Annual Financial Report

RNS Number : 0448B
AEW UK Long Lease REIT PLC
18 September 2018
 

AEW UK LONG LEASE REIT PLC

 

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc ('the Company'), which directly owns a diversified portfolio of commercial investment properties, predominately in the alternative property sectors, is pleased to publish its annual report and financial statements for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018.

 

 

Steve Smith, Chairman of AEW UK Long Lease REIT, commented: "This has been a successful first year for the fund. Having achieved the dividend target that we set last year and fully invested both the equity raised at IPO and through our £30 million debt facility, we are looking ahead to continued growth. We hope to achieve this initially by increasing our borrowing facility and investing in additional properties. We are also looking to raise additional equity in due course, subject to market conditions."

 

 

Enquiries

 

 

AEW UK

Alex Short

Laura Elkin

 

alex.short@eu.aew.com

laura.elkin@eu.aew.com

 

Nicki Gladstone

Nicki.Gladstone-ext@eu.aew.com

+44(0) 771 140 1021

 

 

TB Cardew

Ed Orlebar

Lucy Featherstone

aew@tbcardew.com

+44(0) 7738 724 630

+44(0) 7789 374 663

 

 

 

Strategic Report

 

Financial Highlights

 

• The Company raised total gross proceeds of £80.50 million during the period.

 

• Net Asset Value ('NAV') of £76.42 million and of 94.93 pence per share as at 30 June 2018.

• Operating profit before fair value changes is £2.45 million for the period.

• Loss before tax of £0.89 million and of 1.25 pence per share for the period, of which £6.48 million and 8.05 pence per share relate to property acquisition costs written off.

 

• EPRA Earnings Per Share ('EPRA EPS') for the period were 2.74 pence (see below for definition).

• Total dividends of 3.25 pence per share have been declared for the period in line with the stated dividend target as set out in the Prospectus at its Initial Public Offering ('IPO').

 

• As at 30 June 2018, the Group had a £30 million loan facility with Canada Life Investments and was geared to 27.7% of the Gross Asset Value ('GAV').

 

 

Property Highlights

 

• Weighted average unexpired lease term ('WAULT') of 21.8 years to the earlier of break and expiry and 24.0 years to expiry.

 

• The Company acquired 16 properties in the period for a total of £95.46 million (excluding acquisition costs).

 

• As at 30 June 2018, the Company's property portfolio had a fair value of £99.09 million.

 

• The portfolio is 99.7% let as at 30 June 2018.

 

• Rental and other income generated in the period was £3.60 million. The number of tenants as at 30 June 2018 was 21.

 

• The portfolio has annualised contracted rental income of £5.64 million as at 30 June 2018.

 

• The portfolio has an average Net Initial Yield ('NIY') of 5.29%.

 

 

Chairman's Statement

 

Overview

I am pleased to present the first annual results of AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc (the 'Company') together with its subsidiaries (the 'Group') for the period from incorporation on 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018 (the 'period').

 

On 6 June 2017, the Company's Ordinary Shares were admitted to trading on the Main Market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange, with gross proceeds of £80.5 million having been raised from the Company's IPO.

 

In accordance with the investment policy, the net proceeds of the IPO, together with £30 million of debt financing raised during the period, have been invested in a diversified portfolio of commercial investment properties, predominately in the alternative property sectors, throughout the UK.

 

As at 30 June 2018, the Group had invested £95.46 million (excluding purchase costs) in acquiring a portfolio of 16 properties. At the period end, the Group's property portfolio (the 'Portfolio') has been independently valued by Knight Frank LLP in accordance with the RICS Valuations - Professional Standards (the 'Red Book') at a fair value of £99.09 million, an increase of £3.63 million or 3.80% before considering purchase costs.

 

To date, the Group has delivered on its targets at the time of the Company's IPO, as set out in the investment strategy section below. The portfolio has a NIY of 5.29%, a WAULT to break of 21.8 years and a WAULT to expiry of 24.0 years. Rental and other income generated in the period was £3.60 million and 91% of the income is linked to inflation (RPI or CPI).

 

 

Financial Results

 

 

18 April 2017 to

30 June 2018

 

 

Operating profit before fair value changes (£'000)

2,445 

Operating loss (£'000)

(408)

Loss before tax (£'000)

(895)

Loss per share (basic and diluted) (pence)

(1.25)

EPRA EPS (basic and diluted) (pence)

2.74 

Net Asset Value per share (pence)

94.93 

EPRA Net Asset Value per share (pence)

94.93 

 

Under International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as adopted by the European Union, our operating profit before fair value changes for the period was £2.45 million.

 

The basic loss per share for the period was 1.25 pence. This includes a decrease in the fair value of investment property of £2.85 million (with the Group having incurred £6.48 million of property acquisition costs, offset by unrealised valuation gains of £3.63 million). Under European Public Real Estate Association ('EPRA') methodology, EPS for the period was 2.74 pence. A full list of EPRA performance figures can be found below.

 

The NAV per share as at 30 June 2018 was 94.93 pence, prior to adjusting for the interim dividend for the period 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2018 of 1.25 pence per Ordinary Share.

 

The Group has ongoing charges of 1.36% for the period, which is a measure of annualised fund level operating costs for the period as a percentage of NAV (see below for definition).

 

Financing

On 5 January 2018, the Group entered into a £30 million loan facility with Canada Life Investments, repayable in October 2025 with an all-in fixed rate of 3.05% per annum. The term facility is up to 35% loan to property value, provided on a portfolio basis.

 

The Group has used this financing to invest in additional commercial properties in line with the investment policy. As at 30 June 2018 the loan was fully drawn, with £1.4 million being held as restricted cash to be used for further acquisitions and £28.6 million utilised for portfolio acquisitions. Since the year end, the remaining £1.4 million has been used to finance a further acquisition (see note 22 for further details).

 

As at 30 June 2018, the unexpired term of the facility was 7.3 years and the Loan to Value ('LTV') was 27.7% (as calculated on the GAV).

 

Dividends

Dividends paid and declared by the Company during the period are set out in note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In total the Company has declared aggregate dividends of 3.25 pence per share for the period from the date of incorporation to 30 June 2018. This is in line with the stated dividend policy set out in the Company's Prospectus. EPRA EPS of 2.74 pence per share reflects a dividend cover of 84.3% for the period.

 

The Investment Manager

The Group has appointed AEW UK Investment Management LLP ('AEW UK' and the 'Investment Manager') as the Group's discretionary investment manager. AEW UK is part of the AEW Group, one of the world's largest real estate managers, with €59.3 billion of assets under management as at 31 March 2018. AEW UK has an experienced team with a track record of strong performance in long lease funds and investing through different cycles.

 

Outlook

During our first period, the Group has achieved its key target of declaring aggregate dividends of 3.25 pence per share.

 

A strong portfolio of assets has been acquired, diversified by sector, tenants and geographical location, at attractive yields, which generate predictable income streams through long leases. As at the reporting date, over 90% of this income was inflation linked, in line with our investment policy. Details of each property are set out below.

 

Since 30 June 2018, the Group has acquired a further property for £3.9 million (net of purchase costs) that generates a further £0.26 million per annum in passing rent. Following this acquisition, the Group has fully invested the equity raised at the IPO and its £30 million debt facility.

 

The current focus is to continue to grow the Group initially by increasing the Group's borrowing facility (see below) and acquiring additional property and subject to market conditions, look to raise additional equity. Both of these will enable the Group to take advantage of economies of scale in its cost base to close the relatively small gap between Earnings per Share and our target Dividend per Share, and to allow the Investment Manager to capitalise on the attractive market opportunities it sees.

 

During the Group's initial period, the Group has met its initial objectives and looks forward to reporting significant progress in the future.

 

I would like to thank our shareholders, my fellow Directors and AEW UK for their support since the inception of the Group.

 

 

Steve Smith

Chairman

17 September 2018

 

 

 

Business Model and Strategy

 

Introduction

AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc is a real estate investment trust listed on the premium segment of the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and traded on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. As part of its business model and strategy, the Group has and intends to maintain UK REIT status. HM Revenue and Customs has acknowledged that the Group has met UK REIT Status and intends to continue to meet the necessary qualifying conditions to conduct its affairs as a UK REIT.

 

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the Group is to generate a secure and predictable income return, sustainable in real terms, whilst at least maintaining capital values, in real terms, through investment in a diversified portfolio of UK properties, in alternative and specialist sectors.

 

Investment Policy

In order to achieve the investment objective, the Group invests in freehold and long leasehold properties across the whole spectrum of the UK property sector, but with a focus on alternative and specialist real estate sectors. Examples of alternative and specialist real estate sectors include, but are not limited to, leisure, hotels, healthcare, education, logistics, automotive, supported living and student accommodation.

 

In the event of a breach of the investment policy or the investment restrictions set out below, the Investment Manager shall inform the Board upon becoming aware of the same and, if the Board considers the breach to be material, notification will be made to a Regulatory Information Service and the Investment Manager will look to resolve the breach.

 

Any material change to the investment policy or investment restrictions of the Group may only be made with the prior approval of shareholders.

 

Investment Strategy

The Group focuses on properties which can deliver a secure income and preserve capital value, with an attractive entry yield. The Group has an emphasis on alternative and specialist property sectors to access the attractive value and capital preservation qualities which such sectors currently offer.

 

The Group will supplement this core strategy with active asset management initiatives for certain properties.

 

Subject at all times to the Investment Manager's assessment of their appeal and specific asset investment opportunities, permitted sectors include, but are not limited to the following: Healthcare; Leisure; Hotels and serviced apartments; Education; Automotive; Car parks; Residential; Supported living; Student accommodation; Logistics; Storage; Communications; Supermarkets; and, subject to the limitations on traditional sector exposures below, Offices; Shopping centres; Retail and retail warehouses; and Industrial.

 

The Group is not permitted to invest in land assets, including development land which does not have a development agreement attached, agriculture or timber.

 

The focus will be to invest in properties to construct a portfolio with the following minimum targets:

 

• a WAULT, at the time of investment, in excess of 18 years;

 

• at least 85% of the gross passing rent will have leases with rent reviews linked to inflation (RPI or CPI) at the time of investment;

 

• investment in properties which typically have a value, at the time of investment, of between £2 million and £30 million;

 

• at least 70% of the properties will be in non-traditional sectors;

 

• less than 30% of the properties will be in the traditional sectors of retail, industrial and offices; and

 

• over 90% of properties will be freehold or very long leasehold (over 100 years).

 

Once GAV is £250 million or greater, future investments will be made to target a portfolio with at least 80% of the properties in non-traditional sectors and less than 20% of the properties in traditional sectors.

 

Whilst each acquisition will be made on a case-by-case basis, it is expected that properties will typically offer the following characteristics:

 

• existing tenants with strong business fundamentals and profitable operations in those locations;

 

• depth of tenant/operator demand;

 

• alternative use value;

 

• current passing rent close to or below rental value; and

 

• long-term demand drivers, including demographics, use of technology or built-for-purpose real estate.

 

The Investment Manager has identified a pipeline of opportunities generated by its network of connections across the UK commercial property market. Further details of the pipeline of opportunities for the Group are set out below.

 

The Group may invest in commercial properties or portfolios of commercial property assets which, in addition, include ancillary or secondary utilisations.

 

The Group does not intend to spend any more than 5% of the NAV in any rolling twelve month period on (a) the refurbishment of previously occupied space within the existing Portfolio, or (b) the refurbishment of new properties acquired with vacant units.

 

The Group may invest in corporate and other entities that hold property and the Group may also invest in conjunction with third party investors.

 

The Group may engage in full or partial interest rate hedging or derivatives to seek to mitigate the risk of interest rate increases as part of the Group's portfolio management.

 

Investment Restrictions

 

GAV of less than £250 million

GAV of £250 million or greater

 

Investment in a single property limited to 15% of GAV (measured at the time of investment).

 

Investment in a single property limited to 10% of GAV (measured at the time of investment).

