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CREI Custodian Property Income Reit Plc

75.60
-1.50 (-1.95%)
24 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Custodian Property Income Reit Plc LSE:CREI London Ordinary Share GB00BJFLFT45 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -1.50 -1.95% 75.60 75.60 76.00 79.80 75.70 79.80 179,327 16:35:03
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Real Estate Investment Trust 44.15M -65.82M -0.1493 -5.09 335.05M

Custodian REIT PLC Interim Results (7603P)

22/11/2016 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMCREI

RNS Number : 7603P

Custodian REIT PLC

22 November 2016

THE INFORMATION IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION, RELEASE OR DISTRIBUTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN OR INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, ANY EEA STATE (OTHER THAN THE UK) OR ANY OTHER EXCLUDED TERRITORY.

22 November 2016

Custodian REIT plc

("Custodian REIT" or "the Company")

Interim Results

Custodian REIT (LSE: CREI), the UK commercial real estate investment company focused on smaller lot sizes, today reports its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2016 ("the Period").

Financial highlights and performance summary

   --     Net asset value ("NAV") per share total return(1) of 3.4% 
   --     NAV per share of 101.7p 
   --     Portfolio value of GBP383.5m 
   --     Profit after tax of GBP8.3m 
   --     GBP43.0m(2) of new equity raised at an average premium of 5.0% to dividend adjusted NAV 

-- Dividends of 3.25p per share paid in the Period(3) , proposed Q2 dividend of 1.5875p per share

   --     GBP66.6m invested in 18 acquisitions and on-going developments during the Period 
   --     GBP15.0m committed pipeline of property acquisition opportunities 

-- GBP3.5m portfolio valuation uplift(4) including GBP3.3m from successful asset management initiatives

-- Portfolio net initial yield(5) 6.95%, unexpired lease term(6) 6.2 years, occupancy rate(7) 97.8%

   --     Net gearing(8) of 21.1% loan-to-value 
   --     Drawn down GBP45.0m 12-year fixed rate loan and repaid GBP20m five-year variable rate loan 
   --     Heads of terms agreed for a GBP50m 15-year fixed rate loan 

(1) NAV movement including dividends paid.

(2) Before costs and expenses of GBP0.6m.

(3) Dividends of 1.6625pps and 1.5875pps paid for the quarters ended 31 March 2016 and 30 June 2016 respectively.

(4) Before the impact of acquisition costs.

(5) Portfolio passing rent divided by portfolio valuation plus estimated purchasers' costs of 6.5%.

(6) Weighted average unexpired lease term to the earlier of first break or expiry.

(7) Portfolio passing rent divided by portfolio passing rent plus the estimated rental value ("ERV") of vacant space.

(8) Gross borrowings less unrestricted cash divided by portfolio valuation.

 
                                          Unaudited       Unaudited 
                                           6 months        6 months        Audited 
                                                 to              to      12 months 
                                       30 September    30 September    to 31 March 
                                               2016            2015           2016 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Total return 
 NAV per share total return                    3.4%            4.6%           6.2% 
 Total shareholder return(9)                   0.9%            1.8%           3.5% 
 Dividends paid (p per share)                  3.25             3.0           6.25 
 
 Capital values 
 NAV (GBPm)                                   297.1           196.5          255.1 
 NAV per share (p)                            101.7           103.0          101.5 
 Net gearing                                  21.1%           13.7%          19.1% 
 Investment property portfolio 
  valuation (GBPm)                            383.5           232.9          319.0 
 Ordinary share price (p)                     105.0           108.5          107.3 
 Premium to NAV per share                      3.2%            5.3%           5.7% 
 Market capitalisation (GBPm)                 306.7           207.0          269.6 
 
 European Public Real Estate 
  Association ("EPRA") performance 
  measures 
 EPRA earnings(10) (GBPm)                       8.4             6.4           13.9 
 EPRA earnings per share(11) 
  (p)                                           3.0             3.5            6.8 
 EPRA NAV per share(12) (p)                   101.7           103.0          101.5 
 

David Hunter, Chairman of Custodian REIT, said:

"This has been another successful period of capital raising and investment as we continue to target growth to realise the potential economies of scale offered by the Company's relatively fixed cost base, while adhering to the Company's investment policy and maintaining the quality of both properties and income.

"I believe the current market dynamic supports our strategy of targeting high quality, smaller lot size properties across regional markets, with the type of institutional grade property targeted by the Company showing value relative to larger lots through a higher net income return and opportunities for future rental growth.

"We remain well placed to meet our target of paying further quarterly dividends, fully covered by income, to achieve an annual dividend for the year of 6.35p per share. I expect occupational demand, combined with a limited supply of new development, to drive rental growth and lower vacancy rates across regional markets, which will support our objectives to both grow the dividend on a sustainable basis and deliver capital value growth for our shareholders over the long-term."

(9) Share price movement including dividends paid.

(10) Profit after tax excluding gains on investment properties (Note 3).

(11) Earnings per share ("EPS") excluding gains on investment properties. Basic EPS for the Period is 3.0p (30 September 2015: 4.3p, 31 March 2016: 5.5p).

(12) NAV per share excluding recognised fair value adjustments on financial instruments and deferred tax.

Important notice

Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

Further information

Further information regarding the Company can be found at the Company's website www.custodianreit.com or please contact:

 
 Custodian Capital Limited 
 Richard Shepherd-Cross / Nathan Imlach   Tel: +44 (0)116 240 8740 
  / Ian Mattioli 
                                          www.custodiancapital.com 
 
 
 Numis Securities Limited 
 Hugh Jonathan/Nathan Brown   Tel: +44 (0)20 7260 1000 
                                     www.numiscorp.com 
 
 
 Camarco 
 Ed Gascoigne-Pees   Tel: +44 (0)20 3757 4984 
                            www.camarco.co.uk 
 

Chairman's statement

I am pleased to report the Company has delivered further positive returns for the six months ended 30 September 2016 ("the Period"), while continuing to expand its property portfolio. We invested a total of GBP66.6m during the Period, completing 18 acquisitions and achieving practical completion on one development, funded by GBP43.0m raised from the issue of new shares. Of this, GBP11.9m was raised after the EU referendum when many of our peers' shares were trading at a discount to NAV and therefore unable to raise new equity. We continue to target growth to realise the potential economies of scale offered by the Company's relatively fixed cost base, while adhering to the Company's investment policy and maintaining the quality of both properties and income.

At the same time as growing the portfolio, we have continued to pay fully covered dividends in line with target and minimised 'cash drag' on the issue of new shares by taking advantage of the flexibility offered by the Company's GBP35.0m revolving credit facility.

The successful deployment of new monies on the acquisition of high quality assets at an average net initial yield of 7.4% supports our objective to deliver strong income returns from a focus on smaller lots in strong, regional markets.

Market

Custodian Capital Limited ("CCL" or "the Manager"), the Company's discretionary investment manager, anticipates medium term rental growth in the regional occupational property market. This market has remained robust throughout a period of turbulence in the capital markets following the EU referendum, primarily driven by a lack of supply, limited development and generally low rental levels from which rental growth can be obtained. We believe these strengths in the occupational market will drive performance through the next phase of the market, where the focus will be on income, occupancy levels and income growth. Regional markets and sub-GBP10m lot sizes in particular (where there has been less market pressure in the last two years) are well placed to out-perform whole market forecasts with the benefit of higher yielding assets, fundamentally under-rented properties and a lack of supply that we expect to sustain rental growth.

Underlining our confidence in regional property markets' ability to out-perform in a low return environment, we raised GBP25m of new equity in October through a placing to progress Custodian REIT's investment strategy. The Manager has access to a strong pipeline of acquisition opportunities and a track record of committing new equity promptly.

