1st Quarter Results

Workspace Group PLC 11 August 2003 SME SECTOR REMAINS IN GOOD SHAPE AS WORKSPACE REPORTS PROGRESS Workspace Group PLC ('Workspace'), today announces its results for the three months ended 30 June 2003. Workspace is the leading provider of flexible business accommodation to small and medium size enterprises ('SMEs') in London and the South East. • Turnover £11.91m for the quarter, up by 15.3% (2002: £10.33m) • Pre-tax profits of £3.29m for the quarter, up 14.2% (2002: £2.88) • Basic earnings per share at 14.4p for the quarter up 17.1% (2002: 12.3p) • Annual rent roll £35.43m (30 June 2002: £30.42m) - Refurbishment schemes underway will generate rental growth later in the year • Net asset value per share £15.22 at 30 June 2003 (31 March 2003: £15.10) - (30 June 2002: £13.58) Commenting on the results, Harry Platt, Chief Executive, said, ' The SME sector is resilient. Demand for our space remains strong. We are continuing to see robust levels of enquiries, and conversions to lettings. ' Workspace continues to show a strong performance with consistent growth. We are working hard to improve our offering and our strategy is paying off. The average like-for-like rent has increased over the quarter by 1.4% to £8.30 per sq. ft. Across the majority of our stock, excluding the properties that we are re-furbishing or redeveloping and recent acquisitions, occupancy levels have remained stable at 89.3%. At a headline level, however, occupancy is lower mainly due to these planned voids. We anticipate the rent roll will increase later in the year as the newly refurbished accommodation is let. ' We continue to look for acquisitions that have the potential to respond well to our style of management. So far this year we have completed or have in legal negotiation £35m of acquisitions. We anticipate reporting further progress in the near future. ' Current trading is good and we are on track to deliver a performance that will meet market expectations. The Board remains confident that the long-term outlook for Workspace remains good.' -ends- Date: 11 August 2003 For further information please contact: Workspace Group PLC City Profile Group Harry Platt, Chief Executive Simon Courtenay Mark Taylor, Finance Director 020 7448 3244 020 7247 7614 e-mail: info@workspacegroup.co.uk Web: www.workspacegroup.co.uk Operating & Financial Review Overview The business continues to develop and grow. Pre-tax profits for the quarter are up 14.2% with trading profits up 13.1% on turnover up by 15.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Growth overall has been fuelled, as previously, by both organic growth in rentals (like-for-like average rent increased by 1.4% over the quarter) and by acquisitions (385,500 sq. ft has been added since 30 June 2002). The increasing strength of the Workspace brand continued to generate high levels of enquiries (over 100 per week) giving confidence in the underlying resilience of the market. Following the end of the quarter, one acquisition has been secured and others are either in negotiation or with lawyers. Acquisitions could total over £35m in the second quarter. Negotiations are also in progress on three disposals - Thurston Road, Hooley Lane and Kingsland Viaduct -where again good progress is hoped to be achieved by the half year stage. Portfolio Occupancy has dipped slightly during the quarter from 85.7% to 83.0% on an overall basis. Of this decline approximately one third related to properties subject to development and refurbishment where customers have had to be moved or have chosen to move ahead of disturbance. These include refurbishment projects at Barley Mow, Enterprise House, Europa and Clerkenwell and planned sales at Thurston Road, Hooley Lane and Kingsland Viaduct (which is subject to a Compulsory Purchase Order). Occupancy also fell in a number of the Group's recently acquired properties. This is a commonplace phenomenon post acquisition as the Group refocuses the management and operation of these properties. Experience shows that following this initial dip, occupancy recovers with an even stronger recovery in rentals as market rents are achieved on re-letting. Excluding these developments, refurbishment and acquisitions the majority of the Group's remaining properties (70 of the 92 sites overall) remained stable (occupancy on these moving marginally from 90.3% to 89.3%) with total rents growing despite this. Excluding development sites, occupancy at the quarter end is a healthy 87.3%. Following completion of the refurbishments, the effect of which is short term, we expect occupancy and rents to rise. This increase will commence in the latter part of the current financial year and so will not benefit income substantially in this year but will assist in future periods. Excluding the planned vacation of IPC from Enterprise House, releasing this accommodation for refurbishment, overall