life science organisations are investing heavily in research and development, to bring forward new technologies and meet challenges such as ageing populations, the associated growth in healthcare costs and the demand for digital health solutions. The Covid-19 pandemic has also been a catalyst for new research. The UK's strong position in life science continues to attract global companies to invest here, while the Government is also increasing investment in the sector.

 

All of this activity is creating significant demand for suitable real estate, ranging from labs and offices to production facilities. The Golden Triangle ("Golden Triangle") of Oxford, Cambridge and London's Knowledge Quarter is particularly in demand, reflecting the benefits of being part of a cluster of like-minded organisations, which creates opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration, and helps to attract the best talent.

 

This demand has led to very low vacancy rates, particularly for lab space, contributing to rising rents and asset valuations.

 

As many companies look to shorten their supply chains in the wake of Covid-19 and Brexit, they are increasingly looking for flexible space where they can have all their operations in one building, ranging from office space, research and development, to production. In response, we are looking at how we can create flexible space that occupiers can adapt to their needs.

 

Continued strategic progress

During the period, we acquired Oxford Technology Park ("OTP"), which was the final asset acquired from our initial pipeline, and 7-11 Herbrand Street, London ("Herbrand"), which has excellent potential for creating new laboratories and hybrid space for life science occupiers to grow.

 

As a result of these purchases, the portfolio is well balanced between all three points of the Golden Triangle and is well diversified by asset size and development stage. We have immediate income-producing assets let to life science occupiers, major conversion opportunities and new build developments at OTP. This gives us significant potential to drive value from the portfolio, through both income growth and increased capital values. We  intend to add further attractive assets in our chosen locations.

 

Financial performance and dividends

The total portfolio was independently valued at the period end at £413.4 million, resulting in a valuation uplift of £5.8 million or 7.4% on a like for-like basis. The valuation uplift was driven by like-for-like ERV growth of 7.0% and some yield compression.

 

The increased valuation contributed to a 1.8% growth in EPRA NTA per share of 102.0 pence (31 December 2021: 100.2 pence), IFRS earnings per share ("EPS") was 2.0 pence, while EPRA EPS was 0.2 pence.

 

A robust balance sheet

During the period, we put in place the Company's first debt financing by agreeing a £150.0 million facility with HSBC. At the period end, total debt stood at £98.1 million, including 33.8 million of debt acquired with OTP, resulting in a LTV ratio of 9.5%. We expect to maintain a LTV of 30% 40% in the longer term.

 

Environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters

Our approach to value creation includes rigorously managing ESG issues. We are incorporating environmental improvements into our asset management plans, to ensure our assets remain fit for purpose and attractive to occupiers. The new buildings being developed at OTP are also being constructed to high environmental standards (e.g. BREEAM outstanding).

 

We contribute to social value by providing real estate that supports advances in life sciences and the wellbeing of the people who work there. Through our asset management, we are looking to add amenities that encourage a sense of community within our assets, helping to create connections between our occupiers that support their scientific achievements.

 

In May 2022, we appointed Richard Howell as a Non-Executive Director of the Company. Richard brings a great deal of relevant expertise to the Board, with his background in senior financial roles and extensive experience in the commercial property sector.

 

Following completion of his induction, we confirmed Richard's appointment in June 2022 as Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. Sally Ann Forsyth had chaired the Committee on an interim basis and Richard's appointment allows her to focus on her role as the Board's Sustainability Lead. Michael Taylor has also taken over as Chair of the Management Engagement Committee.

 

While  still early days in the life of the Board, the Directors are working well together and we have strong and complementary experience. We also have an excellent working relationship with the Investment Adviser and we have been pleased to see a significant strengthening of the Investment Adviser's team during the period, giving it the capacity and capabilities it needs to support the next phase of the Group's development.

 

Post balance sheet events

· In August 2022, a further £37.2 million was drawn down from the HSBC facility. The £75.0 million term loan is now fully drawn, with a further £26.3 million drawn from the £75.0 million revolving credit facility

· Secured additional protection against potential future interest rate rises through capping the SONIA rate at 2.0% until 31 March 2025 on the full amount of the HSBC term loan from August 2022 at a premium of £2.3 million. Group debt is now 77.1% hedged following the issuance of this cap and August 2022 debt draw downs

· The Company continues to target a dividend yield of 4.0% based on the IPO issue price for the period from 19 November 2021 (the date of the Company's admission to trading on AIM) to 31 December 2022.The Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.0 pence per share in respect of the period ended 30 June 2022. This will be payable on 31 October 2022, the ex-dividend date will be 29 September 2022 and this will be paid entirely as an ordinary dividend.

 

Looking forward

At the period end, we had identified a pipeline of potential acquisitions. We will remain highly selective when deploying capital, seeking assets in the right locations that will meet the needs of life science occupiers and have the potential to add value through asset management.

 

In addition, we have significant opportunities to invest in the portfolio and unlock its reversionary potential, with the ERV currently standing at £17.2 million for the investment portfolio, reflecting a reversionary percentage of 8.2% on the let portfolio. The Group is expected to deliver further revenue and earnings growth in the remainder of the year, as we benefit from a full period of the assets acquired in the first half. We therefore look forward to the second half of 2022 with confidence.

 

 

Claire Boyle

Chair

 

21 September 2022

 

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER'S REPORT

 

"There are powerful long-term drivers of demand for life science real estate and the Investment Adviser believes the Group is well placed to capitalise on these over the coming years, creating further value for shareholders and other stakeholders."

 

Ironstone Asset Management Limited

Investment Adviser

 

Market update

As discussed in the Chair's statement above, there are powerful long-term drivers of demand for life science real estate in the UK. The Company continues to focus on the Golden Triangle, where the imbalance between high demand and constrained supply is driving rental growth and increased capital values.

 

The demand-supply imbalance is particularly acute for laboratory space. At 30 June 2022, there was no laboratory space available to occupy in Cambridge and less than 20,000 sq ft available in Oxford1. At the same time, occupier requirements for laboratories totalled nearly 900,000 sq ft in Cambridge and around 2.0 million sq ft in Oxford2. While availability of office space in Oxford and Cambridge was around 10.0% at the period end, office stock is gradually being depleted through suitable buildings being converted to laboratories, which will create more tension in the office market.

 

Availability of life science properties in London is also low, with many of the assets being marketed to life science occupiers being unsuitable for conversion to labs. When considering potential acquisitions for the Company, we comprehensively assess the feasibility of adapting assets as part of our due diligence process.

 

At the same time, new occupiers are constantly emerging, which is adding to demand. For example, around 75.0%1 of office and lab requirements in Oxford come from spin-outs. This is being driven by companies such as Oxford Science Enterprises, an investment company that develops life science companies in partnership with Oxford University.

 

While new life science buildings are in the process of being developed within the Golden Triangle, they will take time to be created and the shortage of space will continue to be an issue for occupiers. For example, just 215,000 sq ft of new laboratory space is due to be delivered in Cambridge in 2023, around one-sixth of current demand. Not surprisingly, rental growth is forecast to remain robust. Rental growth in 2022 for fitted lab space is currently forecast at 21.6% in Cambridge and 8.3% in Oxford, with annualised growth over the period to 2027 of 4.8% and 2.7%1 respectively. The forecast rental growth in London for lab space is 4.1% per annum over the next five years2.

 

Conditions in the occupational market continue to make the sector highly attractive to investors. Total investment in laboratory assets in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc ("Arc") reached £1.1 billion1 in 2021, including office space to be repurposed as labs. Prime lab yields in the Arc stood at around 3.8%1 at the end of 2021.

 

1.  Source: Bidwells Report, July 2022.

2.  Source: Savills Research, July 2022.

 

Implementing the investment strategy

The Group continued to successfully implement the Company's investment strategy during the period, acquiring two further assets for the portfolio.

 

7-11 Herbrand Street

On 6 May 2022, the Company acquired Herbrand Properties Limited, which owns the freehold to 7-11 Herbrand Street, for £85.0 million at a net initial yield of 4.4%. The entire building is let until October 2026 to Thought Machine, one of the UK's leading financial technology companies, at a contracted rent of £4.0 million per annum.

 

The asset is in London's Knowledge Quarter, which alongside many innovative companies includes major academic institutions and healthcare organisations such as University College London, University College Hospital, the Francis Crick Institute and the Oriel project, a future world-leading eye hospital, research and education centre due to open in 2026.

 

The iconic Art Deco building currently comprises Grade A office space, with a net internal area of around 67,100 sq. ft. on four floors with a partial basement. It represents an ideal opportunity for development as a major life science asset, with our feasibility study confirming it has great potential for lab conversion, given its substantial floor to ceiling heights, structural slab and large, column-free floor plates.

 

Oxford Technology Park

On 13 May 2022, the Company acquired OTP through the purchase of Oxford Technology Park Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries, for a consideration of £120.3 million. The 20 acre science and technology park consists of two completed multi-let office/lab buildings, a hotel and a development site which is being forward-funded. Once fully developed, the asset will comprise over 490,000 sq. ft. of hybrid life science space and amenity assets.