The value of assets in any sub-sector in one geographical region, at the time of investment, shall not exceed 15% of GAV.

Investments will be made with a view to reducing the maximum exposure to any sub-sector in one geographical region to 10% of GAV.

 

The value of assets in any one sector and sub-sector, at the time of investment, shall not exceed 50% of GAV and 25% of GAV respectively.

 

Exposure to a single tenant covenant will be limited to 15% of GAV.

 

The Group may commit up to a maximum of 10% of its GAV (measured at the commencement of the project) in development activities.

 

Investment in unoccupied and non-income producing assets will, at the time of investment, not exceed 5% of Estimated Rental Value ('ERV').

 

The Group will not invest in other closed-ended investment companies.

 

If the Group invests in derivatives for the purposes of efficient portfolio and cash management, the total notional value of the derivatives at the time of investment will not exceed, in aggregate, 20% of GAV.

 

 

The Group will invest and manage its assets with the objective of spreading risk through the above investment restrictions.

 

When the measure of GAV is used to calculate the restrictions relating to (i) the value of a single property and (ii) the value of assets in any sub-sector in one geographical region, it will reflect an assumption that the Group has drawdown borrowings such that these borrowings are equal to 30% of GAV.

 

Borrowings

The Group has utilised borrowings to enhance returns over the medium term. Borrowings have been utilised on a limited recourse basis for each investment on all or part of the total Portfolio and will not exceed 40% of GAV (measured at drawdown) of each relevant investment or of the Portfolio.

 

At 30 June 2018 the Groups LTV ratio was 27.7%. It is the intention to increase borrowings so that the LTV ratio increases up to 40% and to use the additional funds to purchase suitable assets and so increase the Group's net rental income after interest and thus close the gap between the Group's Earnings per Share and its Dividend per Share.

 

 

Key Performance Indicators

 

KPI AND DEFINITION

RELEVANCE TO STRATEGY

PERFORMANCE

 

 

 

1. Net Initial Yield ("NIY")

 

5.29%

A representation to the investor of what its initial net yield would be at a predetermined purchase price after taking account of all associated costs, (e.g. void costs and rent free periods).

The NIY is an indicator of the ability of the Company to meet its target dividend after adjusting for the upward impacts of leverage and deducting operating costs.

At 30 June 2018

 

 

 

2. Weighted Average Unexpired Lease Term ('WAULT') to break and expiry

 

21.8 years to break and 24.0 years to expiry

The average lease term remaining to expiry across the portfolio, weighted by contracted rent.

 

The WAULT is a key measure of the quality of our portfolio. Long leases underpin the security of our future income.

At 30 June 2018

3. NAV

 

£76.42 million

NAV is the value of an entity's assets minus the value of its liabilities.

 

Provides stakeholders with the most relevant information on the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the Group.

At 30 June 2018

4. Dividend

 

3.25 pence per share

Dividends declared in relation to the period are in line with the stated dividend target as set out in the Prospectus at IPO. The Company targets a dividend of 5.50 pence per Ordinary Share per annum once fully invested and leveraged.

 

The dividend reflects the Company's ability to deliver a sustainable income stream from its portfolio.

For the period from incorporation to 30 June 2018

5. EPRA EPS

 

2.74 pence per share

Earnings from core operational activities. A key measure of a company's underlying operating results from its property rental business and an indication of the extent to which current dividend payments are supported by earnings. See note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

This reflects the Company's ability to generate earnings from the portfolio which underpins dividends.

For the period from incorporation to 30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

EPRA Unaudited Performance Measures

 

Detailed below is a summary table showing the EPRA performance measures in the Company

 

MEASURE AND DEFINITION

PURPOSE

PERFORMANCE

 

 

 

EPRA NIY

 

5.28%

Annualised rental income based on the cash rents passing at the balance sheet date, less non-recoverable property operating expenses, divided by the market value of the property, increased with (estimated) purchasers' costs.

 

A comparable measure for portfolio valuations. This measure should make it

easier for investors to judge themselves, how the valuation of portfolio X compares with portfolio Y.

EPRA 'Topped-up' NIY

 

6.50%

This measure incorporates an adjustment to the EPRA NIY in respect of the expiration of rent-free periods (or other unexpired lease incentives such as discounted rent periods and step rents).

 

A comparable measure for portfolio  valuations. This measure should make it easier for investors to judge themselves, how the valuation of portfolio X compares with portfolio Y.

EPRA 'Topped-Up' NIY as at 30 June 2018

EPRA NAV

 

£76.42 million/94.93 pence per share

Net asset value adjusted to include properties and other investment interests at fair value and to exclude certain items not expected to crystallise in a long-term investment property business.

Makes adjustments to IFRS NAV to provide stakeholders with the most relevant information on the fair value of the assets and liabilities within a true real estate investment company with a long-term investment strategy.

EPRA NAV as at 30 June 2018

EPRA NNNAV

 

£76.42 million/94.93 pence per share

EPRA NAV adjusted to include the fair values of:

(i) financial instruments;

(ii) debt; and

(iii) deferred taxes.

Makes adjustments to EPRA NAV to provide stakeholders with the most relevant information on the current fair value of all the assets and liabilities within a real estate company.

EPRA NNNAV as at 30 June 2018

EPRA Earnings

 

£1.96 million/2.74 pence per share

Earnings from operational activities.

A key measure of a company's underlying operating results and an indication of the extent to which current dividend payments are supported by earnings.

EPRA earnings for the period 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

EPRA Vacancy

 

0.27%

Estimated Rental Value ('ERV') of vacant space divided by ERV of the whole portfolio.

 

A "pure (%) measure of investment property space that is vacant, based on ERV.

EPRA Vacancy as at 30 June 2018

 

EPRA Cost Ratio

 

35.80%

Administrative and operating costs (including and excluding costs of direct vacancy) divided by gross rental income.

A key measure to enable meaningful measurement of the changes in a company's operating costs.

EPRA Cost Ratio for the period 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

Calculations of the above EPRA measures are presented below.

 

 

Investment Manager's Report

 

Market Outlook

 

UK Economic Outlook

In the first half of 2018 CPI inflation stood at 2.4% amid import cost-linked inflation and oil price appreciation. Higher levels of inflation can be beneficial for our income streams, as 91% of the portfolio's passing rent as at 30 June 2018 was inflation-linked, with 66% linked to RPI and 25% linked to CPI. We expect inflation to gradually move towards the Bank of England inflation target of 2% in the long-term.

 

UK GDP growth for Q2 2018 is now expected at 0.4%, rebounding from a disappointing 0.1% in Q1 2018. This triggered a downward revision of the full year 2018 GDP growth forecast to 1.3%, from 1.8% forecast earlier this year. GDP growth is still forecast to be 2% by 2021, implicitly assuming a successful EU exit transition. However, this outlook seems less and less certain as the latest news on Brexit developments are increasingly difficult to interpret. In fact, the UK's majority Conservative government looks increasingly unstable as it attempts to formulate its withdrawal proposal to the EU. Negotiations are ramping up and most forecasters remain optimistic on a final deal being reached. However, there is more focus on a potential "no-deal" scenario, which could have unappealing consequences for consumers and business alike.

 

The UK labour market remains strong with unemployment remaining at a more than 40-year low of 4.2% in May. Despite this tight labour market, annual pay growth actually slowed to 2.5% in May. Combined with 2.4% inflation for 2018, this is leaving no room for real pay improvement. As a result, consumer spending is expected to further slow to 0.7% in 2019 from 1.1% projected for full year 2018.

 

UK Real Estate Outlook

The UK property market continues to deliver healthy spreads over 10 year government bond yields, both in absolute terms and relative to other markets. We expect property yields to increase against bond yields going forward and therefore reflect a lower yield premium amid bond yield normalisation.  However, negative occupier news builds pressure on the retail sector pricing whilst the other traditional sectors remain stable or even stronger. Any future rise in interest rates could see the yield gap start to close and relative value investors reduce their allocations to real estate.

 

We are conscious that there is strong competition amongst investors looking to invest in the limited supply of long-let inflation-linked income properties. We have seen this first hand when acquiring properties and this has led to yield compression and increasing prices of available stock. Furthermore, we have seen a couple of higher profile REIT IPO's being cancelled during the reporting period, which highlights the difficulty in raising and deploying capital in the current UK market. Nevertheless, we are optimistic that, subject to raising new capital, we can continue to build an attractive portfolio with the properties in our pipeline and deliver compelling returns to our shareholders.

 

Financial Results

The Group has acquired a diversified portfolio of properties since inception and as at 30 June 2018 held 16 investment properties. Net rental and other income earned from the portfolio for the period since inception was £3.60 million, contributing to an operating profit before fair value changes of £2.45 million.

 

The portfolio has seen a write-off of £6.48 million of acquisition costs during the period, which, when offset by valuation uplifts of £3.63 million, has resulted in a £2.85 million loss in fair value of investment property in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

Operating expenses, which include the Investment Manager's fee and other costs attributable to the running of the Group, were £1.15 million for the period and ongoing charges for the period are 1.36 % of NAV.

 

The Group incurred finance costs of £0.49 million during the period.

 

The total loss before tax for the period of £0.89 million equates to a basic loss per share of 1.25 pence.

 

The Group's NAV as at 30 June 2018 was £76.42 million or 94.93 pence per share. This is a decrease of 3.11 pence per share or 3.17% since IPO. This fall is mainly due to the acquisition costs incurred on purchasing the properties within the portfolio. The movement in NAV is set out in the table below:

 

 

Pence per 

share 

£ million 

 

 

 

NAV at IPO

100.00 

80.50 

IPO Costs

(1.96)

(1.58)

 

98.04 

78.92 

 

 

 

Portfolio acquisition costs

(8.05)

(6.48)

Change in fair value of investment property

4.51 

3.63 

Income earned for the period

4.47 

3.60 

Expenses for the period

(2.04)

(1.64)

Dividends paid during the period

(2.00)

(1.61)

 

 

 

NAV at 30 June 2018

94.93 

76.42 

 

Dividends

Dividends paid and declared by the Company are set out in note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Financing

On 5 January 2018, the Company entered into a £30 million loan facility with Canada Life Investments. This term facility, which expires in October 2025, allows up to 35% loan to property value, provided on a portfolio basis. The loan bears interest at a margin of 1.9% plus the gross redemption yield of a reference gilt rate, being the UK Treasury 2% 2025.

 

As at 30 June 2018, the Group had fully drawn the facility of £30.0 million for property acquisitions.

 

Portfolio Activity during the Period

The Group invested £101.59 million (including acquisition costs) in a diversified portfolio of 16 properties throughout the UK.

 

The following investment transactions were made during the period:

 

Details of each property are set out below.

 

• The Group acquired its first property, Princes Street, Swindon on 6 September 2017. Purchased for £6.3 million providing a 5.5% NIY, the property comprises a Travelodge Hotel and Salvation Army retail store. The lease to Travelodge, which accounts for 95% of the income stream, provides a WAULT of 23 years to expiry, with 5 yearly rental uplifts linked to RPI. This property has an ERV of £388,358 and a reversionary yield of 5.8%.

 

• The Group acquired its second property, the Premier Inn Hotel at 12-16 Park Street, Camberley on 15 September 2017. Purchased for £8.5 million with a 5.0% NIY, the hotel is fully let to Premier Inn and provides an unexpired lease term of 15 years to break and 20 years to expiry, with five yearly CPI-linked reviews. This property has an ERV of £448,767 and a reversionary yield of 5.0%.

 

• The acquisition of Wet 'n' Wild Water Park in Royal Quays, Newcastle-upon-Tyne completed on 22 September 2017 for a purchase price of £2.9 million. This property comprises a purpose built indoor water park totalling 37,131 sq ft and is let to Serco Leisure Operating Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Serco plc, for an unexpired term of 22 years, with annual rental uplifts linked to RPI. The acquisition reflects a NIY of 6.1%, has an ERV of £187,960 and a reversionary yield of 6.05%.

