Half-year Report

RNS Number : 9133A
abrdn European Logistics Income plc
28 September 2022
 

28 September 2022

LEI: 213800I9IYIKKNRT3G50

abrdn European Logistics Income plc (LSE: ASLI) (the "Company" or "ASLI")

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

 

Diversified portfolio of modern, sustainable and structurally supported Continental Europe mid box and urban logistics assets benefitting from high indexation and continued occupier demand

 

abrdn European Logistics Income plc, the investor in modern Continental European warehouses, which is managed by abrdn, today announces its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2022.

 

Stable NAV and earnings underpinned by portfolio's diversified European exposure and lease indexation:

· Net asset value per ordinary share increased by 1.4% to 130.9 cents (31 December 2021: 129.1 cents)

· NAV total return of 3.6% for the period

· EPRA net tangible assets 138.7 cents (31 December 2021: 136.4 cents)

· IFRS earnings per share of 4.82 cents (30 June 2021: 6.37 cents), following equity issuance

· Loan to Value of 21.7% at 30 June 2022, rising to 25.7% with ING asset level loan. All in cost of debt 1.66%, with an average term to maturity of 4 years

· Dividend distributions of 2.82 cents (2.39 pence) per share paid in respect of the period

· Attractive inflation linked lease profile, with 68% of current portfolio income subject to full uncapped indexation

· A £38 million (€45.6 million) equity issuance completed in February 2022, deployed into recent acquisitions

· €40 million three-year debt facility agreed with ING Bank, secured against Phases I to III of Spanish Madrid portfolio, at an all-in interest rate of 2.57%, post period end

 

Acquisitions further enhance portfolio's diversification with asset management supporting income growth:

· Strong rent collection with 100% of expected rent due for the period collected

· Portfolio value increased 2.2% to €680.4 million (31 December 2021: €660.8 million), reflecting continued yield compression

· Acquisition of two well-located logistics properties, in Bordeaux and Niort, totalling €23 million, with Heads of Terms signed to acquire a further French logistics asset, following which the portfolio will comprise 14 urban logistics warehouses and 12 mid-box logistics warehouses

· Annualised passing rent increased by 26% to €28.3 million (30 June 2021: €22.4 million)

· Income enhancing asset management successes including:

Five year lease agreed with ADER on 7,375 sqm of previously vacant space at Madrid Phase II, ahead of business plan

Completion of Madrid Phase IV Amazon hub

Delivery of highly sustainable warehouse extension at Waddinxveen, the Netherlands

· Weighted average unexpired lease term ("WAULT") (excluding breaks) of 8.0 years (31 December 2021: 8.0 years)

 

Tony Roper, Chairman, abrdn European Logistics Income, commented:

"Given the evolving geopolitical and economic environment, it is understandable that market expectations are being downgraded and an element of de-risking in portfolios is taking place.

 

"However, the European logistics occupier market is characterised by record low vacancy and high activity, with strong leasing momentum reflecting that Europe is at a much earlier stage of its supply chain reconfiguration and e-commerce penetration is still some way behind the UK. The incontrovertible shift in the way consumers shop and the infrastructure required to service that demand close to population centres is a source of greater certainty."

 

Evert Castelein, Lead Fund Manager, abrdn European Logistics Income, added:

"The proven resilience of the logistics sector throughout challenging market conditions maintains its justification as being the most compelling commercial real estate sector to hold. We have put together a high-quality, geographically diverse and tenant critical portfolio. With the reach of our pan-European teams on the ground, we are well placed to engage and collaborate with our tenants as we look to optimise our assets to support their operations.

 

"Being underpinned by robust index-linked income streams to good covenant tenants will, in addition to the aforementioned factors, help support valuations and continue to deliver value for our shareholders."

 

-Ends-

 

For further information please contact:

 

Aberdeen Asset Management PLC                               +44 (0) 20 7463 6000

Luke Mason

Gary Jones

 

Investec Bank plc  +44 (0) 20 7597 4000

Dominic Waters

Neil Brierley

Will Barnett

David Yovichic

Denis Flanagan

 

FTI Consulting  +44 (0) 20 3727 1000

Dido Laurimore

Richard Gotla

James McEwan



 

Highlights

Financial Highlights

 


30 June 2022

31 December 2021

Total assets (€'000)

767,802

728,386

Equity shareholders' funds (€'000)

539,609

487,505

Share price - Ordinary share (pence)

99.60

117.00

Net asset value per Ordinary share (€)

1.31

1.29

Share price (discount)/premium to sterling net asset value

(11.4)%

7.8%

Performance (total return)

 


Six months ended 30 June 2022

Year ended 31 December 2021

Since Launch return

Share price 1

(12.9)%

12.4%

19.9%

Net Asset Value (EUR) 1

3.6%

12.4%

39.1%

1 Considered to be an Alternative Performance Measure (see Glossary below for more information).




 

Overview

Company Overview

abrdn European Logistics Income plc (the "Company" or "ASLI") is an investment trust investing in high quality European logistics real estate to achieve its objective of providing its Shareholders with a regular and attractive level of income and capital growth. The Company invests in a portfolio of assets diversified by both geography and tenant throughout Europe, predominantly targeting well located assets at established distribution hubs and within population centres.

Financial Highlights as at 30 June 2022

Net asset value total return for the 6 months to 30 June 2022 1

3.6%

For the 12 months to 31 December 2021: 12.4%

 

Net Asset Value
(€'000)

539,609

31 December 2021: 487,505

 

Net Asset Value
per share (€)
1

1.31

31 December 2021: 1.29

 

Share price total return for the 6 months to

30 June 2022 1

(12.9)%

For the 12 months to 31 December 2021: 12.4%

 

(Discount)/
Premium to

Net Asset Value 1

(11.4)%

31 December 2021: 7.8%

 

Ordinary distribution per share declared for the 6 months to
30 June 2022

2.82¢

Declared for the 12 months to 31 December 2021: 5.64¢ 2

EPRA Net Tangible Assets
per share (€)
1

1.39

31 December 2021: 1.36

 

IFRS Earnings Per Share for the
6 months to 30 June 2022

4.82¢

For the 12 months to 31 December 2021: 15.43¢

Portfolio valuation
(€'000)

675,692

31 December 2021: 660,973

Number of
assets

23

31 December 2021: 23

Average lease length excluding breaks in years

8.0

31 December 2021: 8.0

Loan-To-Value
(%)
3

21.7%

31 December 2021: 25.1%

 

Average building size
(sqm)

23,403

31 December 2021: 23,403

 

Rent collection

 

100%

31 December 2021: 100%


1 Alternative Performance Measurements - see glossary.

2 Total dividend paid in respect of year ended 31 December 2021.

3 25.7% including €40m ING loan drawn after period end.

 



 

Interim Board Report

Chairman's Statement

Overview

I am pleased to be presenting the Company's half yearly report for the six months ended 30 June 2022.

The Company's investmentobjective remainssolelyfocused on investing in logistics real estate in Europe, with our strategy targetingboth medium sized "mid box"assets and smaller format "urban logistics" that will serve 'last mile' functions forEurope's growing e-commerce activities.

The currentdiversified portfolio of 26 modern logistics warehouses in established locations across five countries (including the soon to be acquired French asset near Dijon) has been carefully stock pickedby our Investment Manager, with an increasing weightingtowards urban assets. Whilst wearestartingto see some pockets ofoutward yield movement in the portfolio, valuationsaregenerally stable, reflecting occupier demand for our high specification buildings, which arelocated close to population hubs with excellentroad, rail and port links. Our assets typically benefitfromdurable and growing income streams with long index- linked leases secured against a diversified range of tenants.

The prospective growth of the Company will follow the existing investment strategy, targeting a rangeof logisticsreal estateassetsthat theInvestmentManagerbelieves arewell located, closeto establisheddistributionhubs andpopulationcentresthat willprovidetheCompanywithincreasedassetandtenantdiversificationandenable it tomeetitsinvestment objective. A greater focus on such assets in a marketwith lowvacancyrates,newdevelopment constraintsandwithCPIrentincreases feeding throughconvinces us of the positioning ofourportfolio.

