TIDMSHED
RNS Number : 0647G
Urban Logistics REIT PLC
11 November 2022
RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
Significant asset management and a strong occupational market
creates a resilient position
Commenting on the results, Richard Moffitt, Manager CEO,
said:
"Urban Logistics has the strength, strategy and sector
positioning to perform well even in these current turbulent
economic conditions. We continue to see consistency in the occupier
markets, where the fundamentals of the demand and supply imbalance
continue to play out to our advantage, leading to low vacancy
rates, demand for space and the opportunity to increase rents."
"Our portfolio has seen market driven yield erosion, however,
our asset management initiatives have largely offset this leading
to a reduction in NTA of just 3%. We maintain a low LTV of 22% and
a low cost of debt of 3.3%. By sticking to our core strategy of
investing in mid box, single let, logistics assets, to financially
secure tenants, often with near term asset management
opportunities, we have built a portfolio and a business model able
to deliver underlying performance whatever the economic
weather."
"As an active asset manager we are not dependant on the property
cycle or the vagaries of the capital markets to create value -
instead we create value for our shareholders through our strategy
of improving covenants, increasing lease lengths and increasing
rental rates to improve our portfolio."
"Therefore, our focus is, and will remain, on those long term
drivers of value which are within our control. We are confident
that our strategy will deliver."
HIGHLIGHTS
Strong Financial Performance
-- Net rental income of GBP25.4m +59.3% (Sep 2021: GBP16.0m)
-- High gross to net rental income ratio 96.4% (Sep 2021: 96.0%)
-- IFRS profit of GBP2.4m (Sep 2021: GBP50.3m)
-- Adjusted EPS(1) of 3.38 pence (Sep 2021: 3.46 pence)
-- Dividend per share of 3.25 pence (Sep 2021: 3.25 pence)
-- 99.6% of H1 rents demanded were collected (Sep 2021: 100%)
Robust Balance Sheet
-- EPRA net tangible assets ("NTA") of 183.1 pence per share,
-3% since March 2022, +11% since September 2021, (Mar 2022: 188.8
pence per share, Sep 2021: 164.3 pence per share)
-- IFRS net assets of GBP871m (Sep 2021: GBP534m)
-- Loan to value ("LTV") of 22.3% (Sep 2021: 16.9%)
-- GBP310m of long term debt with a weighted average maturity of
6.4 years (Sep 2021: GBP199m with a weighted average maturity of
3.0 years)
-- Weighted average debt costs of 3.0% for the period, 97%
hedged or fixed (Sep 2021: 2.5%, 69% hedged)
-- No refinancing required until August 2025
High quality portfolio with significant asset management
potential
-- A well-balanced portfolio of 125 mid-box urban logistics
assets covering 9.1 million sq ft with a valuation of GBP1,132m
(Sep 2021: 91 assets, 5.8m sq ft, GBP660m), providing dependable
income and asset management opportunities to drive value
-- 13 properties acquired during the period for a combined
consideration of GBP112 million (excluding purchaser costs), with
NIY ranging from 4.1% to 7.0%; 4.8% on a blended basis
-- WAULT of 8.3 years (Sep 2021: 7.9 years)
-- 59% like-for-like rental increases across 21 lease events completed during the period
-- Portfolio like-for-like ("LFL") Estimated Rental Values (ERV)
up by 5.4% in the period, as occupational market remains strong
-- EPRA occupancy rate of 95.0% (Sep 2021: 99.4%)
-- 40% of the portfolio with an EPC of A-B (H1 2021: 26%), and 85% A-C (Sep 2021: 80%)
Outlook: Resilient income flows with continued positive
occupational market
-- The occupational market remains very strong, with low
national vacancies of 3% (Savills) driven by underlying
supply/demand imbalance resulting in strong rental growth
-- c.GBP60m available to deploy on new acquisitions opportunistically
-- Robust balance sheet with no refinancing events until August 2025, and debt 97% hedged
-- Significant asset management opportunities within the
portfolio providing substantial near-term value drivers
-- Strong tenant base focused on essential goods and less likely
to be susceptible to broader economic headwinds - including Theo
Muller Group, Unipart Group (NHS), XPO Logistics, Giant Booker
(Tesco)
1. A full reconciliation between IFRS profit and Adjusted earnings can be found in
note 9
of the Financial Statements.
2. A reconciliation of other financial information can be found in the Supplementary
Information
on pages 29 to 31.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
NIGEL RICH CBE, Chairman
OVERVIEW
The expectation of higher interest rates to combat the effects
of inflation has led to a significant fall in the value of property
companies in all sectors of the market. Investors are presumably
concerned that valuation yields will rise, putting pressure on the
balance sheets of REITs.
We believe that our portfolio of properties, with its geographic
spread across England and Scotland, proximate to cities, towns and
motorways, a tenant base of largely logistics companies providing
essential goods, and with opportunities for active asset
management, is well placed to weather the economic storm. Occupancy
sits at 95% and more than 99% of rents demanded were paid in
respect of the last period.
Whilst we have used our debt facilities to purchase GBP112m of
assets during the period our net LTV ratio at the end of September
was 22%. Our manager felt it would be prudent to maintain an LTV
below our stated range of 30-40% because of the economic
climate.
RESULTS
Our adjusted earnings, before changes in the fair value of
investment properties, increased to GBP16.0m, compared to GBP9.9m
in the comparable period last year, largely reflecting the new
assets acquired since December 2021 following the fundraising.