 

• 212 Wandsworth Road, London was purchased on 11 October 2017 for £4.4 million. The property, which is fully let to Pure Gym Limited at a low passing rent of £11.60 per sq ft, provides an unexpired lease term of 10.2 years to break and 15.1 years to expiry from the date of acquisition, with five yearly RPI-linked reviews. The acquisition price reflects a NIY of 5.1%. The property, constructed in 2012, is situated within close proximity to the new Nine Elms Northern Line London Underground station, which is planned to open in 2020.

 

• Pocket Nook Industrial Estate, St Helens was purchased on 25 October 2017 for £9.0 million. The 16.1 acre site is let to three tenants and provides a WAULT of 66 years to expiry, with 49% of the income let to Biffa Waste Services Ltd until 2134. The acquisition price reflects a NIY of 5.4%. The estate comprises two industrial units, a small office with a large yard and an area of storage land, with an additional unit currently under construction by the vendor and pre-let to Biffa. 76% of the income is backed by the strong covenants of Biffa and the Driving Standards Agency on uncapped RPI-linked leases that are reviewed 5 yearly. The Merseyside site is located 0.8 miles away from St Helens town centre and benefits from its proximity to the M57, M6 and M62.

 

• The Group acquired two residential care home properties in the West Midlands and East Riding for £10.3 million on 30 October 2017. Both were acquired from 90 North Real Estate Partners LLP ("90 North") and are let to Prime Life Limited, a care services provider operating a total of 57 care homes, based mainly in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.

 

- The Lyndon Croft Care Centre, located on Ulleries Road, Solihull, was acquired for £6.2 million. It provides 52 beds for those with needs associated with old age and dementia. The property provides an unexpired lease term of 31 years. The acquisition price reflects a NIY of 5.5%.

 

- Westerlands Care Village, located on Elloughton Road, Brough, was purchased for £4.1 million and comprises 62 beds in two adjacent homes. Elloughton House provides residential and nursing care as well as care of those with dementia needs. Brough House provides specialist memory care for high dependency residents. The acquisition price reflects a NIY of 6.0% and the properties have an unexpired lease term of 31 years.

 

• Motorpoint, Birmingham was purchased on 14 December 2017 for £8.0 million. The showroom is located on Lichfield Road, 2 miles north of Birmingham City Centre. The prominent 68,002 sq ft site is let to Motorpoint, the UK's largest independent used vehicle retailer. It comprises a modern, detached two-storey vehicle dealership with three large showrooms, as well as a 1.69 acre compound to store 350 cars. The property provides a WAULT of 19.6 years to expiry and has RPI-linked reviews. The acquisition reflects a NIY of 5.85%.

 

• Audi showroom, Huddersfield was purchased on 22 December 2017 for £6.3 million. This Audi dealership is located in the Trident Business Park in Huddersfield, a prime motor retail location. This 29,345 sq ft purpose built facility includes a showroom, offices, workshop and valeting facilities. The recently refurbished property is let to VW Group UK and provides a WAULT of 7.7 years to expiry. The acquisition reflects a NIY of 5.89%.

 

• Bramall Court, Salford, a 94,290 sq ft student accommodation block, was purchased for £10.9 million on 22 December 2017. The asset is located on Cannon Street, 0.8 miles east of the main campus of the University of Salford and one mile from Manchester City Centre. The asset is let to Mears Group plc on a 24 year lease with annual rent reviews linked to CPI. The acquisition reflects a NIY of 5.35%.

 

• Hoddesdon, Herfordshire was purchased on 28 December 2017 for £4.8 million. This 47,350 sq ft industrial property is fully let to Hoddesdon Energy Ltd who occupy the building for use as a thermal treatment, waste to energy power plant. Hoddesdon Energy received investment of £60 million from the Green Investment Bank, the Noy Fund and P3P Partners for the construction of the plant which is designed to produce energy from the combustion of dry commercial waste. When running, it will be able to provide power to over 7,000 homes using about 90,000 tonnes of feedstock each year, supplied by two waste management companies. The plant will be operated by Bouygues Energies and Services, a leading global contractor specialising in energy sectors. The energy plant is located in the commuter town of Hoddesdon, with convenient links to the M1, M11, M25 and two mainline train stations. The area has successfully established itself as a hub for power stations, with Rye House Power Station run by Scottish Power located adjacently. The property is let at a passing rent equating to £6.30 per sq ft compared to nearby standard industrial accommodation which is currently attracting rents in excess of £8 per sq ft. The acquisition reflects a NIY of 5.9% and provides a lease term of 32 years to expiry and 14 years to break.

 

• A set of two industrial units in Dudley and Sheffield were purchased on 23 January 2018 for a combined total of £10.1 million. Both properties are let to Meridian Metal Trading Ltd and subject to five-yearly rent reviews linked to RPI, with annual uplifts between 1% and 4%. Together, the properties have a WAULT of 15 years to expiry and the acquisition price reflects a NIY of 6.0%.

 

• Mercure City Hotel on Ingram Street, Glasgow was purchased on 23 January 2018 for £8.0 million. This asset is let to Jupiter Hotels Limited, with annual rent reviews linked to RPI. This property has a WAULT of 18.5 years and the acquisition price reflects a NIY of 6.5%.

 

• Applegreen Petrol Filling Station, Crawley was purchased on 20 February 2018 for £3.8 million. This property has an unexpired lease term of 15 years with no breaks. It also has a three-yearly rental uplift linked to RPI and the acquisition price reflects a NIY of 5.3%.

 

• Snap Fitness, Chiswick, was purchased on 3 April 2018 for £2.2 million. This 5,918 sq ft gymnasium forms part of a larger residential-based development at 500 Chiswick High Road. The gym is held on a virtual freehold basis and is currently leased to health and fitness chain Snap Fitness on a 15 year term.

 

Pipeline

The Group made one further acquisition totalling £3.9 million (net of acquisition costs) on 13 September 2018. With this acquisition complete, the Group has invested all of the IPO money raised in June 2017 and has fully utilised its £30 million loan facility.

 

The Investment Manager continues to monitor investment opportunities with the intention of investing the £11 million of additional financing (note 22) in the near future.

 

 

Acquisitions during the period

 

Hotel

 

Travelodge, Swindon

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

6.3

Sector:

Hotel

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.5

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

22.4

Date of acquisition:

September 2017

 

 

Premier Inn, Camberley

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

8.5

Sector:

Hotel

Rent review:

CPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.0

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

13.7

Date of acquisition:

September 2017

 

 

Mercure City Hotel, Glasgow

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

8.0

Sector:

Hotel

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

6.5

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

18.3

Date of acquisition:

January 2018

 

Industrial

 

Pocket Nook Industrial Estate, St Helens

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

9.0

Sector:

Industrial

Rent review:

RPI and open market

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.4

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

56.3

Date of acquisition:

October 2017

 

 

Grazebrook Industrial Estate, Dudley

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

8.3

Sector:

Industrial

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

6.0

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

14.6

Date of acquisition:

January 2018

 

 

Provincial Park, Sheffield

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

1.9

Sector:

Industrial

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

6.2

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

14.6

Date of acquisition:

January 2018

 

Car Showroom

 

Trident Business Park, Huddersfield

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

6.3

Sector:

Car Showroom

Rent review:

Open Market

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.9

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

7.0

Date of acquisition:

December 2017

 

 

Motorpoint, Birmingham

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

8.0

Sector:

Car Showroom

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.85

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

19.0

Date of acquisition:

December 2017

 

Petrol Station

 

Applegreen Petrol Filling Station, Crawley

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

3.8

Sector:

Petrol Station

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.3

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

15.0

Date of acquisition:

February 2018

 

Student Housing

 

Bramall Court, Salford

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

10.9

Sector:

Student Accommodation

Rent review:

CPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.4

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

23.1

Date of acquisition:

December 2017

 

Care Home

 

Lyndon Croft Care Centre, Solihull

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

6.2

Sector:

Medical/Care

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.5

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

30.3

Date of acquisition:

October 2017

 

 

Westerlands Care Village, Brough

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

4.1

Sector:

Medical/Care

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

6.0

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

30.4

Date of acquisition:

October 2017

 

Leisure

 

Wet 'n' Wild Water Park, North Shields

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

2.9

Sector:

Leisure

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

6.1

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

18.7

Date of acquisition:

September 2017

 

 

 

Pure Gym, Wandsworth Road

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

4.4

Sector:

Leisure

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.1

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

9.5

Date of acquisition:

October 2017

 

 

Snap Fitness, London

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

2.2

Sector:

Leisure

Rent review:

RPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.5

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

14.8

Date of acquisition:

April 2018

 

Power Station

 

Hoddesdon Energy, Hoddesdon

 

 

 

Purchase price (£m):

4.8

Sector:

Power Station

Rent review:

CPI

NIY at acquisition (%):

5.9

WAULT to break as at 30 June 2018 (years):

13.7

Date of acquisition:

December 2017

 

 

 

Summary by Sector as at 30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passing

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

WAULT to

Rental

 

 

Number of

Valuation

By ERV

break

Income

ERV

Sector

Properties

(£m)

(%)

(years)

(£m)

(£m)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel

3

23.75

100.0

17.9

1.41

1.42

Industrial

3

20.00

98.6

33.2

1.19

1.17

Car Showroom

2

14.59

100.0

13.4

0.85

0.90

Petrol filling station

1

4.00

100.0

15.0

0.21

0.21

Student Housing

1

11.30

100.0

23.1

0.62

0.62

Care Home

2

11.00

100.0

30.4

0.63

0.64

Leisure

3

9.55

100.0

13.6

0.43

0.58

Power Station

 

1

 

4.90

 

100.0

 

13.7

 

0.30

 

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

16

99.09

99.7

21.8

5.64

5.84

 

 

Summary by Geographical Area as at 30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passing

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

WAULT to

Rental

 

Geographical

Number of

Valuation

By ERV

break

Income

ERV

Area

Properties

(£m)

(%)

(years)

(£m)

(£m)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Midlands

3

23.55

100.0

20.3

1.35

1.39

North West

2

20.55

98.6

38.4

1.16

1.14

South East

2

12.85

100.0

14.2

0.66

0.66

Yorkshire and Humberside

3

12.79

100.0

16.0

0.78

0.79

South West

1

6.55

100.0

22.4

0.37

0.39

London

2

6.55

100.0

9.5

0.24

0.39

North East

1

3.00

100.0

18.7

0.19

0.19

Eastern

1

4.90

100.0

13.7

0.30

0.30

Scotland

1

8.35

100.0

18.3

0.59

0.59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

16

99.09

99.7

21.8

5.64

5.84

 

 

The below tables illustrate the sector and geographical weightings of the Group's property portfolio as at 30 June 2018, based on valuations as at that date.

 

Sector Allocation by Market Value

 

Hotel

24%

Industrial

20%

Car Showroom

15%

Petrol Station

4%

Student

11%

Medical/Care

11%

Leisure

10%

Power Station

5%

 

 

Geographical Allocation by Market Value

 

Eastern

5%

North West

21%

Scotland

8%

South East

13%

South West

7%

West Midlands

24%

Yorkshire & Humberside

13%

North East

3%

London

6%

 

 

Income Allocation by Type

 

Inflation linked - RPI

66%

Open Market Value Reviews

9%

Inflation linked - CPI

25%

 

The above table illustrates the weighting of the Group's contracted rental income, based on the type of rent review associated with each lease.

