TIDMHCFT
RNS Number : 5703L
Highcroft Investments PLC
30 April 2020
Highcroft Investments PLC
Final results for the year ended 31 December 2019
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
-- 16.4% increase in net property income to GBP5,656,000 (2018 GBP4,859,000)
-- 11.6% increase in investment property valuation to GBP86,710,000 (2018 GBP77,700,000)
-- Property acquisitions of GBP11,898,000, no property disposals
-- 2.7% decrease in net asset value per share to 1175p (2018 1207p)
-- 10.1% decrease in adjusted earnings per share to 78.5p (2018 87.3p)
-- 76.6% decrease in earnings per share to 22.3p (2018 95.3p)
-- Total debt increased by GBP6,800,000 to GBP26,200,000; LTV 30% (2018 25%)
-- Cash and liquid equity investments GBP1,559,000 (2018 GBP5,881,000)
-- 12.7% total shareholder return (2018 5.2%)
-- 20.0% decrease in final dividend to 27.00p per share (2018 33.75p per share)
-- 8.6% decrease in total dividend to 48.00p per share (2018 52.50p per share)
Dear Shareholder,
Introduction
I am pleased to say Highcroft has delivered a robust performance
in the 2019 financial year. As a result of our proactive asset
management strategy, we have reported an increase in net property
income of 16.4% and a total shareholder return of 12.7%.
This provided a strong starting point for the current financial
year; however the Covid-19 pandemic has now introduced a
significant level of uncertainty into the marketplace in which we
operate and in turn for all our stakeholders. As a consequence, we
are in regular dialogue with our tenants to understand their needs
and will continue to monitor on-going developments carefully and
take any necessary action, if required.
Property portfolio
Throughout 2019 the property market faced unsettled conditions
with different sub sectors affected in different ways. In support
of our on-going diversification away from high street retail, we
have seen warehouses and logistics continue to perform well as the
structural shift to online shopping continues. During the year we
made two property acquisitions, one warehouse and one leisure
asset. The total gross acquisition cost for both properties was
GBP11.9m with income of GBP1.15m giving a strong combined net
initial yield of 9.7%.
We continue to actively asset manage our portfolio and at the
year-end warehouse/industrial accounted for 42% of portfolio
valuation (2018 39%). At the other end of the spectrum one of the
more challenging sub sectors has been retail where we have very
limited exposure to the high street at just 8% (2018 10%). We also
have 27% (2018 33%) of our portfolio in retail warehouses however
we have strong tenant covenants, affordable rents and good access
for both traditional shoppers or online shoppers using click and
collect at these properties.
During the year we increased the total value of property assets
on our balance sheet by 11.6% to GBP86.7m while maintaining our
conservative view on debt with loan to property valuation (LTV)
levels of 30% (2018 25%).
Our net asset value per share fell by 2.7% (32p per share),
comprising income of 78.5p per share, an asset revaluation loss of
55.9p per share and dividends paid in the year of 54.75p per share.
The revaluation loss was 3.6% on a like-for-like basis which
compares favourably with an IPD all property capital value decrease
of 3.8%.
Covid-19
The global coronavirus pandemic, that was announced by the World
Health Organisation on 11 March 2020, has introduced significant
levels of uncertainty into most businesses. There are key
uncertainties regarding the extent and duration of lockdown and
social distancing measures which have impacted some of our tenants'
ability to carry on their normal business and generate sufficient
cash to pay their rent. While it is too early to assess the full
impact that this will have on our tenants we are aware that,
notwithstanding our strong tenant covenants, we will be unable to
collect a proportion of our full Q2 rent on the usual payment days,
or during the quarter. Whilst we have not agreed to waive any rent
due by our tenants, this will influence our short-term cash
generation. Consequently, we have challenged all our future
assumptions and forecasts and run a sensitivity analysis and stress
test. As a result, we are confident, based on the information
available to us at the date of this report, that the group remains
robust financially and has a viable model to continue to create
shareholder value over the long term.
Dividend
The company's interim dividend was increased 12.0% as a result
of strong revenue growth and this revenue growth continued into the
second half of the year. We have very carefully considered the
level of final dividend for the year. Whilst we recorded a robust
set of results in 2019, we are in the midst of a global pandemic.