We are facing a period of global economic uncertainty and concerns over increasing energy costs and the almost unprecedented inflationary pressures being witnessed.

However, the underlying premise of income and capital growth, generated from in-demand assets buoyed by continuing e-commerce penetration, the near shoring of operations, land scarcity and rapidly rising construction costs, remains compelling. Added to this, we are starting to see higher inflation feeding through into annual lease reviews, which is a major benefit of many European lease agreements which are predominantly linked to CPI or its equivalent.

Investors continue to support the Company, recognising the qualities of the GRESB rated portfolio underpinned by the changing nature of both tenants and their customers in the desire for reliable and fast delivery lines and supported by indexed income-producing assets and competitive fees. It was good to finally be able to hold an in-person AGM on 6th June and to be able to present and meet shareholders again after the pandemic- induced closed meetings. The Board was also able to visit the Company's acquisitions in Madrid with the Investment Manager and to fully appreciate the quality and scale of these assets. The local transaction and asset management team based in central Madrid gave the Directors a great deal of comfort around the knowledge and expertise that helps manage our Spanish portfolio.

Much of the early part of H1 wasspent bedding downthe Madrid portfolio. The purchase of which was completed in December 2021. In July, as planned, the Company saw the completion of the construction and handover ofthededicated Amazon hub and its associated car parking deck for its fleet of delivery vans in Phase IV at Gavilanes. This was a milestone with Amazon now one of the largest tenants within the portfolio and occupying this newly-constructed last-mile warehouse on a 25 yearindexedlease.

We have continued to acquire assets that meet our strict investment criteria. On 1 August 2022, the Company announced completion of the acquisition of two logistics properties, in Bordeaux and Niort, France. The aggregate purchase price of circa €23 million reflects a net initial yield of 4.0%.

Both buildings are leased to the same German-owned global third party logistics provider, operating as Dachser France. This long-standing 3PL operator has a strong financial covenant and both leases provide for annual indexation. Site coverage is also low, at 22% and 9% respectively, providing excellent opportunities for expansion in the future. We expect to announce the acquisition of a third French warehouse in Dijon shortly.

Further details on the Company's portfolio are provided in the Investment Manager's Report that follows.

Results

The unaudited Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share as at 30 June 2022 was 130.9 euro cents (GBp - 112.4p), compared with the NAV per share of 129.1 cents (GBp - 108.5p) at the end of 2021, reflecting, with the interim dividends declared, a NAV total return of 3.6% for the six month period under review, in euro terms. Over the 12 months ended 30 June 2022, the NAV total return was 10.6%, reflecting continued strength in the sector.

The closing Ordinary share price at 30 June 2022 was 99.6p (31 December 2021 - 108.5p), representing a discount to the NAV per share of 11.4%.

Rent collection

Despite economic headwinds, the Company's rent collection remains strong with 100% of the expected rental income for the half year ended 30 June 2022 collected.

Dividend

On 18 February 2022 the Board declared a fourth interim distribution of 1.41 euro cents (equivalent to 1.21 pence) per Ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2021. In aggregate a total dividend of 5.64 euro cents was paid in respect of the 2021 financial year. The equivalent sterling rate paid was 4.84 pence.

First and second interim distributions of 1.41 euro cents (equivalent to 1.19 pence and 1.20 pence respectively) have been declared in respect of the year ending 31 December 2022.

Fund raising and share issuance

In January, the Company raised £38 million (€45.6 million) in aggregate via a Placing under the Company's Share Issuance Programme which included a retail offer.

A total of 34,545,455 new Ordinary Shares were issued at a price of 110 pence per new Ordinary Share and the Company's issued share capital now consists of 412,174,356 Ordinary Shares with voting rights.

Revolving credit facility/ financing

The Company's €70 million Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") at the parent Company level provided by Investec Bank provides flexibility in the acquisition of new properties and can help to avoid immediate cash drag on investment returns. At the time of writing we have drawn €50 million against this to finance the Amazon leased Phase IV Madrid hub before fixing longer term debt on this asset.

On 7 July 2022 the Company secured a new €40m debt facility against Phases I to III of its Spanish Madrid portfolio. A three-year term was agreed with ING Bank at an all-in interestrate of 2.57%, effected using an interestrate swap.

At 30 June 2022 the asset level LTV was 21.7%. The ING loan saw this rise to 25.7%. The Company's non-recourse loans , including the ING loan, range in maturities between 2.9 and 6.6 years with interest rates ranging between 1.10% and 2.57% per annum.

The current average interestrate on the totalfixedtermdebt arrangements of €201.6 million (excluding the RCF) is 1.66%. The Board continuesto keep the levelof borrowings under review,calculated at the time ofdrawdownfor a property purchase. The actual levelof gearing mayfluctuateover the Company's life as and when newassetsareacquired or whilst short term asset management initiativesare being undertaken. Banking covenantsare reviewed by the Manager and the Board on a regular basis.

ESG and Asset Management

The Company believes that comprehensive assessment of ESG factors leads to better outcomes for shareholders and adopts the Manager's policy and approach to integrating ESG.

The current portfolio has strong ESG credentials having been awarded Sector Leader status and being placed first in theListedEuropean Industrial - DistributionWarehousesegment in the 2021GRESBsurvey(GlobalRealEstateSustainability Benchmark).Wecannotrest on ourlaurels hereand a programmeof works continuestoenhanceareas whereimprovementscan be made, includingsolar panelprojects,LEDlighting, analysis ofenergyandwater consumption,partlyinformed byourtenant satisfaction survey.

The Investment Manager continues to focus on asset management initiatives, leveraging its network of locally based asset managers to enhance the value of the portfolio's assets. This includes initiatives around building extensions and improvements to sites both internally and externally for the benefit of tenants and their workforces and to enhance the future value of the assets. The now completed extension alongside our Waddinxveen asset is a very good example of this and allows our tenant Combilo to accommodate its growing client base and is accretive to returns.

Outlook

Given the evolving geopolitical and economic environment, it is understandable that market expectations are being downgraded and an element of de-risking in portfolios is taking place. Increasing interest rates may well translate into some of the 'hot' money that has chased logistics assets globally, whilst using high leverage, re-assessing the situation, leading

to some softening of valuations. That said, the European logistics occupier market remains very active with strong leasing momentum, reflecting that Europe is at a much earlier stage of its supply chain reconfiguration and e-commerce penetration still some way behind the UK. The incontrovertible shift in the way consumers shop and the infrastructure required to service that demand close to population centres is a source of greater certainty.

With the majority of our tenants leases subject to uncapped CPI increases we should see attractive increases in income in the coming years. Whilst always mindful of tenant affordability the Company is in a strong position and early stage discussions may lead to lease extensions helping underpin the long term nature of our income generation.

The Investment Manager believes that our logistics assets remain relatively defensive against the downturns in economic activity being witnessed. The Company's portfolio is characterised by carefully selected assets in well-located areas close to population hubs with good transport links underpinned by low vacancy rates across Europe. The increasing construction costs for developers being witnessed will impact supply and long indexed leases secured against a financially robust and increasingly diverse tenants base, for whom rent remains a small percentage of revenues, for us underpins returns. We have seen an increasing focus on sustainability from investors and tenants alike and are working together with our advisers on an early plan and costings towards carbon neutrality. New regulations combined with evolving valuation guidance will drive a wider gap between future- fit assets and those facing obsolescence.

To date we have built a diversified portfolio of 26 modern, high quality logistics warehouses with long term, inflation linked income characteristics, which has underpinned the valuation gains we have witnessed and delivered attractive returns for Shareholders. We will seek to add to the portfolio at the opportune time, especially as we see attractive opportunities in the market as interest rate increases start to impact what has been a very buoyant market to date.

