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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
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Ing Uk | LSE:IRET | London | Ordinary Share | GB00B0LCW208 | ORD NPV |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 | 0.00% | 52.50 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
TIDMIRET
RNS Number : 2854E
ING UK Real Estate Income Trust Ltd
05 April 2011
5 April 2011
ING UK Real Estate Income Trust Limited
("IRET" or the "Company")
IRET REPORTS STRONG OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Further progress achieved on internalisation - Company name to be changed to Picton Property Income Limited
ING UK Real Estate Income Trust Limited, a closed-ended, Guernsey registered investment company providing income biased exposure to the UK commercial property sector, today announces its results for the year ended 31 December 2010.
Financial Highlights
-- Pre tax profit for the year of GBP31.9 million (2009: loss of GBP19.3 million).
-- Increase in Net Asset Value to GBP206.9 million or 60 pence per share (2009: GBP181.1 million, 55 pence per share).
-- Increase in EPRA adjusted NAV to GBP218.2 million or 63 pence per share (2009: GBP192.6 million, 58 pence per share).
-- Income profit for the year, prior to payment of dividends and excluding investment gains, of GBP14.2 million.
-- Dividends totalling GBP13.5 million, or 4 pence per share, paid in the year and dividend remained fully covered during the period.
Operational Highlights
-- Successful and NAV accretive acquisition of Rugby Estates Investment Trust Plc ('Rugby REIT').
-- Non dilutive equity issuance of 14.9 million shares.
-- Issuance and subsequent listing of zero dividend preference shares ("ZDPs") to partially fund the acquisition of Rugby REIT.
-- Debt capital structure has been further diversified to provide operational flexibility ahead of refinancing within the next 18 months.
-- Debt management:
o Continuing disposal programme of non core assets, releasing capital to reduce borrowings further.
o Repurchase of securitised loan notes at a discount to par value and repurchase of ZDPs with cash resources.
-- Decision to internalise investment management function with effect from 31 December 2011.
-- The Company intends to change its name to Picton Property Income Limited, following the Company's Annual General Meeting in May.
Nick Thompson, Chairman of the Company, said:
"Against a backdrop of an improving property market, the Company has made excellent progress, delivering strong growth in Net Asset Value, reflecting the underlying improvement in the property market and the value accretive acquisition of Rugby REIT in the first half of the year.
"Our aim is to ensure that IRET is the vehicle of choice for those investors seeking income biased exposure to the UK commercial property market. At present we are focussed on a number of initiatives which will help to achieve this. The management of the existing portfolio and maintenance of cashflow remains paramount and we have delivered considerable success in this regard, restructuring a number of leases and maintaining income in a fragile occupier market. In addition, we are focussed on achieving an optimal solution to the refinancing of our lending facilities due in 2012/2013 and we are already progressing plans for this.
"Lastly, our decision to internalise the investment management function is expected to deliver a number of potential benefits to the Company including an aligned management team structure, significant cost savings and the potential to attract a wider group of investors.
"Given these significant strategic initiatives we have taken in enhancing the quality of our portfolio, financial position and the management structure, we believe we are in a strong position for the future."
For further information:
ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Limited- 020 7767 5648
Michael Morris
Helen Stott
Financial Dynamics - 020 7831 3113
Dido Laurimore
Laurence Jones
Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited -
David Sauvarin 01481 745 529
GROUP SUMMARY
ING UK Real Estate Income Trust Limited ("the Company") is a closed-ended, Guernsey registered investment company, launched on the London and Channel Islands' Stock Exchanges on the 25 October 2005. With approximately 900 investors, the Company, together with several subsidiaries including a Guernsey unit trust, four Jersey unit trusts and a UK group of companies, which beneficially hold title to the properties, comprise "the Group".
GROUP OBJECTIVE
The Group aims to provide shareholders with an attractive level of income together with the potential for capital growth. It can invest both directly and indirectly in an investment portfolio comprising properties within the UK and Channel Islands. The Group's focus is on five principal commercial property sectors: office, retail, retail warehouse, industrial and leisure. Maximum borrowings are limited to 65% of gross assets. The investment portfolio is currently managed by ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Limited.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
> Pre tax profit for the year of GBP31.9 million (2009: loss of GBP19.3 million).
> Increase in Net Asset Value to GBP206.9 million or 60 pence per share (2009: GBP181.1 million, 55 pence per share).
> Increase in EPRA adjusted NAV to GBP218.2 million or 63 pence per share (2009: GBP192.6 million, 58 pence per share).
> Income profit for the year, prior to payment of dividends and excluding investment gains, of GBP14.2 million.
> Dividends totalling GBP13.5 million, or 4 pence per share, were paid in the year and remained fully covered during the financial year.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
> Successful and NAV accretive acquisition of Rugby Estates Investment Trust Plc ('Rugby REIT').
> Non dilutive equity issuance of 14.9 million shares.
> Issuance and subsequent listing of zero dividend preference shares ("ZDPs") to partially fund the acquisition of Rugby REIT.
> Debt capital structure has been further diversified to provide operational flexibility ahead of refinancing within the next 18 months.
> Debt management:
-- Continuing disposal programme of non core assets, releasing capital to reduce borrowings further.
-- Repurchase of securitised loan notes at a discount to par value and repurchase of ZDPs with cash resources.
> Decision to internalise investment management function with effect from 31 December 2011.
> The Company intends to change its name to Picton Property Income Limited, following the Company's Annual General Meeting in May.
Facts and Figures
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 December 2010 December 2009 --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Net asset value GBP206.9 million GBP181.1 million --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Net asset value per share 60 pence 55 pence --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Dividends paid GBP13.5 million GBP9.9 million --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Net income for the year GBP14.2 million GBP12.0 million --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Pre-tax profit/(loss) (including unrealised gains/(losses)) GBP31.9 million GBP(19.3) million --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Earnings/(loss) per share 9.3 pence (5.9) pence --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ (loss)/gain on interest rate swaps GBP(1.6) million GBP0.6 million --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Gain/(loss) on revaluation of portfolio GBP10.2 million GBP(25.3) million --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Gearing 1 46.6% 43.5% --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Share price 53.5 pence 53.8 pence --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Net asset value total return 17.2% (8.8)% --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Shareholder total return 8.0% 162% --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Total expense ratio 1.3% 1.2% --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ EPRA earnings per share 2 4 pence 4 pence --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ EPRA net asset value per share 3 63 pence 58 pence --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ EPRA net initial yield 4 6.9% 7.1% --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ EPRA topped up initial yield 5 7.2% 7.5% --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ EPRA vacancy rate 6 10% 7% --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ EPRA NNNAV 7 60 pence 55 pence --------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------
1 Calculated as total debt less cash deposits as a proportion of the property asset value.
2 EPRA (European Public Real Estate Association) earnings per share excludes capital gains/(losses) during the period.
3 EPRA NAV ignores mark to market swap liability or gains.
4 EPRA NIY deducts non-recoverable property operating expenses.
5 EPRA 'topped up' NIY deducts non-recoverable property operating expenses and includes annualised cash rents applied at the expiry of rent free periods.
6 EPRA Vacancy Rate calculated as ERV of vacant space over ERV of portfolio.
7 EPRA NNNAV includes mark to market swap liabilities or gains.
Share Price IRET NAV IRET Q4 2005 108.2 104 Q1 2006 120.2 110 Q2 2006 114.7 115.44 Q3 2006 122.5 123 Q4 2006 118 126 Q1 2007 121 129 Q2 2007 106.3 131.44 Q3 2007 101.5 124 Q4 2007 69.5 110.28 Q1 2008 69 102 Q2 2008 47.5 95.14 Q3 2008 46 82.8 Q4 2008 22.5 62.65 Q1 2009 19 52 Q2 2009 29.5 48 Q3 2009 42.5 48 Q4 2009 53.7 53.8 Q1 2010 48 55 Q2 2010 47.5 58 Q3 2010 45.5 58 Q4 2010 53.5 60
Chairman's Statement
2010 was a strong year for the Company which also marked its fifth anniversary since its launch on the London and Channel Islands' Stock Exchanges. It can be observed that against a backdrop of an improving property market, good progress has been made on a number of levels.
Over the year, the Company saw growth in Net Asset Value of 14% from GBP181.1 million to GBP206.9 million, reflecting the underlying improvement in asset values, equity issuance and the value accretive acquisition of Rugby Estates Investment Trust Plc ('Rugby REIT') in the first half of the year. The underlying EPRA adjusted Net Asset Value rose 13% from GBP192.6 million to GBP218.2 million.
The Company successfully issued 14.9 million shares over the course of the year on a non dilutive basis, despite continuing to trade at a discount to Net Asset Value.
The zero dividend preference shares, issued to part finance the Rugby REIT acquisition, achieved a listing on the London Stock Exchange at the end of 2010 and have the IREZ ticker. The accounts for IRET Securities Limited have also been issued as of today's date.
The Company's assets have continued to outperform the IPD benchmark over a three and five year time horizon as at 31 December 2010 and deliver an income return some 20% ahead of the market. The Company's share price total return performance has also outperformed the UK EPRA index since inception.
Our aim is to ensure that the Company is the vehicle of choice for those investors seeking income biased exposure to the UK commercial property market. At present the Company is focused on three key initiatives which will help to achieve this.
Firstly, the management of the existing portfolio and maintenance of cashflow remains paramount. In 2010 the Company has delivered considerable success in this regard, restructuring a number of leases and maintaining income in a fragile occupier market.
Secondly, the Company is focused on achieving an optimal solution to the refinancing of its securitised facility that is due for renewal within the next 18 months. The Company is already progressing plans for this in conjunction with its advisors. The Company has a good track record of debt management having ensured that its securitised loan notes remained AAA rated during one of the most severe downturns on record. Whilst there is an overall desire to deleverage the structure, this is likely to occur as we move through the real estate cycle.
Thirdly, following a review during 2010, and after much consideration, the Board has made a decision to internalise the investment management function with effect from 1 January 2012. The internalisation is expected to deliver a number of potential benefits to the Company, including: an aligned management team structure focused solely on the Company's interests, a significant cost saving over the short to medium term, anticipated to be in the region of GBP400,000 per annum which will further enhance the Company's dividend cover, and the potential to attract a wider group of investors than it currently does as many major institutional investors will only invest in internally managed structures. Moreover, it is anticipated that the internalised structure will achieve one of the most efficient cost bases in the Guernsey registered real estate investment company sector. During 2011 the portfolio will continue to be managed by ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Limited in accordance with the existing contract.
Furthermore, we are pleased to have secured the services of Michael Morris, the current Fund Manager, who will lead the internalisation process and become Chief Executive of the Company's Investment Management subsidiary in due course. This will ensure uninterrupted continuity of his involvement with the Company throughout 2011. He will be joined by Andrew Dewhirst who will become the Finance Director and be responsible for the Company's financial control and reporting. The Investment Management subsidiary will be located in part of 28 Austin Friars, one of the Company's smaller, multi let, City of London assets.
As a result of these changes, the Company intends to change its name to Picton Property Income Limited and create a wholly owned Investment Management subsidiary called Picton Capital Limited. The Company will ask for shareholder approval for the name change at the forthcoming AGM in May. We will continue to regularly update shareholders throughout the course of this year on any important matters as the internalisation progresses.
Finally there remains 'fall out' from the worst recorded property downturn in over 30 years. Whilst there has been a strengthening in asset values, this is in no way uniform across the market and, whilst scarce, there are still opportunities available to exploit well capitalised companies with a proven track record.
The Company remains alive to such opportunities and is continually looking at ways to enhance shareholder returns and improve both underlying Net Asset Value and Market Capitalisation.
The past year has been an extremely active year for the Company and significant strategic decisions have been taken both in enhancing the quality of its portfolio, financial position and the management of its affairs which places it in a strong position for the future.
Nicholas Thompson
4 April 2011
Responsibility Statement
We confirm to the best of our knowledge:
(a) the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole as required by Disclosure and Transparency Rules ('DTR') 4.1.12 R; and
(b) the Investment Manager's Report includes a fair review of development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties they face as required by DTR 4.1.12 R.
By order of the Board
Nicholas Thompson
4 April 2011
Investment Manager's Report
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
The UK economy continued to grow over the first three quarters of 2010 with the third quarter recording a 0.7% increase from the 1.1% in the preceding quarter. Despite expectations to the contrary, GDP fell by 0.5% in the fourth quarter, however GDP increased over 2010 by 1.3%, the first annual positive growth since 2007.