Net asset value

The Company delivered NAV per share total return of 3.4% for the Period. The first half was a period of significant new investment, where the initial costs (primarily stamp duty) of investing GBP66.6m in property acquisitions diluted NAV per share total return by circa 1.2p, partially offset by raising GBP43.0m at a 5% premium to dividend adjusted NAV, which added 0.55p per share(13) . Acquisition costs incurred during the Period represented 5.7% of the total consideration, lower than the typical purchasers' costs of 6.5% due to the purchase of a portfolio of 10 light industrial units ("the Light Industrial Portfolio") for GBP26.75m being made by way of a corporate acquisition (Note 9), allowing the Company and vendor to share the associated cost savings.

 
                                       Pence per 
                                           share   GBPmillion 
----------------------------------    ----------  ----------- 
 
 NAV at 31 March 2016                      101.5        255.1 
 Issue of equity (net of costs)              0.3         42.4 
 
                                           101.8        297.5 
 Valuation movements relating to: 
 
   *    Asset management activity            1.1          3.3 
 
   *    Other valuation movements            0.1          0.2 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------- 
                                             1.2          3.5 
 Profit on disposal of investment 
  properties                                 0.0          0.1 
 Impact of acquisition costs               (1.2)        (3.8) 
 Net valuation movement                    (0.0)        (0.2) 
 
 Income                                      4.3         12.6 
 Expenses and net finance costs            (1.4)        (4.1) 
 Dividends paid(14)                        (3.0)        (8.7) 
 
 NAV at 30 September 2016                  101.7        297.1 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------- 
 

In addition to new acquisitions, activity during the Period also focused on pro-active asset management, which generated GBP3.3m of the GBP3.5m valuation uplift. During the remainder of this financial year we intend to continue our asset management activities and complete on the current acquisition pipeline, deploying new monies raised from the recent equity issue and drawing down debt to maintain gearing at or around our target level of 25% loan to value ("LTV").

Share price

Total shareholder return for the first half of the financial year was 0.9%, with a closing price of 105.0p per share on 30 September 2016 representing a 3.2% premium to NAV. During the Period the Company traded consistently at a premium to NAV despite the market turmoil caused by the EU referendum, with low volatility offering shareholders stable returns. I believe the premium to NAV has been a function of strong demand for closed-ended property funds, the Company's investment strategy being focused on regional property and the attractive level of income offered by the Company's dividend policy.

13 0.3p per share through new issuance plus 0.25p per share notional dividend saving due to new shares being issued ex-dividend.

14 Dividends of 3.25p per share were paid on shares in issue throughout the Period. Dividends paid on shares in issue at the end of the Period averaged 3.0p per share due to new shares being issued ex-dividend.

Placing of new ordinary shares

The Company issued 40.9m new shares during the Period at an average premium to dividend adjusted NAV of 5.0%. These issues have been accretive to NAV, with positive investor demand for the Company's shares a testament to our success to date.

Since the Period end, a further 25.9m new shares have been issued raising GBP26.8m (before costs and expenses).

Borrowings

The Company's target gearing ratio is 25% LTV. As at 30 September 2016 net gearing equated to 21.1% LTV. The Board is keen to reduce risk to shareholders wherever possible by taking advantage of the prevailing low interest rates to secure long term borrowings at fixed rates.

On 6 June 2016 the Company drew down a new 12 year GBP45m term loan facility with Scottish Widows plc with interest fixed at 2.987% per annum. The Company used the proceeds to repay in full a GBP20m term loan with Lloyds Bank plc, which attracted interest of 1.95% per annum above three month LIBOR and was to be repaid in October 2019.

Heads of terms have been agreed for a new 15 year GBP50m term loan facility ("the New Loan") with a fixed margin of 1.6% per annum over the 2032 swap rate.

Investment Manager

The Board is pleased with the progress and performance of the Investment Manager, particularly its success in continuing growth through the deployment of new monies and securing the earnings required to pay fully covered dividends in line with target.

Dividends

Income is a major component of total return. The Company paid dividends totalling 3.25p per share during the Period, comprising interim dividends of 1.6625p per share and 1.5875p per share relating to the quarters ended 31 March 2016 and 30 June 2016 respectively.

The Board has approved an interim dividend of 1.5875p per share for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 which will be paid on 31 December 2016. In the absence of unforeseen circumstances the Board believes the Company is well placed to meet its target of paying further quarterly dividends, fully covered by income, to achieve an annual dividend per share for the year ending 31 March 2017 of 6.35p (2016: 6.25p, 2015: 5.25p).

The Board's objective is to grow the dividend on a sustainable basis, at a rate which is fully covered by projected net rental income and does not inhibit the flexibility of the Company's investment strategy.

Outlook

Custodian REIT's performance can be enhanced through the careful deployment of new monies and continued asset management of the portfolio. Our focus is on maintaining and enhancing cash flow from the portfolio to support our objectives to pay fully covered dividends and secure sustainable growth. While we can never rule out some future impact on NAV as a result of falling confidence in the property market, we believe we can secure sustainable income to support future dividends and deliver capital growth for shareholders over the long-term.

David Hunter

Chairman

21 November 2016

Investment Manager's report

Investment market

The property market appeared to free-wheel in the four months leading up to the EU referendum, with most market protagonists unprepared to make decisions either to buy or to sell, or to lease or not to lease. The widespread expectation was for a 'remain' vote and the consequential market shock saw the share price of listed property companies move to deep discounts to NAV, open-ended funds move to 'gate' redemptions and property valuers offer valuations with a 'Brexit' qualification.

Five months later investment market activity has returned. Listed property stocks have recovered (in the case of property investment companies to pre-referendum levels), some of the open-ended funds have re-opened and valuers have removed their qualification. The investment market for smaller lot sized properties has been sufficiently active for valuations to be benchmarked against arm's length transactions and there is more data to support further yield hardening than softening.

In central London markets the collapse in Sterling provided a fillip to both overseas investors and open-ended fund managers alike, allowing many fund managers to provide the liquidity they so badly needed by selling prime London assets to overseas buyers who were energised by currency gains.

At the opposite end of the market, domestic UK private investors have been spurred on by the low cost of debt and the near zero interest rates on their savings to increase property investments and we have witnessed upwards pressure on pricing for higher quality, smaller lot sized, well-let assets.

Occupational market

Regional occupational property markets feel distinctly mid-cycle. While investment market activity over the last few months has been more typical of 'end of cycle' behavior, occupational markets are displaying very different dynamics.

Rents fell across the UK from 2008 until the start of 2015 when we started to see rental growth driven not by excessive demand but by a fundamental lack of supply, which is unlikely to loosen until we witness widespread development. At present many markets are delivering rental levels which are not sufficient to bring forward new development. It would appear that there is a latent pool of rental growth on which the market must deliver before we see supply reach equilibrium with demand, thus maintaining pressure on rents to grow.

This is a market where vacancy levels are low and landlords hold sway in lease negotiations. Although many tenant negotiations remain finely balanced it should be possible to minimise rental voids and secure rental growth across the Company's portfolio in the year ahead.

It has been telling that in almost all cases over the last 18 months our tenants have elected to remain in occupation at lease break or expiry and the occupancy rate now stands at 97.8%, up from 96.8% six months ago.

Pipeline

As at 30 September 2016 Custodian REIT had completed GBP47.0m of acquisitions following the EU referendum, demonstrating our confidence in the market. September valuations recorded an increase compared to purchase prices agreed in July when market volatility had hit confidence. A further GBP13.4m of acquisitions have completed post Period end.

The Company is considering a GBP25m pipeline of opportunities including industrial, retail and alternative sector assets as well as a committed pre-let industrial development funding in Stevenage.

We are seeing some premium prices being paid for sub-GBP2m properties with a very active private investor market. We have sold one small property since the Period end with another under offer to sell and intend to take advantage of this pricing arbitrage to sell some more smaller assets and to re-invest in GBP2-10m lot size assets where we have yet to witness the same pricing pressure.

Investment objective

The key investment objective of Custodian REIT is to provide shareholders with an attractive level of income by maintaining the high level of dividend, fully covered by earnings, with a conservative level of gearing.