 

Tony Roper

Chairman

27 September 2022



 

Interim Board Report

Investment Manager's Review

Overview

The resilience of the logistics market is again being put to the test with the focus of the world in the first half of 2022 shifting towards the impact from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. European sanctions, rapidly rising inflation and increasing interest rates are impacting European economies leading to uncertainty and the risk of recession. Notwithstanding the cyclicality of financial markets, logistics has remained resilient thanks to its strong fundamentals with demand for good quality warehouse stock structurally exceeding new supply, especially with new developments looking increasingly constrained due to rising construction costs.

One of the key themes today for many is without doubt inflation. With our focus on Continental Europe, our CPI- indexed rents are a great benefit and will help to grow our income stream. With rents which increase annually predominantly in line with increasing inflation and our focus on what we believe is the most attractive part of the market and buildings which have every opportunity of a 'second-life' when leases end, we believe the Company is well positioned. Having options is key. Urban logistics and mid-sized boxes with modern specifications are highly sought after thanks to the continued growth in online sales and with companies seeking to move closer to end- customers in order to reduce transportation costs and delivery times. The limited supply witnessed in the market will support stronger rental growth especially for these assets, which is keyfor our income driven strategy.

Despite the market challenges, 100% of expected rental income was collected in 2021 and H1 2022 reflecting the strong and diverse tenant base. Property valuations increased by 2.16% (+€14.4m) over the first six months of the year resulting in further NAV growth.

With the support of our local real estateteams located across Europe we have been able to build a well-diversified portfolio with 23 buildings as at 30 June, of which 16 werebrand-new at the time of purchase. These assetshave modern specifications and aresituated in easily accessible locations with 12 located on the urban fringes of major cities . The development of the Amazon hub in Madrid, our largest warehouse, was completed in July and is urban located as well.Two further warehouses in Francewerepurchased in July 2022 and weareworkingtocomplete a third shortly, two of these are urban located.

Given the uncertain market situation, we have taken a more cautious approach over the early part of 2022 with a focus on optimising the existing portfolio and closing pipeline deals. We believe a cautious approach is prudent in today's market with gearing at a level below target, giving us the flexibility to act quickly when there is more clarity on the direction of travel of markets.

The main achievementsover the six months have been the signing of the purchase agreements in France with global logistics operator Dachser as tenant, the delivery of the Amazon development in Madrid, completion of a small extension project in Waddinxveen in the Netherlands and the signing of a new lease for a vacant unit in Spain, all of which closed early Q3 2022. A further priority is in seeking to keep the portfolio future-fitbyfocusing on sustainability and defining a carbon strategy whilst closely monitoringthemarket looking forattractive newinvestment opportunities.

Strong fundamentals will drive performance in the logistics sector

Each real estate sector has its own challenges. Clearly, the pandemic changed the way we work and how we use officespace and accelerated growth in online salesaffectingtheretailmarket to a largeextent.For logistics, the challenge is different and this is reflected in the supply-demand imbalance with logistics being business critical and essentialforcompaniesto operate.During the pandemic, demandforwarehousespace held up well, benefitingfrom the growth in online sales with goods delivered directly from a warehouse to the consumer and withsupermarkets embracingthis business modelrapidly.Wehave all witnessed supply chaindisruptions and thesehave led tocompanies holdinglargerinventories in warehouses or evenconsidering near-shoring some of theirproduction facilities to Europe in order to maketheir supply chainsmore resilient.Thesetrends haveresulted in an increasedtake-upof logistics space leadingto historiclowvacancyrateswith the developmentof modernwarehousespace unableto keep up with demand. Costs forbuildingmaterialssuch as timber,steel and concrete  and also land scarcity have increasedsignificantlymaking it hardfordevelopers to undertakeprofitableprojects,thus drivingrentsfurtherupwards. So, despiteeconomic turmoil in the short-termwestrongly believelogistics will continueto outperformwithrentsgrowingespecially in urban locationswheredemand is highest.

Attractive assets with growth potential

Our portfolio strategy is defined by the assets that we have invested in and their locations, where we think growth will be strongest. The ability to more easily let a warehouse to another company (liquidity) is hugely important and an element of the drivers for growth in the future. Diversification is another important consideration.

With 26 assets (including July transactions and post completion of the next French purchase) spread across 5 European countries and leased to 47 tenants the Company is well positioned in this regard.

In July 2022, the Company exchanged contracts in Madrid on a state-of-the-art last mile Amazon hub of 16,500 sqm together with a 20,000 sqm decked Electric Vehicle van hub capable of accommodating 530 vehicles. This prime asset was the fourth and final phase of the Sky Gavilanes portfolio purchase, a deal which was closed in December 2021 with seven existing warehouses and this one forward commitment. Amazon has committed to a 25-year lease until March 2047, subject to a break option in March 2037. Net purchase price was €80.3 million reflecting a net initial yield of 3.4%, as agreed in Q4 2021.

In July, the Company also exchanged contracts on a French portfolio of two warehouses for a net purchase price of €23.0 million reflecting a net initial yield of 4.0%. Both properties are leased out to Dachser, an international provider of transport and logistics solutions, and provide annual indexation, whilst they also offer medium term asset management opportunities due to their low site coverage. One building is located in Bordeaux, one of France's more populated cities, located just a few kilometres from the city centre. Total size of the asset is 6,504 sqm with a site cover of only 22% providing the option to expand the building further if required by the tenant. The second building is located in Niort with a site cover of only 9%. The Company expects to complete on the purchase of a third freehold building in France in Q3.

At the end of June 2022, the portfolio was tilted towards the Netherlands (35% of portfolio value) and Spain (29%), followed by Poland (14%), France and Germany (each 11%). The allocation to Spain grew to almost 36% with the addition of the Amazon warehouse in July and in France to 13% with the addition of the Dachser portfolio, with exposure to the other countries decreasing proportionally.

Spain now represents our largest country exposure with one urban logistic warehouse in Barcelona, a mid-sized building in Leon and nine warehouses in Madrid. Madrid is the third largest city in Europe after London and Paris. The urban profile of these warehouses is exactly in line with our strategy and we are pleased to have Amazon in the portfolio. The Netherlands is our second largest market. The Gateway function with Rotterdam, the largest seaport in Europe, gives the Netherlands a strategic location in Europe and starting point for large transport corridors leading to Belgium, Germany and beyond.

This is reflected in the second highest logistics stock per capita just behind Belgium. The combination of a densely populated country and a fierce debate around the impact of further construction on the environment and biodiversity makes it even harder to find locations for new logistics developments. This leaves us well positioned with the six Dutch assets in the portfolio. Including the two recent additions, we now have four warehouses in France with another in the pipeline providing further diversification to this large economy. The three warehouses in Poland provide higher yields over certain other regions. The Polish market has been amongst the strongest growing European logistics market benefiting from low labour costs. Its proximity to the neighbouring Ukraine has not impacted the portfolio. With Poland a member of NATO, its historically strong link to Ukraine has led to increased take-up as some Ukrainian companies have required extra storage. The two multi-let assets in Germany are located in the densely populated Frankfurt Rhine-Main region and have performed very well since being acquired.