We recognise the importance of the dividend to our shareholders but
also that it is the group's most significant cash out-flow and that
we need to manage our cash resources prudently at this difficult
time. We are therefore recommending a final dividend of 27.00p per
share which is a 20% decrease on the prior year, giving a total
dividend of 48.00p per share, a decrease of 8.6% year-on-year.
Whilst we have not met our stated strategy of increasing dividends
in excess of inflation every year, I am sure that you will agree
that we all find ourselves in exceptional circumstances at this
time.
Outlook
After a turbulent macro-economic environment in 2019, we ended
the year with increased confidence levels for the UK property
market and a higher degree of political certainty than for some
time, following the UK general election result on 12 December and
with a Brexit withdrawal agreement. Operationally we achieved a
robust result in 2019 and entered 2020 with clear strategic
direction, a well-balanced income producing portfolio and modest
gearing.
During the first quarter of 2020 everything changed
significantly as the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic began to
unfold, and undoubtedly 2020 is likely to be an extremely
challenging year for us all. Highcroft is however well positioned,
with a well-diversified, high-quality property portfolio, a low
level of gearing and a strong management team which should position
us well to survive the current crisis and continue to create
long-term shareholder value.
Charles Butler
Chairman
30 April 2020
Enquiries:
Highcroft Investments PLC
Charles Butler / Roberta Miles
01865 840023
N+1 Singer
Peter Steel / Amanda Gray - Corporate Finance
Tom Salvesen - Corporate Broking
020 7496 3000
This announcement contains inside information for the purpose of
Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2019
Note 2019 2018
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Gross rental revenue 5,840 - 5,840 5,043 - 5,043
Property operating expenses (184) - (184) (184) - (184)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net rental income 5,656 - 5,656 4,859 - 4,859
Net gains on disposal
of investment property - - - 967 - 967
--------
Valuation gains on investment
property - 739 739 - 2,600 2,600
Valuation losses on investment
property - (3,627) (3,627) - (2,116) (2,116)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net valuation (losses)/gains
on investment property - (2,888) (2,888) - 484 484
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Dividend revenue 3 - 3 54 - 54
Gains on equity investments - 53 53 - 48 48
Losses on equity investments - - - - (166) (166)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net investment income 3 53 56 54 (118) (64)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Administration expenses (826) - (826) (736) - (736)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net operating profit before
net finance income 4,833 (2,835) 1,998 5,144 366 5,510
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Finance income 6 - 6 6 - 6
Finance expense (856) - (856) (705) - (705)
Net finance expense (850) - (850) (699) - (699)
--------
Profit before tax 3,983 (2,835) 1,148 4,445 366 4,811
Income tax credit/(charge) 1 72 (66) 6 67 48 115
Profit for the year after
tax 4,055 (2,901) 1,154 4,512 414 4,926
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Total profit and comprehensive
income for the year attributable
to the owners of the parent 4,055 (2,901) 1,154 4,512 414 4,926
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Basic and diluted earnings
per share 22.3p 95.3p
Consolidated statement of financial position
at 31 December 2019
Note 2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Investment property 4 86,710 77,700
Equity investments 5 - 679
-------- --------
Total non-current assets 86,710 78,379
-------- --------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 1,147 471
Cash and cash equivalents 1,559 5,202
--------
Total current assets 2,706 5,673
Total assets 89,416 84,052
-------- --------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Interest bearing loan 4,000 -
Trade and other payables 2,495 2,235
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 6,495 2,235
-------- --------
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loan 6 22,200 19,400
Deferred tax liabilities - 33
-------- --------
Total non-current liabilities 22,200 19,433
-------- --------
Total liabilities 28,695 21,668
Net assets 60,721 62,384
Equity
Issued share capital 1,292 1,292
Share based payment reserve 12 -
Revaluation reserve - property 12,931 18,770
- other - 574
Capital redemption reserve 95 95
Realised capital reserve 28,995 28,378
Retained earnings 17,396 13,275
-------- --------
Total equity attributable
to the owners of the parent 60,721 62,384
--------
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
