TIDMMAX

RNS Number : 2352U

Max Property Group PLC

29 November 2013

Results for the six months ended 30 September 2013

STRONG NAV PERFORMANCE THROUGH ASSET MANAGEMENT

Portfolio well positioned to deliver attractive returns

Max Property Group Plc ("Max" / the "Company" / the "Group") today announces its half year results for the six months to 30 September 2013.

Highlights

 
 
                                   Six months to    12 months to 
                               30 September 2013        31 March  Change in six months since                 Change in 
                                                            2013               31 March 2013   52 months since listing 
---------------------------  -------------------  --------------  --------------------------  ------------------------ 
Net assets                             GBP318.7m       GBP294.1m                     up 8.4%                    up 51% 
EPRA NAV per share(1)                     146.8p          136.5p                     up 7.5%                    up 53% 
EPRA earnings per share(2)                  2.4p            6.3p 
---------------------------  -------------------  --------------  --------------------------  ------------------------ 
 

Financial highlights

-- EPRA NAV per share up 7.5% to 146.8p per share in the six months to 30 September 2013 and up 53% since listing in May 2009

-- EPRA earnings per share 2.4p (30 September 2012: 3.6p)

-- Property valuations up 3.8%(3)

-- Net loan to value ratio at 28.5% (30% including Hospitals joint venture)

-- Uncommitted cash of c. GBP50 million available

Portfolio highlights

-- Initial yield of 7.2% with a reversionary yield of 9.5%, including developments

-- 51% of vacant ERV is in ongoing London office refurbishments

-- 46% of assets by value in London, showing c. 7% capital growth in the six month period

-- 41% of assets by value in high yielding industrials seeing renewed investor interest

-- Industrious vacancy rate at a new low of 11.2% of ERV

-- 82 new lettings in the six months with net rent roll of GBP1.9 million (Max share GBP1.6 million)

-- ERVs up 2.2% with High Holborn Estate up 15.1%

-- 140,000 sq ft Commodity Quay to be completed at St Katharine Docks in Spring 2014

   1       excluding fair values of financial instruments and deferred tax 

2 excluding property revaluation movements, profits or losses on sale of properties, fair value movements on financial instruments and deferred tax

   3       Max share of portfolios 

Aubrey Adams, Chairman of Max Property Group Plc, comments:

"Max is well placed to take advantage of the improving property market, with just under half of its assets in London and a further 40% in high yielding industrial property.

"Our London offices comprise St Katharine Docks and the High Holborn Estate which are both valued at under GBP400psf, undergoing refurbishments and have vacancy rates of over 30%, presenting good prospects for growth on securing lettings with further potential upside from change of use to residential. Our well let London pubs continue to be attractive to private investors with two pubs sold in the period at a 4.9% initial yield and at 42% over cost. Our industrial holdings offer an attractive 10% initial yield and we have reported improved occupancy rates in every reporting period since purchase in 2009.

"In markets that still retain some vulnerability to economic pressures, our protection has been to maintain modest levels of leverage, substantial free cash flow and a disciplined acquisition approach, paying conservative prices for properties with asset management angles, underpinned by occupational demand. This has led to the creation of a balanced portfolio which we believe is well positioned to deliver attractive returns up to anticipated liquidation in 2016."

29 November 2013

ENQUIRIES:

 
 Prestbury Investments   Tel: 020 7647 7647 
 Mike Brown 
 Nick Leslau 
 Sandy Gumm 
 
 FTI Consulting          Tel: 020 7831 3113 
 Stephanie Highett 
 Richard Sunderland 
 Nina Legge 
 
 Oriel Securities        Tel: 020 7710 7600 
 Mark Young 
 Nicholas How 
 

Notes to Editors

Max Property Group Plc ("Max" or the "Company") is a Jersey resident real estate investment company. Its Board, chaired by Aubrey Adams, is exclusively advised by Prestbury Investments LLP, which is owned and managed by a team led by Nick Leslau and Mike Brown.

The Company's strategy is to exploit cyclical weakness in the UK real estate market through opportunistic investment and active management with a view to realising cash returns for shareholders over an investment cycle of approximately seven and a half years from its listing in May 2009.

Forward looking statements

This document includes forward looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties. You are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that if risks and uncertainties materialise, or if the assumptions underlying any of these statements prove incorrect, the actual results of operations and financial condition of the Group may differ materially from those made in, or suggested by, the forward looking statements. Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations, the Company undertakes no obligation to review, update or confirm expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise after the date of this document.

Chairman's Statement

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to report Max Property Group Plc's results for the six months ended 30 September 2013.

Results and financial position

EPRA net assets per share rose by 7.5% to 146.8p during the half year to 30 September 2013, and have increased 53% since the Company listed in May 2009.

The growth in EPRA NAV in the six months and since listing is set out below:

 
                                     Six months since           52 months 
                                        31 March 2013       since listing 
                                    (pence per share)   (pence per share) 
---------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
Net rental income                                 6.4                46.2 
Running costs                                   (1.4)              (11.4) 
Net finance costs                               (2.9)              (16.8) 
Surpluses on property sales                       0.4                11.7 
Tax                                             (0.2)               (2.3) 
---------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
Realised profit                                   2.3                27.4 
Share of Hospitals joint venture                    -                 0.6 
Property revaluation                              8.0                22.7 
Growth in EPRA NAV per share                     10.3                50.7 
---------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 

Our London portfolio makes up 46% of our assets and showed a 6.6% uplift during the reporting period. Both St Katharine Docks and the High Holborn Estate are valued at under GBP400psf, are currently undergoing refurbishments and have vacancy rates of over 30%, presenting good prospects for further growth on securing lettings combined with some change of use potential. Both properties are attracting healthy levels of tenant interest and in particular we have seen rental values rise by over 15% at the High Holborn Estate. Our well let London pubs continue to be attractive to private investors with two pubs sold in the six months under review at a 4.9% initial yield and disposal prices at an average of 42% over cost.

Our industrial portfolio represents a further 41% of our holdings and showed an uplift in valuation of 2.7%. We continue to make progress reducing industrial vacancy rates, now down to 11% of ERV, and the current initial yield of 10% compares favourably with the level of prices we are now seeing being bid by investors seeking to increase their exposure to this sector.

Most property companies exclude their developments when calculating their valuation yields and vacancy rates expressed as a proportion of the square footage or rental value of the portfolio. By contrast, we believe that a key attraction of our portfolio is that it generates an initial yield of 7.2% including vacant space currently under refurbishment, which would rise to 8.7% on letting up the empty space and capturing reversions at St Katharine Docks and the High Holborn Estate. Furthermore, this assumes no improvement in the vacancy rate in the rest of the portfolio whereas, to date, we have consistently improved the occupancy rate of our industrial and provincial office holdings. Our reversionary yield, the yield on value assuming full occupancy, stands at a conservative 9.5%.

Highly competitive bidding conditions have created a challenging environment in which to profitably reinvest the recycled GBP50 million cash we have generated from rental income and sales, with very few deals offering a similar level of profitability to our previous purchases. Despite this, negotiations continue on a number of fronts. In the meantime, Max has similar levels of net gearing to many of the leading UK REITs and the portfolio remains well positioned for future growth, as illustrated by this month's CBRE index showing industrial property and London and South East offices as the best performing sectors.

Outlook

It would appear that Quantitative Easing, having supported prices in so many financial markets around the world, has finally found some traction in the commercial property market outside London. The yield gap between London and the regions is as large as we can remember and, while interest rates remain exceptionally low, investors have a clear incentive to chase yield. Indeed, in light of this improved market sentiment, it may now seem odd that the provincial market is only just recovering from eighteen months of rising yields and falling capital values. However, that was when the prevailing lack of availability of bank finance made it difficult for investors to exploit the yield arbitrage, and occupational demand was in the doldrums with an economy flirting with recession. A welcome thawing of the debt markets combined with a much improved economic outlook has unleashed animal spirits and with it a torrent of investor demand - much of it from overseas - well in excess of the amount of stock currently available to buy. This squeeze is leading to deals often going through several rounds of bidding with the winner paying a premium. Investors trying to get ahead of the curve in an illiquid market see the logic of buying in bulk so demand for portfolios is strong, commanding prices greater than the sum of their parts. In any case, a portfolio premium is not something recognised by the valuation of individual assets in our balance sheet.

Whilst we have felt for some time that provincial yields had significant recovery potential, we do think that the recent benefit of a stronger economy will take longer to feed through into occupational markets. To this extent we may see a one-off upward adjustment in market pricing which will be followed by a pause while occupational markets catch up with events. In the case of our Industrious portfolio, however, where the majority of the leases have been renewed or voids let since the Lehmans crash, we would anticipate an earlier resumption of rental growth, representing a recovery in those rents set at a time of weakest occupational demand. In contrast, when we look at the broader market, there are still many secondary provincial office and retail properties let at rents set during the boom years which remain significantly above today's rental values. As these leases expire, income returns will decline with lease renewals at lower rentals or, worse, a vacancy. Owners may witness an experience akin to walking up the down escalator, their ultimate direction determined by whether the investment market propels them up faster than their cash flow takes them downwards. Some unfortunate investors will still end up travelling in the wrong direction despite the nascent investment-led recovery.

By comparison, the outlook for London offices seems unremittingly positive. Investor interest, already strong, has broadened with UK institutions back competing for assets. Vacancy rates are low and unlikely to be troubled by the development pipeline any time soon. Occupier confidence has strengthened and the more favoured West End locations are seeing rents edging back towards their all-time highs. The burgeoning TMT sector continues its migration east to find more affordable accommodation and, in so doing, is making formerly less fashionable areas more desirable. Against this background, it is no accident that the highest vacancy rates in our portfolio (at over 30%) are in our refurbishments in the High Holborn Estate and St Katharine Docks as we seek to catch the wave of rising rents in improving locations.

