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EPIC Ediston Property Investment Company Plc

68.80
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Ediston Property Investment Company Plc LSE:EPIC London Ordinary Share GB00BNGMZB68 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 68.80 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Ediston Property Inv Comp PLC Half-year Report (0262G)

24/05/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Ediston Property Investm... (LSE:EPIC)
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TIDMEPIC

RNS Number : 0262G

Ediston Property Inv Comp PLC

24 May 2017

24 May 2017

Ediston Property Investment Company plc

(the "Company")

LEI: 213800JRL87EGX9TUI28

THE COMPANY IS WELL POSITIONED FOR GROWTH

HALF YEAR RESULTS

Ediston Property Investment Company plc (LSE: EPIC) announces its half-year results for the six months ended 31 March 2017.

Highlights for the six months to 31 March 2017:

   --      Net asset value increased 2.43% to 109.67 pence (30 September 2016: 107.07 pence) 
   --      Property portfolio increased in value by 1.84% 
   --      Share price total return of 7.9% 
   --      Continued 5.5 pence dividend per share (annualised) 
   --      Fully covered dividend 

William Hill, Chairman of the Company, said:

"The Investment Manager remains true to its promise of driving value from the intensive management of the Company's assets. The Board believes shareholders should be very encouraged by the continued progress in the last six months with the growth in asset values and improved levels of portfolio income. The Company is in a good position to build further on this excellent record and the Board believes that continued progress can be achieved in the second half of the year, particularly if it can grow its equity base and expand the investment portfolio."

Enquiries:

 
 Ediston Properties Limited (Investment Manager) 
  Danny O'Neill 
  Calum Bruce                                       0131 225 5599 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------- 
 Canaccord Genuity Limited 
  Will Barnett 
  Neil Brierley 
  Dominic Waters 
  David Yovichic                                    020 7523 8000 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------- 
 Lansons 
  Laura Cronin                                       020 7294 3607 
  David Masters                                       07825 427 514 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------- 
 R&H Fund Services Limited (Company Secretary) 
  Michael Woodward                                  0131 550 3761 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------- 
 

Chairman's Statement

"Ready for Growth: a secure platform to grow the Company with further progress in capital values and rental income."

INTRODUCTION

Following the market volatility over the last six months of 2016 induced by the Brexit vote, 2017 has seen relative stability return to the UK commercial property market. Against this background the Company continues to make good progress. Management initiatives have driven improvements in asset values and the overall level of income has risen with new lettings. In addition, 500,000 new shares were issued during the period.

The Board believes that there are good investment opportunities available that suit the Company's investment style. If market conditions permit, the Board would like to expand the Company's capital base to take advantage of these opportunities.

INVESTMENT AND SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE

The Company's portfolio was valued at GBP184.7 million at 31 March 2017, a rise of 1.8% on the GBP181.4 million reported at 30 September 2016.

Over the period, the EPRA net asset value (NAV) per share has risen from 107.07 pence to 109.67 pence, an increase of 2.4%. The share price has delivered a capital return of 5.2% as the discount to NAV per share narrowed from 3.4% at 30 September 2016 to 0.8% at 31 March 2017. Taking into account dividends paid in the period, the total return per share over the first half of the year based on NAV movement was 5.0%. The total return on a share price basis was 7.9%.

PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY

Management initiatives during the period reduced the EPRA vacancy rate from 4.7% to 3.9%. This falls to 1.5% when additional lettings complete post the half-year. Letting activity is fully described in the Investment Manager's Review. The weighted average unexpired lease term has fallen marginally over the six months, from 7.9 years to 7.4 years.

The effect of the lettings has been to improve portfolio income and dividend cover, and drive the increases in value of Birmingham and Daventry.

Further management initiatives are in progress and, if successfully executed, should help increase income and value in the second half of the year.

Consideration is being given to the sale of some mature assets where new assets can be substituted with greater potential to add value and enhance portfolio income. A number of situations are being evaluated. The Board is mindful of the impact of sale and purchase costs on the NAV but is prepared to consider some short term dilution in the longer term interests of shareholders.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND POTENTIAL GROWTH

Growing the Company, on the right terms, remains a strategic objective of the Board. Scott Harris, an independent, specialist equity marketing consultancy has been appointed to work with the Company's broker, Canaccord Genuity, towards this aim.

