Final Results

Cardiff Property PLC 30 November 2001 The Cardiff Property plc 56 Station Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9LF Tel: 01784 437444 Fax: 01784 439157 E-mail: webmaster@cardiff-property.com Web: www.cardiff-property.com FOR RELEASE 7.00 AM 30 NOVEMBER 2001 (The group, including Campmoss, specialises in property investment and development in the Thames Valley. The portfolio, valued at £30m, is primarily located to the west of London, close to Heathrow Airport and in Surrey and Berkshire.) PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2001 HIGHLIGHTS Group turnover £5.8m (2000: £8.0m) Property sales £4.2m (2000: £6.6m) Net asset value per share 652p (2000: 575p) + 13% Profit before tax £2.3m (2000: £2.6m) - 12% Earnings per share 76.4p (2000: 90.7p) - 15% Total dividend for the year 5.6p per share (2000: 4.8p) + 17% Final dividend 4.0p per share (2000: 3.4p) Gearing nil (2000: nil) Richard Wollenberg, chairman commented: 'The group, including Campmoss, has performed well over the year. The sale of completed developments realised substantial profits and has placed the group in a good position to benefit from any uncertainty in the property market. The directors continue to take a cautious view of the market and it is, therefore, likely that profit from development will be reduced in the current year.' For further information The Cardiff Property plc Richard Wollenberg 01784 437444 Old Mutual Securities Ltd Kevin Wilson 0161 819 2110 Binns & Co Public Relations Ltd Brian Coleman-Smith 020 7786 9600 Chairman's statement Dear shareholder The group, including Campmoss Property, has performed well over the year. The sale of completed developments realised substantial profits and the cash generated has placed the group in a good position to benefit from any uncertainty in the residential or commercial property market. For the year under review pre-tax profits for the year to 30 September 2001 totalled £2.26m (2000: £2.56m) on a turnover of £5.8m (2000: £8.0m). These figures include gross rental income of £1.64m (2000: £1.45m) and the sale of completed development property totalling £4.2m (2000: £6.6m). The contribution from Campmoss Property, our 47.62% joint venture undertaking, amounted to £ 0.20m (2000: £0.15m). The sale of completed developments relates to the disposal of a substantial country house at Hambledon and a recently completed residential property at Brookwood, both located in Surrey. In the second half of the year two investment properties were sold namely, Strathclyde House, Hatton Cross, Hounslow, and, a residential property located in Reading. Net profits attributable to shareholders amounted to £2.11m (2000: £2.56m) and earnings per share were 76.4p (2000: 90.7p). Dividend The directors recommend a final dividend of 4.0p per share (2000: 3.4p) making a total dividend for the year of 5.6p per share (2000: 4.8p) an increase of 17%. The final dividend will be paid on 15 February 2002 to shareholders on the register on 18 January 2002. Financial The group's balance sheet remains strong. At the year end our commercial and residential investment portfolio, valued annually by Healey & Baker and Aitchison Raffety respectively, produced a value of £6.21m (2000: £7.03m). The reduced figure for this year reflects the two investment sales referred to earlier but excludes property awaiting either planning permission or in the course of development, which is included as stock in the balance sheet at cost. Net assets of the group increased to £17.0m (2000: £16.1m) equivalent to 652p per share (2000: 575p) an increase of 13.4% over the year. Included in this figure is £4.6m (2000: £4.4m) relating to our share of the net assets of Campmoss. The group has long-term borrowings of £3.2m (2000: £3.2m) and additional bank borrowing facilities linked to base rate. At the balance sheet date, cash balances on deposit exceeded borrowings leading to nil gearing (2000: nil). The Thames Valley, Heathrow, the M25, M4 and M3 motorways Your board remains committed to investing in and developing property within the Thames Valley but, as stated at the half-year stage, is taking a cautious view when appraising new projects. Concerns relating to the slow down in the US and UK economies have inevitably influenced expansion plans for the telecom, media and technology sectors. Historically, this sector has accounted for probably half of the total office take up in the M25 area, and although the number of new office schemes under construction remains relatively low, the availability of previously let modern office space has increased. The prospects of rental growth in the short term have therefore been very much diminished; indeed the trend will be for prospective tenants to be offered lease flexibility and other incentives. Institutional and private investors are adopting a more conservative view in their rental projections yet property yields remain extremely attractive when compared with other forms of income producing investments. Whilst yields may harden, property located within the Thames Valley will continue to have a place in the majority of institutional and private portfolios. Office rents within the southwestern sector of the M25 have shown consistent growth over the last five years, therefore some softening in the market place is to be expected. The majority of our group's property acquisitions revolve around the obtaining of planning consents which if successful should result in additional space being obtained and the opportunity to develop new buildings to a high and modern standard. Premium rents are usually achieved for new property although location and good parking facilities have historically