The Company is committed to minimising cash drag through the prompt deployment of new funds from share placings and new debt. The Company benefits from a GBP35m revolving credit facility, which has been integral in reducing cash drag, giving us the flexibility to reduce debt when new equity is issued.

The rate of investment during the Period has been ahead of the Board's expectations, which we believe demonstrates the success of the Company's strategy of focusing on smaller lots in strong, regional markets. We remain confident we can continue to acquire properties that meet the Company's investment criteria and improve the portfolio mix. In the remainder of this financial year we expect to see continued rental growth and low vacancy rates supporting the Company's investment objectives.

Portfolio performance

During the Period the Company completed on 18 new property acquisitions and achieved practical completion on a development funding (Cannock) with another (Stevenage) ongoing, adding GBP66.6m of assets to the portfolio. Property acquisitions and the completed development funding are shown below:

Industrial

 
 Location: Cannock (development        Location: Tamworth 
  funding)                              Tenant: DB Schenker 
  Tenant: Hellerman Tyton               NIY: 5.65% 
  Net initial yield ("NIY"): 6.38%      Consideration: GBP4.70m 
  Consideration: GBP4.22m 
------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Location: Wolverhampton               Location: Winsford 
  Tenant: Assa Abloy                    Tenant: H&M 
  NIY: 7.51%                            NIY: 7.15% 
  Consideration: GBP4.50m               Consideration: GBP5.55m 
------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Location: Irlam*                      Location: West Bromwich* 
  Tenant: Northern Commercial           Tenant: Oyez Straker Group 
  NIY: 7.61%                            NIY: 7.24% 
  Consideration: GBP1.75m               Consideration: GBP3.68m 
------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Location: Christchurch*               Location: Sheffield* 
  Tenant: Interserve Construction       Tenant: Arkote 
  NIY: 8.24%                            NIY: 7.65% 
  Consideration: GBP2.30m               Consideration: GBP1.50m 
------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Location: Warrington*                 Location: Warrington* 
  Tenant: Dinex                         Tenant: DHL 
  NIY: 8.12%                            NIY:7.04% 
  Consideration: GBP2.15m               Consideration: GBP3.10m 
------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Location: Atherstone*                 Location: Westerham* 
  Tenant: North Warwickshire Borough    Tenant: Aqualisa Products 
  Council                               NIY: 7.87% 
  NIY: 7.70%                            Consideration: GBP1.63m 
  Consideration: GBP1.42m 
------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Location: Gateshead*                  Location: Kettering* 
  Tenant: Multi-let                     Tenant: Multi-let 
  NIY: 8.87%                            NIY: 7.52% 
  Consideration: GBP5.45m               Consideration: GBP3.77m 
------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 

*Acquired as part of the Light Industrial Portfolio

Retail

 
 Location: Chester                    Location: Swindon 
  Tenant: TSB and Ciel (t/a Chesca)    Tenant: Go Outdoors and B&M 
  NIY: 5.87%                           NIY: 6.86% 
  Consideration: GBP2.05m              Consideration: GBP7.18m 
-----------------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 Location: Leighton Buzzard 
  Tenant: Homebase 
  NIY: 6.91% 
  Consideration: GBP7.12m 
-----------------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 

Office

 
 Location: Castle Donington   Location: Cheadle 
  Tenant: National Grid        Tenant: Wienerberger 
  NIY: 7.59%                   NIY: 9.81% 
  Consideration: GBP4.10m      Consideration: GBP2.90m 
---------------------------  ------------------------- 
 

At 30 September 2016 the Company's property portfolio comprised 128 assets and 251 tenants.

The portfolio is split between the main commercial property sectors, in line with the Company's objective to maintain a suitably balanced investment portfolio, but with a relatively low exposure to office and a relatively high exposure to industrial and to alternative sectors, often referred to as 'other' in property market analysis. Sector weightings are shown below:

 
                   Valuation       Weighting    Weighting 
                30 September       by income    by income   Valuation       Valuation 
                        2016    30 September     31 March    movement    movement(15) 
 Sector                 GBPm            2016         2016        GBPm               % 
------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  ----------  -------------- 
 
 Industrial            167.6             44%          39%         1.5             1.0 
 Retail                109.3             27%          28%         1.6             1.7 
 Other                  54.9             14%          18%       (0.3)           (0.4) 
 Office                 51.7             15%          15%         0.7             1.7 
 
                       383.5            100%         100%         3.5             1.1 
------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  ----------  -------------- 
 

While deemed to be outside the core sectors of office, retail and industrial the 'other' sector offers diversification of income without adding to portfolio risk, containing assets considered mainstream including car dealerships, pubs, restaurants and trade counters, but which typically have not been owned by institutional investors.

Office rents are growing strongly and supply is constrained by a lack of development and the extensive conversion of secondary offices to residential, making returns attractive. However, the Company's relatively low exposure to the office sector is a long-term strategic decision rather than a short-term comment on the state of the office market. We are conscious that obsolescence can be a real cost of office ownership, which can impact cash flow and be at odds with the Company's relatively high target dividend.

Similar to the office market, occupational demand and limited supply is driving rental growth in the industrial sector and returns are positive. As industrial property is less exposed to obsolescence this sector remains a very good fit with the Company's strategy.

Retail is split between high street and out-of-town retail (retail warehousing). Strong comparison retail pitches in dominant regional towns continue to show very low vacancy rates and offer stable long-term cash flow with the opportunity for rental growth. Retail warehousing is witnessing close to record low vacancy rates as a restricted planning policy and lack of development combine with retailers' requirements to offer large format stores, free parking and 'click and collect' to consumers.

(15) Excluding the impact of acquisitions and disposals.

Portfolio risk

The portfolio's security of income is enhanced by 18% of income benefitting from either fixed or indexed rent reviews, with increasingly strong evidence of open market rental growth across all sectors.

Short term income at risk is a relatively low proportion of the portfolio's total income, with only 30% expiring in the next three years (12% within one year).

Asset management

Our continuing focus on active asset management including rent reviews, new lettings, lease extensions and the retention of tenants beyond their contractual break clauses resulted in GBP3.3m of the GBP3.5m valuation increase, with further initiatives expected to complete in the coming months.

These strategies have also had a positive impact on the portfolio's weighted average unexpired lease term to the first lease break or expiry ("WAULT"), which decreased to 6.2 years from 6.7 years at 31 March 2016 despite the WAULT of properties acquired during the Period being 4.9 years.

Key asset management initiatives undertaken during the Period include:

-- Arrangement of simultaneous surrender and agreement of new lease of a retail unit on High Street, Colchester to Metro Bank. The new lease secures an increase in rent from GBP145,000 to GBP200,000 per annum and a lease term of 25 years, with a break option in year 15;

-- Extending Geldard LLP's lease at Pride Park, Derby by removing a break clause with expiry now in June 2023;

-- Extending Brenntag UK's lease at an industrial unit in Cambuslang with expiry moving from April 2021 to April 2031 with a 2.5% (annually compounded) minimum rental uplift from 2026;

-- Extending Tesco's lease at Causewayside House, Edinburgh with expiry moving from December 2019 to December 2029;

-- Extending Savers' lease at a retail unit in Colchester with expiry moving from December 2017 to December 2022;

-- Letting a vacant retail unit in Portsmouth to The Works on a 10 year lease with rent of GBP105,000 per annum; and

-- Agreeing terms for a new letting at Tilbrook 44 in Milton Keynes on a 10 year lease with a rent of GBP265,000 per annum.

The Company sold a 63 room hotel on Castlegate Business and Leisure Park, Dudley for GBP4.45m in July 2016, representing a NIY of 5.08%, ahead of cost and 31 March 2016 valuation. The Company also sold a non-core student residential building in Lenton, Nottingham for GBP1.2m in May 2016, ahead of cost and 31 March 2016 valuation. The Company has used the proceeds from these disposals to fund acquisitions better aligned to its stated investment strategy.