In November 2016, demand for the shares meant that the share price was at a sufficient premium to cover the costs of issue. The Company issued 500,000 new shares at 109.0 pence each under the Company's annual tap issuance authority. Shareholder authority has been granted for the issue of up to 10% of the Company's issued capital, approximately GBP15 million of value.

The Company still has flexibility to issue from its existing 'tap stock authorities' and would be prepared to embark on a wider issuance programme if the demand can be found, particularly against specific acquisition opportunities for the portfolio.

The growth in value of the Company's assets has reduced the borrowings in the Company as a percentage of gross assets to 28.4% at the half year. The Board may choose to take out additional borrowings under its existing authorities if suitable opportunities arise in the portfolio where capital expenditure is required, or to balance a sale and purchase transaction. As at 31 March 2017, the Company held GBP11.97 million of cash on its balance sheet.

DIVIDS

Over the six months, total dividends of 2.75 pence per share have been paid. Using the period end share price of 108.75 pence, this represents an annualised yield of 5.1%.

The Company has maintained monthly dividend payments at an annual rate of 5.5 pence per share since launch in 2014. After the period of investment, these dividends are fully covered by net income.

The Board is aware of the attractions of a high monthly dividend and remains mindful of the objective of growing income, if appropriate to do so.

BOARD

Following a formal recruitment process, the Board is pleased to report that good progress is being made in finding a suitable addition to the Board. It expects to be able to announce an appointment in the relatively near future.

OUTLOOK

Investors remain active despite the uncertainties of the Brexit negotiations and their potential impact on the UK economy. This interest is influenced by favourable exchange rates for overseas investors, the level of available income, the attractive rates of finance and the lack of value in other asset classes.

As a consequence prices have hardened for long dated income that can be aggressively financed. Investors are more cautious where leases are shorter and where an understanding of the property fundamentals is required to assess the resilience of that income. This is creating some mispriced opportunities and is a market that suits the Company's investment style. A number of potential investments have been or are being assessed which would form the basis for the deployment of any new capital raised.

The Investment Manager remains true to its promise of driving value from the intensive management of the Company's assets. The Board believes shareholders should be very encouraged by the continued progress in the last six months with the growth in asset values and improved levels of portfolio income. The Company is in a good position to build further on this excellent record and the Board believes that continued progress can be achieved in the second half of the year, particularly if it can grow its equity base and expand the investment portfolio.

William Hill

Chairman

23 May 2017

Investment Manager's Review

"Adding Value at Every Step"

DELIVERING ASSET MANAGEMENT

The ability to unlock value is key to delivering superior returns. We have a well-resourced team, which is always looking to identify value-adding opportunities for each asset.

We have a generous ratio of properties to surveyor which ensures all asset management initiatives can be identified and properly followed through to execution. Generally three to six projects are allocated to each surveyor but, given the diverse skill set of the team, it is usual to have more than one member of the team involved on a project.

This approach has secured three lettings over the period, totalling in excess of 27,000 sq. ft. In December 2016, the Company's largest property (by value), St Philips Point in Birmingham, achieved fully let status when AXA Insurance UK plc agreed to lease its fifth floor in the building at an annual rental of GBP129,600. AXA now occupies floors four to eight, totalling some 33,000 sq. ft. We were able to deliver this letting as we had a good understanding of our tenant's occupational needs and were able to provide them with the solutions they required.

Contracts were exchanged to let an office suite at Phoenix, Reading to Handd Business Solutions Limited. Handd has agreed to lease 4,333 sq. ft. for ten years with a five-year option to break. The rent is GBP30.50 per sq. ft. per annum which enhances the rental tone of the building.