rental income has been stable in the quarter at £35.4m. Like-for-like rents have risen by 1.3% during the quarter, from £8.19 per sq. ft to £8.30 sq ft. As noted earlier, no major acquisitions and disposals were made in the quarter (a minor disposal of a strip of land at one property was made in the period). However, following the end of the quarter one acquisition has been completed: Name of Property Description Acquisition/Sale Annual Income Price Acquisition: Poplar Business Park, Modern B1 scheme, £16.10m £1.134m London E14 comprising 33 units totalling 75,000 sq. ft Other acquisitions totalling £19m are in progress. The majority of these acquisitions have been followed for many years. The Board has noted the increased interest and competition for the type of property in which it invests and the impact of this on the pricing of this property. With its considerable experience of and research into this sector the Company understands well the intrinsic value of such stock. Whilst it is prepared to pay the fair price for its investments the Board has resolved not to chase properties at what it considers to be excessive prices. During the quarter, Lewisham Council resolved, subject to a S106 Agreement, to approve our planning application for retail warehousing and housing at the Thurston Road Industrial Estate. The Group has targeted the estate for early disposal, along with Hooley Lane, Redhill, (which, subject to a S106 agreement, has planning approval for residential use), and the Kingsland Viaduct (which is the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order to enable the development of the East London Line). These disposals should realise in excess of £20m. The exit yields for these sales will be little different to the cost of borrowing which leaves scope for improvement in profitability as these sums are reinvested. Financial Review Earnings per share and net asset value per share have increased, driven by the increase in turnover and profitability referred to earlier. Key statistics and indicators may be summarised as: - Quarter to Year to Quarter to 30/06/2003 31/03/2003 30/06/2002 Gross trading profit: turnover 72% 71% 71% Operating profit: turnover 57% 57% 56% PBT: turnover 28% 30% 28% EPS per share (pence) 14.4 64.3 12.3 NAV per share (£) 15.22 15.10 13.58 Interest cover 1.92 * 2.18 2.00 Trading interest cover 1.91 1.97 2.00 Gearing 96% 98% 80% Available facilities (£m) 60.5 75.0 130.0 * Excludes non-cash refinancing costs. As may be seen trading ratios are consistent over all periods. EPS for the quarter is 17.1% higher than the comparable period last year. EPS for the full year to 31 March 2003 was assisted by a reduced tax charge for the year, attributable to a prior year tax adjustment. EPS calculations for the current quarter (and the previous year comparative) are based on tax charges at full rates. Interest cover has declined against the comparable period last year due to increased gearing levels. It has improved (at a trading level) in the current year at a time when gearing levels have been more comparable with the year end value. The Group continues to hold sufficient committed loan facilities to match its capital expenditure and acquisition targets for the year. Occupancy and Trading Statistics The Group's key statistics relating to its trading operations are given in the table below: 30 June 31 March 2003 2003 Number of estates 92 92 Total floorspace at end of period (sq. ft.) 5,103,237 5,104,519 of which: Like for like portfolio (sq. ft.) 4,594,513 4,596,246 Net Acquisitions/Disposals (sq. ft.) Three Mills and developments (sq. ft.) 508,724 508,273 Lettable units (number) 4,228 4,190 Annual rent roll of occupied units (£) 35,429,332 35,906,404 Average rent (£/sq. ft) 8.37 8.21 Average rent of like-for-like portfolio (£/sq. ft) 8.30 8.19 Occupancy overall 83.0% 85.7% Occupancy of like-for-like portfolio 87.3% 89.3% Comparisons from period to period may be distorted by acquisitions, disposals and transfers. The like-for-like portfolio is defined as those properties, excluding Three Mills (which due to the short term nature of lettings of studio space has a volatile occupancy rate which can obscure overall patterns), that have been held throughout the year to date and which are not subject to refurbishment/redevelopment programmes. Prospects The Group continues to maintain good levels of occupancy with enquiry levels and conversion rates consistent with earlier periods. Where occupancy levels have fallen more significantly this is generally attributable to estate related issues (e.g. refurbishments) rather than wider instability in the tenant base because of negative economic factors. The Group expects the rent roll to increase more strongly later in the year as the various refurbishment works underway complete and space is let. Meanwhile, in the current quarter the Group expects to make a number of acquisitions and to reach agreement on a number of key disposals. The Group is confident of achieving market expectations for the year and in extending its position as the leading brand in the provision of space to SMEs in London and the South East. Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the 3 months ended 30 June 2003 Audited Unaudited 3 months ended 30 June year ended 31 March Trading Other Total Total Operations Items 2003 Notes 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 __________ ______________________________ ______ ___________ _____ _______ _______ 44,965 Turnover - continuing operations 2 11,912 - 11,912 10,331 (12,944) Rent payable and direct costs (3,383) - (3,383) (2,948) __________ ______________________________ ______ ___________ _____ _______ _______ 32,021 Gross profit 8,529 - 8,529 7,383 (6,554) Administrative expenses (1,698) - (1,698) (1,626) __________ ______________________________ ______ ___________ _____ _______ _______ Operating profit - continuing 25,467 operations 6,831 - 6,831 5,757 2,766 Surplus on disposal of investment - 27 27 2 property 173 Interest receivable 3 11 - 11 34 (14,993) Interest payable and similar charges 4 (3,582) - (3,582) (2,911) __________ ______________________________ ______ ___________ _____ _______ _______ 13,413 Profit on ordinary activities before 3,260 27 3,287 2,882 taxation (3,046) Taxation on profit on ordinary 5 (979) (8) (987) (865) activities __________ ______________________________ ______ ___________ _____ _______ _______ 10,367 Profit on ordinary activities after 19 2,281 19 2,300 2,017 taxation - Equity minority interests - - - - 10,367 Profit attributable to shareholders 6 2,281 19 2,300 2,017 (4,471) Dividends - - - (23) __________ ______________________________ ______ ___________ _____ _______ _______ 5,896 Retained for the period 2,281 19 2,300 1,994 __________ ______________________________ ______ ___________ _____ _______ _______ 64.3p Basic earnings per share 7 14.3p 0.1p 14.4p 12.3p 62.8p Diluted earnings per share 7 14.0p 0.1p 14.1p 12.1p Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses Audited Unaudited Year ended 3 months ended 30 June 31 March 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _______ __________________________________________________________ ___________ _________ 10,367 Profit for the financial period 2,300 2,017 19,701 Unrealised surplus on revaluation of investment properties - - _______ __________________________________________________________ ___________ _________ 30,068 Total recognised gains relating to the financial period 2,300 2,017 _______ __________________________________________________________ ___________ _________ Note of Historical Cost Profits and Losses Audited Unaudited Year ended 3 months ended 30 June 31 March 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _______ ____________________________________________________________________ ___________ _________ 13,413 Reported profits on ordinary activities before taxation 3,287 2,882 15 Realisation of property revaluation gains/(losses) of previous years - - _______ ____________________________________________________________________ ___________ _________ 13,428 Historical cost profit on ordinary activities before taxation 3,287 2,882 _______ ____________________________________________________________________ ___________ _________ Historical cost profit for the period retained after taxation and 5,911 dividends 2,300 1,994 _______ ____________________________________________________________________ ___________ _________ Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2003 Audited Unaudited 30 June 31 March 2003 Notes 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ Fixed Assets Tangible assets 505,490 Investment properties 8 509,789 419,544 3,866 Other fixed assets 3,368 3,723 6,234 Investment in own shares 9 6,206 977 ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ 515,590 519,363 424,244 Current Assets - Stock: properties for sale - 150 7,386 Debtors 10 7,292 6,600 3,109 Investments 11 1,053 5,304 ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ 456 Cash at bank and in hand 765 290 10,951 9,110 12,344 (28,835) Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 (31,129) (30,814) ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ (17,884) Net current liabilities (22,019) (18,470) ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ 497,706 Total assets less current liabilities 497,344 405,774 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one (245,990) year (including Convertible Loan Stock) 13 (243,036) (178,441) (4,107) Provision for liabilities and charges 15 (4,311) (3,601) ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ 247,609 249,997 223,732 ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ Capital and reserves 1,668 Called up share capital 16 