Adjusted EPS at 3.38 pence per share vs 3.46 pence was only
marginally lower, despite the share issuance associated with the
raise.
IFRS profit after tax for the period was GBP2.4 million (30
September 2021: GBP50.3 million). The reduction in earnings was a
result of the valuation deficit of GBP22.2 million (30 September
2021: surplus of GBP40.6 million).
Asset management has led to a fall in vacancy from 6.9% at the
end of March to 5.0% at the end of September, and there have been
21 lease events which have resulted in significant rent
increases.
NTA per share at 183.1 pence is down 3% from the end of March,
when NTA was 188.8 pence. This reflects an increase in the
valuation yield offset to some extent by the value of improvements
as a result of active asset management.
DIVIDS
A first interim dividend of 3.25 per share will be paid on 16
December 2022 to shareholders of record on 25 November 2022. This
is the same rate as last year despite the increase in shares.
It remains our intention to pay a second interim dividend in
2023 of 4.35 pence, also at the same rate as was paid earlier this
year.
MANAGEMENT AND BOARD
Our management has navigated changing economic and market
conditions with care and vigilance. We have started discussions
with the manager about the contractual arrangements with the
company bearing in mind the expiry of the existing contract in
April 2024. We shall consult with shareholders in due course.
I reported in June that we were progressing the search for a new
non-executive director. We have yet to make an appointment but the
search is continuing and we would expect to make the appointment in
the coming months.
OUTLOOK
We remain confident that our portfolio of properties and the
strength of our balance sheet will enable us to withstand the
economic headwinds. With our LTV at 22% we have the financial
resources to purchase further assets as and when our manager sees
value in the opportunities.
Nigel Rich CBE, Chairman
11 November 2022
MANAGER'S REPORT
OVERVIEW
The global economic outlook has changed significantly over the
period. Inflation is not proving to be the transitory phenomenon
many policy makers and commentators believed it would be post
pandemic, and instead it is credible that central banks will be
engaged in a multi-year battle to tame it, using the tools at their
disposal - tight monetary policy. Interest rate changes have been
wielded aggressively causing market volatility and economic
uncertainty. As a listed business our share price is not immune to
these macro economic conditions, albeit we continue to have
measured confidence in Urban Logistics' prospects, not least given
the high quality portfolio we have assembled, our strong cash flows
from our resilient rental base and the visibility we have over
increased rental levels coming through in a significant number of
our assets
We have always had a focus on the strength of our tenant
covenants, and a preference for tenants supplying essential goods.
94% of our tenants by rental value are rated as low to moderate
risk by Dun & Bradstreet, and we have collected close to 100%
of rent demanded in H1, which supports our cashflow and dividend.
Our balance sheet is robust, with 97% of debt fixed or hedged with
an all-in cost of 3.3%, giving us security against rising interest
rates. Our rent reviews are overwhelmingly open market and/or CPI
linked, meaning we can capture the inflationary uplift in rents
quickly. Most importantly, our assets remain in high demand, as
shown by our vacancy rate of 5% and our 59% like-for-like rental
rate increase across 21 lease events completed in the period.
We approach the macro-economic uncertainty from a position of
balance sheet strength and we are able to selectively take
advantage of good acquisition opportunities where they present
themselves and where our continued access to off market
transactions enables us to buy assets at what we consider to be
attractive prices. We have completed 13 investment transactions
worth GBP112m in the period, but we have also chosen to keep funds
in reserve, at the expense of short term cash drag, to give us the
benefit of a cash balance to pick and choose where we see the best
value over any protracted period of economic uncertainty.
What has been a constant is our active asset management, which
is crucial for driving value in uncertain times. We have completed
twelve new lettings over 469,941 sq ft of space, generating
additional rental income of GBP4.0m per annum. At the same time we
have settled six rent reviews and three regears, at an average
uplift of 29% and 37% respectively, while improving the portion of
our portfolio with an EPC of A-B from 27% in March to 38% in
September, on a LFL basis. Our deep sector expertise, close
relationship with our tenants and focus on the fundamentals allows
us to add value to assets throughout the property cycle. This asset
management has significantly offset an inevitable unwinding of
yields from the highs of March 2022.
THE MARKET
In contrast to the equity markets, the underlying occupational
market has shown few signs of weakening in the face of the broader
macro economic conditions. The UK is moving from an economy
featuring highly flexible globalised supply chains and in person
retail, to one with international supply chain friction, and
e-commerce focused retail. These structural changes require a
higher level of warehouse space than currently exist in this
country, resulting in some of the lowest vacancies on record, and
increasing rental rates. This is reflected in our portfolio by the
ERV growth - on a like for like basis over the six month period ERV
has increased by over 5%.
We can see this in the statistics across the UK market. The
first half of 2022 saw yet another record set for take-up of space
- the third straight H1 record in a row at 29m sq ft (H1 2021: 25m
sq ft). National vacancies remain very low at 3% (H1 2021: 4%). For
context, the long term trend, consistent with stable rental rates
is closer to 8%, and a five year average of 6% (source:
Savills).
This take-up of space is driven by long term efforts to build
resilient supply chains which can weather the unknown. The last few
years of global events have taught supply chain managers the value
in resilience, as they battle unpredictable transport and energy
costs, reducing availability of labour and rolling lockdowns still
evident in China causing havoc with just in time delivery business
models. As companies onshore more of their operations, they need
the capacity to hold more stock as required, causing demand for
warehousing space to increase.