Property portfolio

 

 

Country

 

Location

 

Built

WAULT incl breaks in yrs

WAULT excluding breaks in yrs

 

% of Portfolio

France

Avignon

2018

5.1

9.3

6.9

France

Meung sur Loire

2004

-

-

2.9

Germany

Erlensee

2018

5.5

7.6

5.7

Germany

Flörsheim

2015

2.6

6.3

3.6

Netherlands

Den Hoorn

2020

7.8

7.8

7.7

Netherlands

Ede

1999/2005

5.5

5.5

4.3

Netherlands

Oss

2019

12.0

12.0

2.3

Netherlands

's Heerenberg

2009/2011

9.4

9.4

4.3

Netherlands

Waddinxveen

1983 - 2018

11.4

11.4

6.4

Netherlands

Zeewolde

2019

12.0

12.0

4.9

Poland

Krakow

2018

3.3

3.3

4.0

Poland

Lodz

2020

5.8

5.8

4.1

Poland

Warsaw

2019

5.3

5.3

4.1

Spain

Barcelona

2019

4.0

7.0

2.5

Spain

Leon

2019

6.7

6.7

2.5

Spain

Madrid

1999

4.5

7.5

1.6

Spain

Madrid - Gavilanes 1.1

2019

7.2

7.2

4.8

Spain

Madrid - Gavilanes 1.2

2019

1.1

8.1

2.7

Spain

Madrid - Gavilanes 2.1

2020

4.1

14.1

2.1

Spain

Madrid - Gavilanes 2.2

2020

2.0

4.0

1.7

Spain

Madrid - Gavilanes 2.3

2020

-

-

1.6

Spain

Madrid - Gavilanes 3 (2 assets)

2019

4.9

8.9

6.1

Total at 30 June 2022 (1)


6.6

8.0

86.8

Spain (July 2022)

Madrid - Gavilanes 4

2022



10.2

France (July 2022)

Bordeaux

2005



1.5

France (July 2022)

Niort

2014



1.5

Total (2)

13.2

Total (1+2)

100.0

 

Asset loans as at 30 June 2022

 

 

Country

 

Property

 

Bank

Existing loan

€million

 

End date

Remaining

Years

Interest (incl margin)

Germany

Erlensee

DZ Hyp

17.8

January 2029

6.6

1.62%

Germany

Florsheim

DZ Hyp

12.4

January 2026

3.6

1.54%

France

Avignon + Meung sur Loire

BayernLB

33.0

February 2026

3.6

1.57%

Netherlands

Ede + Oss + Waddinxveen

Berlin Hyp

44.2

June 2025

2.9

1.35%

Netherlands

s Heerenberg

Berlin Hyp

11.0

June 2025

3.0

1.10%

Netherlands

Den Hoorn + Zeewolde

Berlin Hyp

43.2

January 2028

5.5

1.38%

Total as at 30 June 2022

161.6


4.2

1.43%

Spain

Madrid, Gavilanes 1-3

ING

40.0

July 2025

4.0

2.57%

Total including ING loan

201.6



1.66%

Indexed rental income

2022 has experienced unprecedented levels of inflation driven by the impact from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine with increased costs of energy one of the main drivers. In June inflation in the Eurozone was 8.6% (year-on-year) 2 . One of the key benefits of the Continent, compared to the UK, is the relatively standard annual indexation clause seen in leases. The majority of our contracts have upward only indexation clauses, sometimes with a cap. In the portfolio, a total of 68% of rent is fully indexed with no cap, 24% has a cap between 2% and 5%, whilst 7% attracts German threshold indexation.

The affordability of rents for our tenants with this increasingly high indexation is an important consideration. As a landlord at this stage we feel our position is strong with the logistics business of many tenants critical to their success. Overall, rent may often be a smaller portion of overall operating expenses for companies meaning the impact may be limited for them, especially where companies have pricing power in their particular market. Our local asset managers will enable us to manage this process well, as with the challenges of the pandemic.

ESG

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is one of the keystrategic goals where the Investment Manager is distinguishing itself from its peer group. The Company was awardedSector Leader Status in the 2021 GRESB survey and was first in its peer group of six listed logistics strategies in Europe. GRESB is the Global RealEstateSustainability Benchmark assessment and a leading indicator worldwidefor measuring green performance. The Company received 84 out of 100 pointsresulting in four out of five green stars.

Our starting point is strong thanks to the younger age of the portfolio, the installation of solar panels on ten of our buildings and a dedicated ESG Team helping tooptimise the sustainability credentials.

As a next step, the Investment Manager is working on defining a Net Zero Carbon strategy with the Board with clear reduction targets for the future. We have undertaken a first stage pathway analysis with a third party specialist in this field. Knowing the carbon footprint of each building in the portfolio will help guide to creating a real structure to our ambitions for both the near and long term.

Outlook

We should not underestimate the challenges that markets face in the short term. Tighter yield spreads and looming recession will present challenges for sections of the real estate market. Longer term we are confident that the structural drivers of supply chain evolution are deeply embedded - particularly on the Continent. Europe is at a much earlier stage of the growth in e-commerce penetration and substantial investment in modern warehousing is required to make this a profitable model for occupiers. In a global context, Europe is a large logistics market and should continue to grow further due to supply chain diversification/near-shoring, as political risks and the costs of running long distance global supply chains have escalated.

Construction costs, lead times and development financing margins have also increased sharply, which is likely to restrict development pipelines, suppressing future supply. This should support the strength of cash flows and the potential for structurally higher market rents in the sector.

Furthermore, it is much more typical in Europe for rents  to contractually increase through indexation to annual inflation, which is a key point of differentiation compared to most UK lease structures. This gives cash flows from European logistics assets a stronger direct link to inflation, boosting our revenue earning capabilities. That said we are always cognisant of the possible impact that such increases may have on our tenants businesses. The high levels of inflation being witnessed as lease renewal negotiations come up means that there may well be options to help limit increases for certain tenants whilst agreeing longer lease terms, to the benefit of both sides.

We have recently seen examples of reduced indexation agreed in exchange for lease extensions or the removal of breaks, which is a positive for investors looking for longer term cash flows.

We still hold strong conviction in our strategy to focus on urban and mid-box assets as supported by the continued structural demographic trends such as urbanisation and suburbanisation, automation and digitalisation. Combine this with a post-pandemic emergence across the Continent to implement improved public health guidance and a wider recognition of the huge change needed to deliver a pathway to net zero and this only serves to underline our robust investment philosophy in targeting best in class assets, in the strongest locations, underpinned by excellent fundamentals.

The proven resilience of the logistics sector throughout challenging market conditions maintains its justification as being the most compelling commercial real estate sector to hold. We have built a high-quality, diverse, tenant and geographical mix across the portfolio. With the reach of our pan-European teams on the ground, we are well- placed to engage and collaborate with our tenants as we look to optimise our assets to support their operations. Fundamentally for an income fund, being underpinned by robust index-linked income streams to good covenants will, in addition to the aforementioned factors, help support valuations and continue to deliver for our shareholders.

 

Evert Castelein

Fund Manager

abrdn Investments Ireland Limited

27 September 2022



 

Interim Board Report

Disclosures

Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Company are set out on pages 12 to 16 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 (the "2021 Annual Report") together with details of the management of the risks and the Company's internal controls. Notwithstanding the risk of recession, higher inflation and tenant rental negotiations discussed in the Chairman's Statement and Investment Manager's Review, these risks have not changed materially and can be summarised as follows:

. Strategic Risk: Strategic Objectives and Performance;

. Investment and Asset Management Risk: Investment Strategy;

. Investment and Asset Management Risk: Developing and Refurbishing Property;

. Investment and Asset Management Risk: Health and Safety;

. Investment and Asset Management Risk: Environment;

. Financial Risks: Macroeconomic;

. Financial Risks: Gearing;

. Financial Risks: Liquidity and FX Risk;

. Financial Risks: Credit Risk;

. Financial Risks: Insufficient Income Generation;

. Regulatory Risks: Compliance;

. Operational Risks: Service Providers; and

. Operational Risks: Business Continuity.

The Board also has a process in place to identify emerging risks. If any of these are deemed to be significant, these risks are categorised, rated and added to the Company's risk matrix.

The Board has reviewed the risks related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the on-going conflict in Ukraine which has impacted the underlying tenants in the Company's warehouse portfolio in varying degrees due to the disruption of supply chains and demand for products

and services, increased costs and potential issues around changes in cash flow forecasts. However, the Board notes the Investment Manager's robust and disciplined investment process which continues to focus on high quality warehouses located across Europe and prudent

cash flow management. The Board, through the Manager, closely monitors all third party service arrangements and has not suffered any interruption to service. The Board therefore believes that the Manager and all other key third party service providers have in place appropriate business interruption plans and are able to maintain their service levels to the Company.