Finally, the Company announced that it had exchanged contracts to let 17,610 sq. ft. at Abbey Retail Park, Daventry, to B&M Retail Limited (B&M). The lease is for ten years, on full repairing and insuring terms, at a rent of GBP14 per sq. ft. per annum. The retail park element of this property is now fully let, with just one 550 sq. ft. kiosk unit remaining vacant, for which there is good tenant interest.

The letting secures another high profile tenant for the Company and will improve footfall for the retail park. This was a particularly complex transaction to execute requiring the negotiation of two lease surrenders, a relocation of one tenant via a new letting and a reconfiguration of space to give the contiguous units required by B&M.

We are always looking for ways to add value and are currently working on a number of asset management initiatives which we believe will further improve the portfolio's income stream and capital value.

INVESTMENT MARKET

Pricing remained resilient over the period, supported by continued strong demand from overseas investors. It is unlikely that this demand is going to reduce as the year progresses as sterling looks set to remain weak. As a result, average yields remained relatively unchanged, although the gap between prime and secondary yields widened, particularly in the retail sector.

2017 started slowly in terms of investment volumes with little activity in January but there was an improvement as the quarter progressed and initial estimates suggest that volumes will be up by approximately one-third on the same period last year. However, this number is skewed by the sale of larger 'trophy' assets, such as the 'Cheesegrater' in London, which was sold for GBP1.15 billion to a Hong Kong investor.

An interesting development in the investment market is the increased activity by local authorities. It has been suggested that they accounted for GBP1 billion of acquisitions in 2016, which is more than the previous three years combined. This activity has been driven by their requirement for income as they need to find additional cash flow to backfill budget holes created by central government funding cuts.

PROPERTY MARKET OUTLOOK

The property market is in an interesting phase of the cycle, with overseas investors the most active buyers. The flight to quality remains, with properties let to good covenants, on long leases with index-linked rent reviews, achieving prices higher than pre-referendum. There is also a weight of money from private equity looking for opportunities with high post-leverage returns.

The UK institutions are not especially active but relatively low levels of property on the market are ensuring prices are holding up reasonably well.

Income supplemented by value gains from management initiatives will be the key driver of total returns this year. Therefore, identifying and executing asset management initiatives to increase capital value and enhance income will be more important than ever. Consideration will also be given to selling lower yielding or more mature assets and recycling the capital into properties with value-add opportunities to exploit.

As demonstrated over recent quarters, we have the skill set, plus the time, resource and expertise to do this and continue to build on the attractive income received by the Company.

PORTFOLIO VALUATION

The Company's property portfolio is valued by Knight Frank on a quarterly basis throughout the year. As at 31 March 2017 it was valued at GBP184.7 million, compared to GBP181.4 million at 30 September 2016.

Sector Exposure at 31 March 2017

 
 Sector              % 
------------------  --- 
 Leisure             5 
 Office              58 
 Retail warehouse    37 
------------------  --- 
 

Regional Exposure at 31 March 2017

 
 Region           % 
---------------  --- 
 North East       12 
 North West       2 
 West Midlands    18 
 South West       2 
 Scotland         15 
 South East       12 
 Yorkshire        11 
 East Midlands    7 
 Wales            21 
---------------  --- 
 

Tenant exposure at 31 March 2017

 
 Tenant                      % 
--------------------------  --- 
 B&Q plc                     15 
 Capita Business Services 
  Ltd                        14 
 Ernst & Young LLP           7 
 AXA Insurance UK plc        6 
 Weightmans LLP              5 
 Tenants less than 5%        53 
--------------------------  --- 
 

SUMMARY

- Stable pricing in the investment market

- Good demand for commercial property

- Buying opportunities for value-add assets

- Strength of Investment Manager will continue to drive performance

We are increasingly seeing more opportunities where assets with value-add initiatives can be acquired at attractive yields in line with our strategy, and our active investment style. We are confident that if the Company's ambitions for growth are achieved, we would be able to quickly deploy the proceeds of an issue in assets which would be positively accretive to the long-term performance of the Company.