One of the primary concerns for continued recovery into 2011 is the increasing rate of CPI inflation, which stands at 4.4%. This rate has been largely driven by the increasing tax, fuel and commodity prices rather than from consumer spending pressures which has sparked much debate as to the MPC policy regarding interest rates, currently set at 0.5%. Market expectations are for rates to rise in May; however, it is arguable that an increase at this time could stifle economic growth prospects.
Ten year gilts and three and five year swap rates have recently seen a dip having broadly followed an upward trend since August 2010 and although still low by 2006-2007 standards they are currently echoing the tone set at the end of 2009. The cost of debt is therefore increasing in response to expected long term interest rate rises.
Despite the anticipated challenges over 2011, ING Financial Markets suggests a steady improvement in the recovery through 2011 and 2012 predicting, GDP growth of 1.5% and 2.0% respectively.
PROPERTY MARKET OVERVIEW
In 2010, the market recorded capital growth of over 8% according to the IPD Annual Index, continuing the theme that the recovery in asset values since mid 2009 has predominately been capital markets led, with the occupational cycle subdued.
Whilst occupancy rates have been improving since the latter part of 2009, and stand at 90% up from their low of 87%, there is still some way to go before recovering to the long term average of 93%.
Rental value growth is now positive in some sectors, primarily in central London, but negative in the majority of other subsectors. The extent of the rental value declines has now passed its 2009 peak and is generally flat at present, recording -0.5% in the IPD Annual Index over 2010 compared to the -7.9% in the previous year.
Looking at the market in the broadest terms, one can see that there is a recovery in values, but at this stage it is not widespread. The recovery has not been consistent across the market and for certain types of assets, especially those with shorter term income profiles, the recovery in pricing has yet to happen.
Furthermore, the Investment Management Association quarterly property fund flow data shows that retail and institution fund flows have steadily decreased since the final quarter of 2009 and the outlook for 2011 is likely to be more income focussed rather than driven by yield compression.
STRATEGY
The Group's strategy is to become the vehicle of choice for investors seeking an income biased exposure to UK commercial real estate. This is achieved by investing in a diversified portfolio of assets and ensuring diversification of cashflow across over approximately 400 tenants.
The portfolio tends to consist of 'value add' type assets where the combination of lease restructuring, refurbishment or other active management initiatives to maximise underlying cashflow will provide opportunities for enhancement in asset values over the medium term.
Whilst the Group tends to limit the amount of trading of assets, not least by virtue of the significant friction costs of purchasing direct real estate, the Group has continued to dispose of non core assets and repay debt, following completion of asset management initiatives. Further details of these assets are detailed below.
UNDERLYING PERFORMANCE
In share price terms the Company began the year at 53.8 pence per share and maintained that level over the period with the share price closing at 53.5 pence per share on 31 December 2010.
This was despite an increase of 9.1% in the Net Asset Value per share during the period and consecutive increases in value over the four quarters. Net Asset Value rose from 55 pence per share as at 31 December 2009 to 60 pence per share as at 31 December 2010. The EPRA Net Asset Value also benefitted from an 8.6% increase from 58 pence per share to 63 pence per share. This measure ignores changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps.
The increase in property values and high dividend was the key driver of the increase in Net Asset Value. This was supported by the acquisition of the Rugby REIT portfolio, the positive effect of gearing and also active management initiatives undertaken.
The Group continued to out-perform the IPD benchmark over both the three and five year periods by 0.7% and 0.9% respectively as at 31 December 2010. With respect to underlying performance, the twelve months to 31 December 2010 saw a total return of 12.5% compared to the benchmark of 15.1%, largely due to the Group being underweight in the Shopping Centre and Central London Office sectors.
The Group is income focused and has generated income returns of 7.3%, 7.5% and 7.0% over one, three and five years. Relatively, these returns are on average 21% in excess of the benchmark return.
2010 REVIEW
2010 remained very much occupier focused in what has generally been a fragile market. In terms of activity, the Group completed 30 lettings, 15 lease renewals or lease restructurings and 12 rent reviews.
As highlighted in the Half Yearly financial report the most significant event over the period was the acquisition of Rugby Estates Investment Trust Plc ('Rugby REIT'). At a time when the property market was constrained by a limited supply of stock and strong demand, the Company was able to source an attractive portfolio of assets with existing finance in place. The pricing of the acquisition, at a significant discount to Rugby REIT's stated IFRS Net Asset Value, was one of the principal drivers of capital growth during the period. In addition, as this was a corporate acquisition, it enabled the Group to purchase a portfolio of assets in a financially efficient manner.
Capital growth over the preceding 12 months, which was relatively muted, reflects the current market polarisation between longer term income and that of a shorter duration. Over the medium term, we believe there is embedded value within the portfolio, where current external 'market' valuation, remains some 10% lower than the most recent estimate of cost of construction of the assets, before allowing for land costs also.
As at 31 December 2010, the annualised rental income was GBP31.2 million. It is expected that this will rise to GBP31.9 million per annum by the end of 2011 following expiries of rent free periods and fixed rental uplifts. The reversionary rental income for the portfolio is GBP34.9 million per annum, which will be primarily achieved through the letting of vacant accommodation. The net initial yield of the property portfolio is 6.9%.
The most significant transactions undertaken during the year are detailed below.
OFFICES
The Group's exposure to the office sector represents 34.2% of the portfolio by value.
As at 31 December the Group held 22 office assets, with a value of GBP145.7 million, reflecting a capital value of approximately GBP159 per sq ft. The office portfolio is leased to 175 tenants and had an occupancy rate of 84% at 31 December 2010.
The most significant transaction over the period was at 50 Farringdon Road, London EC1, where we undertook a lease surrender in April, for a premium in excess of GBP4 million, ahead of a tenant break option in September 2010. A significant refurbishment programme has been undertaken and the property has just started to be marketed with positive occupier interest.
At Austin Friars, London EC2, acquired as part of the Rugby REIT transaction, we have let two floors in two separate transactions at rental levels some 30% ahead of our original estimates at the time of purchase. This reflects not only an underlying improvement in this core central London market but also a refurbishment of the accommodation.
At our business park in Colchester, four new lettings were achieved in some of the smaller suites adding GBP90,000 per annum of income. In a separate transaction we negotiated out a break clause, due in 2012, by offering a short term rent free period thereby securing income maturity to 2017 and also enhancing asset value. The rental income was GBP202,000 per annum.
In the final quarter, in Milton Keynes, following a tenant exercising a break option on a suite of offices, we simultaneously agreed a back to back letting for 50% of the space, with the remainder currently being marketed. This letting has set a new headline rental level for the building.
INDUSTRIAL
The Group's exposure to the industrial sector is 34.2%. This comprises five distribution warehouses and 20 multi-let industrial estates. The industrial portfolio is leased to 130 tenants and had an occupancy rate of 92%.
As at 31 December the Group held 25 industrial assets with a value of GBP145.4 million reflecting a capital value of GBP65 per sq ft.
In Harlow, we have moved an existing tenant into larger premises and refurbished the two small units they vacated. Following the year end we have let one of the smaller units and have good interest in the remainder. These transactions add GBP110,000 per annum and GBP56,000 per annum respectively to the rental income.
At another unit, following a tenant going into liquidation in 2009, we negotiated a financial settlement with guarantors for over GBP540,000. These monies have been in part used to refurbish the unit, which is shortly to finish, ahead of formal marketing.
In Colchester we negotiated the removal of a break clause due in 2012, by offering a short term rent free period thereby securing income maturity to 2022 and enhancing asset value. The rental income here was GBP148,000 per annum.
In respect of the Rugby assets acquired, we regeared one of the leases at Datapoint Business Centre, London E16 in line with estimated rental value at the time of purchase, securing GBP59,750 per annum and undertook five lease renewals and lettings in Epsom, thereby securing a further GBP97,550 per annum of income.
RETAIL
The Group's retail exposure totals 27.1% which is split between high street retail and retail warehousing representing 19.9% and 7.2% of the total portfolio respectively.
As at 31 December, the Group held 20 retail assets with a value of GBP115.1 million. The retail portfolio is leased to 81 tenants and had an occupancy rate of 97%.
At our retail warehouse park in Swansea, full occupancy was achieved following the Administration and CVA of Roseby and JJB respectively, last year. Two lettings to value retailers, Home Bargains and Poundland, have added GBP160,000 per annum to the net rental income position.
In Stockport we agreed a letting to The Entertainer securing GBP80,000 per annum on a ten year lease. In Kings Heath, Birmingham, by sub dividing a unit vacated in 2009, we secured two lettings at rents rising to in excess of GBP120,000 per annum, a figure ahead of the previous passing rent.
In Guildford, a simultaneous surrender and re-letting of a retail unit, enabled the Group to set one of the highest rental levels in the town, with a letting to Toast, the fashion and homeware brand, proving that 'life' does exist on the High Street.
LEISURE
As at 31 December the Group held three leisure assets, with a value of GBP19.3 million. The leisure portfolio is leased to ten tenants and had an occupancy rate of 96%.
The most significant transaction over the period was the settlement of a rent review on the Crown and Mitre hotel in Carlisle, which achieved a 30% uplift, or GBP26,000 per annum increase. The settlement that was finally reached after the year end relates to a 2008 review. Following this, the Group's exposure to the leisure sector represents 4.5% of the portfolio by value.
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
The Company is continuing its strategy of selling smaller non core assets, whilst at the same time looking to recycle capital into more attractive propositions.
The acquisition activity of 2010 focused around the takeover of Rugby REIT and the 33 assets owned within the structure.
In terms of disposal activity, the Group made seven disposals, for a total consideration of GBP11.9 million and a further four disposals have completed or exchanged contracts following the year end for a combined consideration of GBP2.1 million. The combined proceeds of the disposals achieved in 2010 was some 14.5% ahead of their preceding valuation.
Of the disposals last year, three were sold vacant and two were sold to special purchasers.
DEBT
Debt remains a key issue for the commercial real estate market as a whole and it is no exception for this Company.
In 2010, the Group diversified its sources of debt funding through the introduction of zero dividend preference shares, in addition to the loan notes and a secured lending facility already within the structure.
Ensuring an optimal solution to the Group's refinancing which is due within the next 18 months is a key objective. Over the course of 2010 the Group continued its reduction of securitised lending through the purchase and cancellation of loan notes in the secondary market. The pricing of these acquisitions at below par value ensured that the transactions were both accretive to dividend cover and Net Asset Value.
Furthermore, in December, and as part of the listing of the Group's zero dividend preference shares, the Group repurchased GBP4 million of ZDPs thereby reducing the liability to GBP27.6 million as at 31 December 2010.
During the summer the Group restructured its loan facility with the Royal Bank of Scotland, which resulted in a reduction in the overall cost of finance and a reduction in the loan maturity profile to coincide with any wider refinancing.
Full details of the Group's borrowings are included within Note 17, to the consolidated financial statements.
In respect of the two principal facilities the Group had the following debt covenants at the year end:
Loan to Value Interest Cover ----------------- ----------- --------------------------- ---------------------- Actual Covenant Actual Covenant ----------------- ----------- --------- ---------------- --------- ----------- 60% (until Jan 2012 thereafter 55% to July 2012 falling to Securitised GBP171.6 50% 2.59 loan notes million 45.5% thereafter) times 1.75 times ------------- --------------- --------- ---------------- --------- ----------- Royal Bank of Scotland GBP20.4 3.49 facility million 39.2% 50% times 2.0 times ------------- --------------- --------- ---------------- --------- -----------
OCCUPANCY
Occupancy within the portfolio remains in line with the wider market, standing at 90%. The most significant impact on the occupancy rate during the year was the surrender of the lease at Farringdon, which is detailed above. It is expected that this will rise to 93% once a tenant is secured for the property.
As at 31 December the estimated rental value of the vacant accommodation within the portfolio is GBP3.4 million and this is expected to be the principal driver of income growth over the short term, whilst rental value growth remains muted.
Outlook
Whilst 2010 was a year of positive capital growth, there are currently limited signs of capital appreciation across the UK market in the short term.
Having witnessed significant falls in property values between 2007 and 2009 and then a rebound since the middle of 2009, we now appear to be entering a period of relative stability in values, albeit set against a backdrop of uncertain economic growth.
Occupancy rates now appear to be on an upward trend and, similar to rental growth, remain specific to certain sub sectors which is very much driven at a macro level.
The income component of returns looks set to become more dominant, returning to more historic fundamentals, where as an asset class income has provided close to 70% of the total return.
Adopting an 'income' focused strategy, as we have since launch, puts us in a positive position looking forward.
