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UANC Urban&civic Plc

344.50
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07 May 2024 - Closed
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Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Urban&civic Plc LSE:UANC London Ordinary Share GB00BKT04W07 ORD 20P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 344.50 344.50 345.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Urban&Civic plc RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2017 (1729G)

25/05/2017 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMUANC

RNS Number : 1729G

Urban&Civic plc

25 May 2017

Urban&Civic plc

("Urban&Civic", the "Company" or the "Group")

RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2017

Urban&Civic plc (LSE: UANC) announces its unaudited results for the six months to 31 March 2017.

 
                     Six months to     Year ended   Six months 
                                                            to 
                          31 March   30 September     31 March 
                              2017           2016         2016 
----------------------------------  -------------  ----------- 
 EPRA NAV (GBPm)             424.5          409.8        390.8 
 EPRA NAV per share (p)      293.0          284.2        270.9 
 Profit before tax (GBPm)      4.2           25.9          8.4 
 Dividend per share (p)        1.2            2.9          1.1 
--------------------------  ------  -------------  ----------- 
 

Financial highlights

 
 --   EPRA net asset value of GBP424.5 million (30 September 2016: GBP409.8 
       million) 
 --   EPRA net assets per share up 3.1 per cent to 293.0p from 284.2p at 
       30 September 2016 
 --   Profit before tax for the six months to 31 March 2017 was GBP4.2 million 
       (GBP8.4 million to 31 March 2016) reflecting principally the switch 
       from investment to trading categorisation ahead of sales at Rugby 
       and timing of Catesby realisations 
 --   Maintained low gearing; Homes and Communities Agency to remain largest 
       lender for foreseeable future 
 --   Dividend for the period up 9 per cent to 1.2p per share to recognise 
       continued progress 
 --   Total shareholder return of 6.6 per cent for the six month period 
 

Project highlights

 
 --   Advantages of Master Developer to facilitate large-scale residential 
       build now clear. Urban&Civic model is capital efficient with guaranteed 
       quality to retail housebuilder customers with scope for accelerated 
       absorption and delivery 
 --   Hopkins Homes sold or reserved 59 homes in first 12 months at Alconbury; 
       equivalent start made by Davidsons since April 2017 launch at Rugby 
 --   Enlarging pipeline; joint planning application with the Secretary 
       of State for Defence, registered February 2017, for 6,500 new homes 
       at Waterbeach, three miles north of the Science Parks in Cambridge; 
       acquisition of 33 per cent interest in 2,800+ new units at St. Neots, 
       Cambridgeshire, completed in April 2017 
 --   Urban&Civic now has interests in more than 15,000 residential plots 
       around Cambridge and approaching 33,000 nationwide, mostly within 
       100 miles of London 
 --   EPRA valuation of unserviced plots provides continuing room for growth 
       (31 March 2017: GBP25,300 at Alconbury; GBP16,500 at Rugby and GBP6,200 
       at Newark). Alconbury 31 March 2017 actual realisations 2+ times current 
       EPRA carrying values 
 --   Large site wholesale discount estimated at GBP103 million, or 71p 
       over current EPRA NAV per share 
 --   Past peak capital requirement at Alconbury 
 --   Catesby 2017 sales skewed towards second half 
 

In commenting on the results, Nigel Hugill, Chief Executive, said that the competitive position of Urban&Civic as Master Developer on large projects was now clear:

"The election statements only serve to reinforce the importance attached across the political spectrum to additional large-scale housing delivery. Urban&Civic is the most significant new entrant into that market in recent years, with delivery experience honed by over a quarter of a century building infrastructure and critical mass into consistently successful major projects. Our Master Developer model is capital efficient, delivering guaranteed quality for our housebuilder customers. Exactly what they want. Our shareholders enjoy real benefits as well. The business captures an increased premium on serviced land, with contracted annual minimum payments that afford good cash flow security. Expect to see us realising other assets to invest more in strategic projects."

For further information, please contact:

 
 Urban&Civic plc                                +44 (0)20 7509 5555 
 Nigel Hugill/David Wood 
  FTI Consulting                                +44 (0)20 3727 1000 
 Giles Barrie/Dido Laurimore/Ellie    urban&civic@fticonsulting.com 
  Sweeney 
 

A presentation for analysts and investors will be held at 10.45am today at FTI Consulting, 200 Aldersgate, Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4HD.

If you would like to attend please contact Jenni Nkomo at FTI on +44 (0)20 3727 1000 or urbanandcivic@fticonsulting.com. A live webcast of the presentation will be available at www.urbanandcivic.com and presentation slides will also be available to download.

Alternatively, details for the live dial-in facility are as follows:

   Participants:        Tel: +44 (0)330 336 9411 
   Passcode:            6482534 

Chief Executive's statement

Introduction

I can report results that remain strong and a progression that shows no sign of faltering. EPRA net asset value as at 31 March 2017 of GBP424.5 million translates into 293.0p per share or an 8.2 per cent increase on March 2016 and 3.6 per cent up on September 2016. March 2017 EPRA NAV per share is around 27 per cent up from Listing in May 2014. We might originally have hoped for more but the direction of travel is clear and looks well set.

Profit before tax to 31 March 2017 at a healthy GBP4.2 million was lower in the first half than in previous periods on account of the reclassification of our Rugby holdings to trading stock at the last year end, fewer Catesby actual realisations and a pause in commercial sales. Strategic residential assets held by the Group are moved from investment to trading stock when a decision is made to develop in anticipation of first licence sales. Subsequent valuation changes are included in EPRA NAV after accounting for our pro rata receipt from housing completions. The above the line impact of the reallocation of our 50 per cent share in Rugby was GBP3.5 million to 31 March 2017. Interim 2016 pre-tax profits of GBP8.4 million benefited from a GBP5 million contribution before overheads from Catesby; in contrast, the 2017 first six months included only one realised sale of GBP0.9 million. More can be expected in the second half.

Recognising the consistent advances being made by the business and the scope for further growth in current market conditions, the Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of 1.2p per share. The dividend will be payable on 21 July 2017 to shareholders on the register on 9 June 2017. The payment represents a 9 per cent increase over the first half of last year and a scrip dividend alternative is being made available.

Urban&Civic as Master Developer

Urban&Civic is the most significant new entrant into the large-scale residential market in recent years with a delivery experience honed over a quarter of a century of building infrastructure and critical mass into consistently successful major projects. Under our licence model we provide serviced plots ready for the housebuilders to commence construction and receive around one third of sales value when houses are sold. As prices increase so do the receipts to Urban&Civic such that the level of current margins being achieved by our housebuilder customers is not zero sum back to us. By facilitating delivery and ensuring quality we share a fixed proportion of all sales price growth. The arrangements are also entirely transparent. The percentage receipt is a little lower from Avant Homes at Newark but otherwise there are no deductions, beyond an allowance for incentives, in any of the contracts.

Our strategic site product is capital efficient with guaranteed quality for our customer base whose own model has adapted exceptionally quickly towards rapid equity circulation. Just as the landbanks of the national housebuilders are trending down, so the significance of Urban&Civic, effectively as wholesale intermediary, can increase. We are contracted on almost 1,300 plots (approximately 9 per cent of consented) at Alconbury, Rugby and Newark. Those project sales exclude the commencement of Civic Living and are likely to raise around GBP125 million in cash proceeds without house price growth at a project level. We are past the peak capital requirement at Alconbury where henceforth we anticipate receiving more cash back than we reinvest. We are fast approaching that point at Rugby.

Furthermore, the agreements with our customers also include significant downside protection to Urban&Civic. Under our licence model housebuilders contract to make a minimum annual drawdown of fully serviced plots, typically 35-40 per year, at absolute (not formulaic) prices. When aggregated together and accounting for the cost of servicing, these minimum value receipts average above March 2017 EPRA valuations. They also afford the business good cash flow security, broadly on a five-year look forward basis and are in respect of infrastructured investments already in the ground. The cash coming back into the projects is not dependent on further material capital expenditure from Urban&Civic beyond that which has now been spent. Any such receipts in no way negate our entitlement to subsequent sales participations and become, in effect, a payment on account.

Balance sheet gearing

Our Master Developer model does not rely upon high leverage; quite the reverse. Net Group borrowings as at March 2017 were GBP41.3 million, approximately half of which was drawn from the Homes and Communities Agency ("HCA"). EPRA net gearing at 9.7 per cent was marginally above the September 2016 figure of 8.4 per cent. Our preference is to add back the Group share of off-balance sheet debt, in our case being borrowings again from the HCA at Rugby. On that basis total net drawings were GBP49.9 million with gearing below 12 per cent, approximately three-fifths from the HCA, who are likely to remain the majority lender to Urban&Civic for the foreseeable future. Undrawn facilities (including Rugby pro rata) were in excess of GBP75 million at March 2017. The average outstanding term on HCA loans is 9 years and interest is accrued until payable out of realised sales proceeds.

Alconbury, Rugby and Newark

Va luation increases at Alconbury and Rugby, pro rata to our 50 per cent share were GBP6.2 million and GBP3.5 million respectively; netting off period spend, the March 2017 valuations equate to an unserviced plot holding cost of GBP25,300 at Alconbury and GBP16,500 at Rugby. The valuations necessarily have regard for circumstances only as at 31 March 2017 and were prepared on the basis of assumed average house prices of GBP290 and GBP260 per sq. ft. respectively. The starting point for our valuers in appraising the EPRA value of those consented plots is the current open market value of a ten acre parcel, or what we might call the retail figure. They then apply what amounts to a wholesale discount for scale and time. The difference between the current retail valuation and the wholesale figures included in our EPRA calculations now amounts to an estimated GBP103 million or the equivalent of 71p per share.

The appraisals do not include the start of sales by Davidsons at Rugby, where current achieved house prices are above those assumed by our valuers. Two additional residential parcels are being worked up in prime central areas at Alconbury and we have good housebuilder interest for both. In addition, all alternatives for the emerging Huntingdonshire District Local Plan envisage more than the existing 5,000 units consented at Alconbury. Informal consultations are in the process of commencement. The extent of our ownership is such that new housing is unlikely to cannibalise existing sales.

