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YEW Yew Grove Reit Plc

1.00
0.00 (0.00%)
03 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Yew Grove Reit Plc LSE:YEW London Ordinary Share IE00BDT5KP12 ORD SHS EUR0.01 (CDI)
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 1.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Yew Grove REIT PLC Interim Results (2348L)

04/09/2019 1:50pm

UK Regulatory


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TIDMYEW

RNS Number : 2348L

Yew Grove REIT PLC

04 September 2019

4 September 2019

Yew Grove REIT plc

(the "Company" or "Yew Grove")

Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2019

Yew Grove REIT plc (LSE:YEW, Euronext Dublin:YEW), an Irish commercial property REIT which started trading on both Euronext Dublin and London Stock Exchange on 8 June 2018, is today reporting its unaudited consolidated results for the six months ended 30 June 2019 (the "Period").

Strategic Highlights

 
      --   June 2018 IPO proceeds and debt facility raised in 2018 
            fully committed. 
      --   12 month share issuance programme for EUR100m announced 
            in June 2019; EUR90m remaining as subsequent to the Period 
            end EUR10 million of equity capital and EUR9.1 million 
            of additional debt facilities was raised. 
      --   Continued opportunity to invest in commercial real estate 
            at attractive yields with two properties acquired during 
            the Period for EUR11.5 million; three additional properties 
            acquired following Period end for EUR13 million. 
      --   Asset management programs have enhanced the portfolio and 
            income, including EUR3 million received from a lease surrender, 
            EUR1.4m of which was returned to shareholders by way of 
            a special dividend. 
      --   Quarterly dividend payments commenced with total aggregate 
            year-to-date dividend distribution per ordinary share of 
            4.33 cents for 2019. 
      --   Positive Irish commercial real estate market continues 
            to support the strength of the Company's potential acquisition 
            pipeline. 
 

Financial Highlights

 
      --   EPRA Net Asset Value ("NAV") per ordinary share of 103.98 
            cents as at 30 June 2019 (100.75 cents excluding declared 
            and subsequently paid dividends). 
      --   Portfolio investment properties independently valued on 
            30 June 2019 at EUR90.47 million (31 Dec 2018: EUR77.9 
            million). 
      --   Annualised rent roll of EUR7.5 million at Period end (31 
            Dec 2018: EUR6.3 million) increasing to EUR8 million following 
            three acquisitions after Period end. 
      --   EPRA earnings per share ("EPS") of 5.81 cents 
      --   The Group's owned and committed properties at 30 June 2019 
            benefit from attractive leases: 
                    -- Weighted average unexpired lease terms of 3.8 years 
                     to break and 6.6 years to expiry 
                     -- Strong tenant covenants: 33% Government and other State 
                     Bodies tenants, 63% FDI / Large Corporate tenants by income 
                     -- Gross yield at fair value of 8.3%, with a gross reversionary 
                     yield of 8.9% (up from 8.1% and 8.7% respectively at 31 
                     December 2018) 
 

Jonathan Laredo, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"In just over a year since our IPO we have made significant progress on our objectives: we have committed the capital raised in 2018 and established a EUR100 million share issuance programme of which EUR10 million has been placed and deployed alongside additional debt capital; we have commenced quarterly distributions to our shareholders; we have a number of asset management projects underway; and we have a strong pipeline of investments to deliver our investment targets.

"Yew Grove REIT is the only Irish REIT focussed on the office and industrial sectors of the real estate market outside of Dublin's traditional central business district. This area of the market continues to combine attractive purchase yields and rising rent levels. These trends align with Yew Grove REIT's differentiated strategy, targeting well tenanted commercial real estate and I look forward with a high degree of optimism to the second half of our first full year of active operations."

Enquiries:

 
 Yew Grove REIT plc                                  Tel: +353 (1) 485 
                                                      3950 
 Jonathan Laredo, Chief Executive Officer 
 Charles Peach, Chief Financial Officer 
 Michael Gibbons, Chief Investment Officer 
 
 Investec Bank plc 
 NOMAD & Joint Broker:                               Tel: +44 (0) 20 7597 
  David Anderson, Darren Vickers                      5970 
 ESM Advisor & Joint Broker:                         Tel: +353 (1) 421 
  Tommy Conway, Eoin Kennedy                          0000 
 Goodbody Stockbrokers 
 Joint Broker:                                       Tel +353 (1) 667 0400 
  David Kearney, Joe Gill 
 
 IFC Advisory                                        Tel +44 203 934 6604 
  Financial PR 
  Tim Metcalfe, Graham Herring, Heather 
  Armstrong 
 
 

Notes to editors:

Yew Grove REIT plc, quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM and Euronext Growth Dublin, is an Irish commercial real estate company invested in a diversified portfolio of Irish commercial property. Yew Grove has a particular focus on well-tenanted commercial real estate assets comprising of office and industrial assets outside of Dublin's Central Business District. Yew Grove's highly experienced team has a proven track record in commercial property investment in Ireland and internationally and is focused on delivering results. Its investment approach is strategic, not speculative, principally on assets that are let, pre-let or to be let after refurbishment. Shareholders are provided with stable, long-term income from a diverse portfolio of commercial property comprising well-tenanted real estate in strategic centres let to Irish government entities and other state bodies, IDA Ireland supported and other FDI companies, and larger corporates.

Chairman's Statement

I am delighted to introduce the interim report and consolidated financial statements of Yew Grove REIT plc for the six months ended 30 June 2019.

Market review

In our chosen markets (institutional grade office and industrial buildings outside of the traditional Dublin Central Business District (Dublin 2 and 4,"CBD")) the first half of 2019 was notable for demand from tenants for large, Grade A floorplates (Source: Cushman & Wakefield Dublin Office research Q2 & Q1). In Dublin, the markets in and around the North Docks (Dublin 1, 3 and 7) ("Core+") dominated this activity in quarter one 2019 ("Q1") and accounted for over 63% of the city centre take up, as demand for mega leases (100,000+ sq ft) from the central bank and technology companies meant that the take up of new leases was approximately twice the size of that in the traditional CBD. In the first half of the year net vacancy (after taking account of pre lets and reservations) fell to 5.4% in the traditional city centre and 3.9% across the expanded city centre (admittedly affected by the very low vacancy rates in the IFSC). Vacancy rates across the rest of our markets are also healthy and shrinking; sitting at 6.8% in suburban Dublin, at a low of 4.1% in Galway, 5.98% in Cork and only in Limerick where there is a real overhang of older, smaller buildings is the vacancy in double digits, at 12.3% (Source: Cushman & Wakefield research Q2 for Dublin & Cork, Q1 for Limerick & Galway). This increase in tenant demand linked to low vacancy rates especially in larger more modern buildings has led to increased construction activity, especially in Dublin and Cork, increases in planning applications across the country and the beginning of construction in Galway. The low level of available good quality space despite existing construction activity and the continued pressure from tenants suggests that rents in the traditional CBD for Grade A space will stabilise or may edge up. Good quality larger buildings in Dublin fringes, the South Docks and good suburban locations should continue to rise. Across the rest of the country rents are now reaching a level where most over rental has been eliminated and especially in those locations which are popular with expanding foreign direct investors ("FDIs") (principally software, and in the broader pharmaceutical markets) we are seeing upward pressure on rents feed through in reviews and new lettings.