1,670 1,659 42,697 Share premium account 17 42,783 42,432 164,274 Revaluation reserve 17 164,274 144,588 38,970 Profit and loss account 17 41,270 35,053 ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ 247,609 Shareholders' funds - equity interests 249,997 223,732 - Equity minority interests 19 - - ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ 247,609 Capital Employed 18 249,997 223,732 ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ £15.10 Net asset value per share £15.22 £13.58 ________ _______________________________________ _______ ________ _________ Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the 3 months ended 30 June 2003 Audited year Unaudited ended 31 March 3 months ended 30 June 2003 Notes to 2003 2002 £000 Cash Flow £000 £000 ___________ _______________________________________ ________ __________ ___________ 29,112 Net cash inflow from operating activities 1 8,387 5,553 (13,454) Return on investments and servicing of finance 2 (3,198) (2,049) (2,372) Taxation (1,100) (742) (75,225) Capital (expenditure)/proceeds - net 2 (2,924) (5,709) (4,227) Equity dividends paid - - ___________ _______________________________________ ________ __________ ___________ Net cash inflow/(outflow) before use of liquid (66,166) resources and financing 1,165 (2,947) 2,334 Management of liquid resources 2 2,056 138 66,715 Financing 2 (2,912) 3,011 2,883 Net cash inflow 3 309 202 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt 2,883 Increase in cash 309 202 (2,334) Decrease in liquid resources (2,056) (138) (66,907) Inflow/(outflow) from movements in debt financing 2,954 (2,675) (66,358) Changes in net debt resulting from cash flows 3 1,207 (2,611) (176,067) Net debt at beginning of period (242,425) (176,067) (242,425) Net debt at period end (241,218) (178,678) Notes to the cash flow statement for the 3 months ended 30 June 2003 1. Reconciliation of operating profit to operating cash flows Audited year Unaudited ended 31 March 3 months ended 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 ______________ ___________________________ ________ ____________ __________ 25,467 Operating profit 6,831 5,757 742 Depreciation charges 133 186 Profit on sale of tangible fixed (3) assets (3) - 1,339 (Increase)/decrease in debtors (382) (413) 1,567 Increase in creditors 1,808 23 ______________ ___________________________ ________ ____________ __________ 29,112 8,387 5,553 ______________ ___________________________ ________ ____________ __________ 2. Analysis of cash flow Audited year Unaudited 3 months ended 31 March ended 30 June 2003 Notes 2003 2002 £000 to cash flow £000 £000 ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ Returns on investments and servicing of finance 191 Interest received 11 32 (13,645) Interest paid (including financing costs) (3,209) (2,081) ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ (13,454) Net cash outflow (3,198) (2,049) ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ Capital expenditure (73,192) Purchase of tangible fixed assets (4,225) (5,751) (5,219) Net purchase of own shares 28 38 3,037 Sale of tangible fixed assets 1,273 (5) 149 Grants received - 9 ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ (75,225) Net cash outflow (2,924) (5,709) ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ Management of liquid resources 2,334 Decrease in short-term deposits 3 2,056 138 ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ 2,334 Net cash inflow 2,056 138 ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ Financing 687 Issue of ordinary share capital 88 413 180,500 (Repayment)/Drawdown of bank loans 3 (3,000) 3,500 (114,472) Repayment of securitised loan 3 - (902) ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ 66,715 Net cash (outflow)/inflow (2,912) 3,011 ___________ ________________________________________ ________ ________ ________ 3. Analysis of net debt Audited year ended 31 March 2003 Unaudited 3months ended 30 June At Cash flow At At Cash At At Cash At 01/04/03 flow 01/04/02 £000 31/03/03 30/06/02 01/04/02 flow 30/06/02 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 ________ ________ ________ ______________________ ________ _______ ________ ________ _______ _________ 340 116 456 Cash at bank and in 456 309 765 340 (50) 290 hand (2,767) 2,767 - Bank overdrafts - - - (2,767) 252 (2,515) ________ ________ ________ ______________________ ________ _______ ________ ________ _______ _________ (2,427) 2,883 456 456 309 765 (2,427) 202 (2,225) ________ ________ ________ ______________________ ________ _______ ________ ________ _______ _________ Debt due within one year: (3,660) 3,660 - Securitised loan - - - (3,660) - (3,660) 307 (307)* - Less cost of raising - - - 307 37* 344 finance Debt due after one year: 11% Convertible Loan (2,900) - (2,900) Stock (2,900) - (2,900) (2,900) - (2,900) 11.125% First Mortgage (12,500) - (12,500) Debenture (12,500) - (12,500) (12,500) - (12,500) 11.625% First Mortgage (7,000) - (7,000) Debenture (7,000) - (7,000) (7,000) - (7,000) (110,812) 110,812 - Securitised loan - - - (110,812) 902 (109,910) (44,500) (180,500) (225,000) Bank loans (225,000) 3,000 (222,000) (44,500) (3,500) (48,000) Less cost of raising of 1,982 (572)* 1,410 finance 1,410 (46)* 1,364 1,982 (114)* 1,868 ________ ________ ________ ______________________ ________ _______ ________ ________ _______ _________ (179,083) (66,907) (245,990) (245,990) 2,954 (243,036) (179,083) (2,675) (181,758) ________ ________ ________ ______________________ ________ _______ ________ ________ _______ _________ 5,443 (2,334) 3,109 Short-term deposits 3,109 (2,056) 1,053 5,443 (138) 5,305 ________ ________ ________ ______________________ ________ _______ ________ ________ _______ _________ (176,067) (66,358) (242,425) Total (242,425) 1,207 (241,218) (176,067) (2,611) (178,678) ________ ________ ________ ______________________ ________ _______ ________ ________ _______ _________ * Includes non-cash write-downs of financing costs. Notes to the Quarterly Results 1. Basis of Preparation The unaudited financial information contained in this quarterly report does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 included an unqualified report of the auditors. The Group's unaudited accounts for the period ended 30 June 2003 have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003. 2. Segmental Analysis Audited Year ended 31 Unaudited March 3 months ended 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _______________ ___________________________________________ __________ _________ 35,667 Rental Income 9,480 8,189 7,410 Service charge and other recoveries 2,099 1,856 1,888 Services fees, commissions, and sundry income 333 286 _______________ ___________________________________________ __________ _________ 44,965 11,912 10,331 _______________ ___________________________________________ __________ _________ 3. Interest receivable Audited Year Unaudited ended 31 March 3 months ended 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _______________ ___________________________________________ ____________ _______ 106 Short-term deposits 11 33 67 Other - 1 _______________ ___________________________________________ ____________ _______ 173 11 34 _______________ ___________________________________________ ____________ _______ 4. Interest payable and similar charges Audited Year Unaudited ended 31 March 3 months ended 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 __________________ ________________________________________ ____________ _______ 361 11% Convertible Loan Stock 2011 80 80 1,391 11.125% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2007 347 347 814 11.625% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2007 204 204 Mortgage interest on securitised loan not wholly 1,884 repayable within five years* - 1,711 9,241 Bank and other interest on amounts wholly repayable 3,157 706 within five years* 1,861 Finance costs written off - - __________________ ________________________________________ ____________ _______ 15,552 3,788 3,048 (559) Interest capitalised on development properties (206) (137) __________________ ________________________________________ ____________ _______ 14,993 Charged to profit and loss account 3,582 2,911 __________________ ________________________________________ ____________ _______ * includes amortisation of cost of raising finance 5. Taxation Audited year ended 31 Unaudited March 3 months ended 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _______________ ________________________________________ ____________ __________ Current tax: 3,225 UK corporation tax on profit for the year 783 629 (921) Adjustment in respect of previous periods - - _______________ ________________________________________ ____________ __________ _______________ ________________________________________ ____________ __________ 2,304 Total current tax 783 629 _______________ ________________________________________ ____________ __________ Deferred tax: 742 Origination and reversal of timing differences 204 236 _______________ ________________________________________ ____________ __________ 3,046 Tax on profit on ordinary activities 987 865 _______________ ________________________________________ ____________ __________ 6. Dividends Audited year Unaudited Ended 31 March 3 months ended 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 ______________ __________________________________________ ___________ __________ 1,193 Interim dividend per ordinary share - - 3,292 Final dividend per ordinary share - - (14) Under/(over) provision in prior year - 23 ______________ __________________________________________ ___________ __________ 4,471 - 23 ______________ __________________________________________ ___________ __________ 7. Earnings per