Interim Management Statement
16 November 2012
Panther Securities PLC
("Panther" or "Group")
Interim management statement for the three month period ended 30 September 2012
Panther is pleased to publish its Interim Management Statement for the three
month period ended 30 September 2012. The results for the six months ended 30
June 2012 were announced on 28 August 2012.
The main highlights of the period have been:
* Towards the end of July 2012 the Group disposed of a factory ground rent in
Newton Abbot to the occupying tenant for £300,000 this resulted in a £
100,000 profit. This was a freehold ground rent investment only producing £
375 income per annum.
* The Group has recently completed the letting of 4,000 sq ft at 49-61 High
Street Croydon to Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited for 15 years from 24
July 2012 at a rent of £55,700 per annum. The remaining ground floor space
of 3,000 sq ft should be significantly easier to let with Sainsbury's in
occupation. The upper part of the parade has recently received planning
permission for seven large flats.
* In August 2012 the Group purchased a freehold vacant double shop unit in
Scunthorpe for £247,500 (excluding stamp duty). This property is situated
in a prime corner position in the High Street, half the unit is under offer
to let to a household name tenant and when fully let we anticipate a high
return and an increased capital value.
* Towards the end of the period the Group purchased the freehold of 26 Darley
Street, Bradford for £475,000 (excluding stamp duty). This unit (1,900 sq
ft ground floor sales and a total of 7,700 sq ft) is let to Textiles Direct
Limited at a rent of £35,000 per annum and is located in a prime location
in Bradford adjoining M&S and gives us enhanced synergies on management
being next to an existing large investment block.
* There has been an increase in our financial derivatives combined liability
by £1.6 million to £21.8 million as at 28 September 2012. This has worsened
slightly compared to the combined liability of £20.2 million as at 31 June
2012.
Significant transactions post period end:
* In October 2012 the Group exchanged contracts to purchase 14-21 Williamson
Street, Liverpool for £1,060,000 (excluding stamp duty). This is a long
leasehold investment at a fixed nominal ground rent. The property is
located in a prime central pedestrianised retail district of Liverpool. The
current rental income is £214,250 from the two retail tenants.
* Also in October 2012 the Group exchanged contracts to purchase a feuhold
(Scottish equivalent of freehold) office and industrial 2.25 acres site,
with 8 tenancies, a number of buildings and 88 parking spaces for £485,000
(excluding stamp duty) with income of £271,000 per annum. This high return
is due to the fact that there are 6 leases due to expire by March 2013, but
the Group has taken the view and hope that it can negotiate lease
extensions with enough of these tenants to provide a decent return (or find
suitable replacements).
* The Group has exchanged contracts to purchase in November 2012 the long
leasehold interest of 18-80 & 104-106 Main Street, Coatbridge for £5.5
million. The two neighbouring well located and prominent parades are key
retail hubs within Coatbridge, near Glasgow. Together the parades provide
88,000 sq ft across 42 retail units and current tenants include,
Specsavers, Boots, Co-op Travel, Superdrug, Phones 4U and The Royal Bank of
Scotland. The parade currently produces a gross income of approximately £
1,150,000 per annum with ground rent payable as a proportion of rents
collected our initial net income after all costs will be approximately £
730,000. This investment offers strong returns as well as opportunities for
asset management through letting of vacant units and further development.
* Panther has also agreed terms and has instructed solicitors for the
freehold property of a multi-let high street retail parade investment for
circa £4 million. The property comprises of 16 retail units and vacant
offices. 90% of the total current rental income of £770,000 per annum is
secured against national multiples. This scheme offers excellent
opportunities for long term income, value enhancement and potential longer
term redevelopment.
General trading update
With financing in place the Group has continued to invest substantially during
the period and after. The funds left to invest following the purchases and if
the proposed above acquisitions complete will be almost fully utilised, other
than £2 million. However, the management team have numerous opportunities to
improve income and value with all the recent purchases and across our existing
portfolio.
We are still seeing significant value in properties currently on the market and
we may consider raising new finance via bank loans or possibly issue of bonds,
or disposing of some of our properties where we can obtain good prices from
special purchasers.
As ever we remain upbeat about Panther's future prospects.
Other than as stated above, there has been no significant change in the Group's
financial position since 30 June 2012.
Andrew Perloff
Chairman
For further information contact:
Panther Securities PLC 01707 667 300
Andrew Perloff - Chairman
Simon Peters - Finance Director