Despite this increased demand from tenants the first quarter was relatively quiet from a transaction perspective. Sales activity picked up in quarter two 2019 ("Q2") with a total of EUR770 million in office transactions of over EUR1 million in the first half of the year (Source: CBRE market view Dublin Office, Q2 2019). The market expectation is that the second half of 2019 will be much healthier and this is also reflected in our pipeline of potential investments. Market sentiment was mixed at the beginning of the year with the ongoing Brexit debate driving increased demand from new and prospective tenants but casting a pall over the general economic outlook and dampening investment transaction activity. That began to change in Q2, most clearly when Green REIT announced that it was for sale. Following a competitive sales process Green REIT announced it had agreed a sale to Henderson Park Capital which is due to complete later this year at, or slightly above, NAV. This pricing should be supportive of the market generally.

The industrial market is also principally about tenant take up. Here demand is mostly from e-commerce, logistics, pharmaceuticals and food (Source: CBRE mid-year review of outlook 2019). What little development activity there has been (principally Cork and Dublin) is largely driven by specific demand and generally there is little vacancy in good quality, larger (40,000+ sq ft) buildings. Rents in this segment have been one of the best performing asset classes in Irish commercial property over the past few years and that is expected to continue. Despite or perhaps because of this, there is little sales activity other than in older, smaller buildings (1,000-2,500 sq. ft) (Source: Cushman and Wakefield Industrial market snapshot, Q1 2019) driven by owner occupiers and a few buildings built to investor specifications. Construction costs are rising and allied to the continued demand for larger, more modern buildings we expect this to produce continued upward pressure on rents.

Portfolio activity

The first half of 2019 was one of consolidation for the Group. We completed the purchases of a building on the IDA Ireland Park in Waterford and another on the Cork Airport Business Park, both increasing the portfolio outside Dublin. The Group was busy with asset management, general improvements to the corporate infrastructure and in July 2019 the organisation of a EUR100 million share placement programme recently approved by shareholders, of which the EUR10 million issued just after the Period end was the first tranche. This coincided with a July 2019 increase in the Group's revolving debt facility of EUR9.12 million, of which an additional EUR4.5 million was drawn.

During the Period the Company completed its first development project for a tenant in Athlone, successfully reduced the vacancy by floor area across the portfolio to 1.7% from 2.5% at 2018 year end (this does not take the Cork Airport business Park property into account. At 30(th) June 2019 the Company agreed a surrender agreement with the tenant to terminate their lease early, following which they would vacate the building); and completed three rent reviews, in each case at or above the levels we had targeted when acquiring the buildings.

As previously announced, the Company agreed terms on a surrender of a lease at its property located in Cork Airport Business Park in return for a payment of EUR3.0 million in respect of dilapidations and rent foregone. The Group revenue for the Period of EUR5.7 million includes EUR2.0 million of this lease surrender, the remainder being for dilapidations The Board remains confident in the medium term re-letting prospects for the building that was refurbished in 2015 to a high standard and includes a 163-space car park.

The Group's owned and committed portfolio at 30 June 2019 benefited from the following attractive characteristics:

 
      -   tenant type (by share of contracted rent roll): 63% FDI/large 
           enterprise, 33% Government/state body, 4% SME (small medium 
           enterprises); 
      -   property type (by share of contracted rent roll): 78.9% 
           Office, 16.9% Industrial, 4.2% Retail; 
      -   location (by share of contracted rent roll): 51% Dublin, 
           19% North West, 11% Cork, 10% Midlands, 5% South East, 
           4% South West; 
      -   a weighted Average Unexpired Lease Tenor of 6.6 years; 
      -   a weighted Average Unexpired Lease Tenor to break of 3.8 
           years; 
      -   a gross Yield at Fair Value of 8.3%; 
      -   a gross Reversionary Yield of 8.9% and 
      -   vacancy (by floor area) of 1.7%. 
 

Financial review

During the Period the Group acquired two additional investment properties for EUR11.5 million plus costs and completed the development of a car park for its tenant in Athlone. The Company's external valuer, Lisney, re-valued the Company's properties at 30 June 2019 at EUR90.475 million, showing an increase in property assets of 16% from EUR77,915 million as at December 2018 reflecting fair value gains and purchases in the Period. The net increase in fair value gains excluding costs associated with properties purchased during the Period was EUR0.8 million.

The Group LTV increased from 8% to 20% over the Period with headroom of EUR1.7 million on its revolving debt facility at Period end.

The Period end EPRA NAV of 103.98 cents per share represents an 3.8% increase on the 31 December 2018 EPRA NAV of 100.18 cents per share. The Period end EPRA NAV including the declared and subsequently paid dividend would have been 100.75 cents per share.

The Group's revenues for the Period were EUR5.7 million, including EUR2 million of lease surrender premium payments from the Cork Airport property. Excluding lease surrender premium payments, the Group's revenues increased by 42% from H2 2018.

Expenses excluding variable remuneration reserves were EUR1.2 million as compared with H2 2018 comparable expenses of EUR1.8 million. While the Company's headcount over the Period increased from five to six employees, this additional expense will be partially offset by the internalisation of certain previously out-sourced activities.

Of the EUR3.3 million of net income (excluding lease surrender dilapidations payments) for the period, 97% was declared as distributions via ordinary and special dividends. EUR1 million of the lease surrender dilapidations payments received has been retained to support the refurbishment of the Cork Airport property.

Following the Period end EUR10 million of new equity and part of the EUR9.12 million increased debt facility raised in July 2019 were used to acquire three industrial buildings in Athlone. These new acquisitions will bring the overall portfolio value to over EUR103 million, with a contracted rent roll of EUR8 million as at August 2019.

Dividends

The Company paid an inaugural dividend in respect of its first period of trading and instituted its quarterly dividend policy in 2019, declaring dividends in March 2019 and June 2019 of 1.10 cents and 3.23 cents respectively. The dividend declared in June 2019 and paid in July 2019 included a special dividend of 1.86 cents per share following a lease surrender received during the period. Distributions to shareholders during the Period (including the interim dividend declared in June 2019) amounted to 4.33 cents per ordinary share).

Governance

The Board met a number of times in the Period for its quarterly meetings, to consider property purchases and to agree dividends for 2018 and 2019 to date. The Board reviewed the January 2019 amendments to UK Corporate Governance Code, and the Company's compliance with them. All of the Board committees met during the Period, the Remuneration Committee agreed the initial grant of awards under the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan.

Outlook

Despite headwinds in the Irish property market there is continued growth and opportunity within it. The evidence in our markets suggests that we are in a rising market, with demand for properties outstripping supply and tenants with robust businesses in expansion mode; a backdrop supportive of continued improvements to rents, take up and vacancy. We have sought to take advantage of these opportunities and will continue to do so.