Cash receipts back to Urban&Civic from the 28 sales to March 2017 completed at Alconbury by Hopkins Homes were GBP7.9 million, with profit over attributed cost of GBP1.1 million, or 2.2x EPRA book. Sales or reservations since the start on site in April 2016 stand currently at 63 and the joint venture will make a material additional contribution to reported profits and cash receipts in the second half. A total of 128 plots are covered under the arrangements with Hopkins. Redrow (200 contracted plots) and Morris (165 contracted plots) are now building at Alconbury. At Rugby the initial pace of reservations for Davidsons (243 contracted plots) appears to be in line with Hopkins' annual average and Morris (180 contracted plots) will be on site imminently. Reserved matters approvals are being finalised by Rugby Borough for a further 186 contracted plots to Crest Nicholson.

A GBP1.5 million reduction at Newark was the only material negative valuation movement in the interim figures. The resulting carrying value in the March 2017 balance sheet equates to GBP6,200 per unserviced plot on 2,940 consented units. Newark is on the cusp of the identified area of Urban&Civic operations where prevailing demand for consented housing land is stronger. Cost pressures are hard to absorb at estimated sales values around GBP200 per sq.ft. but the relationship between small upward movements in house prices and current plot values is correspondingly high. Our valuers appraise the value of holdings on a discounted cash flow basis, such that the valuation of plot holdings is highly sensitive to the timing of investment spend, irrespective of the actual cost of servicing that spend. As such, the valuation is very sensitive to assumption alterations. The reduction arose from only two-thirds of the GBP5.2 million spend in the first half being credited by our valuers despite the project enjoying GBP12 million of low-cost funding from the HCA. The first sales licences have been contracted with Avant over 173 plots. They are expected to be on site next month. Newark and Sherwood District Council is looking to extend Phase 1 up to 950 units, which would assist considerably in appraised project economics.

Catesby and Civic Living

Meanwhile, the challenges for Catesby are back markedly on the supply side. There was a short acquisition hiatus after the Brexit vote last year when some of the quoted housebuilders imposed a moratorium on land purchases but demand has since returned to previous levels. What is noticeable is that Catesby realisations do seem to be taking longer once consents have been secured. Many participants rail against the planning system. In our case the delays are often small and unnecessary, or arise from third party prevarications. As appears to be the case generally, completion timings are becoming extended so that the higher number of national approvals is not being reflected in the intended Government objective of lifting housing numbers. Catesby recognises a proportion of EPRA uplift once planning consents are recorded but profits are only taken against realised sales. We will continue to account for the Catesby profits as they come. The second half of 2017 is likely to see a higher Catesby profit contribution than the first but the time accumulations do add up.

Future Group numbers will also be supplemented by building on our own account through Civic Living, for which reserved matters approvals are in the process of being finalised at Alconbury, with submissions at Rugby and Newark to follow. The first parcels provide around 320 units on our own account, which promise improved margin capture and absorption in the next financial year, whilst complementing the offer of our core customers.

City centre projects

Initial marketing on the apartment scheme at Princess Street, Manchester (now renamed Manchester New Square), fell outside the accounting period but has gone very well. The development forms part of the most established residential area in the city centre and is purposefully high end in terms of market positioning. At the time of writing more than 20 per cent of the 256 units in two blocks have been reserved or exchanged in the fortnight since launch to a total value in excess of GBP12 million, excluding car parking. First completions are not scheduled until the beginning of 2020. Lend Lease is to be appointed as principal contractor and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund has approved a proposal to develop alongside us, such that our capital investment will be limited to amounts expended to date. A design competition for the Renaissance Hotel has been undertaken with Manchester City Council as freeholders. The hotel continues to trade above budget.

We have signed a development agreement with the City of Wolverhampton for the proposed GBP55 million, 6.4-acre Westside city centre redevelopment. Phase 1 envisages a multiplex 12-screen cinema, 90,000 sq.ft. of additional leisure and restaurants, a 100+ bedroom hotel and a multi-storey car park. Council-led enabling works continue and there appears good demand from anchor occupiers. Construction on the first phase remains subject to funding but is on track to start in early 2018, completing within two years. Phase 2 would deliver more than 300 new city centre homes and 50,000 sq.ft. of retail and leisure space. Works on this section of the development are likely to be completed in 2022.

The intention is to pursue such projects where the Group is able to call upon our deep experience but not to commit material balance sheet resources beyond transitional funding.

Hampton by Hilton at Stansted

Construction and fit-out of the 357 bedroom Hampton by Hilton, one of only two on terminal hotels at Stansted airport, will complete on time in late June for a soft opening in July. Online bookings are being accepted from the beginning of September. The upwardly revised operating projections are for GBP3.5 million stabilised EBITDA against an appraised holding cost on completion of GBP41.5 million. The March 2017 valuation was GBP4.4 million higher than the previous six months, after allowing for construction spend, including GBP1.2 million taken through the pre-tax profit line as previously assumed purchaser discounts were reversed. The design will readily accommodate expansion, for which the purchase contract provides at no additional site cost. Passenger numbers at Stansted are up more than 15 per cent over the past two years to 24.6 million. Owners Manchester Airports Group announced recently that planning permission had been received for a new GBP130 million, 360,000 sq.ft. arrivals building designed by architects Pascall+Watson and spanning three levels. The current terminal will be reconfigured to become departures only at the end nearest the new Hampton by Hilton. Once completed, Stansted will be the only UK airport operating dedicated arrivals and departures terminals. The reports are that the first phase of works will begin later this summer. Construction of the new arrivals hall will take place for up to three years outside the current terminal in the opposite direction from the Hampton.

Waterbeach and St. Neots

A joint application with the Secretary of State for Defence was submitted and registered in February 2017 for 6,500 new homes at Waterbeach. South Cambridgeshire District Council has processed the application most efficiently with the consultation carried out and comments received on our proposals by early May. In parallel, the Waterbeach specific session of the Local Plan examination has taken place and the A10 corridor study is progressing. We are currently working through the responses on the planning application with the District and the County Councils in parallel with work on the Supplementary Planning Document, which the Council are preparing to take forward the allocation. Early occupation of the former barracks buildings by Papworth Hospital has been approved by the District Council with conversion works being undertaken to welcome medical staff in spring 2018.

We announced recently that the Group had acquired a one-third partnership stake in a 400-acre site at Wintringham Park, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, from two Nuffield medical charitable trusts. The GBP13.3 million purchase consideration is phased over the next four years with provision for early payments to fund the trusts' share of accelerated infrastructure investment. Wintringham Park is a key strategic site within Huntingdonshire District Council as an adopted eastern extension to St. Neots. The land is bordered by the East Coast Main Line to the west and the A428 to Cambridge to the south and east. Alongside Alconbury and Waterbeach, the project represents the third major holding for Urban&Civic with ready access to Cambridge. The transaction values a 100 per cent interest in the project at GBP40 million, or the approximate equivalent of GBP14,000 per unserviced residential plot. Current new house prices in the local area are around GBP285 per sq.ft.

The total land area is allocated, but not yet consented, for the development of up to 2,800 residential units, 63,500 sq.m. of employment space, a district centre with ancillary uses and two primary schools. The political desire, consolidated by the addition of a metro mayor, is to rebalance away from the Cambridge city core and, importantly, to link homes, jobs and transport. The officers appear to be anticipating the message. There seems to be a strong willingness to expedite both on behalf of Huntingdonshire District Council as a local authority and Cambridgeshire County Council, and we are working towards a rapid timetable to consent of a new outline planning application by the end of the year. On that basis, it is anticipated that infrastructure provision will commence from early 2018.

Pipeline and outlook

The core policy of Urban&Civic is to act as Master Developer on large projects in areas of high population growth. The recent investment at St. Neots with Nuffield Trusts is a case in point. The sub-regional increase in population in Cambridge and Peterborough over the past ten years exceeds 15 per cent. Accommodating such growth requires large sites to be brought forward more quickly but with an emphasis on improved quality. The reasonable presumption post the June Election is for a strong emphasis on accelerated delivery. We are collaborating already with Government partners to reduce future lead times on major housing projects.

Our model involves upfront capital investment in anticipation of extended income flows which are now demonstrably underpinned by contracted minimum receipts. It was designed specifically not to be highly cash consumptive. Net capital outflows are limited typically to the first five years. Thereafter, only a proportion of realised proceeds will be required for reinvestment. We can leverage our platform, not through additional bank debt but by new partnerships with institutional investors. There are also public selection processes where procurement considerations mean that our offer is stronger with institutional backing. Our current partners are Aviva, the Ministry of Defence and Nuffield Trusts, with a majority of external funding coming from long-term loans from the HCA, so we start with a high bar.

Looking fo rward, shareholders can expect the business to concentrate on those projects in which we enjoy genuine competitive advantage. Selection tends not to be quick but additional opportunities are firmly in the pipeline. As such, the expectation is that we will realise current commercial holdings over time for reinvestment in new strategic opportunities. As at March 2017, the Group had 69 per cent of EPRA net assets in strategic projects. The Board anticipates that figure moving higher again.

Maintaining appreciation

Maintaining appreciation to Executive and Non-Executive colleagues alike; we work as one team and could not be more committed towards the combined goals of building business reputation and delivering shareholder value.

Nigel Hugill

Chief Executive

24 May 2017

Financial review

Introduction

Delivery at our strategic land sites has accelerated in the last six months - with 28 completions at Alconbury, from our joint venture with Hopkins Homes, and construction starts by Morris Homes and Redrow at Alconbury and Davidsons at Rugby. Development and planning consent uplifts from Stansted and Catesby have also contributed to our 3.1 per cent growth in EPRA NAV per share.

Despite the Group's relatively low trading activity in the period, rental income and property trading profits have broadly covered overheads.

EPRA NAV growth and total shareholder return

In line with prior periods, the Group evaluates its performance using EPRA NAV and total shareholder return.