When we look at the current take-up of space in the market at
large, we can see that this is not just driven by e-commerce
businesses. Indeed, this record take up was achieved despite the
well publicised exit of Amazon from the leasing market. Third Party
Logistics firms ("3PLs") take the largest share: 25% of the new
take-up in H1, with manufacturing representing 21% of new take-up.
Online retail has fallen from 35% in H1 2021 to just 18% in H1 2022
(Source: Savills). This diversity of tenants shows the depth and
strength of demand for logistics space. We have focused on the 3PLs
and the manufacturers producing essential goods with strong
covenants and resilient business models, avoiding exposure to the
likes of fashion brands and tenants exposed to discretionary spend
where there has always been the potential for volatility in their
underlying markets
It is also worth understanding the type of space being taken up
in the market. While 36% of take up consisted of "Build to Spec"
(BTS) big boxes, the largest share by value (39%) was in our chosen
mid bracket size of sub 300k sq ft (source: CBRE). With these
levels of demand we see a continuing positive trend in rental
levels.
On the supply side, for many years there have been significant
bottlenecks in the provision of new space. Industrial use is often
at the back of the queue when it comes to planning, and build costs
touched stratospheric peaks during the pandemic. We have seen build
costs begin to come back in, which we believe may give us an
opportunity to build up our own development pipeline going forward.
Whenever we do look at development, we chose to forward fund
experienced developers with strong balance sheets, allowing us to
take lettings risk, but not development risk - a model which has
served us well.
PORTFOLIO AND VALUATIONS
This period saw our portfolio grow to GBP1.13bn, up from
GBP1.0bn in March 2022, and GBP660m in September 2021, driven by
acquisitions following our December equity raise.
Our portfolio was valued at an equivalent yield of 5.5% at the
period end. On a like-for-like basis this represents a 35bps
erosion in yields since March 2022; this capital market driven
yield erosion would normally imply a 7% decrease in capital values.
In fact, on a like-for-like basis we have seen a dip of just 1.9%.
The reason for this differential is the quality of our portfolio
and the continued focus on improving portfolio income through asset
management activity, as we have sought to increase lease length,
improve rental rates and strengthen covenants.
The mismatch between the strong occupational market and the
uncertain capital markets is best summed up in two statistics from
our portfolio. On a like-for-like basis we saw market rents move on
by more than 5% over the 6 month period. Despite this we saw
like-for-like capital values decrease by 1.9%.
As at 30 September As at 31 March
2022 2022
--------------------- ------------------ --------------
Portfolio value(1) GBP1,132m GBP1,015m
Valuation NIY 4.4% 4.3%
Equivalent yield 5.5% 5.2%
WAULT (to expiry)(2) 8.3 years 7.7 years
Area 9.1 million 8.3 million
sq ft sq ft
Contracted rent GBP56.8m GBP47.3m
EPC ratings: A-B 40% 27%
--------------------- ------------------ --------------
1. As per CBRE valuation as at 30 September 2022.
2. WAULT to first break is 6.6 years (March 2022: 6.2 years)
We continue to focus on a portfolio balanced across three key
areas: 'Core' assets, with long term secure income underpinning our
dividend, 'Active Asset Management' opportunities where we can
apply our expertise to improve leases and buildings, and a
carefully selected limited pool of developments offering greater
returns commensurate to the development risk being undertaken.
Core Active Asset Developments Total
Management
Capital Value GBP565m GBP545m GBP22m GBP1,132m
Percentage of portfolio 50% 48% 2% 100%
Area 4.0m sq ft 5.1m sq ft NA 9.1m sq ft
Contracted rent GBP29m GBP28m NA GBP57m
ERV/Expected rent GBP31m GBP35m GBP1m GBP67m
WAULT 12.8 years 3.6 years NA 8.3 years
EPC A-B 56% 24% NA 40%
Equivalent yield/yield
on cost 5.1% 5.6% 7.0% 5.5%
------------------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Our GBP545m active asset management portfolio is well-positioned
to benefit from the enhancements that will be driven through our
value creation initiatives. With a WAULT of 3.6 years, and ERV 25%
ahead of current contracted rent, there is clearly value to be
derived from this portion of the portfolio as we increase rental
rates to ERV. All things being equal, we would also expect to move
yields from the 5.6% in this bracket to the 5.1% we see in the
'Core' bracket.
NEW ACQUISITIONS
In the period to 30 September 2022, we acquired 13 assets for a
combined consideration of GBP112 million (excluding purchaser
costs). 12 of these assets were immediately income producing and
one was vacant on acquisition, but which has been let to a new
tenant during the period.
South North North
East Midlands East West Scotland Total
----------------------- --------- ----------------- ---------------- --------- ---------------- ----------------
Purchase price(1) GBP51m GBP39m GBP11m GBP3m GBP8m GBP112m
WA NIY(2) 4.3% 4.7% 5.0% 6.4% 6.2% 4.8%
Area (sq ft) 118,447 275,949 73,987 19,664 83,126 571,173
Contracted rent GBP2.3m GBP1.9m GBP0.4m GBP0.2m GBP0.5m GBP5.3m
Rent per sq ft GBP19.11 GBP6.92 GBP4.73 GBP10.43 GBP6.71 GBP9.67
Capital value per sq ft GBP424 GBP142 GBP145 GBP154 GBP101 GBP195
----------------------- --------- ----------------- ---------------- --------- ---------------- ----------------
1. This is stated as purchase price (excluding acquisition costs)
2. Yields for vacant properties are stated at target yields once let
Our low LTV at just 22.3%, with GBP51m of debt available to be
drawn, gives us additional firepower to deploy capital should the
right opportunities present themselves. We remain cautious however
and will only invest where we genuinely believe that the assets
represent good value for money on a standalone basis and where they
are complementary and accretive in respect of the overall portfolio
and the business we continue to build.