share and net assets per share The following table shows a reconciliation of profits used in calculating earnings per share. Audited year ended 31 Unaudited 3 months ended 30 June March Profit Earnings Profit Profit Earnings per share Earnings per per share share 2002 2003 2003 2002 2003 2003 Pence £000 £000 £000 Pence £000 _________ ________ ______________________ _______ ________ ______________ _________ Profit for the period 10,367 64.3 attributable to shareholders 2,300 2,017 14.4 12.3 (671) (4.2) Other items (19) - (0.1) - _________ ________ ______________________ _______ ________ ______________ _________ 9,696 60.1 Profit for the period 2,281 2,017 14.3 12.3 attributable to shareholders used for calculating earnings per share excluding other items _________ ________ ______________________ _______ ________ ______________ _________ Reconciliation of profit used in calculating diluted earnings per share Audited year ended 31 Unaudited 3 months ended 30 June March _________ ________ ______________________ _______ ________ ______________ _________ Profit Earnings Profit 2003 Profit Earnings per share Earnings per per share 2003 share 2002 2003 £000 2002 2003 Pence Pence £000 £000 £000 _________ ________ ______________________ _______ ________ ______________ _________ 10,367 Profit for the period 2,300 2,017 attributable to shareholders used for calculating basic earnings per share 223 Interest saving net of taxation 56 56 on 11% Convertible Loan Stock _________ ________ ______________________ _______ ________ ______________ _________ 10,590 62.8 Profit for the period 2,356 2,073 14.1 12.1 attributable to shareholders used in calculating the underlying diluted earnings per share (671) (4.0) Other items (19) - (0.1) - _________ ________ ______________________ _______ ________ ______________ _________ 9,919 58.8 Profit for the period 2,337 2,073 14.0 12.1 attributable to shareholders used in calculating the diluted earnings per share excluding other items _________ ________ ______________________ _______ ________ ______________ _________ The following table shows a reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares used for calculating the basic and diluted earnings per share Audited year ended Unaudited 3 months ended 30 June 31 March 2003 2003 2002 ____ ____________ _________________________ ___________________ _____________________ Used for calculating basic 16,119,277 earnings per share 15,984,574 16,340,209 Dilution due to Share Option 158,075 Scheme 125,346 223,060 Dilution due to Convertible Loan 580,000 Stock 580,000 580,000 ____ ____________ _________________________ ___________________ _____________________ Used for calculating diluted 16,857,352 earnings per share 16,689,920 17,143,269 ____ ____________ _________________________ ___________________ _____________________ Net assets per share have been calculated by dividing net assets of £249,997,000 (2002: £223,732,000) less investment in own shares of £6,205,627 (2002: £977,091) by 16,015,675 (2002: 16,402,695) being the number of shares in issue at 30 June 2003 less investment in own shares of 689,666 (2002: 192,420). 8. Investment properties Unaudited 30 June Audited Freehold Mainly Long Short leasehold Total Total Freehold leasehold 31 March £000 £000 2003 2002 2003 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 414,707 Balance at 1 April 377,935 71,060 56,495 - 505,490 414,707 2003/2002 73,680 Additions during 2,768 868 21 - 3,657 4,837 the period - Reclassification 589 53 - - 642 - from other fixed assets (2,598) Disposals during - - - - - - the period 19,701 Revaluation during - - - - - - the period ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 505,490 Balance at period 381,292 71,981 56,516 - 509,789 419,544 end ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The historical cost of investment properties ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 340,472 Balance at period 253,089 49,531 42,438 7 345,065 274,196 end ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Valuation No valuation of investment properties has been carried out at 30 June 2003. The valuation shown in the unaudited accounts is based on the independent valuation at 31 March 2003, plus additions at cost less disposals at value. 9. Investment in own shares The Company has established an Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT) to purchase shares in the market for distribution at a later date in accordance with the terms of the 1993 and 2000 Share Option Schemes. The shares are held by an independent trustee and the rights to dividend on the shares have been waived. At 30 June 2003, the number of shares held by the Trust totalled 689,666 shares (2002: 192,420) with a nominal value of £68,967 (2002: £19,242) and the book value of the shares amounted to £6,205,627 (2002: £977,091). The shares, whilst legally not the property of the Company, have been included in fixed asset investments. At 30 June 2003 the market value of the shares held by the Trust was £7,810,467. 