Michael Morris
ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Limited
4 April 2011
Portfolio Analysis
Geographical
As at 31 December 2010 the regional weightings of the Property Portfolio, as a percentage of current portfolio value, are summarised as follows:
IPD Quarterly Index (Dec GBP000 % of Portfolio 10) ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Central London GBP71,940 16.9% 22.1% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- South East and Greater London GBP109,275 25.7% 29.7% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Eastern GBP36,895 8.7% 7.2% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- South West GBP19,966 4.7% 6.4% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Midlands GBP72,767 17.1% 11.0% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- North GBP78,035 18.3% 14.8% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Scotland GBP10,550 2.5% 6.2% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Wales GBP23,470 5.5% 2.2% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Northern Ireland GBP2,510 0.6% 0.4% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Total GBP425,408 100% 100% ------------------------ ------------ --------------- --------------
(Source: ING REIM & IPD as at 31 December 2010)
Sector
As at 31 December 2010 the sector weightings of the Property Portfolio, as a percentage of current portfolio value, are summarised as follows:
IPD Quarterly Index (Dec GBP000 % of Portfolio 10) ------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Offices GBP145,690 34.2% 30.0% ------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Industrial GBP145,360 34.2% 15.6% ------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Retail GBP84,258 19.9% 29.8% ------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Retail Warehouse GBP30,800 7.2% 19.8% ------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Leisure GBP19,300 4.5% 4.8% ------------------ ------------ --------------- -------------- Total GBP425,408 100% 100%
(Source: ING REIM & IPD as at 31 December 2010)
Covenant Strength
The covenant strength, based as a percentage of current passing rent by risk rating, as at 31 December 2010 is summarised as follows:
Portfolio Benchmark % % --------------------------- ---------- ---------- Negligible and Government risk 51.0 47.9 --------------------------- ---------- ---------- Low risk 26.8 22.9 --------------------------- ---------- ---------- Low-medium risk 3.9 7.6 --------------------------- ---------- ---------- Medium-high risk 1.9 2.9 --------------------------- ---------- ---------- High risk 4.7 5.2 --------------------------- ---------- ---------- Maximum 8.3 7.9 --------------------------- ---------- ---------- Ineligible/not matched 3.4 5.6 --------------------------- ---------- ---------- Total 100% 100% --------------------------- ---------- ----------
(Source: IPD IRIS Report Dec 2010)
Covenant strength data is produced by Investment Property Databank (IPD).
The Group held a total of GBP1.8 million of rental deposits at 31 December 2010.
Longevity of Income
As at 31 December 2010, based as a percentage of current net annual rent, the length of the leases to the first termination is summarised as follows:
Years GBP000 % ------------ ---------- ------ Up to 5 GBP14,582 46.8% ------------ ---------- ------ 5 to 10 GBP10,443 33.5% ------------ ---------- ------ 10 to 15 GBP2,958 9.5% ------------ ---------- ------ 15 to 25 GBP2,275 7.3% ------------ ---------- ------ 25 and over GBP909 2.9% ------------ ---------- ------ Total GBP31,167 100% ------------ ---------- ------
(Source: ING REIM as at 31 December 2010)
Top Ten Tenants
The top ten tenants, based as a percentage of current passing rent, as at 31 December 2010 is summarised as follows:
% of Passing Tenant Rent -------------------------------- ------------- TNT UK Ltd 9.1% -------------------------------- ------------- Cadence Design Systems Limited 3.1% -------------------------------- ------------- Tanfield Group Plc 2.7% -------------------------------- ------------- Menzies Hotels Property No.20 Ltd 2.7% -------------------------------- ------------- Exel UK Ltd 2.7% -------------------------------- ------------- BT Telecommunications Plc 2.5% -------------------------------- ------------- Edward Stanford Ltd 2.1% -------------------------------- ------------- Asda Stores Ltd 1.9% -------------------------------- ------------- Amcor Packaging UK Limited 1.7% -------------------------------- ------------- RHM Group Ltd 1.5% -------------------------------- ------------- Total 30.0% -------------------------------- -------------
(Source: ING REIM as at 31 December 2010)
Valuation Schedule as at 31 December 2010
Properties valued in excess of GBP20 million Sector Unit 5320, Magna Park, Lutterworth, Leics. Industrial Units A-G2, River Way Industrial Estate, Harlow, Industrial Essex Properties valued between GBP15 million to GBP20 million Stanford House, 12-14 Long Acre, London WC2 Retail Phase II, Parc Tawe, Link Road, Swansea Retail Warehouse Properties valued between GBP10 million to GBP15 million Colchester Business Park, The Crescent, Colchester, Office Essex Angouleme Way Retail Park, Bury, Greater Manchester Retail Warehouse 1-3 Chancery Lane, London WC2 Office Boundary House, Jewry Street, London EC3 Office 56 Castle Street, 2/12 English Street and 12-21 Retail St Cuthberts Lane, Carlisle, Cumbria 50 Farringdon Road, London EC1 Office 401 Grafton Gate East, Milton Keynes, Bucks. Office Vigo 250, Birtley Road, Washington, Tyne and Industrial Wear Properties valued between GBP5 million to GBP10 million City Link House & Tolley House, Addiscombe Road, Office Croydon L'Avenir, Opladen Way, Westwick, Bracknell, Berks. Office Unit 3220, Magna Park, Lutterworth, Leics. Industrial Angel Gate Office Village, City Road, London, Office EC1 Strathmore Hotel, Arndale Centre, Luton, Beds. Leisure 17/19 Fishergate, Preston Retail 53/55/57 Broadmead, Bristol Retail Regency Wharf, Broad Street, Birmingham Leisure The Business Centre, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, Industrial Berks. Units 1-13 Dencora Way, Sundon Park, Luton, Beds. Industrial Westlea Campus, Chelmsford Road, Swindon, Wilts. Office Scots Corner, High Street/Institute Road, Birmingham Retail Northampton Business Park, 800 Pavillion Drive, Office Northampton Datapoint Business Centre, Cody Road, London, Industrial E16 Queens House, 17/29 St Vincent Place, Glasgow Office Lawson Mardon Buildings, Kettlestring Lane, York Industrial Nonsuch Industrial Estate, 1-25 Kiln Lane, Epsom, Industrial Surrey 78-80 Briggate, Leeds Retail Waterside Park, Longshot Lane, Bracknell, Berks. Office Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Fleet, Office Hants. Haynes Way, Swift Valley Industrial Estate, Rugby, Industrial Warwickshire Longcross Court, Newport Road, Cardiff Office Easter Court, Gemini Park, Warrington Industrial
Valuation Schedule as at 31 December 2010 (continued)
Properties valued under GBP5 million Zenith, Downmill Road, Bracknell, Berks. Industrial Trident House, 42/48 Victoria Street, St Albans, Office Herts. Waterside House, Kirkstall Road, Leeds Office Units 1-3, 18/28 Victoria Lane, Huddersfield, Retail West Yorks. 72/78 Murraygate, Dundee Retail 6/12 Parliament Row, Hanley, Worcs. Retail Atlas, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Bucks. Office 123 High Street, Guildford, Surrey Retail Merchants House, Crook Street, Chester Office Heron Industrial Estate, Spencers Wood, Reading Industrial 28 Austin Friars, London EC2 Office 7 & 9 Warren Street, Stockport Retail 2/2a George Street, Richmond Retail Middleton Trade Park, Oldham Road, Manchester Industrial Abbey Business Park, Mill Road, Newtownabbey, Industrial Belfast Magnet Trade Centre, Winnersh, Reading Industrial 2 Bath Street, Bath Retail 8-9 College Place, Southampton Office Accrington Trade Park, Acccrington, Lancs. Industrial Thistle Hotel, Unit 1 & Le Pavilion, Brighton Leisure Highgrove Industrial Estate, Quatremaine Road, Industrial Portsmouth Spur Road,1, 2, & 3 Quarry Lane, Chichester Industrial 113 High Street, Sutton Retail Nuffield Industrial Centre, Nuffield Road, Poole Industrial 119-121 High Street, Epsom, Surrey Retail Manchester Road/Drury Lane, Oldham, Lancs. Industrial Churchfields Industrial Estate, St. Leonards-on-Sea, Industrial Sussex Marshall Building,122-124 Donegall Street, Belfast Office BT Unit, Eagle Trading Estate, Blackpool Industrial 6 Argyle Street, Bath Retail Cloisters, Orchard Street, Dartford Office 3 Lower Borough Walls, Bath Retail Repton Court, 12 Burnt Mills Industrial Estate, Industrial Basildon, Essex Winston Business Centre, Lancing, Sussex Industrial 10 Margaret Street, Canterbury, Kent Retail
Corporate Governance Report
The Combined Code
The Board notes the consultation on the proposed Guernsey Code of Corporate Governance. Following the changes in the UK listing regime that became effective in April 2010, it is now mandatory for Companies with a premium listing to follow the principles and comply with the provisions of the revised Combined Code on Corporate Governance ("the Code") which was issued in 2008 by the Financial Reporting Council. The Board also notes that for accounting periods beginning on or after 29 June 2010 the Board will be required to report against the principles and recommendations of The UK Corporate Governance Code issued by the Financial Reporting Council in June 2010. It is the intention of the Board that the Company will comply with those provisions throughout the year to 31 December 2011.
The Directors believe that the Group has complied with the provisions of the Code where appropriate, and that it has complied throughout the year with the provisions where the requirements are of a continuing nature, except that a separate Nominations Committee has not been established. These duties are performed by the Board for practical reasons. Board members are nominated by a quorum of the Board, being a minimum of two Directors. The number of Directors shall be not less than two nor more than ten. At no time shall a majority of Directors be resident in the United Kingdom. In addition a Senior Independent Director has not been appointed given that the majority of the Directors are considered to be independent.
The Board
The Board meets regularly, normally quarterly, and more frequently if necessary, and retains full responsibility for the direction and control of the Company. Details of the Board including biographies can be found at the end of the Directors' Report. Roger Lewis was appointed to the Board on 31 March 2010.
The Company is led and controlled by a Board comprising of non-executive Directors, all of whom have wide experience and four of whom were considered to be independent during the year. Tjeerd Borstlap is not considered to be independent due to being an employee of ING Real Estate Investment Management. Notwithstanding Trevor Ash's directorship of ING Global Real Estate Securities Limited, the Board considers him to be independent in character and judgement and does not believe that there are any relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, his judgement.
The Board believes that it is in the shareholders' best interests for the Chairman to be the point of contact for all matters relating to the governance of the Company and as such has not appointed a senior independent non-executive Director for the purposes of the Code. The appointment of Directors is considered by the Board as a whole. The Articles of Association stipulate that all new Directors shall retire at their first Annual General Meeting and offer themselves for re-appointment. One third, or the number nearest to but not exceeding one third, of the Directors shall retire and offer themselves for re-appointment at each subsequent Annual General Meeting.
The performance of the Board is evaluated on an annual basis. An independent evaluation of the Board was carried out by Trust Associates in August 2010 which confirmed that the performance of all Directors continues to be effective and that they have demonstrated commitment to their roles. The report commented '...that this is a very strong-minded and independent Board, fully aware of and focused on the interest of shareholders, with an excellent culture of co-operation and mutual support.'
The Board is responsible for establishing, maintaining and monitoring the effectiveness of the Group's system of internal, financial and other controls. The internal financial controls operated by the Board include the authorisation of the investment strategy and regular reviews of the financial results and investment performance. The system of internal financial controls can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The Board has contractually delegated to ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Limited the investment management of the Group's properties and Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited is contracted to provide the Company's administration, registrar and secretarial functions. The Board reviews regularly the performance of the services provided by these companies. During the year the contract with the Investment Manager was amended to include a quarterly fee payable on the zero dividend preference shares that were issued in part consideration for the Rugby REIT acquisition. This is detailed further in note 6 to the Financial Statements.
During 2010 the Board undertook a very thorough evaluation of all the options available to the Company in the management of its affairs. As a result the Board decided that the investment management function should be undertaken by adopting an internalised structure and consequently that ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Limited's contract should be terminated. Notice to this effect was served with effect from 31 December 2010 and the contract will terminate in December 2011. In the meantime all the terms and conditions will be in force to ensure the continued effective management of the portfolio.
The Company maintains Directors' and Officers' liability insurance which provides insurance cover for the Directors against certain personal liabilities which they may incur by reason of their duties as Directors.
The Company has a procedure whereby the Board is entitled to obtain independent advice where relevant.
All Directors of the Company are non-executive and Directors' fees are recommended by the Board. The basic emoluments of the Directors for the year were as follows:
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 December December 2010 2009 GBP GBP Nicholas Thompson 40,000 40,000 Robert Sinclair 28,500 28,000 Trevor Ash 23,500 23,000 John Gibbon - 5,750 Tjeerd Borstlap - - Roger Lewis 17,750 -
The annual emoluments for each Director were independently reviewed in July 2010 by New Bridge Street Consultants, their recommendations were reviewed by the Remuneration Committee and it was resolved to increase the annual emoluments of each of the Directors (except for the Chairman) in line with market rates with effect from 1 October 2010.