2019 Issued Share Revaluation reserves Capital Realised Retained
share Based payment Property Other redemption capital earnings Total
capital reserve reserve reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 January 2019 1,292 - 18,770 574 95 28,378 13,275 62,384
-------- -------------- -------------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
Transactions with
owners:
Dividends - - - - - - (2,829) (2,829)
-------- -------------- -------------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
Reserve transfers:
Non-distributable
items
recognised in income
statement:
Revaluation losses - - (2,888) - - - 2,888 -
Realised
gains/(losses) - - - - - 43 (43) -
Movement in deferred
tax
on realisation of
equities - - - 29 - (29) - -
Surplus attributable
to
assets sold in the
year - - - (603) - 603 - -
Reassessment of
carrying
value of reserves - - (4,168) - - - 4,168 -
-------- -------------- -------------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
Excess of cost over
revalued
amount taken to
retained
earnings - - 1,217 - - - (1,217) -
-------- -------------- -------------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
- - (5,839) (574) - 617 5,796 -
-------- -------------- -------------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
Share award expensed 12 - - - - - 12
Total comprehensive
income
for the year - - - - - - 1,154 1,154
-------- -------------- -------------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
At 31 December 2019 1,292 12 12,931 - 95 28,995 17,396 60,721
======== ============== ============== ======== =========== ========= ========= ========
Consolidated statement of changes in equity continued
2018 Issued Revaluation reserves Capital Realised Retained
share Property Other redemption capital earnings Total
capital reserve reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 January 2018 1,292 18,015 538 95 26,611 13,426 59,977
-------- ------------ --------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
Transactions with owners:
Dividends - - - - - (2,519) (2,519)
-------- ------------ --------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
Reserve transfers:
Non-distributable items
recognised in income statement
:
Revaluation gains/(losses) - 484 (121) - - (363) -
Tax on revaluation gains - - 48 - - (48) -
Realised gains/(losses) - - - - 969 (969) -
Movement in deferred tax
on realisation of equities - - 1,161 - (1,161) - -
Surplus attributable to
assets sold in the year - (907) (1,052) - 1,959 - -
Excess of cost over revalued
amount taken to retained
earnings - 1,178 - - - (1,178) -
- 755 36 - 1,767 (2,558) -
-------- ------------ --------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
Total comprehensive income
for the year - - - - - 4,926 4,926
-------- ------------ --------- ----------- --------- --------- --------
At 31 December 2018 1,292 18,770 574 95 28,378 13,275 62,384
======== ============ ========= =========== ========= ========= ========
Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2019
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Operating activities
Profit before tax on ordinary activities 1,148 4,811
Adjustments for:
Net valuation losses/(gains) on investment
property 2,888 (484)
Net gain on disposal of investment property - (967)
Net (gain)/loss on investments (53) 118
Share based payment expense 12 -
Finance income (6) (6)
Finance expense 856 705
Operating cash flow before changes in
working capital and provisions 4,845 4,177
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other
receivables (667) 66
Increase in trade and other payables 325 89
--------- --------
Cash generated from operations 4,503 4,332
Finance income 6 6
Finance expense (856) (705)
Income taxes paid (93) (13)
--------- --------
Net cashflows from operating activities 3,560 3,620
--------- --------
Investing activities
Purchase of non-current assets - investment
property (11,898) (5,226)
Sale of non-current assets - investment
property - 6,090
- equity investments 724 1,333
--------- --------
Net cash flows from investing activities (11,174) 2,197
--------- --------
Financing activities
Dividends paid (2,829) (2,519)
New bank borrowings 6,800 -
--------- --------
Net cashflows from financing activities 3,971 (2,519)
--------- --------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents (3,643) 3,298
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 5,202 1,904
--------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 1,559 5,202
--------- --------
Notes
for the year ended 31 December 2019
1 Income tax credit
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Current tax:
On revenue profits 72 67
On capital profits (99) -
(27) 67
Deferred tax 33 48
-------- --------
Income tax credit 6 115
-------- --------
The tax assessed for the year differs from the standard rate of
corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018 19%).