With such a positive prognosis our main worry about Central London is that there seems so little to worry about. Real estate markets this benign tend not to last and with yields close to historic lows eventually investors will either start to discount less exciting growth rates ahead or find more attractively priced assets elsewhere, and yields will start to edge up. However, as we are not nearly at that point yet, owners of London property should continue to enjoy their time in the sun.

Given the experience of the last five years it would be foolhardy to discount completely the risks posed at one extreme by yet another derailing of the economy and at the other by the end of QE and strongly rising interest rates. Our protection has been to maintain modest levels of leverage, substantial free cash flow and a disciplined acquisition approach, paying conservative prices for properties with asset management angles, underpinned by occupational demand. This has led to the creation of a balanced portfolio which we believe is well positioned to deliver attractive returns up to anticipated liquidation in 2016.

Aubrey Adams

Chairman

29 November 2013

Report from the Property Advisor

Prestbury Investments LLP exclusively advises Max Property Group Plc and is pleased to report on the operations of the Group for the six months ended 30 September 2013.

The portfolio

The portfolio combines exciting added value opportunities in London with a high yielding predominantly industrial portfolio spread throughout the UK, with small lot sizes and a broad spread of tenants.

Portfolio valuation movements (Max share)

 
                        Fair value    Fair value    Fair value  ERV change 
                       change over   change over   change over    over six 
                        six months    six months          cost      months 
                                 %          GBPm             %           % 
--------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
St Katharine Docks            3.8%           4.4          8.6%        3.9% 
High Holborn Estate          13.2%           6.4         13.1%       15.1% 
London Pubs                   6.6%           2.7         26.5%           - 
Industrious                   2.7%           5.1          8.2%        0.8% 
Provincial Offices            1.9%           0.8         43.8%        1.2% 
Hospitals                   (0.4)%         (0.1)          4.4%        2.7% 
Nightclubs                 (24.2)%         (1.8)       (31.0)%     (17.8)% 
                              3.8%          17.5         11.9%        2.2% 
--------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

Portfolio valuation yields at 30 September 2013 (Max share)

 
                                                                            Weighted 
                                                                             average 
                      Net initial  Equivalent  Reversionary     Capital    unexpired 
                            yield       yield         yield   value psf   lease term 
--------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ----------  ----------- 
St Katharine Docks           4.9%        6.5%          8.9%      GBP388    5.4 years 
High Holborn Estate          2.7%        6.4%          8.4%      GBP375    0.8 years 
London Pubs                  5.4%        7.0%          5.4%      GBP386   32.4 years 
Industrious                 10.0%       10.4%         10.9%       GBP32    3.6 years 
Provincial Offices           9.5%       10.1%         12.5%       GBP71    3.3 years 
Hospitals                    7.6%        7.6%          8.0%         n/a   21.4 years 
Nightclubs                   2.5%       12.5%         14.7%       GBP26   12.9 years 
                             7.2%        8.4%          9.5%                6.4 years 
--------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ----------  ----------- 
 

Portfolio breakdown at 30 September 2013 (Max share)

 
                                                         EPRA   Vacancy rate 
                         Gross value     Proportion   vacancy      including 
                              GBP000   of portfolio     rate*   developments 
-----------------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ------------- 
St Katharine Docks           119,568            25%      4.4%          31.9% 
High Holborn Estate           54,935            12%     15.4%          30.9% 
-----------------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ------------- 
Central London offices       174,503            37%      7.6%          31.7% 
London Pubs                   43,595             9%      0.0%           0.0% 
Industrious                  193,670            41%     11.2%          11.2% 
Provincial Offices            42,800             9%     24.9%          24.9% 
Hospitals                     14,729             3%      0.0%           0.0% 
Nightclubs                     5,745             1%     82.5%          82.5% 
Cash                             n/a            n/a       n/a            n/a 
                             475,042           100%     12.6%          19.8% 
-----------------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ------------- 
 

* excluding assets not available for letting

Industrious (41% of gross assets, 33% of EPRA NAV)

A portfolio of multi-let industrial estates bought out of receivership in October 2009 for GBP244.0 million (GBP31 psf capital value).

Activity

   --         Vacancy rate by ERV reduced to 11.2% at September 2013 from 12.2% in March 2013 

-- Vacancy rate by floor area reduced to 12.0% at the date of this report, from 13.2% in April 2013 and 20.7% at acquisition

-- Vacancy rate has fallen in every reporting period since acquisition with more than 1,000 lettings and lease renewals over 4.7 million sq ft

   --         91% of the space vacant on acquisition has since been let or sold 
   --         Of the 721,000 sq ft currently vacant, 90,000 sq ft (12%) is under offer 
   --         107,000 sq ft is thought to be coming vacant up to March 2014 

-- Six sales in the period totalling GBP2.8 million at an average 6.4% initial yield and GBP0.8 million (44%) profit over purchase price (14% over book value)

-- Total sales since acquisition of GBP95.3 million at an average 7.6% initial yield and GBP21.9 million (31%) profit over purchase price

Current portfolio

   --         70 properties 
   --         831 tenancies 
   --         6.0 million sq ft 
   --         Average unit size: 5,800 sq ft 
   --         46% by value in the South East of England 
   --         Highly liquid: 77% of properties by number are lot sizes of GBP3 million or below 
   --         Weighted average unexpired lease term: 3.6 years 
   --         GBP20.7 million rent roll 
   --         Average contracted rent: GBP3.96 psf 

The portfolio predominantly comprises smaller units that appeal to a wide variety of users. It also benefits from a range of exit options, from individual units to a whole portfolio sale. Martlesham Heath Business Park, Ipswich (504,000 sq ft) makes up over 10% of the portfolio by value and no other property makes up more than 7%.

 
                  30 September                 Capital     Area 
                2013 valuation   Percentage      value    sq ft           Number      Number 
 Region                 GBP000     of total    psf GBP      000    of properties    of units 
------------  ----------------  -----------  ---------  -------  ---------------  ---------- 
 South East             89,440          46%      GBP54    1,668               20         416 
 Northern 
  regions               67,300          35%      GBP25    2,657               27         419 
 Midlands               27,110          14%      GBP23    1,162               16         139 
 South West              5,155           3%      GBP37      141                3          27 
 Scotland                4,665           2%      GBP12      398                4          31 
                       193,670         100%      GBP32    6,026               70       1,032 
------------  ----------------  -----------  ---------  -------  ---------------  ---------- 
 

St Katharine Docks (25% of gross assets, 22% of EPRA NAV)

St Katharine Docks was acquired in a 60% joint venture in August 2011 for GBP164.5 million (GBP330 psf capital value). Situated on the Thames adjacent to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, it enjoys unparalleled views and includes Central London's only marina. The investment comprised 450,000 sq ft of offices, predominantly in three buildings, with 50,000 sq ft of waterside restaurants, bars and shops plus the ten acre, 160 berth marina. The strategy is to create a premium office destination by repositioning the estate, attracting footloose central London occupiers to a beautiful location.

International House

70,000 sq ft of offices have been refurbished, 90% of which have been let at rents typically in the high GBP30s psf against a historic rental level of GBP30 psf. The reception area and common parts have been comprehensively refurbished and new restaurant and retail units have also been created, let to Côte and Tesco.

Commodity Quay

A GBP21 million comprehensive refurbishment of Commodity Quay is well advanced to create 140,000 sq ft of offices and ancillary space, with completion planned for Spring 2014. There has already been a healthy level of interest in the offices and a 6,000 sq ft restaurant has been pre-let to Tom's Kitchen.

Current estate

   --         515,000 sq ft, of which 140,000 is under development 
   --         Weighted average unexpired lease term: 5.4 years 
   --         GBP9.4 million rent roll 
   --         Average contracted rent: GBP31.43 psf 
   --         EPRA vacancy rate: 4.4% 
   --         Vacancy rate including Commodity Quay (undergoing refurbishment): 31.9% of ERV 
 
                              Area        Area (sq ft)   EPRA vacancy   Vacancy 
                           (sq ft)    in refurbishment           rate      rate 
-----------------------  ---------  ------------------  -------------  -------- 
 International House       215,000                   -           5.0%      5.0% 
 Commodity Quay            140,000             140,000            n/a    100.0% 
 Devon House                90,000                   -           0.0%      0.0% 
 Ivory House and other      70,000                   -           8.4%      8.4% 
-----------------------  ---------  ------------------  -------------  -------- 
                           515,000             140,000           4.4%     31.9% 
-----------------------  ---------  ------------------  -------------  -------- 
 

High Holborn Estate (12% of gross assets, 18% of EPRA NAV)

A freehold island site of just under one acre in London WC1 with frontages to High Holborn and Bedford Row, acquired in November 2012 for GBP47.7 million (c. GBP320 psf capital value).

On acquisition, nine buildings provided nearly 150,000 sq ft of unrefurbished space let to 50 tenants at low rental levels averaging just GBP15 psf on short term leases. The low rental levels reflected the tenants' lack of security of tenure resulting from the former landlord's development break clauses.

Of these nine buildings, High Holborn House represents over half of the value of the estate. A comprehensive refurbishment of the reception areas and common parts will be completed by Christmas 2013 at a cost of GBP1.7 million. Five office suites totalling 14,000 sq ft have been refurbished with the level of lettings rising throughout the period from high GBP20s psf to mid/high GBP30s psf. A pre-letting of 8,500 sq ft is in solicitors' hands and further suites will be taken back and refurbished during 2014.

At Caroline House, vacant possession of all the offices has been secured and a comprehensive refurbishment, including recladding the High Holborn facade, is due to commence shortly at a cost of GBP2.2 million. We expect to quote rents in the mid/high GBP40s psf.

