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HCFT Highcroft Investments Plc

587.50
0.00 (0.00%)
25 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Highcroft Investments Plc LSE:HCFT London Ordinary Share GB0004254875 ORD 25P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 587.50 550.00 625.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Real Estate Investment Trust 5.61M -7.12M -1.3667 -4.30 30.59M

Highcroft Investments PLC Final Results (5703L)

30/04/2020 5:54pm

UK Regulatory


Highcroft Investments (LSE:HCFT)
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From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

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TIDMHCFT

RNS Number : 5703L

Highcroft Investments PLC

30 April 2020

Highcroft Investments PLC

Final results for the year ended 31 December 2019

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

   --      16.4% increase in net property income to GBP5,656,000 (2018 GBP4,859,000) 
   --      11.6% increase in investment property valuation to GBP86,710,000 (2018 GBP77,700,000) 
   --      Property acquisitions of GBP11,898,000, no property disposals 
   --      2.7% decrease in net asset value per share to 1175p (2018 1207p) 
   --      10.1% decrease in adjusted earnings per share to 78.5p (2018 87.3p) 
   --      76.6% decrease in earnings per share to 22.3p (2018 95.3p) 
   --      Total debt increased by GBP6,800,000 to GBP26,200,000; LTV 30% (2018 25%) 
   --      Cash and liquid equity investments GBP1,559,000 (2018 GBP5,881,000) 
   --      12.7% total shareholder return (2018 5.2%) 
   --      20.0% decrease in final dividend to 27.00p per share (2018 33.75p per share) 
   --      8.6% decrease in total dividend to 48.00p per share (2018 52.50p per share) 

Dear Shareholder,

Introduction

I am pleased to say Highcroft has delivered a robust performance in the 2019 financial year. As a result of our proactive asset management strategy, we have reported an increase in net property income of 16.4% and a total shareholder return of 12.7%.

This provided a strong starting point for the current financial year; however the Covid-19 pandemic has now introduced a significant level of uncertainty into the marketplace in which we operate and in turn for all our stakeholders. As a consequence, we are in regular dialogue with our tenants to understand their needs and will continue to monitor on-going developments carefully and take any necessary action, if required.

Property portfolio

Throughout 2019 the property market faced unsettled conditions with different sub sectors affected in different ways. In support of our on-going diversification away from high street retail, we have seen warehouses and logistics continue to perform well as the structural shift to online shopping continues. During the year we made two property acquisitions, one warehouse and one leisure asset. The total gross acquisition cost for both properties was GBP11.9m with income of GBP1.15m giving a strong combined net initial yield of 9.7%.

We continue to actively asset manage our portfolio and at the year-end warehouse/industrial accounted for 42% of portfolio valuation (2018 39%). At the other end of the spectrum one of the more challenging sub sectors has been retail where we have very limited exposure to the high street at just 8% (2018 10%). We also have 27% (2018 33%) of our portfolio in retail warehouses however we have strong tenant covenants, affordable rents and good access for both traditional shoppers or online shoppers using click and collect at these properties.

During the year we increased the total value of property assets on our balance sheet by 11.6% to GBP86.7m while maintaining our conservative view on debt with loan to property valuation (LTV) levels of 30% (2018 25%).

Our net asset value per share fell by 2.7% (32p per share), comprising income of 78.5p per share, an asset revaluation loss of 55.9p per share and dividends paid in the year of 54.75p per share. The revaluation loss was 3.6% on a like-for-like basis which compares favourably with an IPD all property capital value decrease of 3.8%.

Covid-19

The global coronavirus pandemic, that was announced by the World Health Organisation on 11 March 2020, has introduced significant levels of uncertainty into most businesses. There are key uncertainties regarding the extent and duration of lockdown and social distancing measures which have impacted some of our tenants' ability to carry on their normal business and generate sufficient cash to pay their rent. While it is too early to assess the full impact that this will have on our tenants we are aware that, notwithstanding our strong tenant covenants, we will be unable to collect a proportion of our full Q2 rent on the usual payment days, or during the quarter. Whilst we have not agreed to waive any rent due by our tenants, this will influence our short-term cash generation. Consequently, we have challenged all our future assumptions and forecasts and run a sensitivity analysis and stress test. As a result, we are confident, based on the information available to us at the date of this report, that the group remains robust financially and has a viable model to continue to create shareholder value over the long term.