 

Income by Credit Risk

 

b-

5%

bb

18%

bbb-

39%

bbb

21%

bbb+

17%

 

 

Top Ten Tenants

 

 

 

 

% of

 

 

Annual

Portfolio

 

 

Passing

Total

 

 

Rental

Passing

 

 

Income

Rental

Tenant

Property

(£'000)

Income

 

 

 

 

Meridian Metal Trading Limited

Grazebrook Industrial Estate, Dudley and Provincial Park, Sheffield

659

11.7%

Prime Life Limited

Lyndon Croft Care Centre, Solihull and Westerlands Care Village, Brough

629

11.2%

Mears Group Plc

Bramall Court, Salford

621

11.0%

Juniper Hotels Limited

Mercure City Hotel, Glasgow

589

10.4%

Motorpoint Limited

Motorpoint, Birmingham

450

8.0%

Premier Inn Hotels Limited

Premier Inn, Camberley

449

8.0%

Volkswagen Group UK Limited

Audi, Huddersfield

396

7.0%

Travelodge Hotel Limited

Travelodge, Swindon

350

6.2%

Hoddesdon Energy Limited

Hoddesdon Energy, Hoddesdon

300

5.3%

Biffa Waste Services Limited

Pocket Nook Industrial Estate, St. Helens

255

4.5%

 

The Group's top ten tenants, listed above, represent 83.3% of the total passing rental income of the portfolio.

 

Alternative Investment Fund Manager ('AIFM')

AEW UK Investment Management LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a full-scope AIFM and provides its services to the Group.

 

The Group has appointed Langham Hall UK Depositary LLP ('Langham Hall') to act as the depositary to the Group, responsible for cash monitoring, asset verification and oversight of the Group.

 

Information Disclosures under the AIFM Directive ('AIFMD')

Under the AIFMD, the Group is required to make disclosures in relation to its leverage under the prescribed methodology of the Directive.

 

Leverage

The AIFMD prescribes two methods for evaluating leverage, namely the 'Gross Method' and the 'Commitment Method'. The Group's maximum and actual leverage levels are as per below:

 

 

30 June 2018

 

 

Commitment

Leverage Exposure

Gross Method

Method

 

 

 

Maximum Limit

250%

250%

Actual

129%

138%

 

In accordance with the AIFMD, leverage is expressed as a percentage of the Group's exposure to its NAV and adjusted in line with the prescribed 'Gross' and 'Commitment' methods. The Gross method is representative of the sum of the Group's positions after deducting cash balances and without taking into account any hedging and netting arrangements. The Commitment method is representative of the sum of the Group's positions without deducting cash balances and taking into account any hedging and netting arrangements. For the purposes of evaluating the methods above, the Group's positions primarily reflect its current borrowings and NAV.

 

Remuneration

The AIFM has adopted a Remuneration Policy which accords with the principles established by AIFMD.

 

AIFMD Remuneration Code staff include the members of the AIFM's Management Committee, those performing Control Functions, Department Heads, Risk Takers and other members of staff that exert material influence on the AIFM's risk profile or the Alternative Investment Funds it manages.

 

Staff are remunerated in accordance with the key principles of the firm's remuneration policy, which include (1) promoting sound risk management; (2) supporting sustainable business plans; (3) remuneration being linked to non-financial criteria for Control Function staff; (4) incentivising staff performance over longer periods of time; (5) awarding guaranteed variable remuneration only in exceptional circumstances; and (6) having an appropriate balance between fixed and variable remuneration.

 

As required under section 'Fund 3.3.5.R(5)' of the Investment Fund Sourcebook, the following information is provided in respect of remuneration paid by the AIFM to its staff. The information provided below is for the year from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017, which is in line with the most recent financial reporting of the AIFM, and relates to the total remuneration of the entire staff of the AIFM.

 

 

For the period from

 

1 January 2017 to

 

31 December 2017

 

 

Total remuneration paid to employees during financial year:

 

a) remuneration, including, where relevant, any carried interest paid by the AIFM

£2,342,893

b) the number of beneficiaries

26

 

 

The aggregate amount of remuneration, broken down by:

 

a) senior management

£604,938

b) members of staff

£1,737,955

 

 

 

Fixed

Variable

Total

 

remuneration

remuneration

remuneration

 

 

 

 

Senior management

£604,938

-

£604,938

Staff

£1,458,955

£279,000

£1,737,955

 

 

 

 

Total

£2,063,893

£279,000

£2,342,893

 

 

AEW UK Investment Management LLP

17 September 2018

 

 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Group's assets consist primarily of UK commercial property. Its principal risks are therefore related to the commercial property market in general, but also to the particular circumstances of the individual properties and the tenants within the properties.

 

The Board has overall responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the system of risk management and internal control which is operated by the Investment Manager. The Group's ongoing risk management process is designed to identify, evaluate and mitigate the significant risks the Group faces.

 

Twice each year, the Board undertakes a risk review with the assistance of the Audit Committee, to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the Investment Manager's risk management and internal control processes.

 

The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

 

An analysis of the principal risks and uncertainties is set out in the table below. This does not purport to be exhaustive as some risks are not yet known and some risks are currently not deemed material but could turn out to be material in the future.

 

The matrix below illustrates the Group's assessment of the impact and probability of the principal risk identified.

 

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND THEIR

HOW RISK IS MANAGED

RISK ASSESSMENT

POTENTIAL IMPACT

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE RISKS

 

 

 

 

 

1. Tenant default

 

 

Failure by tenants to comply with their rental obligations could affect the income that the properties earn and the ability of the Group to pay dividends to its shareholders.

Our investment policy limits our exposure to any one tenant to 15% of gross assets. This prevents significant exposure to a single tenant. Our maximum exposure to any one tenant (calculated by contracted rental income) is 11.7% as at 30 June 2018.

 

In the due diligence process prior to acquiring a property, covenant checks are carried out on tenants. Further covenant checks are then carried out where there are concerns as to tenants' creditworthiness.

 

The Investment Manager conducts ongoing monitoring and liaison with tenants to manage potential bad debt risk.

 

Probability: Moderate

 

Impact: Moderate to high

2. Portfolio concentration

 

 

Any downturn in the UK and its economy or regulatory changes in the UK could have a material adverse effect on the Group's operations or financial condition. Greater concentration of investments in any sector or exposure to the creditworthiness of any one tenant or tenants may lead to greater volatility in the value of the Group's investments, NAV and its Share price.

 

The Group has investment restrictions in place to invest and manage its assets with the objective of spreading and mitigating risk.

Probability: Low to moderate

 

Impact: Low to moderate

3. Property defects

 

 

Due diligence may not identify all the risks and liabilities in respect of an acquisition (including any environmental, structural or operational defects) that may lead to a material adverse effect on the Group's profitability, the NAV and its Share price.

 

The Group's due diligence relies on the work (such as legal reports on title, property valuations, environmental, building surveys) outsourced to third parties that have appropriate Professional Indemnity cover in place.

Probability: Low

 

Impact: Moderate

4. Rate of inflation

 

 

Rent review provisions may have contractual limits to the increases that may be made as a result of the rate of inflation. If inflation is in excess of such contractual limits, the Group may not be able to deliver targeted returns to shareholders.

The inflation linked (RPI/CPI) leases in the portfolio have contractual rent review caps in the range of 3% to 5%. These rates are in excess of RPI/CPI forecasts during the next five year rent review cycle and therefore based on forecasts, the risk is somewhat mitigated.

 

Probability: Low

 

Impact: Low to moderate

5. Property market

 

 

Any property market recession or future deterioration in the property market could, inter alia, (i) lead to an increase in tenant defaults, (ii) make it harder for the Group to attract new tenants for its properties, (iii) lead to a lack of finance available to the Group, (iv) cause the Group to realise its investments at lower valuations; and (v) delay the timings of the Group's realisations. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Group to achieve its investment objective.

 

The Group has investment restrictions in place to invest and manage its assets with the objective of spreading and mitigating risk.

 

Most of the leases provide a long unexpired term and contain upward-only rent reviews which are linked to either RPI or CPI. Because of these factors, the Investment Manager expects that the assets held by the Group will show less volatile valuation movement over the long term.

Probability: Low

 

Impact: Moderate to High

6. Property valuation

 

 

Property is inherently difficult to value due to the individual nature of each property.

 

There may be an adverse effect on the Group's profitability, the NAV and the Share price in cases where properties are sold whose valuations have previously been materially overstated.

 

The Group uses an independent valuer (Knight Frank LLP) to value the properties on a quarterly basis at Fair Value in accordance with accepted RICS appraisal and valuation standards.

Probability: Low

 

Impact: Moderate to High

7. Investments will be illiquid

 

 

The Group invests in commercial properties. Such investments are illiquid; they may be difficult for the Group to sell and the price achieved on any realisation may be at a discount to the prevailing valuation of the relevant property.

 

The Group aims to hold the properties for long-term income.

Probability: Low

 

Impact: Low

BORROWING RISKS

 

 

 

8. Breach of borrowing covenants

 

 

The Group has entered into a term loan facility.

 

Material adverse changes in valuations and net income may lead to breaches in the LTV and interest cover ratio covenants.

 

If the Group is unable to operate within its debt covenants, this could lead to default and the loan facility being recalled. This may result in the Group selling properties to repay the loan facility and this is likely to lead to a fall in its NAV.

 

The Group monitors the use of borrowings on an ongoing basis through weekly cash-flow forecasting and quarterly risk monitoring to monitor financial covenants.

 

The Group's gearing at 30 June 2018 was 27.7%, below our maximum gearing (on a GAV basis on drawdown) of 40% and materially below our default covenant of 60%.

 

There is significant headroom in the LTV and interest cover covenants in the loan agreement.

 

Probability: Low

 

Impact: High

CORPORATE RISKS

 

 

 

9. Use of service providers

 

 

The Group has no employees and is reliant upon the performance of third-party service providers.

 

Failure by any service provider to carry out its obligations to the Group in accordance with the terms of its appointment could have a materially detrimental impact on the operation of the Group.

 

The performance of service providers in conjunction with their service level agreements is monitored via regular calls and face-to-face meetings and the use of Key Performance Indicators where relevant.

 

The Management Engagement and Remuneration Committee review the performance and continuing appointment of service providers on an annual basis.

 

Probability: Low to moderate

 

Impact: Moderate

10. Dependence on the Investment Manager

 

 

The Investment Manager is responsible for providing investment management services to the Group.

 

The future ability of the Group to successfully pursue its investment objective and investment policy may, among other things, depend on the ability of the Investment Manager to retain its existing staff and/or to recruit individuals of similar experience and calibre.

 

An Investment Management Agreement ('IMA') is in place between the Investment Manager and the Group. Unless there is a default, insolvency or winding up of the Investment Manager or Group, either party may terminate the IMA by giving not less than 12 months written notice.

 

The Board meets regularly with the Investment Manager to ensure it maintains a positive working relationship.

 

The Investment Manager has endeavoured to ensure that the principal members of its management team are suitably incentivised.

 

Probability: Low

 

Impact: High

11. Ability to meet objectives

 

 

The Group may not meet its investment objective to deliver an attractive total return to shareholders from investing predominantly in a portfolio of smaller commercial properties in the UK.

 

Poor relative total return performance may lead to an adverse reputational impact that affects the Group's ability to raise new capital and new funds.

 

The Group has an investment policy to achieve a balanced portfolio with a diversified tenant base.

 

This is reviewed by the Board at each scheduled Board meeting.

Probability: Low

 

Impact: Moderate

TAXATION RISK

 

 

 

12. Group REIT status

 

 

The Group has UK REIT status that provides a tax-efficient corporate structure.

 

If the Group fails to remain a REIT for UK tax purposes, its profits and gains will be subject to UK corporation tax.

 

Any change to the tax status or in UK tax legislation could impact on the Group's ability to achieve its investment objectives and provide attractive returns to shareholders.

 

The Group monitors REIT compliance through the Investment Manager on acquisitions; the Administrator on asset and distribution levels; the Registrar and Broker on shareholdings and third-party tax advisors to monitor REIT compliance requirements.

Probability: Low

 

Impact: High

13. POLITICAL/ ECONOMIC RISKS

 

 

 

Political and macroeconomic events present risks to the real estate and financial markets that affect the Group and the business of our tenants. The level of uncertainty that such events bring has been highlighted in recent times, most pertinently following the EU referendum vote (Brexit) in June 2016. The arrangements, or lack of them, that would be put in place between the UK and the EU following the eventual Brexit could impact the health of the UK economy, make it more difficult for the Group to raise capital and/or increase the regulatory compliance burden on the Group.

The Group only invests in UK properties with strong alternative use values and long leases so the portfolio is well positioned to withstand any economic downturn.