The smaller buildings fronting Bedford Row and Hand Court, totalling 31,000 sq ft, have potential for change of use to residential. The retail units fronting High Holborn (11,000 sq ft) are being consolidated into larger units that enjoy stronger demand from higher quality operators.

 
                                         Area 
                                      (sq ft)   Asset plan 
----------------------------------  ---------  ---------------------------- 
 High Holborn House                    87,000   Rolling refurbishment 
 Caroline House                        19,000   Comprehensive refurbishment 
 Brownlow House                        10,000   Rolling refurbishment 
----------------------------------  ---------  ---------------------------- 
 Properties fronting High Holborn     116,000 
 Six properties fronting Bedford       31,000   Potential change 
  Row and Hand Court                             of use to residential 
                                      147,000 
----------------------------------  ---------  ---------------------------- 
 

The current rent roll is GBP1.6 million and the EPRA vacancy rate is 15.4%. Including space under development, the vacancy rate is 30.9%.

London Pubs (9% of gross assets, 9% of EPRA NAV)

29 freehold pubs with a total floor area of 150,000 sq ft, situated in high value residential areas in London, were acquired in January 2011 for GBP44.4 million (GBP300 psf capital value). The pubs were located in Marylebone, Notting Hill, Chelsea, Clerkenwell, Spitalfields, Southwark, Camden, Highgate, Islington, Barnes, Sheen, Chiswick, Battersea, Wandsworth, Clapham, Balham, Tooting and Fulham.

At acquisition, the initial yield on the portfolio was 6.7%, which has subsequently risen to 7.2% on cost due to increases in the rent roll and will rise further to at least 7.4% following the next rent review in January 2014. The independently assessed vacant possession value of the portfolio at the time of acquisition, subject to existing use as pubs, was approximately the same as the purchase price, and many of the properties are considered by the management team to have a higher alternative value for residential use in the event that they should fall vacant and planning consent for change of use secured.

During the period, two pubs in Islington and Whitechapel were sold at a combined price of GBP5.3 million, representing an initial yield of 4.9% and a profit of 42% over cost. In March 2013, a Notting Hill pub was contracted for sale for GBP1.5 million at an initial yield of 4.4% and a profit of 37% over cost, with completion after the balance sheet date. Including pubs sold in prior periods, total profits on sale to date amount to GBP3.1 million, which is 31% over cost. Following these sales, the average lot size is now GBP1.8 million at the most recent valuation.

The pubs are let on 35 year full repairing and insuring leases commencing in January 2011 to Enterprise Inns Plc at market rents well covered by trading profits. We consider Enterprise Inns to be a sufficiently strong covenant to cover the rent, with their share price having more than doubled in the past twelve months. Rents initially totalled GBP3.0 million per annum (GBP2.3 million for the portfolio still owned), with minimum 3% per annum and maximum 4% per annum RPI-linked uplifts occurring annually for the first five years and every five years thereafter. After the disposals mentioned above, the passing rent is now GBP2.5 million per annum.

Provincial Offices (9% of gross assets, 4% of EPRA NAV)

A portfolio of predominantly late 1980s air-conditioned offices purchased in February 2010 for GBP39.0 million (GBP50 psf capital value) from a property fund seeking liquidity to meet redemptions.

Activity

   --         Vacancy rate by area 25%, compared to 48% at acquisition and 26% in April 2013 

-- GBP32.0 million raised in May 2012 on a non-recourse financing of five properties with 18% vacancy rate

   --         Two properties sold since acquisition for GBP6.7 million at 43% over purchase price 

-- Remaining uncharged assets are valued at GBP11.3 million (GBP52 psf) and have a 38% vacancy rate. 95% of that vacant space is refurbished

Current portfolio

   --         Nine properties (eight freeholds, one 102 year peppercorn leasehold) 
   --         63% by value in the South East, 30% in Manchester, 7% in Bristol 
   --         639,000 sq ft 
   --         Average lot size GBP5.0 million 
   --         GBP4.3 million rent roll 
   --         Average contracted rent GBP10.59 psf 

Nightclubs Portfolio (1% of gross assets, 2% of EPRA NAV)

The Nightclubs portfolio was acquired in October 2010 for GBP9.8 million. At the time of acquisition, three of the 14 clubs were vacant and the initial yield on acquisition was 14.9%. Three properties were sold between 2010 and 2012 and net income since acquisition, including those sale proceeds, is GBP5.4 million which represents 55% of the original purchase price.

Nine of the nightclubs were let to Atmosphere Bars and Clubs Limited. However, in May 2013 the tenant went into administration and all but one of their units, which was sublet to other occupiers, have now been closed. This led to a GBP1.8 million (24%) writedown in the value of the portfolio to GBP5.7 million. Freehold offers have since been received in respect of six of the nightclubs.

Hospitals Portfolio (3% of gross assets, 1% of EPRA NAV)

Four freehold private hospitals in Blackburn, Liverpool, Ayr and Stirling were acquired in a joint venture with Lloyds Banking Group in May 2010. Max invested a nominal sum in the joint venture to acquire a 45% interest and Lloyds injected the assets with associated debt funding.

The joint venture paid GBP31.6 million for the portfolio, fully debt financed on a non-recourse basis by Lloyds. Each hospital is let on full repairing and insuring terms to BMI Healthcare Limited, guaranteed by General Healthcare Group Limited, for a term of 25 years from May 2010 with a tenant option to renew for a further ten years. The initial rent was GBP2.3 million per annum with annual, upwards only uncapped RPI-linked rent reviews throughout the term. During the period, the third rent review has resulted in a rental uplift of 3% and the rent is now GBP2.65 million per annum.

In May 2013 Lloyds disposed of its interest in the debt to a joint venture between Texas Pacific Group and Goldman Sachs. Since the balance sheet date it has also disposed of its equity in the Hospitals joint venture to the same purchaser.

Financial review

Balance sheet

Movements in net asset value

The increase in EPRA net asset value over the six months ended 30 September 2013 and since listing comprises:

 
                                             NAV growth in six months    NAV growth in 52 months 
                                                  since 31 March 2013              since listing 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------  ------------------------- 
                                                                Pence                      Pence 
                                                GBPm        per share       GBPm       per share 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------------  ---------  -------------- 
Net rental income                               15.1              6.8      111.2            50.6 
Rent smoothing adjustments*                    (1.0)            (0.4)      (9.7)           (4.4) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------------  ---------  -------------- 
Net rent excluding future rental uplifts        14.1              6.4      101.5            46.2 
Running costs                                  (3.0)            (1.4)     (24.8)          (11.4) 
Net finance costs                              (6.4)            (2.9)     (37.0)          (16.8) 
Surpluses on property sales                      1.0              0.4       25.9            11.7 
Tax                                            (0.6)            (0.2)      (5.1)           (2.3) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------------  ---------  -------------- 
Realised profits                                 5.1              2.3       60.5            27.4 
Share of Hospitals joint venture                   -                -        1.0             0.6 
Property revaluation                            17.5              8.0       50.0            22.7 
EPRA NAV uplift                                 22.6             10.3      111.5            50.7 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------------  ---------  -------------- 
 

* Accounting standards require lease incentives and fixed or guaranteed rental uplifts to be spread evenly over the term of a lease. The amounts described above as "rent smoothing adjustments" represent the effect of spreading uplifts and incentives, and relate principally to the leases on the London Pubs portfolio where there are 3% per annum minimum uplifts throughout the 35 year lease term.

EPRA triple net asset value

EPRA triple net asset value is the EPRA net asset value after making adjustments to include debt and hedging instruments at their fair values, and after deducting any inherent tax liabilities not provided for in the financial statements.

The Group's EPRA triple net asset value is shown below:

 
                                                           30 September 2013      31 March 2013 
                                                                       Pence              Pence 
                                                           GBPm    per share   GBPm   per share 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------  -----  ---------- 
EPRA NAV                                                  322.9        146.8  300.3       136.5 
Fair value of hedging instruments, net of deferred tax    (4.2)        (1.9)  (6.2)       (2.8) 
Fair value of fixed rate debt                             (0.1)        (0.1)  (0.6)       (0.3) 
EPRA triple net asset value                               318.6        144.8  293.5       133.4 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------  -----  ---------- 
 

Gearing

The Group's operations are financed by a combination of cash resources and non-recourse debt finance. Non-recourse debt means that the assets at risk in the event that any debt facility were to default are limited to those within a specific ring-fenced structure. Max's debt facilities are not cross-collateralised.

The Group's share of gross and net debt (excluding the joint venture) is as follows:

 
                                    St Katharine Docks 
                       Industrious               (60%)  Provincial Offices*  London Pubs  Unsecured assets     Total 
                              GBPm                GBPm                 GBPm         GBPm              GBPm      GBPm 
Gross debt                  (90.9)              (52.0)               (31.4)       (19.8)                     (194.1) 
Secured cash                   4.8                 7.7                  1.5          0.8                        14.8 
Free cash                      4.4                 1.2                  0.1          3.8              38.0      47.5 
---------------------  -----------  ------------------  -------------------  -----------  ----------------  -------- 
Net debt                    (81.7)              (43.1)               (29.8)       (15.2)              38.0   (131.8) 
---------------------  -----------  ------------------  -------------------  -----------  ----------------  -------- 
 
Property value at 30 
 September 2013              191.9               119.6                 32.9         45.1              72.3     461.8 
---------------------  -----------  ------------------  -------------------  -----------  ----------------  -------- 
 
Gross LTV                    47.4%               43.5%                95.4%        43.9%                       42.0% 
Net LTV                      42.6%               36.0%                90.6%        33.7%                       28.5% 
---------------------  -----------  ------------------  -------------------  -----------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 

* excluding 16.7% non-controlling interest in Milton Keynes asset

The Hospitals portfolio is held in a joint venture where Max has a 45% economic interest. The non-recourse debt is held within the joint venture company where Max's capital at risk is limited to its equity in that joint venture, which at 30 September 2013 was GBP1.1 million. Max's share of the Hospitals joint venture gross debt is GBP12.8 million, net debt GBP12.4 million and property value GBP14.7 million. The Group's net LTV including the Hospitals joint venture is 30.3%.