 

The acquisition included OTP's debt of £33.8 million and the Company will provide up to £67.3 million of forward funding to complete the park's build-out, which will continue to be managed by the developer until practical completion.

 

OTP is less than two miles from Oxford University's Begbroke Science Park campus, seven miles north of Oxford city centre and adjacent to Oxford Airport. It offers a unique combination of space for life science occupiers, with unit sizes ranging from 6,000 to 50,000 sq ft and the flexibility for laboratory, production and office uses, along with amenity facilities. Headline rents are £16.0-£20.0 per sq ft for hybrid space and £28.0 per sq ft for offices, which reflects a net initial yield on purchase of 4.8%.

 

The first three of OTP's 11 units are already complete, with one fully let to LGC's The Native Antigen Company, one of the world's leading suppliers of high-quality infectious disease reagents, at a headline rent of £15.0 per sq ft. The hotel is let to leading provider Premier Inn, until 2045. There is strong interest in all of the buildings currently under construction, with four due to be completed during 2022 and the remaining four during 2023.

 

The portfolio

The Company's portfolio at 30 June 2022 was as follows:

 

 

Valuation

 

 

 

 

Contracted rent1

 

 






WAULT

WAULT







£ per

Area

Occupancy

to break

to expiry

£m

£

NIY

NRY

Asset

£m

sq ft

sq ft

%

Years

Years

p.a.

per sq ft

%

%

Rolling Stock Yard

88.3

1,638

53,9002

66.7

4.0

7.0

3.5

65.5

3.7

4.3

The Merrifield Centre

6.7

531

12,600

100.0

4.5

9.5

0.3

23.1

4.1

5.3

The Lumen House

8.5

483

17,600

100.0

-

0.9

0.3

18.7

3.6

6.2

Cambourne Business Park

99.8

429

232,600

80.2

2.6

6.0

4.1

22.0

3.9

5.4

7-11 Herbrand Street

83.6

1,245

67,100

100.0

-

4.3

4.0

59.8

4.5

4.6

OTP - Investment

46.2

438

105,500

66.8

14.6

15.8

1.4

17.9

2.8

4.6

Investment assets

333.1

681

489,300

81.1

5.0

6.7

13.7

32.9

3.8

4.8

OTP - Development

80.3

207

388,1003

-

-

-

-

-

-

4.9

Development assets

80.3

207

388,100

-

-

-

-

-

-

4.9

Total

413.4

471

877,400

81.1

5.0

6.7

13.7

32.9

3.8

4.8

1.  Restated to exclude rental guarantees not held in escrow.

2.  Restated to exclude the reception area.

3.  Full build out area.

 

Investment assets contracted rent roll at the period end was £13.7 million (31 December 2021: £9.3 million). The estimated rental value of investment assets was £17.2 million (31 December 2021: £10.1 million), showing the strong reversionary potential in the investment portfolio (reversionary percentage of 8.2% on the let portfolio), which we aim to unlock through our asset management programme. Occupancy at the period end remained relatively static at 81.1% (31 December 2021: 80.9%).

 

Development assets consist of OTP onsite buildings and the remaining development land. As the buildings practically complete they will be transferred into investment properties above. The 388,100 sq. ft. area reflects the expected area once the development is complete.

 

All of the assets are located within the Golden Triangle. The portfolio primarily comprises office and hybrid (office and laboratory) space. The charts below show the split of assets by location and type, based on their valuation at 30 June 2022.

 

Split by location

London | 41%

Oxford | 33%

Cambridge | 26%

 

Split by use1

Hybrid & Laboratories | 78%

Office | 22%

 

1.  Includes OTP - Developments as hybrid & laboratory space.

 

Implementing the asset management strategy

We have continued to progress the Group's asset management plans during the period, with the portfolio presenting a range of different opportunities to grow income and capital values, while positioning the assets to meet occupier needs and enhancing their ESG credentials.

 

Cambourne Business Park

The Group's goal at Cambourne Business Park is to reposition the asset as the premier science park to the west of Cambridge. We have begun work with specialist consultants to rebrand the park, ensuring we understand what space occupiers are looking for and how we could provide it, as well as considering market perceptions of the park and the competing offers from nearby sites. We are in discussions with existing non-life science occupiers at the park about the potential for taking lease surrenders. We are also working with an existing life science occupier on a proposal to install a laboratory in one of the multi-let buildings, as well as considering the potential for increasing further development opportunities on the park.

 

The EPC rating at Cambourne was reassessed during the period, resulting in an improvement from a D to a C rating. This is in line with our current target, which is for the Group's assets to have an EPC rating of C or above. Our asset management programme will enhance the site's environmental credentials, which will result in further improvements in the EPC rating in future. For example, the Group is upgrading the external lighting to LEDs and the current cost of energy means the payback on this investment is just two years.

 

Rolling Stock Yard

Rolling Stock Yard had two vacant floors on acquisition. There is virtually no fully fitted lab space available in the surrounding area and our plan is to refit the vacant floors as 'plug and play' laboratories. We expect this work to complete by early 2023 and believe it has the potential to improve the rental level from around £65.0 per sq. ft. to c.£110.0 per sq. ft., after capital investment of approximately £130.0 per sq ft. The Group's proposals incorporate sustainable features, such as green walls and recycled furniture, as well as installing a coffee bar in the atrium, to make the building an even more attractive place to work for our occupiers' employees.

 

Oxford Technology Park

At OTP, the Group is pressing ahead with building out the remaining eight units on the development site. As noted above, the Group has strong occupier interest in a number of these units, including some where construction has not yet started, giving us scope to let buildings before they reach practical completion.

 

Tenants include The Native Antigen Company ("Native Antigen"), who have signed a ten-year lease. Native Antigen is part of the LGC Group, a global leader in the life sciences sector, and specialises in the supply of infectious disease reagents. The Group has a fixed-price contract for each building with the developer, ensuring it is well protected against build-cost inflation.

 

The new units will be constructed to high ESG standards, including an EPC rating of A or B, and we are targeting a BREEAM certification of Very Good or Excellent.

 

The Lumen House

The current lease at the Lumen House expires in the second quarter of 2023. We are working on plans to put forward a comprehensive redevelopment of the asset, including a potential extension to the building, to make it a highly attractive proposition for life science occupiers.

 

7-11 Herbrand Street

The lease at Herbrand Street has four years remaining and our base case is that the occupier will stay until expiry. We are working up our plans for repositioning the building for life science use, once the Group can secure vacant possession.

 

The Merrifield Centre

The occupier at the Merrifield Centre is in the process of completing a comprehensive refurbishment which is designed to result in an improvement to the EPC rating from the current D. The Group has contributed to the installation of electric vehicle charging points and the occupier is in the process of undertaking LED lighting upgrades to the building.

 

Developing our ESG strategy

During the period, we engaged a specialist consultant to help us further develop the Group's approach to ESG matters. This work will include materiality review and sustainability risk assessments and establishing the Group's carbon performance baseline. As part of the project, we will create a sustainability policy for the Group and a roadmap that sets out the metrics we will use to measure progress, along with realistic but challenging targets.

 

The Group will continue to enhance EPC ratings where necessary, through its asset management programme, and work with existing occupiers to improve energy efficiency. This includes a programme to monitor energy usage and increase occupier engagement, as well as our aim of moving towards landlord controlled green tariffs.

 

When developing assets, the Group looks to increase the options for sustainable travel and incorporate sustainable materials, including sustainable furniture. The Group's focus for existing assets is to refurbish rather than rebuild, which offers significant carbon savings over new construction.

 

As noted in the Chair's statement, the Group's intention is to create social value by developing life science hubs that aid collaboration between occupiers and support scientific discovery. We are also looking at incorporating Fitwell considerations into the Group's proposals. Fitwell is a leading certification system for buildings that promotes health and wellbeing.

 

The Group continues to implement a robust corporate governance structure. This includes integrating climate change into our investment, asset management and risk management processes.

 

Financial review

Financial performance

Total revenue in the period was £6.3 million. Property operating expenses of £2.2 million incurred in the period result in a year to date gross profit of £4.0 million. Property operating expenses primarily include void costs on vacant units and a provision for historic arrears that were inherited on acquisition.

 

Operating costs comprise the Investment Adviser's fee, other professional fees, including audit and valuation, the Directors' fees, and a range of other costs such as insurance. After these costs, the Company recorded an operating profit before gains and losses of £1.4 million.

 

The unrealised gain on investment properties was £5.8 million, driven primarily by 7.0% like-for-like ERV growth and some small yield compression offset by £16.5 million of acquisition costs in the period.

 

The net finance charge for the period was £0.3 million, which was the net of finance costs of £1.0 million following the drawdown of the HSBC facility and OTP debt acquired, and finance income of £0.7 million.

 

As a REIT, the Company is not subject to corporation tax on its property rental business. The profit for the period was therefore £6.9 million. This resulted in IFRS earnings per share of 2.0 pence and EPRA earnings per share of 0.2 pence.

 

Valuation and net asset value

The portfolio was independently valued by CBRE as at 30 June 2022, in accordance with the internationally accepted RICS Valuation - Professional Standards (the "Red Book").