Case Study: Downgate Drive, Sheffield
In August 2022, we acquired a 31,105 sq. ft. warehouse in a
strong location 2 miles north of Sheffield. The property was vacant
at acquisition, and a price of GBP3.1m was paid (excluding
purchaser costs). The asset management plan at time of purchase was
to let the unit for GBP6.50 per sq. ft., which would produce a NIY
of 6.1%.
Shortly after acquisition, a new 15 year lease was signed with
Driven Personnel Limited at a rate of GBP7.00 per sq.ft., which
calculates back to an NIY of 6.6%.
At the period end, the asset was valued at GBP4.0m, an increase
of 28%, and was valued at an equivalent yield of 5.0%, showing
significant yield compression despite wider market movements,
attributable to our asset management activities.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Our asset management has always been a key driver of value, more
important than ever in a period of economic turbulence, where our
expertise enables us to offset the market driven movement in
yields.
We own 125 assets, and during the period, we have successfully
completed a further twelve new lettings, three lease re-gears and
six rent reviews, which in total generated GBP4.7m of additional
rental income.
No. of Rental LFL rental WAULT
deals uplift uplift (to expiry)
----------------- ------ ------- ---------- -----------
New lettings 12 GBP4.0m 122% 16.6 years
Lease re-gears 3 GBP0.3m 37% 8.7 years
OMV rent reviews 6 GBP0.4m 29% n/a
----------------- ------ ------- ---------- -----------
Total 21 GBP4.7m 59% 15.4 years
----------------- ------ ------- ---------- -----------
Case Study: Ellesmere Port
Unit 3, Vauxhall Supplier Park in Ellesmere Port is a 51,155 sq
ft unit acquired by the Company in 2020. At the start of the period
this was valued at GBP4.96m, at an equivalent yield of 5.25%.
In April 2022 we successfully completed a regear of a lease
which was due to expire, adding five years to the term and
increasing the rent by 28%, to GBP0.3m.
At the period end, we saw 48 bps of yield erosion, taking the
yield to 5.73%, driven by external market movements. Despite this
yield shift, we saw its value increase to GBP5.2m, an increase of
4.2% in 6 months.
DEVELOPMENTS
In the period a number of developments completed, and demand for
them from occupiers has been strong. We have a number of
developments in progress at the period end, and we believe there
are opportunities in the future to fund more developments, some on
land already owned by us.
Completed in year GDC Yield on Area sq ERV
Cost ft
--------------------------- ---------- --------- -------- --------
Blenheim Park, Nottingham GBP18.0m 7.4% 120,815 GBP1.3m
Bridge Street, Golborne GBP13.3m 7.0% 166,851 GBP0.9m
--------------------------- ---------- --------- -------- --------
Total GBP31.3m 7.3% 287,666 GBP2.2m
--------------------------- ---------- --------- -------- --------
Under construction GDC Yield on Area sq ERV
Cost ft
--------------------------- ---------- --------- -------- --------
Unit 100, Colchester GBP3.1m 7.8% 10,000 GBP0.2m
Kingsway, Rochdale GBP12.4m 8.0% 118,749 GBP1.0m
Newhall Road, Sheffield GBP13.8m 6.0% 131,500 GBP0.8m
--------------------------- ---------- --------- -------- --------
Total GBP29.3m 7.0% 260,249 GBP2.0m
--------------------------- ---------- --------- -------- --------
Case Study: Edison Road, Bedford
At the start of the period, Edison Road was a vacant 24,380 sq
ft warehouse. The Company launched a major refurbishment programme,
involving a new roof, new yard space and reconfigured office space.
The refurbishment cost a total of GBP1.5m, and was completed in May
2022, on time and on budget.
As part of this refurbishment, particular attention was paid to
the environmental performance of the building and solar cells,
electric vehicle charge points, LED lighting and additional
insulation were installed. The combined effect of these changes was
to move the EPC of the building from an E to an A.
In July a new lease was signed with UK Power Networks, for a
term of 10 years, at a rent of GBP0.2m, 6% above the March 2022
ERV.
At the period end, the equivalent yield on the property moved in
42 bps on the March valuation driven by the asset improvements and
the new lease, increasing the valuation to GBP4.4m by September, a
17% uplift over the 6 month period (after taking capex spend into
account).
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE
Our environmental approach has always been that we prefer to
acquire assets with an average or even poor environmental
performance and improve them, rather than simply buying assets
which already have strong ESG credentials. This aligns with both
our overall strategy as an active manager of assets, and our ESG
philosophy which is that as a country to hit net zero we need to
invest in our existing buildings rather than just focus on new
efficient buildings.
It is a cornerstone of our ESG strategy that we seek to make
continuous improvement in the environmental quality of our estate.
One of the ways in which this is measured is through the ratings
awarded to assets and the portfolio by accredited ratings agencies.
We are pleased to report to shareholders that Urban Logistics has
improved its GRESB and EPRA sBPR scores. In terms of GRESB we now
have two stars for standing assets and three stars for development
assets, while we were singled out as one of the most improved REITS
at the EPRA awards, moving from no award to Silver.