Calum Bruce

Investment Manager

23 May 2017

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 31 March 2017

 
                                                                            Six months      Year ended 
                                                                                 ended 
                                                Six months                    31 March    30 September 
                                                   ended              2016 (unaudited)            2016 
                                               31 March 2017                                 (audited) 
                                                (unaudited) 
                                       Revenue   Capital     Total               Total           Total 
                               Notes   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000             GBP'000         GBP'000 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Revenue 
 Rental income                           6,022         -     6,022               5,225          11,323 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Total revenue                           6,022         -     6,022               5,225          11,323 
 Unrealised gain on 
  revaluation of investment 
  properties                       5         -     2,821     2,821               1,113             231 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Total income                            6,022     2,821     8,843               6,338          11,554 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Expenditure 
 Investment management 
  fee                              2     (662)         -     (662)               (656)         (1,309) 
 Other expenses                          (465)         -     (465)               (559)           (958) 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Total expenditure                     (1,127)         -   (1,127)             (1,215)         (2,267) 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Profit before finance 
  costs and taxation                     4,895     2,821     7,716               5,123           9,287 
 Net finance costs 
 Interest receivable                         8         -         8                  46              65 
 Interest payable                        (836)         -     (836)               (714)         (1,553) 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Profit before taxation                  4,067     2,821     6,888               4,455           7,799 
 Taxation                                    -         -         -                   -               - 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Profit and total 
  comprehensive income 
  for the period                         4,067     2,821     6,888               4,455           7,799 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 
   Basic earnings per 
   share                           3     3.16p     2.20p     5.36p               3.47p           6.08p 
----------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  ------------------  -------------- 
 

The total column of this statement represents the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The supplementary revenue return and capital return columns are prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies.

All revenue and capital items in the above statement are derived from continuing operations.

No operations were acquired or discontinued in the period.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 March 2017

 
                                                 As at          As at           As at 
                                              31 March       31 March    30 September 
                                                  2017           2016            2016 
                                           (unaudited)    (unaudited)       (audited) 
                                  Notes        GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000 
 Non-current assets 
 Investment properties                5        180,239        177,718         177,534 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
                                               180,239        177,718         177,534 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Current assets 
 Lease incentives                     5          4,501          3,350           3,876 
 Trade and other receivables                        49            275              64 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      11,967         10,705           9,967 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
                                                16,517         14,330          13,907 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Total assets                                  196,756        192,048         191,441 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Loan                                 6       (51,820)       (51,747)        (51,783) 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
                                              (51,820)       (51,747)        (51,783) 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                      (3,718)        (2,788)         (2,327) 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Total liabilities                            (55,538)       (54,535)        (54,110) 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Net assets                                    141,218        137,513         137,331 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Equity and reserves 
 Called up equity share 
  capital                             7          1,288          1,283           1,283 
 Share premium                                  35,429         34,898          34,898 
 Capital reserve - investments 
  held                                          11,959         10,020           9,138 
 Capital reserve - investments                       -              -               - 
  sold 
 Special distributable 
  reserve                                       84,914         84,578          85,115 
 Revenue reserve                                 7,628          6,734           6,897 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Equity shareholders' 
  funds                                        141,218        137,513         137,331 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Net asset value per Ordinary 
  Share                               8        109.67p        107.21p         107.07p 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 31 March 2017 (unaudited)

 
                                                         Capital 
                              Share                      reserve           Special 
                            capital       Share    - investments     distributable     Revenue      Total 
                            account     premium             held           reserve     reserve     equity 
                            GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000           GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
 As at 30 September 
  2016                        1,283      34,898            9,138            85,115       6,897    137,331 
 Profit and total 
  comprehensive income 
  for the period:                 -           -            2,821                 -       4,067      6,888 
 Transactions with 
  owners recognised 
  in equity: 
 Issue of Ordinary 
  Share capital                   5         531                -                 -           -        536 
 Dividends paid                   -           -                -                 -     (3,537)    (3,537) 
 Transfer from special 
  reserve                         -           -                -             (201)         201          - 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------  --------- 
 As at 31 March 2017          1,288      35,429           11,959            84,914       7,628    141,218 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------  --------- 
 

For the six months ended 31 March 2016 (unaudited)