EPRA NAV includes the fair value of all the Group's trading properties, which would otherwise be accounted for at the lower of cost and net realisable value under IFRS.

EPRA NAV at 31 March 2017 and 30 September 2016 was GBP424.5 million (293.0p per share) and GBP409.8 million (284.2p per share) respectively; up 3.1 per cent (8.8p per share) from 30 September 2016 and 8.2 per cent (22.1p per share) from 31 March 2016 (EPRA NAV: GBP390.8 million or 270.9p per share).

Total shareholder return in the interim period increased 6.6 per cent, reflecting a 13.0p rise in share price (to 238.0p per share at 31 March 2017) and a paid final dividend of 1.8p; this compares to a 0.7 per cent rise in the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index and a 6.25 per cent increase in the FTSE All Share Index.

NAV movements

The movements in IFRS and EPRA NAV are summarised below:

 
                                               Six months        Six months 
                                                    to                to           Year ended 
------------------------------------------ 
                                              31 March 2017     31 March 2016     30 September 
                                                                                       2016 
                                            ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
                                                       Pence             Pence             Pence 
                                            -------           -------           ------- 
                                                         per               per               per 
                                               GBPm    share     GBPm    share     GBPm    share 
------------------------------------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
 Revaluation of properties (including 
  share of JVs)(1)                              4.7      3.2      4.0      2.8     13.4      9.3 
 Profit on property sales                       3.0      2.1      6.2      4.3     18.9     13.1 
 Rental and other income                        2.8      1.9      2.1      1.5      6.3      4.4 
 Administrative expenses                      (5.9)    (4.1)    (4.7)    (3.3)   (12.3)    (8.5) 
 Dividends paid (net of scrip)                (2.8)    (1.9)    (2.3)    (1.6)    (3.9)    (2.7) 
 Other                                          1.0      0.7    (0.6)    (0.4)    (3.9)    (2.7) 
 IFRS movement                                  2.8      1.9      4.7      3.3     18.5     12.9 
 Revaluation of retained trading 
  properties(1,2)                              12.9      8.9      0.3      0.2     15.1     10.5 
 Release of trading property revaluations 
  on disposals(1)                             (0.9)    (0.7)    (4.7)    (3.4)   (15.2)   (10.6) 
 Deferred taxation                            (0.1)    (0.1)      0.6      0.4      1.5      1.0 
 EPRA movement                                 14.7     10.0      0.9      0.5     19.9     13.8 
 Effect of share issues and dilutive 
  options                                         -    (1.2)        -        -        -        - 
------------------------------------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
 Movement in period                            14.7      8.8      0.9      0.5     19.9     13.8 
 EPRA NAV at start of period                  409.8    284.2    389.9    270.4    389.9    270.4 
 EPRA NAV at end of period                    424.5    293.0    390.8    270.9    409.8    284.2 
------------------------------------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
 

(1) Classified as property revaluations for the purposes of the below commentary.

(2) Includes revaluation of the Morris Homes variable consideration classified as a financial asset.

Property revaluations have once again contributed significantly to the Group's EPRA NAV growth, accounting for an 11.4p per share uplift.

The Directors value 8 per cent of the property portfolio (predominantly Catesby land promotion sites), with the remaining 92 per cent (30 September 2016: 91 per cent) valued by CBRE or Jones Lang LaSalle. A more detailed reconciliation between IFRS and EPRA NAV is provided in note 18.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

The Group's profit before tax has decreased GBP4.2 million from the prior period, predominantly the result of a fall in profits made on the sale of trading properties and lower investment property revaluation surpluses.

 
                                                Six months   Six months     Year ended 
                                                        to           to 
--------------------------------------------- 
                                                  31 March     31 March   30 September 
 GBPm                                                 2017         2016           2016 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                              31.9         29.5           95.2 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit on trading property sales(1)                   3.2          6.2           18.9 
 Rental and other property profits                     2.0          1.2            4.5 
 Hotel operating profit                                0.8          0.9            1.8 
 Write up/(down) of trading properties                 1.7        (0.1)          (7.1) 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Gross profit                                          7.7          8.2           18.1 
 Administrative expenses (net of capitalised 
  costs)                                             (5.9)        (4.7)         (12.3) 
 Surplus on revaluation of investment 
  properties                                           3.0          4.1           20.5 
 Other                                               (0.6)          0.8          (0.4) 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                     4.2          8.4           25.9 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 

(1) Including residential property sales as disclosed in note 2.

Revenue

Revenues of GBP31.9 million have been generated in the period, including trading and residential property sales of GBP23.1 million and GBP8.8 million of rental and other property income. Although headline revenues are broadly in line with the six months to 31 March 2016, the composition is very different.

The most notable difference is the result of sales by our joint venture with Hopkins Homes at Alconbury (GBP7.9 million) and the recognition of contractual minimums under our first completed licence arrangements with Morris Homes at Alconbury (GBP10.7 million). The new revenue streams more than offset the reduction in Catesby land promotion sales (GBP1.4 million in the six months to 31 March 2017 compared to GBP16.0 million in the prior period).

Our reference to licence arrangements refers to a number of agreements that the Group has entered into with housebuilders at its strategic land sites. These licence agreements typically comprise a fixed element (the minimums) due to the Group upon reaching unconditional exchange and a variable element which is dependent on the final selling price of the house (the overage).

Accounting standards require us to recognise revenue when the risk and rewards of ownership have transferred to a buyer and revenue can be measured reliably, among other criteria. Following the contractual completion of the Morris Homes licence arrangements in January this year, which see us transfer land and take a charge over the land to secure the future overages, management is of the view that the criteria for recognising the revenue associated with the minimums have been met. The Morris Homes contract is the first to qualify for this treatment as the Hopkins Homes and Davidsons arrangements will not involve a land transfer prior to the sale to the homeowner and therefore the risks and rewards of ownership have not yet transferred. All other licence arrangements currently in place will meet this revenue recognition criteria in due course.

Although the Morris Homes minimums have been recognised in full in the period, as they are due in stages over the next four to five years, they have been discounted at an appropriate rate.

No overage has been recognised to date and the amount of profit recognised in respect of the contractual minimums are discussed below.

Rental income and other property income, excluding recoverable property expenses, increased GBP1.4 million over the six months to 31 March 2016, predominantly as a result of the completion of the Feethams leisure scheme in Darlington.

Gross profit

Gross profits are GBP0.5 million lower than reported in the six months to 31 March 2016, which saw the Group record a GBP1.0 million one-off profit following the reimbursement of infrastructure expenditure carried out as part of our development of the Baltic Business Quarter in Gateshead.

Profits from trading property sales include GBP1.3 million in respect of residential sales at Alconbury, GBP0.9 million of Catesby land promotion profits and GBP0.5 million from Bridge Quay and Scottish land disposals. Residential sales profits at Alconbury comprise GBP1.1 million generated by the sale of 28 homes (through our joint venture with Hopkins Homes) and GBP0.2 million in respect of Morris Homes contractual minimums. The profit recognised in respect of Hopkins Homes sales amounts to circa GBP40,000 per home.

The level of profit recognised in respect of Morris Homes contractual minimums reflects the full recognition of the discounted revenue referred to above, net of the full associated cost of sales. This will leave any overage to be recognised in future periods.

The increase in rental and other property profits, when compared to the prior period, is due to additional rent from the completed Feethams leisure scheme and increased project management fees on our developments.

Trading property write ups of GBP1.7 million substantially relate to our nearly completed hotel development at Stansted (GBP1.2 million) and reflect both market movements and lower construction risk as we progress towards practical completion this summer. The Stansted uplift reflects a write back of prior period provisions.

Administrative expenses

Administrative costs of GBP5.9 million (six months to 31 March 2016: GBP4.7million), after capitalising GBP2.4 million into the Group's development projects, were expensed in the period. The GBP1.2 million increase is due to a lower proportionate capitalisation (29 per cent this period compared to 43 per cent in the six months to 31 March 2016) following development completion of Feethams and Herne Bay.

Administrative costs also include a GBP1.6 million charge in relation to the non-cash share-based payment expense. A corresponding credit has been included with retained earnings, resulting in the expense having no NAV impact.

Surplus on revaluation of investment properties

Following last year's reclassification of the Group's share in the Rugby site to trading stock, the only remaining investment properties comprise the Feethams and Bradford leisure assets and that part of the Alconbury site which management holds as an investment.

The Group has recognised a GBP3.0 million revaluation surplus on its investment properties, GBP2.2 million of which relates to Alconbury.

CBRE's valuation of Alconbury, including both the investment and trading elements, has increased from GBP197.1 million at 30 September 2016 to GBP212.0 million. This valuation is based on the consistent assumption that we deliver serviced land parcels - CBRE do not value any work in progress in respect of housebuilding the Group may undertake through joint ventures or on its own account.

After allowing for housebuilding expenditure incurred at Alconbury, under the contractual arrangements with Hopkins Homes the valuation increases to GBP218.9 million. Out of this total, GBP208.7 million is disclosed as property (investment; trading; property, plant and equipment; and associated EPRA adjustments, including the revaluation of the Morris Homes overage classified as a financial asset) with GBP10.2 million of Morris Homes minimums being classified as non-current trade receivables.