GBP Chairman (expected annual time commitment 30 days) 40,000 Chairman of the Audit Committee (22 days) 30,000 Director (20 days) 25,000
Time commitment in addition to these days is to be recompensed at GBP1,200 per day.
The Directors have no service contracts or interests in any material contracts with the Group.
Attendance at Board Meetings
Attendance (25 meetings) Nicholas Thompson 21 Robert Sinclair 25 Trevor Ash 18 Roger Lewis 21 Tjeerd Borstlap 14
Audit Committee
The Board has an Audit Committee in place (Chairman: Robert Sinclair) which meets when necessary, but at least twice a year, with the auditors of the Group with a view to providing further assurance of the quality and reliability of, inter-alia, the financial information used by the Board in these Financial Statements.
The members of the Committee are all the Directors of the Company other than Tjeerd Borstlap.
Attendance at Audit Committee Meetings
Attendance (2 meetings) Nicholas Thompson 2 Robert Sinclair 2 Trevor Ash 1 Roger Lewis 2
Remuneration Committee
A Remuneration Committee was established (Chairman: Tjeerd Borstlap) to consider Directors' remuneration.
The members of the Committee are all the Directors of the Company.
The Committee met at the year end to consider whether the Directors should receive compensation for the additional work performed by them during 2010 as a result of the acquisition of Rugby REIT, listing of the zero dividend preference shares and internalisation of the investment management function. The Committee agreed that the following amounts would be paid, evidenced by time records held with the Company's Administrator:
GBP
Nicholas Thompson 30,000
Robert Sinclair 5,000
Roger Lewis 5,000
The Committee noted that the total remuneration in respect of 2010 remained within the limit of GBP200,000 set by the Company's Articles. The figures below represent total emoluments earned as Directors during the financial year.
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 December December 2010 2009 GBP GBP Nicholas Thompson 70,000 55,000 Robert Sinclair 33,500 36,000 Trevor Ash 23,500 28,000 Roger Lewis 22,750 - Tjeerd Borstlap - - John Gibbon - 5,750
Management Engagement Committee
In addition, the Board has a Management Engagement Committee in place (Chairman: Trevor Ash) to monitor the Investment Manager's compliance with the Investment Management Agreement.
The members of the Committee are all the Directors of the Company other than Tjeerd Borstlap.
Property Valuation Committee
A Property Valuation Committee (Chairman: Roger Lewis) exists to oversee the valuation process.
The members of the Committee are all the Directors of the Company.
Trevor Ash currently sits on the Audit, Management Engagement and Property Valuation Committees of the Board. The Board considers Trevor Ash to be independent for the purposes of continuing to be a member of these Committees.
Relations with Shareholders
In conjunction with the Board, the Administrator keeps under review the register of members of the Company. All shareholders are encouraged to participate in the Company's Annual General Meeting. All Directors normally attend the Annual General Meeting, at which shareholders have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss matters with the Directors and the Investment Manager. Investors are able to direct any questions for the Board via the Secretary.
The Chairman regularly attends analyst meetings and roadshows to meet investors. The outcome of these meetings is communicated to the rest of the Board at Board meetings.
It is recognised that the Code requires notice of Annual General Meetings to be dispatched at least 20 working days before the meeting.
Accountability and Audit
Directors' responsibilities in relation to the Financial Statements
The Directors have responsibility for ensuring that the Group keeps accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and which enables them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
Statement of going concern
After due consideration, the Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Financial Statements.
Internal control
The Directors acknowledge that they are responsible for establishing and maintaining the Group's system of internal controls and reviewing its effectiveness. Internal control systems are designed to manage rather than eliminate the failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. They have therefore established an ongoing process designed to meet the particular needs of the Group in managing the risks to which it is exposed consistent with the guidance provided by the Turnbull Committee. Such review procedures have been in place throughout the full financial year and up to the date of the approval of the Financial Statements and the Board is satisfied with their effectiveness.
This process involves a review by the Board of the control environment within the Group's service providers to ensure that the Group's requirements are met.
The Group, in common with other similar groups, does not have an internal audit function. The Board has considered the need for an internal audit function but has decided to place reliance on the Administrator's and Investment Manager's systems and internal audit procedures.
These systems are designed to ensure effectiveness and efficient operations, internal control and compliance with laws and regulations. In establishing the systems of internal control regard is paid to the materiality of relevant risks, the likelihood of costs being incurred and costs of control. It follows therefore that the systems of internal control can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against the risk of material misstatement or loss.
The effectiveness of the internal control systems is reviewed annually by the Board and the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has a discussion annually with the auditor to ensure that there are no issues of concern in relation to the audit opinion on the Financial Statements and, if necessary, representatives of the Investment Manager would be excluded from that discussion.
Risk Management
There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties which could have a material impact on the Group's long-term performance and could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historic results. The main risks and how they are mitigated are summarised below.
Issue Risk Mitigation Market risk The Group operates The Investment Manager undertakes in the property sector significant research to ensure which is known to that the strategy of the Group be cyclical. can be appropriately amended to take account of changes in the prevailing market. Geographical Property market returns By maintaining a diversified risk can vary significantly portfolio the Investment Manager between geographical can minimise exposure to one areas. particular geographical area. Investment Identifying good The Investment Manager has a risk investments ahead dedicated and experienced team of competitors. which assists in identifying, negotiating and completing acquisitions and sales according to strict returns criteria. Letting The risk of being The Investment Manager maintains risk unable to let the close contact with leasing agents majority of lettable and utilises its research team to space. ensure exposure to less favourable markets is minimised. Valuation The property portfolio By maintaining a diversified risk is susceptible to portfolio the Investment Manager fluctuations in property may spread the risk of a large valuations. downturn in a specific class of asset Expertise The risk of being The Investment Manager has a risk unable to attract policy of ensuring that appropriate individuals remuneration is linked to the to manage the portfolio. market. The Investment Manager's agreement is regularly reviewed by the Board. Liquidity The risk that insufficient Cash flows are continuously risk funds are available monitored and detailed forecasts for operating costs, prepared to ensure sufficient maintenance of debt resources exist. Covenant and asset management requirements are also continually initiatives. monitored and reported regularly to the Board. Interest The risk of fluctuation Interest payable on substantially rate risk of interest rates all debt is fixed by way of on loans. interest rate swaps to minimise exposure. Credit risk The risk of default The Investment Manager has a by tenants. policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties. Counterparty limits are regularly reviewed. Trade debtors consist of a large number of tenants spread across diverse industries and geographical areas. Cash flow The risk of a shortfall The Investment Manager monitors risk in funds to operate cash flows and assesses all the Group. capital and operational expenditure. The Board is regularly updated on major cash flows.
Investment Restrictions
The Company's investment restrictions are as follows:
-- The Company must manage its investments in a manner which is consistent with its published investment policy;
-- Distributable income will be principally derived from investments. Neither the Company nor any member of the Group will undertake a trading activity which is significant in the context of the Group as a whole;
-- Not more than 20% of the Gross Assets of the Company (consolidated where appropriate) will be lent to or invested in the securities of any one company or group (excluding loans to or shares in the Company's own subsidiaries) at the time when the investment or loan is made; for this purpose any existing holding in the company concerned will be aggregated with the proposed new investment;
-- Dividends will not be paid unless they are covered by income received from underlying investments and for this purpose, a share of profit of an associated company is unavailable unless and until distributed to the Company;
-- The distribution as dividend of surpluses arising from the realisation of investments will be prohibited;
-- The Company will not be a dealer in investments;
-- No single property (including all adjacent or contiguous properties) shall constitute more than 15% of the Gross Assets of the Group;
-- Income receivable from any single tenant, or tenants within the same group, in any one financial year, should not exceed 20% of the total rental income of the Group in that financial year;
-- At least 90% by value of properties held by the Group shall be in the form of freehold or long leasehold properties or the equivalent;
-- The proportion of the Group's property portfolio which is unoccupied or not producing income or which is in the course of substantial development, redevelopment or refurbishment shall not exceed 25% of the value of the portfolio;
-- The Company shall not retain more than 15% of its net profits, before gains and losses on the disposal of properties and other investments;
-- The Group shall not invest more than 10% of its Gross Assets in residential property. For this purpose, the Board views student and key worker accommodation as commercial property where there is a single overriding lease to a single covenant or a guarantee for a period in excess of one year;
-- The Group shall not invest more than 20% of its Gross Assets in other property investment funds, save for funds wholly owned within the Group; this restriction shall not apply to special purposes vehicles and joint ventures;
-- The Group shall not invest more than 15% of its Gross Assets in other ING Group managed funds;
-- The Company shall not invest more than 10% of its Gross Assets in real estate derivative instruments, real estate debt or the debt securities of other real estate issuers (excluding debt securities issued by the Company's own subsidiaries);
-- Any purchase or sale of assets from or to any member of the ING Group or any entity managed by any member of the ING Group with consideration in excess of GBP50,000 will require prior Board approval; and
-- The Group's borrowings shall be restricted so that the aggregate principal borrowings outstanding at the time of the drawdown shall not at any time exceed 65% of its Gross Assets.
Corporate Responsibility
The Board is responsible for setting the values and standards of the Group, including leadership on environmental and social issues.
Since the Group has no employees other than the Directors, the Board has ensured that the Investment Manager adheres to the corporate responsibility policies of ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Limited.
Directors' Report
The Directors of ING UK Real Estate Income Trust Limited present their Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010.
The Company is a closed ended investment company and is registered under the provisions of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
Principal Activity
The principal activity of the Company is property investment with the objective of providing shareholders with an attractive level of income together with the potential for capital growth, by investing in a diversified UK commercial property portfolio.
With effect from 29 October 2008, the Company became regulated under the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987 (as amended). Under this regulation, the Company was deemed to be authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission on or before 15 April 2009.
Results and Dividends
The results for the year are set out in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Details of dividends paid and proposed are set out in note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Listings
The Company is listed on the London and Channel Islands' Stock Exchanges.
Share Capital
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2010 was 345,336,118 (31 December 2009: 330,401,300) ordinary shares of No Par Value.
The Directors have authority to buy back up to 14.99% of the Company's ordinary shares in issue subject to the annual renewal of this authority from shareholders. Any buy back of ordinary shares is and will be made subject to Guernsey law, and the making and timing of any buy backs are at the absolute discretion of the Board.
Substantial Shareholdings
The Company has received notification that the following shareholders had a beneficial interest of 3% or more of the Company's issued share capital as at 8 March 2011.
% of issued share capital Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management Ltd 7.05% Lloyds Banking Group plc 5.97% Iceberg Alternative Real Estate Master Fund Ltd 5.23% Rathbone Brothers plc 5.02% Schroders plc 5.00% Legal & General Group plc 3.91%
Directors and Directors' Interests
The current Directors of the Company are set out in the Company Information on page 25.
The Directors' interests in the shares of the Company as at 31 December 2010 are set out below:
% of issued Ordinary Shares share capital Nicholas Thompson 11,993 0.003% Robert Sinclair 15,000 0.004% Roger Lewis 100,000 0.029%
In addition, Mrs Elizabeth Thompson, wife of Nicholas Thompson, owns 21,666 shares, or 0.006% of the issued share capital of the Group.
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year. Under that law they have elected to prepare the Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and applicable law.
The Financial Statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing these Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:
n select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
n make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
n state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and
n prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditors
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors' Report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware; and each Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
The Directors reappointed KPMG Channel Islands Limited ("the Auditor") as auditor of the Company for the year on 19 August 2010.
By Order of the Board
Robert Sinclair Trevor Ash
4 April 2011
Company Information
Directors
Nicholas Thompson (Chairman) - Age 62, was formerly Director and Head of Fund and Investment Management at Prudential Property Investment Management. He is currently Chairman of IPD's Performance Analysis Service Consultative Group and their Index Consultative Group, Chairman of the Property Forum of the Association of Investment Companies, a Director of the Lend Lease Retail Partnership, a Board member of West Northants Development Corporation and a Governor of the Cambridge International Land Institute. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Trevor Ash (Chairman of the Management Engagement Committee) - Age 64, was formerly Managing Director of Rothschild Asset Management (CI) Limited (until 1999) and a non-executive Director of Rothschild Asset Management Limited. He retired as a Director of NM Rothschild & Sons (CI) Limited in 2007. He is a Director of a number of funds managed by Merrill Lynch, Thames River Capital, Dexion Capital Management and ING. He is a Fellow of the Securities & Investment Institute.