We are also pleased that GRESB rated us "A", on a scale of A-E
for public disclosure, as a judgement on the transparency and
completeness of disclosure.
EPCs continue to be a focus, and we have made significant
improvements in the portfolio ratings, as seen in the table
below.
Sept 2022 March
2022
------ --------- -----
A 10.7% 5.3%
B 28.9% 20.6%
C 44.9% 49.6%
D 15.5% 23.9%
E 0.2% 0.6%
F 0.0% 0.0%
------ --------- -----
Total 100% 100%
------ --------- -----
Based on percentage of the portfolio by floor area
We also set 6 core ESG targets in the Annual Report, which we
report on below:
Target Goals for 2022 Progress to date
---------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Bring EPCs to an A Develop fully costed asset We currently have costed
or B by 2028 management plans across asset management plans
all buildings currently in place for all assets
less than a B. currently rated D or
below, and aim to have
plans in place for the
remaining assets by the
year end
Achieve net zero in Ensure that all energy We have procured zero
terms of Scope 1 and procured is zero carbon, carbon energy in all
Scope 2 emissions where possible. new developments in the
by 2024 period, and have switched
vacant properties across
to zero carbon tariffs
where possible
Engage with our tenants Develop engagement plans We have established that
on decarbonising operations which will promote and 27% of our tenants by
in our buildings support tenant decarbonisation floor area have a net
in our estate. This is zero goal of their own.
central to reducing our We plan to send out a
overall carbon footprint, tenant engagement survey
as well as to improve the in the second half of
EPCs of buildings. the year, and we are
Include green clauses in establishing carbon reduction
all new leases, supporting goals with tenants.
our aim of providing consistent
sustainability standards All new leases have green
across an estate with a clauses
diverse range of buildings
and tenant needs.
Increase on-site renewable Increase our PV capacity. 4% of our buildings by
energy Our buildings can provide floor area have PV capacity
a platform for renewable installed, up from 2%
energy, and we already at the start of the period.
have PV cells fitted to There is a further 7%
a number of our buildings, where we are in active
including our new developments. conversations with tenants
To support our objective about the potential to
of increasing renewable install.
generation of energy, we .
will aim to fit PV cells
to 10% of our buildings
by floor area by 2024.
Make more space for Develop a plan for further We have surveyed the
nature on our sites enhancing the biodiversity portfolio, and identified
of the sites we operate. 25 sites totalling 67
This is not only good for acres, which could be
nature, but we know that suitable for increasing
it will promote wellbeing biodiversity.
for the tenants who occupy Following this exercise
our estates. we will establish a tree
planting scheme on the
first site in the second
half of the year, to
act as a pilot for the
future.
Promote transparency Achieve a GRESB score above We have achieved a GRESB
on ESG disclosures 55, and a Gold rating on score of 67 on standing
EPRA sBPRs. assets, and a Silver
Review resilience and climate rating on the EPRA sBPRs.
risk management within We have also achieved
our operations, in line an A grade from GRESB
with the recommendations in terms of public disclosures,
of the TCFD. a measure of transparency.
We have engaged CBRE's
ESG team to support our
ambition of reporting
in line with the TCFD
at the year end.
---------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
There are always further improvements which can be made and we
want to learn from best practise across the real estate industry.
To that end we have appointed CBRE's ESG team to work with us on a
number of projects, including engagement with the MSCI rankings,
TCFD reporting and our continued progress against targets. Outside
of our formal targets we continue to engage with our tenants on
social issues that are important, as demonstrated by our support
for Ukrainian refugees.
Social Case Study: Aid to Ukraine
At the outbreak of the war in Ukraine we contacted all tenants
and asked them to join us in donating essential supplies to support
those in need due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A number of
our tenants joined us, and Drac Logistics helped to connect us to a
charity, Van Aid, who organised the transport and delivery of the
donated goods to a monastery in Lviv, where they were distributed
to six nunneries looking after women and children displaced due to
the conflict.
OUTLOOK
Our focus on the one hand is how to best equip Urban Logistics
to deal with the macro-economic challenges, and on the other, how
best to take advantage of the opportunities presented to us in our
market.
We have capital to deploy in the short-term. We will deploy this
cautiously, into assets we believe we can add value to via our
asset management skills. Given the make up of our portfolio, with
an even split between Core Assets and Asset Management, there is an
opportunity for us to realise some of the value created by our
lettings activity by selling Core Assets and recycle the capital
into properties with more asset management potential.
To weather the current macroeconomic storm commercial property
owners need tenants who can continue to pay the rent, an ability to
capture inflationary uplift through active asset management, low
gearing and a low and secure cost of debt. At Urban Logistics we
believe our base of larger tenants selling essential goods, our
team's decades of experience in asset management, and our 97%
hedged debt with no refinancings required until 2025 mean we face
the future in the best possible shape.
THE MANAGER
11 November 2022
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Review
IFRS profit
30 Sep 30 Sep 2021 31 Mar
2022 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Revenue 26,500 16,665 37,811
Property operating costs (1,069) (701) (1,262)
------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net rental income 25,431 15,964 36,549
Other operating income 41 69 1,021
Administrative and other expenses (4,977) (2,851) (7,159)
Net finance costs (4,545) (3,314) (6,840)
------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Adjusted earnings 15,950 9,868 23,571
Long-term incentive plan 3,503 (956) (4,114)
Exceptional items - - (459)
Changes in fair value of investment
property (22,162) 40,552 149,892
Profit on disposal of investment
property - - 220
Changes in fair value of interest
rate derivatives 5,102 787 2,663
------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
IFRS reported profit 2,393 50,251 171,773
------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net rental income
In the financial period to 30 September 2022, the portfolio
generated net rental income of GBP25.4 million (30 September 2021:
GBP16.0 million), an increase of GBP9.5 million or 59.3% compared
to the prior period. The increase was largely driven by the
acquisitions made following the July and December 2021 equity
fundraises.