The recognition of valuation movements within the financial statements is dependent on whether an asset, or part of an asset, is held for investment or trading purposes. Under accounting standards, we reflect only upward movements in the investment element of a site through the income statement with any upward movements in the trading element going through our EPRA adjustments. A reconciliation of the movement in valuation of Alconbury and Feethams and Bradford is set out below:

 
                                                                    Feethams 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------                 ------- 
 GBPm                                               Alconbury   and Bradford    Total 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ------- 
 Valuation at 1 October 2016                            201.2           35.0    236.2 
 Less: EPRA adjustment (trading properties)            (31.7)              -   (31.7) 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ------- 
 Carrying value in financial statements 
  at 1 October 2016                                     169.5           35.0    204.5 
 Capital expenditure (including capitalised 
  overheads)                                             26.4              -     26.4 
 Disposals                                             (25.1)              -   (25.1) 
 Revaluation movements (investment properties)            2.2            0.8      3.0 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ------- 
 Carrying value in financial statements 
  at 31 March 2017                                      173.0           35.8    208.8 
 Add: EPRA adjustment (trading properties)(2)            35.7              -     35.7 
 Add: amounts included within non-current 
  trade and other receivables                            10.2              -     10.2 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ------- 
 Valuation at 31 March 2017                             218.9           35.8    254.7 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ------- 
 Classification of revaluation movement 
  in Group accounts: 
 Investment properties through income 
  statement                                               2.2            0.8      3.0 
 Trading properties through EPRA adjustment(1,2)          4.0              -      4.0 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ------- 
 Total property revaluation                               6.2            0.8      7.0 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ------- 
 

(1) GBP4.0 million movement in year reflects GBP35.7 million closing EPRA adjustment less GBP31.7 million opening EPRA adjustment.

(2) Includes revaluation of the Morris Homes variable consideration classified as a financial asset.

The market movements above reflect increases in sales value assumptions, which have been supported by evidence generated through the reservations and sales at the Hopkins Homes land parcel and reduced discount rates for land subject to other contractual arrangements. The key unobservable inputs underpinning CBRE's valuation can be found in note 9.

Taxation expense

The tax charge for the year of GBP0.2 million reflects an effective rate of tax of 3.9 per cent, lower than the average rate of UK corporation tax for the period, principally due to losses brought forward and net excess losses generated in the period being available to offset realised profits and revaluation surpluses. The charge relates in most part to the utilisation of losses brought forward.

Dividend

The Group paid its final dividend for the year to 30 September 2016 in February 2017 at a rate of 1.8p per share, amounting to GBP2.8 million in total. The Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of 1.2p per share in respect of this six month period to shareholders on the register on 9 June 2017, with a payment date of 21 July 2017. Investors choosing to participate in the dividend reinvestment scheme will need to make their election by 23 June 2017.

Consolidated balance sheet

Overview

 
 
                                            31 March   31 March   30 September 
 GBPm                                           2017       2016           2016 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Investment properties                         130.3      109.2          128.9 
 Trading properties                            219.1      193.3          185.2 
 Joint venture properties(1)                    58.1       47.4           51.0 
 Properties within property, plant and 
  equipment                                      4.3        4.1            4.5 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Properties(2)                                 411.8      354.0          369.6 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Non-current trade and other receivables        10.2          -              - 
  - Morris Homes minimums(2) 
 Current trade and other receivables            19.4       26.8           60.5 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Trade and other receivables                    29.6       26.8           60.5 
 Cash                                           16.6       30.6           15.1 
 Borrowings                                   (57.9)     (32.1)         (49.6) 
 Deferred tax (liability)/asset                (0.5)        2.9          (0.3) 
 Other working capital                        (30.5)     (29.7)         (29.0) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Net assets                                    369.1      352.5          366.3 
 EPRA adjustments                               55.4       38.3           43.5 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 EPRA net assets                               424.5      390.8          409.8 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 

(1) All properties held by joint ventures are trading properties.

(2) Total property related interests: GBP422.0 million (31 March 2016: GBP354.0 million; 30 September 2016: GBP369.6 million).

Non-current assets

Investment properties

The Group's investment properties at 31 March 2017 include the proportion of the Alconbury site we intend to hold as an investment and the leisure assets at Bradford and Feethams.

As previously highlighted, CBRE valued the entire Alconbury site at GBP212.0 million, which excluded the incurred cost of building houses under the Hopkins Homes arrangements. Having given credit for the work in progress relating to house construction, the valuation increases to GBP218.9 million. Of this total, the Group intends to retain GBP94.5 million as a long-term investment, which comprises commercial land and 25 per cent of the residential land (representing the affordable and potential private rented sector land).

The leisure assets at Bradford and Feethams have been valued by CBRE at GBP13.8 million and Jones Lang LaSalle at GBP22.0 million, respectively.

Investment in equity accounted joint ventures and associates

The Group's 50 per cent interest in the Rugby site has been included in the balance sheet at GBP54.7 million.

CBRE's GBP67.0 million valuation of the Group's share in the underlying property at Rugby has resulted in a GBP3.5 million uplift in the six months to 31 March 2017. This has been recognised as an EPRA adjustment rather than through the income statement, following the decision to reclassify the site as a trading property last year. Like Alconbury, the market movements reflect increases in sales value assumptions and consequently serviced land values. The sales launch by Davidsons in April this year is supportive of CBRE's pricing assumptions.

Other interests in joint ventures and associates total GBP3.4 million and further details are provided in note 11.

Deferred tax assets

The Group has recognised an asset of GBP4.9 million in respect of the Group's tax losses which are expected to be utilised against future profits of the Group. The GBP0.3 million reduction from our last year end reflects the utilisation of the losses brought forward against the Group profitable activities during the period.

Non-current trade and other receivables

The GBP10.2 million disclosed on the face of the balance sheet represents the discounted value of the Morris Homes minimums as previously described.

Current assets

Trading properties

The carrying value of trading properties increased by GBP33.9 million in the six months to GBP219.1 million, as a result of the GBP1.4 million acquisition of a land parcel in Skelton; construction expenditure at Stansted (GBP14.7 million); development expenditure at the strategic land sites totalling GBP26.5m; GBP3.9 million of Catesby promotion expenditure; and GBP4.3 million of other property expenditure. Against this GBP50.8 million of acquisitions and additions, the Group has disposed of GBP18.6 million of trading assets (including 28 homes at Alconbury and Catesby's site in Stadhampton) and written back GBP1.7 million of previous provisions (see above).

Included within the figures mentioned above is GBP1.9 million of capitalised overheads. All trading properties are carried in the balance sheet at the lower of cost (or acquisition date fair value) and net realisable value.

Cash

Cash balances were GBP16.6 million at the period end, up from GBP15.1 million at 30 September 2016. The GBP1.5 million increase reflects new loans and sales receipts net of development expenditure incurred during an intensive period of construction activity, particularly at our strategic land sites and Stansted commercial development. Development additions in the period amounted to GBP58.2 million and were part funded by GBP25.8 million of new borrowings and GBP21.7 million of net receipts on the sale of Herne Bay.

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

The Group has drawn three new loans in the period totalling GBP25.8 million and repaid the GBP16.1 million Herne Bay facility on disposal. The new drawings included GBP8.1 million from the new GBP45.1 million HCA facility at Alconbury. The other drawings were made under existing facilities.

Financial resources and capital management

The Group's net debt position at 31 March 2017 totalled GBP41.3 million (30 September 2016: GBP34.5 million), comprising external borrowings of GBP57.9 million and cash reserves of GBP16.6 million, producing a net gearing ratio of 11.2 per cent (30 September 2016: 9.4 per cent) on an IFRS NAV basis and 9.7 per cent (30 September 2016: 8.4 per cent) on an EPRA NAV basis. The Group will continue to fund new developments or acquisitions through debt as required, whilst maintaining a conservative approach to gearing.

During the period the GBP45.1 million loan from the HCA to fund infrastructure costs at Alconbury was completed and GBP8.1 million drawn. Undrawn facilities at 31 March 2017 totalled GBP78.2 million.

The Group's weighted average loan maturity at 31 March 2017 was 5.8 years (30 September 2016: 5.6 years) and weighted average cost of borrowing on drawn debt was 2.9 per cent (30 September 2016: 3.0 per cent). The Group has no loans maturing over the next three years, with the exception of the GBP25 million revolving credit facility (the "RCF"), which matures Q2 2019. The current GBP8.0 million drawn under the RCF will need to be cleared down for a small period within 18 months and other ongoing loan amortisations will occur.

The Group has sought, and will when appropriate seek, to borrow from Government sources (such as the HCA) to fund infrastructure spend at its strategic sites where such borrowing will enhance the speed with which such sites can be brought forward and where the terms will enhance our expected returns.

The Group maintains a comprehensive business plan model which forecasts the cash usage and generation on a project-by-project and consolidated basis for five years, or longer in relation to our strategic land sites. This model is regularly updated and informs the Group as to its cash needs, allowing us to plan ahead. It is this model that allows the Group to be confident as to its continuing viability.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risks of the business are set out on pages 32 to 35 of the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts and include commentary on their potential impact, links to the Group's strategic priorities and the relevant mitigation factors. Since the publication of the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts, the Board believes that there has been no material change to the principal risks and the reported mitigation actions remain appropriate to manage the risks.

Responsibility statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

(a) the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting';

(b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and a description of where to find the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

(c) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein).

Signed on behalf of the Board on 24 May 2017

David Wood

Group Finance Director

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the six month period ended 31 March 2017

 
                                               Six months to   Six months     Year ended 
                                                                       to 
                                                    31 March     31 March   30 September 
                                                        2017         2016           2016 
                                                   Unaudited    Unaudited        Audited 
                                            Notes    GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                        2     31,862       29,510         95,168 
 Direct costs                                   2   (24,210)     (21,291)       (77,109) 
--------------------------------------------  ---  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Gross profit                                   2      7,652        8,219         18,059 
--------------------------------------------  ---  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Administrative expenses                        3    (5,906)      (4,696)       (12,319) 
 Other operating income                                   83           17             24 
 Loss on sale of investment properties                 (142)            -              - 
 Surplus on revaluation of investment 
  properties                                    9      2,954        1,649         13,983 
 Share of post-tax (loss)/profit 
  from joint ventures                          11       (31)        2,405          6,551 
 Impairment of loans to joint ventures 
  11                                                       -            -          (417) 
 Operating profit                               3      4,610        7,594         25,881 
 Finance income                                 5        110          896          1,158 
 Finance costs                                  5      (570)        (100)        (1,180) 
--------------------------------------------  ---  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit before taxation                                4,150        8,390         25,859 
 Taxation expense                               6      (162)      (1,822)        (5,018) 
--------------------------------------------  ---  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit after taxation and total comprehensive 
  income                                               3,988        6,568         20,841 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Basic earnings per share                       7       2.8p         4.6p          14.6p 
--------------------------------------------  ---  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Diluted earnings per share                     7       2.8p         4.5p          14.5p 
--------------------------------------------  ---  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 

The Group had no amounts of other comprehensive income for the current or prior periods and the profit for the respective periods is wholly attributable to equity shareholders.