Robert Sinclair (Chairman of the Audit Committee)- Age 61, is Managing Director of the Guernsey based Artemis Group and a Director of a number of investment fund management companies and investment funds associated with clients of that Group. Robert is Chairman of Schroder Oriental Income Fund Limited and also a Director of Gottex Market Neutral Trust Limited, both companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Tjeerd Borstlap (Chairman of the Remuneration Committee) - Age 56, is Chief Financial Officer of ING Real Estate Investment Management located in The Hague, The Netherlands. In this capacity he is responsible for Finance, Treasury and Risk. Prior to joining ING Real Estate Investment Management in 2003, Tjeerd held various senior financial management positions within the ING Group. He graduated in Business Economics at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam and subsequently qualified as a Registered Auditor through the auditing profession with Peat Marwick & Mitchell, now KPMG.
Roger Lewis (Chairman of the Property Valuation Committee) - Age 63, has extensive experience in the property sector, most recently as a director of Berkeley Group Holdings Plc for over 15 years, the last eight of which was as Chairman, a position from which he retired at the end of July 2007. He currently acts as a consultant to the Berkeley Group and is a Director of three Jersey based subsidiaries of the Berkeley Group. Prior to this, he was UK Group Chief Executive Officer of Crest Nicholson Group PLC from 1983 to 1991. He is also currently a director of Camper & Nicholsons Marina Investments Limited and Grand Harbour Marina Plc (Malta).
Managers and Advisers
Directors Registered Office Nicholas Thompson (Chairman) Trafalgar Court Trevor Ash Les Banques Tjeerd Borstlap St. Peter Port Roger Lewis Guernsey Robert Sinclair GY1 3QL Investment Manager Auditor ING Real Estate Investment Management KPMG Channel Islands (UK) Limited Limited 60 London Wall 20 New Street London St. Peter Port EC2M 5TQ Guernsey GY1 4AN Administrator, Registrar and Secretary Property Valuers Northern Trust International Fund Administration King Sturge LLP Services (Guernsey) Limited 30 Warwick Street PO Box 255, Trafalgar Court London Les Banques W1B 5NH St. Peter Port CB Richard Ellis Limited Guernsey Kingsley House GY1 3QL 1a Wimpole Street London W1G 0RE Crest Service Provider Solicitors to the Group: Computershare Investor Services (Jersey) As to English Law Limited Norton Rose LLP Queensway House 3 More London Riverside Hilgrove Street London St Helier SE1 2AQ Jersey Freshfields Bruckhaus JE1 1ES Deringer Corporate Brokers 65 Fleet Street JP Morgan Securities Limited London 125 London Wall EC4Y 1HS London EC2Y 5AJ Matrix Corporate Capital LLP As to Guernsey Law One Vine Street Carey Olsen London PO Box 98 W1J 0AH Carey House Tax Advisers Les Banques Deloitte LLP St. Peter Port Hill House Guernsey 1 Little New Street GY1 4BZ London EC4A 3TR
Company Website
www.ingreit.co.uk
Independent Auditor's Report
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ING UK REAL ESTATE INCOME TRUST LIMITED ("the Company")
We have audited the Group financial statements (the "financial statements") of ING UK Real Estate Income Trust Limited (the "Company") for the year ended 31 December 2010 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with section 262 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page 25, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's (APB's) Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group's circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Board of Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Report and Accounts to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the financial statements:
-- give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's affairs as at 31 December 2010 and of its profit for the year then ended;
-- are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB; and
-- comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-- the Company has not kept proper accounting records, or
-- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
-- we have not received all the information and explanations, which to the best of our knowledge and belief are necessary for the purpose of our audit.
We have nothing to report with respect to the following:
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company's compliance with the nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code specified for our review.
Ewan F McGill for and on behalf of KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditors
4 April 2011
Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended 31 December 2010 2010 2009 Note Income Capital Total Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Income Rental income 3 31,131 - 31,131 31,949 Service charges recharged to tenants 4,892 - 4,892 5,219 Other operating income 5,174 - 5,174 779 Total operating income 41,197 - 41,197 37,947 Gains and losses on investments Realised gains/ (losses) arising on disposal of investment properties 13 - 1,530 1,530 (6,580) Unrealised gains/ (losses) on revaluation of investment properties 13 - 10,191 10,191 (25,339) Gains arising on acquisition of subsidiary 5 - 8,761 8,761 - Total gains and losses on investments - 20,482 20,482 (31,919) Expenses Property operating expenses (5,504) - (5,504) (4,481) Service charge costs (4,892) - (4,892) (5,219) Acquisition costs of subsidiary 5 - (2,509) (2,509) - Management expenses 6 (2,882) - (2,882) (3,172) Other operating expenses 7 (3,284) - (3,284) (3,019) Total operating expenses (16,562) (2,509) (19,071) (15,891) Profit/(loss) before finance costs and tax 24,635 17,973 42,608 (9,863) Financing Interest receivable 8 235 - 235 311 Interest payable 8 (10,292) - (10,292) (10,399) Realised (losses)/ gains on disposal of interest rate swaps 8 - (767) (767) 259 Realised gains on cancellation of loan notes 8 - 976 976 - Unrealised (losses)/ gains on revaluation of interest rate swaps 8 - (839) (839) 363 Total finance costs (10,057) (630) (10,687) (9,466) Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year 14,578 17,343 31,921 (19,329) Tax 9 (340) - (340) (8) Profit/(loss) for the year 14,238 17,343 31,581 (19,337) Earnings/(loss) per share Basic and diluted 11 4.2p 5.1p 9.3p (5.9)p
There is no comprehensive income other than the profit for the year.
The total column of this statement represents the Group's Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The supplementary income return and capital return columns are both prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
All income is attributable to the equity holders of the parent Company. There are no minority interests. Notes 1 to 26 form part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity For the year ended 31 December 2010 Distributable Retained Note Share Capital Reserve Earnings Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Balance as at 31 December 2008 31,389 296,883 (117,962) 210,310 Profit/ (loss) for the year - - (19,337) (19,337) Dividends paid 10 - - (9,912) (9,912) Balance as at 31 December 2009 31,389 296,883 (147,211) 181,061 Profit/ (loss) for the year - - 31,581 31,581 Dividends paid 10 - - (13,515) (13,515) Issue of ordinary shares 20 8,420 - - 8,420 Issue costs 20 (660) - - (660) Balance as at 31 December 2010 39,149 296,883 (129,145) 206,887
Notes 1 to 26 form part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As at 31 December 2010 2010 2009 Note GBP000 GBP000 Non-current assets Investment properties 13 424,260 352,599 Total non-current assets 424,260 352,599 Current assets Accounts receivable 14 7,589 8,810 Cash and cash equivalents 15 34,839 50,569 Total current assets 42,428 59,379 Total assets 466,688 411,978 Current liabilities Accounts payable and accruals 16 (13,883) (13,562) Loans and borrowings 17 (237) - Total current liabilities (14,120) (13,562) Non-current liabilities Loans and borrowings 17 (245,681) (217,355) Total non-current liabilities (245,681) (217,355) Total liabilities (259,801) (230,917) Net assets 206,887 181,061 Equity Share capital 20 39,149 31,389 Distributable reserve 20 296,883 296,883 Retained earnings (129,145) (147,211) Total equity 206,887 181,061 Net asset value per share 22 0.60 0.55
These Consolidated Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 4 April 2011 and signed on its behalf by:
Robert Sinclair Trevor Ash
Director Director
Notes 1 to 26 form part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 December 2010 2010 2009 Note GBP000 GBP000 Profit/(loss) before tax 31,921 (19,329) Adjusted for Interest receivable 8 (235) (311) Interest payable 8 10,292 10,399 Realised and unrealised gains and losses (17,343) 31,297 Amortisation of finance costs 7 944 479 Net acquisition costs of subsidiary (2,044) - Tax expense 9 (340) (8) Cash flows from operating activities before working capital changes 23,195 22,527 (Increase)/ decrease in trade and other receivables (941) 2,575 (Decrease)/ increase in trade and other payables (2,857) 708 Net cash flows from operating activities 19,397 25,810 Cash flows from investing activities Subsidiary cash at acquisition 5 2,563 - Purchase of investment properties 13 (2,698) (1,701) Disposal of investment properties 15,133 49,492 Interest received 8 235 311 Net cash flows from investing activities 15,233 48,102 Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from long term borrowings 1,300 14,000 Repayment of long term borrowings (25,513) (34,950) Disposal of interest rate swaps 8 (2,858) (1,830) Interest paid on loans (9,114) (10,735) Equity issue costs (660) - Dividends paid 10 (13,515) (9,912) Net cash flows from financing activities (50,360) (43,427) Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents (15,730) 30,485 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 50,569 20,084 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 15 34,839 50,569
Notes 1 to 26 form part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010
1. General information
ING UK Real Estate Income Trust Limited was incorporated on 15 September 2005 and is registered as a closed ended Guernsey investment company. The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared for the year ended 31 December 2010 with comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2009.
2. Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and adopt the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of investment properties and financial instruments. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for the assets. The Financial Statements are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and are in compliance with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
Changes in accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year, except that the Group has adopted the following new and amended standards and interpretations as of 1 January 2010:
- IFRS 3 Business Combinations - Amendment to IFRS 8 Operating Segments - Amendment to IAS 17 Leases
- Amendment to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement The principal effects of these changes are as follows: IFRS 3 Business Combinations
Effective 1 July 2009, the Group has applied revised IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'. The revised standard requires all business combinations to be accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred to the Group. The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as the fair value of the consideration transferred, less the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. When the excess is negative, a gain is recognised immediately in profit and loss. The application of this standard impacted the Financial Statements of the Group in the current period.
Amendment to IFRS 8 Operating Segments
IFRS 8 replaces IAS 14 Segment Reporting. The Board have concluded that the Group operates in a single reporting segment determined in accordance with IAS 14 and this remains valid under the amended criteria outlined under IFRS 8. No amendments are therefore required to the Financial Statements of this, or prior, reporting periods.
Amendment to IAS 17 Leases
This amendment deletes much of the existing wording in the Standard to the effect all leases of land (where title does not pass) were operating leases. The amendment requires that in determining whether the lease of land (either separately or in combination with other property) is an operating or finance lease, the same criteria are applied as for any other asset. This amendment has not had any effect on the Financial Statements of the Group in this, or prior, reporting periods.
Amendment to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement
Effective 1 July 2009, this amendment provides guidance on what can be designated as a hedged portion under IAS 39. This amendment has not had any effect on the Financial Statements of the Group in this, or prior, reporting periods.
The Directors believe that other pronouncements which are in issue but not yet operative or adopted by the Group will not have a material impact on the Financial Statements of the Group.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
2. Significant accounting policies (continued)
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making judgements about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the year in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that year or in the year of the revision and future years if the revision affects both current and future years. Where such judgements are made they are discussed below.
Fair value of derivatives
The Directors use their judgement in selecting an appropriate valuation technique for financial instruments. Valuation techniques commonly used by market practitioners are applied. For derivative instruments, assumptions are made based on quoted market rates adjusted for specific features of the instrument. Derivatives are valued in these Financial Statements based on the valuations received from the issuer of the swaps.
Fair value of investment properties
The fair value of the Group's investment properties is a key source of estimated uncertainty; however, in accordance with the accounting policy of the Group, investment properties have been valued on the basis of market value and market rental value by external valuers.
Market value is defined as the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. The Group ensures the use of suitable qualified external valuers valuing the investment properties held by the Group.
Basis of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements incorporate the Financial Statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company made up to 31 December. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
The results of ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Issuer PLC are consolidated in accordance with SIC 12, 'Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities'.
Business combinations
Goodwill on business combinations is measured as the fair value of the consideration transferred less the net recognised amount (fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date. When the excess is negative, this is recognised immediately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred. See note 5 for the application of the new policy to the business combination that occurred during the year.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
2. Significant accounting policies (continued)
Presentation of the Statement of Comprehensive Income
In order to better reflect the activities of an Investment Company and in accordance with guidance issued by the AIC, supplementary information which analyses the Statement of Comprehensive Income between items of a revenue and capital nature has been presented alongside the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Investment properties
Freehold property held by the Group to earn income or for capital appreciation or both is classified as investment property in accordance with IAS 40 'Investment Property'. Property held under finance leases for similar purposes is also classified as investment property. Investment property is initially recognised at purchase cost plus directly attributable acquisition expenses. Investment properties are carried at a revalued amount which is stated at its fair value as determined on an open market basis as at the reporting date. The fair value of investment property is based on valuation by an independent valuer who holds a recognised and relevant professional qualification and who has recent experience in the location and category of the investment property being valued.