Dividend

The company's interim dividend was increased 12.0% as a result of strong revenue growth and this revenue growth continued into the second half of the year. We have very carefully considered the level of final dividend for the year. Whilst we recorded a robust set of results in 2019, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. We recognise the importance of the dividend to our shareholders but also that it is the group's most significant cash out-flow and that we need to manage our cash resources prudently at this difficult time. We are therefore recommending a final dividend of 27.00p per share which is a 20% decrease on the prior year, giving a total dividend of 48.00p per share, a decrease of 8.6% year-on-year. Whilst we have not met our stated strategy of increasing dividends in excess of inflation every year, I am sure that you will agree that we all find ourselves in exceptional circumstances at this time.

Outlook

After a turbulent macro-economic environment in 2019, we ended the year with increased confidence levels for the UK property market and a higher degree of political certainty than for some time, following the UK general election result on 12 December and with a Brexit withdrawal agreement. Operationally we achieved a robust result in 2019 and entered 2020 with clear strategic direction, a well-balanced income producing portfolio and modest gearing.

During the first quarter of 2020 everything changed significantly as the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic began to unfold, and undoubtedly 2020 is likely to be an extremely challenging year for us all. Highcroft is however well positioned, with a well-diversified, high-quality property portfolio, a low level of gearing and a strong management team which should position us well to survive the current crisis and continue to create long-term shareholder value.

Charles Butler

Chairman

30 April 2020

Enquiries:

Highcroft Investments PLC

Charles Butler / Roberta Miles

01865 840023

 
 
 N+1 Singer 
 Peter Steel / Amanda Gray - Corporate Finance 
 Tom Salvesen - Corporate Broking 
 

020 7496 3000

This announcement contains inside information for the purpose of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the year ended 31 December 2019

 
                                      Note                2019                          2018 
                                             Revenue   Capital     Total   Revenue   Capital      Total 
                                             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
 Gross rental revenue                          5,840         -     5,840     5,043         -      5,043 
 Property operating expenses                   (184)         -     (184)     (184)         -      (184) 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Net rental income                             5,656         -     5,656     4,859         -      4,859 
 
   Net gains on disposal 
   of investment property                          -         -         -       967         -        967 
                                                                                    -------- 
 
 Valuation gains on investment 
  property                                         -       739       739         -     2,600      2,600 
 Valuation losses on investment 
  property                                         -   (3,627)   (3,627)         -   (2,116)    (2,116) 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Net valuation (losses)/gains 
  on investment property                           -   (2,888)   (2,888)         -       484        484 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
 Dividend revenue                                  3         -         3        54         -         54 
 Gains on equity investments                       -        53        53         -        48         48 
 Losses on equity investments                      -         -         -         -     (166)      (166) 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Net investment income                             3        53        56        54     (118)       (64) 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
 Administration expenses                       (826)         -     (826)     (736)         -      (736) 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Net operating profit before 
  net finance income                           4,833   (2,835)     1,998     5,144       366      5,510 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
 Finance income                                    6         -         6         6         -          6 
 Finance expense                               (856)         -     (856)     (705)         -      (705) 
 Net finance expense                           (850)         -     (850)     (699)         -      (699) 
                                                                                    -------- 
 
 Profit before tax                             3,983   (2,835)     1,148     4,445       366      4,811 
 
 Income tax credit/(charge)            1          72      (66)         6        67        48        115 
 
 Profit for the year after 
  tax                                          4,055   (2,901)     1,154     4,512       414      4,926 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Total profit and comprehensive 
  income for the year attributable 
  to the owners of the parent                  4,055   (2,901)     1,154     4,512       414      4,926 
                                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
 
 
 Basic and diluted earnings 
  per share                                                        22.3p                          95.3p 
 

Consolidated statement of financial position

at 31 December 2019

 
 