Probability: The overall probability of a political or macroeconomic event occurring, which will have a negative impact on the Group has been assessed as moderate to high. However, specifically in relation to Brexit, the probability of a negative outcome is considered very difficult to assess at present.

 

Impact: Moderate to high

 

Whilst good progress towards reaching the Group's objectives has been made since the IPO, both additional gearing and issuing new equity will allow the Group to attain full cover for the annual target level of dividend of 5.5 pence per share. The former has already been put into action (see note 22 on page 80), but the latter will need to await suitable market conditions once the funds from the additional debt have been fully invested.

 

The Strategic Report has been approved and signed on behalf of the Board by:

 

Steve Smith

Chairman

17 September 2018

 

 

Board of Directors

 

Steve Smith, non-executive Chairman

Jim Prower, non-executive Director

Alan Sippetts, non-executive Director

 

 

Extracts from the Directors' Report

 

Going concern

The Group has considered its cash flows, financial position, liquidity position and borrowing facilities. The Group's unrestricted cash balance as at 30 June 2018 was £6.59 million, of which £2.86 million was readily available for potential investments. As at 30 June 2018, the Group had substantial headroom against its borrowing covenants. The Group has the ability to utilise up to 40% of GAV measured at drawdown with a Group Loan to GAV of 27.7% as at 30 June 2018.

 

The Group benefits from a secure, diversified income stream from leases which are not overly reliant on any one tenant or sector. As a result, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its financing and other business risks. The Directors believe that there are currently no material uncertainties in relation to the Group's and Company's ability to continue for a period of at least 12 months from the date of these financial statements. The Board is, therefore, of the opinion that the going concern basis adopted in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

 

Viability statement

In accordance with principle 21 of the AIC Code and FRC Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Controls and Related Financial and Business Reporting, the Directors have assessed the prospects of the Group over a period longer than the 12 months required by the 'Going Concern' provisions. The Board has considered the nature of the Group's assets and liabilities and associated cash flows and has determined that five years, up to 30 June 2023, is the maximum timescale over which the performance of the Group can be forecast with a degree of accuracy and so is an appropriate period over which to consider the Group's viability.

 

Considerations in support of the Company's viability over this five year period include:

 

• The current unexpired term under the Group's debt facilities stands at 7.3 years and as noted above, under the sub-heading "Borrowings", the Group intends to increase the facility up to an LTV of 40%;

 

• The Group's property portfolio had a WAULT to break of 21.8 years and a WAULT to expiry of 24.0 years as at 30 June 2018, representing a secure income stream for the period under consideration;

 

• Most leases contain a five year rent review pattern and therefore five years allows for the forecasts to include the reversion arising from those reviews.

 

• The five year review considers the Company's cash flows, dividend cover, REIT compliance and other key financial ratios over the period.

 

In assessing the Company's viability, the Board has carried out a thorough review of the Company's business model, including future performance, liquidity and banking covenant tests for a five year period.

 

The business model has been subject to a sensitivity analysis, which involves flexing a number of key assumptions underlying the forecasts both individually and in aggregate for normal and stressed conditions.

 

Based on the results of this analysis, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the five year period of their assessment.

 

Subsidiary companies

Details of the Company's subsidiaries are set out in note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Financial risk management

The financial risk management objectives and policies can be found in note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Share capital

The Company was incorporated with 1 Ordinary Share issued at £0.01.

 

At the general meeting held on 8 May 2017, the Company was granted authority to allot up to 300 million shares under a share issuance programme. This authority is to expire at the later of the third annual general meeting of the Company or 31 December 2020. On 6 June 2017, 80,499,999 Ordinary Shares were issued at £0.01 each fully paid, pursuant to a placing and offer for subscription.

 

The share premium relates to amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value less associated issue costs of the subscriptions. On 6 July 2017, the Company's share premium account of £78,122,172 was cancelled and the balance transferred to a distributable reserve.

 

At the general meeting held on 8 May 2017, the Company was granted authority to purchase up to 14.99% of the Company's Ordinary Shares in issue immediately following completion of the initial issue. No Ordinary Shares have been bought back under this authority.

 

At 30 June 2018, and as at the date of this report, there are 80,500,000 Ordinary Shares in issue, none of which are held in treasury.

 

Income entitlement

The profits of the Company available for distribution and determined to be distributed shall be distributed by way of interim or final dividends among the holders of Ordinary Shares.

 

Capital entitlement

After meeting the liabilities of the Company on a winding-up, the surplus capital and assets shall be paid to the holders of Ordinary Shares and distributed among such holders pro rata according to the nominal capital paid up on their holdings of Ordinary Shares.

 

Voting entitlement

Each Ordinary shareholder is entitled to one vote on a show of hands and, on a poll, to one vote for every Ordinary Share held. The Notice of AGM and Form of Proxy stipulate the deadlines for the valid exercise of voting rights and, other than with regard to Directors not being permitted to vote their Ordinary Shares on matters in which they have an interest.

 

There are no restrictions concerning the transfer of securities in the Company or on voting rights; no special rights with regard to control attached to securities; no agreements between holders of securities regarding their transfer known to the Company; and no agreements which the Company is party to that might affect its control following a successful takeover bid.

 

Requirements of the Listing Rules

Listing Rule 9.8.4 requires the Company to include specified information in a single identifiable section of the annual report or a cross reference table indicating where the information is set out. The Directors confirm that there are no disclosures required in relation to Listing Rule 9.8.4.

 

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements

 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and parent Company Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and parent Company financial statements for each financial year. Under that law they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU) and applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK accounting standards, including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework.

 

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent Company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and parent Company financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant, reliable and prudent;

 

• for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;

 

• for the parent Company financial statements, state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the parent Company financial statements;

 

• assess the Group and parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and

 

• use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company, or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

 

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors' Report, Directors' Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Group's website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements

 

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

 

• the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

 

• the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

 

We consider the Annual Report and the Financial Statements, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group's position and performance, business model and strategy.

 

On behalf of the Board

 

Steve Smith

Chairman

 

17 September 2018

 

 

 

NON-STATUTORY ACCOUNTS

The financial information set out below does not constitute the Company's Annual financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2018. The Annual Report, including the Annual financial statements, for the period ended 30 June 2018 was approved by the Board on 17 September 2018. The Auditor has reviewed those accounts; their report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the Auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

 

 

18 April 2017   

 

 

to 30 June   

 

 

2018   

 

Notes

£'000   

 

 

 

Rental and other income

3

3,600   

Property operating expenses

4

(105)  

Net rental and other income

 

3,495   

 

 

 

Other operating expenses

4

(1,050)  

Operating profit before fair value changes

 

2,445   

 

 

 

Change in fair value of investment properties

10

(2,853)*

Operating loss

 

(408)  

 

 

 

Finance expense

6

(487)  

Loss before tax

 

(895)  

 

 

 

Taxation

7

-   

Loss after tax

 

(895)  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

 

-   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the period

 

(895)  

 

 

 

Loss per share (pence per share) (basic and diluted)

8

(1.25)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The notes below form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

* This includes a fair value gain of £3.63 million on properties held over the period and a writedown of £6.48 million of portfolio acquisition costs.

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

as at 30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

As at

 

 

30 June 2018

 

Notes

£'000

Assets

 

 

Non-Current Assets

10

99,243

Investment property

 

99,243

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

Receivables and prepayments

11

1,121

Cash and cash equivalents

 

6,594

Restricted cash

2.5e

1,362

 

 

9,077

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

108,320

 

 

 

Non-Current Liabilities

 

 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

13

29,434

Financial lease obligations

14

478

 

 

29,912

Current Liabilities

 

 

Payables and accrued expenses

12

1,952

Financial lease obligations

14

34

 

 

1,986

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

31,898

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

76,422

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

Share capital

17

805

Share premium account

18

-

Capital reserve and retained earnings

 

75,617

 

 

 

Total capital and reserve attributable to equity holders of the Group

 

76,422

 

 

 

Net Asset Value per share (pence per share)

8

94.93

 

 

 

 

The financial statements on pages 58 to 80 of the Annual Report were approved by the Board of Directors on 17 September 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:

 

Steve Smith

Chairman

AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc

Company number: 10727886

 

The notes below form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital 

 

 

 

 

Capital 

and reserves 

 

 

 

Share 

reserve and 

attributable to

 

 

Share 

premium 

retained 

owners of 

For the period 18 April 2017 to

 

capital 

account 

earnings 

the Group 

30 June 2018

Notes

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as at 18 April 2017

 

Ordinary Shares issued

17,18

805 

79,695 

80,500 

Share issue costs

18

(1,573)

(1,573)

Cancellation of share premium

18

(78,122)

78,122 

Total comprehensive loss

 

(895)

(895)

Dividends paid

9

(1,610)

(1,610)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2018

 

805 

75,617 

76,422 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The notes below form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

 

 

18 April 2017 

 

30 June 2018 

 

£'000 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

Operating loss

(408)

 

 

Adjustment for non-cash items:

 

Loss from change in fair value of investment property

2,853 

Increase in other receivables and prepayments

(1,121)

Increase in other payables and accrued expenses

1,534 

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

2,858 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Purchase of investment property

(101,461)

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

(101,461)

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital

80,500 

Share issue costs

(1,573)

Loan draw down

28,638 

Loan arrangement fees (609)

Finance costs

(241)

Dividends paid

(1,518)

 

 

Net cash generated from financing activities

105,197

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

6,594 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of the period

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

6,594 

 

 

 

 

The notes below form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

1. Corporate information

 

The Company is a closed ended Real Estate Investment Trust ('REIT') incorporated on 18 April 2017 and domiciled in the UK. The registered office of the Company is located at 6th Floor, Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NQ.

 

The Company's Ordinary Shares were listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange on 6 June 2017.

 

The nature of the Group's operations and its principal activities are set out in the Strategic Report above.

 

2. Accounting policies

 

2.1 Basis of preparation

These Consolidated financial statements are prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') and interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB') as adopted by the European Union ('EU IFRS').

 

These Consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical-cost convention, except for investment property that has been measured at fair value.

 

The Consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£'000), except when otherwise indicated.

 

Basis of consolidation

The Consolidated financial statements for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018 incorporate the financial statements of AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc and its subsidiaries (the 'Group'). Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company, being AEW UK Long Lease REIT 2017 Limited and AEW UK Long Lease REIT Holdco Limited. IFRS 10 outlines the requirements for the preparation of consolidated financial statements, requiring an entity to consolidate the results of all investees it is considered to control. Control exists where an entity is exposed to variable returns and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

 

New standards, amendments and interpretations

There are a number of new standards and amendments to existing standards which have been published and are mandatory for the Group's accounting periods beginning after 1 January 2018 or later periods.

 

The following are the most relevant to the Group:

 

• IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures) amendments regarding additional hedge accounting disclosures (applied when IFRS 9 is applied);

 

• IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments) This standard will replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments and contains two primary measurement categories for financial assets (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018), the effect of any change to the Group's current accounting policies covering the measurement of financial instruments and the estimation of impairment is expected to be immaterial;

 

• IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) issued in May 2014 and applies to an annual reporting period beginning on or after 1 January 2018, the Group's revenue primarily relates to property rental income which is outside the scope of IFRS 15; and

 

• IFRS 16 (Leases) issued in January 2016 and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019; and

 

• IAS 40 Investment Property: effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2018.

 

The impact of the adoption of new accounting standards issued and becoming effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 has been considered and is not considered to be significant. The IFRS 16 disclosure requirements will be considered in due course.

 

2.2 Significant accounting judgements and estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with EU IFRS requires the Directors of the Company to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts recognised in the financial statements. However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability in the future.

 

There are not considered to be any judgements which have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial information.

 

Estimates

In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies, management has made the following estimates, which have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial information:

 

Valuation of investment property

The fair value of investment property is determined, by independent property valuation experts, to be the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of the valuation in an arm's length transaction. Properties have been valued on an individual basis. The valuation experts use recognised valuation techniques, applying the principles of both IAS 40 and IFRS13.