 

The portfolio valuation was £413.4 million, representing a £5.8 million uplift in the period, including acquisitions and a 7.4% like-for-like valuation increase of assets held throughout the period.

 

As a result of the valuation, the IFRS NAV was 102.1 pence per share, up from 100.2 pence per share at 31 December 2021. The EPRA NTA at the period end was 102.0 pence per share (31 December 2021: 100.2 pence per share).

 

Debt financing

In March 2022, the Group agreed a £150.0 million debt facility with HSBC, comprising a £75.0 million three-year term loan and a £75.0 million revolving credit facility ("RCF"). The interest rate on the facility is 225 basis points over SONIA. The facility has market normal covenants on LTV and interest cover. It gives the Group additional financial resources to deliver its strategy and the flexibility to add new properties to the security pool, to reach the Group's optimal gearing target as it acquires new assets.

 

At 30 June 2022, the Group has drawn £64.1 million against the HSBC term loan. In addition, the Group acquired a debt facility as part of the OTP transaction, which had £33.8 million drawn against it at 30 June 2022 and is shown in current liabilities as it is due to mature in June 2023.

 

At the period end, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of £58.7 million (31 December 2021: £166.0 million), with the reduction reflecting the acquisitions made during the period.

 

The LTV ratio as at 30 June 2022 was 9.5%. We continue to believe that a range of 30-40% will be optimal in the longer term.

 

Cancellation of the share premium account

On 12 April 2022, the share premium account of £339.3 million was cancelled in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and transferred to a capital reduction reserve, in order to create distributable reserves.

 

Resourcing for growth

We have continued to expand our team to ensure we have the skills and capacity to secure the opportunities we see for the Group. In the 2021 Annual Report, we noted that we had recruited a Director of Asset Management, a Senior Asset Manager and a General Counsel since the start of 2022. We have since strengthened our financial planning and reporting team and employed a research analyst with a background in life sciences, which will further enhance our knowledge of the market and help us to identify growth opportunities.

 

Risk management

 

The principal risks facing the Group are documented on pages 34 to 41 of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2021. The Board has conducted a review of the principal risks and considers whilst the evaluation of some of these risks has changed, the changes are not material, and there are no new principal risks nor any deletions.

 

Going concern

In preparing the financial statements, we and the Board are required to assess whether the Group remains a going concern. During the period to 30 June 2022 the Group recognised revenue of £6.3 million and operating profits before gains on investment properties of £1.4 million. Revenues would need to fall by approximately 22.2% before the Group became loss-making. This is considered unlikely given that the let portfolio currently reflects a reversionary percentage of 8.2% and there is strong occupier demand for existing and new space being built.

 

The Group currently has a strong balance sheet with significant LTV headroom and cash at the period end of £58.7 million. Taking the above into consideration, we and the Board have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in business for a period of at least 12 months from the date of this interim report and therefore remains a going concern.

 

Post period end events

· In August 2022, a further £37.2 million was drawn down from the HSBC facility. The £75.0 million term loan is now fully drawn, with a further £26.3 million drawn from the £75.0 million revolving credit facility

· Secured additional protection against potential future interest rate rises through capping the SONIA rate at 2.0% until 31 March 2025 on the full amount of the HSBC term loan from August 2022 at a premium of £2.3 million. Group debt is now 77.1% hedged following the issuance of this cap and August 2022 debt draw downs

· The Company continues to target a dividend yield of 4.0% based on the IPO issue price for the period from 19 November 2021 (the date of the Company's admission to trading on AIM) to 31 December 2022. The Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.0 pence per share in respect of the period ended 30 June 2022. This will be payable on 31 October 2022, the ex-dividend date will be 29 September 2022 and this will be paid entirely as an ordinary dividend.

 

Compliance with the investment policy

The Group's investment policy is set out in full on pages 107 and 108 of the 2021 Annual Report. The key elements of the policy are summarised below. We complied with the policy throughout the period:

 

Policy element

Compliance in the period

Invest in a diversified portfolio of properties across the UK which are typically leased or intended to be leased to tenants operating in, or providing a benefit to, the life science sector.

Yes. All the properties are either leased or intended to be leased to life science organisations.

Examples of the assets the Group can acquire: wet and dry laboratories, offices, incubators and co-working space, manufacturing and testing facilities, and data centres.

Yes. The assets acquired were a mix of laboratory and office space.

The Group can acquire individual buildings, a group of buildings across a single science park or the entirety of a science park.

Yes. The Group acquired both individual assets and groups of buildings.

The Group will typically invest in income producing assets, consistent with providing capital growth and growing income.

Yes. All the assets we acquired are income producing (other than OTP) and offer potential for capital growth and rising income through asset management.

Any asset management or development opportunities will minimise any development risk, typically through forward funding or similar arrangements.

Yes. The Group is forward funding the development programme at OTP and has a fixed-price contract for each building with the developer.

The maximum exposure to developments or land without a forward funding arrangement is 15% of gross asset value ("GAV").

There are no developments or land without a forward funding arrangement.

No individual building will represent more than 35% of GAV, reducing to 25% of GAV by 31 December 2023.

Not applicable1

The Group will target a portfolio with no one tenant accounting for more than 20% of gross contracted rents at the time of purchase.

Not applicable1

The aggregate maximum exposure to assets under development, including forward fundings, will not exceed 50% of GAV, reducing to 30% of GAV by 31 December 2023.

Not applicable1

No more than 10% of GAV will be invested in properties that are not life science properties.

Not applicable1

The Group will not invest more than 10% of GAV in other alternative investment funds or closed ended investment companies.

Yes. The Group has no investments of this type.

1.  These investment restrictions apply once the IPO proceeds are fully invested and debt is drawn down at an initial LTV of 40%. Debt has not been fully drawn against all assets and therefore these investment restrictions are not applicable for the period to 30 June 2022.

 

Alternative Investment Fund Manager ("AIFM")

G10 Capital Limited ("G10") is the Company's AIFM for the purposes of the UK AIFM Regime, with Ironstone Asset Management Limited providing investment advisory services to both G10 and the Company.

 

 

Ironstone Asset Management Limited

Investment Adviser

 

21 September 2022

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

 

Continuing operations

Notes

Six months ended

30 June

2022

£'000

Period from 1 August 2021 to 31 December 2021

£'000

Revenue

3

6,262

532

Property operating expenses

4

(2,218)

-

Gross profit


4,044

532

Administration expenses

4

(2,602)

(834)

Operating profit/(loss) before gains on investment properties


1,442

(302)

Fair value gains on investment properties

10

5,763

8,036

Operating profit


7,205

7,734

Finance income

5

714

7

Finance expense

6

(1,022)

-

Profit before tax


6,897

7,741

Taxation

7

-

-

Profit after tax for the period and total comprehensive income attributable to equity holders


6,897

7,741

Profit per share (basic and diluted) (pence)

9

2.0

2.2

All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were discontinued during the period.

 

There is no other comprehensive income and as such a separate statement is not present. The profit after tax is therefore also the total comprehensive profit.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

AS AT 30 JUNE 2022

 



30 June

31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Assets


 


Non-current assets


 


Investment property

10

413,390

192,170



413,390

192,170

Current assets


 


Interest rate derivative

18

474

-

Trade and other receivables

11

10,510

3,268

Cash and cash equivalents

12

58,730

165,962



69,714

169,230

Total assets


483,104

361,400

Liabilities


 


Non-current liabilities


 


Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

13

(63,070)

-



(63,070)

-

Current liabilities


 


Other payables and accrued expenses

14

(28,781)

(10,820)

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

13

(33,792)

-



(62,573)

(10,820)

Total liabilities


(125,643)

(10,820)

Net assets


357,461

350,580

Equity


 


Share capital

15

3,500

3,500

Share premium

16

-

339,339

Capital reduction reserve

16

339,323

-

Retained earnings


14,638

7,741

Total equity


357,461

350,580

Number of shares in issue (thousands)


350,000

350,000

Net asset value per share (basic and diluted) (pence)

17

102.1

100.2

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED TO 30 JUNE 2022

 



 

 

Capital

 



 

 

reduction

 



 

 

reserve and

 



Share

Share

retained 

 



capital

premium

earnings

Total


Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 1 January 2022


3,500

339,339

7,741

350,580

Total comprehensive profit


-

-

6,897

6,897

Ordinary shares issued

15, 16

-

-

-

-

Share issue costs

16

-

(16)

-

(16)

Cancellation of share premium

16

-

(339,323)

339,323

-

Balance at 30 June 2022


3,500

-

353,961

357,461

 





Capital






reduction






reserve and




Share

Share

retained




capital

premium

earnings

Total


Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 1 August 2021


-

-

-

-

Total comprehensive profit


-

-

7,741

7,741

Ordinary shares issued

15, 16

3,500

346,500

-

350,000

Share issue costs

16

-

(7,161)

-

(7,161)

Balance at 31 December 2021


3,500

339,339

7,741

350,580

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

 



Six months ended 30 June 2022

Period from 1 August 2021 to 31 December 2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities


 


Operating profit


7,205

7,734

Adjustments to reconcile profit for the period to net cash flows:


 


Gains from change in fair value of investment properties

10

(5,763)

(8,036)

Adjustment for non-cash items


(675)

(82)

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital


767

(384)

Increase in other receivables and prepayments


(7,317)

(3,169)

Increase in other payables and accrued expenses


2,637

7,091

Net cash flow (used in)/generated from operating activities


(3,913)

3,538

Cash flows from investing activities


 


Acquisition of investment properties


(165,101)

(181,524)

Capital expenditure


(20)

-

Interest received


226

7

Net cash used in investing activities


(164,895)

 (181,517)

Cash flows from financing activities


 


Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares

15, 16

-

350,000

Share issuance costs paid


(1,124)

(6,059)

Bank loans drawn down

13

64,080

-

Loan interest and other finance expenses paid


(1,380)

-

Net cash flow generated from financing activities


61,576

343,941

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


(107,232)

165,962

Cash and cash equivalents at start of the period


165,962

-

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

12

58,730

165,962

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements .

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

 

1. General information

Life Science REIT plc (the "Company") is a closed-ended Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT") incorporated in England and Wales on 27 July 2021. The Company began trading on 19 November 2021 when the Company's shares were admitted to trading on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange. The registered office of the Company is located at Beaufort House, 51 New North Road, Exeter EX4 4EP.

 

The Group's condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2022 comprise the results of the Company and its subsidiaries (together constituting the "Group").

 

 

2. Basis of preparation

These interim condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and United Kingdom adopted international accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

 

These interim condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's last financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021. These interim condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements do not include all of the information required for a complete set of annual financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS; however, they have been prepared using the accounting policies adopted in the audited financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2021 and selected explanatory notes have been included to explain events and transactions that are significant in understanding changes in the Company's financial position and performance since the last financial statements.

 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of investment properties and financial instruments that are measured at revalued amounts or fair values at the end of each reporting period, as explained in the accounting policies below. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for goods and services.

 

IAS 34 requires that comparative figures are presented for the comparable interim period in the preceding year. The Company was incorporated on 27 July 2021 and a set of accounts to 31 July 2021 were filed, therefore the five month period from 1 August 2021 to 31 December 2021 has been presented. The Company did not commence trading until 19 November 2021, thus the comparative information may not present a representative comparative.

 

The financial information contained within these interim results does not constitute full statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

The financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2022 have not been either audited or reviewed by the Company's Auditor. The information for the period ended 31 December 2021 has been extracted from the latest published Annual Report and Financial Statements, which has been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Auditor reported on those accounts; its report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under sections 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

The Directors have made an assessment of the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. The Directors are satisfied that the Group has the resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future, for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of this report. Furthermore, the Directors are not aware of any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt upon the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Therefore, the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

 

2.1 New standards and interpretations effective in the current period

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2021, except for the adoption of new standards effective as of 1 January 2022. The Group has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

 

Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations gives clarification on the recognition of contingent liabilities at acquisition and clarifies that contingent assets should not be recognised at the acquisition date. The amendments have not had a significant impact on the preparation of the financial statements.

 

2.2 New and revised accounting standards not yet effective

There are a number of new standards and amendments to existing standards which have been published and are mandatory for the Group's accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023 or later. The Group is not adopting these standards early. The following are the most relevant to the Group:

 

· amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements; and

· amendments to IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors.

 

2.3 Significant accounting judgements and estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Directors of the Company to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts recognised in the financial statements. However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability in the future.

 

Judgements

In the course of preparing the financial statements, the Directors have made the following judgements in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies which have had a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

 

Business combinations

The Group acquires subsidiaries that own investment properties. At the time of acquisition, the Group considers whether each acquisition represents the acquisition of a business or the acquisition of an asset. Management considers the substance of the assets and activities of the acquired entity in determining whether the acquisition represents the acquisition of a business.

 

The Group accounts for an acquisition as a business combination where an integrated set of activities is acquired in addition to the property. Where such acquisitions are not judged to be the acquisition of a business, they are not treated as business combinations. Rather, the cost to acquire the corporate entity is allocated between the identifiable assets and liabilities of the entity based upon their relative fair values at the acquisition date. Accordingly, no goodwill or additional deferred tax arises.

 

All corporate acquisitions made during the period have been treated as asset purchases rather than business combinations because no integrated set of activities was acquired.

 

Estimates

In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies, the Investment Adviser has made the following estimates which have the most significant risk of material change to the carrying value of assets recognised in the condensed consolidated financial statements:

 

Valuation of property

The valuations of the Group's investment property are at fair value as determined by the external valuer on the basis of market value in accordance with the internationally accepted RICS Valuation - Professional Standards January 2020 (incorporating the International Valuation Standards) and in accordance with IFRS 13.

 

The key estimates made by the valuer are the ERV and equivalent yields of each investment property.

 

Onsite developments are valued by applying the 'residual method' of valuation, which is the investment method described above with a deduction for all costs necessary to complete the development, with a further allowance for remaining risk and developers' profit. Properties and land held for future development are valued using the highest and best use method, by adopting the residual method allowing for all associated risks, the investment method, or a value per acre methodology.

 

See notes 10 and 18 for further details.

 

2.4 Summary of significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are stated in the notes to the financial statements.

 

a) Basis of consolidation

The Company does not meet the definition of an investment entity and therefore does not qualify for the consolidation exemption under IFRS 10. The condensed consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group and its subsidiaries as at 30 June 2022. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtained control, and will continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. An investor controls an investee when the investor is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. In preparing these financial statements, intra-group balances, transactions and unrealised gains or losses have been eliminated in full. All subsidiaries have the same year end as the Company. Uniform accounting policies are adopted in the financial statements for like transactions and events in similar circumstances.

 

b) Functional and presentation currency

The overall objective of the Group is to generate returns in Pound Sterling and the Group's performance is evaluated in Pound Sterling. Therefore, the Directors consider Pound Sterling as the currency that most faithfully represents the economic effects of the underlying transactions, events and conditions and have therefore adopted it as the functional and presentation currency.

 

All values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£'000), except when otherwise stated.

 

c) Segmental reporting

The Directors are of the opinion that the Group is engaged in a single segment of business, being the investment and management of premises relating to the life science sector.

 

 

3. Revenue


Six months ended

30 June 2022

£'000

Period from

1 August

2021 to

31 December 2021

£'000

Rental income

5,468

532

Service charge income

710

-

Insurance recharge income

84

-

Total

6,262

532

 

 

4. Property operating and administration expenses

 


Six months ended

30 June 2022

£'000

Period from

1 August

2021 to

31 December 2021

£'000

Recoverable service charges

710

-

Rates

599

-

Premises expenses

443

-

Service charge void costs

370

-

Insurance expense

96

-

Property operating expenses

2,218

-

Investment Adviser fees

1,908

455

Other administration expenses

530

217

Audit fees

80

130

Directors' remuneration

84

32

Administration expenses

2,602

834

Total

4,820

834

 

 

5. Finance income

 


Six months ended

30 June

2022

£'000

Period from

1 August

2021 to

31 December 2021

£'000

Income from cash and short-term deposits

248

7

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

466

-

Total

714

7

 

 

6. Finance expense

 


Six months ended

30 June

2022

£'000

Period from

1 August

2021 to

31 December 2021

£'000

Loan interest

1,073

-

Loan arrangement fees amortised

122

-

Loan expenses

60

-

Gross interest costs

1,255

-

Less: capitalised finance costs

(233)

-

Total

1,022

-

 

Accounting policy

Any finance costs that are separately identifiable and directly attributable to an asset which takes a period of time to complete are amortised as part of the cost of the asset. All other finance costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. Finance costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with bank and other borrowings. Finance costs have been capitalised in the period in accordance with the accounting policy detailed in note 13.

 

 

7. Taxation

Corporation tax has arisen as follows:

 


Six months ended

30 June

2022

£'000

Period from

1 August

 2021 to

31 December 2021

£'000

Corporation tax on residual income

-

-

Total

-

-

 

Reconciliation of tax charge to profit before tax:

 


Six months ended

30 June

2022

£'000

Period from

1 August

2021 to

31 December 2021

£'000

Profit before tax

6,897

7,741

Corporation tax at 19.0% (2021: 19.0%)

1,310

1,471

Change in value of investment properties

(1,095)

(1,527)

Tax-exempt property rental business

(215)

56

Total

-

-

 

 

8. Operating leases

Operating lease commitments - as lessor

The Group has entered into commercial property leases on its investment property portfolio. These non-cancellable leases have a remaining term of up to 23 years (31 December 2021: 11 years).

 

Future minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 30 June 2022 are as follows:

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


£'000

£'000

Within one year

12,654

6,397

Between one and five years

38,472

27,194

More than five years

41,318

21,080

Total

92,444

54,671

 

 

9. Earnings per share

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the period. As there are no dilutive instruments in issue, basic and diluted EPS are identical.