Against this, there is continued risks in the macro environment, most newsworthy of these is the increasing possibility of a 'no deal' Brexit. The UK Government has actively briefed the markets about the potentially disastrous effect a 'no deal' Brexit would have on the Irish economy. That has led to a fall in the share prices of a number of Irish companies, and a fall in investor optimism. Whilst a 'no deal' Brexit is not good for Ireland, it is far from clear that it would be as bad as is currently suggested and it is still unclear that it would affect the Irish office/industrial commercial property market negatively. Ireland is much more dependent on the US and wider European markets for exports of goods and services that are minimally dependant on, or exposed to, the UK. Our current portfolio is specifically selected to avoid tenants dependant on the UK.

Perhaps more significantly there are macro-economic signals increasingly suggesting the global boom driven by the post-global financial crisis recovery may have ended or is coming to an end. If so global economic growth is expected to slow, and the implications for Ireland (an open economy with significant exposure to the US and European economies) will be reflected in its GDP. One implication would be a slowing of demand for Irish property by Foreign Direct Investors. However, given the country has little excess capacity for the existing demand for offices or industrial buildings, and no overhang of suitable space we do not see this as the precursor to a collapse in the commercial property market.

From an investment perspective a cooling global and European economy means that the era of low interest rates is likely to persist for some time and as such, property, especially property that yields a significant premium to base rates, will continue to be a popular investment.

In summary, the short-term outlook is likely to see significant volatility as Brexit and its various contortions continues to roil the markets. It is likely that this may have a dampening effect on investors, and for a time prices and values. The medium-term outlook is still good, although perhaps a little less optimistic than at this time 12 months ago. Even with the political and potential macro-economic headwinds mentioned above, the Company has continued to invest well, manage its portfolio profitably and grow by raising further debt and equity capital. Our pipeline of potential acquisitions in our key geographical markets over the next twelve months stands at over EUR125 million of well tenanted industrial and office properties, and looks very encouraging with discussions regarding EUR60 million of properties at a more advanced stage. I look forward with confidence to the remainder of the second half of the year.

On behalf of the Board of Yew Grove REIT PLC I would like to thank all of our shareholders for their continuing support and trust that our activities over the next few years will reward you.

Barry O'Dowd

Chairman

4 September 2019

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 30 June 2019

 
                                               As at         As at 
                                        30 June 2019   31 December 
                                                              2018 
                                         (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                 EUR           EUR 
                                Notes 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Investment properties           11       90,475,000    77,915,000 
 Interest in joint venture                     3,473         3,473 
                                       -------------  ------------ 
                                          90,478,473    77,918,473 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables     13          651,896       565,100 
 Cash and cash equivalents       12        7,485,192     4,823,734 
 
 Total current assets                      8,137,088     5,388,834 
 
 Total assets                             98,615,561    83,307,307 
 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables        14      (2,722,171)   (2,333,729) 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                      15     (17,900,849)   (5,840,398) 
 Total liabilities                      (20,623,020)   (8,174,127) 
                                       -------------  ------------ 
 Net assets                               77,992,541    75,133,180 
                                       =============  ============ 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                   17          750,000       750,000 
 Share premium                   18        4,000,000     4,000,000 
 Other reserves                  18           50,198             - 
 Retained earnings               18       73,192,343    70,383,180 
                                       -------------  ------------ 
 Total equity                             77,992,541    75,133,180 
                                       =============  ============ 
 
 
 IFRS Net asset value per 
  ordinary share (cents)         16           103.99        100.18 
 EPRA Net asset value per 
  ordinary share (cents)         16           103.98        100.18 
 Diluted IFRS asset value 
  per ordinary share (cents)     16           103.98        100.18 
 

The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 12 to 29 were approved by the Board of Directors on 4 September 2019 and were signed on its behalf by:

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six-month period to 30 June 2019

 
                                             Six months   5 April 2018 
                                                  ended             to 
                                   Notes   30 June 2019   30 June 2018 
                                            (unaudited)    (unaudited) 
                                                    EUR            EUR 
 Total Revenue 
 Revenue                             2        5,692,997        165,896 
 Property expenses                   3        (286,673)        (1,668) 
                                          -------------  ------------- 
 Net Revenue                                  5,406,324        164,228 
 
 Gains on investment properties      4        1,030,506              - 
 Total income after revaluation 
  gains and losses                            6,436,830        164,228 
 
 Expenditure 
 Impairment of Goodwill              5                -      (238,750) 
 AIFM fees                           6         (58,335)        (7,876) 
 Finance costs                       7        (255,995)              - 
 Administration expenses             8      (1,765,337)      (303,377) 
                                          -------------  ------------- 
 Total expenditure                          (2,079,667)      (550,003) 
 
 Profit/(loss) before taxation                4,357,163      (385,775) 
 Income Tax                                           -              - 
 Profit/(loss) for the period                 4,357,163      (385,775) 
                                          ------------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period attributable 
  to the owners of the Group                  4,357,163      (385,775) 
 
 
 Basic profit/(loss) per 
  share (cents)                      9             5.81         (2.01) 
 Diluted profit/(loss) per 
  share (cents)                      9             5.81         (2.01) 
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six-month period to 30 June 2019

 
                        Share capital 
                              account        Share premium    Retained earnings    Other reserve        Total 
                                                                                                       equity 
--------------------- 
                                  EUR                  EUR                  EUR              EUR          EUR 
---------------------  --------------  -------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
As at 1 January 
 2019                         750,000            4,000,000           70,383,180                -   75,133,180 
Total comprehensive 
 income for the 
 period:                            -                    -            4,357,163                -    4,357,163 
Transactions with 
 owners 
recognised in 
 equity: 
Share based payments 
 expense (Note 
 21)                                                                                      50,198       50,198 
Equity Dividends 
 paid (Note 19)                     -                    -          (1,548,000)                -  (1,548,000) 
                       --------------  -------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
As at 30 June 
 2019                         750,000            4,000,000           73,192,343           50,198   77,992,541 
                       ==============  ===================  ===================  ===============  =========== 
 

For the period from 5 April 2018 (date of incorporation) to 31 December 2018

 
                                               Share capital 
                                                     account           Share premium        Retained         Total 
                                    Notes                                                   earnings        equity 
-------------------------- 
                                                         EUR                     EUR             EUR           EUR 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------------  ----------------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income 
 for the period:                                           -                       -       2,333,879     2,333,879 
 Transactions with owners 
 recognised in equity: 
 Issue of ordinary share 
  capital                                            750,000              74,250,000               -    75,000,000 
  Transfer to retained 
   earnings                            20                  -            (70,250,000)      70,250,000             - 
 Issue costs                                               -                       -     (2,200,699)   (2,200,699) 
                                           -----------------  ----------------------  --------------  ------------ 
 As at 31 December 2018                              750,000               4,000,000      70,383,180    75,133,180 
                                           =================  ======================  ==============  ============ 
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