also been important factors. As shareholders are aware this is our preferred route of investment which if successful can create substantial value. Residential values in Surrey and Berkshire have seen some reductions but demand for new homes in this environmentally pleasant area remains high. Low interest rates and the continued difficulty and lengthy process of obtaining planning permission for new homes should limit any further downward movement. Commercial investments We disposed of one commercial property investment during the year. The majority of our investment portfolio is located to the west of Heathrow Airport, at Windsor and Egham. We also retain a commercial property in Cardiff where we hope to agree a new lease with the current tenant, Consignia plc (formerly The Royal Mail). These properties, primarily let to good covenants on long term institutional leases, produce an annual gross rental income of £451,000. Commercial developments The Windsor Business Centre totalling 20,000 sq ft is now fully let. The six individual business units produce an annual gross rental income of £210,000. Upgrading works at one of the units have now been completed and similar works at a further unit are being negotiated with the tenant. At the White House, High Street, Egham, rent reviews are due to take place in March 2002. The current annual rental totals just over £160,000. Residential During the year we completed the sales of an investment property in Reading and of our major residential project at Hambledon, Surrey. At Clarence Road, Windsor, planning permission has been granted for the development of eight apartments and discussions are currently taking place with regard to a sale of the property. In August this year, we completed the purchase of two residential properties located in Virginia Water, Surrey. Planning applications have been submitted for either one new substantial house, or two replacement houses. The existing properties are situated within the Green Belt in approximately two acres of land. Campmoss Property Company Limited Campmoss retains a number of commercial property investments, all developed by the company, located in Woking, Burnham and Bracknell. The annual rental income from these investments is in excess of £1.7m. At Maidenhead, planning consents for two separate buildings totalling 41,000 sq ft net B1 office space were granted during the year. Development of the first 30,000 sq ft building commenced in July and should be available for letting in Summer 2002. Demolition of the second building and construction of a new 11,000 sq ft high-grade office building is expected to commence in the New Year. At Tangley Place, Worplesdon, Surrey and Gowring House, Bracknell, Berkshire, discussions continue with the local planning authority to obtain new office planning consents. Whilst these discussions continue, Gowring House remains let on short-term leases. Campmoss has recently finalised additional borrowing facilities, which, together with cash balances, will fund the current development programme. At the year-end net borrowings totalled £10.9m (2000: £10.8m). Gearing was 113% (2000: 117%). The directors of Campmoss value the company's investment property portfolio annually, taking into account external advice where required and market conditions. Property in the course of development is valued at cost. The total portfolio at 30 September 2001 was valued at £21.6m (2000: £20.7m). I remain a director of Campmoss. Quoted investments We have retained our shareholdings in HACAS Group PLC, The Celltalk Group plc and Grantchester Holdings PLC. The latter holding was reduced following a capital reorganisation and cash payment to shareholders in January this year. The market value of our quoted portfolio remains in excess of cost, despite current market conditions. I remain a director of HACAS and Celltalk, both of which are quoted on the AIM market. Management and staff It is a tribute to our small management team that we have again achieved another successful year. On behalf of shareholders I wish to take this opportunity of thanking all members of the group, including our joint venture partners, for their support and hard work over the year. Post-balance sheet events and outlook At Ashleigh Lodge, Virginia Water, Surrey, further detailed discussions have taken place with the local authority and I am optimistic of an early planning permission being granted. A number of offers have been made for residential properties and we currently await the outcome of these proposals. At Maidenhead, the construction of our new 30,000 sq ft office building is ahead of schedule and within budget. Your directors continue to take a cautious view of the market and it is likely, therefore, that profit from development will be reduced in the current year. Rental income, excluding new projects, is expected to be similar to the year under review. It is important to note that the fundamental aspects of office and residential property located in the western sector of the M25 motorway and to the west of London remains resilient to the many uncertainties that currently surround financial markets. The strong financial base will allow the group to select its opportunities carefully and I look forward with cautious optimism to a challenging market over the next 12 months. J Richard Wollenberg Chairman Consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 30 September 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Turnover Group and share of joint venture undertaking 5,822 8,012 Less: share of joint venture undertaking (820) (785) ______ ______ Group turnover 5,002 7,227 Cost of sales (2,993) (4,357) ______ ______ Gross