 

The valuations have been prepared in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors ('RICS') Valuation - Professional Standard January 2014 (revised April 2015) ('the Red Book'). Factors reflected include current market conditions, annual rentals, lease lengths and location. The significant methods and assumptions used by valuers in estimating the fair value of investment property are set out in note 10.

 

2.3 Segmental information

In accordance with IFRS 8, the Directors are of the opinion that the Group is engaged into one main operating segment, being investment property in the UK.

 

2.4 Going concern

The Directors have made an assessment of the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that the Group has the resources to continue in business for at least 12 months from the date of these consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, the Directors are not aware of any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt upon the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Therefore, the consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

 

2.5 Summary of significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are set out below.

 

a) Presentation currency

These Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Sterling, which is the functional and presentational currency of the Group. The functional currency of the Group is principally determined by the primary economic environment in which it operates. The Group did not enter into any transactions in foreign currencies during the period.

 

b) Revenue recognition

 

i) Rental income

Rental income receivable under operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, except for contingent rental income, which is recognised when it arises. For leases, which contain fixed or minimum uplifts, the rental income arising from such uplifts is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

Incentives for lessees to enter into lease agreements are spread evenly over the lease term, even if the payments are not made on such a basis. The lease term is the non-cancellable period of the lease together with any further term for which the tenant has the option to continue the lease, where, at the inception of the lease, the Directors are reasonably certain that the tenant will exercise that option.

 

ii) Deferred income

Deferred income is rental income received in advance during the accounting period.

 

c) Financing income and expenses

Financing income comprises interest receivable on funds invested. Financing expenses comprise interest and other costs incurred in connection with the borrowing of funds. Interest income and interest payable are recognised in profit or loss as they accrue, using the effective interest method.

 

d) Investment property

Property is classified as investment property when it is held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both. Investment property is measured initially at cost including transaction costs. Transaction costs include transfer taxes and professional fees to bring the property to the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating. The carrying amount also includes the cost of replacing part of an existing investment property at the time that cost is incurred if the recognition criteria are met.

 

Subsequent to initial recognition, investment property is stated at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair values are included in profit or loss.

 

Investment properties are valued by the independent valuer on the basis of a full valuation with physical inspection at least once a year. Any valuation of an Immovable by the independent valuer must be undertaken in accordance with the current issue of RICS Valuation - Professional Standards (the 'Red Book').

 

The determination of the fair value of investment property requires the use of estimates such as future cash flows from assets (such as lettings, tenants' profiles, future revenue streams, capital values of fixtures and fittings, plant and machinery, any environmental matters and the overall repair and condition of the property) and discount rates applicable to those cash flows.

 

For the purposes of these Consolidated Financial Statements, the assessed fair value is:

 

• reduced by the carrying amount of any accrued income resulting from the spreading of lease incentives; and

 

• increased by the carrying amount of leasehold obligations.

 

Investment property is derecognised when it has been disposed of or permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected after its disposal or withdrawal.

 

Gains or losses on the disposal of investment property are determined as the difference between net disposal proceeds and the carrying value of the asset.

 

Any gains or losses on the retirement or disposal of investment property are recognised in profit or loss in the year of retirement or disposal.

 

e) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and short-term deposits in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position comprise cash at bank and short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash held also includes amounts held in a restricted account that becomes available upon charging properties as security under the Canada Life Loan.

 

f) Receivables and prepayments

Rent and other receivables are recognised at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost. Provision is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to recover balances in full.

 

g) Capital prepayments

Capital prepayments are made for the purpose of acquiring future property assets, and held as receivables within the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. When the asset is acquired, the prepayments are capitalised as a cost of purchase. Where a purchase is not successful, these costs are expensed within profit or loss as abortive costs in the period.

 

h) Other payables and accrued expenses

Other payables and accrued expenses are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently held at amortised cost.

 

i) Rent deposits

Rent deposits represent cash received from tenants at inception of a lease and are consequently transferred to the rent agent to hold on behalf of the Group. These balances are held as creditors in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

 

j) Interest bearing loans and borrowings

All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Borrowing costs are amortised over the lifetime of the facilities through profit or loss.

 

k) Impairment of financial assets

A financial asset not carried at fair value through profit or loss is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset that can be estimated reliably.

 

l) Provisions

A provision is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event that can be reliably measured and is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects risks specific to the liability.

 

m) Dividend payable to shareholders

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable.

 

n) Share issue costs

The costs of issuing or reacquiring equity instruments (other than in a business combination) are accounted for as a deduction from equity.

 

o) Finance leases

Finance leases are capitalised at the lease commencement, at the lower of fair value of the property and present value of the minimum lease payments, and held as a liability within the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

 

p) Taxes

Corporation tax is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

 

As a REIT, the Group is exempt from corporation tax on the profits and gains from its investments, provided it continues to meet certain conditions as per REIT regulations.

 

Taxation on the profit or loss for the period not exempt under UK REIT regulations comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax is expected tax payable on any non-REIT taxable income for the period, using tax rates applicable in the period.

 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax that is provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the period end date.

 

q) European Public Real Estate Association

The Group has adopted European Public Real Estate Association ('EPRA') best practice recommendations, which it expects to broaden the range of potential institutional investors able to invest in the Company's Ordinary Shares. For the period ended 30 June 2018, audited EPS and NAV calculations under EPRA's methodology are included in note 8 and further unaudited measures are included above.

 

 

3. Rental and other income

 

 

18 April 2017 to

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

 

 

Gross rental income

3,226

Spreading of tenant incentives and guaranteed fixed rental uplifts

359

Other property income

15

 

 

Total rental and other income

3,600

 

 

4. Expenses

 

 

18 April 2017 to   

 

30 June 2018   

 

£'000   

 

 

Property operating expenses

105   

 

 

Other operating expenses

 

Investment management fee

363   

Auditor remuneration

116   

Operating costs

571   

 

 

Total other operating expenses

1,050   

 

 

Total operating expenses

1,155   

 

 

 

 

 

18 April 2017 to   

 

30 June 2018   

 

£'000   

Audit

 

Statutory audit of Annual Report and Accounts

70   

Statutory audit of Subsidiary Accounts

12   

Statutory audit of Initial Accounts

11   

 

93   

 

 

Non-audit

 

Review of Interim Report

23   

Review of Initial prospectus*

40   

 

63   

 

 

Total fees paid to KPMG LLP

156   

 

 

Percentage of total fees attributed to non-audit services

40%

 

 

* charged to share premium account

 

 

5. Directors' remuneration

 

 

18 April 2017 to

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

 

 

Directors' fees

108

Tax & social security

5

 

 

Total

113

 

A summary of the Directors' remuneration is set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the full Annual Report. The Group had no employees during the period.

 

 

6. Finance expense

 

 

18 April 2017 to

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

 

 

Interest payable on loan borrowings

419

Amortisation of loan arrangement fee

43

Other finance costs

25

 

 

Total

487

 

 

7. Taxation

 

 

18 April 2017 to 

 

30 June 2018 

 

£'000 

 

 

Total tax charge

 

 

Analysis of tax charge in the period:

 

Loss before tax

(895)

 

 

Theoretical tax credit at UK Corporation tax standard rate of 19%

(170)

 

 

Adjusted for:

 

Exempt REIT net losses

170 

 

 

Total

 

The Group obtained REIT status on 13 October 2017, at which point any gains or losses arising from property business have been extinguished. As such, no deferred tax asset or liability has been recognised in the current period.

 

Factors that may affect future tax charges

Due to the Group's status as a REIT and the intention to continue meeting the conditions required to retain approval as a REIT in the foreseeable future, the Group has not provided deferred tax on any capital gains and losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of investments.

 

 

8. Earnings/(loss) per share and NAV per share

 

 

18 April 2017 to 

 

30 June 2018 

Loss per share:

 

Total comprehensive loss (£'000)

(895)

 

 

Weighted average number of shares

71,514,806 

 

 

Loss per share (basic and diluted) (pence)

(1.25)

 

 

EPRA earnings per share:

 

Total comprehensive loss (£'000)

(895)

Adjustment to total comprehensive loss:

 

Change in fair value of investment properties (£'000)

2,853 

EPRA earnings (basic and diluted) (£'000)

1,958 

EPRA earnings per share (basic and diluted) (pence)

2.74 

 

 

Adjusted earnings per share:

 

EPRA earnings (basic and diluted) (£'000)

(1,958)

Adjustments:

 

Rental income recognised in respect of tenant incentives and guaranteed fixed rental uplifts (£'000)

(359)

Amortisation of loan arrangement fee (£'000)

43 

Adjusted earnings per share (basic and diluted) (£'000)

1,642 

Adjusted earnings (basic and diluted) (pence)

2.30 

 

 

NAV per share:

 

Net assets (£'000)

76,422

 

 

Ordinary Shares

80,500,000 

 

 

NAV per share (pence)

94.93

 

Earnings per Share ("EPS") amounts are calculated by dividing loss for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period. EPRA NAV and EPRA NNNAV are equal to the NAV presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position under IFRS and there are no adjusting items. As such, a reconciliation between these measures has not been presented.

 

 

9. Dividends paid

 

 

18 April 2017 to

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

First interim dividend paid in respect of the period from incorporation to 30 September 2017 at 0.50p per Ordinary Share

402

 

 

Second interim dividend declared in respect of the period 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 at 0.50p per Ordinary Share

402

 

 

Third interim dividend declared in respect of the period 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2018 at 1.00p per Ordinary Share

806

 

 

Total dividends paid during the period

1,610

 

 

Fourth interim dividend declared in respect of the period 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2018 at 1.25p per Ordinary Share*

1,006

 

* Dividends declared after the period end are not included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as a liability.

 

 

10. Investments

 

10.1) Investment property

 

 

30 June 2018

 

Investment 

Investment 

 

 

properties 

properties 

 

 

freehold 

leasehold 

Total 

 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

UK Investment property

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As at beginning of period

Purchases in the period

54,917 

46,674 

101,591 

Revaluation of investment property

(1,177)

(1,324)

(2,501)

 

 

 

 

Valuation provided by Knight Frank

53,740 

45,350 

99,090 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment to fair value for rent smoothing

 

 

(359)

Adjustment for finance lease obligations

 

 

512 

 

 

 

 

Total investment property

 

 

99,243 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of investment property

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value before adjustments for lease incentives

 

 

(2,501)

Movement in finance lease    

Adjustment to fair value for rent smoothing of lease income

 

 

(359)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,853)

 

Valuation of investment property

Valuation of investment property is performed by Knight Frank LLP, an accredited external valuer with recognised and relevant professional qualifications and recent experience of the location and category of the investment property being valued.

 

The valuation of the Group's investment property at fair value is determined by the external valuer on the basis of market value in accordance with the internationally accepted RICS Valuation - Professional Standards (incorporating the International Valuation Standards).

 

The determination of the fair value of investment property requires the use of estimates such as future cash flows from assets (such as lettings, tenants' profiles, future revenue streams, capital values of fixtures and fittings, plant and machinery, any environmental matters and the overall repair and condition of the property) and discount rates applicable to those flows.

 

10.2) Fair value measurement hierarchy

The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy for non-current assets:

 

 

30 June 2018

 

Quoted

 

 

 

 

prices in

Significant

Significant

 

 

active

observable

unobservable

 

 

markets

inputs

inputs

 

 

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Total

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

Assets measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment property*

-

-

99,090

99,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

-

99,090

99,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

* before adjustments to fair value for straight lining of lease income.

 

Explanation of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices for an identical instrument in active markets;

 

Level 2 - Prices of recent transactions for identical instruments and valuation techniques using observable market data; and

 

Level 3 - Valuation techniques using non-observable data.