The Group's gearing ratio (net debt to equity) at 30 September 2013 is 41.4% excluding the Hospitals joint venture and 45.2% including the joint venture. The Group has unsecured cash and property assets amounting to GBP110.3 million at their 30 September 2013 valuations.

All facilities remain within the relevant covenants and, subject to continuing to remain so, are on interest only terms with a weighted average term to expiry at 30 September 2013 of 2.9 years. Debt maturities range between January and September 2016.

Cash flow

The movements in cash over the six months to 30 September 2013 and in the period since listing may be summarised as:

 
                                              Cash flows in six months since 31 
                                                                     March 2013  Cash flows in 52 months since listing 
                                                                           GBPm                                   GBPm 
---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
Cash from operations                                                        9.6                                  112.0 
Property acquisitions net of debt 
 raised                                                                   (0.2)                                (238.6) 
Net cash from investment property sales                                     4.2                                   40.7 
Net interest payable                                                      (6.4)                                 (33.3) 
Capital expenditure                                                       (9.0)                                 (26.5) 
Benefit of Provincial Offices escrow 
 account                                                                      -                                    5.5 
Purchase of interest rate cap                                                 -                                  (2.6) 
Net funds raised on listing                                                   -                                  211.4 
---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
Cash flow in the period                                                   (1.8)                                   68.6 
Cash at the start of the period                                            70.4                                      - 
---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
Cash at 30 September 2013                                                  68.6                                   68.6 
---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
 
                                                                          Group                              Max share 
Comprising:                                                                GBPm                                   GBPm 
---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
Free cash                                                                  48.5                                   47.5 
Cash secured under lending facilities                                      20.1                                   14.8 
---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
                                                                           68.6                                   62.3 
---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
 

The most significant capital project is the refurbishment of Commodity Quay at St Katharine Docks, where the 140,000 sq ft building has been stripped out and is undergoing a major internal refurbishment and reglazing. The works are expected to complete in Spring 2014. GBP6.7 million (Max share GBP4.0 million) was spent in the six months ended 30 September 2013 and Max's share of the remaining anticipated capital expenditure for the project from the balance sheet date to completion is GBP6.0 million.

Capital expenditure totalling c. GBP5.0 million is planned for the High Holborn Estate on a two to three year rolling refurbishment programme, improving common parts and refurbishing office space, of which GBP0.9 million was spent in the reporting period.

Capital expenditure requirements in the rest of the portfolio are relatively modest and expected to remain broadly in line with levels of past expenditure. Excluding the major projects noted above, routine capital expenditure has averaged around GBP2.9 million per annum over the last three and a half years.

Income statement

Movements in property valuations shown in the income statement are described in the portfolio section of this report. The other key elements of the income statement are described below.

Net income from property activities

Max's share of net rental surpluses and surpluses on sales have, in the period from listing to 30 September 2013, contributed 57.9p of the net 50.7p per share growth in that period, covering all running costs, interest and tax by approximately twice.

 
                                                            Net income in 
                                                         six months since      Net income in 52 months since listing 
                                                            31 March 2013 
                                                                    Pence                                      Pence 
                                                         GBPm   per share                GBPm              per share 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------------  --------------------- 
Gross rent                                               18.5         8.4               142.8                   64.9 
Direct property costs                                   (3.4)       (1.6)              (31.6)                 (14.3) 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------------  --------------------- 
Rental surplus                                           15.1         6.8               111.2                   50.6 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------------  --------------------- 
Proceeds from sale of trading properties                    -           -                28.8                   13.1 
Cost of trading properties sold                             -           -              (22.8)                 (10.4) 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------------  --------------------- 
Profit on sale of trading properties                        -           -                 6.0                    2.7 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------------  --------------------- 
Proceeds from sale of investment properties               8.3         3.8                86.1                   39.1 
Cost of investment properties sold                      (7.3)       (3.4)              (66.2)                 (30.1) 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------------  --------------------- 
Profit on sale of investment properties                   1.0         0.4                19.9                    9.0 
Property surplus reported in the income statement        16.1         7.2               137.1                   62.3 
Rent smoothing adjustments classified within 
 revaluation movements                                  (1.0)       (0.4)               (9.7)                  (4.4) 
Realised property surpluses attributable to 
 shareholders                                            15.1         6.8               127.4                   57.9 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------------  --------------------- 
 
 

Provisions for rent, service charge and other billed amounts considered irrecoverable from tenants amounted to GBP0.1 million in the period compared to GBP0.2 million in the year to 31 March 2013 and GBP0.1 million in the six months to 30 September 2012. Rental bad debts were 0.2% of the rent billed compared to 0.4% in the year to 31 March 2013 and 0.2% in the six months to 30 September 2012.

The Group's largest rent from a single tenant is payable by Enterprise Inns Plc with GBP2.5 million passing rent per annum, c. 6.5% of the Group's total passing rent as at 30 September 2013. We consider Enterprise Inns to be a sufficiently strong covenant to service its lease liabilities comfortably, which relate to a profitable part of their portfolio in desirable locations, but it is worth noting that the acquisition cost of the London Pubs portfolio was substantially underpinned by its vacant possession value.

All other tenants each account for less than 5% of total passing rent, and all but ten of those also represent less than 1% of total passing rent. This, together with the fact that the portfolio comprises over 1,000 tenants, provides a low concentration of tenant risk, as borne out by a relatively low and consistent default rate through tough economic times.

Net financing costs

The Group's net financing cost of GBP6.8 million (Max share GBP6.0 million) for the period principally comprises GBP6.3 million of cash interest payable on the four non-recourse secured loan facilities (financing the Industrious, London Pubs, Provincial Offices and St Katharine Docks portfolios), of which Max's share is GBP5.4 million, and GBP0.6 million of amortised finance fees.

The Provincial Offices facility is fixed rate debt. On the remaining floating rate facilities, interest rate risk is managed through a combination of interest rate caps and swaps, with at least 99% of the amount of notional principal hedged in each of the debt facilities for the term of the relevant loan.

The average interest rates paid and potential maximum rates payable during the six months to 30 September 2013 for each on balance sheet facility were as follows:

 
                                      Average rate  Maximum rate 
                     Hedging method           paid       payable 
-------------------  ---------------  ------------  ------------ 
Industrious          Swap/cap                 5.4%          6.4% 
St Katharine Docks   Swap                     4.6%          4.6% 
Provincial Offices   Fixed rate               9.0%          9.0% 
London Pubs          Cap                      2.9%          5.9% 
Average                                       5.4%          6.0% 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The risk of interest rate movements on the Hospitals portfolio has been managed by interest rate swaps which fixed the total cost of the debt at 5.5% per annum. At the end of October 2013, the swaps were terminated at zero cost and replaced with a cap which will keep the maximum potential interest rate exposure at the same level but will enable the joint venture to benefit from a reduced interest cost to the extent that rates remain at their current low levels. This interest cost is reported through the share of profits of joint venture line in the income statement.

The weighted average term to maturity of the Group's debt as at 30 September 2013 is 2.9 years, with the first debt maturity being the London Pubs facility in January 2016 and the last being the Provincial Offices facility in September 2016.

Tax

UK income tax is payable at 20% of net rental surpluses after deduction of costs (principally financing costs and costs of holding vacant property) and capital allowances. No tax is payable in Jersey on the interest or dividend income of Jersey incorporated and tax resident companies nor on investment property capital gains. The tax charge for the period represents an effective underlying tax rate of 8% on profits excluding property revaluations, derivative revaluations and joint venture contribution.

Mike Brown

Chief Executive

Prestbury Investments LLP

29 November 2013

Condensed Group Income Statement

 
                                                     Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                                    six months         six months     year to 
                                               to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                          2013               2012        2013 
                                       Note             GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
 Gross rental income                                    20,874             22,498      45,093 
 Property outgoings                                    (4,143)            (4,431)     (8,977) 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Gross profit                                           16,731             18,067      36,116 
 Administrative expenses: 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 General administrative expenses                       (3,220)            (3,099)     (6,170) 
 Corporate costs                                         (347)              (386)       (757) 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Total administrative expenses                         (3,567)            (3,485)     (6,927) 
 Investment property revaluation                        19,345            (6,489)     (6,356) 
 Profit on sale of investment 
  properties                                               957                 77         947 
 Other income                                               56                 54         108 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Operating profit                                       33,522              8,224      23,888 
 Share of profit / (loss) 
  of joint venture                      9                   42                154       (443) 
 Net finance costs                      4              (6,779)            (6,960)    (14,009) 
 Profit before tax                                      26,785              1,418       9,436 
 Tax (charge) / credit                  5                (655)                287        (67) 
 Profit for the period                                  26,130              1,705       9,369 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit for the period attributable 
  to: 
 Owners of the parent                                   23,189              1,803       8,269 
 Non-controlling interests              6                2,941               (98)       1,100 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
                                                        26,130              1,705       9,369 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 
                                                     Pence per          Pence per   Pence per 
 Earnings per share                                      share              share       share 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Basic and diluted                      7                10.5p               0.8p        3.8p 
------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

All amounts relate to continuing activities.