 
 For the six-month period to 30                             Period         Period 
  June 2019                                               ended 30        5 April 
                                                         June 2019        2018 to 
                                              Notes                       30 June 
                                                                             2018 
                                                               EUR            EUR 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 
 Profit/(loss) for the period                            4,357,163      (385,775) 
 Adjustments for: 
 Fair value gains on investment 
  properties                                   4          (30,506)              - 
 Finance costs                                 7           255,995              - 
 Increase in trade and other receivables 
  (1)                                         13          (86,795)   (27,443,264) 
 Increase in trade and other payables 
  (1)                                                      397,736     30,720,778 
 Equity settled share based payments 
  expense                                     18            50,198              - 
                                                     -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash inflow from operating 
  activities                                             4,943,791      2,891,739 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Purchase of investment properties            11      (12,312,840)   (31,001,082) 
 Development                                  11         (216,654)              - 
                                                     -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash outflow from investing 
  activities                                          (12,529,494)   (31,001,082) 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Proceeds from the issue of ordinary 
  share capital                                                  -     75,000,000 
 Redemption of Class A shares in 
  Yew Tree Investment Fund (2)                                   -   (23,064,484) 
 Issue costs                                                     -    (2,220,699) 
 Proceeds from loans and borrowings           15        12,000,000              - 
 Loan repayment (3)                           15         (204,839)    (8,329,422) 
 Equity Dividend Paid                                  (1,548,000)              - 
 Net cash acquired from subsidiary 
  undertaking                                                    -      5,781,977 
                                                     -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash inflow from financing 
  activities                                            10,247,161     47,167,372 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                            2,661,458     19,058,029 
                                                     -------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the 
  beginning of the period                     12         4,823,734              - 
                                                     -------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the 
  end of the period                           12         7,485,192     19,058,029 
                                                     =============  ============= 
 

(1) As at 30 June 2018, the Company had agreed the purchase of Buildings One and Three Gateway, with payment due on 2 July 2018. On that date EUR26.1m was held in escrow with the Company's solicitors pending transfer to the vendor following for the acquisition of these buildings. This amount is included in other receivables at 30 June 2018. These funds were released to the vendor on 2 July 2018.

(2) On 8 June 2018 all of the Yew Tree Investment Fund (in Members Voluntary Liquidation) Class A shares were redeemed.

(3) On 8 June 2018 the Company subscribed to 8,329,422 EUR1 B ordinary shares in the Yew Tree Investment Fund (in Members Voluntary Liquidation) for EUR8,329,422, the EUR8,329,422 proceeds were used to fully repay the Yew Tree Investment Fund's (in Members Voluntary Liquidation) outstanding loan subsequent to acquisition. The current period amount is repayment of interest on the current Loan Facility (Note 15).

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   1.   Accounting policies 

1.1 General information

Yew Grove REIT plc (the "Company", registered number 623896), together with entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) (together the "Group"), is engaged in investing in a diversified portfolio of Irish commercial property with a view to maximising its shareholder returns.

The Company is a public limited company, incorporated and domiciled in Ireland. The registered address of the Company is 4th Floor, 76 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.

The ordinary shares of the Company were admitted to trading on the Euronext Growth Market (formerly the Enterprise Securities Market) of Euronext Dublin and the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange on 8 June 2018.

1.2 Trading period

The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company's reporting period are for the six-month period to 30 June 2019.

The results are inclusive of the parent company (Yew Grove REIT plc), its subsidiary company and its joint venture (Note 20) for the six-month period to 30 June 2019.

1.3 Going concern

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, a period of not less than twelve months from the date of the report. For this reason the Directors adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1.4 Basis of preparation

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the six-month period to 30 June 2019 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union. The Group Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended 31 December 2018. The accounting policies, significant judgements, key assumptions and estimates applied by the Group in these Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are consistent with those applied in the Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended 31 December 2018 except where amended for IFRS 15, IFRS 16 and IFRS 2. They do not include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a complete set of financial statements.

The information for the year ended 31 December 2018 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in the Companies Act 2014. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts: their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 391 of the Companies Act 2014.

The accounting policies noted below are consistent with those of the Company's annual financial statements which are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and the Companies Act 2014.

The interim figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 and the comparative results for the period 5 April 2018 to 30 June 2018 are unaudited but have been reviewed by the independent auditor whose report is set out on page 11 of this report. The interim financial statements herein are non-statutory financial statements for the purposes of the Companies Act 2014 and are approved by the Directors for issue on 4 September 2019.

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Euro, which is the Company's functional currency and the Group's presentational currency.

Changes in accounting policies

Revenue Recognition

During the period the Company received revenue for which an accounting policy had not previously been disclosed. The Company adopted the below policy which is added to the Group's current Revenue Recognition policy in line with IFRS 15 Contracts with Customers.

Surrender Premia

Where the Group receives a surrender premium from a tenant for the early termination of a lease, the profit, net of any then agreed costs associated with dilapidation and legal costs relating to that lease, is recognised in the Accounting Period in which the surrender took place.

Share Based Payments

Share Based Payments

The long term incentive plan arrangement ("LTIP") between the Company and its Executive Management is accounted for as an equity settled share based payment arrangement. The initial and only outstanding grants under this plan were made on 15 February 2019. On that date the Company estimated the fair value of each granted instrument and the number of equity instruments for which service, market and non-market performance conditions are expected to be satisfied. This initial estimate of the total share-based payment cost is expensed over the vesting period.

Subsequent to this initial recognition and measurement, the estimate of the number of equity instruments

for which the service and non-market performance conditions are expected to be satisfied will be revised

during the vesting period, (the period from 15 February 2019 to 15 February 2022). Ultimately, the share-based payment cost is based on the fair value of the number of equity instruments to be issued on satisfaction of these conditions (see note 21 for further details).

IFRS 16 Leases

In the current year, the Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases for the first time. The date of initial application of IFRS 16 for the Group is 1 January 2019. It introduces significant changes to lessee accounting by removing the distinction between operating and finance leases and requires the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at commencement of all leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low value assets. In contrast to lessee accounting, the requirements for lessor accounting have remained largely unchanged. The Group is not party as a lessee to material property and equipment leases. The Group does act as a lessor. Details of the Group's accounting policies under IFRS 16 are set out below.

Lease contracts - the Group as lessor

The Group has acquired investment properties which are subject to commercial property leases with tenants. The Group has determined, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of these lease arrangements, particularly the duration of the lease terms and minimum lease payments, that it retains substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of these leased properties. Income from these leases is recognised in line with IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, recognition is from the date on which the company becomes a contractual party to the lease. A Lease is derecognised at the termination of the lease or when the company is no longer a contractual party to the lease.

Lease contracts - the Group as lessee

The Group assesses whether a contract is a lease or contains a lease at inception of the lease contract. The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets (less than EUR5 thousand per annum). For these short-term leases, the Group recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed.

The lease liability of leases other than short term leases is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:

 
      --   fixed lease payments (including in substance fixed payments), 
            less any lease incentives; 
      --   variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, 
            initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement 
            date; 
      --   the amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual 
            value guarantees; 
      --   the exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is 
            reasonably certain to exercise the options; and 
      --   payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the 
            lease term reflects the exercise of an option to terminate 
            the lease. 
 