Outlook

We expect to see larger funds continuing to sell smaller lots regarded as being sub-scale for their ambitions. We anticipate this trend will maintain a pipeline of new acquisition opportunities for Custodian REIT, with the relative imbalance of demand leading to smaller lots showing 'value' relative to larger lots in terms of income returns.

Growth in rents is now taking hold in the regional markets and we expect this to continue, driven by the significant lack of supply of good quality, modern real estate combined with growing occupational demand.

I am confident the Company's strategy of targeting income with low gearing in a well-diversified regional portfolio will continue to deliver the stable long term returns demanded by our shareholders.

Richard Shepherd-Cross

for and on behalf of Custodian Capital Limited

Investment Manager

21 November 2016

Portfolio summary

 
 Town             Address                       Tenant                       % Portfolio 
                                                                              Income(16) 
 Industrial 
 Gateshead        Metro Riverside               Multi-let                          1.80% 
 Warrington       Chesford Grange               JTF Wholesale                      1.72% 
 Ashby            Ashby Park                    Teleperformance                    1.65% 
 Winsford         One Road                      H&M                                1.50% 
 Salford          Agecroft Commerce Park        Restore                            1.43% 
                                                Emerson Network 
 Bedford          Priory Business Park           Power & Elma Electronics          1.40% 
 Wolverhampton    Cannock Road                  Assa Abloy                         1.27% 
 Doncaster        Carriage Way                  Portola Packaging                  1.26% 
 Stone            Stone Business Park           Revlon International               1.14% 
 Redditch         Acanthus Road                 AMCO Services                      1.11% 
                  Alto House, Ravensbank 
 Redditch          Drive                        SAPA Profiles UK                   1.08% 
                  Pegasus Drive, Stratton       Turpin Distribution 
 Biggleswade       Business Park                 Services                          1.06% 
 Kettering        Kettering Venture Park        Multi-let                          1.06% 
                  Severn Link Distribution 
 Chepstow          Centre                       Multi-let                          1.02% 
                  Blakeney Way, Kingswood 
 Cannock           Lakeside                     Hellermann Tyton                   1.00% 
 Normanton        Foxbridge Way                 YESSS Electrical                   1.00% 
 Milton Keynes    Bradbourne Drive              Massmould                          0.99% 
 Tamworth         Relay Park                    D B Schenker                       0.99% 
                  Hawthornes Business 
 West Bromwich     Park                         OyezStraker Group                  0.99% 
                                                EAF Supply Chain 
 Warrington       Leacroft Road                  & Synertec                        0.92% 
                  Western Wood Way, Langage     Sherwin-Williams, 
 Plymouth          Business Park                 Diversified Brands                0.91% 
 Bristol          Albert Reach                  BSS                                0.88% 
 Nuneaton         Harrington Way                DX Network Services                0.86% 
                  South Delivery Office, 
 Coventry          Orchard Business Park        Royal Mail Group                   0.83% 
                  Kingsland Point, Kingsland 
 Warrington        Grange                       DHL                                0.81% 
 Trafford         The Furrows, Trafford 
  Park             Park                         Unilin Distribution                0.78% 
 Avonmouth        RD Park                       Superdrug Stores                   0.76% 
                  Sytner Body Shop, Brades 
 Oldbury           Road                         Sytner Group                       0.74% 
 Bermondsey       Verney Street                 Constantine                        0.71% 
                                                Interserve Project 
 Christchurch     Airfield Way                   Services                          0.71% 
                  Westburn Drive, Clydesmill 
 Cambuslang        Industrial Estate            Brenntag UK                        0.70% 
                  Howemoss Drive, Kirkhill 
 Aberdeen          Industrial Estate            DHL                                0.68% 
 Warrington       Chesford Grange               Dinex Exhausts                     0.65% 
                  Edgehill Drive, Tournament 
 Warwick           Fields                       Semcon                             0.64% 
 Hamilton         Livingstone Boulevard         Ichor Systems                      0.62% 
                                                West Midlands Ambulance 
 Erdington        Opus Aspect                    Service NHS Trust                 0.54% 
                  Northbank Industrial 
                   Estate, Irlam Wharf 
 Irlam             Road                         Northern Commercials               0.50% 
                                                Synergy Health 
 Sheffield        Sheffield Parkway              (UK)                              0.48% 
                                                Triumph Structures 
 Farnborough      Invincible Road                Farnborough                       0.48% 
 Speke            Estuary Commerce Park         Powder Systems                     0.48% 
                  John Gray Building, 
 Westerham         Hortons Way                  Aqualisa Products                  0.48% 
 Coalville        Reg's Way                     MTS Logistic                       0.46% 
 Castleford       Willowbridge Way, Whitwood    Bunzl UK                           0.44% 
                  Parkway One Business 
 Sheffield         Centre                       Arkote                             0.43% 
 Kettering        Telford Way                   Sealed Air                         0.42% 
 Speke            Estuary Commerce Park         DHL                                0.42% 
                                                North Warwickshire 
 Atherstone       Innage Park                    Borough Council                   0.41% 
                  Lancaster Way, Ermine 
 Huntington        Business Park                PHS Group                          0.37% 
 Kilmarnock       Queens Drive                  Royal Mail Group                   0.33% 
 Glasgow          Campsie Drive                 DHL                                0.33% 
 Normanton        Loscoe Close                  Acorn Web Offset                   0.31% 
                  Shepcote Enterprise           River Island Clothing 
 Sheffield         Park                          & Andrew Page                     0.30% 
                  Phoenix Business Park, 
 Hinckley          Brindley Road                Multi-let                          0.29% 
                                                Sovereign Air Movement 
                  National Court, South          & Nationwide Crash 
 Leeds             Accommodation Road            Repair                            0.26% 
                  Tilbrook Industrial 
 Milton Keynes     Estate                       Vacant                             0.00% 
 

16 % of portfolio passing rent.

 
 Town                    Address                    Tenant                  % Portfolio 
                                                                                 Income 
 Retail 
                                                    Wickes & Pets 
 Winnersh                Gazelle Close               at Home                      2.02% 
 Portsmouth              Commercial Road            Multi-let                     1.86% 
                         County Road Retail         Go Outdoors & 
 Swindon                  Park                       B&M                          1.86% 
 Leighton Buzzard        Vimy Road                  Homebase                      1.86% 
                         High Street/Trinity 
 Colchester               Square                    Multi-let                     1.78% 
 Banbury                 Southam Road               B&Q                           1.69% 
                         North Row, Grafton 
 Milton Keynes            Gate                      Staples UK                    1.48% 
                                                    Laura Ashley, 
                         Discovery Retail            Poundstretcher 
 Grantham                 Park, London Road          & Carpetright                1.15% 
                                                    Reiss & House 
 Guildford               Market Street               of Fraser                    0.99% 
 Colchester              Long Wyre Street           Poundland & Savers            0.88% 
 Southampton             Above Bar Street           URBN UK                       0.78% 
 Torpoint                Anthony Road               Sainsbury's                   0.77% 
                         The Crystal Retail 
 Stourbridge              Centre                    Multi-let                     0.76% 
 Norwich                 White Lion Street          Specsavers                    0.71% 
                                                    Majestic Wine 
                                                     & T J Morris (t/a 
 Portishead              Harbour Road                Home Bargains)               0.67% 
 Shrewsbury              Pride Hill                 Cotswold Outdoor              0.57% 
 Llandudno               Mostyn Street              WH Smith                      0.53% 
 Nottingham              St Peter's Gate            The White Company             0.50% 
 Jewellery 
  Quarter, Birmingham    Frederick Street           Multi-let                     0.47% 
                         Eastgate Street & 
 Chester                  Eastgate Row              Chesca & TSB                  0.45% 
 Kings Lynn              High Street                Top Man                       0.44% 
 Weston-Super-Mare       High Street                Superdrug Stores              0.44% 
 Glasgow                 Argyle Street              Greggs                        0.42% 
                                                    Superdrug Stores 
                                                     & Portsmouth City 
 Southsea                Palmerston Road             Council                      0.41% 
                         Eastgate Street &          Kuoni Travel & 
 Chester                  Eastgate Row               Aslan Jewellery              0.39% 
 Edinburgh               George Street              Phase Eight                   0.39% 
 Portsmouth              Commercial Road            The Works                     0.37% 
 Scarborough             Westborough                Waterstones                   0.33% 
                                                    Wilkinson Hardware 
 Taunton                 East Gate                   Stores                       0.33% 
 Dumfries                High Street                Iceland Foods                 0.33% 
 Bury St Edmunds         Cornhill Street            The Works                     0.32% 
 Bedford                 Silver Street              Waterstones                   0.30% 
                         Trident House, Mosquito 
 St Albans                Way                       EE                            0.27% 
                         Bath Street and High 
 Redcar                   Street                    Multi-let                     0.26% 
 Hinckley                Castle Street              WH Smith                      0.25% 
                                                    Tesco Stores & 
 Edinburgh               Causewayside House          R Scott Bathrooms            0.31% 
                                                    Framemaker Galleries 
                                                     & Danish Wardrobe 
 Cirencester             Dyer Street                 Company                      0.24% 
 Chester                 Watergate Street           Whistles Holdings             0.20% 
 Bury St Edmunds         Abbeygate Street           Savers                        0.18% 
                                                    Done Brothers 
 Cheltenham              High Street                 (t/a Betfred)                0.15% 
 