 
                                                         Capital 
                              Share                      reserve           Special 
                            capital       Share    - investments     distributable     Revenue      Total 
                            account     premium             held           reserve     reserve     equity 
                            GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000           GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
 As at 30 September 
  2015                        1,283      34,898            8,907            89,035       2,463    136,586 
 Profit and total 
  comprehensive income 
  for the period:                 -           -            1,113                 -       3,342      4,455 
 Transactions with 
  owners recognised 
  in equity: 
 Dividends paid                   -           -                -             (756)     (2,772)    (3,528) 
 Transfer from special 
  reserve                         -           -                -           (3,701)       3,701          - 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------  --------- 
 As at 31 March 2016          1,283      34,898           10,020            84,578       6,734    137,513 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------  --------- 
 

For the year ended 30 September 2016 (audited)

 
                                                         Capital 
                              Share                      reserve           Special 
                            capital       Share    - investments     distributable     Revenue      Total 
                            account     premium             held           reserve     reserve     equity 
                            GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000           GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
 As at 30 September 
  2015                        1,283      34,898            8,907            89,035       2,463    136,586 
 Profit and total 
  comprehensive income 
  for the year:                   -           -              231                 -       7,568      7,799 
 Transactions with 
  owners recognised 
  in equity: 
 Dividends paid                   -           -                -             (755)     (6,299)    (7,054) 
 Transfer from special 
  reserve                         -           -                -           (3,165)       3,165          - 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------  --------- 
 As at 30 September 
  2016                        1,283      34,898            9,138            85,115       6,897    137,331 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------  --------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the six months ended 31 March 2017

 
                                                Six months     Six months 
                                                     ended          ended 
                                                  31 March       31 March       Year ended 
                                                      2017           2016     30 September 
                                               (unaudited)    (unaudited)             2016 
                                                                                 (audited) 
                                      Notes        GBP'000        GBP'000          GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 Profit before tax                                   6,888          4,455            7,799 
 Adjustments for: 
 Interest receivable                                   (8)           (46)             (65) 
 Interest payable                                      836            714            1,553 
 Unrealised revaluation gains 
  on property portfolio                            (2,821)        (1,113)            (231) 
 Operating cash flows before 
  working capital changes                            4,895          4,010            9,056 
 Increase in trade and other 
  receivables                                        (420)           (41)            (356) 
 Increase in trade and other 
  payables                                           1,487            886              539 
-----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Net cash inflow from operating 
  activities                                         5,962          4,855            9,239 
-----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 
   Cash flows from investing 
   activities 
 Purchase of investment properties                       -       (41,353)         (41,353) 
 Capital expenditure                                 (154)        (1,935)          (2,781) 
-----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Net cash outflow from investing 
  activities                                         (154)       (43,288)         (44,134) 
-----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 
   Cash flows from financing 
   activities 
 Loan drawn down, net of 
  costs                                                  -         12,258           12,257 
 Dividends paid                                    (3,544)        (3,528)          (7,011) 
 Interest received                                       8             46               65 
 Interest paid                                       (808)          (623)          (1,434) 
 Issue of Ordinary Share 
  capital, net of costs                  7             536              -                - 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow 
  from financing activities                        (3,808)          8,153            3,877 
-----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) 
  in cash                                            2,000       (30,280)         (31,018) 
 Opening cash and cash equivalents                   9,967         40,985           40,985 
-----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Closing cash and cash equivalents                  11,967         10,705            9,967 
-----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   1.   Interim results 

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') and IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union and the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2016. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2016, which were prepared under IFRS as adopted by the European Union. There have been no significant changes to management judgements and estimates.