 


Six months ended

30 June 2022

£'000

Period from

1 August 2021 to 31 December 2021

£'000

IFRS earnings

6,897

7,741

EPRA earnings adjustments:

 


Fair value gain on investment properties

(5,763)

(8,036)

Changes in fair value of derivatives

(466)

-

EPRA earnings

668

(295)

 


Six months ended

30 June 2022

£'000

Period from

1 August 2021 to 31 December 2021

£'000

Basic IFRS EPS

2.0

2.2

Diluted IFRS EPS

2.0

2.2

EPRA EPS

0.2

(0.1)

Adjusted EPS

0.2

(0.1)

 


Six months ended

30 June

Period from

1 August 2021 to

31 December


2022

2021


Number

Number


of shares

of shares

Weighted average number of shares in issue (thousands)

350,000

350,000

 

 

10. UK investment property

 


Completed

Development

Total


investment

property

investment


property

and land

property


£'000

£'000

£'000

Investment property valuation brought forward as at 1 January 2022

192,170

-

192,170

Acquisitions

135,008

78,566

213,574

Capital expenditure

20

956

976

Movement in rent incentives

674

-

674

Finance costs capitalised

-

233

233

Fair value gains on investment property

5,262

501

5,763

Fair value at 30 June 2022

333,134

80,256

413,390

 


Completed

Development

Total


investment

property

investment


property

and land

property


£'000

£'000

£'000

Investment property valuation brought forward as at 1 August 2021

-

-

-

Acquisitions

184,052

-

184,052

Movement in rent incentives

82

-

82

Fair value gain on investment property

8,036

-

8,036

Fair value at 31 December 2021

192,170

-

192,170

 

Accounting policy

Investment property comprises property held to earn rental income or for capital appreciation, or both. Investment property is recognised upon legal completion of the contract, where costs are reliably measured and future economic benefits that are associated with the property flow to the entity. Investment property is measured initially at cost including transaction costs. Transaction costs include transfer taxes and professional fees to bring the property to the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating. The carrying amount also includes the cost of replacing part of an existing investment property at the time that cost is incurred, if the recognition criteria are met.

 

All corporate acquisitions made during the period have been treated as asset purchases rather than business combinations because no integrated set of activities was acquired.

 

Development property and land is where the whole or a material part of an estate is identified as having potential for development. Assets are classified as such until development is completed and they have the potential to be fully income generating. Development property and land is measured at fair value if the fair value is considered to be reliably determinable. Where the fair value cannot be determined reliably but where it is expected that the fair value of the property will be reliably determined when construction is completed, the property is measured at cost less any impairment until the fair value becomes reliably determinable or construction is completed, whichever is earlier. It is the Group's policy not to capitalise overheads or operating expenses and no such costs were capitalised in the periods to 30 June 2022 or to 31 December 2021, however £233,000 (2021: nil) of finance costs have been capitalised in the in the period to 30 June 2022. Refer to note 13 for more details.

 

Subsequent to initial recognition, investment property is stated at fair value.

 

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair values are included in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise under IAS 40 Investment Property.

 

Investment properties cease to be recognised when they have been disposed of or withdrawn permanently from use and no future economic benefit is expected. Gains or losses on the disposal of investment property are determined as the difference between net disposal proceeds and the carrying value of the asset.

 

 

11. Trade and other receivables

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


£'000

£'000

Rent and insurance receivables

2,938

630

Tenant deposits

2,199

-

Other receivables and prepayments

3,441

362

VAT receivable

1,206

897

Escrow account

726

1,279

Payments in advance of property acquisition

-

100

Total

10,510

3,268

 

 

12. Cash and cash equivalents

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


£'000

£'000

Cash

8,730

21,962

Cash equivalents

50,000

144,000

Total

58,730

165,962

Cash equivalents includes £50.0 million of cash held by various banks on short-term deposits.

 

 

13. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021

Non-current

£'000

£'000

At the beginning of the period

-

-

Drawn in the period

64,080

-

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

64,080

-

Unamortised fees at the beginning of the period

-

-

Loan arrangement fees paid in the period

(1,105)

-

Amortisation charge for the period

95

-

Unamortised loan arrangement fees

(1,010)

-

Loan balance less unamortised loan arrangement fees

63,070

-

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021

Current

£'000

£'000

At the beginning of the period

-

-

Acquired in the period

33,564

-

Interest and commitment fees incurred in the period

416

-

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

33,980

-

Unamortised fees at the beginning of the period

-

-

Loan arrangement fees paid in the period

(215)

-

Amortisation charge for the period

27

-

Unamortised loan arrangement fees

(188)

-

Loan balance less unamortised loan arrangement fees

33,792

-

 

On 29 March 2022, a direct subsidiary of the Company, Ironstone Life Science Holdings Limited, entered into a £150.0 million single currency term and revolving facility agreement ("Debt Facility") with HSBC UK Bank plc, comprising a £75.0 million three year term loan facility and an equally sized revolving credit facility. The HSBC Debt Facility has an interest rate in respect of drawn amounts of 225 basis points over SONIA. As at 30 June 2022, there was £86.0 million available to draw.

 

On 23 August 2022, an additional £37.2 million was drawn on the Debt Facility, leaving a remaining £48.7 million available in the revolving credit facility as at the date of this report.

 

In August 2022 additional protection was secured against potential future interest rate rises through capping the SONIA rate at 2.0% until 31 March 2025 on the full amount of the term loan at a premium of £2.3 million.

 

The HSBC facility is secured on Rolling Stock Yard, Cambourne Business Park, 7-11 Herbrand Street, the Lumen House and the Merrifield Centre within the portfolio.

 

On 13 May 2022, the Company acquired the issued share capital of Oxford Technology Park Holdings Limited ("OTPHL") including its two subsidiaries, Oxford Technology Park Limited ("OTPL") and Oxford Technology Park Investments Limited ("OTPIL"). OTPL has an existing loan facility with Fairfield REF ECS II GEN No.2 Designated Activity Company ("Fairfield") of £53.4 million, of which £33.8 million is currently drawn. The Fairfield Debt Facility has an interest rate in respect of drawn amounts of 712 basis points over SONIA. There is an existing SONIA interest rate cap in place at 0.75% until the loan expiry date for £29.3 million of the drawn facility. This debt is due to expire in June 2023 and is therefore shown in current liabilities.

 

The debt facilities include LTV and interest cover covenants that are measured at entity level where the debt facilities have been drawn. The Group is in full compliance with all loan covenants at 30 June 2022.

 

Accounting policy

Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the proceeds received net of directly attributable transaction costs. Loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Interest on the HSBC facility is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income at the effective interest rate and shown within finance costs. Interest on the Fairfield facility is capitalised as part of the loan principal at the effective interest rate. Transaction costs are amortised over the term of the loan.

 

Where a property is being developed or undergoing major refurbishment, finance costs associated with direct expenditure on the property are capitalised. Capitalisation commences when the activities to develop the property start and continues until the property is substantially ready for its intended use, normally practical completion.

 

Capitalised finance costs are calculated with reference to the actual rate payable on borrowings for development purposes or, for that part of the development cost financed out of general funds, at the Group's weighted average interest rate.

 

 

14. Other liabilities - other payables and accrued expenses, provisions and deferred income

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


£'000

£'000

Capital expenses payable

17,389

2,628

Deferred income

3,960

4,937

Property operating expenses payable

2,604

92

Tenant deposits

2,199

-

Administration and other expenses payable

2,003

1,429

Tenant deposits payable to property manager

-

633

Loan interest payable

626

-

Share issue costs payable

-

1,101

Total other payables and accrued expenses

28,781

10,820

 

 

15. Share capital

Share capital is the nominal amount of the Company's ordinary shares in issue.

 


 

30 June


31 December


 

2022


2021

Ordinary shares of £0.01 each

Number

£'000

Number

£'000

Authorised, issued and fully paid:

 

 



Shares issued

350,000,000

3,500

350,000,000

3,500

Balance at the end of the period

350,000,000

3,500

350,000,000

3,500

The share capital comprises one class of ordinary shares. At general meetings of the Company, ordinary shareholders are entitled to one vote on a show of hands and on a poll, to one vote for every share held. There are no restrictions on the size of a shareholding or the transfer of shares, except for the UK REIT restrictions.

 

 

16. Share premium

Share premium comprises the following amounts:

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


£'000

£'000

Opening balance - 1 January 2022

339,339

-

Shares issued

-

346,500

Share issue costs

(16)

(7,161)

Transfer to capital reduction reserve

(339,323)

-

Share premium

-

339,339

On 12 April 2022, the share premium account was cancelled in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 in order to create distributable reserves, the capital reduction reserve. This is capable of being applied in any manner in which the Company's profits available for distribution are able lawfully to be applied.

 

 

17. Net asset value per share

Basic NAV per share amounts are calculated by dividing net assets attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company in the statement of financial position by the number of ordinary shares outstanding at the end of the period. As there are no dilutive instruments in issue, basic and diluted NAV per share are identical.

 

EPRA net tangible assets ("EPRA NTA") is calculated using property values in line with IFRS, where values are net of real estate transfer tax ("RETT") and other purchasers' costs. EPRA NTA is considered to be the most relevant measure for the Group's operating activities.