Condensed Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

 
                                                    Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                                   six months         six months     year to 
                                              to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                         2013               2012        2013 
                                      Note             GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
 Profit for the period                                 26,130              1,705       9,369 
 Other comprehensive income 
  - items that may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or 
  loss 
 Fair value adjustment of 
  interest rate derivatives 
  in effective hedges                  13               2,376              (435)       (119) 
 Amortisation of interest 
  rate derivatives, transferred 
  to income statement                                    (84)              (152)       (284) 
 Tax effect of interest rate 
  derivative fair value adjustment     5                (453)                116          79 
 Share of fair value adjustment 
  of interest rate derivatives 
  in effective hedges in joint 
  venture, net of deferred 
  tax                                  9                   60                 55         159 
-----------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Other comprehensive income 
  / (loss)                                              1,899              (416)       (483) 
-----------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period, net of tax                           28,029              1,289       9,204 
-----------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period, net of tax, 
  attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent                                  24,609              1,631       8,172 
 Non-controlling interests                              3,420              (342)       1,032 
-----------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
                                                       28,029              1,289       9,204 
-----------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

Condensed Group Statement of Changes in Equity

 
 Period ended                                                        Equity attributable 
  30 September 2013 (unaudited)      Stated    Hedging    Retained             to owners   Non-controlling 
                                    capital    reserve    earnings         of the parent         interests     Total 
                                     GBP000     GBP000      GBP000                GBP000            GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ----------------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2013 (audited)         211,367    (4,849)      87,573               294,091            46,163   340,254 
 Profit for the period                    -          -      23,189                23,189             2,941    26,130 
 Fair value adjustment 
  of interest rate derivatives            -      1,881           -                 1,881               411     2,292 
 Tax effect of interest 
  rate derivative fair 
  value adjustment                        -      (521)           -                 (521)                68     (453) 
 Share of fair value adjustment 
  of interest rate derivatives 
  in joint venture, net 
  of deferred tax                         -         60           -                    60                 -        60 
--------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period, net of 
  tax                                     -      1,420      23,189                24,609             3,420    28,029 
 At 30 September 2013 
  (unaudited)                       211,367    (3,429)     110,762               318,700            49,583   368,283 
--------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Period ended                                                        Equity attributable 
  30 September 2012 (unaudited)      Stated    Hedging    Retained             to owners   Non-controlling 
                                    capital    reserve    earnings         of the parent         interests     Total 
                                     GBP000     GBP000      GBP000                GBP000            GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ----------------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2012 (audited)         211,367    (4,752)      79,304               285,919            39,346   325,265 
 Profit for the period                    -          -       1,803                 1,803              (98)     1,705 
 Fair value adjustment 
  of interest rate derivatives            -      (260)           -                 (260)             (327)     (587) 
 Tax effect of interest 
  rate derivative fair 
  value adjustment                        -         33           -                    33                83       116 
 Share of fair value adjustment 
  of interest rate derivatives 
  in joint venture, net 
  of deferred tax                         -         55           -                    55                 -        55 
--------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period, net of 
  tax                                     -      (172)       1,803                 1,631             (342)     1,289 
 Equity contribution from 
  non-controlling interests               -          -           -                     -               600       600 
--------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ----------------  -------- 
 At 30 September 2012 
  (unaudited)                       211,367    (4,924)      81,107               287,550            39,604   327,154 
--------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ----------------  -------- 
 

Condensed Group Balance Sheet

 
                                             Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                                          30 September    30 September    31 March 
                                                  2013            2012        2013 
                                  Note          GBP000          GBP000      GBP000 
 Non-current assets: 
 Investment properties             8           532,809         462,082     509,864 
 Investment in joint venture       9             1,073           1,464         971 
 Interest rate derivatives 
  at fair value                    13            1,033           1,276       1,425 
 Deferred tax asset                5             1,029           1,601       1,546 
                                               535,944         466,423     513,806 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Current assets: 
 Trading properties                                  -             864           - 
 Trade and other receivables       10           19,053          13,119      17,512 
 Cash and cash equivalents         11           68,550         113,791      70,386 
                                                87,603         127,774      87,898 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Total assets                                  623,547         594,197     601,704 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Current liabilities: 
 Trade and other payables          12         (20,097)        (19,508)    (20,705) 
 Tax payable                                     (839)            (62)       (280) 
 Interest rate derivatives 
  at fair value                    13          (2,284)         (3,058)     (2,384) 
                                              (23,220)        (22,628)    (23,369) 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Non-current liabilities: 
 Borrowings                        13        (225,865)       (236,045)   (229,000) 
 Interest rate derivatives 
  at fair value                    13          (3,874)         (6,197)     (6,764) 
 Obligations under finance 
  leases                           13          (1,616)         (1,652)     (1,652) 
 Deferred tax liability            5             (689)           (521)       (665) 
                                             (232,044)       (244,415)   (238,081) 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Total liabilities                           (255,264)       (267,043)   (261,450) 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Net assets                                    368,283         327,154     340,254 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
 Equity attributable to owners 
  of the parent: 
 Stated capital                                211,367         211,367     211,367 
 Hedging reserve                               (3,429)         (4,924)     (4,849) 
 Retained earnings                             110,762          81,107      87,573 
                                               318,700         287,550     294,091 
 Non-controlling interests         6            49,583          39,604      46,163 
 Total equity                                  368,283         327,154     340,254 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
                                             Pence per       Pence per   Pence per 
                                                 share           share       share 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Basic and diluted NAV per 
  share                            14           144.9p          130.7p      133.7p 
 EPRA NAV per share                14           146.8p          134.1p      136.5p 
-------------------------------  -----  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

Condensed Group Cash Flow Statement

 
                                                     Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                                    six months         six months     year to 
                                               to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                          2013               2012        2013 
                                                        GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
 Cash flows from operating activities: 
 Profit before tax                                      26,785              1,418       9,436 
 Adjustments for non-cash items 
  Investment property revaluation                     (19,345)              6,489       6,356 
  Profit on sale of investment 
   properties                                            (957)               (77)       (947) 
  Share of (profit) / loss of 
   joint venture                                          (42)              (154)         443 
 Net finance costs                                       6,779              6,960      14,009 
 Cash flows from operations before 
  changes in working capital                            13,220             14,636      29,297 
 Change in trade and other receivables                 (1,847)            (3,711)     (6,035) 
 Change in trade and other payables                    (2,080)              (512)       (233) 
 Tax recovered / (paid)                                    297              (618)       (898) 
 Cash flows from operations                              9,590              9,795      22,131 
 Investing activities: 
 Investment property acquisitions                            -              (478)    (47,488) 
 Capital expenditure on investment 
  properties                                           (9,027)            (6,079)    (11,165) 
 Recoveries from escrow account                              -                 41          41 
 Proceeds from sale of investment 
  properties                                             7,953              3,084       8,251 
 Interest received                                          88                136         215 
 Cash flows from investing activities                    (986)            (3,296)    (50,146) 
 Financing activities: 
 Loans drawn down                                            -             32,000      32,000 
 Loan arrangement fees paid                              (154)            (1,362)     (2,540) 
 Loans repaid                                          (3,751)              (884)     (7,102) 
 Interest paid                                         (6,506)            (5,693)    (12,373) 
 Purchase of interest rate cap                            (29)                  -           - 
 Distribution to non-controlling 
  interests                                                  -                  -        (15) 
 Capital contribution from non-controlling 
  interests                                                  -                600       5,800 
 Cash flows from financing activities                 (10,440)             24,661      15,770 
 Net (decrease) / increase in 
  cash and cash equivalents                            (1,836)             31,160    (12,245) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  start of period                                       70,386             82,631      82,631 
-------------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of period                                         68,550            113,791      70,386 
-------------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

Notes to the Interim Report

   1.   General information about the Group 

Max Property Group Plc was listed on AIM and CISX on 27 May 2009. It is a closed-ended real estate investment company incorporated in Jersey on 17 April 2009.

The financial information set out in this report covers the six month period to 30 September 2013, with comparative amounts relating to the six month period to 30 September 2012 and the year to 31 March 2013.

This financial report includes the results and net assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, together referred to as the Group, along with the Group's interest in the results and net assets of its joint venture.

Further general information about the Company and the Group can be found on its website: www.maxpropertygroup.com.

   2.   Basis of preparation 

The financial information contained in this report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union, and on a going concern basis.

The condensed financial statements for the interim period are unaudited and do not constitute statutory accounts for the purposes of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. They should be read in conjunction with the Group's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2013, which are prepared under IFRS and upon which an unqualified auditors' report was given.

Except as noted below, the accounting policies adopted in this report are consistent with those included in the financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2013 and are expected to be consistently applied in the year ending 31 March 2014. The annual report is available from the Investor Centre page of the Company's website, www.maxpropertygroup.com, or by writing to the Company Secretary.

In the current financial year the Group has adopted the amendments to IAS 1 "Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income" and IFRS 13 "Fair Value Measurement". The amendments to IAS 1 require items of other comprehensive income to be grouped by those items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss and those that will be never be reclassified, as well as their associated income tax. IFRS 13 impacts the disclosure and measurement of financial instruments held at fair value, as set out in note 13.

The Group's financial performance is not subject to material seasonal fluctuations.

   3.   Operating segments 

During the current and prior periods, the Group operated in and was managed as one business segment, being property investment. All revenue arises from property investment and trading, with all properties located in the United Kingdom. No single tenant represented more than 10% of the Group's revenues during the current or any prior periods.