 

Sensitivity analysis to significant changes in unobservable inputs within Level 3 of the hierarchy

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy of the entity's portfolios of investment properties are:

 

1) Estimated Rental Value ('ERV')

 

2) Equivalent yield

 

Increases/(decreases) in the ERV (per sq ft per annum) in isolation would result in a higher/(lower) fair value measurement. Increases/(decreases) in the discount rate/yield in isolation would result in a lower/(higher) fair value measurement.

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy of the portfolio of investment property and investments are:

 

 

Fair

 

Significant

 

 

value

Valuation

unobservable

 

Class

£'000

technique

inputs

Range

 

 

 

 

 

30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Property*

99,090

Income

ERV

£3.50 - £21.96

 

 

capitalisation

Equivalent yield

4.9% - 7.06%

 

* Valuation per Knight Frank LLP

 

Where possible, sensitivity of the fair values of Level 3 assets are tested to changes in unobservable inputs to reasonable alternatives.

 

 

30 June 2018

 

Change in ERV

Change in equivalent yield

 

£'000   

£'000   

£'000   

£'000   

 

 

 

 

 

Sensitivity Analysis

+5%

-5%

+5%

-5%

 

 

 

 

 

Resulting fair value of investment property

100,194   

98,288   

94,152   

104,744   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains and losses recorded in profit or loss for recurring fair value measurements categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are attributable to changes in unrealised gains or losses relating to investment property held at the end of the reporting period.

 

 

11. Receivables and prepayments

 

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

 

 

Receivables

 

Rent debtor

304

Other debtors

425

 

 

Total Receivables

729

 

 

Accrued income

359

 

1,088

Prepayments

 

Other prepayments

33

 

 

Total

1,121

 

 

The aged debtor analysis of receivables which are past due is as follows:

 

 

 

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

 

 

Less than three months due

304

Between three and six months due

425

Between six and twelve months due

 

 

Total

729

 

 

 

 

12. Payables and accrued expenses

 

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

 

 

Deferred income

657

Accruals

262

Other creditors

1,033

 

 

Total

1,952

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. Interest bearing loans and borrowings

 

 

30 June 

 

2018 

 

£'000 

 

 

At the beginning of the period

Drawn in the period

30,000 

 

 

Total facility drawn

30,000 

 

 

Repayable between two and five years

30,000 

Unamortised loan issue costs

(566)

 

 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

29,434 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group entered into a £30 million term loan facility with Canada Life Investments on 5 January 2018.

 

The term facility is up to 40% loan to property value, provided on a portfolio basis. The loan is fixed to October 2025 at a total rate of 3.05% per annum.

 

Borrowing costs associated with the credit facility are shown as finance costs in note 6 to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Bank 

 

borrowings 

Reconciliation to cash flows from financing activities

£'000 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the period

Loan drawn down

28,638 

Loan arrangement fees

(609)

 

 

Total changes from financing cash flows

28,029 

 

 

Other changes

 

Restricted cash

1,362 

Amortisation of loan issue costs

43 

 

 

Total other changes

1,405 

 

 

Balance at 30 June 2018

29,434 

 

 

 

 

14. Finance lease obligations

Finance leases are capitalised at the lease's commencement at the lower of the fair value of the property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The present value of the corresponding rental obligations are included as liabilities.

 

The following table analyses the minimum lease payments under non-cancellable finance leases for each of the following periods:

 

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

 

 

Within one year

34

After one year but more than five years

150

More than five years

328

 

478

 

 

Total

512

 

 

15. Guarantees and commitments

Operating lease commitments - as lessor

The Group has entered into commercial property leases on its investment property portfolio. These non-cancellable leases have a remaining term of between 4 and 116 years.

 

Future minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 30 June 2018 are as follows:

 

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

 

 

Within one year

5,738

After one year but more than five years

23,187

More than five years

102,427

 

 

Total

131,352

 

During the period ended 30 June 2018 there were nil contingent rents recognised as income.

 

 

16. Investment in subsidiaries

The Company has two wholly owned subsidiaries disclosed below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and

Country of

 

 

 

company

registration and

Date of

Principal

Ordinary

number

incorporation

incorporation

activity

Shares held

 

 

 

 

 

AEW UK Long Lease REIT Holdco Limited (Company number 11052186)

England and Wales

7 November 2017

Real Estate Company

73,158,502*

AEW UK Long Lease REIT 2017 Limited (Company number 10754641)

England and Wales

4 May 2017

Real Estate Company

73,158,501*

 

* Ordinary shares of £1.00 each.

 

AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc as at 30 June 2018 owns 100% controlling stake of AEW UK Long Lease REIT Holdco Limited.

 

AEW UK Long Lease REIT Holdco Limited holds 100% of AEW UK Long Lease REIT 2017 Limited.

 

Both AEW UK Long Lease REIT Holdco Limited and AEW UK Long Lease REIT 2017 Limited are registered at 6th Floor, 65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ.

 

 

17. Issued share capital

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Ordinary

For the period 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

£'000

Shares

 

 

 

Ordinary Shares issued and fully paid

 

 

At the beginning of the period

-

1

Issued on admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 6 June 2017

 

805

 

80,499,999

 

 

 

At the end of the period

805

80,500,000

 

 

 

 

On 6 June 2017, the Company issued 80,499,999 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of 1 pence at a price of 100.00 pence per share pursuant to the Initial Placing, Initial Offer for Subscription and Intermediaries Offer of the Share Issuance Programme, as described in the Prospectus published by the Company on 31 May 2017.

 

 

18. Share premium account

 

 

30 June 

 

2018 

 

£'000 

The share premium relates to amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value:

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the period

Issued on admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 6 June 2017

79,695 

Share issue costs

(1,573)

Cancellation of share premium

(78,122)

 

 

Balance at the end of the period

 

 

19. Financial risk management and policies

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and further risks inherent to investing in investment property. The Group's objective in managing risk is the creation and protection of shareholder value. Risk is inherent in the Group's activities, but it is managed through a process of ongoing identification, measurement and monitoring, subject to risk limits and other controls.

 

The principal risks facing the Group in the management of its portfolio are as follows:

 

19.1 Market price risk

Market price risk is the risk that future values of investments in direct property and related property investments will fluctuate due to changes in market prices. To manage market price risk, the Group diversifies its portfolio geographically in the UK and across property sectors.

 

The disciplined approach to the purchase, sale and asset management ensures that the value is maintained to its maximum potential. Prior to any property acquisition or sale, detailed research is undertaken to assess expected future cash flow. The Investment Management Committee ("IMC") of the Investment Manager meets monthly and reserves the ultimate decision with regards to investment purchases or sales. In order to monitor property valuation fluctuations, the IMC and the Portfolio Management Team of the Investment Manager meet with the independent external valuer on a regular basis. The valuer provides a property portfolio valuation quarterly, so any movements in the value can be accounted for in a timely manner and reflected in the NAV every quarter.

 

19.2 Real estate risk

The Group is exposed to the following risks specific to its investments in investment property:

 

Property investments are illiquid assets and can be difficult to sell, especially if local market conditions are poor. Illiquidity may also result from the absence of an established market for investments, as well as legal or contractual restrictions on resale of such investments. In addition, property valuation is inherently subjective due to the individual characteristics of each property, and thus, coupled with illiquidity in the markets, makes the valuation in the scheme property difficult and inexact.

 

No assurances can be given that the valuations of properties will be reflected in the actual sale prices even where such sales occur shortly after the relevant valuation date.

 

There can be no certainty regarding the future performance of any of the properties acquired for the Group. The value of any property can go down as well as up. Property and property-related assets are inherently subjective as regards value due to the individual nature of each property. As a result, valuations are subject to uncertainty.

 

Real property investments are subject to varying degrees of risk. The yields available from investments in real estate depend on the amount of income generated and expenses incurred from such investments.

 

There are additional risks in vacant, part vacant, redevelopment and refurbishment situations, although these are not prospective investments for the Group.

 

19.3 Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty (to a financial instrument) or tenant (of a property) will cause a financial loss to the Group by failing to meet a commitment it has entered into with the Group.

 

It is the Group's policy to enter into financial instruments with reputable counterparties. All cash deposits are placed with an approved counterparty, Royal Bank of Scotland.

 

In respect of property investments, in the event of a default by a tenant, the Group will suffer a rental shortfall and additional costs concerning re-letting the property. The Investment Manager monitors tenant arrears in order to anticipate and minimise the impact of defaults by occupational tenants.

 

The table below shows the Group's exposure to credit risk:

 

 

 

30 June 

 

2018 

 

£'000 

 

 

Debtors (excluding straight lining and prepayments)

729

Cash and cash equivalents  

6,594

 

 

Total

7,323

 

19.4 Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk arises from the Group's management of working capital and the finance charges and principal repayments on its borrowings. It is the risk the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due as the majority of the Group's assets are investment properties and therefore not readily realisable. The Group's objective is to ensure it has enough sufficient available funds for its operations and to fund its capital expenditure. This is achieved by continuous monitoring of forecast and actual cash flows by the Investment Manager and Board of Directors.

 

The below table summarises the maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments.

 

 

On

< 3

3 - 12

1 - 5

> 5

 

30 June

demand

months

months

years

years

Total

2018

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

30,000

 

 

 

30,000

Interest payable

 

178

 

231

 

684

 

3,487

 

2,276

 

6,856

Payables and accrued expenses

 

 

 

600

 

 

 

92

 

 

 

425

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,117

Finance lease obligations

 

 

-

 

 

9

 

 

26

 

 

185

 

 

711

 

 

931

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

778

332

1,135

3,672

32,987

38,904

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.5 Fair value of financial instruments

There is no material difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the Group's financial instruments.

 

 

20. Capital management

The primary objectives of the Group's capital management is to ensure that it qualifies for the UK REIT status and remains within its quantitative banking covenants.

 

To enhance returns over the medium term, the Group utilises borrowings on a limited recourse basis for each investment or all or part of the total portfolio. The Group's policy is to borrow up to a maximum of 40% loan to GAV (both are measured at drawdown). Alongside the Group's borrowing policy, the Directors intend, at all times, to conduct the affairs of the Group so as to enable the Group to qualify as a REIT for the purposes of Part 12 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 (and the regulations made thereunder). The REIT status compliance requirements include 90% distribution test, interest cover ratio, 75% assets test and the substantial shareholder rule, all of which the Group remained compliant with in this reporting period.

 

The monitoring of the Group's level of borrowing is performed primarily using a Loan to GAV ratio. The Loan to GAV ratio is calculated as the amount of outstanding debt divided by the total assets of the Group, which includes the valuation of the investment property portfolio. The Group Loan to GAV ratio at the period end was 27.7%.

 

Breaches in meeting the financial covenants would permit the bank to immediately call loans and borrowings. During the period, the Group did not breach any of its loan covenants, nor did it default on any other of its obligations under its loan agreements.

 

 

21. Transactions with related parties

As defined by IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures, parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions.

 

Subsidiaries

AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc as at 30 June 2018 owns 100% controlling stake of AEW UK Long Lease REIT Holdco Limited and AEW UK Long Lease REIT Holdco Limited holds 100% of AEW UK Long Lease REIT 2017 Limited.

 

Directors

For the period 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018, the Directors of the Group are considered to be the key management personnel. Directors' remuneration is disclosed in note 5.

 

Investment Manager

The Group is party to an Investment Management Agreement with the Investment Manager, pursuant to which the Group has appointed the Investment Manager to provide investment management services relating to the respective assets on a day-to-day basis in accordance with their respective investment objectives and policies, subject to the overall supervision and direction of the Board of Directors.

 

Under the Investment Management Agreement, the Investment Manager receives a management fee which is calculated and accrued monthly at a rate equivalent to 0.75% per annum of NAV (excluding un-invested fund raising proceeds) and paid quarterly. During the period 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018, the Group incurred £362,589 in respect of investment management fees and expenses of which £128,793 was outstanding at 30 June 2018.

 

 

22. Events after reporting date

Dividend

On 18 July 2018, the Board declared its final dividend of 1.25 pence per share in respect of the period from 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2018. This was paid on 31 August 2018 to shareholders on the register as at 27 July 2018. The ex-dividend date was 26 July 2018.