The lease liability is presented as a separate line in the consolidated statement of financial position. The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made. The Group remeasures the lease liability (and makes a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) whenever:

 
      --   the lease term has changed or there is a change in the 
            assessment of exercise of a purchase option, in which case 
            the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised 
            lease payments using a revised discount rate. 
      --   the lease payments change due to changes in an index or 
            rate or a change in expected payment under a guaranteed 
            residual value, in which cases the lease liability is remeasured 
            by discounting the revised lease payments using the initial 
            discount rate (unless the lease payments change is due 
            to a change in a floating interest rate, in which case 
            a revised discount rate is used). 
      --   a lease contract is modified, and the lease modification 
            is not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case 
            the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised 
            lease payments using a revised discount rate. 
 

The Group did not make any such adjustments during the period presented.

Right-of-use assets are amortised over the shorter period of lease term or useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group expects to exercise a purchase option, the related right-of-use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease. The Group does not have any leases that include purchase options or transfer ownership of the underlying asset.

For short-term leases (lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low-value assets (such as peppercorn ground leases), the Group has opted to recognise a lease expense on a straight-line basis as permitted by IFRS 16. This expense is presented within Expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee not to separate non-lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-lease components as a single arrangement. The Group has not used this practical expedient.

Approach to transition

The Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach, without restatement of the comparative information.

Financial impact

The application of IFRS 16 to leases previously classified as operating leases under IAS 17 did not result in any changes for the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Leases are expensed to the Statement of Comprehensive Income on a straight-line basis.

   2.   Revenue 
 
                             Six months ended    5 April 2018 
                                 30 June 2019              to 
                                          EUR    30 June 2018 
                                                          EUR 
--------------------------  -----------------  -------------- 
 Gross rental income                3,409,171         163,591 
  Licence income                      116,445           2,305 
  Service charge income               167,381               - 
  Lease surrender premium           2,000,000               - 
--------------------------  -----------------  -------------- 
 Net revenue                        5,692,997         165,896 
--------------------------  -----------------  -------------- 
 

Gross rental income represents amounts receivable from tenants under leases associated with the Group's property business. Licence income represents amounts under licences receivable from tenants associated with the licensing of the Group's car park spaces. Service charge income relates to contributions from tenants of the Group's buildings for property expenses of the occupied buildings. Service charge income receivable from tenants is recognised as revenue in the period in which the related expenditure is recognised.

During the period the company agreed terms on the surrender of a lease at its property Office Block, Unit 2600, in Cork Airport Business Park. The lease surrender took effect on 30 June 2019. Of the EUR3 million surrender premium agreed, EUR2 million was for lease surrender and EUR1 million for dilapidations.

   3.   Property expenses 
 
                               Six months     5 April 2018 
                                    ended               to 
                             30 June 2019     30 June 2018 
                                      EUR              EUR 
-------------------------  --------------  --------------- 
 Service charge expenses          177,337                - 
  Direct property costs            96,334                - 
  Car park costs                   13,002            1,668 
-------------------------  --------------  --------------- 
 Total                            286,673            1,668 
-------------------------  --------------  --------------- 
 

Property expenses include service charges and other costs directly recoverable from tenants, and non-recoverable costs directly attributable to the Group's properties. Service charge expenses typically include security, insurance, maintenance and other costs of managing the buildings due from and recharged to tenants.

   4.   Gains on investment properties 
 
                                                Six months    5 April 2018 
                                                     ended              to 
                                              30 June 2019    30 June 2018 
                                                       EUR             EUR 
------------------------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Fair value gains on investment properties          30,506               - 
 Gain on lease surrender dilapidations           1,000,000               - 
------------------------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total                                           1,030,506               - 
------------------------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

A valuation of the Group's properties as at 30 June 2019 was completed by Lisney Limited ("Lisney") as external independent Valuer. Lisney prepared the valuation on the basis of market value in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors ("RICS") Valuation - Global Standards (June 2017). Their valuation was subsequently reviewed by the Valuation Committee and is used unadjusted in these statements.

During the period the company agreed terms on the surrender of a lease at its property Office Block, Unit 2600, in Cork Airport Business Park. The Company recognised a gain from the EUR1 million dilapidations paid under the lease surrender premium. While it is expected that this will be used for works on this property, at the date of these financial statements 4 September 2019 there were no committed works agreed on the vacated property.

   5.   Impairment of Goodwill 
 
               Six months    5 April 2018 
                    ended              to 
             30 June 2019    30 June 2018 
                      EUR             EUR 
 ------------------------  -------------- 
Impairment of goodwill    -         238,750 
------------------------   ---------------- 
Total                     -         238,750 
------------------------   ---------------- 
 
 

Goodwill in the period ended 30 June 2018 arose on the acquisition of 100% of the class B ordinary share capital of Yew Tree Investment Fund (in Members Voluntary Liquidation). The fair value of unamortised loan facility costs with a book value of EUR238,750 included in trade receivables was estimated to have a recoverable amount of EURnil at the acquisition date. This gave rise to goodwill of EUR238,750 at the date of acquisition. The goodwill was subsequently reviewed for impairment and an impairment charge was taken to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The recoverable amount of the trade receivable and prepayments was determined based on a level 3 fair value hierarchy. The fair value was determined based on company only information available at the date of acquisition.

None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

The carrying value of the goodwill at the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date was EURnil.

   6.   AIFM fees 
 
         Six months    5 April 2018 
              ended              to 
       30 June 2019    30 June 2018 
                EUR             EUR 
 ------------------  -------------- 
AIFM fees    58,335             7,876 
-----------  ------  ---------------- 
Total        58,335             7,876 
-----------  ------  ---------------- 
 
 

The Company is required as a REIT to have an alternative investment fund manager ("AIFM"). The Company has agreed with Ballybunion Capital, an AIFM authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland, for it to act as the external AIFM of the Company, subject to overall supervision of the AIFM by the Board. The fees above are fees paid to the AIFM in accordance with the service level agreement between the AIFM and the Company.

   7.   Finance costs 
 
                                           Six months    5 April 2018 
                                                ended              to 
                                         30 June 2019    30 June 2018 
                                                  EUR             EUR 
  ---------------------------------------------------  -------------- 
 Effective interest expense on borrowings     255,995               - 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
 Total                                        255,995               - 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
 
 

The effective interest expense on borrowings arises as a result of the recognition of interest expense, commitment fees and arrangement fees on borrowings.

   8.   Administration expenses 

Profit before tax for the period has been stated after charging:

 
                             Six months    5 April 2018 
                                  ended              to 
                           30 June 2019    30 June 2018 
                                    EUR             EUR 
 --------------------------------------  --------------  --------- 
 Staff costs (Note 10) 
 Independent Non-executive Directors          1,044,805     40,919 
 (Note 21)                                      115,002     14,056 
 Listing expenses                                     -    167,083 
 Property valuation fees                         28,000     24,934 
 Property management fees                        56,995      8,283 
 Legal and consultancy fees                     103,371        724 
 Independent accountant fees                     38,460      5,960 
 Audit fees                                      54,501      3,164 
 Depositary fees                                 31,711      1,447 
 Other costs                                    292,492     36,807 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------- 
 Total                                        1,765,337    303,377 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 

Staff costs represents total remuneration and other benefits paid to all employees for the period. Further information on Directors' remuneration can be found in note 21 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

   9.   Earnings per share 

The basic total profit per ordinary share of 5.81 cents per share is based on the profit for the period of EUR4,357,163 and on 75,000,000 ordinary shares, being the time weighted average number of shares in issue during the period in accordance with IAS 33 Earnings Per Share. The diluted earnings per share of 5.81 cents per share is based on the dilutive effect of the outstanding share based payments (Note 21).