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


£'000

£'000

IFRS net assets attributable to ordinary shareholders

357,461

350,580

IFRS net assets for calculation of NAV

357,461

350,580

Adjustment to net assets:

 


Fair value of interest rate derivatives

(474)

-

EPRA NTA

356,987

350,580

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


Pence

Pence

IFRS basic and diluted NAV per share

102.1

100.2

EPRA NTA per share

102.0

100.2

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


Number

Number


of shares

of shares

Number of shares in issue (thousands)

350,000

350,000

 

 

18. Fair value

IFRS 13 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values.

 

The fair value of cash and short-term deposits, trade receivables, trade payables and other current liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are disclosed at amortised cost. The carrying values of the loans and borrowings approximate their fair value due to the contractual terms and conditions of the loan. The HSBC debt facility has an interest rate of 225 basis points over SONIA in respect of drawn amounts. The Fairfield Debt Facility has an interest rate in respect of drawn amounts of 712 basis points over SONIA.

 

The fair value of the interest rate contracts is recorded in the statement of financial position and is determined by forming an expectation that interest rates will exceed strike rates and discounting these future cash flows at the prevailing market rates as at the year end.

 

Six-monthly valuations of investment property are performed by CBRE, accredited external valuers with recognised and relevant professional qualifications and recent experience of the location and category of the investment property being valued, on a fixed fee basis. The valuations are the ultimate responsibility of the Directors however, who appraise these every six months.

 

The valuation of the Group's investment property at fair value is determined by the external valuer on the basis of market value in accordance with the internationally accepted RICS Valuation - Professional Standards January 2020 (incorporating the International Valuation Standards).

 

Completed investment properties are valued by adopting the 'income capitalisation' method of valuation. This approach involves applying capitalisation yields to current and future rental streams, net of income voids arising from vacancies or rent-free periods and associated running costs. These capitalisation yields and future rental values are based on comparable property and leasing transactions in the market using the valuer's professional judgement and market observations. Other factors taken into account in the valuations include the tenure of the property, tenancy details and ground and structural conditions.

 

Onsite developments are valued by applying the 'residual method' of valuation, which is the investment method described above with a deduction for all costs necessary to complete the development, with a further allowance for remaining risk and developers' profit. Properties and land held for future development are valued using the highest and best use method, by adopting the residual method allowing for all associated risks, the investment method, or a value per acre methodology.

 

The following table shows an analysis of the fair values of investment properties recognised in the statement of financial position by level of the fair value hierarchy1:

 


30 June 2022


Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Investment properties

-

-

413,390

413,390

Interest rate derivatives

-

474

-

474

Total

-

474

413,390

413,864

 


31 December 2021


Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Investment properties

-

-

192,170

192,170

Interest rate derivatives

-

-

-

-

Total

-

-

192,170

192,170

1.  Explanation of the fair value hierarchy:

· Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date;

· Level 2 - use of a model with inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) that are directly or indirectly observable market data; and

· Level 3 - use of a model with inputs that are not based on observable market data.

There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during either period, nor have there been any transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

Sensitivity analysis to significant changes in unobservable inputs within the valuation of investment properties

The following table analyses:

 

· the fair value measurements at the end of the reporting period;

· a description of the valuation techniques applied;

· the inputs used in the fair value measurement, including the ranges of rent charged to different units within the same building; and

· for Level 3 fair value measurements, quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement.

 

 

 

 

Key

 

 

Fair value

Valuation

unobservable

 

30 June 2022

£'000

technique

inputs

Range

Completed investment property

£333,134

Income capitalisation

ERV

£18 - £110

per sq ft

 

 

 

Equivalent yield

3.85% - 6.65%

Development property

£48,106

Income capitalisation/

residual method

ERV

£18 - £22

per sq ft

 

 

 

Equivalent yield

4.75% - 4.75%

Development land

£32,150

Comparable method/

residual method

Sales rate

per sq ft

£123

 

 

 

 

 

Total

£413,390

 

 

 

 




Key



Fair value

Valuation

unobservable


31 December 2021

£'000

technique

inputs

Range

Completed investment property

£192,170

Income capitalisation

ERV

£23 - £68

per sq ft




Equivalent yield

3.81% - 7.00%

Development property and land

-

Comparable method/

residual method

Not applicable

 n/a

Total

£192,170




 

Significant increases/decreases in the ERV (per sq ft per annum) and rental growth per annum in isolation would result in a significantly higher/lower fair value measurement. Significant increases/decreases in the long-term vacancy rate and discount rate (and exit yield) in isolation would result in a significantly higher/lower fair value measurement.

 

Generally, a change in the assumption made for the ERV (per sq ft per annum) is accompanied by:

 

· a similar change in the rent growth per annum and discount rate (and exit yield); and

· an opposite change in the long-term vacancy rate.

 

Gains and losses recorded in profit or loss for recurring fair value measurements categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy amount to a gain of £5.8 million (31 December 2021: £8.0 million) and are presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in line item 'fair value gains on investment properties'.

 

All gains and losses recorded in profit or loss for recurring fair value measurements categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are attributable to changes in unrealised gains or losses relating to investment property held at the end of the reporting period.

 

The carrying amount of the Group's other assets and liabilities is considered to be the same as their fair value.

 

 

19. Capital commitments

At 30 June 2022, the Group had contracted capital expenditure of £4.3 million (31 December 2021: £nil).

 

 

20. Related party transactions

Directors

The Directors (all Non-Executive Directors) of the Company and its subsidiaries are considered to be the key management personnel of the Group. Directors' remuneration for the period totalled £84,299 (31 December 2021: £32,456) and at 30 June 2022, a balance of £14,966 (31 December 2021: £2,000) was outstanding relating to PAYE, employer and employee NI.

 

Investment Adviser

The Company is party to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the AIFM and the Investment Adviser, pursuant to which the Investment Adviser has been appointed to provide investment advisory services relating to the respective assets on a day to day basis in accordance with their respective investment objectives and policies, subject to the overall supervision and direction by the AIFM and the Board of Directors.

 

For its services to the Company, the AIFM receives an annual fee at the rate of 1.1% of the NAV of the Company up to £500.0 million, then 0.9% of the Company NAV once the Company NAV exceeds £500 million, then at a lower rate of 0.75% of the Company NAV once the Company NAV exceeds £3.0 billion.

 

During the period, the Group incurred £1,908,143 (31 December 2021: £454,903) in respect of investment advisory fees. As at 30 June 2022, £983,020 (31 December 2021: £454,903) was outstanding.

 

 

21. Ultimate controlling party

It is the view of the Directors that there is no ultimate controlling party.

 

 

22. Post balance sheet events

In August 2022, a further £37.2 million was drawn down from the HSBC facility. The £75.0 million term loan is now fully drawn, with a further £26.3 million drawn from the £75.0 million revolving credit facility.

 

The Group secured additional protection against potential future interest rate rises through capping the SONIA rate at 2.0% until 31 March 2025 on the full amount of the HSBC term loan from August 2022 at a premium of £2.3 million.

 

A first interim dividend in respect of the period ended 30 June 2022 of 1.0 pence per share will be payable on 31 October 2022. The ex-dividend date will be 29 September 2022 and this will be paid entirely as an ordinary dividend.

 

 

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES NOT PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

 

The Group is a member of the European Public Real Estate Association ("EPRA") and was awarded an EPRA Gold award for compliance with EPRA Best Practice Recommendations ("BPR") for the 2021 Annual Report. EPRA has developed and defined the following performance measures to give transparency, comparability and relevance of financial reporting across entities which may use different accounting standards. The following measures are calculated in accordance with EPRA guidance.

 

These are not intended as a substitute for IFRS measures.

 

Table 1: EPRA performance measures summary

 



 

Period from



 

1 August 2021



Six months ended 30 June

 to 31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

EPRA earnings (£'000)

Table 2

668

(295)

EPRA EPS (pence)

Table 2

0.2

(0.1)

EPRA cost ratio (including direct vacancy cost)

Table 6

73.6%

163.5%

EPRA cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy cost)

Table 6

55.7%

163.5%

 



30 June

31 December


Notes

 2022

2021

EPRA NDV per share (pence)

Table 3

102.1

100.2

EPRA NRV per share (pence)

Table 3

110.0

103.9

EPRA NTA per share (pence)

Table 3

102.0

100.2

EPRA NIY

Table 4

2.5%

4.4%

EPRA 'topped-up' NIY

Table 4

3.1%

4.5%

EPRA vacancy rate

Table 5

18.9%

19.1%

 

 

Table 2: EPRA income statement

 



Six months ended 30 June

2022

Period from

1 August

2021 to

31 December 2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Revenue

3

6,262

532

Less: insurance recharged


(84)

-

Rental income


6,178

532

Property operating expenses

4

(2,218)

-

Insurance recharged


84

-

Gross profit


4,044

532

Administration expenses

4

(2,602)

(834)

Operating profit/(loss) before interest and tax


1,442

(302)

Finance income

5

714

7

Finance expenses

6

(1,022)

-

Less change in fair value of interest rate derivatives


(466)

-

Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax


668

(295)

Tax on adjusted profit/(loss)


-

-

Adjusted earnings


668

(295)

Weighted average number of shares in issue (thousands)

9

350,000

350,000

Adjusted EPS (pence)

9

0.2

(0.1)

 



Six months ended 30 June

2022

Period from

1 August

2021 to

31 December 2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Adjusted earnings


668

(295)

EPRA earnings


668

(295)



 


Weighted average number of shares in issue (thousands)

9

350,000

350,000

EPRA EPS (pence)

9

0.2

(0.1)

EPRA earnings represents earnings from operational activities. It is a key measure of the Group's underlying operational results and an indication of the extent to which current payments are supported by earnings.