Related party transactions

abrdn Fund Managers Limited ("aFML") acts as Alternative Investment Fund Manager, abrdn Investments Ireland Limited acts as Investment Manager and Aberdeen Asset Management PLC acts as Company Secretary to the Company; details of the service and fee arrangements can be found in the 2021 Annual Report, a copy of which is available on the Company's website. Details of the transactions with the Manager including the fees payable to abrdn plc group companies are disclosed in note 16 of this Half Yearly Report.

Going concern

In accordance with the Financial Reporting Council's Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting, the Directors have undertaken a rigorous review and consider that thereare no material uncertainties and that the adoption of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate. This review included the additional risks relating to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and conflict in Ukraine and, where appropriate, action taken by the Manager and Company's service providers in relation to those risks. An analysis of the level of rental payments from tenants together with operational and other Company costs has been modelled covering a range of potential risk scenarios. In addition, the Company maintains an overdraft facility which allows the Company to draw down additional funds if unexpected short term liquidity issues were to arise. The Board notes that the Investment Manager remains in regular contact with tenants and third party suppliers and continues to have a constructive dialogue with all parties. Accordingly, the Directors believe that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and at least 12 months from the date of this Half Yearly Report. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

 

Directors' Responsibility Statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing this half-yearly financial report in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

. the condensed set of financial statements contained within the half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and net return of the Company as at 30 June 2022; and

. the Interim Board Report (constituting the interim management report) includes a fair review of the information required by rule 4.2.7R of the UK Listing Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year) and 4.2.8R (being related party transactions that have taken place during the first six months of the financial year and that have materially affected the financial position of the Company during that period).

 

Tony Roper

Chairman

27 September 2022

Property Portfolio

Property Portfolio as at 30 June 2022


Property

Tenure

Principal Tenant

1

France, Avignon (Noves)

Freehold

Biocoop

2

France, Meung sur Loire

Freehold

Vacated - agents appointed

3

Germany, Erlensee

Freehold

Bergler

4

Germany, Flörsheim

Freehold

Ernst Schmitz

5

Poland, Krakow

Freehold

Lynka

6

Poland, Warsaw

Freehold

DHL

7

Poland, Lodz

Freehold

Compal

8

Spain, Barcelona

Freehold

Mediapost

9

Spain, Leon

Freehold

Decathlon

10

Spain, Madrid (Coslada)

Freehold

DHL

11

Spain, Madrid 1.1

Freehold

Talentum

12

Spain, Madrid 1.2

Freehold

Amazon

13

Spain, Madrid 2.1

Freehold

Carrefour

14

Spain, Madrid 2.2

Freehold

MCR

15

Spain, Madrid 2.3

Freehold

ADER 1

16/17

Spain, Madrid 3 (2 buildings)

Freehold

Arrival

18

the Netherlands, Ede

Freehold

AS Watson (Kruidvat)

19

the Netherlands, Oss

Freehold

Orangeworks

20

the Netherlands, 's Heerenberg

Freehold

JCL Logistics

21

the Netherlands, Waddinxveeen

Freehold

Combilo International

22

the Netherlands, Zeewolde

Freehold

VSH Fittings

23

the Netherlands, Den Hoorn

Leasehold

Van der Helm


Acquired after 30 June 2022



24

France, Bordeaux

Freehold

Dachser

25

France, Niort

Freehold

Dachser

26

Spain, Madrid 4

Freehold

Amazon

1 ADER occupation post period end.



 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 




 

 

 

 

Notes

1 January to 30 June 2022

Unaudited

1 January to 30 June 2021

Unaudited

1 January to 31 December 2021

Audited

Revenue

€'000

Capital

€'000

Total

€'000

Revenue

€'000

Capital

€'000

Total

€'000

Revenue

€'000

Capital

€'000

Total

€'000

REVENUE






Rental income

13,593

-

13,593

11,121

-

11,121

23,283

-

23,283

Property service charge income

2,777

-

2,777

1,648

-

1,648

3,435

-

3,435

Other operating income

383

-

383

201

-

201

219

-

219

Total Revenue

2

16,753

-

16,753

12,970

-

12,970

26,937

-

26,937

 

GAINS ON INVESTMENTS

Gains on revaluation of investment properties

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

15,676

 

 

 

15,676

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

15,290

 

 

 

15,290

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

41,031

 

 

 

41,031

Total Income and gains on investments

-

15,676

15,676

12,970

15,290

28,260

26,937

41,031

67,968

 

EXPENDITURE






Investment management fee

(2,017)

-

(2,017)

(1,201)

-

(1,201)

(2,756)

-

(2,756)

Direct property expenses

(981)

-

(981)

(1,123)

-

(1,123)

(1,851)

-

(1,851)

Property service charge exposure

(2,777)

-

(2,777)

(1,648)

-

(1,648)

(3,435)

-

(3,435)

SPV property management fee

(89)

-

(89)

(93)

-

(93)

(371)

-

(371)

Other expenses

(1,169)

-

(1,169)

(882)

-

(882)

(1,735)

-

(1,735)

Total expenditure

(7,033)

-

(7,033)

(4,947)

-

(4,947)

(10,148)

-

(10,148)

Net operating return before finance costs

9,720

15,676

25,396

8,023

15,290

23,313

16,789

41,031

57,820

 

FINANCE COSTS

Finance costs

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

(1,687)

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,687)

 

 

 

(1,373)

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,373)

 

 

 

(3,449)

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(3,449)




Effect of foreign exchange differences

516

48

564

53

(507)

(454)

264

753

1,017

Net return before taxation

8,549

15,724

24,273

6,703

14,783

21,486

13,604

41,784

55,388

 

 

Taxation

 

 

4

 

 

(367)

 

 

(4,363)

 

 

(4,730)

 

 

(391)

 

 

(4,832)

 

 

(5,223)

 

 

(651)

 

 

(10,294)

 

 

(10,945)

Net return for the period

8,182

11,361

19,543

6,312

9,951

16,263

12,953

31,490

44,443




Total comprehensive return for the period

8,182

11,361

19,543

6,312

9,951

16,263

12,953

31,490

44,443




Basic and diluted earnings per share

6

2.02¢

2.80¢

4.82¢

2.47¢

3.90¢

6.37¢

4.50¢

10.93¢

15.43¢

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements.

The total column of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is the profit and loss account of the Company. All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the period.



 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 

 

Notes

30 June 2022Unaudited

€'000

30 June 2021Unaudited

€'000

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Investment properties  8

Deferred tax asset  4

 

698,463

2,993

 

492,280

1,081

 

683,878

2,978

Total non-current assets

701,456

493,361

686,856

 

CURRENT ASSETS





Trade and other receivables

9

12,705

15,522

11,175

Cash and cash equivalents

10

44,189

30,832

23,280

Other assets


9,452

200

6,966

Derivative financial assets


-

77

109

Total current assets

66,346

46,631

41,530




Total assets

767,802

539,992

728,386

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES





Bank loans

13

-

19,500

15,500

Lease liability

11

550

550

550

Trade and other payables

12

12,929

8,780

14,466

Total current liabilities

13,479

28,830

30,516

 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES





Bank loans

13

160,552

143,453

160,447

Lease liability

11

22,221

22,487

22,355

Deferred tax liability

4

31,941

20,204

27,563

Total non-current liabilities

214,714

186,144

210,365




Total liabilities

228,193

214,974

240,881




Net assets

539,609

325,018

487,505

 

SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES





Share capital

14

4,717

2,970

4,309

Share premium


269,569

83,791

225,792

Special distributable reserve


178,207

182,368

178,207

Capital reserve


74,619

41,719

63,258

Revenue reserve


12,497

14,170

15,939

Equity shareholders' funds

539,609

325,018

487,505

Net asset value per share

7

€1.31

€1.24

€1.29

Company number: 11032222

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements.