On a like-for-like basis, EPRA net rental income increased by
5.5% when compared to the prior period, due to strong letting
activity and capturing of reversion through settling rent
reviews.
Property operating costs increased by GBP0.4 million or 52.5%,
which reflects the increase in size of the portfolio. Our gross to
net rental income ratio remains high at 96.4% (30 September 2021:
96.0%), illustrating the strength of our core strategy.
Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses, which include all operational costs of
running the business, increased by GBP2.1 million to GBP5.0
million. This is primarily due to the increase in the investment
management fee following the July and December 2021 equity
fundraises, and the corresponding increase in EPRA net tangible
assets ("EPRA NTA").
Total cost ratio
We continue to monitor the operational efficiency of the Group
through the total cost ratio, which increased slightly to 21.6%
from 20.1%. The Group's total cost ratio is expected to reduce in
future periods, where gross rental income will benefit from a full
period of rental income from acquisitions made in the current
period.
30 Sep 30 Sep 2021 31 Mar
2022 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Total costs including vacant property
costs 21.6% 20.1% 21.8%
Total cost excluding vacant property
costs 18.8% 17.5% 20.0%
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net finance costs
The net finance costs for the period, excluding fair value
movement of our interest rate derivatives, were GBP4.5 million (30
September 2021: GBP3.3 million), an increase of GBP1.2 million
compared to the prior period. The increased costs driven largely by
higher gross debt position at the period end of GBP310.0 million,
compared with GBP199.4 million at 30 September 2021.
The weighted average cost of debt for the period was 44bps
higher than the previous period at 2.98% (30 September 2021: 2.54%)
and the Group reported an interest cover of 5.1x (30 September
2021: 4.4x). The higher interest cover reflecting low gearing
levels throughout the current period. The weighted average debt
maturity is 6.4 years (30 September 2021: 3.0 years) following the
drawdown of two tranches from our new 10-year loan facility with
Aviva investors, and the extension of our Barclays facility by one
year.
IFRS profit and adjusted earnings
IFRS profit after tax for the period was GBP2.4 million (30
September 2021: GBP50.3 million), representing a basic and diluted
earnings per share of 0.51 pence, compared with 17.60 pence for the
prior period. The reduction in earnings was a result of the
valuation deficit of GBP22.2 million (30 September 2021: surplus of
GBP40.6 million).
Adjusted earnings for the period were GBP16.0 million
representing an increase of GBP6.1 million when compared to the
prior period. However, on a per share basis, this reduced by 0.08
pence to 3.38 pence per share, which is largely due to a full
period of the investment management fee and low gearing levels
throughout the current period.
The Directors consider adjusted earnings a key measure of the
Company's underlying operating results, and therefore excludes
non-cash and exceptional items. A full reconciliation between IFRS
profit and Adjusted earnings can be found in note 9 of the
financial statements.
Dividend
In the period to 30 September 2022, the Company paid and
declared the following interim dividends:
Amount In respect
of
pence financial Paid/
year
Declared per share ended to be paid
----------------- ---------- -------------- -------------
23 June 2022 4.35p 31 March 2022 22 July 2022
11 November 2022 3.25p 31 March 2023 16 December
2022
----------------- ---------- -------------- -------------
An interim dividend of 3.25 pence per share will be paid on 16
December 2022 to shareholders on the register at the close of
business 25 November 2022, and the full amount is a property income
distribution ("PID").
IFRS net assets
30 Sep 30 Sep 2021 31 Mar
2022 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Investment property 1,131,911 660,485 1,014,697
Bank and other borrowings (305,316) (196,768) (242,422)
Cash 57,321 90,681 127,379
Other net assets (19,669) (20,557) (8,672)
--------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
EPRA net tangible assets 864,247 533,841 890,982
Interest rate derivatives 6,705 (273) 1,603
Intangible assets 39 54 47
--------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
IFRS net assets 870,991 533,622 892,632
--------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
At 30 September 2022, IFRS net assets attributable to Ordinary
Shareholders were GBP871.0 million (31 March 2022: GBP892.6
million), representing a basic and diluted net asset value per
share of 184.54 pence (30 September 2021: 164.23 pence).
The Group considers EPRA net tangible assets ("NTA") a key
measure of overall performance. At 30 September 2022 were GBP864.2
million (31 March 2022: GBP891.0 million), representing an EPRA NTA
per share of 183.11 pence (31 March 2022: 188.78 pence), a decrease
of 3.0%.
On a per share basis, both IFRS and EPRA net assets decreased
over the six-months to 30 September 2022, primarily due to
revaluation deficit recognised in the period.
The Total Accounting Return for the period, which reflects
growth in EPRA NTA plus dividends paid in the period, was -0.7% (30
September 2021: 10.7%). The average Total Accounting Return since
IPO in 2016 has been 15.0%.