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. In assessing the going concern basis of accounting the Directors have had regard to the guidance issued by the Financial Reporting Council. After making enquiries, and bearing in mind the nature of the Group's business and assets, the Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

   2.   Investment Management Fee 
 
                           Six months   Six months      Year ended 
                                ended        ended    30 September 
                             31 March     31 March            2016 
                                 2017         2016 
                              GBP'000      GBP'000         GBP'000 
-----------------------   -----------  -----------  -------------- 
 Investment management 
  fee                             662          656           1,309 
 Total                            662          656           1,309 
------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------- 
 

Ediston Investment Services Limited has been appointed as the Company's Alternative Investment Manager ('AIFM') and Investment Manager, with the property management arrangements of the Group being delegated to Ediston Properties Limited. The Investment Manager is entitled to a fee calculated as 0.95% per annum of the net assets of the Group up to GBP250 million and 0.75% per annum of the net assets of the Group over GBP250 million.

The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated by either party by giving not less than 12 months' notice. The agreement may be terminated earlier by the Group provided that a payment in lieu of notice, equivalent to the amount the Investment Manager would otherwise have received during the notice period, is made. The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated immediately without compensation if the Investment Manager: is in material breach of the agreement; is guilty of negligence, wilful default or fraud; is the subject of insolvency proceedings; or there occurs a change of key managers to which the Board has not given its prior consent.

   3.   Earnings per Share 
 
                           Six months ended         Six months ended               Year ended 
                              31 March 2017            31 March 2016        30 September 2016 
                                      Pence                    Pence                    Pence 
                       GBP'000    per share     GBP'000    per share     GBP'000    per share 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Revenue earnings        4,067         3.16       3,342         2.60       7,568         5.90 
 Capital earnings        2,821         2.20       1,113         0.87         231         0.18 
 Total earnings          6,888         5.36       4,455         3.47       7,799         6.08 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
   Average number 
   of shares in 
   issue                        128,612,832              128,263,931              128,263,931 
------------------  -----------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 

Earnings for the period to 31 March 2017 should not be taken as a guide to the results for the year to 30 September 2017.

   4.   Dividends 

Dividends paid as distributions to equity shareholders during the period were:

 
                                  Six months       Six months      Year ended 
                                       ended            ended    30 September 
                               31 March 2017    31 March 2016            2016 
                                     GBP'000          GBP'000         GBP'000 
---------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 In respect of the prior 
  year: 
 Tenth interim dividend                    -              588             588 
 Twelfth interim dividend                589                -               - 
 In respect of the current 
  year: 
 First interim dividend                  588              588             588 
 Second interim dividend                 590              588             588 
 Third interim dividend                  590              588             588 
 Fourth interim dividend                 590              588             588 
 Fifth interim dividend                  590              588             588 
 Sixth interim dividend                    -                -             588 
 Seventh interim dividend                  -                -             588 
 Eighth interim dividend                   -                -             588 
 Ninth interim dividend                    -                -             588 
 Tenth interim dividend                    -                -             587 
 Eleventh interim dividend                 -                -             587 
---------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Total                                 3,537            3,528           7,054 
---------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 

A sixth interim dividend for the year ending 30 September 2017, of 0.4583 pence per share, was paid on 28 April 2017 to shareholders on the register on 21 April 2017. A seventh interim dividend for the year ending 30 September 2017, of 0.4583 pence per share, will be paid on 31 May 2017 to shareholders on the register on 12 May 2017.

   5.   Investment Properties 
 
                                          As at       As at           As at 
                                       31 March    31 March    30 September 
                                           2017        2016            2016 
 Freehold and leasehold properties      GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Opening book cost                      168,396     124,126         124,126 
 Opening unrealised appreciation          9,138       8,907           8,907 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Opening fair value                     177,534     133,033         133,033 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 
 Purchases                                    -      41,353          41,353 
 Capitalised costs                        (116)       2,219           2,917 
 Revaluation movement                     2,821       1,113             231 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Closing book cost                      168,280     167,698         168,396 
 Closing unrealised appreciation         11,959      10,020           9,138 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Closing fair value                     180,239     177,718         177,534 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 
   5.   Investment Properties (continued) 

Changes in the valuation of investment properties

 
                                   Six months   Six months      Year ended 
                                        ended        ended    30 September 
                                     31 March     31 March            2016 
                                         2017         2016 
                                      GBP'000      GBP'000         GBP'000 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------- 
 Unrealised gain on revaluation 
  of investment properties              2,821        1,113             231 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------- 
 