 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 June 2022

(unaudited)  Notes

 

 

Share capital

€'000

 

Share premium

€'000

Special distributable

reserve

€'000

 

Capital reserve

€'000

 

Revenue reserve

€'000

 

 

Total

€'000

Balance at 31 December 2021

4,309

225,792

178,207

63,258

15,939

487,505

Share issue

408

44,513

-

-

-

44,921

Share issue costs

-

(736)

-

-

-

(736)

Total comprehensive return for the period

-

-

-

11,361

8,182

19,543

Interim distributions paid

-

-

-

-

(11,624)

(11,624)

Balance at 30 June 2022

4,717

269,569

178,207

74,619

12,497

539,609

 

Six months ended 30 June 2021 (unaudited)

Balance at 31 December 2020

2,756

61,691

185,661

31,768

11,720

293,596

Share Issue

214

22,325

-

-

-

22,539

Share Issue costs

-

(225)

-

-

-

(225)

Total comprehensive return for the period

-

-

-

9,951

6,312

16,263

Interim distributions paid

-

-

(3,293)

-

(3,862)

(7,155)

Balance at 30 June 2021

2,970

83,791

182,368

41,719

14,170

325,018

 

Year ended 31 December 2021 (audited)

Balance at 31 December 2020

2,756

61,691

185,661

31,768

11,720

293,596

Share Issue

1,553

166,924

-

-

-

168,477

Share Issue costs

-

(2,823)

-

-

-

(2,823)

Total comprehensive return for the year

-

-

-

31,490

12,953

44,443

Dividends paid

-

-

(7,454)

-

(8,734)

(16,188)

Balance at 31 December 2021

4,309

225,792

178,207

63,258

15,939

487,505

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements.



 

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

 

 

 

Notes

1 January to

30 June 2022
Unaudited

€'000

1 January to

30 June 2021
Unaudited

€'000

1 January to

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES





Net gain for the period before taxation


24,273

21,486

55,388

Adjustments for:





Gains on investment properties

8

(15,676)

(15,290)

(41,031)

Land leasehold liability decreases


134

132

265

Increase in operating trade and other receivables


(1,669)

(6,534)

(9,088)

(Decrease)/increase in operating trade and other payables


(4,503)

(207)

2,939

Finance costs

3

1,687

1,373

3,449

Tax paid


(361)

(314)

(473)

Cash generated by operations

3,885

646

11,449

Net cash inflow from operating activities

3,885

646

11,449

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES




Purchase of investment properties

962

(28,490)

(193,475)

Derivative financial instruments

109

(51)

(83)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

1,071

(28,541)

(193,558)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES




Dividends paid

(11,624)

(7,155)

(16,188)

Bank loans interest paid

(1,108)

(806)

(1,311)

Bank loans drawn

-

19,500

68,860

Bank loans repaid

(15,500)

-

(36,500)

Proceeds from share issue

44,921

22,539

168,477

Issue costs relating to share issue

(736)

(225)

(2,823)

Net cash inflow from financing activities

15,953

33,853

180,515

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

20,909

5,958

(1,594)

Opening balance

23,280

24,874

24,874

Closing cash and cash equivalents

10

44,189

30,832

23,280

 

REPRESENTED BY



Cash at bank

44,189

30,832

23,280

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements.



 

Notes to the Financial Statements

1.  Accounting Policies

The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard ("IFRS") IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and are consistent with the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021.

The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2022 do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021. These were prepared in accordance with IFRS, which comprises standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB'), and International Accounting Standards and Standing Interpretations Committee interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Committee ('IASC') that remain in effect, and to the extent that they have been adopted by the United Kingdom, and the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.. The financial information in this Report does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 - 436 of the Companies Act 2006. Those financial statements have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and included the report of the auditor which was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2022 and 30 June 2021 has not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditor.

 

2.  Revenue

 


Half year ended 30 June 2022
Unaudited

€'000

Half year ended 30 June 2021
Unaudited

€'000

Year ended 31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

Rental income

13,593

11,121

23,283

Property service charge income

2,777

1,648

3,435

Other income

383

201

219

Total revenue

16,753

12,970

26,937

Included within rental income is amortisation of rent free periods granted.

 

3.  Finance Costs

 


Half year ended 30 June 2022
Unaudited

€'000

Half year ended 30 June 2021
Unaudited

€'000

Year ended 31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

Interest on bank loans

1,342

1,046

2,587

Bank interest

195

205

606

Amortisation of loan costs

150

122

256

Total finance costs

1,687

1,373

3,449

 

4.  Taxation

(a) Tax charge in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

 


Half year ended
30 June 2022
Unaudited

Half year ended
30 June 2021

Unaudited

Year ended

31 December 2021

Audited

Revenue

€'000

Capital

€'000

Total

€'000

Revenue

€'000

Capital

€'000

Total

€'000

Revenue

€'000

Capital

€'000

Total

€'000

Overseas taxation

367

-

367

391

-

391

651

-

651

 

Deferred taxation:










Overseas taxation

-

4,363

4,363

-

4,832

4,832

-

10,294

10,294

Total taxation

367

4,363

4,730

391

4,832

5,223

651

10,294

10,945

(b) Tax in the Group Balance Sheet

 


As at 30 June 2022

Unaudited

As at 30 June 2021

Unaudited

As at 31 December 2021

Audited

Total

€'000

Total

€'000

Total

€'000

Deferred tax assets:

On tax losses

On other temporary differences

 

2,655

338

 

712

369

 

2,828

150


2,993

1,081

2,978

 


As at 30 June 2022

Unaudited

As at 30 June 2021

Unaudited

As at 31 December 2021

Audited

Total

€'000

Total

€'000

Total

€'000

Deferred tax liabilities:

Differences between tax and property revaluation

 

 

31,941

 

 

20,204

 

 

27,563

Total taxation on return

31,941

20,204

27,563

 

5.  Distributions

 


30 June 2022Unaudited

€'000

2021 Fourth interim dividend of 1.21p per Share paid 25 March 2022

5,812

2022 First interim dividend of 1.19p per Share paid 24 June 2022

5,812

Total dividend paid

11,624

A fourth quarterly interim dividend for 2021 of 1.21p per share was paid on 25 March 2022 to shareholders on the register on 4 March 2022. The distribution was split 1.01p dividend income and 0.20p qualifying interest income.

A first quarterly interim dividend for 2022 of 1.19p per share was paid on 24 June 2022 to shareholders on the register on 6 June 2022. The distribution was split 0.86p dividend income and 0.33p qualifying interest income.

 

6.  Earnings Per Share (Basic and Diluted)

 


30 June 2022 Unaudited

30 June 2021 Unaudited

31 December 2021

Audited

Revenue net return attributable to ordinary shareholders (€'000)

8,182

6,312

12,953

Weighted average number of shares in issue during the period

 

405,685,155

 

255,406,907

 

288,114,820

Total revenue return per ordinary share

2.02¢

2.47¢

4.50¢

Capital return attributable to ordinary shareholders (€'000)

 

11,361

 

9,951

 

31,490

Weighted average number of shares in issue during the period

 

405,685,155

 

255,406,907

 

288,114,820

Total capital return per ordinary share

2.80¢

3.90¢

10.93¢

Total return per ordinary share

4.82¢

6.37¢

15.43¢

Earnings per Share is calculated on the revenue and capital return for the period and is calculated using the weighted average number of Shares in the period.

 

7.  Net Asset Value Per Share

 


30 June 2022 Unaudited

30 June 2021

Unaudited

31 December 2021

Audited

Net assets attributable to shareholders (€'000)

539,609

325,018

487,505

Number of shares in issue

412,174,356

262,950,001

377,628,901

Net asset value per share (€)

1.31

1.24

1.29

 

8.  Investment Properties

 


30 June 2022Unaudited

€'000

30 June 2021Unaudited

€'000

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

Opening carrying value

683,878

448,418

448,418

Purchase at cost and capital expenditure

(1,091)

28,572

194,429

Gains on revaluation to fair value

15,676

15,290

41,031

Total carrying value

698,463

492,280

683,878

The fair value of investment properties amounted to €680,391,000. The difference between the fair value and the value per the Consolidated Balance Sheet at 30 June 2022 consists of accrued income relating to the pre-payment for rent-free periods recognised over the life of the lease, and a lease asset relating to future use of the leasehold at Den Hoorn. These total €4,699,000 and €22,771,000 respectively. The rent incentive balance is recorded separately in the financial statements as a current asset, and the lease asset is offset by an equal and opposite lease liability.