The fair value of investment property generally involves consideration of:
-- Market evidence on comparable transactions for similar properties;
-- The actual current market for that type of property in that type of location at the reporting date and current market expectations;
-- Rental income from leases and market expectations regarding possible future lease terms;
-- Hypothetical sellers and buyers, who are reasonably informed about the current market and who are motivated, but not compelled, to transact in that market on an arm's length basis; and
-- Investor expectations on matters such as future enhancement of rental income or market conditions.
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year in which they arise. Purchases and sales of investment property are recognised when contracts have been unconditionally exchanged during the year and the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred.
An item of investment property is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item) is included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year the item is derecognised. Investment properties are not depreciated.
Realised and unrealised gains on investment properties have been presented as capital items within the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
The loans have a first ranking mortgage over the properties, see note 17. In line with industry practice, investment properties are held in nominee companies.
Leases
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.
An operating lease is a lease other than a finance lease. Lease income is recognised in income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised as an expense over the lease term on the same basis as the lease income.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
2. Significant accounting policies (continued)
The Financial Statements reflect the requirements of SIC 15, 'Operating Leases - Incentives' to the extent that they are material. Premiums received on the surrender of leases are recorded as income immediately if there are no relevant conditions attached to the surrender.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash includes cash in hand and cash with banks. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with original maturities in three months or less and that are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Income and expenses
Income and expenses are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income on an accruals basis. All of the Group's income and expenses are derived from continuing operations. Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefit will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured.
Lease incentive payments, including surrender premiums paid, are amortised on a straight-line basis over the period from the date of lease commencement to the earliest termination date. Upon receipt of a surrender premium for the early determination of a lease, the profit, net of dilapidations and non-recoverable outgoings relating to the lease concerned, is immediately reflected in other operating income.
Property operating costs include the costs of professional fees on letting and other non-recoverable costs.
The income charged to tenants for property service charges and the costs associated with such service charges are shown separately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income to reflect that, notwithstanding this money is held on behalf of tenants occupying the properties, the ultimate risk for paying and recovering these costs rests with the property owner.
Dividends
Dividends are recognised in the period in which they are paid.
Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Derivative financial instruments
The Group's activities expose it to the financial risks of changes in interest rates. The Group uses interest rate swap contracts to mitigate this exposure. The Group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as they arise. These derivatives are categorised as held for trading under IAS 39, 'Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement' and are held only to mitigate the risk of changes in interest rates as disclosed in note 24.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are stated at their nominal amount as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.
Loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of the consideration received net of issue costs associated with the borrowing. After initial recognition, loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any issue costs, and any discount or premium on settlement.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
2. Significant accounting policies (continued)
Gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income when the liabilities are derecognised, as well as through the amortisation process.
Other assets and liabilities
Other assets and liabilities are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.
Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from equity.
Taxation
The Directors conduct the affairs of the Group such that the management and control of the Group is not exercised in the United Kingdom and that the Group does not carry on a trade in the United Kingdom. Accordingly the Group will not be liable to United Kingdom taxation on its income or capital gains arising in the United Kingdom, other than certain income deriving from a United Kingdom source.
The Group is subject to United Kingdom taxation on income arising on the investment properties and intra-group loans after deduction of allowable debt financing costs and allowable expenses.
The Group is tax exempt in Guernsey for the year ended 31 December 2010.
Principles for the Statement of Cash Flows
The Statement of Cash Flows has been drawn up according to the indirect method, separating the cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities. The net result has been adjusted for amounts in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and movements in the Statement of Financial Position which have not resulted in cash income or expenditure in the year.
The cash amounts in the Statement of Cash Flows include those assets that can be converted into cash without any restrictions and without any material risk of decreases in value as a result of the transaction. Dividends that have been paid and declared are included in the cash flow from financing activities.
3. Rental income
Rent receivable is stated exclusive of Value Added Tax and arose wholly from continuing operations in the United Kingdom.
4. Operating segments
The Directors are the chief operating decision makers. The Board is charged with setting the Company's investment strategy in accordance with the Prospectus. They have delegated the day to day implementation of this strategy to its Investment Manager but retain responsibility to ensure that adequate resources of the Company are directed in accordance with their decisions. The investment decisions of the Investment Manager are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the policies and legal responsibilities of the Board.
The Investment Manager has been given full authority to act on behalf of the Company. Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, subject to the overall supervision of the Board, the Investment Manager advises on the general allocation of the assets of the Company between different investments, advises the Company on its borrowing policy and geared investment position, manages the investment of the Company's subscription proceeds and short term liquidity in fixed income instruments, and advises on the use of (and manage) derivatives and hedging by the Company. Whilst the Investment Manager may make the investment decisions on a day to day basis regarding the allocation of funds to different investments, any changes to the investment strategy or major allocation decisions have to be approved by the Board, even though they may be proposed by the Investment Manager.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
4. Operating segments (continued)
The Board therefore retains full responsibility as to the major allocation decisions made on an ongoing basis. The Investment Manager will always act under the terms of the Prospectus and the Investment Management Agreement which cannot be radically changed without the approval of the Board. The Board has considered the requirements of IFRS 8 'Operating Segments". The Board is of the opinion that the Group, through its subsidiary undertakings, operates in one reportable industry segment, namely real estate investment, and across one primary geographical area, namely the United Kingdom and therefore no segmental reporting is required. The portfolio consists of 70 commercial properties, which are in the office, retail, retail warehouse, industrial and leisure sectors.
5. Acquisition of subsidiary
On 14 May 2010 the Group obtained control of Rugby Estates Investment Trust Plc ("Rugby REIT"), a diversified Real Estate Investment Trust listed on the London Stock Exchange, by acquiring the entire share capital by means of a public offer.
In the period from 14 May 2010 to 31 December 2010 the acquisition contributed rental income of GBP3.2 million and a net loss of GBP0.3 million, after deducting one off termination costs. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2010 the Directors estimate that the Group's consolidated rental income would have been GBP32.5 million, and the Group's consolidated profit for the period would have been GBP14.2 million. In determining these amounts the Directors have assumed that the fair value adjustments that arose on the date of acquisition would have been the same if the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2010.
The following summarises the classes of consideration transferred and the recognised amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
Fair value of consideration paid
GBP000 Equity instruments 8,420 Zero dividend preference shares 29,797 38,217
The Group incurred acquisition-related costs of GBP2,509,000 relating to external professional advisors and due diligence costs. These costs have been included in the Group's Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
The fair value of the ordinary shares issued was based on the net asset value of the Company at 31 March 2010 of GBP0.5638 per share. The Directors consider the net asset value of the Company was not materially different at the date of acquisition. A total of 14,934,818 ordinary shares and 46,556,800 zero dividend preference shares were issued by the Group.
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
GBP000 Investment properties 69,000 Accounts receivable 1,199 Cash and cash equivalents 2,563 Accounts payable (2,044) Loans and borrowings (22,733) Interest rate swaps (1,007) 46,978
The Directors consider that the acquired receivables above are stated at fair value. The gross contractual amounts receivable were GBP1.54 million at the date of acquisition.
Gains on acquisition of GBP8,761,000 have been realised after deducting the consideration paid of GBP38,217,000 from the net assets acquired of GBP46,978,000.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
6. Management expenses
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Investment Manager's fees 2,882 3,172
Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Limited ("the Investment Manager") receives remuneration for property management and administration services. For the first half of 2009, the management fee was payable quarterly in arrears and was equal to the aggregate of the following:
a) one quarter of 90 basis points of gross property assets up to and including GBP600 million
b) one quarter of 82.5 basis points of gross property assets in excess of GBP600 million and up to and including GBP800 million
c) one quarter of 75 basis points of gross property assets in excess of GBP800 million
d) one quarter of 40 basis points of cash assets
With effect from 1 July 2009 a revised management fee was agreed between the Directors and the Investment Manager. The agreed revised terms are as follows;
-- The base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears and equal to one quarter of 145 basis points of the Net Asset Value;
-- The performance fee is calculated and payable annually (as at 31 December), calculated on the basis on which the property assets have outperformed the IPD All Quarterly and Monthly Valued Funds Benchmark on a rolling three year basis. The percentage outperformance is multiplied to the base management fee to calculate the performance element. The performance fee in the first year is determined by reference to the entire calendar year (but calculated at 50%), and for the second year on the average of the first and second year results. In the event that the Investment Management Agreement is terminated in a quarter other than ending on 31 December in any year, the performance fee is calculated on the average of the two preceding years and annualised in the year that contract is terminated and a pro rata adjustment made in that relevant year;
-- Administration services are no longer paid for by the Investment Manager;
-- The notice period has remained the same meaning that the contract may be determined by either party on not less than 12 months notice in writing; and
-- The fees payable will not exceed those calculated in accordance with the Investment Management Agreement summarised above.
With effect from the date of acquisition of Rugby REIT the base management fee payable to the Investment Manager was revised as follows;
-- The base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears and is equal to one quarter of 72.5 basis points of net asset value represented by the value of the ZDP shares issued, calculated on the basis of the issue price of the ZDP shares, being 65 pence per ZDP share; and
-- One quarter of 145 basis points of the Group's Net Asset Value (excluding the Net Asset Value represented by the value of the ZDP shares).
On 16 December 2010 the Company announced its intention to internalise the investment management function of the Company with effect from 31 December 2011. Michael Morris, the current Fund Manager who has been involved since launch, has agreed that he will oversee the implementation of the Board's internalisation plan to ensure continuity in the management of the Company's assets. He will be appointed Chief Executive of the Company's wholly owned investment management subsidiary once it has been established. This will be an ongoing process during the course of 2011 and the Company will make further announcements as appropriate.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
7. Other operating expenses
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Valuation expenses 184 117 Audit fees 101 108 Amortisation of finance costs (note 14) 944 479 Listing of zero dividend preference shares 245 - Rugby operating expenses 630 - Other expenses 1,180 2,315 3,284 3,019
Audit fees for the year ended 31 December 2010 include an over accrual relating to the prior year of GBP27,000.
The Group has no employees other than the Directors. See the Corporate Governance Report for details of Directors' emoluments.
8. Finance costs/income
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Interest receivable from financial assets that are not at fair value through profit or loss 235 311 Interest payable on loans at amortised cost (10,292) (10,399) Realised (losses)/ gains on disposal of interest rate swaps (767) 259 Realised gains on disposal of loan notes 976 - Unrealised (losses)/ gains on revaluation of interest rate swaps at fair value through profit or loss (note 23) (839) 363 (10,687) (9,466)
As a result of loan note repayments made during the year (see note 17) interest rate swaps were partly closed resulting in a breakage cost of GBP2,858,000, representing a loss of GBP767,000 compared to their prior year liability.
9. Tax
The charge for the year is:
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 UK corporation tax at 28% 318 - UK income tax at 20% 22 8 340 8
For the year ending 31 December 2010 there was an income tax liability of GBP22,000 in respect of ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Limited (31 December 2009: GBP8,000), and a corporation tax liability of GBP318,000 in respect of Rugby REIT (31 December 2009: nil). (See note 12).
The Group is exempt from Guernsey taxation. The Directors conduct the affairs of the Group such that the management and control of the Group is not exercised in the United Kingdom and that the Group does not carry on a trade in the United Kingdom.
The Group is subject to United Kingdom taxation on income arising on the investment properties and intra-group loans after deduction of allowable debt financing costs and allowable expenses. The Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset arising as a result of the tax loss carried forward. This will only be utilised if the Group has profits chargeable to income tax in the future.
HMRC has opened enquiries into the tax returns for ING Real Estate Trust (Property) Limited and ING Real Estate Trust (Property) No.2 Limited for the tax years 2007/08 and 2008/09. No provisions have been made in the accounts as the outcome of these enquiries is yet to be agreed. The relevant companies have cumulative tax losses which may be applied to any tax liabilities that may arise in the future.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
10. Dividends
2010 2009 Declared and paid: GBP000 GBP000 Interim dividend for the period ended 30 December 2008: 1 pence - 3,304 Interim dividend for the period ended 30 June 2009: 1 pence - 3,304 Interim dividend for the period ended 30 September 2009: 1 pence - 3,304 Interim dividend for the period ended 31 December 2009: 1 pence 3,304 - Interim dividend for the period ended 31 March 2010: 1 pence 3,304 - Interim dividend for the period ended 30 June 2010: 1 pence 3,453 - Interim dividend for the period ended 30 September 2010: 1 pence 3,454 - 13,515 9,912
There was no dividend paid in respect of the quarter to 31 March 2009.
The interim dividend of 1 pence per ordinary share in respect of the period ended 31 December 2010 has not been recognised as a liability as it was declared after the year end. A dividend of GBP3,453,000 was paid on 28 February 2011.
11. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. The following reflects the profit and share data used in the basic and diluted profit per share calculations:
2010 2009 Net profit/ (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company from continuing operations (GBP000) 31,581 (19,337) Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic and diluted profit/ (loss) per share 339,509,405 330,401,300
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
12. Investments in subsidiaries
The Company had the following principal subsidiaries and sub-subsidiaries as at 31 December 2010:
Place of Ownership Name incorporation proportion ING UK Real Estate (Property) Limited Guernsey 100% ING (UK) REIT (SPV) Limited Guernsey 100% ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Guernsey 100% ING UK Real Estate (Property) No 2 Limited Guernsey 100% ING (UK) REIT (SPV No 2) Limited Guernsey 100% ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Limited Guernsey 100% Merbrook Business Property Unit Trust* Jersey 100% Merbrook Prime Retail Property Unit Trust* Jersey 100% Merbrook Bristol Property Unit Trust* Jersey 100% Merbrook Swindon Property Unit Trust* Jersey 100% ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Issuer England & PLC Wales - IRET Securities Limited Guernsey 100% IRET Securities Investments Limited (formally Rugby Estates Investment England & Trust Plc) Wales 100% England & JRPA Properties Limited** Wales 100% England & JRPA Estates Limited** Wales 100% England & City Lands Investment Corporation Limited** Wales 100% England & Datapoint Estates Limited** Wales 100% England & Abbey Property Holdings Limited** Wales 100% England & Abbey Business Park Limited** Wales 100% England & Broomco (4116) Limited** Wales 100% England & Datapoint Estates Limited** Wales 100%
* - ("the JPUTS")
** - ("Rugby Group Companies")
The results of the above entities are consolidated within the Group Financial Statements.
ING UK Real Estate (Property) Limited and ING (UK) REIT (SPV) Limited own 100% of the units in ING (UK) Listed Real Estate, a Guernsey unit trust ("the GPUT").
At the year end the GPUT owned the majority of the units in the JPUTs, which are each registered as Jersey unit trusts. The remaining units are held by ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Limited, which in turn is owned in equal shares by ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Nominee (No.1) Limited ("Nominee 1") and the GPUT. Shares in Nominee 1 are held in trust by Admiral Nominees Limited and Nelson Representatives Limited on behalf on the Company.
On 14 May 2010 the Group obtained control of Rugby Estates Investment Trust Plc ("Rugby REIT"), a diversified Real Estate Investment Trust listed on the London Stock Exchange, by acquiring the entire share capital by means of a public offer. Rugby REIT holds 100% of the share capital in the Rugby Group Companies.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
12. Investments in subsidiaries (continued)
Under the principles of SIC 12 the Group has consolidated the results of ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Issuer PLC, a Special Purpose Entity (the "SPE"), that provides funding to the Group.
Under the terms of the securitisation documents the Group has an obligation to the SPE in respect of any amounts due or payable under the swap agreements and hence accounts for movements in the fair value of these swaps through the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
13. Investment properties
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Carrying value at 1 January 352,599 436,005 Additions 2,698 1,701 Acquisitions through business combinations 69,000 - Disposals (11,758) (53,188) Realised gains/(losses) on disposal 1,530 (6,580) Change in fair value 10,191 (25,339) Carrying value at 31 December 424,260 352,599 Historic cost at 31 December 546,195 488,321
The carrying value of investment properties reconciles to the Appraised Value at 31 December as follows:
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Appraised value 425,408 352,700 Valuation of assets held under finance leases 1,726 1,643 Lease incentives held as debtors (2,874) (1,744) Carrying value at 31 December 424,260 352,599
The investment properties were valued by King Sturge LLP and CB Richard Ellis Limited, Chartered Surveyors, as at 31 December 2010, on the basis of Market Value in accordance with RICS Valuation Standards.
The Group's borrowings (note 17) are secured by a first ranking fixed charge over the investment properties held.
Rental income and property expenses arise from the properties shown above.
14. Accounts receivable
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Tenant debtors 2,909 2,869 Lease incentives 2,874 1,744 Other debtors 264 3,375 Capitalised finance costs 1,542 822 7,589 8,810
The loan arrangement costs incurred to 31 December 2010 are GBP3,655,000 (31 December 2009: GBP2,296,000). These are amortised over the lives of the loans. For the year ended 31 December 2010 GBP944,000 (31 December 2009: GBP479,000) of these costs were written off to the Statement of Comprehensive Income, including the unamortised proportion of loan costs attributable to the loan notes prepaid in the period. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of accounts receivable approximates their fair value.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
15. Cash and cash equivalents
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Cash at bank and in hand 16,016 8,318 Short term deposits 18,823 42,251 34,839 50,569
Cash at bank and in hand earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of between one day and one month depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group, and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. The carrying amounts of these assets approximate their fair value.
Short term deposits includes GBP10.6 million drawdown from the liquidity facility (see note 17).
16. Accounts payable and accruals
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Accruals 2,993 3,298 Deferred rental income 6,956 6,549 VAT liability 1,661 1,277 Corporation tax liability 318 - Trade creditors 68 - Other creditors 1,777 2,328 Obligations under finance leases (note 21) 110 110 13,883 13,562
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of accounts payable and accruals approximates their fair value.
17. Loans and borrowings
Maturity 2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Current Unsecured guaranteed loan 30 September stock 2012 170 - 30 September Unsecured loan stock 2012 67 - 237 - Non-current Floating rate notes 31 January 2013 171,600 190,050 Liquidity facility 31 January 2013 10,677 14,000 Bank Loan 30 January 2013 20,414 - 30 September Unsecured loan stock 2012 2,364 - Zero dividend preference shares 31 October 2012 27,566 - Interest rate swaps (note 23) 11,332 11,577 Obligations under finance leases (note 21) 1,728 1,728 245,681 217,355 245,918 217,355
On 20 December 2005 the Group issued GBP200 million of AAA rated seven year loan notes to the debt market. The interest payable on these notes is fixed at 4.795% by means of an interest rate swap. On 6 July 2006 a further GBP25 million of loan notes were issued on the same terms, with the interest payable fixed at 5.3804% by means of a further swap. The interest rate swaps mature on the same dates as the associated borrowings. In the year GBP15 million of these loan notes were prepaid on 30 January 2010 and a further GBP3.45 million on 30 July 2010. The total number of loan notes prepaid is GBP53.4 million.
The loan notes have a loan to value covenant of 60% until January 2012, when it reduces to 55%, falling back to 50% in July 2012. The interest cover ratio is 1.75 times until maturity of the notes in January 2013.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
17. Loans and borrowings (continued)
The loan notes are secured over the investment properties held by the GPUT and the JPUTs, and are repayable on 31 January 2013. The loan notes were issued by ING (UK) Listed Real
Estate Issuer PLC, a Special Purpose Entity that is consolidated under the principles of SIC 12, see note 12.
The Group's securitised debt facility has a Liquidity Facility of GBP14 million, provided by Barclays Bank Limited ("Barclays") which is controlled by ING (UK) Listed Real Estate Issuer PLC. This is a standard feature designed to cover short term income shortfalls between interest received and interest paid under the loan. The Liquidity Facility Agreement required Barclays to have a minimum credit rating with Fitch of AA+, which was breached during 2009 when Barclays were downgraded by Fitch to AA-. The breach required the Liquidity Facility to be drawn down in full, and the funds are placed on deposit. Interest is payable on the facility at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.4%. This has had the effect of inflating the debt position of the Group, and has led to a corresponding increase in cash balances. This has no overall impact on the Net Asset Value of the Group, however as a result interest costs have risen by a nominal amount. A total of GBP3.1 million of the Liquidity Facility was prepaid on 30 January 2010 and a further GBP0.2 on 30 July 2010.
On 14 May 2010 the Group issued 46,556,800 zero dividend preference shares ("ZDPs") at 65 pence per share as consideration for the acquisition of Rugby REIT, see note 5. The ZDPs have an entitlement to receive a fixed cash amount on 31 October 2012 but do not receive any dividends or income distributions. Additional capital accrues to the ZDPs at a rate of 6.875% per annum resulting in a final capital entitlement of approximately 77 pence per share on maturity. The ZDPs were listed on the London Stock Exchange at the end of 2010. Upon listing the Company repurchased 5,902,317 at approximately 68 pence per share.
The Group acquired a bank loan and loan stock as a result of the acquisition of Rugby REIT. The bank loan with The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc was for a principal amount of GBP23.5 million of which GBP20.3 million had been drawn down. The loan was secured against the investment properties held by City Lands Investment Corporation Limited ("CLIC"). On 25 August 2010 CLIC transferred its property holdings to ING UK Real Estate (Property) No 2 Limited ("Propco2") and the loan was repaid in full.
On 25 August 2010 Propco2 entered into a new GBP21.3 million loan facility agreement with The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc of which GBP20.4 million was drawn down at year end. The interest payable on the loan is charged at LIBOR plus 185 basis points. However interest on GBP12.0 million is fixed until 30 January 2013 by means of an interest rate swap at 1.255% plus a margin of 185 basis points. Additionally the Group pays a commitment fee of 0.75% per annum on any unutilised part of the facility.
The Rugby REIT unsecured guaranteed loan stock pays interest at the rate of 0.75% below the base rate of Royal Bank of Scotland Plc. The Rugby REIT unsecured loan stock pays interest at the rate of 0.5% above the six month LIBOR rate. The final date of repayment to the holders is 30 September 2012.
In the year to 31 December 2010 the Rugby REIT loan stock holders were given the option to exchange their existing stock for new unsecured loan stock issued by the Company on substantially the same terms. On 30 September 2010 GBP2,364,000 transferred to the new unsecured loan stock.
The Company will during 2011 seek the necessary approvals to the change in investment manager in accordance with the underlying loan documentation on both the Company's bank and securitised loan facilities. After discussion with the trustee for the securitisation facility transaction, it has been decided to confirm matters relating to the new internalised investment manager with noteholders at a noteholder meeting, to be convened in due course.
The weighted average interest rate paid on the Group's borrowings for the year was 4.73% (31 December 2009: 4.87%).
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
18. Contingencies and capital commitments
The Group has entered into contracts for refurbishment of 10 properties with commitments outstanding at 31 December 2010 of approximately GBP4.3 million, (31 December 2009: GBP1.7 million). There are no other contractual obligations to purchase, construct or develop investment property or for repairs, maintenance or enhancements as at 31 December 2010.
19. Ordinary share capital
2010 2009 Authorised: GBP000 GBP000 Unlimited number of ordinary shares - - of no par value Issued and fully paid: 345,336,118 ordinary shares of no par - - value (31 December 2009: 330,401,300)
The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income.
The Company issued 252.2 million ordinary shares of no par value at an issue price of GBP1 per share by means of an initial public offering on 25 October 2005. The Company also issued a further 52.8 million ordinary shares of no par value at GBP1 per share on the same date as consideration for the GPUT.
The Company issued a further 26.5 million ordinary shares of no par value at an issue price of 121.5 pence by means of a placing on 7 November 2006.
The Directors have authority to buy back up to 14.99% of the Company's ordinary shares in issue subject to the annual renewal of the authority from shareholders. During the current and prior year no shares were bought, however during 2007 the Company bought 1,098,700 of its ordinary shares of no par value for cancellation at an average price of 75.9 pence per share.
Any buy back of ordinary shares will be made subject to Guernsey law, and the making and timing of any buy backs will be at the absolute discretion of the Board.
In part consideration for the Rugby REIT acquisition the Company issued 14,934,818 ordinary shares in exchange for Rugby REIT ordinary shares. The fair value of the ordinary shares issued was based on the net asset value of the Company at 31 March 2010 of GBP0.5638 per share.
20. Share capital and distributable reserve
Share Distributable Capital Reserve GBP000 GBP000 Balance at 31 December 2008 31,389 296,883 Dividends paid - - Balance at 31 December 2009 31,389 296,883 Dividends paid - - Issue of ordinary shares 8,420 - Issue costs (660) - Balance at 31 December 2010 39,149 296,883
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
20. Share capital and distributable reserve (continued)
By way of a special resolution dated 30 September 2005, the amount standing to the credit of the share premium account was cancelled and transferred to a distributable reserve. Royal Court approval was obtained on 17 October 2005. Distributable reserves may be used for the purpose of paying dividends or buying back shares. During 2008 a proportion of the dividend was paid out of the distributable reserve.
During the year the Company issued 14,934,818 ordinary shares at fair value based on the net asset value of the Company at 31 March 2010 of GBP0.5638 per share. Issue costs of GBP660,000 were incurred.