At 31 March 2017, the properties were valued at GBP184,740,000 (31 March 2016: GBP181,068,000, 30 September 2016: GBP181,410,000) by Knight Frank LLP ('Knight Frank'), in their capacity as external valuers. The valuation report was undertaken in accordance with the RICS Valuation - Professional Standards VPS4 (1.5) Fair Value and VPGA1 Valuations for Inclusion in Financial Statements, which adopt the definition of Fair Value adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Fair value is based on an open market valuation (the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date), provided by Knight Frank on a quarterly basis, using recognised valuation techniques as set out in the accounting policies and Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2016. There were no significant changes to the valuation process, assumptions or techniques used during the period.

The difference between the Knight Frank valuation of GBP184,740,000 and the closing fair value of investment properties disclosed above of GBP180,239,000 consists of lease incentives granted to tenants totalling GBP4,501,000, which are separately recorded in the accounts within current assets.

   6.   Loan 
 
                                     As at       As at           As at 
                                  31 March    31 March    30 September 
                                      2017        2016            2016 
                                   GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Principal amount outstanding       52,420      52,420          52,420 
 Set-up costs                        (723)       (723)           (723) 
 Amortisation of loan set-up 
  costs                                123          50              86 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Total                              51,820      51,747          51,783 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 

In May 2015, the Group entered into a GBP40 million secured 10-year term loan arrangement with Aviva Commercial Finance Limited. In February 2016, the Group borrowed an additional GBP12.42 million, also from Aviva Commercial Finance Limited. The final maturity of both loans is May 2025.

The interest rate on the original GBP40 million loan is fixed at 3.09% for the period of the loan as long as the loan-to-value ratio is maintained below 40%, increasing to 3.19% if the loan-to-value ratio is 40% or higher. The interest rate on the second tranche of borrowings of GBP12.42 million is fixed at 2.95%, increasing to 3.05% if the loan-to-value is 40% or higher. The Company's weighted average cost of borrowings is therefore 3.06%. The loans are secured over EPIC (No.1) Limited's current property portfolio.

The fair value of the loans based on a marked-to-market basis, being the yield on the Treasury 5% 2025 plus the appropriate margin, was GBP56,255,000 at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016: GBP54,622,000, 30 September 2016: GBP57,500,000).

Under the terms of early repayment relating to the loan, the costs of repaying the loan at 31 March 2017 would have been approximately GBP59,327,000, including repayment of the principal (31 March 2016: GBP57,987,000, 30 September 2016: GBP60,839,000).

   7.   Called-up Equity Share Capital 

The Company had 128,763,931 Ordinary Shares of 1 pence par value in issue at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016: 128,263,931, 30 September 2016: 128,263,931).

During the period to 31 March 2017, the Company issued 500,000 Ordinary Shares, raising net proceeds of GBP536,000 (six months ended 31 March 2016: nil, year ended 30 September 2016: nil). The Company did not buyback or resell from treasury any Ordinary Shares during the period or during either comparative period.

The Company did not hold any shares in treasury at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016: nil, 30 September 2016: nil).

   8.   Net Asset Value 

The Group's net asset value per Ordinary Share of 109.67 pence (31 March 2016: 107.21 pence, 30 September 2016: 107.07 pence) is based on equity shareholders' funds of GBP141,218,000 (31 March 2016: GBP137,513,000, 30 September 2016: GBP137,331,000) and on 128,763,931 (31 March 2016: 128,263,931, 30 September 2016: 128,263,931) Ordinary Shares, being the number of shares in issue at the period end.

The net asset value calculated under IFRS is the same as the EPRA net asset value as at 31 March 2017 and both comparative periods.

   9.   Investment in Subsidiary 

The Group's results consolidate those of EPIC (No.1) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ediston Property Investment Company plc, incorporated in England & Wales (Company Number: 09106328). EPIC (No.1) Limited was incorporated on 27 June 2014 and began trading on 5 May 2015, when it was transferred the ownership of the entirety of the Group's property portfolio. EPIC (No.1) Limited continues to hold all the investment properties owned by the Group and is also the party which holds the Group's borrowings (see Note 6).