The purchase cost of €1,091,000 includes a true up receipt of €1,210,000 in the purchase price of Madrid Phase 1 to 3 and capitalised expenses of €119,000.

 

9.  Trade and Other Receivables

 


30 June 2022Unaudited

€'000

30 June 2021Unaudited

€'000

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

Trade debtors

7,718

4,274

5,549

VAT receivable

265

6,590

591

Lease incentives

4,699

4,658

5,035

Other receivables

23

-

-

Total receivables

12,705

15,522

11,175

10.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

 


30 June 2022Unaudited

€'000

30 June 2021Unaudited

€'000

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

Cash at bank

44,189

30,832

23,280

Total cash and cash equivalents

44,189

30,832

23,280

 

11. Leasehold Liability

 


30 June 2022Unaudited

€'000

30 June 2021Unaudited

€'000

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

Maturity analysis - contractual undiscounted cash flows




Less than one year

550

550

550

One to five years

2,201

2,201

2,201

More than five years

25,339

25,753

25,615

Total undiscounted lease liabilities

28,090

28,504

28,366

 

Lease liability included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet




Current

550

550

550

Non - Current

22,221

22,487

22,355

Total lease liability included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

22,771

 

23,037

 

22,905

12.  Trade and Other Payables

 


30 June 2022Unaudited

€'000

30 June 2021Unaudited

€'000

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

Rental income received in advance

2,700

1,517

1,964

Accrued acquisition and development costs

146

147

41

Management fee payable

2,023

622

931

VAT payable

761

972

643

Accruals

1,146

1,346

2,850

Trade creditors

3,423

2,711

5,164

Tenant deposits

2,730

1,465

2,873

Total payables

12,929

8,780

14,466

 

13.  Bank Loans

 


30 June 2022 Unaudited

€'000

30 June 2021

Unaudited

€'000

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

External bank loans payable in less than 12 months

 

-

 

19,500

 

15,500

External bank loans payable in greater than 12 months

 

160,552

 

143,453

 

160,447

Total payables

160,552

162,953

175,947

The total drawdown of the bank loans amounted to €161,600,000. The difference between the external loans drawdowns and the value per the condensed consolidated balance sheet consists of financing fees and their amortised portion related to the external bank loans totaling €1,048,000. It is recorded in the financial statements in the same line as bank loans.

 

14.  Share Capital

 


30 June 2022 Unaudited

€'000

30 June 2021

Unaudited

€'000

31 December 2021

Audited

€'000

Opening balance

4,309

2,756

2,756

Ordinary shares issued

408

214

1,553

Closing balance

4,717

2,970

4,309

Ordinary Shareholders participate in all general meetings of the Company on the basis of one vote for each Share held. Each Ordinary share has equal rights to dividends and equal rights to participate in a distribution arising from a winding up of the Company. The Ordinary Shares are not redeemable.

The group commenced the year with 377,628,901 Ordinary shares in issue. On 4 February 2022, the Group increased its share capital by the issue of 34,545,455 new shares at £1.10 per share. The number of Ordinary shares in issue at 30 June 2022 was 412,174,356. The nominal value of each share is £0.01.

 

15.  Financial Instruments and Investment Properties

Fair value hierarchy

IFRS 13 requires the Group to classify its financial instruments held at fair value using a hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in the valuation methodologies. These are as follows:

Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayments, credit risk, etc.); and

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs.

The following table shows an analysis of the fair values of investment properties recognised in the balance sheet by level of the fair value hierarchy:

 


Level 1

€'000

Level 2

€'000

Level 3

€'000

Total fair value

€'000

30 June 2022 Investment properties

 

-

 

-

 

698,463

 

698,463

 

30 June 2021 Investment properties

 

-

 

-

 

492,280

 

492,280

31 December 2021 Investment properties

 

-

 

683,878

 

683,878

The lowest level of input is the underlying yields on each property which is an input not based on observable market data.

The following table shows an analysis of the fair values of derivative financial instruments recognised in the balance sheet by level of the fair value hierarchy:

 


Level 1

€'000

Level 2

€'000

Level 3

€'000

Total fair value

€'000

30 June 2022

Derivative financial instruments

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

30 June 2021

Derivative financial instruments

 

-

 

77

 

-

 

77

31 December 2021

Derivative financial instruments

 

-

 

109

 

-

 

109

The lowest level of input is EUR:GBP exchange rate.

The Company used forward foreign exchange contracts to mitigate potential volatility of income returns and to provide greater certainty as to the level of Sterling distributions expected to be paid in respect of the period covered by the relevant currency hedging instrument. Derivatives are measured at fair value calculated by reference to forward exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles.

 

16.  Related Party Transactions

The Company's Alternative Investment Fund Manager ('AIFM') throughout the period was abrdn Fund Managers Limited ('aFML'). Under the terms of a Management Agreement dated 17 November 2017 the AIFM is appointed to provide investment management, risk management and general administrative services including acting as the Company Secretary. The agreement is terminable by either the Company or aFML on not less than 12 months' written notice.

Under the terms of the agreement portfolio management services are delegated by aFML to abrdn Investments Ireland Limited ("aIIL"). The total management fees charged to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income during the period were €2,017,000 and €2,023,000 was payable at the period end. Under the terms of a Global Secretarial Agreement between aFML and Aberdeen Asset Management PLC ("AAM PLC"), company secretarial services are provided to the Company by AAM PLC.

The Directors of the Company received fees for their services totaling €94,000.

 

17.  Post Balance Sheet Events

On 7 July 2022 , the Group entered into an agreement with ING Bank N.V for a loan facility of €40 million secured against Phases 1 to 3 of its Spanish Madrid portfolio for a three year term at an all-in interest rate of 2.57%.

On 28 July 2022, the Group acquired two logistics properties, in Bordeaux and Niort, France. The aggregate purchase price of €23 million reflects a net initial yield of 4%.

On 10 August 2022, the Group signed the purchase agreement for the acquisition of the recently completed warehouse extension at Waddinxveen, the Netherlands, for a total net purchase price of €4.9 million and a yield of 5%.

A second quarterly interim dividend for 2022 of 1.20p per Share was paid on 23 September 2022 toshareholders on theregister on 2 September 2022. The distribution was split 0.95p dividend income and 0.25p qualifying interest income.

 

18.  Ultimate Parent Company

In the opinion of the Directors on the basis of shareholdings advised to them, the Company has no immediate or ultimate controlling party.

 

19.  Half Yearly Report

This Half Yearly Report was approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 27 September 2022.

 

The Half Yearly Report will be printed and issued to shareholders and further copies will be available at Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street, London EC4M 9HH and on the Company's website eurologisticsincome.co.uk*

 

* Neither the Company's website nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks on it (or any other website) is (or is deemed to be) incorporated into, or forms (or is deemed to form) part of this announcement.