21. Obligations under finance leases
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Future minimum payments due Within one year 117 117 In the second to fifth years inclusive 582 582 After five years 8,344 8,344 9,043 9,043 Less: finance charges allocated to future periods (7,205) (7,205) Present value of minimum lease payments 1,838 1,838
The present value of minimum lease payments is analysed as follows;
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Within one year 110 110 In the second to fifth years inclusive 548 548 After five years 1,180 1,180 1,838 1,838
Operating leases where the Group is lessor
Property rental income earned during the year was GBP31.1 million. The investment properties are currently generating a net initial yield of 6.9%.
At the reporting date, the Group had contracted with tenants for the following annual lease payments:
2010 2009 GBP000 GBP000 Within one year 32,930 31,895 In the second to fifth years inclusive 105,296 84,595 After five years 225,330 257,610 363,556 374,100
22. Net asset value
The net asset value per ordinary share is based on net assets at the year end and of 345,336,118 (31 December 2009: 330,401,300) ordinary shares, being the number of ordinary shares in issue at the year end.
At 31 December 2010, the Company had a net asset value per ordinary share of GBP0.60 (31 December 2009: GBP0.55).
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
23. Financial instruments
Categories of financial instruments
Financial Held at fair assets and value through liabilities profit or at amortised loss cost Total 31 December 2010 Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 15 - 34,839 34,839 Accounts receivable 14 - 7,589 7,589 - 42,428 42,428 Financial liabilities Loans 17 - 232,858 232,858 Obligations under finance leases 21 - 1,838 1,838 Interest rate swaps 17 11,332 - 11,332 11,332 234,696 246,028 Financial Held at fair assets and value through liabilities profit or at amortised loss cost Total 31 December 2009 Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 15 - 50,569 50,569 Accounts receivable 14 - 8,810 8,810 - 59,379 59,379 Financial liabilities Loans 17 - 204,050 204,050 Obligations under finance leases 21 - 1,838 1,838 Interest rate swaps 17 11,577 - 11,577 11,577 205,888 217,465
Fair Value Hierarchy
The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels that have been defined are as follows:
-- Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
-- Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
-- Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Level Level Level 1 2 3 Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 31 December 2010 Interest rate swaps - 11,332 - 11,332 31 December 2009 Interest rate swaps - 11,577 - 11,577
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
24. Risk management
The Group invests in commercial properties in the United Kingdom. The following describes the risks involved and the applied risk management. See the Investment Manager's section of this report for the detailed investment strategy restrictions of the Group. The Investment Manager reports regularly both verbally and formally to the Board to allow them to monitor and review all the risks noted below.
Capital risk management
Since 2007 the Group's strategy has been focused on reducing capital risks through debt repayment, set against a market backdrop of extreme volatility.
The Group manages its capital to ensure that the entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance.
The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the loans disclosed in note 17, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the Company, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings. The Board continues to monitor the balance of the overall capital structure through the payment of dividends, new share issues, share buybacks as well as the issue of new debt or the redemption of existing debt. The Group is not subject to any external capital requirements.
The loan restructuring undertaken in May 2009 has further enabled the Group to manage its capital risks by providing the ability to make early repayments of its floating rate notes ahead of maturity as appropriate.
Interest rate risk management
Interest rate risk arises on interest payable on the floating rate loans and borrowings, the Board manages this risk by the use of interest rate swaps. Interest payable on the bank loan of GBP12.0 million and loan notes of GBP171.6 million have been fixed using interest rate swaps as described in note 17. The Group's exposure to interest rate risk with respect to the interest rate swaps is monitored and reviewed by the Board on a regular basis.
Interest rate risk
The following table details the Group's remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial assets and liabilities. The table below has been drawn up based on the undiscounted contractual maturities of the financial liabilities, including interest that will accrue to those liabilities except where the Group is entitled and intends to repay the liability before its maturity.
Weighted average effective Less than 1 to 5 More than interest 1 year years 5 years Total rate GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 2010 Cash 0.50% 44 - - 44 Finance lease liability (117) (582) (1,139) (1,838) Fixed interest rate loans 5.04% (10,642) (11,073) - (21,715) Floating interest rate facility 1.72% (373) (393) - (766) 2009 Cash 0.50% 63 - - 63 Finance lease liability (117) (582) (1,139) (1,838) Fixed interest rate loans 4.87% (9,255) (18,845) - (28,100) Floating interest rate facility 1.00% (140) (284) - (424)
The following table details the Group's remaining contractual obligations for its derivative financial instruments and have been based on the undiscounted net cash (outflows) of those
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
24. Risk management (continued)
derivative instruments.
Less than More than 1 year 1 to 5 years 5 years Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 2010 Interest rate swaps (8,747) (9,476) - (18,223) 2009 Interest rate swaps (9,274) (19,322) - (28,596)
Interest rate swaps are measured at the present value of future cash flows estimated and discounted based on the applicable yield curves derived from quoted interest rates.
The Board regularly reviews the Group's position relating to interest rate swaps.
Interest rate swap contracts
Interest rate swap contracts enable the Group to mitigate the risk of changing interest rates and cash flow exposures on the floating rate debt held. The fair values of interest rate swaps at the year end are the marked to market values supplied by the issuer of the swap. This value is based on the future cash flows relating to the outstanding balances at the start of the financial year at the relevant interest rate.
The following tables detail the notional principal amounts and remaining terms of interest rate swap contracts outstanding as at the reporting date:
Average contracted fixed interest Notional principal rate amount Fair value 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 % % GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Outstanding Less than 1 year - - - - - - 1 to 2 years - - - - - - 2 to 5 years 4.76% 4.87% 183,600 190,050 (11,332) (11,577) More than 5 years - - - - - - 183,600 190,050 (11,332) (11,577)
The GBP183.6 million notional principal amount for the year ending 31 December 2010 consists of GBP171.6 million held on floating rate notes and GBP12.0 million on bank loans (31 December 2009: GBP190.1 million on floating rate notes.)
Swap contracts interest risk sensitivity
The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the exposure to swap interest rates at the reporting date and the stipulated change taking place at the beginning of the financial year and held constant throughout the reporting period. A 100 basis point change is used when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management personnel and represents management's assessment of the possible change in interest rates based on the swap movements over the past year.
At the reporting date, if swap interest rates had been 100 basis points higher or lower and all
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
24. Risk management (continued)
other variables were held constant, the Group's;
-- Net profit would increase or decrease by GBP3,629,000 (2009: increase or decrease by GBP5,418,000 at 100 basis points higher or lower) and
-- Other equity reserves would increase or decrease by GBP3,629,000 (2009: increase or decrease by GBP5,418,000 at 100 basis points higher or lower) mainly as a result of the changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps.
See note 17 for full details of all loans and swaps held.
Credit risk
The following tables detail the balances held at the reporting date that may be affected by credit risk:
Financial Held at fair assets and value through liabilities profit or at amortised loss cost Total Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 2010 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 15 - 34,839 34,839 Accounts receivable 14 - 7,589 7,589 - 42,428 42,428 2009 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 15 - 50,569 50,569 Accounts receivable 14 - 8,810 8,810 - 59,379 59,379
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group's exposure and credit ratings of its counterparties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of transactions concluded is spread amongst approved counterparties. Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed regularly.
Trade debtors consist of a large number of tenants, spread across diverse industries and geographical areas. Ongoing credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of trade debtors, and, where appropriate, credit guarantees are acquired. The Group does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties having similar characteristics. The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies. A provision of GBP1,220,000 (31 December 2009: GBP652,000) exists at the year end, in relation to debtors that are impaired. The Group believe that unimpaired amounts that are past due by more than 30 days are still collectible, based on the historic payment behaviours and extensive analyses of the underlying customers' credit ratings.
The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the Financial Statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk. The Board continues to monitor the Group's exposure to credit risk. See the Investment Manager's Report for further information regarding the current position.
The Group's main cash balances are held with National Westminster Bank plc ("Natwest"), ING Bank N.V. ("ING") and Santander plc ("Santander"). Bankruptcy or insolvency of the bank holding cash balances may cause the Group's rights with respect to the cash held by them to be delayed or limited. The Group manages its risk by monitoring the credit quality of its bankers on an ongoing basis. Natwest, ING and Abbey are also rated by all the major rating
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
24. Risk management (continued)
agencies. If the credit quality of these banks deteriorates, the Group would look to move the short term deposits or cash to another bank. Procedures exist to ensure that cash balances are split between banks to minimise exposure.
There has been no change in the fair values of cash, loans, swaps or receivables as a result of changes in credit risk in the current or prior periods, due to the actions taken to mitigate this risk, as stated above.
The Group is exposed to credit risk from counterparties used to value the interest rate swaps which are financial liabilities as at 31 December 2010. The risk is mitigated by the Group only engaging with creditworthy counterparties. The counterparty for the interest rate swaps is JP Morgan and The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, each with a credit rating of AA-.
Liquidity risk
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board, which has built an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group's short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.
The following table sets out the carrying amount, by maturity, of the Group's financial assets/(liabilities).
Less than 1 to 5 More than one year Years 5 years Total 31 December 2010 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Floating Cash and cash equivalents 34,839 - - 34,839 Liquidity facility - (10,677) - (10,677) Bank loan - (8,414) - (8,414) Unsecured loan stock (67) (2,364) - (2,431) Unsecured guaranteed loan stock (170) - - (170) Fixed Loan notes fixed using interest rate swaps - (171,600) - (171,600) Bank loan fixed using interest rate swaps - (12,000) - (12,000) Zero dividend preference shares - (27,566) - (27,566) 34,602 (232,621) - (198,019) Less than 1 to 5 More than one year Years 5 years Total 31 December 2009 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Floating Cash and cash equivalents 50,569 - - 50,569 Liquidity facility - (14,000) - (14,000) Fixed Loan notes fixed using interest rate swaps - (190,050) - (190,050) 50,569 (204,050) - (153,481)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
24. Risk management (continued)
Market risk
The Group's activities are primarily within the real estate market, exposing it to very specific industry risks.
The yields available from investments in real estate depend primarily on the amount of revenue earned and capital appreciation generated by the relevant properties as well as expenses incurred. If properties do not generate sufficient revenues to meet operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditure, the Group's revenue will be adversely affected. Revenue from properties may be adversely affected by the general economic climate, local conditions such as oversupply of properties or a reduction in demand for properties in the market in which the Group operates, the attractiveness of the properties to tenants, the quality of the management, competition from other available properties and increased operating costs (including real estate taxes).
In addition, the Group's revenue would be adversely affected if a significant number of tenants were unable to pay rent or its properties could not be rented on favourable terms. Certain significant expenditure associated with each equity investment in realestate (such as external financing costs, real estate taxes and maintenance costs) generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenue from properties.
By diversifying in regions, sectors, risk categories and tenants, the Investment Manager expects to lower the risk profile of the portfolio. The Board continues to oversee the profile of the portfolio to ensure risks are managed. See the Investment Manager's Report for the geographical spread and the analysis of the top ten tenants of the portfolio.
The valuation of the Group's property assets is subject to changes in market conditions. Such changes are taken to the Statement of Comprehensive Income and thus impact on the Group's net result. A 5% increase or decrease in property values would increase or decrease the Group's net result by GBP21.3 million.
Concentration risk
As discussed above, all of the Group's investments are in the UK and therefore is exposed to macroeconomic changes in the UK economy. Furthermore, the Group places reliance on a limited number of tenants for its rental income.
Currency risk
The Group has no exposure to foreign currency risk.
25. Related party transactions
During the year the Investment Manager was paid a total of GBP2,882,000 (31 December 2009: GBP3,172,000) in respect of the property management and administration services. As at 31 December 2010 the Group owed GBP830,000 to the Investment Manager (31 December 2009: GBP655,000).
The Group paid GBP250,000 to ING Bank N.V. on 25 January 2010 in respect of advisory services undertaken in 2009. A further GBP779,000 was paid to ING Bank N.V. during the year for works in connection with the acquisition of Rugby REIT, as detailed in the Investment Manager's Report.
The Group has one non-independent director, who is connected with the Investment Manager. The remuneration in respect of this appointment was waived.
ING UK Real Estate Income Trust Limited has no controlling parties.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (continued)
26. Events after the reporting date
Following the reporting date further property sales totalling GBP2.1 million have exchanged contracts.
On 16 February 2011 a payment of GBP237,000 was made to repay loan stock, with a further GBP36,000 repaid on 31 March 2011.
On 23 February 2011 the Company established a UK subsidiary, Picton Capital Limited, as its investment management subsidiary.
A dividend of GBP3,453,361 (1 pence per share) was approved by the Board on 31 January 2011 and paid on 28 February 2011.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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