586,606 shares held by the Trust are subject to option awards. 10. Debtors Audited Unaudited 30 June 31 March 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 ___________ ___________________________________________ __________ _________ Amounts falling due within one year: 6,294 Trade debtors 4,535 3,587 - Deposits on investment acquisitions 805 - 37 Taxation and social security 34 - 1,055 Prepayments and accrued income 1,918 2,876 ___________ ___________________________________________ __________ _________ 7,386 7,292 6,463 ___________ ___________________________________________ __________ _________ Amounts falling due after one year: - Advance commissions - 137 ___________ ___________________________________________ __________ _________ 7,386 Total debtors 7,292 6,600 ___________ ___________________________________________ __________ _________ 11. Investments Investments of £1,053,000 (2002: £5,304,000) comprise short-term deposits with an original maturity date of less than three months and rental deposits. 12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 ______________ _____________________________________________________ __________ __________ - Bank loan and overdraft (less cost of raising finance) - 5,832 3,026 Trade creditors 3,459 2,594 1,925 Corporation tax payable 1,607 1,879 1,946 Taxation and social security 2,776 1,077 5,154 Tenants' deposits 5,179 4,397 8,231 Accruals 9,678 7,030 5,261 Deferred income - rent and service charges 5,138 4,933 3,292 Dividends 3,292 3,072 ______________ _____________________________________________________ __________ __________ 28,835 31,129 30,814 ______________ _____________________________________________________ __________ __________ 13. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 ______________ _________________________________________ __________ __________ Long-term borrowings consist of: Unsecured: 2,900 11% Convertible Loan Stock 2011 2,900 2,900 Secured: 12,500 11.125% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2007 12,500 12,500 7,000 11.625% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2007 7,000 7,000 223,590 Other secured loans 220,636 159,357 ______________ _________________________________________ __________ __________ 245,990 243,036 181,757 - Less: amounts falling due within one year - (3,316) ______________ _________________________________________ __________ __________ 245,990 243,036 178,441 ______________ _________________________________________ __________ __________ 14. Borrowings and financial instruments i Maturity of financial liabilities A maturity analysis of loans is shown below: Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 ______________ _________________________________________ __________ _________ - Less than one year - - - Between one year and two years - - - Between two years and three years - - - Between three years and four years - - 244,500 Between four years and five years 241,500 177,409 2,900 In five years and more 2,900 2,900 ______________ _________________________________________ __________ _________ ______________ _________________________________________ __________ _________ 247,400 244,400 180,309 (1,410) Less cost of raising finance (1,364) (1,868) ______________ _________________________________________ __________ _________ 245,990 243,036 178,441 ______________ _________________________________________ __________ _________ ii Fair value of financial assets and liabilities Book and fair values of financial assets and liabilities are: Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June Book value Fair value Book Value Fair value 2003 2003 2003 2002 2002 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 ________ ________ _____________________________ ________ ________ _________ ________ Book Value Fair Value Primary financial instruments - - Short-term liabilities - - (5,832) (5,832) (245,990) (251,093) Long-term borrowing (243,036) (248,560) (178,441) (183,823) 3,565 3,565 Financial assets 1,818 1,818 5,594 5,594 Derivative financial instruments 244 (6,724) Interest rate collars 235 (7,433) 273 (2,481) ________ ________ _____________________________ ________ ________ _________ ________ (242,181) (254,252) (240,983) (254,175) (178,406) (186,542) ________ ________ _____________________________ ________ ________ _________ ________ The fair value of the interest rate collars have been determined by reference to market prices and discounted expected cash flows at prevailing interest rates. All other fair values have been calculated by discounting expected cash flows at prevailing interest rates. The total fair value adjustment equates to 82.4 pence per share (63.0 pence) based on diluted share capital. 