 

 

Table 3: EPRA balance sheet and net asset value performance measures

EPRA net disposal value ("NDV"), EPRA net reinstatement value ("NRV") and EPRA net tangible assets ("NTA"). A reconciliation of the three new EPRA NAV metrics from IFRS NAV is shown in the table below. Total accounting return will be calculated based on EPRA NTA.

 



EPRA NDV

EPRA NRV

EPRA NTA

As at 30 June 2022

Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

Total properties1

10

413,390

413,390

413,390

Net cash/(borrowings)2

12/13

(39,330)

(39,330)

(39,330)

Other net liabilities


(16,599)

(16,599)

(16,599)

IFRS NAV

17

357,461

357,461

357,461

Include: real estate transfer tax3


-

28,111

-

Exclude: fair value of interest rate derivatives


-

(474)

(474)

NAV used in per share calculations


357,461

385,098

356,987

Number of shares in issue (thousands)

15

350,000

350,000

350,000

NAV per share (pence)


102.1

110.0

102.0

 



EPRA NDV

EPRA NRV

EPRA NTA

As at 31 December 2021

Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

Total properties1

10

192,170

192,170

192,170

Net cash/(borrowings)2

12

165,962

165,962

165,962

Other net liabilities


(7,552)

(7,552)

(7,552)

IFRS NAV

17

350,580

350,580

350,580

Include: real estate transfer tax3


-

13,068

-

Exclude: fair value of interest rate derivatives


-

-

-

NAV used in per share calculations


350,580

363,648

350,580

Number of shares in issue (thousands)

15

350,000

350,000

350,000

NAV per share (pence)


100.2

103.9

100.2

1.  Professional valuation of investment property.

2.  Comprising interest-bearing loans and borrowings (excluding unamortised loan arrangement fees) of £98,060,000 (31 December 2021: £nil) net of cash of £58,730,000 (31 December 2021: £165,962,000).

3.  EPRA NTA and EPRA NDV reflect IFRS values which are net of real estate transfer tax. Real estate transfer tax is added back when calculating EPRA NRV.

 

EPRA NDV details the full extent of liabilities and resulting shareholder value if Company assets are sold and/or if liabilities are not held until maturity. Deferred tax and financial instruments are calculated as to the full extent of their liability, including tax exposure not reflected in the statement of financial position, net of any resulting tax.

 

EPRA NTA assumes entities buy and sell assets, thereby crystallising certain levels of deferred tax liability.

 

EPRA NRV highlights the value of net assets on a long-term basis and reflects what would be needed to recreate the Company through the investment markets based on its current capital and financing structure. Assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in normal circumstances, such as the fair value movements on financial derivatives and deferred taxes on property valuation surpluses, are excluded. Costs such as real estate transfer taxes are included.

 

 

Table 4: EPRA net initial yield

 



30 June

31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Total properties per external valuer's report

10

413,390

192,170

Less development property and land


(80,256)

-

Net valuation of completed properties


333,134

192,170

Add estimated purchasers' costs1


22,653

13,068

Gross valuation of completed properties including estimated purchasers' costs (A)


355,787

205,238

Gross passing rents2 (annualised)


11,044

9,124

Less irrecoverable property costs2


(1,984)

(179)

Net annualised rents (B)


9,060

8,945

Add notional rent on expiry of rent-free periods or other lease incentives3


1,817

291

'Topped-up' net annualised rents (C)


10,877

9,236

EPRA NIY (B/A)


2.5%

4.4%

EPRA 'topped-up' net initial yield (C/A)


3.1%

4.5%

1.  Estimated purchasers' costs estimated at 6.8% (31 December 2021: 6.8%).

2.  Gross passing rents and irrecoverable property costs assessed as at the balance sheet date for completed investment properties excluding development property and land.

3.  Adjustment for unexpired lease incentives such as rent-free periods, discounted rent period and step rents. The adjustment includes the annualised cash rent that will apply at the expiry of the lease incentive. Rent-frees expire over a weighted average period of six months (31 December 2021: nine months).

 

EPRA NIY represents annualised rental income based on the cash rents passing at the balance sheet date, less non-recoverable property operating expenses, divided by the market value of the property, increased with (estimated) purchasers' costs. It is a comparable measure for portfolio valuations designed to make it easier for investors to judge themselves how the valuation of portfolio X compares with portfolio Y.

 

EPRA 'topped-up' NIY incorporates an adjustment to the EPRA NIY in respect of the expiration of rent-free periods (or other unexpired lease incentives such as discounted rent periods and step rents).

 

NIY as stated in the Investment Adviser's report calculates net initial yield on topped-up annualised rents but does not deduct non-recoverable property costs.

 

 

Table 5: EPRA vacancy rate

 


30 June

31 December


2022

2021


£'000

£'000

Annualised ERV of vacant premises (D)

3,251

1,937

Annualised ERV for the investment portfolio (E)

17,172

10,129

EPRA vacancy rate (D/E)

18.9%

19.1%

EPRA vacancy rate represents ERV of vacant space divided by ERV of the completed investment portfolio, excluding development property and land. It is a pure measure of investment property space that is vacant, based on ERV.

 

 

Table 6: Total cost ratio/EPRA cost ratio

 



 

Period from



Six months

1 August 2021



ended

30 June

 to 31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Property operating expenses (excluding service charge expenses)

4

1,138

-

Service charge expenses

4

1,080

-

Add back: service charge income

3

(710)

-

Add back: insurance recharged

3

(84)

-

Net property operating expenses


1,424

-

Administration expenses

4

2,602

834

Total cost including direct vacancy cost (F)


4,026

834

Direct vacancy cost


(981)

-

Total cost excluding direct vacancy cost (G)


3,045

834



 


Rental income1


5,468

510

Gross rental income (H)


5,468

510

Less direct vacancy cost


(981)

-

Net rental income


4,487

510

Total cost ratio including direct vacancy cost (F/H)


73.6%

163.5%

Total cost ratio excluding direct vacancy cost (G/H)


55.7%

163.5%

 


 

Period from


Six months

1 August 2021


ended

30 June

 to 31 December


2022

2021


£'000

£'000

Total cost including direct vacancy cost (F)

4,026

834

EPRA total cost (I)

4,026

834

Direct vacancy cost

(981)

-

EPRA total cost excluding direct vacancy cost (J)

3,045

834

EPRA cost ratio including direct vacancy cost (I/H)

73.6%

163.5%

EPRA cost ratio excluding direct vacancy cost (J/H)

55.7%

163.5%

1.  Reflects rental income plus rental income straight-line adjustment.

 

EPRA cost ratios represent administrative and operating costs (including and excluding costs of direct vacancy) divided by gross rental income. They are a key measure to enable meaningful measurement of the changes in the Group's operating costs.

 

It is the Group's policy not to capitalise overheads or operating expenses and no such costs were capitalised in the six months ended 30 June 2022 or in the period ended 31 December 2021.

 

 

Table 7: Lease data

 


Year 1

Year 2

Years 3-5

Year 5+

Total

As at 30 June 2022

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Passing rent of leases expiring in:

329

94

5,535

5,086

11,044

ERV of leases expiring in:

561

107

6,311

6,942

13,921

Passing rent subject to review in:

415

1,050

9,579

-

11,044

ERV subject to review in:

668

1,190

12,063

-

13,921

WAULT to expiry is 6.7 years and to break is 5.0 years.

 


Year 1

Year 2

Years 3-5

Year 5+

Total

As at 31 December 2021

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Passing rent of leases expiring in:

-

2,351

1,603

5,170

9,124

ERV of leases expiring in:

-

3,570

1,884

4,675

10,129

Passing rent subject to review in:

428

1,753

3,264

3,679

9,124

ERV subject to review in:

439

2,653

4,081

2,956

10,129

WAULT to expiry is 6.6 years and to break is 4.1 years.

 

 

Table 8: EPRA capital expenditure

 



 

Period from



Six months

1 August 2021



ended

30 June

 to 31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Acquisitions1

10

213,574

184,052

Development spend2

10

956

-

Completed investment properties:3


 

-

No incremental lettable space - like-for-like portfolio

10

20

-

No incremental lettable space - other


-

-

Tenant incentives

10

674

-

Total capital expenditure


215,224

184,052

Debt Acquired - OTP4


(33,564)

-

Conversion from accruals to cash basis


(16,539)

(2,528)

Total capital expenditure on a cash basis


165,121

181,524

1.  Acquisitions include £135.0  million (31 December 2021: £184.1 million) completed investment property and £78.6 million (31 December 2021: £nil) development property and land.