 
 Town                Address                   Tenant               % Portfolio 
                                                                         Income 
 Office 
 West Malling        Kings Hill Avenue         Regus                      1.98% 
 Birmingham          Lancaster House           Multi-let                  1.86% 
                     Gateway House, Grove      Mattioli Woods, 
 Leicester            Park                      RBS & Regus               1.70% 
 Edinburgh           Causewayside House        Multi-let                  1.25% 
                     Cardinal House, Manor 
 Leeds                Road                     Enact                      1.20% 
                     Osprey House, Pentagon 
 Castle Donington     Business Park            National Grid              1.14% 
                     Cheadle Royal Business 
 Cheadle              Park                     Wienerberger               1.07% 
 Leeds               David Street              Enact                      1.03% 
 Derby               Pride Park                Edwards Geldards           0.91% 
                                               Mattioli Woods 
 Leicester           MW House, Grove Park       & Erskine Murray          0.89% 
 Glasgow             West George Street        Multi-let                  0.76% 
 Solihull            Westbury House            Lyons Davidson             0.67% 
 
 
 Town            Address                   Tenant                    % Portfolio 
                                                                          Income 
 Other 
 Crewe           Phoenix Leisure Park      Multi-let                       1.87% 
                 St Catherine's Leisure 
 Perth            Park                     Multi-let                       1.38% 
                 Park Gate Bentley, 
 Knutsford        Mobberley Road           R Stratton & Co                 1.30% 
 Torquay         Abbey Sands               Multi-let                       1.01% 
 Gillingham      Beechings Way             Co-Operative                    0.95% 
 Leicester       Aylestone Road            Magnet                          0.88% 
                                           Marshall Motor 
 Peterborough    Mallory Road               Group                          0.80% 
 Portishead      Harbour Road              Travelodge                      0.71% 
                 Stephenson Road, 
 Lincoln          North Hykeham            MKM Building Supplies           0.60% 
                                           Allen Ford (t/a 
 Solihull        Coventry Road, Elmdon      Kia)                           0.51% 
                 Counterpoint, Weston      Plumbase, Multi 
 Crewe            Road                      Tile & F1 Autocentres          0.50% 
 Redhill         Brighton Road             Honda Motor Europe              0.50% 
                 Bluecoat House, Saw 
 Bath             Close                    Prezzo                          0.43% 
                                           Stonegate Pub 
 High Wycombe    Frogmore                   Co                             0.41% 
 Castleford      Castlewood Way            MKM Building Suppliers          0.39% 
 Watford         The Dome Roundabout       Pizza Hut                       0.37% 
 Southsea        Palmerston Road           JD Wetherspoon                  0.30% 
 Leicester       Grove Farm Triangle       Pizza Hut                       0.29% 
 Portishead      Harbour Road              JD Wetherspoon                  0.25% 
 Basingstoke     Chequers Road             Teddies Nurseries               0.22% 
 Chesham         Bois Moor Road            Teddies Nurseries               0.18% 
                 The Old Knutsford         Knutsford Day 
 Knutsford        Library                   Nursery                        0.18% 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the six months ended 30 September 2016

 
                                                                                   Audited 
                                                      Unaudited     Unaudited    12 months 
                                                       6 months      6 months           to 
                                                     to 30 Sept    to 30 Sept       31 Mar 
                                                           2016          2015         2016 
                                             Note        GBP000        GBP000       GBP000 
------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Revenue                                        4        12,575         8,686       19,012 
 
 Investment management fee                              (1,414)         (974)      (2,200) 
 Operating expenses of rental property 
   *    rechargeable to tenants                           (590)         (427)        (451) 
 
   *    directly incurred                                 (569)         (180)        (572) 
 Professional fees                                        (169)         (191)        (356) 
 Directors' fees                                           (80)          (77)        (172) 
 Administrative expenses                                   (63)          (66)        (100) 
 
 Expenses                                               (2,885)       (1,915)      (3,851) 
 
 Operating profit before financing 
  and revaluation of investment 
  properties                                              9,690         6,771       15,161 
------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Unrealised gains/(losses) on revaluation 
  of investment properties: 
  - relating to property revaluations           9         3,502         2,624        3,031 
 
   *    relating to costs of acquisition        9       (3,759)       (1,168)      (5,768) 
 Profit on disposal of investment 
  properties                                                128            77           56 
------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Net (losses)/gains on investment 
  properties                                              (129)         1,533      (2,681) 
 
 Operating profit before financing                        9,561         8,304       12,480 
------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Net finance costs (including one-off 
  items)                                      5,6       (1,266)         (399)      (1,273) 
 
 Profit before tax                                        8,295         7,905       11,207 
------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Income tax                                     7             -             -            - 
 
 Profit and total comprehensive 
  income for the Period, net of 
  tax                                                     8,295         7,905       11,207 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company                                    8,295         7,905       11,207 
 
 Earnings per ordinary share: 
 Basic and diluted (p per share)                3           3.0           4.3          5.5 
 EPRA (p per share)                             3           3.0           3.5          6.8 
 

The profit for the Period arises from the Company's continuing operations.

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position

As at 30 September 2016

Registered number: 8863271

 
                                         Unaudited   Unaudited     Audited 
                                           30 Sept     30 Sept      31 Mar 
                                              2016        2015        2016 
                                  Note      GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Investment properties               9     383,537     232,850     318,966 
 
 Total non-current assets                  383,537     232,850     318,966 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Trade and other receivables        10       4,045       1,931       4,518 
 Cash and cash equivalents          12       6,661       8,347       5,455 
 
 Total current assets                       10,706      10,278       9,973 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Total assets                              394,243     243,128     328,939 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Equity 
 Issued capital                     14       2,921       1,908       2,512 
 Share premium                             110,913       7,404      68,874 
 Retained earnings                         183,250     187,145     183,674 
 
 Total equity attributable 
  to equity holders of the 
  Company                                  297,084     196,457     255,060 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                         13      85,901      39,280      65,143 
 Other payables                                571           -         571 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Total non-current liabilities              86,472      39,280      65,714 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 
 Trade and other payables           11       5,664       3,741       3,681 
 Deferred income                             5,023       3,650       4,484 
 
 Total current liabilities                  10,687       7,391       8,165 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Total liabilities                          97,159      46,671      73,879 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Total equity and liabilities              394,243     243,128     328,939 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

These interim financial statements of Custodian REIT plc were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 21 November 2016 and are signed on its behalf by:

David Hunter

Director

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

For the period ended 30 September 2016

 
                                                  Unaudited     Unaudited      Audited 
                                                   6 months      6 months    12 months 
                                                 to 30 Sept    to 30 Sept    to 31 Mar 
                                                       2016          2015         2016 
                                         Note        GBP000        GBP000       GBP000 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Operating activities 
 Operating profit                                     9,561         8,304       12,480 
 Adjustments for: 
 Increase in fair value of investment 
  property                                  9       (3,502)       (2,624)      (3,031) 
 Profit on disposal of investment 
  properties                                          (128)          (77)         (56) 
 Income tax                                 7             -             -            - 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
  before changes in working capital 
  and provisions                                      5,931         5,603        9,393 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade 
  and other receivables                                 453         (797)      (3,615) 
 Increase in trade and other 
  payables                                            2,521         2,008        2,399 
 
 Cash generated from operations                       8,905         6,814        8,177 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Interest paid                              6       (1,026)         (431)      (1,307) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
   Net cash flows from operating 
   activities                                         7,879         6,383        6,870 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of investment property                   (66,591)      (23,353)    (109,674) 
 Disposal of investment property                      5,650           492        1,821 
 Interest received                          5            25             4           22 
 
 Net cash from investing activities                (60,916)      (22,857)    (107,831) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds from the issue of 
  share capital                                      43,033        14,294       77,719 
 Payment of costs of share issue                      (585)         (282)      (1,632) 
 Net borrowings received (net 
  of costs)                                          20,514        15,407       41,700 
 Dividends paid                             8       (8,719)       (5,447)     (12,220) 
 
 Net cash from financing activities                  54,243        23,972      105,567 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                         1,206         7,498        4,606 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  start of the Period                                 5,455           849          849 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of the Period                                   6,661         8,347        5,455 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statements of changes in equity

For the period ended 30 September 2016

 
                                              Issued       Share    Retained       Total 
                                             capital     premium    earnings      equity 
                                     Note     GBP000      GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
 As at 31 March 2016 (audited)                 2,512      68,874     183,674     255,060 
 
 Profit and total comprehensive 
  income for Period                                -           -       8,295       8,295 
 
 Transactions with owners 
  of the Company, recognised 
  directly in equity 
 Dividends                              8          -           -     (8,719)     (8,719) 
 Issue of share capital                14        409      42,039           -      42,448 
 
 As at 30 September 2016 
  (unaudited)                                  2,921     110,913     183,250     297,084 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

For the period ended 30 September 2015

 
                                              Issued       Share    Retained       Total 
                                             capital     premium    earnings      equity 
                                     Note     GBP000      GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 As at 31 March 2015 (audited)                 1,776     175,009       3,201     179,986 
 
 Profit and total comprehensive 
  income for Period                                -           -       7,905       7,905 
 
 Transactions with owners 
  of the Company, recognised 
  directly in equity 
 Dividends                              8          -           -     (5,447)     (5,447) 
 Issue of share capital                14        132      13,881           -      14,013 
 Transfer of reserves                  14          -   (181,486)     181,486           - 
 
 As at 30 September 2015 
  (unaudited)                                  1,908       7,404     187,145     196,457 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Notes to the interim financial statements for the period ended 30 September 2016

   1.   Corporate information 

The Company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales, whose shares are publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange plc's main market for listed securities. The interim financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of investment properties, and are presented in pounds sterling with all values rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (GBP000), except when otherwise indicated. The interim financial statements were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 21 November 2016.

   2.       Basis of preparation and accounting policies 
   2.1.    Basis of preparation 

The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The interim financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements. The annual report for the year ending 31 March 2017 will be prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") of the IASB (together "IFRS") as adopted by the European Union, and in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The information relating to the Period is unaudited and does not constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016 has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those financial statements was not qualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The interim financial statements have been reviewed by the auditor and its report to the Company is included within these interim financial statements.

Certain statements in this report are forward looking statements. By their nature, forward looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. Forward looking statements regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward looking statements.

   2.2.    Significant accounting policies 

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Company and applied to these interim financial statements are consistent with those policies applied to the Company's annual report and financial statements.

2.3. Going concern

The Directors believe the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully. The Company's projections show that the Company should continue to be cash generative and able to operate within the level of its current financing arrangements. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis for the preparation of the interim financial statements.

2.4. Segmental reporting

An operating segment is a distinguishable component of the Company that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about the allocation of resources and assessment of performance and about which discrete financial information is available. As the chief operating decision maker reviews financial information for, and makes decisions about, the Company's investment properties and properties held for trading as a portfolio the Directors have identified a single operating segment, that of investment in commercial properties.

2.5. Principal risks and uncertainties

The Company's assets consist of direct investments in UK commercial property. Its principal risks are therefore related to the UK commercial property market in general but also the particular circumstances of the properties in which it is invested and their tenants. Other risks faced by the Company include economic, strategic, regulatory, management and control, financial and operational.

These risks, and the way in which they are mitigated and managed, are described in more detail under the heading Principal risks and uncertainties within the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2016. The Company's principal risks and uncertainties have not changed materially since the date of that report, other than the inherent risk of unidentified liabilities associated with the corporate acquisition of the Light Industrial Portfolio detailed in Note 9, which has been mitigated through comprehensive due diligence and the provision of insured warranties and indemnities from the vendor. While it is too early to understand the full impact of 'Brexit', the Board does not consider any remaining uncertainty likely to have a material impact on the Company's performance. The Company's principal risks and uncertainties are not expected to change materially for the remaining six months of the Company's financial year.

   3.       Earnings per ordinary share 

Basic EPS amounts are calculated by dividing net profit for the Period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the Period.

Diluted EPS amounts are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the Period plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares. There are no dilutive instruments.

The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

 
                                            Unaudited       Unaudited         Audited 
                                             6 months        6 months       12 months 
                                           to 30 Sept      to 30 Sept              to 
                                                 2016            2015          31 Mar 
                                                                                 2016 
-------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Net profit and diluted net profit 
  attributable to equity holders 
  of the Company (GBP000)                       8,295           7,905          11,207 
 Net losses/(gains) on investment 
  properties (GBP000)                             129         (1,533)           2,681 
-------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 EPRA net profit attributable to 
  equity holders of the Company 
  (GBP000)                                      8,424           6,372          13,888 
 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
  shares: 
 
 Issued ordinary shares at start 
  of the Period                           251,242,071     177,605,659     177,605,659 
 Effect of shares issued during 
  the Period                               25,045,659       5,135,246      26,590,709 
-------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Basic and diluted weighted average 
  number of shares                        276,287,730     182,740,905     204,196,368 
 
 Basic and diluted EPS (pence)                    3.0             4.3             5.5 
-------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
   EPRA EPS (pence)                               3.0             3.5             6.8 
-------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
   4.       Revenue 
 
                                                  Unaudited 6 months         Unaudited  Audited 12 months to 
                                                          to 30 Sept          6 months                31 Mar 
                                                                2016   to 30 Sept 2015                  2016 
                                                              GBP000            GBP000                GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------   ------------------  ----------------  -------------------- 
 
Gross rental income from investment properties                11,985             8,280                18,561 
Income from recharges to tenants                                 590               406                   451 
 
                                                              12,575             8,686                19,012 
 -----------------------------------------------  ------------------  ----------------  -------------------- 
 
   5.       Finance income 
 
                  Unaudited 6 months  Unaudited 6 months  Audited 12 months to 
                     to 30 Sept 2016     to 30 Sept 2015                31 Mar 
                              GBP000              GBP000                  2016 
                                                                        GBP000 
---------------   ------------------  ------------------  -------------------- 
 
Bank interest                     25                   4                    22 
Finance income                     -                 119                   199 
 
                                  25                 123                   221 
 ---------------  ------------------  ------------------  -------------------- 
 
   6.       Finance costs 
 
                                                       Unaudited 6 months    Unaudited  Audited 12 months to 
                                                          to 30 Sept 2016     6 months                31 Mar 
                                                                   GBP000   to 30 Sept                  2016 
                                                                                  2015                GBP000 
                                                                                GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------   ------------------  -----------  -------------------- 
 
Amortisation of arrangement fees on debt facilities                   265           91                   187 
Bank interest                                                       1,026          431                 1,307 
 
                                                                    1,291          522                 1,494 
 ----------------------------------------------------  ------------------  -----------  -------------------- 
 

During the Period the Company repaid a GBP20m term loan with Lloyds Bank plc resulting in one-off costs of GBP0.165m related to the accelerated amortisation of the associated deferred arrangement fees.