The differences are explained as follows:
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit before tax 1,148 4,811
-------- --------
Profit before tax multiplied by the
standard rate of corporation tax
in the UK of 19% (2018 19%) 218 914
Effect of:
Tax exempt revenues (11) 13
Profit not taxable as a result of
REIT status (216) (1,199)
Chargeable gains more than accounting
profit 103 172
Use of management expenses (67) 20
Change in deferred tax liability (33) (48)
Adjustment in respect of previous
years - 13
Income tax credit (6) (115)
-------- --------
2 Dividends
In 2019 the following dividends have been paid by the
company:
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
2018 Final: 33.75p per ordinary share
(2017 30.00p) 1,744 1,550
2019 Interim: 21.00p per ordinary
share (2018 18.75p) 1,085 969
----------- -----------
2,829 2,519
----------- -----------
The directors recommend a property income distribution of
GBP1,395,000, 27.00p per share (2018 GBP1,744,000, 33.75p per
share) payable on 19 June 2020 to shareholders registered at 15 May
2020.
3 Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the total
profit for the year of GBP1,154,000 (2018 GBP4,926,000) and on
5,167,240 shares (2018 5,167,240) which is the weighted average
number of shares in issue during the year ended 31 December 2019
and throughout the period since 1 January 2018. There are no
dilutive instruments.
In order to draw attention to the profit which is not due to the
impact of valuation gains and losses, which are included in the
statement of comprehensive income but not available for
distribution under the company's articles of association, an
adjusted earnings per share based on the profit available for
distribution of GBP4,055,000 (2018 GBP4,512,000) has been
calculated.
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Earnings:
Basic profit for the year 1,154 4,926
Adjustments for:
Net valuation losses/(gains) on investment
property 2,888 (484)
(Gains)/losses on investments (53) 118
Income tax on profit 66 (48)
----------------- -----------------
Adjusted earnings 4,055 4,512
----------------- -----------------
Per share amount:
Earnings per share (unadjusted) 22.3p 95.3p
Adjustments for:
Net valuation losses/(gains) on investment
property 55.9p (9.4p)
(Gains)/losses on investments (1.0p) 2.3p
Income tax on profits 1.3p (0.9p)
----------------- -----------------
Adjusted earnings per share 78.5p 87.3p
----------------- -----------------
4 Investment property
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Total valuation at 1 January 77,700 77,113
Additions 11,898 5,226
Disposals - (5,123)
Revaluation (losses)/gains (2,888) 484
----------- -----------
Valuation at 31 December 86,710 77,700
----------- -----------
In accordance with IAS 40 the carrying value of investment
properties is their fair value as determined by external valuers.
This valuation has been conducted by Knight Frank LLP, as external
valuers, and has been prepared as at 31 December 2019, in
accordance with the Appraisal & Valuation Standards of the
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, on the basis of market
value. This value has been incorporated into the financial
statements at fair value categorised with level 2 inputs.
The independent valuation of all property assets uses market
evidence and also includes assumptions regarding income
expectations and yields that investors would expect to achieve on
those assets over time. Many external economic and market factors,
such as interest rate expectations, bond yields, the availability
and cost of finance and the relative attraction of property against
other asset classes, could lead to a reappraisal of the assumptions
used to arrive at current valuations. Significant increases or
decreases in estimated rental value and rent growth per annum in
isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair
value. Generally a change in the assumption made for the estimated
rental value is accompanied by a directionally similar change in
rent growth per annum and discount rate and an opposite change in
the long-term vacancy rate.
5 Equity investments
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Valuation at 1 January 679 2,131
Disposals (670) (1,331)
Loss on revaluation in excess of
cost - (121)
Revaluation decrease below cost - -
Valuation at 31 December 9 679
Unlisted investments transferred (9) -
to other receivable
-------- --------
Equity investments at 31 December - 679
-------- --------
6 Interest bearing loans
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Short-term bank loans due within one year 4,000 -
Medium-term bank loans 22,200 19,400
-------- --------
The medium-term bank loans comprise amounts
falling due as follows:
Between one and two years - 4,000
Between two and five years 7,500 7,500
Over five years 14,700 7,900
-------- --------
22,200 19,400
-------- --------
7 Basis of preparation
The preliminary announcement has been prepared in accordance
with applicable accounting standards as stated in the financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. The accounting
policies remain unchanged.
8 Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 10 June 2020.
9 Publication of non-statutory accounts
The above does not constitute statutory accounts within the
meaning of the Companies Act 2006. It is an extract from the full
accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019 on which the auditor
has expressed an unmodified opinion and does not include any
statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006. The accounts
will be posted to shareholders on or before 6 May 2020 and
subsequently filed at Companies House.
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END
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