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

Consolidated balance sheet

As at 31 March 2017

 
                                      31 March    31 March   30 September 
                                          2017        2016           2016 
                                     Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                              Notes    GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Investment properties            9    130,310     109,186        128,858 
 Property, plant and equipment   10      5,376       5,335          5,644 
 Investments in joint ventures 
  and associates                 11     58,103      47,418         51,047 
 Deferred tax assets             12      4,909       7,441          5,159 
 Trade and other receivables     14     10,241           -              - 
------------------------------  ---  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
                                       208,939     169,380        190,708 
----------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Current assets 
 Trading properties              13    219,101     193,340        185,204 
 Trade and other receivables     14     19,350      26,806         60,474 
 Corporation tax                             -          12              - 
 Cash and cash equivalents              16,584      30,578         15,083 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
                                       255,035     250,736        260,761 
----------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Total assets                          463,974     420,116        451,469 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                      16   (57,922)    (32,127)       (33,456) 
 Deferred tax liabilities        12    (5,370)     (4,509)        (5,473) 
------------------------------  ---  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
                                      (63,292)    (36,636)       (38,929) 
----------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Borrowings                      16          -           -       (16,100) 
 Trade and other payables        15   (31,584)    (30,990)       (30,128) 
                                      (31,584)    (30,990)       (46,228) 
 Total liabilities                    (94,876)    (67,626)       (85,157) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Net assets                            369,098     352,490        366,312 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Equity 
 Share capital                   17     28,984      28,801         28,961 
 Share premium account                 168,536     168,186        168,320 
 Equity shares to be issued                  -       1,948              - 
 Capital redemption reserve                849         849            849 
 Own shares                            (4,003)     (3,404)        (3,817) 
 Other reserve                         113,785     111,985        113,785 
 Retained earnings                      60,947      44,125         58,214 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Total equity                          369,098     352,490        366,312 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 NAV per share                   18     254.8p      244.4p         254.0p 
------------------------------  ---  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 EPRA NAV per share              18     293.0p      270.9p         284.2p 
------------------------------  ---  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 

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

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the six month period ended 31 March 2017

 
 
                     Share      Share      Equity       Capital       Own     Other    Retained 
                              premium      shares    redemption 
                                               to 
                   capital    account   be issued       reserve    shares   reserve    earnings     Total 
                   GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------  --------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 
 October 2016       28,961    168,320           -           849   (3,817)   113,785      58,214   366,312 
 Shares issued under 
 scrip dividend 
  scheme                23        216           -             -         -         -           -       239 
 Share-based 
 payment expense         -          -           -             -         -         -       1,561     1,561 
 Deferred share bonus 
 plan satisfied out 
 of own shares           -          -           -             -        63         -           -        63 
 Purchase of own 
 shares                  -          -           -             -     (249)         -           -     (249) 
 Total comprehensive 
 income for 
  the period             -          -           -             -         -         -       3,988     3,988 
 Dividends paid          -          -           -             -         -         -     (2,816)   (2,816) 
-----------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ------------  --------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 31 
 March 2017 
 (unaudited)        28,984    168,536           -           849   (4,003)   113,785      60,947   369,098 
-----------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ------------  --------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 
 October 2015       28,801    168,186       1,948           849   (3,951)   111,985      40,010   347,828 
 Share-based 
 payment expense         -          -           -             -         -         -         935       935 
 Share option 
 exercise satisfied out 
 of own shares           -          -           -             -     1,120         -     (1,036)        84 
 Purchase of own 
 shares                  -          -           -             -     (573)         -           -     (573) 
 Total comprehensive 
 income for 
  the period             -          -           -             -         -         -       6,568     6,568 
 Dividends paid          -          -           -             -         -         -     (2,352)   (2,352) 
-----------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ------------  --------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 31 
 March 2016 
 (unaudited)        28,801    168,186       1,948           849   (3,404)   111,985      44,125   352,490 
-----------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ------------  --------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 
 October 2015       28,801    168,186       1,948           849   (3,951)   111,985      40,010   347,828 
 Shares issued in part 
 consideration for the 
 acquisition of 
 Catesby Property 
 Group plc             148          -     (1,948)             -         -     1,800           -         - 
 Shares issued under 
 scrip dividend 
  scheme                12        134           -             -         -         -           -       146 
 Share option 
 exercise satisfied out 
 of own shares           -          -           -             -     1,163         -     (1,075)        88 
 Purchase of own 
 shares                  -          -           -             -   (1,029)         -           -   (1,029) 
 Share-based 
 payment expense         -          -           -             -         -         -       2,368     2,368 
 Total comprehensive 
 income for 
  the year               -          -           -             -         -         -      20,841    20,841 
 Dividends paid          -          -           -             -         -         -     (3,930)   (3,930) 
-----------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ------------  --------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 
 September 2016 
 (audited)          28,961    168,320           -           849   (3,817)   113,785      58,214   366,312 
-----------------  -------  ---------  ----------  ------------  --------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the six month period ended 31 March 2017

 
                                          Six months to   Six months     Year ended 
                                                                  to 
                                               31 March     31 March   30 September 
                                                   2017         2016           2016 
                                              Unaudited    Unaudited        Audited 
                                                GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit before taxation                           4,150        8,390         25,859 
 Adjustments for: 
 Surplus on revaluation of investment 
  properties                                    (2,954)      (1,649)       (13,983) 
 Loss on sale of investment properties              142            -              - 
 Share of post-tax loss/(profit) from 
  joint venture                                      31      (2,405)        (6,551) 
 Finance income                                   (110)        (896)        (1,158) 
 Finance costs                                      570          100          1,180 
 Depreciation charge                                412          527            813 
 Impairment of loans of joint ventures                -            -            417 
 Write (up)/down of trading properties          (1,711)            -          7,108 
 Share-based payment expense                      1,561          935          2,368 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities before change 
 in working capital                               2,091        5,002         16,053 
 Increase in trading properties                (31,977)     (27,695)       (27,103) 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other 
  receivables                                    30,288        7,799       (25,609) 
 Increase/(decrease) in trade and other 
  payables                                          974      (2,587)          1,716 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Cash generated/(absorbed) by operations          1,376     (17,481)       (34,943) 
 Finance costs paid                               (400)         (87)          (505) 
 Finance income received                             26          765            765 
 Tax received/(paid)                                 13        (155)          (127) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Net cash flows from operating activities         1,015     (16,958)       (34,810) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Investing activities 
 Deferred consideration on acquisition 
  of subsidiaries                                     -            -        (3,281) 
 Additions to investment properties             (7,452)      (9,664)       (15,803) 
 Proceeds on sale of investment properties        8,813            -              - 
 Additions to property, plant and equipment       (144)        (165)        (3,749) 
 Loans advanced to joint ventures               (7,150)      (3,295)        (4,090) 
 Loans repaid by joint ventures                      63            -            895 
 Net cash flows from investing activities       (5,870)     (13,124)       (26,028) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Financing activities 
 New loans                                       25,797       21,183         37,541 
 Issue costs of new loans                         (102)      (1,256)        (1,109) 
 Repayment of loans                            (16,513)            -          (360) 
 Grant income received                                -            -          1,000 
 Consideration received for transfer of 
  own shares                                          -           84             88 
 Purchase of own shares                           (249)        (573)        (1,029) 
 Dividends paid                                 (2,577)      (2,352)        (3,784) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Net cash flows from financing activities         6,356       17,086         32,347 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                     1,501     (12,996)       (28,491) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at start of 
  period                                         15,083       43,574         43,574 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period      16,584       30,578         15,083 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 

Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements

For the six month period ended 31 March 2017

1. Basis of preparation

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union. They do not include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a complete set of financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts. The financial information for the six months ended 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2016 does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006 and is unaudited.

The statutory annual accounts of Urban&Civic plc for the year ended 30 September 2016 have been reported on by the Company's auditor and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The independent auditor's report on the annual accounts for 2016 was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Significant accounting policies

The same accounting policies, presentation and method of computation are followed in these condensed interim financial statements as were applied in the Group's latest audited financial statements and using accounting policies that are expected to be applied for the financial year ending 30 September 2017. Since the 2016 annual accounts were published, the IASB have not issued any amendments or interpretations that are expected to have a material impact on the Group's reporting.

Use of estimates and judgements

Aside from as disclosed below, there have been no new or material revisions to the nature and amount of estimates reported in the 2016 accounts, other than changes to certain assumptions applied in the valuation of properties. Details of the key assumptions applied at 31 March 2017 are set out in note 9.

The sales of strategic land parcels, under certain contractual arrangements, require the use estimates and judgements in arriving at the amount of revenue to be recognised through the income statement in a particular period. Such revenue typically comprises two elements, namely contractual minimum amounts and an overage element, which is based on the price achieved on the onward sale of completed houses by the developers of the land parcels. The minimums are often uplifted by RPI and will be received over a number of years. Consequently these minimums are discounted at the counterparty's weighted average cost of capital, both of which are estimated by management using publicly available information. In respect of the overage element, revenue will be recognised once management determines that reliable estimates can be made. This is expected to be closer to the time of the onward sale of houses by the developer. Amounts recognised in respect of minimums are disclosed in note 2.

Going concern

The Directors are required to make an assessment of the Group's ability to continue to trade as a going concern. The Directors have given this matter due consideration and have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the interim financial information on a going concern basis.