   7.       Income tax 

The tax charge assessed for the Period is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK during the Period of 19.0%. The differences are explained below:

 
                                                            Unaudited 6 months         Unaudited  Audited 12 months to 
                                                               to 30 Sept 2016          6 months                31 Mar 
                                                                        GBP000   to 30 Sept 2015                  2016 
                                                                                          GBP000                GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ----------------  -------------------- 
 
Profit before income tax                                                 8,295             7,905                11,207 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ----------------  -------------------- 
 
Tax charge on profit at a standard rate of 19.0% (30 
 September 2015: 20.0%, 31 March 2016: 
 20.0%)                                                                  1,576             1,581                 2,241 
 
Effects of: 
REIT tax exempt rental profits and gains                               (1,576)           (1,581)               (2,241) 
 
Income tax expense for the Period                                            -                 -                     - 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ----------------  -------------------- 
 
Effective income tax rate                                                 0.0%              0.0%                  0.0% 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ----------------  -------------------- 
 

The Company operates as a Real Estate Investment Trust and hence profits and gains from the property investment business are normally exempt from corporation tax.

   8.       Dividends 
 
                                            Unaudited     Unaudited      Audited 
                                             6 months      6 months    12 months 
                                           to 30 Sept    to 30 Sept           to 
                                                 2016          2015       31 Mar 
                                               GBP000        GBP000         2016 
                                                                          GBP000 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Interim equity dividends per ordinary 
  share for the quarters ended: 
 31 March 2015: 1.50p(17)                           -         2,672        2,672 
 30 June 2015: 1.50p                                -         2,775        2,775 
 30 September 2015: 1.50p                           -             -        2,907 
 31 December 2015: 1.5875p                          -             -        3,866 
 31 March 2016: 1.6625p                         4,227             -            - 
 30 June 2016: 1.5875p                          4,492             -            - 
 
                                                8,719         5,447       12,220 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 

All dividends paid are classified as property income distributions ("PID") unless stated otherwise.

The Directors approved a second interim dividend relating to the quarter ended 30 September 2016 of 1.5875p per ordinary share in October 2016 which has not been included as a liability in these interim financial statements. This interim dividend is expected to be paid on 31 December 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 14 October 2016.

In the absence of unforeseen circumstances, the Board intends to pay further quarterly dividends to achieve an annual dividend of 6.35p per share for the financial year ending 31 March 2017(18) .

   9.       Investment properties 
 
                                              GBP000 
-----------------------------------------   -------- 
 
 At 31 March 2016                            318,966 
 Additions (including acquisition costs)      70,350 
 Disposals                                   (5,522) 
 
 Property revaluations                         3,502 
 Acquisition costs                           (3,759) 
 Net revaluation loss                          (257) 
 
 As at 30 September 2016                     383,537 
------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

Included in investment properties is GBP1.45m relating to an ongoing development funding at Stevenage.

Investment property additions include GBP26.75m relating to the Light Industrial Portfolio, which the Company acquired by purchasing the entire issued share capital of BLME (UK) GP Limited and LIBF (II) S.à.r.l., being the partners in BLME Light Industrial Building LP, an English limited partnership holding the title and beneficial interest in the Light Industrial Portfolio.

(17) Designated as 1.287p per share PID and 0.213p per share non-PID.

(18) This is a target only and not a profit forecast. There can be no assurance that the target can or will be met and it

should not be taken as an indication of the Company's expected or actual future results. Accordingly, shareholders or potential investors in the Company should not place any reliance on this target in deciding whether or not to invest in the Company or assume that the Company will make any distributions at all and should decide for themselves whether or not the target dividend yield is reasonable or achievable.

The carrying value of investment property at 30 September 2016 comprises freehold and leasehold properties summarised as follows:

 
                          Freehold  Leasehold    Total 
  Investment properties     GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
------------------------  --------  ---------  ------- 
 
  Historical cost          338,164     52,399  390,563 
  Valuation (loss)/gain    (3,251)      1,265  (1,986) 
  Disposals                (5,040)          -  (5,040) 
 
  At 30 September 2016     329,873     53,664  383,537 
------------------------  --------  ---------  ------- 
 

The investment properties are stated at the Directors' estimate of their 30 September 2016 fair values. Lambert Smith Hampton Group Limited ("LSH"), a professionally qualified independent valuer, valued the properties as at 30 September 2016 in accordance with the Appraisal and Valuation Standards published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. LSH has recent experience in the relevant location and category of the properties being valued.

Investment properties have been valued using the investment method which involves applying a yield to rental income streams. Inputs include yield, current rent and ERV. For the Period end valuation, the equivalent yields used ranged from 5.0% to 11.2%. Valuation reports are based on both information provided by the Company e.g. current rents and lease terms which are derived from the Company's financial and property management systems are subject to the Company's overall control environment, and assumptions applied by the valuer e.g. ERVs and yields. These assumptions are based on market observation and the valuer's professional judgement. In estimating the fair value of the property, the highest and best use of the properties is their current use.

   10.     Trade and other receivables 
 
                                    Unaudited    Unaudited   Audited 
                                     as at 30     as at 30     as at 
                                    Sept 2016    Sept 2015    31 Mar 
                                       GBP000       GBP000      2016 
                                                              GBP000 
 
 Trade receivables                      1,653        1,052     1,019 
 Other receivables                        308           57     1,857 
 Prepayments and accrued income         2,084          822     1,642 
 
                                        4,045        1,931     4,518 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

The Company has provided fully for those receivable balances that it does not expect to recover. This assessment has been undertaken by reviewing the status of all significant balances that are past due and involves assessing both the reason for non-payment and the creditworthiness of the counterparty. Included within accrued income are balances totalling GBP1.62m which are to be held for a period more than one year.

   11.     Trade and other payables 
 
                                        Unaudited    Unaudited   Audited 
                                         as at 30     as at 30     as at 
                                        Sept 2016    Sept 2015    31 Mar 
                                           GBP000       GBP000      2016 
                                                                  GBP000 
 Falling due in less than one year: 
 
 Trade and other payables                     958          564       437 
 Social security and other taxes            1,607          885     1,231 
 Accruals                                   2,652        2,038     1,566 
 Rental deposits                              447          254       447 
 
                                            5,664        3,741     3,681 
------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value. Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. For most suppliers interest is charged if payment is not made within the required terms. Thereafter, interest is chargeable on the outstanding balances at various rates. The Company has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit timescale.

   12.     Cash and cash equivalents 
 
                               Unaudited    Unaudited   Audited 
                                as at 30     as at 30     as at 
                               Sept 2016    Sept 2015    31 Mar 
                                  GBP000       GBP000      2016 
                                                         GBP000 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents         6,661        8,347     5,455 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

Cash and cash equivalents include GBP0.47m (30 September 2015: GBP0.27m and 31 March 2016: GBP0.47m) of restricted cash in the form of rental deposits and retentions held on behalf of tenants.