The Company's basic and diluted total loss per ordinary share for the period from 5 April 2018 to 30 June 2018 of (2.01) cents per share was based on the loss for the period of EUR385,775 and on 19,215,117 ordinary shares, being the time weighted average number of shares in issue during the period in accordance with IAS 33.

 
 
 
   WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES        Six months     5 April 2018 
                                                    to               to 
                                          30 June 2019     30 June 2018 
                                                   EUR              EUR 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Shares issued during the period                     -       75,000,000 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Share in issue at period end               75,000,000       75,000,000 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Weighted average number of shares          75,000,000       19,215,117 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Share Based Payments payable -                  7,939                - 
  dilutive effect 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Diluted number of shares                   75,007,939       19,215,117 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 
 
 
                                                  Six months     5 April 2018 
                                                          to               to 
   BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE         30 June 2019     30 June 2018 
                                                         EUR              EUR 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Profit/(Loss) for the period attributable 
  to the owners of the Group                       4,357,163        (385,775) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 
                                                         EUR              EUR 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
  shares (basic)                                  75,000,000       19,215,117 
  Weighted average number of ordinary 
   shares (diluted)                               75,007,939       19,215,117 
  Basic earnings per share (cent)                       5.81           (2.01) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Diluted earnings per share (cent)                      5.81           (2.01) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

10. Employment

The average monthly number of employees (including Directors) directly employed during the period to 30 June 2019 in the Group was 5.

Total employees at period end:

 
                                     30 June 2019                  30 June 2018 
----------------------  -------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 At period end: 
  Executive Directors                           3                             3 
  Office staff                                  3                             2 
----------------------  -------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Total employees                                6                             5 
----------------------  -------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 

The staff costs for the above employees were:

 
                                             Six months    5 April 2018 
                                                  ended              to 
                                           30 June 2019    30 June 2018 
                                                    EUR             EUR 
 ------------------------------------------------------  -------------- 
 Wages and salaries                             268,643          30,558 
  Staff bonus accrual                           602,000               - 
  Social insurance cost                          36,414           2,355 
  Share based payments and other benefits 
  (Note 21)                                      69,298               - 
  Pension costs - defined contribution 
   plan                                          64,594           6,876 
  Other benefits                                  3,856           1,130 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
 Total - all charged to income statement; 
 nil capitalised                              1,044,805          40,919 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
 
 

Staff costs are allocated to administration expenses during the period. In the 2018 comparative period the company had no employees and no staff costs before Admission to trading on 8 June 2018, the staff costs shown for the comparative period are for employees during the period from 8 June 2018 to 30 June 2018. Staff bonus accrual reflects the increased likelihood of a staff bonus being due at year end following the lease surrender payment receipt in June.

11. Investment properties

 
                                                          As at 
                                                   30 June 2019 
                                                            EUR 
 -----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 As at 1 January 2019                                  77,915,000 
 Property purchases                                    12,312,840 
 Development expenditure                                  216,654 
 Lease surrender dilapidations premium                (1,000,000) 
 Gains on investment properties                         1,030,506 
-----------------------------------------  ----  ---------------- 
 Closing fair value                                    90,475,000 
-----------------------------------------  ----  ---------------- 
 
 
 
                                                     As at 
                                          31 December 2018 
                                                       EUR 
 --------------------------------------------------------- 
 Acquired by distribution in specie             25,910,000 
  Property purchases                            50,147,611 
  Development expenditure                          248,263 
  Fair value gain on investment properties       1,609,126 
--------------------------------------------  ------------ 
 Closing fair value                             77,915,000 
--------------------------------------------  ------------ 
 
 

During the six-month period to 30 June 2019 the Group acquired Office Block A, located in the IDA Waterford Business and Technology Park, Butlerstown, Waterford for EUR4,307,733 (vendor price of EUR4,000,000 and transaction costs of EUR307,733) and Office Block, Unit 2600, located in the Cork Airport Business Park, Cork for EUR8,005,107 (vendor price of EUR7,500,000 and transaction costs of EUR505,107). During the period the Group also completed the development of a car park on the IDA Athlone Business and Technology Park, Athlone. Westmeath.

An external independent valuation is conducted on the Group's owned properties on 30 June and 31 December each year, based upon the key assumptions of estimated rental values and market-based yields. In determining fair value, the valuers refer to market evidence and recent transaction prices for similar properties.

11. Investment properties (Continued)

The Directors are satisfied that the valuation of the Group's properties is appropriate for inclusion in the accounts. The fair value of the Group's properties owned at 30 June 2019 is based on the valuation provided by the external independent valuers, Lisney. This valuation is prepared on the basis of market value in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Valuation - Global Standards (June 2017) and the principles of IFRS 13 Fair Value. This valuation has not been adjusted by the directors in making their determination of the fair value of investment properties at 30 June 2019.

Fair value

The valuation technique used in determining the fair value of the property assets is market value as defined by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Valuation, being the estimated amount for which an asset or liability should exchange on the valuation date between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm's length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. This is in accordance with IFRS 13.

The main inputs for property valuation using a market-based capitalisation approach are the Estimated Rental Value ("ERV") and equivalent yield. ERV is a valuer's opinion as to the open market rental value of a property on a valuation date which could reasonably be expected to be the achievable rent for a new letting of that property on the valuation date. ERVs are not generally directly observable and therefore classified as Level 3 inputs. Equivalent yields depend on the valuer's assessment of market capitalisation rates and are therefore Level 3 inputs. There were no transfers between fair value levels during the period.

Details of the Group's investment properties and information about the fair value hierarchy using unobservable inputs (level 3) at the end of the reporting period are as follows:

 
                                                                  Range 
-------------------------------------------------- 
 Asset Class            Market value      Input        Low       Median       High 
                       -------------  ------------  --------  -----------  --------- 
 Commercial Property                   ERV per sq. 
  Assets                EUR90.475m          ft       EUR4.00     EUR12.00   EUR33.34 
                       -------------  ------------  --------  -----------  --------- 
                                       Equivalent 
                                          yield       6.49%      8.10%       10.25% 
                       -------------  ------------  --------  -----------  --------- 
 

Sensitivity of measurement to variance of significant unobservable inputs

A decrease in the ERV will decrease the fair value. An increase in equivalent yield will decrease the fair value. There are interrelationships between these rates as they are partially determined by market rate conditions.

The table below shows the sensitivity of the Group's properties to changes in equivalent yield and ERV, which have been identified as key sensitivities by the directors. A change in long term vacancy rate was not considered significant and was not therefore tested, as the Group's long-term vacancy rates are low and lease contracts are long in duration.