2. Revenue and gross profit

 
                                        Six months to    Six months     Year ended 
                                                                 to 
                                             31 March      31 March   30 September 
                                                 2017          2016           2016 
                                              GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Residential property sales                    19,393             -            410 
 Other trading property sales                   3,631        22,295         77,645 
 Rental and other property income               3,475         2,740          6,872 
 Recoverable property expenses                    693           492          1,278 
 Hotel income                                   4,003         3,983          8,222 
 Project management fees and other income         667             -            741 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                       31,862        29,510         95,168 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Cost of residential property sales          (17,777)             -          (346) 
 Cost of other trading property sales         (2,060)      (16,054)       (58,824) 
 Direct property expenses                     (2,164)       (1,570)        (3,096) 
 Recoverable property expenses                  (693)         (492)        (1,278) 
 Cost of hotel trading                        (3,227)       (3,052)        (6,457) 
 Write up/(down) of trading properties          1,711         (123)        (7,108) 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Direct costs                                (24,210)      (21,291)       (77,109) 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Gross profit                                   7,652         8,219         18,059 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 

Included within residential property sales is GBP10,741,000 in respect of minimum sales proceeds recognised on parcel sales.

3. Operating profit

Operating profit is arrived at after allocating GBP2,373,000 of administrative expenses to the cost of investment and trading properties (six months to 31 March 2016: GBP3,587,000; year ended 30 September 2016: GBP5,852,000).

4. Segmental information

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker and within the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Board of Directors.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the six month period ended 31 March 2017

 
                                   Strategic land   Commercial   Unallocated      Total 
                                          GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Revenue                                   21,830       10,032             -     31,862 
 Direct costs                            (19,073)      (5,137)             -   (24,210) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Gross profit                               2,757        4,895             -      7,652 
--------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Share-based payment expense                    -            -       (1,561)    (1,561) 
 Other administrative expenses                  -            -       (4,345)    (4,345) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Administrative expenses                        -            -       (5,906)    (5,906) 
 Other operating income                         -           83             -         83 
 Loss on sale of investment 
  properties                                (142)            -             -      (142) 
 Surplus on revaluation of investment 
  properties                                2,181          773             -      2,954 
 Share of post-tax (loss)/profit 
  from joint venture                        (211)          180             -       (31) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)                    4,585        5,931       (5,906)      4,610 
 Net finance income/(cost)                     78        (570)            32      (460) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) before tax                   4,663        5,361       (5,874)      4,150 
--------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 

The segmental results that are monitored by the Board include all the separate lines making up the segmental IFRS operating profit. This excludes central overheads and taxation which are not allocated to operating segments.

Consolidated balance sheet

As at 31 March 2017

 
                            Strategic land   Commercial   Unallocated      Total 
                                   GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Investment properties              94,495       35,815             -    130,310 
 Property, plant and equipment       3,339          951         1,086      5,376 
 Investments in joint ventures 
  and associates                    54,743        3,360             -     58,103 
 Deferred tax assets                     -            -         4,909      4,909 
 Trade and other receivables        10,241            -             -     10,241 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Non-current assets                162,818       40,126         5,995    208,939 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Trading properties                124,390       94,711             -    219,101 
 Trade and other receivables        11,558        7,792             -     19,350 
 Cash and cash equivalents               -            -        16,584     16,584 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Current assets                    135,948      102,503        16,584    255,035 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Borrowings                       (20,516)     (29,628)       (7,778)   (57,922) 
 Trade and other payables         (20,404)     (11,180)             -   (31,584) 
 Deferred tax liabilities          (5,370)            -             -    (5,370) 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                (46,290)     (40,808)       (7,778)   (94,876) 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Net assets                        252,476      101,821        14,801    369,098 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the six month period ended 31 March 2016

 
                            Strategic land   Commercial   Unallocated      Total 
                                   GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Revenue                            19,608        9,902             -     29,510 
 Direct costs                     (14,214)      (7,077)             -   (21,291) 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Gross profit                        5,394        2,825             -      8,219 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Share-based payment expense             -            -         (935)      (935) 
 Other administrative expenses           -            -       (3,761)    (3,761) 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Administrative expenses                 -            -       (4,696)    (4,696) 
 Other operating income                 17            -             -         17 
 Surplus/(deficit) on revaluation of 
 investment properties               2,903      (1,254)             -      1,649 
 Share of post-tax profit 
  from joint venture                 2,405            -             -      2,405 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)            10,719        1,571       (4,696)      7,594 
 Net finance income                    173          565            58        796 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) before tax           10,892        2,136       (4,638)      8,390 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 

Consolidated balance sheet

As at 31 March 2016

 
                            Strategic land   Commercial   Unallocated      Total 
                                   GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Investment properties              77,276       31,910             -    109,186 
 Property, plant and equipment       2,983        1,143         1,209      5,335 
 Investments in joint ventures 
  and associates                    43,202        4,216             -     47,418 
 Deferred tax assets                     -            -         7,441      7,441 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Non-current assets                123,461       37,269         8,650    169,380 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Trading properties                 99,939       93,401             -    193,340 
 Trade and other receivables        18,011        8,795             -     26,806 
 Corporation tax                        12            -             -         12 
 Cash and cash equivalents               -            -        30,578     30,578 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Current assets                    117,962      102,196        30,578    250,736 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Borrowings                       (11,593)     (20,534)             -   (32,127) 
 Trade and other payables         (12,767)     (18,223)             -   (30,990) 
 Deferred tax liabilities          (4,509)            -             -    (4,509) 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                (28,869)     (38,757)             -   (67,626) 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Net assets                        212,554      100,708        39,228    352,490 
-------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 

5. Finance income and finance costs

 
                                       Six months to   Six months     Year ended 
                                                               to 
                                            31 March     31 March   30 September 
                                                2017         2016           2016 
                                             GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Interest receivable from cash deposits           24           58            151 
 Unwinding of discount applied to long-term 
  debtors                                         78          173            339 
 Other interest receivable                         8          665            668 
--------------------------------------------  ------  -----------  ------------- 
 Finance income                                  110          896          1,158 
--------------------------------------------  ------  -----------  ------------- 
 Interest payable on borrowings                (538)        (382)          (929) 
 Amortisation of capitalised loan costs        (319)         (13)          (759) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  -----------  ------------- 
 Finance costs pre-capitalisation              (857)        (395)        (1,688) 
 Finance costs capitalised to trading 
  properties                                     287          295            508 
 Finance costs                                 (570)        (100)        (1,180) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  -----------  ------------- 
 Net finance income                            (460)          796           (22) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  -----------  ------------- 
 

Interest is capitalised at the same rate as the Group is charged on respective borrowings.

6. Tax on profit on ordinary activities

(a) Analysis of tax charge in the period

 
                                         Six months to   Six months     Year ended 
                                                                 to 
                                              31 March     31 March   30 September 
                                                  2017         2016           2016 
                                               GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Current tax: 
 Adjustments in respect of previous periods         15           64             14 
------------------------------------------------  ----  -----------  ------------- 
 Total current tax charge                           15           64             14 
------------------------------------------------  ----  -----------  ------------- 
 Deferred tax: 
 Effect of changes in future tax rate                -          234              - 
 Origination and reversal of timing differences    147        1,524          4,915 
 Adjustments in respect of previous periods          -            -             89 
------------------------------------------------  ----  -----------  ------------- 
 Total deferred tax charge                         147        1,758          5,004 
------------------------------------------------  ----  -----------  ------------- 
 Total tax charge                                  162        1,822          5,018 
------------------------------------------------  ----  -----------  ------------- 
 

(b) Factors affecting the tax charge for the period

 
                                      Six months to   Six months     Year ended 
                                                              to 
                                           31 March     31 March   30 September 
                                               2017         2016           2016 
                                            GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit attributable to the Group before 
  tax                                         4,150        8,390         25,859 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit multiplied by the average rate of UK corporation tax of 19.5 
 per cent (31 March 2016 and 30 September 
  2016: 20.0 per cent)                          809        1,678          5,172 
 Expenses not deductible for tax purposes       414          120            550 
 Differences arising from taxation of chargeable gains and property 
 revaluations                               (2,136)            -        (1,755) 
 Tax losses and other items                   1,060        (225)          1,089 
 Changes in tax rates                             -          235          (141) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ------------- 
                                                147        1,808          4,915 
 Adjustments to tax charge in respect 
  of previous periods                            15           14            103 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ------------- 
 Total tax charge                               162        1,822          5,018 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ------------- 
 

7. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on a profit of GBP3,988,000 (six months to 31 March 2016: GBP6,568,000; year ended 30 September 2016: GBP20,841,000) and on 143,233,996 (six months to 31 March 2016: 142,555,541; year ended 30 September 2016: 142,981,602) shares, being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period less own shares held.

Diluted earnings per share

The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on a profit of GBP3,988,000 (six months to 31 March 2016: GBP6,568,000; year ended 30 September 2016: GBP20,841,000) and on 144,736,992 (six months to 31 March 2016: 144,507,091; year ended 30 September 2016: 144,230,321) shares, being the weighted average number of shares in issue and to be issued during the period, less own shares held and the dilutive impact of share options granted.

 
                                                 Six months to    Six months     Year ended 
                                                                          to 
                                                      31 March      31 March   30 September 
                                                          2017          2016           2016 
 Weighted average number of shares                      Number        Number         Number 
------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 In issue at start of period                       144,804,728   144,006,555    144,006,555 
 Effect of shares issued on acquisition 
  of Catesby Property Group plc                              -             -        359,456 
 Effect of shares issued under scrip 
  dividend scheme                                       19,963             -         11,297 
 Effect of own shares purchased and transferred    (1,590,695)   (1,451,014)    (1,395,706) 
------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Weighted average number of shares during 
  the period - basic                               143,233,996   142,555,541    142,981,602 
 Effect of shares to be issued on acquisition of Catesby Property 
 Group plc                                                   -       739,107        379,651 
 Dilutive effect of share options                    1,502,996     1,212,443        869,068 
------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Weighted average number of shares during 
  the period - diluted                             144,736,992   144,507,091    144,230,321 
------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

8. Dividends

 
                                      Six months to   Six months     Year ended 
                                                              to 
                                           31 March     31 March   30 September 
                                               2017         2016           2016 
                                            GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Final dividend of 1.8p per share proposed    2,577            -              - 
  and paid February 2017 
 Final dividend of 1.8p per share granted       239            -              - 
  via scrip dividend 
 Final dividend of 1.65p per share proposed 
  and paid February 2016                          -        2,352          2,352 
 Interim dividend of 1.1p per share paid 
  July 2016                                       -            -          1,432 
 Interim dividend of 1.1p per share granted 
  via scrip dividend                              -            -            146 
                                              2,816        2,352          3,930 
---------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 

An interim dividend of 1.2p per share was approved by the Board on 23 May 2017 and is payable on 21 July 2017 to shareholders on the register on 9 June 2017. The interim dividend is not recognised as a liability in the interim financial information.