                                        Note      2019      2018 
                                               GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Investment property                     4      86,710    77,700 
 Equity investments                      5           -       679 
                                              --------  -------- 
 Total non-current assets                       86,710    78,379 
                                              --------  -------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                     1,147       471 
 Cash and cash equivalents                       1,559     5,202 
                                              -------- 
 Total current assets                            2,706     5,673 
 
 Total assets                                   89,416    84,052 
                                              --------  -------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Current liabilities 
 Interest bearing loan                           4,000         - 
 Trade and other payables                        2,495     2,235 
                                              --------  -------- 
 Total current liabilities                       6,495     2,235 
                                              --------  -------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Interest bearing loan                   6      22,200    19,400 
 Deferred tax liabilities                            -        33 
                                              --------  -------- 
 Total non-current liabilities                  22,200    19,433 
                                              --------  -------- 
 
 Total liabilities                              28,695    21,668 
 
 Net assets                                     60,721    62,384 
 
 Equity 
 Issued share capital                            1,292     1,292 
 Share based payment reserve                        12         - 
 Revaluation reserve - property                 12,931    18,770 
                             - other                 -       574 
 Capital redemption reserve                         95        95 
 Realised capital reserve                       28,995    28,378 
 Retained earnings                              17,396    13,275 
                                              --------  -------- 
 Total equity attributable 
  to the owners of the parent                   60,721    62,384 
                                              -------- 
 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

 
 2019                    Issued           Share    Revaluation reserves        Capital   Realised   Retained 
                          share   Based payment        Property     Other   redemption    capital   earnings     Total 
                        capital         reserve                                reserve    reserve 
                        GBP'000         GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 At 1 January 2019        1,292               -          18,770       574           95     28,378     13,275    62,384 
                       --------  --------------  --------------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Transactions with 
  owners: 
  Dividends                   -               -               -         -            -          -    (2,829)   (2,829) 
                       --------  --------------  --------------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Reserve transfers: 
 Non-distributable 
 items 
 recognised in income 
 statement: 
 Revaluation losses           -               -         (2,888)         -            -          -      2,888         - 
 Realised 
  gains/(losses)              -               -               -         -            -         43       (43)         - 
 Movement in deferred 
  tax 
  on realisation of 
  equities                    -               -               -        29            -       (29)          -         - 
 Surplus attributable 
  to 
  assets sold in the 
  year                        -               -               -     (603)            -        603          -         - 
 Reassessment of 
  carrying 
  value of reserves           -               -         (4,168)         -            -          -      4,168         - 
                       --------  --------------  --------------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Excess of cost over 
  revalued 
  amount taken to 
  retained 
  earnings                    -               -           1,217         -            -          -    (1,217)         - 
                       --------  --------------  --------------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
                              -               -         (5,839)     (574)            -        617      5,796         - 
                       --------  --------------  --------------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Share award expensed                        12               -         -            -          -          -        12 
 Total comprehensive 
  income 
  for the year                -               -               -         -            -          -      1,154     1,154 
                       --------  --------------  --------------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 At 31 December 2019      1,292              12          12,931         -           95     28,995     17,396    60,721 
                       ========  ==============  ==============  ========  ===========  =========  =========  ======== 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity continued

 
 2018                                Issued    Revaluation reserves       Capital   Realised   Retained 
                                      share      Property      Other   redemption    capital   earnings     Total 
                                    capital                               reserve    reserve 
                                    GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 At 1 January 2018                    1,292        18,015        538           95     26,611     13,426    59,977 
                                   --------  ------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Transactions with owners: 
  Dividends                               -             -          -            -          -    (2,519)   (2,519) 
                                   --------  ------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Reserve transfers: 
 Non-distributable items 
  recognised in income statement 
  : 
 Revaluation gains/(losses)               -           484      (121)            -          -      (363)         - 
 Tax on revaluation gains                 -             -         48            -          -       (48)         - 
 Realised gains/(losses)                  -             -          -            -        969      (969)         - 
 Movement in deferred tax 
  on realisation of equities              -             -      1,161            -    (1,161)          -         - 
 Surplus attributable to 
  assets sold in the year                 -         (907)    (1,052)            -      1,959          -         - 
 Excess of cost over revalued 
  amount taken to retained 
  earnings                                -         1,178          -            -          -    (1,178)         - 
                                          -           755         36            -      1,767    (2,558)         - 
                                   --------  ------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the year                            -             -          -            -          -      4,926     4,926 
                                   --------  ------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 At 31 December 2018                  1,292        18,770        574           95     28,378     13,275    62,384 
                                   ========  ============  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ======== 
 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