profit 2,009 2,870 Administrative expenses (473) (512) Other operating income 184 167 ______ ______ Operating profit Group 1,720 2,525 Share of operating profit in joint venture 615 570 undertaking ______ ______ Total 2,335 3,095 Profit on sale of investment property (group) 247 - Profit on sale of other investments (group) 141 - Amounts written off investments (group) (208) (50) ______ ______ Profit on ordinary activities before interest 2,515 3,045 Interest receivable and similar income Group 398 174 Share of joint venture undertaking 14 2 Interest payable Group (229) (242) Share of joint venture undertaking (434) (420) ______ ______ Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 2,264 2,559 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (148) - ______ ______ Profit on ordinary activities after taxation being profit for 2,116 2,559 the financial year attributable to shareholders Dividends (148) (134) ______ ______ Retained profit for the financial year 1,968 2,425 ===== ===== Earnings per share - pence Basic 76.4 90.7 Diluted 75.2 89.6 ______ ______ The above results relate entirely to continuing activities. There were no acquisitions or disposals of businesses during the year. Consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses for the year ended 30 September 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Profit for the financial year 2,116 2,559 Unrealised (deficit)/surplus on revaluation of investment (90) 327 properties in the year Share of unrealised surplus on revaluation of investment - 286 properties in joint venture undertaking ______ ______ Total recognised gains and losses relating to the financial year 2,026 3,172 ===== ===== Consolidated balance sheet at 30 September 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets: Tangible assets: Investment properties 6,210 7,025 Other 7 18 ______ ______ 6,217 7,043 Investments: Investment in joint venture undertaking Share of gross assets 11,377 10,401 Share of gross liabilities (6,786) (6,005) ______ ______ 4,591 4,396 Other investments 608 748 ______ ______ 5,199 5,144 ______ ______ 11,416 12,187 Current assets Stock and work in progress 2,106 3,290 Debtors 394 1,825 Cash at bank and in hand 7,964 3,464 ______ ______ 10,464 8,579 Creditors: amounts falling due within one (1,008) (1,301) year ______ ______ Net current assets 9,456 7,278 ______ ______ Total assets less current liabilities 20,872 19,465 Creditors: amounts falling due after more (3,200) (3,200) than one year Provisions for liabilities and charges (640) (205) ______ ______ Net assets 17,032 16,060 ===== ===== Capital and reserves Called up share capital 523 559 Share premium account 4,815 4,815 Investment property revaluation reserve 4,162 4,242 Other reserves 2,111 2,075 Profit and loss account 5,421 4,369 ______ ______ Shareholders' funds - equity 17,032 16,060 ===== ===== Consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 30 September 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Cash inflow from operating activities 4,572 3,272 Returns on investment and servicing of finance 157 (44) Taxation - (5) Capital expenditure and financial investment 995 (428) Equity dividends paid (139) (123) ______ ______ Cash inflow before financing 5,585 2,672 Financing (805) (534) ______ ______ Increase in cash in the year 4,780 2,138 ===== ===== Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds/(debt) Increase in cash and movement in net funds/(debt) in the year 4,780 2,138 resulting from cash flows Net debt at beginning of year (50) (2,188) ______ ______ Net funds/(debt) at end of year 4,730 (50) ===== ===== Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities Operating profit - group 1.720 2,525 Depreciation charges 11 13 Decrease in stock and work in progress 1,184 1,714 Decrease/(increase) in debtors 1,473 (1,425) Increase in creditors and provisions 184 445 ______ ______ Net cash inflow from operating activities 4,572 3,272 ===== ===== Summary preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Turnover 5,822 8,012 Gross rental income 1,637 1,454 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 2,264 2,559 Taxation (148) - Profit for the financial year attributable to shareholders 2,116 2,559 Dividend: Interim 1.6p (2000: 1.4p) per share 44 39 Final 4.0p (2000: 3.4p) per share 104 95 Earnings per share: Basic 76.4 90.7 Diluted 75.2 89.6 Notes i) Basic earnings per share has been calculated using the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 2,769,889 (2000: 2,822,242). Diluted earnings per share has been calculated in accordance with FRS14. ii) The taxation charge represents tax on profits of the year less management expenses brought forward. iii) The board recommends that the final dividend be increased to 4.0p (2000: 3.4p) payable on 15 February 2002 to shareholders on the register at 18 January 2002, giving a total increase for the year of 17%. iv) The annual general meeting will be held on 15 January 2001. v) The financial information for the year ended 30 September 2000 has been extracted from the audited financial statements which have been filed with The Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on these financial statements was unqualified. vi) The financial information for the year ended 30 September 2001 has been extracted from the audited financial statements which will shortly be sent to shareholders and filed with The Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on these financial statements is unqualified. vii) The financial information contained in this preliminary announcement does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of S240 of the Companies Act 1985.
UK 100

Latest directors dealings