Across the entire portfolio of investment properties a 0.25% increase in equivalent yield would have the impact of a EUR3.165 million reduction in fair value whilst a 0.25% decrease in yield would result in a fair value increase of EUR3.365 million, and a 5% increase in ERV would have the impact of a EUR4.225 million increase in fair value whilst a 5% decrease in ERV would result in a fair value decrease of EUR3.975 million.

This is analysed by property class, as follows:

 
                           Market       Value      Value         Value   Value -0.25% 
                            Value         +5%        -5%        +0.25%     Equivalent 
                                       in ERV         in    Equivalent          Yield 
                                                     ERV         Yield 
                                          EUR        EUR           EUR            EUR 
 
 Commercial property 
  assets                 EUR90.475m    4.225m   (3.975m)      (3.165m)         3.365m 
 
 Total properties                      4.225m   (3.975m)      (3.165m)         3.365m 
----------------------  -----------  --------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 
   12.   Cash and cash equivalents 
 
                                  As at          As at 
                                30 June    31 December 
                                   2019           2018 
                                    EUR            EUR 
---------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents    7,485,192      4,823,734 
---------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 

13. Trade and other receivables

 
                                          As at          As at 
                                        30 June    31 December 
                                           2019           2018 
                                            EUR            EUR 
------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Trade receivables and prepayments      288,119        201,214 
 Taxation debtors - VAT recoverable      68,670        160,081 
 Other receivables                      295,107        203,805 
------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total                                  651,896        565,100 
------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Trade receivables include amounts due from tenants for rental and service charges. The balance of trade and other receivables has no concentration of credit risk as it covers mainly prepayments. The Directors therefore consider the carrying value of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

The trade receivables balance has increased from that shown for the comparative period, this is primarily due to an increase in pre-paid rent as the Company's property portfolio has grown.

14. Trade and other payables

 
                                       As at          As at 
                                     30 June    31 December 
                                        2019           2018 
                                         EUR            EUR 
--------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Trade payables and accruals       2,643,509      2,302,163 
 Taxation creditors - PAYE/PRSI       19,937         19,729 
 Borrowings                            2,542              - 
 Other payables                       56,183         11,837 
--------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Total                             2,722,171      2,333,729 
--------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 

Trade payables includes amounts due to third party suppliers and prepaid rent amounts received from tenants in advance. Accrued expenses include operational expense incurred but not yet invoiced to the company as at 30 June 2019. Trade and other payables are interest free and have settlement dates within one year. The Directors consider that the carrying value of the trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

15. Borrowings

The Group has a revolving credit facility with Allied Irish Bank plc ("AIB"), secured by fixed and floating charges over certain property assets. The facility is EUR19,954,000 and can be repaid and re-drawn without penalty throughout its three year expected life. This loan facility was measured initially at fair value, after transaction costs, and carried at amortised cost, with all attributable costs charged to Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over the life of the facility.

The loan facility was drawn down in 2018 and 2019 and there were no principal loan repayments during the period to 30 June 2019. Bank finance repaid during the period is the interest paid and due on the loan facility.

The Company stated in its Admission document the intention to target borrowings, following full investment of the net proceeds raised at Admission, of 25% loan-to-value ("LTV"). LTV is the ratio of drawn debt to the value of property investments, which at 30 June 2019 was 20.1%. Under the Irish REIT rules the REIT's borrowings must not exceed 50% of the value of its assets.

15. Borrowings (Continued)

 
 Reconciliation of borrowings is shown        Six months   5 April 2018 
  below                                            ended             to 
                                            30 June 2019    31 December 
                                                     EUR           2018 
                                                                    EUR 
 Balance at the beginning of the period        5,852,235              - 
  Bank finance drawn during the period        12,000,000      6,199,540 
  Bank finance repaid during the period        (204,839)             -. 
  Less: Borrowing costs                                -      (362,717) 
  Plus: effective interest rate                  255,995         15,412 
                                          --------------  ------------- 
 Balance at end of the period                 17,903,391      5,852,235 
 
  Maturity of borrowings is as follows 
  Less than one year (Note 14)                     2,542         11,837 
  Between two and five years                  17,900,849      5,840,398 
                                          --------------  ------------- 
 Total                                        17,903,391      5,852,235 
 
  Undrawn at end of the period                 1,754,460     13,754,460 
                                          --------------  ------------- 
 

Where debt is drawn to finance material refurbishments and developments on qualifying assets, the borrowing cost associated with this debt is capitalised. No amounts were capitalised during the period for this purpose. All costs related to finance arrangements are amortised using the effective interest rate.

All borrowings are denominated in Euro. All borrowings are subject to six months or less interest rate changes and contractual re-pricing rates.

16. IFRS and EPRA NAV per share

The IFRS NAV is calculated as the value of the Group's assets less the value of its liabilities based on IFRS measures. EPRA NAV is calculated with accordance with the European Real Estate Association ("EPRA") Best Practice Recommendations: November 2016.

EPRA net asset value ("EPRA NAV") is defined as the IFRS assets including properties and other investment interests at fair value and to exclude certain items not expected to crystallise in a long-term investment property business.

 
 
                                               As at           As at 
                                        30 June 2019     31 December 
                                                 EUR            2018 
                                                                 EUR 
-----------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 IFRS net assets at end of period         77,992,541      75,133,180 
  Ordinary shares in issue                75,000,000      75,000,000 
-----------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 IFRS NAV per share (cent)                    103.99          100.18 
-----------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Ordinary shares in issue                 75,000,000      75,000,000 
-----------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Diluted number of shares                 75,007,939      75,000,000 
-----------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Diluted IFRS NAV per share (cent)            103.98          100.18 
-----------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 
 
 
 
                                                       As at           As at 
                                                30 June 2019     31 December 
                                                         EUR            2018 
                                                                         EUR 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 IFRS net assets at end of period                 77,992,541      75,133,180 
  Net market to market on financial assets                 -               - 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 EPRA NAV                                         77,992,541      75,133,180 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 EPRA NAV per share (cent)                            103.98          100.18 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 

The Company's IFRS net asset value per ordinary share of 103.99 cents is based on equity shareholders' funds of EUR77,992,541 and on 75,000,000 ordinary shares, being the number of shares in issue at the period end.

17. Share Capital

 
                                                         30 June 
                                                            2019 
                                       Number of shares      EUR 
-------------------------------------  ----------------  ------- 
Issued and fully paid* 
At 1 January 2019                            75,000,000  750,000 
Issued during the period                              -        - 
-------------------------------------  ----------------  ------- 
Closing total issued ordinary Shares         75,000,000  750,000 
-------------------------------------  ----------------  ------- 
 

The Group has authorised and issued share capital of 75m Ordinary Shares.

* share capital as at 30 June 2019 was fully paid. There is one class of ordinary share of one cent each.