for the year ended 31 December 2019

 
                                                                  2019      2018 
                                                               GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Operating activities 
 Profit before tax on ordinary activities                        1,148     4,811 
 Adjustments for: 
 Net valuation losses/(gains) on investment 
  property                                                       2,888     (484) 
 Net gain on disposal of investment property                         -     (967) 
 Net (gain)/loss on investments                                   (53)       118 
 Share based payment expense                                        12         - 
 Finance income                                                    (6)       (6) 
 Finance expense                                                   856       705 
 Operating cash flow before changes in 
  working capital and provisions                                 4,845     4,177 
 
 (Increase)/decrease in trade and other 
  receivables                                                    (667)        66 
 Increase in trade and other payables                              325        89 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 Cash generated from operations                                  4,503     4,332 
 
 Finance income                                                      6         6 
 Finance expense                                                 (856)     (705) 
 Income taxes paid                                                (93)      (13) 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 Net cashflows from operating activities                         3,560     3,620 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of non-current assets - investment 
  property                                                    (11,898)   (5,226) 
 Sale of non-current assets - investment 
  property                                                           -     6,090 
                                      - equity investments         724     1,333 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 Net cash flows from investing activities                     (11,174)     2,197 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 
 Financing activities 
 Dividends paid                                                (2,829)   (2,519) 
 New bank borrowings                                             6,800         - 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 Net cashflows from financing activities                         3,971   (2,519) 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 
 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                             (3,643)     3,298 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January                          5,202     1,904 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December                        1,559     5,202 
                                                             ---------  -------- 
 

Notes

for the year ended 31 December 2019

1 Income tax credit

 
                          2019      2018 
                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Current tax: 
 On revenue profits         72        67 
 On capital profits       (99)         - 
                          (27)        67 
 Deferred tax               33        48 
                      --------  -------- 
 Income tax credit           6       115 
                      --------  -------- 
 

The tax assessed for the year differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018 19%).

The differences are explained as follows:

 
                                             2019      2018 
                                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Profit before tax                          1,148     4,811 
                                         --------  -------- 
 Profit before tax multiplied by the 
  standard rate of corporation tax 
  in the UK of 19% (2018 19%)                 218       914 
 Effect of: 
 Tax exempt revenues                         (11)        13 
 Profit not taxable as a result of 
  REIT status                               (216)   (1,199) 
 Chargeable gains more than accounting 
  profit                                      103       172 
 Use of management expenses                  (67)        20 
 Change in deferred tax liability            (33)      (48) 
 Adjustment in respect of previous 
  years                                         -        13 
 Income tax credit                            (6)     (115) 
                                         --------  -------- 
 

2 Dividends

In 2019 the following dividends have been paid by the company:

 
                                                   2019         2018 
                                                GBP'000      GBP'000 
 
    2018 Final: 33.75p per ordinary share 
     (2017 30.00p)                                1,744        1,550 
    2019 Interim: 21.00p per ordinary 
     share (2018 18.75p)                          1,085          969 
                                            -----------  ----------- 
                                                  2,829        2,519 
                                            -----------  ----------- 
 

The directors recommend a property income distribution of GBP1,395,000, 27.00p per share (2018 GBP1,744,000, 33.75p per share) payable on 19 June 2020 to shareholders registered at 15 May 2020.

3 Earnings per share

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the total profit for the year of GBP1,154,000 (2018 GBP4,926,000) and on 5,167,240 shares (2018 5,167,240) which is the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year ended 31 December 2019 and throughout the period since 1 January 2018. There are no dilutive instruments.