   4.   Finance income and costs 
 
                                                   Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                                  six months         six months     year to 
                                             to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                        2013               2012        2013 
                                                      GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Recognised in the income statement: 
 Finance income 
 Interest on cash deposits                                87                136         215 
-----------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Finance costs 
 Interest on secured debt                            (6,253)            (5,965)    (12,269) 
 Amortisation of loan issue costs                      (628)              (503)     (1,096) 
 Other finance costs                                   (170)              (287)       (493) 
 Fair value adjustment of interest 
  rate derivatives in ineffective 
  hedges (note 13)                                       193              (404)       (464) 
 Amount recycled from the hedging 
  reserve                                                 84                152         284 
 Finance lease interest                                 (92)               (89)       (186) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Total finance costs                                 (6,866)            (7,096)    (14,224) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Net finance costs recognised in 
  the income statement                               (6,779)            (6,960)    (14,009) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 
                                                   Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                                  six months         six months     year to 
                                             to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                        2013               2012        2013 
                                                      GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Recognised in other comprehensive 
  income: 
 Fair value adjustment of interest 
  rate derivatives in effective 
  hedges                                               2,376              (435)       (119) 
 Amount recycled to the income 
  statement                                             (84)              (152)       (284) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Net finance income / (costs) recognised 
  in other comprehensive income                        2,292              (587)       (403) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

Further information about the hedging instruments, including details of their valuation at the balance sheet date, is included in note 13.

The weighted average interest rate payable by the Group on its secured loans for the period ended 30 September 2013, including all lenders' margins but excluding amortised finance costs, was 5.4% (30 September 2012: 5.2%; 31 March 2013: 5.3%). The maximum rate payable in the period, had market rates exceeded the various fixed and capped rates protected by hedging transactions, would have been 6.0% (30 September 2012: 5.9%; 31 March 2013: 6.0%).

   5.   Taxation 

The tax charge / (credit) for the period recognised in the income statement was as follows:

 
                                               Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                              six months         six months     year to 
                                         to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                    2013               2012        2013 
                                                  GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Current tax: current year                           567                415         987 
 Current tax: adjustments in respect 
  of prior years                                       -              (840)     (1,220) 
 Deferred tax                                         88                138         300 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
                                                     655              (287)          67 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

The tax assessed for the period varies from the standard rate of income tax in the UK of 20%. The differences are explained below:

 
                                                 Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                                six months         six months     year to 
                                           to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                      2013               2012        2013 
                                                    GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
---------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                  26,785              1,418       9,436 
---------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 
   Profit before tax at the standard 
   rate of income tax in the UK of 
   20%                                               5,357                284       1,887 
 Adjustments in respect of prior 
  years                                                  -              (840)     (1,220) 
 Adjusted for the effects of: 
  Revaluations not subject to tax                  (3,869)              1,298       1,271 
  Income and property disposal profits 
   not subject to tax                              (1,248)            (1,408)     (2,730) 
  Share of results of joint venture 
   shown after tax                                     (8)               (31)          89 
  Expenses not deductible for tax                      186                403         610 
  Tax losses not yet utilised                          234                  6         160 
  Other                                                  3                  1           - 
---------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
                                                       655              (287)          67 
---------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

The movement on the deferred tax asset was as follows:

 
                                               Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                              six months         six months     year to 
                                         to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                    2013               2012        2013 
                                                  GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 At the start of the period                        1,546              1,453       1,453 
 Tax on interest rate derivative 
  fair value adjustment, (charged) 
  / credited to the income statement                (64)                 32          14 
 Tax on interest rate derivative 
  fair value adjustment, (charged) 
  / credited to other comprehensive 
  income                                           (453)                116          79 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 At the end of the period                          1,029              1,601       1,546 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

The movement on the deferred tax liability was as follows:

 
                                             Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                            six months         six months     year to 
                                       to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                  2013               2012        2013 
                                                GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 At the start of the period                        665                351         351 
 Tax on recognition of fixed and 
  minimum guaranteed rent reviews, 
  charged to the income statement                   24                170         314 
 At the end of the period                          689                521         665 
-----------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

Tax status of the Company and its subsidiaries

Any Group undertakings earning income are either tax resident in Jersey or are tax transparent entities owned by Jersey resident entities. Jersey has a corporate income tax rate of zero, so the Company and its subsidiaries are not subject to tax in Jersey on their income or gains. The Company is not subject to UK Corporation tax on any dividend or interest income it receives.

The Group's real estate assets are located in the United Kingdom and the net rental income earned, less deductible costs including interest, is subject to UK income tax currently at a rate applicable to Group undertakings of 20%. The joint venture investment is held in two UK companies which were subject to UK Corporation tax on profits at 23% for the period ended 30 September 2013 (30 September 2012 and 31 March 2013: 24%).

   6.   Non-controlling interests 

The non-controlling interests represent a 16.7% investment by a third party in three properties in Milton Keynes within the Provincial Offices portfolio and a 40% investment by another third party in St Katharine Docks.

 
                                                 Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                                six months         six months     year to 
                                           to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                      2013               2012        2013 
                                                    GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
---------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 At the start of the period                         46,163             39,346      39,346 
 Capital invested by third party 
  in St Katharine Docks                                  -                600       5,800 
 Share of profit / (loss) for the 
  period                                             2,941               (98)       1,100 
 Share of other comprehensive income 
  for the period                                       479              (244)        (68) 
 Distributions paid to non-controlling 
  interests                                              -                  -        (15) 
---------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 At the end of the period                           49,583             39,604      46,163 
---------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 
   7.   Earnings per share 

Earnings per share is calculated as profits attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company for each period divided by 220,000,002 ordinary shares in issue throughout each relevant period during which profits were earned. There are no share options or other equity instruments in issue and therefore no adjustments to be made for dilutive or potentially dilutive equity arrangements.

The European Public Real Estate Association ("EPRA") publishes guidelines for calculating adjusted earnings designed to represent core operational activities. The adjusted EPRA earnings per share calculation is as follows, with all figures shown net of any non-controlling interests:

 
                                                  Unaudited            Unaudited           Audited 
                                                 six months           six months           year to 
                                            to 30 September      to 30 September          31 March 
                                                       2013                 2012              2013 
                                                      Pence                Pence             Pence 
                                                  per share                  per               per 
                                        GBP000                  GBP000     share   GBP000    share 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  --------  -------  ------- 
 Basic earnings attributable 
  to shareholders                       23,189         10.5      1,803       0.8    8,269      3.8 
 Adjusted for: 
 Investment property revaluation      (16,582)        (7.5)      6,308       2.9    7,085      3.2 
 Profit on sale of investment 
  properties                             (957)        (0.4)       (77)         -    (947)    (0.5) 
 Fair value adjustment of interest 
  rate derivatives, net of tax           (439)        (0.2)      (131)     (0.1)    (464)    (0.2) 
 Fair value adjustment of interest 
  rate derivatives within joint 
  venture, net of tax                     (11)            -          3         -     (11)        - 
 EPRA earnings                           5,200          2.4      7,906       3.6   13,932      6.3 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  --------  -------  ------- 
 
   8.   Investment properties 
 
                                                             Long       Short 
                                             Freehold   leasehold   leasehold     Total 
                                               GBP000      GBP000      GBP000    GBP000 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Audited: 
 Carrying value as at 31 March 
  2012                                        386,729      76,268       1,128   464,125 
 Acquisition of the High Holborn 
  Estate                                       47,724           -           -    47,724 
 Transfer from trading property                   864           -           -       864 
 SDLT recovery on Provincial Offices 
  portfolio                                     (200)        (36)           -     (236) 
 Capital expenditure net of dilapidations 
  receipts                                     11,113        (78)          57    11,092 
 Recoveries from escrow account                  (41)           -           -      (41) 
 Disposals                                    (6,424)       (884)           -   (7,308) 
 Revaluation movement                         (3,316)     (2,891)       (149)   (6,356) 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Carrying value as at 31 March 
  2013                                        436,449      72,379       1,036   509,864 
 Unaudited: 
 Purchase of freehold of existing 
  leasehold property                            1,090     (1,090)           -         - 
 Change in valuation of head leases                 -        (36)           -      (36) 
 Capital expenditure net of dilapidations 
  receipts                                     10,755       (115)           -    10,640 
 Disposals                                    (7,004)           -           -   (7,004) 
 Revaluation movement                          18,579         781        (15)    19,345 
 Carrying value as at 30 September 
  2013                                        459,869      71,919       1,021   532,809 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

The following table reconciles the carrying values of the investment properties to their fair values:

 
                                                           Long       Short 
                                           Freehold   leasehold   leasehold     Total 
                                             GBP000      GBP000      GBP000    GBP000 
 Audited: 
 Carrying value as at 31 March 
  2013                                      436,449      72,379       1,036   509,864 
 Headlease liabilities (note 13)                  -     (1,634)        (18)   (1,652) 
 Rent free periods and fixed or 
  guaranteed rent reviews (note 
  10)                                         7,162       1,169          76     8,407 
 Capitalised letting fees                       934         266           6     1,206 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Portfolio valuation as at 31 March 
  2013                                      444,545      72,180       1,100   517,825 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Unaudited: 
 Carrying value as at 30 September 
  2013                                      459,869      71,919       1,021   532,809 
 Headlease liabilities (note 13)                  -     (1,598)        (18)   (1,616) 
 Rent free periods and fixed or 
  guaranteed rent reviews (note 
  10)                                         8,128       1,344          34     9,506 
 Capitalised letting fees                     1,073         310           3     1,386 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Portfolio valuation as at 30 September 
  2013                                      469,070      71,975       1,040   542,085 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

Revaluation movements comprise:

 
                                             Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                            six months         six months     year to 
                                       to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                  2013               2012        2013 
                                                GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Property revaluation                           20,624            (4,286)     (1,974) 
 Movement in rent free periods, 
  fixed or guaranteed rent reviews 
  and capitalised letting fees                 (1,279)            (2,203)     (4,382) 
-----------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Investment property revaluation 
  in the income statement                       19,345            (6,489)     (6,356) 
 Investment property revaluation 
  attributable to non-controlling 
  interests                                    (2,763)                181       (729) 
-----------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Investment property revaluation 
  attributable to owners of the 
  parent                                        16,582            (6,308)     (7,085) 
-----------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

The properties were independently valued as at 30 September 2013 by CBRE Limited, Commercial Real Estate Advisors, in their capacity as external valuers. The valuation was prepared on a fixed fee basis, independent of the property value, and in accordance with RICS Valuation - Professional Standards (2012) on the basis of fair value, supported by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties. Fair value represents the estimated amount that should be received for selling an investment property in an orderly transaction between market participants at the valuation date.

