Final Results

Cardiff Property PLC 28 November 2003 THE CARDIFF PROPERTY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES FOR RELEASE 7.00 AM 28 NOVEMBER 2003 The group, including Campmoss, specialises in property investment and development in the Thames Valley. The portfolio, valued in excess of £40m, 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 2003 HIGHLIGHTS Group turnover £2.0m (2002: £1.8m) Property sales nil (2002: £0.2m) Net asset value per share 777p (2002: 704p) + 10% Net asset value per share before adjusting for FRS 19 794p (2002: 715p) + 11% Profit before tax £1.7m (2002: £1.2m) + 46% Earnings per share 59.3p (2002: 31.2p) + 90% Total dividend for the year 7.1p per share (2002: 6.3p) + 13% Final dividend 5.1p per share (2002: 4.5p) Gearing nil (2002: nil) Richard Wollenberg, chairman, commented: 'Despite a difficult market the group has performed well over the period under review, enabling it to continue its development programme, target further properties for acquisition and progress existing and new planning applications. New office letting activity within the Thames Valley remains subdued and I continue to be cautious about the market place.' For further information: The Cardiff Property plc Richard Wollenberg 01784 437444 Arbuthnot Securities Tim Goodman 0121 632 2100 THE CARDIFF PROPERTY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES The group, including Campmoss, specialises in property investment and development in the Thames Valley. The portfolio, valued in excess of £40m, 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 2003 Chairman's Statement Dear shareholder Despite a difficult market the group has performed well over the period under review. The cautious approach adopted over the last two years has enabled the group to continue its development programme, target further properties for acquisition and progress existing and new planning applications without creating pressure on financial resources. For the year to 30 September 2003 profit on ordinary activities before tax was £1.68m (2002: £1.15m) including a contribution from Campmoss Property Company Limited our 47.62% joint venture undertaking of £0.35m (2002: £0.19m). As no sales of development properties were made during the year turnover is entirely represented by gross rental income of £2.0m (2002: £1.85m). The group's rental income increased marginally to £0.84m (2002: £0.81m) following rent reviews at a property in Egham. The letting of Globe House, Maidenhead, held by Campmoss, accounted for a major part of the increased rental income contribution of £1.16m (2002: £0.86m). There were no disposals of investment properties during the year. In the second half of the year the group disposed of its investment in HACAS Group PLC following an agreed takeover offer, which contributed £0.77m to pre-tax profits. Net profit attributable to shareholders amounted to £1.23m (2002: £0.75m) and earnings per share was 59.3p (2002: 31.2p) Dividend Your directors propose a final dividend of 5.1p (2002: 4.5p) making a total dividend for the year of 7.1p (2002: 6.3p) an increase of 12.7%. The final dividend will be paid on 12 February 2004 to shareholders on the register on 16 January 2004. Financial The Accounting Standard FRS 19 Deferred Tax introduced last year has again been adopted in the accounts before you but as in the previous year the earnings per share and net asset per share figures have been presented before and after adjustment. The group's commercial and residential investment portfolio, valued annually by Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker and Aitchison Raffety respectively, totalled £6.13m (2002: £6.08m). These figures exclude property in the course of development or refurbishment which is held as stock in the balance sheet at cost or market value whichever is the lower. Total assets for the group were £20.5m (2002: £20.5m) including our share of the net assets of Campmoss of £4.8m (2002: £4.5m). Taking into account current market values the group's property portfolio, including those held by Campmoss, is valued in excess of £40m. Net assets were £15.7m (2002: £15.3m) equivalent to 777p (2002: 704p) per share. Before adjusting for FRS19 Deferred Tax net assets were £16.0m (2002: £15.5m) equivalent to 794p (2002: 715p) per share, an increase of 11%. The group has renewed its existing bank borrowing facility and continues to retain long-term borrowings of £3.2m (2002: £3.2m), both of which are linked to base rate. Cash balances have been placed on short-term deposit and are available for completion of the groups' development programme as well as for making further investments. During the year the company purchased for cancellation 153,560 ordinary shares at a total cost of £0.79m at prices ranging between 511p and 522p. Your directors intend to continue the policy of acquiring shares at a substantial discount to their underlying value. The annual renewal of the directors' authority will be placed before shareholders at the annual