10. Related Party Transactions

The Directors are considered to be related parties. No Director has an interest in any transactions which are, or were, unusual in their nature or significant to the nature of the Group. There are no other key management personnel, as the Group has no employees except for the Directors.

The Directors of the Group receive fees for their services. Total fees for the six months ended 31 March 2017 were GBP55,000 (six months ended 31 March 2016: GBP53,000, year ended 30 September 2016: GBP108,000) of which GBPnil (31 March 2016: nil, 30 September 2016: nil) remained payable at the period end.

Ediston Investment Services Limited has received GBP662,000 in relation to the six months ended 31 March 2017 (six months ended 31 March 2016: GBP656,000, year ended 30 September 2016: GBP1,309,000) of which GBP335,000 (31 March 2016: GBP326,000, 30 September 2016: GBP327,000) remained payable at the period end.

11. Commitments

The Group did not have any contractual commitments to refurbish, construct or develop any investment property, or for repair, maintenance or enhancements as at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016: nil, 30 September 2016: nil).

12. Contingent Assets and Liabilities

The Group acquired the units in a Jersey Property Unit Trust on 7 November 2014. Prior to the sale of the units to the Group, the seller transferred a property to another group entity by way of a distribution in specie for nil consideration. The Group has indemnified the Seller should any Stamp Duty Land Tax ('SDLT') arise as a result of that property transfer. Both the Seller's and the Group's tax advice is that there is a low probability of an SDLT liability on the transaction.

13. Operating Segments

The Board has considered the requirements of IFRS 8 'Operating Segments'. The Board is of the view that the Group is engaged in a single unified business, being property investment, and in one geographical area, the United Kingdom, and that therefore the Group has no segments. The Board of Directors, as a whole, has been identified as constituting the chief operating decision maker of the Group. The key measure of performance used by the Board to assess the Group's performance is the total return on the Group's net asset value. As the total return on the Group's net asset value is calculated based on the IFRS net asset value per share as shown at the foot of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the key performance measure is that prepared under IFRS. Therefore no reconciliation is required between the measure of profit or loss used by the Board and that contained in the financial statements.

14. Fair Value Measurements

The fair value measurements for assets and liabilities are categorised into different levels in the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs to valuation techniques used. These different levels have been defined as follows:

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

-- Level 2 - inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

-- Level 3 - unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Value is the Directors' best estimate, based on advice from relevant knowledgeable experts, use of recognised valuation techniques and on assumptions as to what inputs other market participants would apply in pricing the same or similar instrument. All investment properties are included in Level 3.

There were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the six months ended 31 March 2017.

15. Interim Report Statement

The Company's auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, has not audited or reviewed the Interim Report to 31 March 2017 pursuant to the Auditing Practices Board guidance on 'Review of Interim Financial Information'. These are not full statutory accounts in terms of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited. Statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2016, which received an unqualified audit report and which did not contain a statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006, have been lodged with the Registrar of Companies. No full statutory accounts in respect of any period after 30 September 2016 have been reported on by the Company's auditor or delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

The interim report and condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 31 March 2017 will be posted to shareholders and made available on the website: www.ediston-reit.com Copies may also be obtained from the Company Secretary, R&H Fund Services Limited, 20 Forth Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3LH.

Statement of Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The risks, and the way in which they are managed, are described in more detail under the heading 'Principal Risks' within the Strategic Report in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2016. The Group's principal risks and uncertainties have not changed materially since the date of that report and are not expected to change materially for the remainder of the Group's financial year.

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities in Respect of the Interim Report

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

-- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group;

-- the Chairman's Statement and Investment Manager's Review (together constituting the Interim Management Report) include a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ('DTR') 4.2.7R, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of consolidated financial statements;

-- the Statement of Principal Risks and Uncertainties above is a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R; and

-- the Chairman's Statement and Investment Manager's Review together with the condensed set of consolidated financial statements include a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Group during the period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report that could do so.

On behalf of the Board

William Hill

Chairman

23 May 2017

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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