Portfolio valuation
The value of our portfolio at 30 September 2022, which includes
forward-funded developments was GBP1,132 million, an increase of
GBP117.2 million, or 11.6% over the six-month period. In the
period, the Group invested GBP115.3 million including costs in
industrial and logistics properties and advanced GBP20.4 million
across four forward-funded developments. In addition, the Group
incurred capital expenditure of GBP3.0 million, the majority of
which related to value-enhancing refurbishment works.
The Group recognised a valuation deficit (excluding provision
for profit share) of GBP21.5 million upon revaluation of the
portfolio. On a like-for-like basis, the portfolio recognised a
valuation deficit of GBP19.0 million or -1.9%.
The portfolio delivered a Total Property Return ("TPR") of 0.3%
for the six-months to 30 September 2022 (30 September 2021:
11.8%).
Financing
At 30 September 2022, the Group's has loan facilities totalling
GBP310.0 million (30 September 2021: GBP199.4 million). During the
period, the Group exercised its option to extend the GBP151 million
loan facility with Barclays, Lloyds and Santander for one year,
pushing out the expiry to August 2025.
In May 2022, the Group entered into a GBP46.6 million green loan
facility with Aviva Investors, which provided a 10-year term and
came at a fixed cost of 3.52%. In August 2022, the Group agreed a
further GBP75.0 million interest-only facility with a term of
10-year at a fixed rate of 3.99%. This facility includes, inter
alia, margin rate improvement available on hitting environmental
targets across the assets charged.
Loan Drawn at % Fixed
/
Maturity Commitment 30 Sep Hedged
2022 at
Lender Date (GBPm) (GBPm) 30 Sep
2022
---------------------------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------
Barclays (syndicate
of 3 banks) Aug 2025 151.0 100.0 89.3%
Aviva Investors (7-years) Mar 2028 88.4 88.4 100.0%
Aviva Investors (10-years) May 2032 121.6 121.6 100.0%
---------------------------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------
Total 361.0 310.0 96.5%
---------------------------------------- ----------- --------- --------
At 30 September 2022, the weighted average cost of debt across
all drawn facilities is 3.3% (30 September 2021: 2.5%), of which
96.5% (30 September 2021: 69%) is either fixed or hedged and has a
weighted average maturity date of 6.4 years (30 September 2021: 3.0
years).
Cash and net debt
During the period, the Group's cash balances decreased by
GBP70.1 million, as illustrated in the table below:
30 Sep 30 Sep 2021 31 Mar
2022 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash generated from operations 27.5 47.7 57.7
Cash used in investing activities (138.7) (109.7) (353.4)
Cash generated from financing
activities 41.1 92.2 362.6
----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash (70.1) 30.2 66.9
Opening cash balance 127.4 60.5 60.5
----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Closing cash balance 57.3 90.7 127.4
----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
At 30 September 2022, the Group's cash balance was GBP57.3
million, of which GBP13.9 million is earmarked for developments and
GBP6.9 million is restricted in the form of tenant rent deposits.
Over the six-month period, net debt increased by GBP137.6 million
to GBP252.7 million, representing a loan to value ("LTV") of 22.3%
(30 September 2021: 11.3%).
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The principal risks and uncertainties associated with the
Company's business are broadly unchanged from those set out in the
2022 Annual Report and include, but are not limited to:
-- A significant fall in property valuation,
-- Weakening macro-economic environment in the sector in which the Company operates
-- Higher inflation in the UK and global markets
-- Development projects not producing targeted financial returns
-- Loss of key personnel and interest rate exposure.
-- Increase CAPEX spend connected to hitting environmental
legislation, and potential negative impact on distributable
income
-- Reluctance of tenants to take leases in buildings with a
lower than average environmental performance
-- Cyber security attack
-- Non-compliance with the UK REIT regulations
Information on these risks and how they are managed is set out
on pages 51 to 54 of the 2022 Annual Report. The Board regularly
performs a high-level review of the principal risks to ensure that
the risk assessment is correct and relevant,
adjusting mitigating factors and procedures as appropriate.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
-- that these condensed interim financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency sourcebook of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority; and
-- this Interim Report includes a fair review of the information required by:
A) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules,
being an indication of important events that have occurred during
the period under review and their impact on the condensed set of
financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
B) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules,
being related party transactions that have taken place during the
period ended 30 September 2022 and that have materially affected
the financial position or performance of the Company during that
period and any material changes in the related party transactions
described in the last Annual Report.
This Interim Report was approved by the Board of Directors and
the above responsibility statement was signed on its behalf by:
Nigel Rich
Chairman
11 November 2022
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO URBAN LOGISTICS REIT PLC
Introduction
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set
of financial statements in the interim financial report for the six
months ended 30 September 2022 which comprises Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Condensed
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and the Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Equity and notes to the Interim Financial
Statements. We have read the other information contained in the
interim financial report and considered whether it contains any
apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the
information in the condensed set of financial statements.
Directors' Responsibilities
The interim financial report, is the responsibility of, and has
been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for
preparing and presenting the interim financial report in accordance
with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the
Group will be prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards. The condensed set of financial statements
included in this interim financial report has been prepared in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim
Financial Reporting" as contained in UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards.
Our Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on
the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial
report based on our review.