   13.     Borrowings 
 
                                        Unaudited    Unaudited   Audited 
                                         as at 30     as at 30     as at 
                                        Sept 2016    Sept 2015    31 Mar 
                                           GBP000       GBP000      2016 
                                                                  GBP000 
 Falling due in more than one year: 
 
 Bank borrowings                           87,000       40,000    66,000 
 Costs incurred in the arrangement 
  of bank borrowings                      (1,099)        (720)     (857) 
 
                                           85,901       39,280    65,143 
------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

On 6 June 2016 the Company agreed and drew down a new 12 year GBP45m term loan facility with Scottish Widows plc which attracts interest fixed at 2.987% per annum. The Company used the loan to repay in full a GBP20m term loan with Lloyds Bank plc, which attracted interest of 1.95% per annum above three month LIBOR, incurring no early repayment penalties but which resulted in the accelerated amortisation of deferred arrangement fees of GBP0.2m.

Heads of terms have been agreed for a new GBP50m term loan facility ("the New Loan"), repayable 15 years from drawdown at a fixed rate of interest.

The Company's borrowing position at 31 March 2016 is set out in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2016.

   14.     Issued capital and reserves 
 
 
                           Ordinary shares     Unaudited 
   Share capital                     of 1p        GBP000 
------------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 At 30 September 2015          190,805,659         1,908 
 Issue of share capital         60,436,412           604 
------------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 At 31 March 2016              251,242,071         2,512 
------------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 Issue of share capital         40,890,000           409 
 At 30 September 2016          292,132,071         2,921 
------------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

The Company has made further issues of new shares since the Period end, which are detailed in Note 17.

Rights, preferences and restrictions on shares

All ordinary shares carry equal rights and no privileges are attached to any shares in the Company. All the shares are freely transferable, except as otherwise provided by law. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. All shares rank equally with regard to the Company's residual assets.

At the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company held on 26 July 2016, the Board was given authority to issue up to 100,000,000 shares, pursuant to section 551 of the Companies Act 2006. This authority is intended to satisfy market demand for the ordinary shares and raise further monies for investment in accordance with the Company's investment policy.

In addition, the Company was granted authority to make market purchases of up to 27,888,207 Ordinary Shares under section 701 of the Companies Act 2006.

The following table describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

 
 Reserve             Description and purpose 
------------------  -------------------------------------- 
 
 Share premium       Amounts subscribed for share capital 
                      in excess of nominal value less 
                      any associated issue costs that 
                      have been capitalised. 
 Retained earnings   All other net gains and losses 
                      and transactions with owners (e.g. 
                      dividends) not recognised elsewhere. 
 

During the period ended 30 September 2015, the Company cancelled the share premium account standing at the date of the 2015 AGM, as detailed in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2016.

   15.     Financial instruments 

Fair values

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are not materially different from their carrying values in the interim financial statements. The fair value hierarchy levels are as follows:

   --     Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; 

-- Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

-- Level 3 - inputs for the assets or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

There have been no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 during the Period. The main methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments and investment property are detailed below.

Investment property - level 3

Fair value is based on valuations provided by an independent firm of chartered surveyors and registered appraisers. These values were determined after having taken into consideration recent market transactions for similar properties in similar locations to the investment properties held by the Company. The fair value hierarchy of investment property is level 3. At 30 September 2016, the Company fair value of investment properties was GBP383.5m.

Interest bearing loans and borrowings - level 3

As at 30 September 2016 the amortised cost of the Company's loans with Lloyds Bank plc and Scottish Widows plc approximated their fair value.

Trade and other receivables/payables - level 3

The carrying amount of all receivables and payables deemed to be due within one year are considered to reflect the fair value.

   16.     Related party transactions 

Transactions with directors

Each of the directors is engaged under a letter of appointment with the Company and does not have a service contract with the Company. Under the terms of their appointment, each director is required to retire by rotation and seek re-election at least every three years. Each director's appointment under their respective letter of appointment is terminable immediately by either party (the Company or the director) giving written notice and no compensation or benefits are payable upon termination of office as a director of the Company becoming effective.

Fees payable to the Manager

On 25 February 2014 the Company entered into a three year Investment Management Agreement ("IMA") with the Investment Manager, under which the Investment Manager has been appointed as Alternative Investment Fund Manager with responsibility for the property management of the Company's assets, subject to the overall supervision of the Directors. The Investment Manager manages the Company's investments in accordance with the policies laid down by the Board and the investment restrictions referred to in the IMA, and charges fees for annual management and administration as set out in the Annual Report.

Ian Mattioli is Chief Executive of Mattioli Woods plc, the parent company of the Investment Manager, and is a director of the Investment Manager. As a result, Ian Mattioli is not independent. The Company Secretary, Nathan Imlach, is also a director of Mattioli Woods plc and the Investment Manager.

During the Period the Company paid the Investment Manager GBP1.75m (September 2015: GBP1.59m, March 2016: GBP2.72m) in respect of annual management charges, administrative fees and marketing fees. During the Period the Company paid Mattioli Woods plc GBP0.02m in respect of transaction support on the acquisition of the Light Industrial Portfolio detailed in Note 9.

The Company owed GBPnil to the Investment Manager at 30 September 2016 (September 2015: GBP0.01m, March 2016: GBP0.02m).

Certain investment properties are partially let to Mattioli Woods plc. Mattioli Woods plc paid the Company rentals of GBP0.2m during the Period (September 2015: GBP0.2m, March 2016: GBP0.4m) and owed the Company GBPnil at 30 September 2016 (September 2015: GBP54,736, March 2016: GBPnil).

Ian Mattioli, Nathan Imlach, Richard Shepherd-Cross and the private pension schemes of Ian Mattioli, Nathan Imlach and Richard Shepherd-Cross continue to have a beneficial interest in the Company.

   17.     Events after the reporting date 

Property acquisitions and disposals

On 5 October 2016 the Company acquired a distribution unit in Burton upon Trent, let to Kings Road Tyres and Repairs Limited for GBP7.06m. The lease expires in July 2031 with a passing rent of GBP0.51m per annum, reflecting a NIY of 6.77%.

On 6 October 2016 the Company acquired a distribution unit in Daventry, let to Cummins Limited for GBP3.08m. The lease expires in July 2019 with a passing rent of GBP0.22m per annum, reflecting a NIY of 6.75%.

On 7 October 2016 the Company acquired a distribution unit in Bedford, let to Heywood Williams Components Limited for GBP3.25m. The lease expires in April 2022 with passing rent of GBP0.24m per annum, reflecting a NIY of 6.78%.

On 8 November the Company sold a 9,144 sq ft car dealership on Coventry Road, Solihull for GBP1.88m, GBP0.35m ahead of the 30 September 2016 valuation.

New equity

On 21 October 2016 the Company raised GBP25.0m (before costs and expenses) through the issue of 24,131,274 new ordinary shares of 1p each in the capital of the Company at a price of 103.6p per share, a premium of approximately 3.5% to the dividend adjusted unaudited NAV as at 30 September 2016.

On 17 November 2016 the Company raised GBP1.84m (before costs and expenses) through the issue of 1,750,000 new ordinary shares of 1p each in the capital of the Company at a price of 105.12p per share, a premium of approximately 5% to the dividend adjusted unaudited NAV as at 30 September 2016.

Independent auditor's review report to Custodian REIT plc for the period ended 30 September 2016

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of interim financial statements in the interim financial statements for the period ended 30 September 2016 which comprise the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated statement of financial position, the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity and the related notes 1-17. We have read the other information contained in the interim financial statements and considered whether they contain any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The interim financial statements are the responsibility of, and have been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the interim financial statements in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in the notes, the annual financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in these interim financial statements has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial statements based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial statements for the period ended 30 September 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Deloitte LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

Birmingham, United Kingdom

21 November 2016

Directors' responsibilities for the interim financial statements

The Directors have prepared the interim financial statements of the Company for the period from 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016.

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

a) The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU;

b) The condensed set of financial statements, which has been prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company, or the undertakings included in the consolidation as a whole as required by DTR 4.2.4R;

c) The interim financial statements includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year, and their impact on the Condensed Financial Statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

d) The interim financial statements includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being material related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report.

A list of the current directors of Custodian REIT plc is maintained on the Company's website at www.custodianreit.com.

By order of the Board

David Hunter

Chairman

21 November 2016

- Ends -

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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