In order to draw attention to the profit which is not due to the impact of valuation gains and losses, which are included in the statement of comprehensive income but not available for distribution under the company's articles of association, an adjusted earnings per share based on the profit available for distribution of GBP4,055,000 (2018 GBP4,512,000) has been calculated.

 
                                                              2019               2018 
                                                           GBP'000            GBP'000 
    Earnings: 
    Basic profit for the year                                1,154              4,926 
    Adjustments for: 
    Net valuation losses/(gains) on investment 
     property                                                2,888              (484) 
    (Gains)/losses on investments                             (53)                118 
    Income tax on profit                                        66               (48) 
                                                 -----------------  ----------------- 
    Adjusted earnings                                        4,055              4,512 
                                                 -----------------  ----------------- 
    Per share amount: 
    Earnings per share (unadjusted)                          22.3p              95.3p 
    Adjustments for: 
    Net valuation losses/(gains) on investment 
     property                                                55.9p             (9.4p) 
    (Gains)/losses on investments                           (1.0p)               2.3p 
    Income tax on profits                                     1.3p             (0.9p) 
                                                 -----------------  ----------------- 
    Adjusted earnings per share                              78.5p              87.3p 
                                                 -----------------  ----------------- 
 

4 Investment property

 
                                          2019         2018 
                                       GBP'000      GBP'000 
    Total valuation at 1 January        77,700       77,113 
    Additions                           11,898        5,226 
    Disposals                                -      (5,123) 
    Revaluation (losses)/gains         (2,888)          484 
                                   -----------  ----------- 
    Valuation at 31 December            86,710       77,700 
                                   -----------  ----------- 
 

In accordance with IAS 40 the carrying value of investment properties is their fair value as determined by external valuers. This valuation has been conducted by Knight Frank LLP, as external valuers, and has been prepared as at 31 December 2019, in accordance with the Appraisal & Valuation Standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, on the basis of market value. This value has been incorporated into the financial statements at fair value categorised with level 2 inputs.

The independent valuation of all property assets uses market evidence and also includes assumptions regarding income expectations and yields that investors would expect to achieve on those assets over time. Many external economic and market factors, such as interest rate expectations, bond yields, the availability and cost of finance and the relative attraction of property against other asset classes, could lead to a reappraisal of the assumptions used to arrive at current valuations. Significant increases or decreases in estimated rental value and rent growth per annum in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value. Generally a change in the assumption made for the estimated rental value is accompanied by a directionally similar change in rent growth per annum and discount rate and an opposite change in the long-term vacancy rate.

   5   Equity investments 
 
                                         2019      2018 
                                      GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Valuation at 1 January                   679     2,131 
 Disposals                              (670)   (1,331) 
 Loss on revaluation in excess of 
  cost                                      -     (121) 
 Revaluation decrease below cost            -         - 
 Valuation at 31 December                   9       679 
 Unlisted investments transferred         (9)         - 
  to other receivable 
                                     --------  -------- 
 Equity investments at 31 December          -       679 
                                     --------  -------- 
 
   6   Interest bearing loans 
 
                                                   2019      2018 
                                                GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Short-term bank loans due within one year        4,000         - 
 Medium-term bank loans                          22,200    19,400 
                                               --------  -------- 
 The medium-term bank loans comprise amounts 
  falling due as follows: 
 Between one and two years                            -     4,000 
 Between two and five years                       7,500     7,500 
 Over five years                                 14,700     7,900 
                                               --------  -------- 
                                                 22,200    19,400 
                                               --------  -------- 
 
   7   Basis of preparation 

The preliminary announcement has been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards as stated in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. The accounting policies remain unchanged.

   8   Annual General Meeting 

The Annual General Meeting will be held on 10 June 2020.

   9   Publication of non-statutory accounts 

The above does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of the Companies Act 2006. It is an extract from the full accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019 on which the auditor has expressed an unmodified opinion and does not include any statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006. The accounts will be posted to shareholders on or before 6 May 2020 and subsequently filed at Companies House.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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