The historic cost of the Group's investment properties as at 30 September 2013 was GBP485.8 million (30 September 2012: GBP432.7 million; 31 March 2013: GBP480.3 million).

   9.   Investment in joint venture 

The investment in joint venture represents the Group's 45% economic interest (50% voting interest) in MPG Hospital Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in England & Wales and operating in the United Kingdom. The movement in the investment in joint venture in the period was as follows:

 
                                               Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                              six months         six months     year to 
                                         to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                    2013               2012        2013 
                                                  GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 At the start of the period                          971              1,255       1,255 
 Share of profit / (loss) for the 
  period recognised in the income 
  statement                                           42                154       (443) 
 Share of other comprehensive income                  60                 55         159 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
                                                   1,073              1,464         971 
-------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

The properties in the joint venture were independently valued as at 30 September 2013 at GBP32.7 million (30 September 2012: GBP34.7 million; 31 March 2013: GBP32.9 million) by CBRE Limited, Commercial Real Estate Advisors, in their capacity as external valuers. The valuation was prepared on a fixed fee basis, independent of the property value, and in accordance with RICS Valuation - Professional Standards (2012) on the basis of fair value, supported by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties.

The Group has no capital commitments or contingent liabilities in relation to the joint venture, and the joint venture itself has no capital commitments or contingent liabilities.

10. Trade and other receivables

 
                                              Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                                           30 September    30 September    31 March 
                                                   2013            2012        2013 
                                                 GBP000          GBP000      GBP000 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Trade receivables net of provisions              2,809           3,462       3,328 
 Investment property disposal proceeds 
  receivable                                      1,763               -       1,763 
 VAT receivable                                     499             972         408 
 Tax recoverable                                      -               -         305 
 Interest receivable                                  -               1           1 
 Rent free periods and fixed or 
  guaranteed rent reviews - investment 
  properties                                      9,506           6,254       8,407 
 Rent free periods and fixed or 
  guaranteed rent reviews - trading 
  properties                                          -             151           - 
 Capitalised letting fees                         1,386           1,115       1,206 
 Prepayments and accrued income                     962             977       1,713 
 Other receivables                                2,128             187         381 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
                                                 19,053          13,119      17,512 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

GBP1.2 million (30 September 2012: GBP0.7 million; 31 March 2013: GBP0.8 million) of rent free periods and fixed or guaranteed rent reviews are due within one year, with the remainder due in more than one year. GBP0.3 million (30 September 2012 and 31 March 2013: GBP0.3 million) of capitalised letting fees are due within one year, with the remainder due in more than one year. The investment property disposal proceeds were received on schedule in November 2013.

11. Cash and cash equivalents

 
                                          Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                                       30 September    30 September    31 March 
                                               2013            2012        2013 
                                             GBP000          GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                   48,500          97,603      43,201 
 Cash and cash equivalents secured 
  under lending facilities                   20,050          16,188      27,186 
                                             68,550         113,791      70,386 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

GBP6.3 million (30 September 2012: GBP5.6 million; 31 March 2013: GBP9.0 million) of the Group's cash and cash equivalents balance is attributable to non-controlling interests.

12. Trade and other payables

 
                                        Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                                     30 September    30 September    31 March 
                                             2013            2012        2013 
                                           GBP000          GBP000      GBP000 
---------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Trade payables                             3,455           1,999       3,575 
 Rent received in advance                   9,485           8,821       9,029 
 Other taxes and social security            1,382           1,217       1,917 
 Other amounts payable                        610           3,506       1,926 
 Accruals and deferred income               5,165           3,965       4,258 
---------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
                                           20,097          19,508      20,705 
---------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

All amounts above are due within one year and none incur interest.

13. Financial assets and liabilities

Non-current financial liabilities

 
                                          Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                                       30 September    30 September    31 March 
                                               2013            2012        2013 
                                             GBP000          GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Secured loans                              229,353         239,422     233,104 
 Unamortised finance costs                  (3,488)         (3,377)     (4,104) 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
                                            225,865         236,045     229,000 
 Obligations under finance leases 
  (note 8)                                    1,616           1,652       1,652 
 Interest rate derivatives at fair 
  value                                       3,874           6,197       6,764 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
                                            231,355         243,894     237,416 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

The fixed rate loan had a book value of GBP32.0 million (30 September 2012 and 31 March 2013: GBP32.0 million) and a fair value of GBP32.1 million (30 September 2012: GBP32.5 million; 31 March 2013: GBP32.6 million). Otherwise there was no difference between the book value and fair value of the non-current financial liabilities shown above.

The Group's principal borrowing arrangements are as follows:

 
Facility                           Industrious         St Katharine          Provincial          London Pubs 
                                                              Docks             Offices 
Lender                             Wells Fargo          Wells Fargo  Longbow Investment          Wells Fargo 
                           Bank International/   Bank International      No.2 Sàrl   Bank International 
                                Abbey National 
                                      Treasury 
                                  Services Plc 
Recourse beyond 
 ring-fenced sub-group                    None                 None                None                 None 
Loan drawn                                                                     May/June 
                                  October 2009          August 2011                2012         January 2011 
Initial drawdown                     GBP127.7m             GBP86.7m            GBP32.0m             GBP25.5m 
Balance at 30 September 
 2013                                 GBP90.9m             GBP86.7m            GBP32.0m             GBP19.8m 
Fair value of secured 
 properties at 30 
 September 2013                      GBP191.9m            GBP199.3m            GBP33.6m             GBP45.1m 
Gross LTV ratio 
 at 30 September 
 2013                                    47.4%                43.5%               95.4%                43.9% 
Net LTV ratio at 
 30 September 2013                       42.6%                36.0%               90.6%                33.7% 
Current repayment                                                              Interest 
 terms                           Interest only        Interest only                only        Interest only 
Repayment date                                                                September 
                                   August 2016          August 2016                2016         January 2016 
------------------------  --------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ------------------- 
 

The terms of the loans may, in the event of a covenant default, restrict the ability of certain subsidiaries to transfer funds outside the relevant security group. There have been no defaults or other breaches of financial covenants under any of the loans during the current or prior periods, or in the period since the balance sheet date.

The Group had no undrawn, committed borrowing facilities at 30 September 2013 or at the end of any prior period.

Derivative financial instruments

The following derivative financial instruments were in place as at 30 September 2013:

 
                                              Notional amount                               Fair value 
                                     Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited       Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                                  30 September    30 September    31 March    30 September    30 September    31 March 
                        Expiry            2013            2012        2013            2013            2012        2013 
                                        GBP000          GBP000      GBP000          GBP000          GBP000      GBP000 
--------------------  --------  --------------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
                        August 
 2.6% swap                2016          63,755               -      63,755         (2,935)               -     (4,259) 
                        August 
 3% cap                   2016          32,843               -      32,843              97               -          43 
 4% amortising          August 
  swap                    2014               -          64,242           -               -         (3,998)           - 
                        August 
 4% cap                   2014          56,750          56,750      56,750               -               2           - 
 2.3% amortising        August 
  swap                    2016          86,000          86,000      86,000         (3,223)         (5,257)     (4,889) 
 2.3% receivers         August 
  swaption                2016          86,000          86,000      86,000             914           1,249       1,376 
                         March 
 3.5% cap                 2015          19,183          25,500      25,500               2               6           2 
 3.5% cap 
  from April               Jan 
  2015                    2016          19,183               -           -              15               -           - 
 3.5% cap 
  held for 
  future                 March 
  transactions            2015          80,817          74,500      74,500               5              19           4 
--------------------  --------  --------------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
                                                                                   (5,125)         (7,979)     (7,723) 
 -----------------------------  --------------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

The profile of the notional swapped and cap amounts have been estimated to match the expected loan profiles reasonably closely. Since the loan profiles cannot be predicted with certainty the swap and cap profiles are monitored regularly and adjusted as necessary.

Movements in the valuation of derivative financial instruments in the period were as follows:

 
                                           Unaudited          Unaudited     Audited 
                                          six months         six months     year to 
                                     to 30 September    to 30 September    31 March 
                                                2013               2012        2013 
                                              GBP000             GBP000      GBP000 
---------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 At the start of the period                  (7,723)            (7,140)     (7,140) 
 Charged to the income statement 
  (note 4)                                       193              (404)       (464) 
 Charged directly to the hedging 
  reserve                                      2,376              (435)       (119) 
 Premium paid on acquisition of                   29                  -           - 
  interest rate cap 
 At the end of the period                    (5,125)            (7,979)     (7,723) 
---------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

Derivative financial instruments are categorised as follows:

 
                               Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                            30 September    30 September    31 March 
                                    2013            2012        2013 
                                  GBP000          GBP000      GBP000 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Financial assets 
  within one year                      -               -           - 
  in more than one year            1,033           1,276       1,425 
 Financial liabilities 
  within one year                (2,284)         (3,058)     (2,384) 
  in more than one year          (3,874)         (6,197)     (6,764) 
                                 (5,125)         (7,979)     (7,723) 
------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

The derivative contracts and the fixed rate loan have been valued by reference to interbank bid market rates as at the close of business on 28 September 2013 by JC Rathbone Associates Limited, and include the full LIBOR basis spread. All derivative financial instruments are classified as "level 2" as defined in IFRS 13 as their fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, but that are observable either directly or indirectly.