 

Credit facility

On 31 August 2018, the Board applied to increase the Group's loan facility with Canada Life Investments by £11 million to £41 million. The additional £11m will bear interest at a margin of 2.65%, and on a weighted basis, the whole loan bears interest at a margin of c. 2.1%. At the date of this report, no further drawdown has been made.

 

Credit facility

On 31 August 2018, the Board applied to increase the Group's loan facility with Canada Life Investments by £11 million to £41 million. The additional £11m will bear interest at a margin of 2.65%, and on a weighted basis, the whole loan bears interest at a margin of c. 2.1%. At the date of this report, no further drawdown has been made.

 

Property acquisition

On 13 September 2018, the Group acquired Eurolink Industrial Estate, Sittingbourne for £3.9 million (net of acquisition costs). This property is let to Dore Metal Services Southern Ltd and is subject to five yearly rent reviews linked to RPI, with annual uplifts between 1% and 4%. The property has a WAULT to break of 10 years and to expiry of 15 years, and reflects a net initial yield of 6.3%.

 

 

Company Financial Statements

 

Company Statement of Financial Position

as at 30 June 2018

 

 

 

As at

 

 

30 June 2018

 

Notes

£'000

Assets

 

 

Non-Current Assets

 

 

Investment in subsidiary companies

3

71,309

Investment property

3

-

 

 

71,309

Current Assets

 

 

Receivables and prepayments

4

412

Cash and cash equivalents

 

2,987

 

 

3,399

Total Assets

 

74,708

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

Payables and accrued expenses

5

664

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

664

Net Assets

 

74,044

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

Share capital

 

805

Share premium account

 

-

Capital reserve and retained earnings

 

73,239

 

 

 

Total capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company

 

74,044

 

 

 

 

As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the Company's profit and loss account has not been presented in these financial statements. The Company's loss for the period was £3,273,000.

 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 17 September 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:

 

 

Steve Smith

Chairman

AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc

Company number: 10727886

 

The notes below form an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

Capital 

Total 

 

 

 

 

 

capital 

 

 

 

 

reserve 

and 

 

 

 

 

 

reserves 

 

 

 

 

 

attributable 

 

 

 

Share 

and 

to 

For the period 18 April

 

Share 

premium 

retained 

owners of 

2017 to

 

capital 

account 

earnings 

the Group 

30 June 2018

Notes

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as at 18 April 2017

 

Ordinary shares issued

7

805 

79,695 

80,500 

Share issue costs

 

(1,573)

(1,573)

Cancellation of share premium

 

8

 

 

(78,122)

 

78,122 

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

(3,273)

(3,273)

Dividends paid

6

(1,610)

(1,610)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2018

 

805 

73,239 

74,044 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The notes below form an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

for the period from 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

 

1. Corporate information

AEW UK Long Lease REIT plc (the 'Company') is a closed ended Real Estate Investment Trust ('REIT') incorporated on 18 April 2017 and domiciled in the UK. The registered office of the Company is located at 6th Floor, Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NQ.

 

The Company's Ordinary Shares were listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange on 6 June 2017.

 

The Company is the ultimate parent company of the AEW UK Long Lease REIT Group. Its primary activity is to hold shares in subsidiary companies and invest in direct property investments.

 

 

2. Accounting policies

 

Basis of preparation

These financial statements are prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to capital management, presentation of cash flow statement, standards not yet effective, impairment of assets and related party transactions.

 

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical-cost convention.

 

The financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£'000), except when otherwise indicated.

 

The financial statements of the Company follow the accounting policies of the Group laid out above.

 

For an assessment of going concern refer to accounting policy 2.4 of the Group above and note 16 of the Group above.

 

Investments in Subsidiary Companies

Investments in subsidiary companies which are all 100% owned by the Company are included in the statement of financial position at cost less provision for impairment.

 

 

3. Investments

 

3a. Investments in Subsidiary Companies

 

 

30 June 

 

2018 

 

£'000 

 

 

At the beginning of the period

-

Investment in subsidiary companies

71,309

 

 

At the end of the period

71,309

 

A list of subsidiary undertakings at 30 June 2018 is included above.

 

3b. Investment property

 

 

30 June 

 

2018 

 

£'000 

 

 

At the beginning of the period

Purchases in the period

44,065 

Disposals in the period

(44,065)

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of investment property

 

Net proceeds from disposal of investment property during the period

41,367 

Cost of disposal

(44,065)

 

 

Loss on disposal of investment property

(2,698)

 

 

4. Receivables and prepayments

 

 

30 June 

 

2018 

 

£'000 

Receivables

 

Amounts due from subsidiary companies

247

VAT receivable

157

 

 

 

404

Prepayments

 

Other prepayments

8

 

8

 

 

Total

412

 

 

5. Payables and accrued expenses

 

30 June 

 

2018 

 

£'000 

 

 

Accruals

262

Other creditors

402

 

 

Total

664

 

 

6. Dividends paid

 

 

18 April 2017 to

 

30 June 2018

 

£'000

First interim dividend paid in respect of the period from incorporation to 30 September 2017 at 0.50p per Ordinary Share

402

 

 

Second interim dividend declared in respect of the period 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 at 0.50p per Ordinary Share

402

 

 

Third interim dividend declared in respect of the period 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2018 at 1.00p per Ordinary Share

806

 

 

Total dividends paid during the period

1,610

 

 

Fourth interim dividend declared in respect of the period 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2018 at 1.25p per Ordinary Share*

1,006

 

* Dividends declared after the period end are not included in the financial statements as a liability.

 

 

7. Issued share capital

For the period 18 April 2017 to 30 June 2018

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Ordinary

 

£'000

Shares

 

 

 

Ordinary Shares issued and fully paid

 

 

At the beginning of the period

-

1

Issued on admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 6 June 2017

805

80,499,999

 

 

 

At the end of the period

805

80,500,000

 

 

 

 

On 6 June 2017, the Company issued 80,499,999 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of 1 pence at a price of 100.00 pence per share pursuant to the Initial Placing, Initial Offer for Subscription and Intermediaries Offer of the Share Issuance Programme, as described in the Prospectus published by the Company on 31 May 2017.

 

 

8. Share premium account

 

 

30 June 

 

2018 

 

£'000 

The share premium relates to amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value:

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the period

Issued on admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 6 June 2017

79,695 

Share issue costs

(1,573)

Cancellation of share premium

(78,122)

 

 

Balance at the end of the period

 

 

9. Capital reserve

On 26 July 2017, the Company by way of a Special Resolution, cancelled the value of its share premium account, by an Order of the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division. As a result of this cancellation, £78,122,172 has been transferred from the share premium account into the capital reserve. The capital reserve is classed as a distributable reserve.

 

EPRA Unaudited Performance Measure Calculations

 

Calculation of EPRA NIY and 'Topped-Up' NIY

 

 

30 June   

 

2018   

 

£'000   

 

 

Investment property - wholly-owned

99,090   

Allowance for estimated purchasers' costs

6,738   

 

 

Gross up completed property portfolio valuation

105,828   

 

 

Annualised cash passing rental income

5,638   

Property outgoings

(48)  

 

 

Annualised net rents

5,590   

 

 

Rent expiration of rent-free periods and fixed uplifts

1,284   

 

 

'Topped-up' net annualised rent

6,874   

 

 

EPRA NIY

5.28%

EPRA 'topped-up' NIY

6.50%

 

EPRA NIY basis of calculation

EPRA NIY is calculated as the annualised net rent, divided by the gross value of the completed property portfolio.

 

The valuation of grossed up completed property portfolio is determined by our external valuers as at 30 June 2018, plus an allowance for estimated purchasers' costs. Estimated purchasers' costs are determined by the relevant stamp duty liability, plus an estimate by our valuers of agent and legal fees on notional acquisition. The net rent deduction allowed for property outgoings is based on our valuers' assumptions on future recurring non-recoverable revenue expenditure.

 

In calculating the EPRA 'Topped-Up' NIY, the annualised net rent is increased by the total contracted rent from expiry of rent-free periods and future contracted rental uplifts.

 

Calculation of EPRA Vacancy Rate

 

 

30 June   

 

2018   

 

£'000   

 

 

Annualised potential rental value of vacant premises

16   

Annualised potential rental value for the completed property portfolio

5,841   

 

 

EPRA Vacancy Rate

0.27%

 

 

 

Calculation of EPRA Cost Ratios

 

 

30 June   

 

2018   

 

£'000   

 

 

Administrative/operating expense per IFRS income statement

1,155   

 

 

EPRA Costs (including and excluding direct vacancy costs)

1,155   

 

 

Gross Rental Income

3,226   

 

 

EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs)

35.80%

EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)

35.80%

 

As this is the first operating period, the EPRA Cost Ratio may be artificially high. Certain fund-level operating costs have been incurred over the whole period, whereas rental income has only been earned for part of the period, in line with the timings of the acquisitions. The EPRA Cost Ratio is expected to better reflect the Group's level of operating costs in future periods, with a stable income stream having been established.

 

 

Company Information

 

Share Register Enquiries

The register for the Ordinary Shares is maintained by Computershare Investor Services PLC. In the event of queries regarding your holding, please contact the Registrar on 0370 707 1874 or email: web.queries@computershare.co.uk.

 

Changes of name and/or address must be notified in writing to the Registrar, at the address shown below. You can check your shareholding and find practical help on transferring shares or updating your details at www.investorcentre.co.uk. Shareholders eligible to receive dividend payments gross of tax may also download declaration forms from that website.

 

Share Information

 

Ordinary £0.01 Shares

80,500,000

SEDOL Number

BDVK708

ISIN Number

GB00BDVK7088

Ticker/TIDM

AEWL

 

Share Prices

The Company's Ordinary Shares are traded on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

 

Annual and Interim Reports

Copies of the Annual and Interim Reports are available from the Group's website.

 

Financial Calendar

 

31 October 2018

Annual General Meeting

31 December 2018

Half-year end

February/March 2019

Announcement of interim results

30 June 2019

Year end

September 2019

Announcement of annual results

 

 

Directors

Steve Smith (independent non-executive Chairman)

Jim Prower (independent non-executive Director)

Alan Sippetts (independent non-executive Director)

 

 

Registered Office

6th Floor

65 Gresham Street

London

EC2V 7NQ

 

Investment Manager and AIFM

AEW UK Investment Management LLP

33 Jermyn Street

London

SW1Y 6DN

Tel: 020 7016 4880

Website: www.aewuk.co.uk

 

Property Manager

Workman LLP

Alliance House

12 Caxton Street

London

SW1 0QS

 

Corporate Broker

Cenkos Securities plc

6 7 8 Tokenhouse Yard

London

EC2R 7AS

 

Legal Adviser to the Company

Gowling WLG (UK) LLP

4 More London Riverside

London

SE1 2AU

 

Depositary

Langham Hall UK Depositary LLP

5 Old Bailey

London

EC4M 7BA

 

Administrator

Link Alternative Fund Administrators Limited

Beaufort House

51 New North Road

Exeter

EX4 4EP

 

Company Secretary

Link Company Matters Limited

6th Floor

65 Gresham Street

London

EC2V 7NQ

 

Registrar

Computershare Investor Services PLC

The Pavilions

Bridgwater Road

Bristol

BS13 8AE

 

Auditor

KPMG LLP

15 Canada Square

London

E14 5GL

 

Valuer

Knight Frank LLP

55 Baker Street

London

W1U 8AN

 

Frequency of NAV publication:

The Group's NAV is released to the London Stock Exchange on a quarterly basis and is published on the Company's website www.aewukllreit.com.

 

 

National Storage Mechanism

A copy of the full Annual Report and Financial Statements will shortly be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism ("NSM") and will be available for inspection at the NSM, which is situated at:

www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM

 

 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held at the offices of AEW UK Investment Management LLP, 33 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6DN on Wednesday, 31 October 2018 at 12 noon.

 

 

END

 

 

Neither the contents of the Group's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on this announcement (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.


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