2.  Expenditure on development property and land.

3.  Expenditure on completed investment properties.

4.  On acquisition of OTP in May 2022, £33.6 million of debt was acquired. See note 13 for further details.

 

 

Table 9: EPRA Like-for-like net rental income

 



 

Period from



Six months

1 August 2021



ended

30 June

 to 31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Like-for-like rental income

-

-


Other


---

-

Adjusted like-for-like rental income

---

-


Development lettings


-

-

Properties acquired

3

5,468

532

Rental income


5,468

532

Service charge income

3

710

-

Insurance recharge

3

84

-

Revenue


6,262

532

 

 

Table 10: Loan to value ("LTV")

Gross debt less cash, short-term deposits and liquid investments, divided by the aggregate value of properties and investments.

 



30 June

  31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings1

13

98,060

n/a

Cash

12

(58,730)

n/a

Net borrowings (A)


39,330

n/a

Investment property at fair value (B)

10

413,390

n/a

LTV (A/B)


9.5%

n/a

1.  Excludes unamortised loan arrangement fees asset of £1.2 million (see note 13).

 

Comparative figures for 31 December 2021 have been excluded as the Group had no interest-bearing loans and borrowings as at this date.

 

 

Table 11: Total accounting return

The movement in EPRA NTA over a period plus dividends paid in the period, expressed as a percentage of the EPRA NTA at the start of the period.

 



 

Period from



Six months

1 August 2021



ended

30 June

 to 31 December



2022

2021



Pence per

Pence per


Notes

share

share

Opening EPRA NTA (A)

17

100.2

-

Movement (B)


1.8

100.2

Closing EPRA NTA

17

102.0

100.2

Dividend per share (C)


-

-

Total accounting return (B+C)/A


1.8%

n/a

 

 

Table 12: Interest cover

Adjusted operating profit before gains on investment properties, interest and tax divided by the underlying net interest expense.

 



 

Period from



Six months

1 August 2021



ended

30 June

 to 31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Adjusted operating profit/(loss) before gains on investment properties (A)


1,442

n/a

Interest expense

6

 1,022

n/a

Add back: capitalised finance costs

6

233

n/a

Less: interest income

5

(248)

n/a

Loan interest (B)


1,007

n/a

Interest cover (A/B)


143.2%

n/a

 

Comparative figures for the period to 31 December 2021 have been excluded as the Group had no interest-bearing loans during

this period.

 

 

Table 13: Ongoing charges ratio

Ongoing charges ratio represents the costs of running the REIT as a percentage of NAV as prescribed by the Association of Investment Companies.

 



 

Period from



 

1 August 2021



Six months ended 30 June

 to 31 December



2022

2021


Notes

£'000

£'000

Administration expenses

4

2,602

834

Annualised ongoing charges (A)


2,602

834

Opening NAV as at start of period


350,580

-

Closing NAV as at end of period


357,461

350,580

Average undiluted NAV during the period (B)


354,021

350,580

Ongoing charges ratio (A/B)


0.7%

0.2%

 

 

GLOSSARY

 

Adjusted earnings per share ("Adjusted EPS")

EPRA EPS adjusted to exclude one-off costs, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period

 

Admission

The admission of Life Science REIT plc onto the AIM of the London Stock Exchange on 19 November 2021

 

AGM

Annual General Meeting

 

AIC

The Association of Investment Companies

 

AIFM

Alternative Investment Fund Manager

 

UK AIFM Regime

The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013 (as amended by The Alternative Investment Fund Managers (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019) and the Investment Funds Sourcebook forming part of the FCA Handbook

 

AIM

A market operated by the London Stock Exchange

 

Company

Life Science REIT plc

 

Contracted rent

Gross annual rental income currently receivable on a property plus rent contracted from expiry of rent-free periods and uplifts agreed at the balance sheet date less any ground rents payable under head leases

 

Development property and land

Whole or a material part of an estate identified as having potential for development. Such assets are classified as development property and land until development is completed and they have the potential to be fully income generating

 

EPRA

The European Public Real Estate Association, the industry body for European REITs

 

EPRA cost ratio

The sum of property expenses and administration expenses as a percentage of gross rental income calculated both including and excluding direct vacancy cost

 

EPRA earnings

IFRS profit after tax excluding movements relating to changes in fair value of investment properties, gains/losses on property disposals, changes in fair value of financial instruments and the related tax effects

 

EPRA earnings per share ("EPRA EPS")

A measure of EPS on EPRA earnings designed to present underlying earnings from core operating activities based on the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period

 

EPRA like-for-like rental income growth

The growth in rental income on properties owned throughout the current and previous year under review. This growth rate includes revenue recognition and lease accounting adjustments but excludes development property and land in either year and properties acquired or disposed of in either year

 

EPRA NAV/EPRA NDV/EPRA NRV/EPRA NTA per share

The EPRA net asset value measures figures divided by the number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date

 

EPRA net disposal value ("EPRA NDV")

The net asset value measure detailing the full extent of liabilities and resulting shareholder value if company assets are sold and/or if liabilities are not held until maturity. Deferred tax and financial instruments are calculated as to the full extent of their liability, including tax exposure not reflected in the statement of financial position, net of any resulting tax

 

EPRA net initial yield ("EPRA NIY")

The annualised passing rent generated by the portfolio, less estimated non-recoverable property operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of the portfolio valuation (adding notional purchasers' costs), excluding development property and land

 

EPRA net reinstatement value ("EPRA NRV")

The net asset value measure to highlight the value of net assets on a long-term basis and reflect what would be needed to recreate the Company through the investment markets based on its current capital and financing structure. Assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in normal circumstances, such as the fair value movements on financial derivatives and deferred taxes on property valuation surpluses, are excluded. Costs such as real estate transfer taxes are included

 

EPRA net tangible assets ("EPRA NTA")

The net asset value measure assuming entities buy and sell assets, thereby crystallising certain levels of deferred tax liability

 

EPRA 'topped-up' net initial yield

The annualised passing rent generated by the portfolio, topped up for contracted uplifts, less estimated non recoverable property operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of the portfolio valuation (adding notional purchasers' costs), excluding development property and land

 

EPRA vacancy rate

Total open market rental value of vacant units divided by total open market rental value of the portfolio excluding development property and land

 

EPS

Earnings per share

 

Equivalent yield

The weighted average rental income return expressed as a percentage of the investment property valuation, plus purchasers' costs, excluding development property and land

 

ERV

The estimated annual open market rental value of lettable space as assessed by the external valuer

 

FCA

Financial Conduct Authority

 

GAV

Gross asset value

 

Group

Life Science REIT plc and its subsidiaries

 

IASB

International Accounting Standards Board

 

IFRS

International Financial Reporting Standards

 

IFRS earnings per share ("EPS")

IFRS earnings after tax for the year divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year

 

IFRS NAV per share

IFRS net asset value divided by the number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date

 

Interest cover

Adjusted operating profit before gains on investment properties, interest and tax divided by the underlying net interest expense

 

Investment portfolio

Completed buildings excluding development property and land

 

IPO

Initial public offering

 

Like-for-like rental income growth

The increase in contracted rent of properties owned throughout the period under review, expressed as a percentage of the contracted rent at the start of the period, excluding development property and land and units undergoing refurbishment

 

Like-for-like valuation increase

The increase in the valuation of properties owned throughout the period under review, expressed as a percentage of the valuation at the start of the period, net of capital expenditure

 

Loan to value ratio ("LTV")

Gross debt less cash, short-term deposits and liquid investments, divided by the aggregate value of properties and investments

 

NAV

Net asset value

 

Net initial yield ("NIY")

Contracted rent at the balance sheet date, expressed as a percentage of the investment property valuation, plus purchasers' costs, excluding development property and land

 

Net rental income

Gross annual rental income receivable after deduction of ground rents and other net property outgoings including void costs and net service charge expenses

 

Net reversionary yield ("NRY")

The anticipated yield to which the net initial yield will rise (or fall) once the rent reaches the ERV

 

Occupancy

Total open market rental value of the units leased divided by total open market rental value excluding development property and land, equivalent to one minus the EPRA vacancy rate

 

Passing rent

Gross annual rental income currently receivable on a property as at the balance sheet date less any ground rents payable under head leases

 

Property income distribution ("PID")

Profits distributed to shareholders which are subject to tax in the hands of the shareholders as property income. PIDs are usually paid net of withholding tax (except for certain types of tax-exempt shareholders). REITs also pay out normal dividends called non-PIDs

 

Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT")

A listed property company which qualifies for, and has elected into, a tax regime which is exempt from corporation tax on profits from property rental income and UK capital gains on the sale of investment properties

 

SONIA

Sterling Overnight Index Average

 

Total accounting return

The movement in EPRA NTA over a period plus dividends paid in the period, expressed as a percentage of the EPRA NTA at the start of the period

 

Total cost ratio

EPRA cost ratio excluding one-off costs calculated both including and excluding vacant property costs

 

Weighted average unexpired lease term ("WAULT")

Average unexpired lease term to first break or expiry weighted by contracted rent across the portfolio, excluding development property and land

 

 

ENDS

 

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