general meeting to be held on 13 January 2004. The Thames Valley, Heathrow, the M25, M4 and M3 motorways Office rental values in the Thames Valley and surrounding regions have remained under considerable pressure. The level of new office letting activity, inevitably affected by domestic and world political and economic considerations, has remained subdued. However, against this background, the group has been successful in letting two of its buildings in Maidenhead. A revival in the high-tech and service industry seems some way off and as a consequence potential tenants are reluctant to commit to long-term corporate property decisions. The commencement of new office development schemes has inevitably been restrained in response to this weak occupier market compounded by some existing tenants being keen to reduce their balance sheet liabilities by attempting to sub-let existing office space. Your directors have, however, recently noticed a marginal increase in the level of enquiries for office lettings, although this could be due to potential occupiers taking advantage of attractive deals that are currently being negotiated. The lack of alternative investment opportunities and the ability to lock into long-term low interest rate borrowings continues to encourage the occupational and investment market. As a result property values have remained relatively stable for the past twelve months. As reported at the interim stage, residential values in Surrey and Berkshire have fallen over the past year with buyers reluctant to commit themselves in the current uncertain market. The reduced level of activity has certainly been evident at the higher end of the market affecting those homes over £1m whilst at the lower range, between £200,000 and £400,000, the levels of activity remain positive. The difficult and lengthy process of obtaining new planning permissions within the Green Belt and sensitive environmental areas continues to pose a problem, although by limiting the supply of new homes any major correction in selling prices should be minimised. As always, location, quality of design and finish, will determine the level of interest in new homes. Investment and development portfolio The investment portfolio includes a range of retail, industrial and office buildings located in Windsor, Egham and Cardiff. At The White House, Egham, rent reviews on all of the retail units have now been concluded resulting in an overall increase in the annual rental of approximately 13%. At the Windsor Business Centre, two business units became available in the early part of the year. One of these has now been let and the remaining unit is currently under offer. At Cowbridge Road, Cardiff, we continue to negotiate a new lease with the Royal Mail. On the residential front our development at Ashleigh Lodge, Englefield Green, Surrey, is expected to complete construction by the end of the calendar year and although initial interest has been shown by prospective purchasers it is too early to predict when a sale will be concluded. The development of four small terraced houses at Rusham Road, Egham, is expected to complete next year. Two freehold houses in Egham and Windsor continue to be retained and let on short-term leases. Campmoss Property Company Limited Campmoss has experienced a high level of activity during the year. The investment portfolio, located in the Thames Valley to the west of London and Heathrow Airport, includes freehold office buildings at Maidenhead, Woking, Burnham, Worplesdon and Bracknell. Gross annual rental income generated from these properties is now in excess of £2.5m per annum. The portfolio, valued annually by the directors taking into account market conditions and external advice where available, has been assessed to be £31m (2002: £24m) at the year end. Property in the course of development has been valued at cost. At Cannon Court, Maidenhead, now renamed Globe House, a letting was successfully completed to SDL Plc at an average annual rental of £664,000 over the first five year period. At Clivemont House, Maidenhead, acquired in February this year, a further short-term letting has been achieved. The building is now fully let and produces an annual rental of just over £340,000. Plans to redevelop the site with a 30,000 sq ft office building have been submitted and discussions are currently taking place with the local planning authority. Further purchases of two income producing properties adjoining our existing office building at Gowring House, Bracknell, have been completed. The existing planning application for the redevelopment of Gowring House has been revised to include these new buildings with the intention to seek permission for a residential, retail and separate office scheme. At York House, Maidenhead, the development of a new 10,000 sq ft office building is now complete and agents have been instructed to achieve a letting or sale. The adjacent three, 2 bedroom houses have also been completed and are available for sale. At The Priory, Burnham, we