 

By order of the Board

 

ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC, SECRETARY

27 September 2022

 



 

Glossary of Terms and Definitions and Alternative Performance Measures

 

abrdn

The brand of the investment businesses of abrdn plc

 


abrdn plc group

The abrdn plc group of companies

 

AIC

Association of Investment Companies

 


AIC SORP

Association of Investment Companies Statement of Recommended Practice: Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts, issued November 2014 and updated February 2018

 

 


 

AIFMD

The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive

 

 


 

AIFM

The alternative investment fund manager, being aFML

 

 


 

Alternative Performance Measures

Alternative performance measures are numerical measures of the

Company's current, historical or future performance, financial position or cash flows, other than financial measures defined or specified in the applicable financial framework. The Company's applicable financial framework includes IFRS and the AIC SORP

 

 


 

Annual Rental Income

Cash rents passing at the Balance Sheet date

 

 


 

aFML or AIFM or Manager

abrdn Fund Managers Limited

 

 


 

aIIL or the Investment Manager

abrdn Investments Ireland Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of abrdn plc and acts as the Company's investment manager

 

 


 

Asset Cover

The value of a company's net assets available to repay a certain security. Asset cover is usually expressed as a multiple and calculated by dividing the net assets available by the amount required to repay the specific security

 

 


 

Contracted Rent

The contracted gross rent receivable which becomes payable after all the occupier incentives in the letting have expired

 

 


 

Covenant Strength

This refersto the quality of a tenant's financial status and its ability to perform the covenants in a lease

 

 


 

Dividend Cover (Defined as an Alternative Performance Measure)

The ratio of the Company's net profit after tax (excluding the below items) to the dividends paid

 

 


 



1 January to

30 June 2022

1 January to

31 December 2021

Earnings per IFRS income statement

19,543

44,443

Adjustments to calculate dividend cover:



Net changes in the value of investment property

(15,676)

(41,031)

Deferred Taxation

4,363

10,294

Effects of foreign exchange differences

(564)

(1,017)

Profits (A)

7,666

12,689

Dividend (B)

11,624

16,188

Dividend Cover (A)/(B)

65.9%

78.4%








 

Discount

The amount by which the market price per share of an investment trust is lower than the net asset value per share. The discount is normally expressed as a percentage of the NAV per share. The opposite of a discount is a premium.

 

 


 


Half year ended 30 June 2022

Year ended 31 December 2021

 

Share price (A)

99.6p

117.0p

 

NAV (B)

112.4p

108.5p

 

(Discount)/Premium (A-B)/B

(11.4)%

7.8%

 











 

Earnings Per Share

Profit for the period attributable to shareholders divided by the average number of shares in issue during the period

 


EPRA

European Public Real Estate Association

 


EPRA Earnings per Share

Earnings per share calculated in line with EPRA best practice recommendations

 


30 June 2022

€'000

31 December 2021

€'000

Earnings per IFRS income statement

19,543

44,443

Adjustments to calculate EPRA Earnings, exclude:



Net changes in value of investment properties

(15,676)

(41,031)

Deferred tax

4,378

11,847

Changes in fair value of financial instruments

109

(83)

EPRA Earnings

8,354

15,176

Weighted average basic number of shares ('000)

405,685

288,115

EPRA Earnings per share (euro cents per share)

2.06c

5.27c

 

EPRA Net Asset Value Metrics

A set of standardised NAV metrics prepared in compliance with EPRA best

practice recommendations




30 June 2022

€'000

31 December 2021

€'000

 

IFRS NAV

539,609

487,505

 

Exclude:

Fair value of financial

 

-

 

109

 

instruments

Deferred tax adjustment in

 

31,941

 

27,563

 

relation to fair value gain on investment property



 

 

Shares in issue at period

571,550

515,177

 

end ('000)

412,174

377,629

 

EPRA NAV (Net Tangible Assets) per share

(euro cents per share)

138.7c

136.4c

 



ERV

The estimated rental value of a property, provided by the property valuers

Europe

The member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area ("EEA") and the members of the European Free Trade Association ("EFTA") (and including always the United Kingdom, whether or not it is a member state of the European Union, the EEA or a member of EFTA)

 


Green Leases

Agreements between a landlord and a tenant as to how a building is to be occupied, operated and managed in a sustainable way

 


Group

The Company and its subsidiaries

 


Gross Assets

The aggregate value of the total assets of the Company as determined in accordance with the accounting principles adopted by the Company from time to time

 


FRC

Financial Reporting Council

 


IFRS

International Financial Reporting Standards

 


Index Linked

The practice of linking the review of a tenant's payments under a lease to a published index, most commonly the Retail Price Index (RPI) but also the

Consumer Price Index (CPI) and French Tertiary Activities Rent Index (ILAT)

 


Key Information Document or KID

The Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products (PRIIPS)

Regulation requires the Manager, as the Company's PRIIP "manufacturer," to prepare a key information document ("KID") in respect of the Company.

This KID must be made available by the AIFM to retail investors prior to them making any investment decision and is available via the Company's website. The Company is not responsible for the information contained in the KID and investors should note that the procedures for calculating the risks, costs and potential returns are prescribed by law. The figures in the KID may not reflect the expected returns for the Company and anticipated performance returns cannot be guaranteed

 

Lease incentive

A payment used to encourage a tenant totake on a new lease, for example by a landlord paying a tenant a sum of money to contribute to the cost of a tenant's fit-out of a property or by allowing a rent free period

 


Leverage

For the purposes of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive, leverage is any method which increases the Company's exposure, including the borrowing of cash and the use of derivatives. It is expressed as a ratio between the Company's exposure and its net asset value and can be calculated on a gross and a commitment method. Under the gross method, exposure represents the sum of the Company's positions after the deduction of sterling cash balances, without taking into account any hedging and netting arrangements. Under the commitment method, exposure is calculated without the deduction of sterling cash balances and after certain hedging and netting positions are offset against each other . At period end the loan to value was 21.7%

 

Loan to Value

Calculated as gross external bank borrowings dividend by total assets

 







 


As at 30 June 2022

As at 31 December 2021

Bank Loans

€161.6m

€177.1m

Gross Assets

€767.8m

€728.4m

Exclude IFRS 16 right of use asset

(€22.8m)

(€22.9m)

 

Gearing

€745.0m

21.7%

€705.5m

25.1%

 


 



NAV Total Return

The return to shareholders, expressed as a percentage of opening NAV, calculated on a per share basis by adding dividends paid in the period to the increase or decrease in NAV. Dividends are assumed to have been reinvested on the ex dividend date, excluding transaction costs

 



Half year ended 30 June 2022

Year ended 31 December 2021

 

Opening NAV

129.1c

120.1c

 

Movement in NAV

1.8c

9.0c

 

Closing NAV

130.9c

129.1c

 

% increase in NAV

1.4%

7.5%

 

Impact of reinvested dividends

2.2%

4.9%

 

NAV total return

3.6%

12.4%

 






 

Net Asset Value or NAV

The value of total assets less liabilities. Liabilities for this purpose include current and long-term liabilities. The net asset value divided by the number of shares in issue produces the net asset value per share

 

Ongoing Charges

Ratio of expenses as a percentageofaveragedailyshareholders'fundscalculated as per the industrystandard

 


Passing Rent

The rent payable at a particular point in time

 


PIDD

The pre-investment disclosure document made available by the AIFM in relation to the Company

 


Premium

The amount by which the market price per share of an investment trust exceeds the net asset value per share. The premium is normally expressed as a percentage of the net asset value per share. The opposite of a premium is a discount

 


Prior Charges

The name given to all borrowings including long and short term loans and overdrafts that are to be used for investment purposes, reciprocal foreign currency loans, currency facilities to the extent that they are drawn down, index-linked securities, and all types of preference or preferred capital, irrespective of the time until repayment

 


Portfolio fair value

The market value of the company's property portfolio, which is based on the

external valuation provided by Savills (UK) Limited

 

The Royal Institution of

Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

The global professional body promoting and enforcing the highest international standards in the valuation, management and development of land, real estate construction and infrastructure

 


Share Price Total Return

The return to shareholders, expressed as a percentage of opening share price, calculated on a per share basis by adding dividends paid in the period to the increase or decrease in share price. Dividends are assumed to have been reinvested on the ex dividend date, excluding transaction costs

 


Half year ended 30 June 2022

Year ended 31 December 2021

Opening Share Price

117.0p

108.5p

Movement in share price

(17.4)p

8.5p

Closing share price

99.6p

117.0p

%(decrease)/increase in share price

(14.9)%

7.8%

Impact of reinvested dividends

2.0%

4.6%

Share price total return

(12.9)%

12.4%



 

SPA

Sale and purchase agreement

 


SPV

Special purpose vehicle

Total Assets

Total assets less current liabilities (before deducting prior charges as defined above)

 


WAULT

Weighted Average Unexpired Lease Term. The average time remaining until the next lease expiry or break date



 

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