9. Investment properties

 
                                              GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------- 
 Valuation 
 At 1 October 2015                             98,615 
 Additions at cost                             11,911 
 Transfer to property, plant and equipment    (2,989) 
 Surplus on revaluation                         1,649 
-------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2016                             109,186 
 Additions at cost                              7,774 
 Transfer to property, plant and equipment      (436) 
 Surplus on revaluation                        12,334 
-------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 30 September 2016                         128,858 
 Additions at cost                              7,452 
 Disposals                                    (8,954) 
 Surplus on revaluation                         2,954 
-------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2017                             130,310 
-------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

The Group's principal investment property, Alconbury, which represents 72 per cent of the period-end carrying value (31 March 2016: 71 per cent; 30 September 2016: 73 per cent), is valued on a semi-annual basis by CBRE Limited, an independent firm of chartered surveyors, on the basis of fair value. The valuation at each period end is carried out in accordance with guidance issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. At 31 March 2017, Bradford leisure scheme, which represents 11 per cent of the period-end carrying value, has also been valued by CBRE Limited, and Feethams leisure scheme, representing 17 per cent of the period-end carrying value, has been valued by Jones Lang LaSalle Limited, an independent firm of chartered surveyors, both valuations being on the basis of fair value.

Fair value represents the estimated amount that should be received for selling an investment property in an orderly transaction between market participants at the valuation date.

The Group's investment properties are all classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy as some of the inputs used in determining the fair value are based on unobservable market data. The valuation technique used in measuring the fair value of the Group's principal investment property, as well as the significant unobservable inputs, is summarised below.

Valuation technique

Discounted cash flows: the valuation model considers the present value of net cash flows to be generated from a property (reflecting the current approach of constructing the infrastructure, discharging the section 106 costs obligations and then selling fully serviced parcels of land to housebuilders for development), taking into account expected house price/land value growth rates, build cost inflation, absorption rates and general economic conditions. The expected net cash flows are discounted using risk adjusted discount rates and the resultant value is benchmarked against transaction evidence.

Significant unobservable inputs

The key inputs to the valuation of the principal investment property included:

 
 --   expected annual house price inflation (3.25 per cent); 
 --   expected annual cost price inflation (2.0 per cent); 
 --   housebuilder development margin (22 per cent); 
 --   private residential gross development value (GBP290 per sq.ft.); 
 --   infrastructure, section 106 and community infrastructure levy (GBP541,000 
       per net developable acre); and 
 --   risk adjusted discount rate (6.0-9.75 per cent). 
 

The inter-relationship between the unobservable inputs set out above and the fair value measurement is unchanged from that reported in the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts.

10. Property, plant and equipment

 
 
                                   Freehold    Leasehold   Furniture 
                                                                 and 
                                   property     property   equipment     Total 
                                    GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 Cost 
 At 1 October 2015                    2,000          680         866     3,546 
 Additions                                -           10         155       165 
 Transfer from investment property    2,989            -           -     2,989 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2016                     4,989          690       1,021     6,700 
 Additions                                -           10         149       159 
 Transfer from investment property      436            -           -       436 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 30 September 2016                 5,425          700       1,170     7,295 
 Additions                                -           36         108       144 
 Disposals                                -            -        (34)      (34) 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2017                     5,425          736       1,244     7,405 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 Depreciation 
 At 1 October 2015                      514           47         277       838 
 Charge for the period                  349           70         108       527 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2016                       863          117         385     1,365 
 Charge for the period                   59           91         136       286 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 30 September 2016                   922          208         521     1,651 
 Charge for the period                  213           62         137       412 
 Release on disposals                     -            -        (34)      (34) 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2017                     1,135          270         624     2,029 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 Net book value 
 31 March 2017                        4,290          466         620     5,376 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 31 March 2016                        4,126          573         636     5,335 
 30 September 2016                    4,503          492         649     5,644 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 

11. Investments

Investments in joint ventures and associates

 
                                         Joint ventures   Associates     Total 
                                                GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------- 
 Cost or valuation 
 At 1 October 2015                               41,218          500    41,718 
 Loans advanced                                   3,295            -     3,295 
----------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Share of post-tax loss excluding investment 
  property revaluation                             (55)            -      (55) 
 Share of revaluation uplift on investment 
  property                                        2,460            -     2,460 
----------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures     2,405            -     2,405 
 At 31 March 2016                                46,918          500    47,418 
 Loans advanced                                     795            -       795 
----------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Share of post-tax loss excluding investment 
  property revaluation                            (124)            -     (124) 
 Share of revaluation uplift on investment 
  property                                        4,270            -     4,270 
----------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures     4,146            -     4,146 
 Loans repaid                                     (895)            -     (895) 
 Impairment of loans to joint ventures            (417)            -     (417) 
----------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 At 30 September 2016                            50,547          500    51,047 
 Loans advanced                                   7,150            -     7,150 
 Share of post-tax loss                            (31)            -      (31) 
 Loans repaid                                      (63)            -      (63) 
 At 31 March 2017                                57,603          500    58,103 
----------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 

At 31 March 2017 the Group's interests in its joint ventures were as follows:

 
 SUE Developments LP   50%   Property development 
 Achadonn Limited      50%   Property development 
 Altira Park JV LLP    50%   Property development 
--------------------  ----  --------------------- 
 

At 31 March 2017 the Group's interests in its principal associates are as follows:

 
 Terrace Hill Development   20%   Property development 
  Partnership 
-------------------------  ----  --------------------- 
 
 
 
                            SUE    Achadonn    Altira Park   Terrace Hill 
                                                              Development 
                Developments LP     Limited         JV LLP    Partnership     Total 
                        GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 The carrying value consists of: 
 Group's share of net 
  assets                 22,016           -            540              -    22,556 
 Loans                   32,727       2,073            247            500    35,547 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 Total investment in joint ventures 
 and associates          54,743       2,073            787            500    58,103 
----------------------  -------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 

12. Deferred tax

The net movement on the deferred tax account is as follows:

 
                             Six months to   Six months     Year ended 
                                                     to 
                                  31 March     31 March   30 September 
                                      2017         2016           2016 
                                   GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 At start of period                  (314)        4,690          4,690 
 Movement in the period (see note 
  6)                                 (147)      (1,758)        (5,004) 
----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ------------- 
 At end of period                    (461)        2,932          (314) 
----------------------------------  ------  -----------  ------------- 
 

The deferred tax balances are made up as follows:

 
                            At         At             At 
                      31 March   31 March   30 September 
                          2017       2016           2016 
                       GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Deferred tax assets 
 Tax losses              4,909      7,441          5,159 
----------------------  ------  ---------  ------------- 
                         4,909      7,441          5,159 
------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Deferred tax liabilities 
 Revaluation surpluses   5,370      4,509          5,473 
----------------------  ------  ---------  ------------- 
                         5,370      4,509          5,473 
------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

At 31 March 2017, the Group had unused tax losses of GBP51,377,000 (31 March 2016: GBP54,204,000; 30 September 2016: GBP47,764,000), of which the tax effect of GBP26,822,000 (31 March 2016: GBP39,150,000; 30 September 2016: GBP28,309,000) has been recognised as a deferred tax asset and the tax effect of GBP20,441,000 (31 March 2016: GBP13,161,000; 30 September 2016: GBP18,586,000) has been applied to reduce the Group's deferred tax liability recognised at the balance sheet date as required by IAS 12 'Income Taxes' in respect of tax potentially payable on the realisation of investment properties at fair value at the balance sheet date. No deferred tax asset is recognised in respect of realised or unrealised capital losses if there is uncertainty over future recoverability.

Tax losses of GBP4,114,000 (31 March 2016: GBP1,893,000; 30 September 2016: GBP869,000) have not been recognised as it is not considered sufficiently certain that there will be appropriate taxable profits available in the foreseeable future against which these losses can be utilised.

The Group's deferred tax balances have been measured at rates between 17 and 19 per cent, being the enacted rates of corporation tax in the UK at the balance sheet date against which the temporary differences giving rise to the deferred tax are expected to reverse. The Finance Act 2016 has been enacted, which will see the UK corporation tax rate reduced to 19 per cent from 1 April 2017 and 17 per cent from 1 April 2020. This will reduce the amount of UK corporation tax that the Group will have to pay in the future.

13. Trading properties

 
                                 Six months to   Six months     Year ended 
                                                         to 
                                      31 March     31 March   30 September 
                                          2017         2016           2016 
                                       GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 At start of period                    185,204      163,459        163,459 
 Additions at cost                      50,769       35,683         78,506 
 Amounts written back to/(off) the 
  value of trading properties            1,711        (123)        (7,108) 
 Disposals                            (18,583)      (5,679)       (49,653) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 At end of period                      219,101      193,340        185,204 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------- 
 

Capitalised interest of GBP1,156,000 is included within the carrying value of trading properties as at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016: GBP789,000; 30 September 2016: GBP869,000).