The fair values of hedging instruments change constantly with interest rate fluctuations, but the exposure of the Group to movements in interest rates is protected by way of the hedging products listed above. These valuations do not necessarily reflect the cost or gain to the Group of cancelling its interest rate protection, which is generally a marginally higher cost or smaller gain than a market valuation.

14. Net asset value per share

Net asset value per share is calculated as the net assets of the Group attributable to shareholders at each balance sheet date, divided by the number of shares in issue at that date.

There are no share options or other equity instruments in issue and therefore no adjustments to be made for dilutive or potentially dilutive equity arrangements.

The European Public Real Estate Association ("EPRA") has issued guidelines aimed at providing a measure of net asset value ("NAV") on the basis of long term fair values. The EPRA measure excludes items that are considered to have no impact in the long term, such as the fair value of derivative instruments and deferred tax balances. The Group's EPRA NAV is calculated as follows, with all figures shown net of any non-controlling interests:

 
                                                   Unaudited          Unaudited            Audited 
                                                30 September       30 September           31 March 
                                                        2013               2012               2013 
                                                       Pence              Pence              Pence 
                                                   per share                per                per 
                                         GBP000                GBP000     share    GBP000    share 
-------------------------------------  --------  -----------  --------  -------  --------  ------- 
 Basic NAV                              318,700        144.9   287,550    130.7   294,091    133.7 
 Adjustments: 
 Fair value of financial instruments      4,987          2.3     7,686      3.5     7,366      3.4 
 Deferred tax                             (845)        (0.4)   (1,280)    (0.6)   (1,265)    (0.6) 
 Fair value of financial instruments 
  in joint venture, net of deferred 
  tax                                        20            -       199      0.1        90        - 
 Fair value of trading property 
  in excess of book value                     -            -       916      0.4         -        - 
 EPRA NAV                               322,862        146.8   295,120    134.1   300,282    136.5 
-------------------------------------  --------  -----------  --------  -------  --------  ------- 
 

15. Related party transactions and balances

Interests in shares

The direct and indirect interests of the Directors and their families in the share capital of the Company are as follows:

 
                      Unaudited       Unaudited    Unaudited 
                   30 September    30 September     31 March 
                           2013            2012         2013 
---------------  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 Aubrey Adams           100,000         100,000      100,000 
 Mike Brown           5,000,000       5,000,000    5,000,000 
 Freddie Cohen           20,000          20,000       20,000 
 Keith Hamill            40,000          40,000       40,000 
 Nick Leslau         20,000,000      20,000,000   20,000,000 
 Alex Ohlsson           150,000         150,000      150,000 
 John Stephen            40,000          40,000       40,000 
 David Waters            25,000          25,000       25,000 
---------------  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 

Directors' fees

Directors' fees of GBP0.1 million (period to 30 September 2012: GBP0.1 million; year to 31 March 2013: GBP0.2 million) were payable for the period ended 30 September 2013. As at 30 September 2013, GBP19,000 (30 September 2012 and 31 March 2013: GBP19,000) of these fees remained outstanding and are included within other amounts payable (note 12).

Management fees payable

Nick Leslau and Mike Brown hold partnership interests in, and are Chairman and Chief Executive respectively of, Prestbury Investments LLP, which is Property Advisor to the Group under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement entered into on 21 May 2009. Under the terms of that agreement, management fees of GBP2.6 million (period to 30 September 2012: GBP2.5 million; year to 31 March 2013: GBP5.1 million) were payable to Prestbury in respect of the period, of which GBPnil (30 September 2012 and 31 March 2013: GBPnil) was outstanding as at the balance sheet date. GBP0.1 million (period to 30 September 2012 and year to 31 March 2013: GBP0.1 million) of this fee has been reduced by the Property Advisor in recognition of the fact that it directly receives a management fee from the Hospitals joint venture described in note 9, in relation to the services provided which are sub-contracted by the Company. This amount is included in other income in the income statement.

In the course of its duties as Property Advisor and in accordance with the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, Prestbury is entitled to recover the costs and expenses properly incurred in connection with its duties. During the period, Prestbury has recharged at cost GBP13,000 (period to 30 September 2012: GBP12,000; year to 31 March 2013: GBP31,000) to the Group in this respect, of which GBPnil (30 September 2012 and 31 March 2013: GBPnil) remained outstanding as at the balance sheet date.

Incentive payments

Under the terms of the carried interest arrangements between the Company, Prestbury (Scotland) Limited Partnership ("Prestbury Scotland", a partnership in which Nick Leslau and Mike Brown have 49% and 25% interests respectively), and OZ UK Real Estate Securities Limited ("Och-Ziff"), once the GBP211.4 million of net funds raised on listing have been returned to shareholders, then cash returns over and above that amount may ultimately be shared as to 80% to shareholders and 20% to Prestbury Scotland and Och-Ziff, subject to shareholders having first received an amount in excess of a 'hurdle', being the net proceeds of share issues in cash plus an 11% per annum preferred return.

The carried interest payments are payable only on cash realisations other than where either the Investment Advisory Agreement has been terminated (where the net asset value of the Group is used in the calculation as if that amount had been returned to shareholders in cash) or there has been a takeover of the Company (in which case the offer price is used in the calculation).

No carried interest payment has yet become payable. Taking account of the fact that no fee has yet been earned, together with the uncertainties arising from the length of the period over which the incentive fee will be determined, the challenging future returns required and current market index projections of general property value growth over the medium term, the Directors have concluded that it would not be appropriate to make a provision for the incentive fee at this stage. The Board keeps this position under review and, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant accounting standard, IAS 37, will provide for a liability for incentive payments if it is considered more likely than not that payments will be made.

Once the investors in the St Katharine Docks joint venture have received cash returns equal to their participations in St Katharine Docks (currently totalling GBP103.1 million) plus an 11% per annum preferred return, any cash returns over and above that amount will be shared 84% to the Group and 16% to the non-controlling interests. Taking into account the uncertainty over the ultimate net disposal value of the joint venture's assets, no account has yet been taken of potential incentive fees arising from this arrangement.

16. Commitments and contingent liabilities

 
                                              Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                                           30 September    30 September    31 March 
                                                   2013            2012        2013 
                                                 GBP000          GBP000      GBP000 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Capital commitments - Max share                 10,280           1,099      11,316 
 Capital commitments - non-controlling 
  interests' share                                5,108             588       7,309 
                                                 15,388           1,687      18,625 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

Capital commitments are in respect of refurbishment works on investment properties.

17. Events after the balance sheet date

On 4 October 2013, the sale of two industrial units in Romford completed for cash consideration of GBP0.4 million. GBP0.1m of the proceeds were subsequently used in part repayment of the loan secured on the Industrious portfolio. On 6 November 2013, the sale of the Portobello Star pub completed for cash consideration of GBP1.5 million. GBP0.6 million of the proceeds were used in part repayment of the loan secured on the London Pubs portfolio. In each case, unconditional contracts for sale had been exchanged prior to the balance sheet date. The profit on sale for Romford was included in the results for the period ended 30 September 2013 while the profit on sale for the pub was included in the results for the year ended 31 March 2013. The sale proceeds are included on the balance sheet in trade and other receivables, less any deposits paid by the purchasers which are included in cash and cash equivalents.

Glossary

 
 AIM                             The Alternative Investment Market of the 
                                  London Stock Exchange 
 CISX                            The Daily Official List of the Channel Islands 
                                  Stock Exchange 
 EPRA                            European Public Real Estate Association 
 EPRA EPS                        A measure of earnings per share designed 
                                  by EPRA to present underlying earnings from 
                                  core operating activities 
 EPRA NAV                        A measure of net asset value designed by 
                                  EPRA to present net asset value excluding 
                                  the effects of fluctuations in value in 
                                  instruments that are held for long term 
                                  benefit, net of deferred tax 
 EPRA Vacancy Rate               ERV of vacant space divided by ERV of the 
                                  whole portfolio, excluding in each case 
                                  any property under development 
 EPS                             Earnings per share, calculated as the earnings 
                                  for the period after tax attributable to 
                                  members of the parent Company (that is, 
                                  excluding any non-controlling interests) 
                                  divided by the weighted average number of 
                                  shares in issue in the period 
 Equivalent Yield                The constant capitalisation rate which, 
                                  if applied to all cash flows from an investment 
                                  property, equates to the fair value 
 ERV                             Estimated rental value: the open market 
                                  rental value expected to be achievable at 
                                  the date of valuation 
 Gross LTV                       LTV calculated on the gross loan amount 
 Initial Yield                   Annualised net rents on investment properties 
                                  as a percentage of the investment property 
                                  valuation 
 Investment Advisory Agreement   The agreement made between the Company, 
                                  Prestbury Investments LLP and Gallium Fund 
                                  Solutions Limited under which Prestbury 
                                  provides certain services to the Group 
 LTV                             The outstanding amount of a loan as a percentage 
                                  of property value 
 NAV                             Net asset value 
 Net LTV                         LTV calculated on the gross loan amount 
                                  less cash balances 
 Property Advisor                Prestbury Investments LLP 
  or Prestbury 
 psf                             Per square foot 
 Reversionary Yield              The anticipated yield to which the Initial 
                                  Yield will rise once the rent reaches the 
                                  ERV 
 sq ft                           Square feet 
 
 

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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Max Prop (LSE:MAX)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2024 to Jun 2024 Click Here for more Max Prop Charts.
Max Prop (LSE:MAX)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2023 to Jun 2024 Click Here for more Max Prop Charts.