agreed, post year end, a surrender of an existing lease for part of the office building totalling 9,000 sq ft. The consideration was in excess of £1m. A complete refurbishment of this space is now underway with a view to letting in the New Year. Campmoss Property arranged new borrowing facilities to cover acquisitions completed during the year. At the year end, net borrowings totalled £18.0m (2002: £11.7m). Gearing was 178% (2002: 124%). Quoted investments As mentioned earlier, following an agreed takeover offer for HACAS Group PLC, the group received cash and new shares in Tribal Group plc resulting in a profit of just over £0.77m. The shares in Tribal Group plc have been retained together with our existing holdings in Celltalk Group plc and General Industries plc, the latter being a recently formed cash shell company. I remain a director of Celltalk and General Industries both of which are quoted on AIM. Free share dealing facility - sales only A number of shareholders have already taken advantage of the existing low commission share dealing facility provided by the company's registrars, Computershare Investor Services plc. In response to requests from shareholders, the company has arranged with Computershare a free share sale service for shareholders who wish to dispose of holdings of 1,000 shares or less. Details of this offer are included in a separate information sheet enclosed with this report. Shareholders should be aware that this service should not be construed as an encouragement to buy or sell the company's shares. If in any doubt shareholders should contact their own financial advisers. Computershare can be contacted on 0870 703 0084. Management and staff The group has reported another successful year and on behalf of shareholders I wish to thank my fellow board members, our small management team and joint venture partners for their support and achievements as reflected in this report. Post balance sheet events and outlook As referred to earlier, Campmoss negotiated a surrender of a lease in respect of part of the office space at The Priory, Burnham, for a cash sum in excess of £1m. This amount, guaranteed by a clearing bank, is payable in instalments over the next twelve months. In November, Campmoss acquired a 10,000 sq ft office building in Maidenhead known as Highways House. Income from short-term leases amounts to just over £280,000 per annum. The intention is to redevelop the site with a new office scheme, subject to obtaining appropriate planning permission. New office letting activity within the Thames Valley property market remains subdued. The imminent introduction of Stamp Duty Land Tax in December 2003 will no doubt bring further pressure on values and rental levels. Bearing all factors in mind, I remain cautious of the market place. The group's residential and new office projects remain in line with our projected timetable and I hope to be able to report further progress especially with regard to our various planning applications at the interim stage. J Richard Wollenberg Chairman 27 November 2003 THE CARDIFF PROPERTY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 30 September 2003 2003 2002 £'000 £'000 Turnover Group and share of joint venture undertaking 2,001 1,847 Less: share of joint venture undertaking (1,157) (857) ______ ______ Group turnover 844 990 Cost of sales (186) (55) ______ ______ Gross profit 658 935 Administrative expenses (438) (416) Other operating income 189 192 ______ ______ Operating profit Group 409 711 Share of operating profit in joint venture undertaking 867 617 ______ ______ Total 1,276 1,328 Profit on sale of investment property (group) - 240 Profit on sale of other investments (group) 813 62 Amounts written off investments (group) (4) (204) ______ ______ Profit on ordinary activities before interest 2,085 1,426 Interest receivable and similar income Group 247 315 Share of joint venture undertaking 2 5 Interest payable Group (137) (159) Share of joint venture undertaking (520) (436) ______ ______ Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 1,677 1,151 Tax on profit on ordinary activities Group (346) (343) Share of joint venture undertaking (99) (58) ______ ______ Profit on ordinary activities after taxation being profit for the financial year 1,232 750 Dividends (141) (139) ______ ______ Retained profit for the financial year 1,091 611 ______ ______ The above results relate entirely to continuing activities. There were no acquisitions or disposals of businesses during the year. THE CARDIFF PROPERTY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 30 September 2003 (continued) Earnings per share 2003 2002 Pence per Pence per share share On profit for the financial year Basic 59.3 31.2 Diluted 58.1 30.7 On profit for the financial year before adjusting for FRS 19 - Deferred Tax Basic 63.2 35.4 Diluted 62.0 34.8 Dividends 2003 2002 £'000 £'000 Interim paid 2.0p (2002: 1.8p) 38 42 Final proposed 5.1p (2002: 4.5p) 103 97 141 139 Consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses for the year ended 30 September 2003 2003 2002 £'000 £'000 Profit for the financial year 1,232 750 Unrealised surplus on revaluation of investment properties in the year Group 55 125 Share of joint venture undertaking 52 - ______ ______ Total recognised gains and losses relating to the financial year 1,339 875 Prior year adjustment relating to accounting policy for deferred tax - (150) ______ ______ Total recognised gains and losses since last annual report 1,339 725 ______ ______ THE CARDIFF PROPERTY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated balance sheet at 30 September 2003 2003 2002 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets: Tangible assets: Investment properties 6,135 6,080 Other 7 12 ______ ______ 6,142 6,092 Investments: Investment in joint venture undertaking Share of gross assets 15,876 12,098 Share of gross liabilities (11,065) (7,589) ______ ______ 4,811 4,509 Other investments 297 368 ______ ______ 5,108 4,877 ______ ______ 11,250 10,969 Current assets Stock and work in progress 2,894 2,451 Debtors 1,915 1,992 Cash at bank and in hand 4,404 5,086 ______ ______ 9,213 9,529 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (1,045) (2,083) ______ ______ Net current assets 8,168 7,446 ______ ______ Total assets less current liabilities 19,418 18,415 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (3,200) (2,560) Provisions for liabilities and charges (552) (595) ______ ______ Net assets 15,666 15,260 ______ ______ Capital and reserves Called up share capital 403 434 Share premium account 4,817 4,815 Investment property revaluation reserve 4,259 4,152 Other reserves 2,231 2,200 Profit and loss account 3,956 3,659 ______ ______ Shareholders' funds - equity 15,666 15,260 ______ ______ THE CARDIFF PROPERTY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated balance sheet at 30 September 2003 (continued) 2003 2002 Pence per Pence per share share Net assets per share 777 704 Net assets per share before adjusting for FRS 19 - Deferred Tax 794 715 THE CARDIFF PROPERTY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 30 September 2003 2003 2002 £'000 £'000 Cash outflow from operating activities (50) (1,328) Returns on investment and servicing of finance 112 145 Taxation (291) (157) Capital expenditure and financial investment 901 629 Equity dividends paid (136) (146) ______ ______ Cash inflow/(outflow) before financing 536 (857) Financing (1,254) (1,997) ______ ______ Decrease in cash in the year (718) (2,854) ______ ______ Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds Decrease in cash and movement in net funds in the year resulting from cash flows (718) (2,854) Net funds at beginning of year 1,876 4,730 ______ ______ Net funds at end of year 1,158 1,876 ______ ______ Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash outflow from operating activities Operating profit - group 409 711 Depreciation charges 2 9 Increase in stock and work in progress (443) (345) Decrease/(increase) in debtors 79 (1,483) Decrease in creditors and provisions (97) (220) ______ ______ Net cash outflow from operating activities (50) (1,328) ______ ______ THE CARDIFF PROPERTY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Summary preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2003 2003 2002 £'000 £'000 Turnover 2,001 1,847 Gross rental income 2,001 1,662 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 1,677 1,151 Taxation (445) (401) Profit for the financial year attributable to shareholders 1,232 750 Dividend: Interim 2.0p (2002:1.8p) per share 38 42 Final 5.1p (2002: 4.5p) per share 103 97 Earnings per share: Basic 59.3 31.2 Diluted 58.1 30.7 Notes (i) Basic earnings per share has been calculated using the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 2,076,125 (2002: 2,401,174). Diluted earnings per share has been calculated in accordance with FRS 14. (ii) The taxation charge represents tax on profits of the year. The basis is consistent with the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2002. Full provision is made for deferred tax. (iii) The board recommends that the final dividend be increased to 5.1p (2002: 4.5p) payable on 12 February 2004 to shareholders on the register at 16 January 2004, giving a total increase for the year of 13%. (iv) The annual general meeting will be held on 13 January 2004. (v) The financial information set out above does not constitute the company's statutory accounts for the years ended 30 September 2003 or 2002. Statutory accounts for 2002 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2003 will be delivered following the company's annual general meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their reports were unqualified and did not contain statements under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. (vi) A copy of the report and accounts will be submitted to the document viewing facility at the Financial Services Authority. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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