14. Trade and other receivables

 
                                            At         At             At 
                                      31 March   31 March   30 September 
                                          2017       2016           2016 
 Non-current                           GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Trade receivables                      10,241          -              - 
                                        10,241          -              - 
----------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
                                            At         At             At 
                                      31 March   31 March   30 September 
                                          2017       2016           2016 
 Current                               GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------- 
 Trade receivables                       8,236     18,649         49,188 
 Less: provision for impairment of 
  trade receivables                        (4)          -           (31) 
------------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------- 
 Trade receivables (net)                 8,232     18,649         49,157 
 Other receivables                       5,707      3,463          5,324 
 Amounts recoverable under contracts        63          -             63 
 Prepayments and accrued income          5,348      4,694          5,930 
------------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------- 
                                        19,350     26,806         60,474 
----------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

15. Trade and other payables

 
                                       At         At             At 
                                 31 March   31 March   30 September 
                                     2017       2016           2016 
                                  GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Trade payables                    12,234      6,360         12,607 
 Taxes and social security costs      256        528            221 
 Other payables                     2,850     12,706          3,455 
 Accruals                          14,884      9,027         12,416 
 Deferred income                    1,360      2,369          1,429 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
                                   31,584     30,990         30,128 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

16. Borrowings

 
                   At         At             At 
             31 March   31 March   30 September 
                 2017       2016           2016 
              GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Bank loans    37,406     20,534         36,774 
 Other loans   20,516     11,593         12,782 
------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
               57,922     32,127         49,556 
---------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 
                                   At         At             At 
                             31 March   31 March   30 September 
                                 2017       2016           2016 
 Maturity profile             GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------- 
 Less than one year                 -          -         16,100 
 Between one and five years    50,366     32,127         33,456 
 More than five years           7,556          -              - 
---------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------- 
                               57,922     32,127         49,556 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Other loans comprise borrowings from the HCA and a conditional grant. One loan of GBP11.2 million was first drawn in March 2015 and has a final repayment date of March 2021. Interest is charged at 2.2 per cent above the EC reference rate and the facility is secured against specific land holdings. At 31 March 2017 GBP0.7 million (31 March 2016: GBP0.4 million; 30 September 2016: GBP0.6 million) of interest has been accrued. GBP7.7 million of a new GBP45.1 million loan facility secured in the period was first drawn in March 2017 and has a final repayment date of March 2028. Interest is charged at 2.5 per cent above the EC reference rate and the facility is secured against specific land holdings. The GBP1.0 million grant is conditional on certain milestones of construction being achieved before 2020. The grant is only repayable if these are not reached.

Bank loans are secured against specific property holdings.

17. Share capital

 
                                        At         At             At 
                                  31 March   31 March   30 September 
                                      2017       2016           2016 
 Urban&Civic plc                   GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------- 
 Issued and fully paid 
 144,918,269 shares of 20p each     28,984     28,801         28,961 
--------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Movements in share capital in issue

 
                         Issued and fully paid 
 Ordinary shares                       GBP'000        Number 
------------------------------------  --------  ------------ 
 At 1 October 2015                      28,801   144,006,555 
------------------------------------  --------  ------------ 
 At 31 March 2016                       28,801   144,006,555 
 Shares issued in consideration for 
  Catesby Property Group plc               148       739,107 
 Shares issued under scrip dividend 
  scheme                                    12        59,066 
------------------------------------  --------  ------------ 
 At 30 September 2016                   28,961   144,804,728 
 Shares issued under scrip dividend 
  scheme                                    23       113,541 
------------------------------------  --------  ------------ 
 At 31 March 2017                       28,984   144,918,269 
------------------------------------  --------  ------------ 
 

Transactions in own shares

At the end of the period the Employee Benefit Trust held 1,569,437 20p shares in Urban&Civic plc (31 March 2016: 1,298,563; 30 September 2016: 1,483,503) at a cost of GBP4,003,000 (31 March 2016: GBP3,404,000; 30 September 2016: GBP3,817,000), which had a market value of GBP3,751,000 (31 March 2016: GBP3,311,000; 30 September 2016: GBP3,338,000). The movement is as follows:

 
                                                              Cost 
-------------------------------------  ----------------- 
 Employee Benefit Trust                 Number of shares   GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 At 1 October 2015                             1,485,303     3,951 
 Share purchase                                  235,752       573 
 Transferred to employees on share 
  option exercise                              (422,492)   (1,120) 
 At 31 March 2016                              1,298,563     3,404 
 Share purchase                                  201,640       456 
 Transferred to employees on share 
  option exercise                               (16,700)      (43) 
 At 30 September 2016                          1,483,503     3,817 
 Share purchase                                  110,846       249 
 Transferred to Directors to satisfy 
  2014 deferred annual bonus                    (24,912)      (63) 
 At 31 March 2017                              1,569,437     4,003 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 

Share options

During the six month period to 31 March 2017 the Company granted 1,831,953 share options to employees (six months to 31 March 2016: nil; year ended 30 September 2016: 1,133,924). 9,125 share options were exercised (six months to 31 March 2016: 422,492; year ended 30 September 2016: 439,192) and 22,795 options lapsed (six months to 31 March 2016: 136,106; year ended 30 September 2016: 223,886) in the period. The number of share options outstanding at 31 March 2017 was 5,127,689 (31 March 2016: 2,298,212; 30 September 2016: 3,327,656).

18. Net asset value and EPRA net asset value per share

Net asset value and EPRA net asset value per share are calculated as the net assets or EPRA net assets of the Group attributable to shareholders at each balance sheet date, divided by the number of shares in issue and to be issued at that date, adjusted for own shares held and outstanding share options.

 
                                               At            At             At 
                                         31 March      31 March   30 September 
                                             2017          2016           2016 
                                        Unaudited     Unaudited      Unaudited 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Number of shares in issue            144,918,269   144,006,555    144,804,728 
 Equity shares to be issued                     -       739,107              - 
 Own shares held                      (1,569,437)   (1,298,563)    (1,483,503) 
 Dilutive effect of share options       1,502,996       797,989        869,068 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                      144,851,828   144,245,088    144,190,293 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 NAV per share                             254.8p        244.4p         254.0p 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Net asset value (GBP'000)                369,098       352,490        366,312 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Revaluation of trading property held as current assets (GBP'000) 
 -    Alconbury                            35,682        22,129         31,714 
 -    Rugby                                 3,466             -              - 
 -    Newark                              (1,725)         1,219          (171) 
 -    Herne Bay                                 -         3,555              - 
 -    Bridge Quay                               -         6,026              - 
 -    Manchester sites                        381            13            439 
 -    Land promotion sites                  9,989         1,250          7,176 
 -    Stansted                              1,261       (1,437)        (1,910) 
 -    Other                                   952           965            794 
---  ------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                           50,006        33,720         38,042 
 Deferred tax liability (GBP'000)           5,370         4,509          5,473 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 EPRA NAV (GBP'000)                       424,474       390,719        409,827 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 EPRA NAV per share                        293.0p        270.9p         284.2p 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Deferred tax (GBP'000)                  (14,871)      (10,916)       (12,701) 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 EPRA NNNAV (GBP'000)                     409,603       379,803        397,126 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 EPRA NNNAV per share                      282.8p        263.3p         275.4p 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

Alconbury uplift includes revaluation of the Morris Homes variable consideration classified as a financial asset.

19. Contingent liabilities, capital commitments and guarantees

Capital commitments relating to the Group's development sites are as follows:

 
                                    At         At             At 
                              31 March   31 March   30 September 
                                  2017       2016           2016 
                               GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Contracted but not provided 
  for                           26,098     51,205         27,589 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 

20. Related party transactions

There have been no material changes in the related party transactions described in the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts.

Details of transactions with and amounts owed from joint ventures and associates are given in note 11.

21. Post balance sheet events

Post balance sheet events are disclosed within project highlights at the beginning of this announcement.

Independent review report to Urban&Civic plc

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 March 2017 which comprise the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the consolidated cash flow statement and the related notes.

We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of and has been approved by the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report 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 half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting its responsibilities in respect of half-yearly financial reporting in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. No person is entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose of our terms of engagement or has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not accept responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we hereby expressly disclaim any and all such liability.

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 enquiries, 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 half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 March 2017 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.

BDO LLP

Chartered Accountants

London

United Kingdom

24 May 2017

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

Glossary of terms

 
Company                      Urban&Civic plc 
Earnings per share (EPS)     Profit after tax divided by the weighted average 
                              number of shares in issue 
EBT/The Trust                Urban&Civic Employment Benefit Trust 
EC Reference Rate            European Commission Reference Rate 
EPRA                         European Public Real Estate Association 
EPRA net asset value (EPRA   Net assets attributable to equity shareholders 
 NAV)                         of the Company, adjusted for the revaluation 
                              surpluses on trading properties and eliminating 
                              any deferred taxation liability for revaluation 
                              surpluses 
EPRA net gearing             Total debt less cash and cash equivalents divided 
                              by EPRA net assets 
EPRA triple net asset value  EPRA net asset value including fair value adjustments 
 (EPRA NNNAV)                 in respect of all material balance sheet items 
                              which are not reported at their fair value as 
                              part of EPRA NAV 
Fair value                   The price that would be required to sell an asset 
                              or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
                              transaction between market participants at a 
                              measureable date (i.e. an exit price) 
Group                        Urban&Civic plc and subsidiaries, joint ventures 
                              and associates 
Gross development value      Sales value once construction is complete 
 (GDV) 
Gearing                      Group bank borrowings as a proportion of net 
                              asset value 
HCA                          Homes and Communities Agency 
IAS                          International Accounting Standards 
IASB                         International Accounting Standards Board 
IFRS                         International Financial Reporting Standards 
Key performance indicators   Significant areas of Group operations that have 
 (KPIs)                       been identified by the Board capable of measurement 
                              and are used to evaluate Group performance 
Net asset value (NAV)        Value of the Group's balance sheet attributable 
                              to the owners of the Company 
Net gearing                  Total debt less cash and cash equivalents divided 
                              by net assets 
Private rented sector (PRS)  A sector of the real estate market where residential 
                              accommodation is privately owned and rented out 
                              as housing, usually by an individual landlord, 
                              but potentially by housing organisations 
Total return                 Movement in the value of net assets, adjusted 
                              for dividends paid, as a proportion of opening 
                              net asset value 
Total shareholder return     Growth in the value of a shareholding, assuming 
 (TSR)                        reinvestment of any dividends into shares, over 
                              a period 
Urban&Civic plc              Parent company of the Group 
 

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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