18. Reserves

 
                                  Share     Retained  Share Based 
                                premium     earnings     Payments 
---------------------------- 
                                    EUR          EUR          EUR 
----------------------------  ---------  -----------  ----------- 
As at 1 January 2019          4,000,000   70,383,180            - 
Share based payment expense           -            -       50,198 
Equity dividend                       -  (1,548,000)            - 
Profit for the period                 -    4,357,163            - 
----------------------------  ---------  -----------  ----------- 
As at 30 June 2019            4,000,000   73,192,343       50,198 
----------------------------  ---------  -----------  ----------- 
 

The equity of the Company consists of Ordinary Shares issued. The par value of the shares is recorded in the share capital account. The excess of proceeds received over the par value is recorded in the share premium account. Direct issue costs in respect of the issue of shares are accounted for in the retained earnings reserve, net of any related tax deduction. The share based payment reserve reflects awards made under the LTIP.

19. Distributions made and declared

 
 Cash dividends to the equity holders          As at      As at 
  of the Company:                            30 June    30 June 
                                                2019       2018 
                                                 EUR        EUR 
----------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Dividends on ordinary shares declared 
  and paid 
 Final dividend for 2018: 0.96 cent per      723,000          - 
  share 
 Interim dividend for Q1 2019: 1.10 cent     825,000          - 
  per share 
 
 Total                                     1,548,000          - 
----------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
 Declared dividend on ordinary shares 
 Interim dividend for Q2 2019: 3.23 cent   2,422,500   - 
  per share 
----------------------------------------  ---------- 
 

The declared Q2 interim dividend on ordinary shares was declared on 26 June 2019 and paid to equity holders on 24 July 2019. This dividend was inclusive of a special dividend of 1.86 cent per share following the receipt of a lease surrender during the period.

20. Related Party Transactions and fees paid to Directors

Subsidiaries

All transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation.

The following lists the subsidiaries of the Group:

 
 Name of subsidiary   Registered Address/Country   Nature of the   Membership   Votes controlled 
                       of Incorporation             business                     by the Company 
 Gateway Estate       2(nd) Floor, River           Management of   2/3          99% of voting 
  Management           House, East Wall             common areas                 rights 
  Company Limited      Road, Dublin 3, 
  by Guarantee         Ireland 
                     ---------------------------  --------------  -----------  ----------------- 
 

The following lists the joint ventures of the Group:

 
 Name of joint venture    Registered Address/Country     Nature of        Votes controlled 
                           of Incorporation               the business     by the Company 
 Ashtown Management       Friends First House,           Management 
  Company Limited          Cherrywood, Loughlinstown,     of common 
  by Guarantee             Co. Dublin, Ireland            areas           50% 
                         -----------------------------  ---------------  ----------------- 
 

The joint venture had a break even result for the period to 30 June 2019.

Directors

The Directors are considered to be related parties. No Director had an interest in any transactions which are, or were, unusual in their nature or significant to the nature of the Company.

The Directors of the Group received remuneration, fees and other benefits from the Group for their services. Total amounts for the period were EUR428,798 of which EURnil remained payable at the period end. No remuneration, fees or other benefits were paid to the Directors by any subsidiary or joint venture.

21. Directors' remuneration

 
                                                 Six months to  5 April 2018 
                                                       30 June            to 
                                                          2019       30 June 
                                                                        2018 
                                                           EUR           EUR 
-----------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------ 
Remuneration and other emoluments                      187,506        22,920 
 Other benefits - Health insurance                      19,100         1,130 
 Share based payments                                   50,198             - 
 Pension contributions - defined contributions 
  plan (3 executive Directors) 
 Remuneration - Independent Non-executive 
  Directors                                             56,992         6,876 
                                                       115,002        14,056 
-----------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Total                                                 428,798        44,982 
-----------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

The remuneration of Directors and key management is determined by the Remuneration Committee to reflect the performance of individuals and market trends. Other benefits paid to the three Executive Directors during the period includes health insurance. Defined contribution pension payments represent contributions on behalf of the three Executive Directors. All fees paid to Non-Executive Directors are for services as Directors to the Group, they receive no other benefits. There were no payments of compensation made to Directors for termination or loss of office.

Share based payments

In February 2019, the Remuneration Committee granted 1,125,000 share options to senior executives under the Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"). The exercise price of the options of EUR0.01 is equal to the nominal price of the shares on the date of grant. The options vest (30% if at lowest hurdle, 100% if at or above highest hurdle) if the Company's Net Asset Value ("NAV") growth is 10% - 20%, Dividend per Share is EUR0.06 - EUR0.075 per share and Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") is 10% - 15%.

Vesting is three years from the date of grant and requires the senior executive to still be employed by the Company on such date. If the lower hurdles are not met, the options lapse. The vested options must be exercised within 2 years of vesting. The fair value at grant date is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. There is no cash settlement of the options. The fair value of options granted during the six-month period to 30 June 2019 was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:

Dividend yield (%) 6.14

Expected volatility (%) 17.94

Risk-free interest rate (%) 1

Vesting period of share options (years) 2.87

Grant date share price (EUR) 0.98

While the TSR linked option values calculated are based on market based assumptions, the NAV and dividend per share linked options, being non-market based, required management assumptions as to the probability of their respective hurdles being achieved.

For the six-month period ended 30 June 2019, the Group has recognised EUR50,198 of share-based payment expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

22. Events after the reporting period

On 11 July 2019 the Company held an Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") at which the issuance and disapplication of pre-emption rights for a 12-month Share Issuance Programme of up to 100 million new shares was approved. Immediately following this EGM the Company placed the first tranche of the Share Issuance Programme of EUR10 million shares of nominal value EUR0.01 at a price of EUR1.00. The proceeds of the Share Issuance Programme and future tranches will be used to fund the acquisition of assets that fit the Company's investment policy.

On 11 July 2019 the Company agreed a EUR9.12 million increase to its three year floating rate revolving loan facility (the "Facility") with Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") based upon a margin over-three month Euribor. The Facility is in place until December 2021 and is secured on certain of the Company's properties. This increase brings the total Facilities provided by AIB to EUR29.1 million, of which EUR17.2 million had been drawn as at the date of the interim report and Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

On 19 July 2019 the Company purchased a portfolio of three industrial buildings at the IDA Business and Technology Park, Garrycastle, Athlone (the "Portfolio"). The purchase price for this portfolio was EUR13 million, which represented a net initial yield of 7.6 per cent, after accounting for purchase costs and a potential reversionary yield in excess of 8 per cent. The purchase and associated costs were funded by the proceeds of the 10 million share issuance and a EUR4.5 million drawing on the Company's loan facility. Following this drawing the total drawn under the facility was EUR22.8 million.

On 24 July 2019 an interim dividend on ordinary shares which had been declared on 26 June 2019 was paid to equity holders. The interim dividend included a special dividend of 1.86 cent per share following a lease surrender received during the period. The total amount paid as the interim dividend was EUR2.4 million.

23. Capital commitments

The group has no material capital commitments at the Condensed Statement of Financial Position date.

24. Contingent Liabilities

The Group has not identified any contingent liabilities which are required to be disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

END

IR SSMFELFUSELU

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 04, 2019 08:50 ET (12:50 GMT)

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