15. Provision for liabilities and charges Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _____________________ ________________________ _____________________ ____________________ Deferred taxation: 3,365 Balance at 1 April 2003/ 4,107 3,365 2002 742 Deferred tax charge for 204 236 the period _____________________ ________________________ _____________________ ____________________ 4,107 Balance at period end 4,311 3,601 _____________________ ________________________ _____________________ ____________________ If the investment properties were sold for their revalued amount there would be a potential liability to corporation tax of £38,889,000 (31 March 2003: £39,986,000, 30 June 2002: £36,146,000). 16. Share capital Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 Number Number Number _____________________ ___________________________ ___________________ ____________________ Authorised: 21,500,000 Ordinary shares of 10p each 21,500,000 21,500,000 _____________________ ___________________________ ___________________ ____________________ _____________________ ___________________________ ___________________ ____________________ 2003 2003 2002 £ £ £ Issued: _____________________ ___________________________ ___________________ ____________________ 1,667,808 Fully paid ordinary shares of 1,670,534 1,659,512 10p each _____________________ ___________________________ ___________________ ____________________ 17. Other reserves Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _____________ __________________________________________ _________ __________ (a) Share premium account 42,030 Balance at 1 April 2003/2002 42,697 42,030 667 Additions 86 402 _____________ __________________________________________ _________ __________ 42,697 Balance at period end 42,783 42,432 _____________ __________________________________________ _________ __________ (b) Revaluation reserve Property valuation surplus: 144,588 Balance at 1 April 2003/2002 164,274 144,588 (15) Disposals during the period - - 19,701 Revaluation adjustment - - _____________ __________________________________________ _________ __________ 164,274 Balance at period end 164,274 144,588 _____________ __________________________________________ _________ __________ (c) Profit and loss account 33,059 Balance at 1 April 2003/2002 38,970 33,059 5,896 Retained profit for the period 2,300 1,994 15 Transfer from revaluation reserve - - _____________ __________________________________________ _________ __________ 38,970 Balance at period end 41,270 35,053 _____________ __________________________________________ _________ __________ 18. Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _____________ ________________________________________________ _________ __________ 10,367 Profits for the financial period 2,300 2,017 (4,471) Dividends - (23) 19,701 Unrealised surplus on revaluation of properties - - 687 Issue of shares 88 413 _____________ ________________________________________________ _________ __________ 26,284 Net addition to shareholders' funds 2,388 2,407 221,325 Opening shareholders' funds 247,609 221,325 _____________ ________________________________________________ _________ __________ 247,609 Closing shareholders' funds 249,997 223,732 _____________ ________________________________________________ _________ __________ 19. Equity minority interests Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 _____________ __________________________________________________ _________ __________ 74 Share of loss of subsidiary undertaking 19 17 (74) Provision against losses of subsidiary undertaking (19) (17) _____________ __________________________________________________ _________ __________ - - - £nil has been appropriated to minority interests in all periods shown in this statement. 20. Capital commitments At the period end the estimated amounts of commitments for future capital expenditure not provided for were: Audited 31 March Unaudited 30 June 2003 2003 2002 £000 £000 £000 ______________ _____________________________________________ _________ _______ 8,038 Under contract 22,503 5,010 2,913 Board authorised but not contracted 4,116 6,719 ______________ _____________________________________________ _________ _______ 21. Subsequent events Following the quarter end the Poplar Business Park, London E14 was purchased for a cash consideration of £16,100,000. This property has an annual income stream of £1,134,000. Contracts have been exchanged for a further purchase totalling £3,380,000 22. Quarterly statement This statement was approved by the Board on 8th August 2003. Copies of this statement will be dispatched to shareholders on Monday 11 August 2003 and will be available from the Group's registered office at Magenta House, 85 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DU from 9.00am on that day. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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