Scope of Review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of
Int erim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity" issued by t he Auditing Practices Board for use in
the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information
consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an
audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on
Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain
assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters
that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not
express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements
in the interim financial report for the six months ended 30
September 2022 is not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim
Financial Reporting" as contained in UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards, and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with
International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410
"Review of Interim Financial Information performed by the
Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices
Board and for the purpose of the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority. Our review work has been undertaken so that we might
state to the Company those matters we are required to state to them
in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the
fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our review
work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
RSM UK AUDIT LLP
Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
25 Farringdon Street
London
EC4A 4AB
11 November 2022
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Six months Six months
to to Year ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
Revenue 6 26,500 16,665 37,811
Property operating expenses (1,069) (701) (1,262)
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net rental income 25,431 15,964 36,549
Administrative and other expenses (4,977) (2,851) (7,159)
Other operating income 41 69 1,021
Long-term incentive plan credit/(charge) 10 3,503 (956) (4,114)
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
Operating profit before changes in fair
value of investment properties 23,998 12,226 26,297
7,
Changes in fair value of investment property 12 (22,162) 40,552 149,892
Profit on disposal of investment property - - 220
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
Operating profit 1,836 52,778 176,409
Finance income 42 3 58
Finance expense 8 (4,587) (3,317) (6,898)
Changes in fair value of interest rate
derivatives 5,102 787 2,663
Exceptional items - - (459)
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
Profit before taxation 2,393 50,251 171,773
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
Tax charge for the period - - -
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
Profit and total comprehensive income
(attributable to the shareholders) 2,393 50,251 171,773
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
Earnings per share - basic 9 0.51p 17.60p 48.86p
Earnings per share - diluted 9 0.51p 17.60p 48.86p
--------------------------------------------- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Non-current assets
Investment property 12 1,148,395 671,707 1,029,071
Intangible assets 39 54 47
Interest rate derivatives 14 6,705 - 1,603
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total non-current assets 1,155,139 671,761 1,030,721
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 9,669 7,821 20,965
Cash and cash equivalents 57,321 90,681 127,379
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total current assets 66,990 98,502 148,344
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total assets 1,222,129 770,263 1,179,065
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (17,816) (17,323) (23,752)
Deferred rental income (11,366) (6,949) (9,065)
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total current liabilities (29,182) (24,272) (32,817)
Non-current liabilities
Long-term rental deposits (6,943) (4,641) (5,698)
Lease liability (9,697) (7,718) (8,720)
Interest rate derivatives 14 - (273) -
Other borrowings - (2,969) (3,058)
Bank borrowings 13 (305,316) (196,768) (236,140)
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total non-current liabilities (321,956) (212,369) (253,616)
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total liabilities (351,138) (236,641) (286,433)
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total net assets 870,991 533,622 892,632
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Equity
Share capital 15 4,720 3,249 4,720
Share premium 16 438,418 194,999 438,418
Capital reduction reserve 17 228,760 228,760 228,760
Other reserves 962 1,307 4,465
Retained earnings 198,131 105,307 216,269
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total equity 870,991 533,622 892,632
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
Net asset value per share - basic 19 184.54p 164.23p 189.12p
Net asset value per share - diluted 19 184.54p 164.23p 189.12p
------------------------------------ ---- ------------ ------------ ---------
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Six months Six months Year ended
to to
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the period (attributable
to equity shareholders) 2,393 50,251 171,773
Add: amortisation and depreciation 71 43 97
Add/(less) changes in fair value of
investment property 7, 12 22,162 (40,552) (149,892)
Less: changes in fair value of interest
rate swaps (5,102) - (2,663)
Less: profit on disposal of investment
property - - (220)
Add: finance expense 8 4,587 2,530 6,898
Long-term investment plan (credit)/charge 10 (3,503) 956 4,114
Decrease in trade and other receivables 10,952 25,128 9,024
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other
payables (3,999) 9,329 18,636
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash generated from operations 27,561 47,686 57,767
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net cash flow generated from operating
activities 27,561 47,686 57,767
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Investing activities
Purchase of investment properties 12 (34,877) (97,991) (315,788)
Capital expenditure on investment properties 12 (20,920) (11,688) (44,754)
Disposal of investment properties - - 8,380
Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of
cash acquired 12 (82,925) - (1,270)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net cash flow used in investing activities (138,722) (109,679) (353,432)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Financing activities
Proceeds from issue of Ordinary Share
capital - 108,300 358,300
Cost of share issue - (2,246) (7,356)
Bank borrowings drawn 13 121,600 - 40,000
Bank borrowings repaid 13 (51,000) - -
Loan arrangement fees paid 13 (2,019) - (1,300)
Other borrowings repaid (3,104) - -
Interest paid (3,843) (2,744) (5,405)
Dividends paid to equity holders 11 (20,531) (11,094) (21,654)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net cash flow generated from financing
activities 41,103 92,216 362,585
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents for the period (70,058) 30,222 66,920
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at start
of period 127,379 60,459 60,459
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period 57,321 90,681 127,379
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Capital
Share Share reduction Other Retained
Six months ended 30 September capital premium reserve reserves earnings Total
2022 (unaudited) GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- -------- --------
1 April 2022 4,720 438,418 228,760 4,465 216,269 892,632
----------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Profit for the period - - - - 2,393 2,393
----------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Total comprehensive income - - - - 2,393 2,393
Transactions with shareholders in their capacity as owners
Dividends to shareholders - - - - (20,531) (20,531)
Long-term incentive plan - - - (3,503) - (3,503)
30 September 2022 4,720 438,418 228,760 962 198,131 870,991
----------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Six months ended 30 September 2021 (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------- --------
1 April 2021 2,550 89,644 228,760 351 66,150 387,455
----------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------- --------
Profit for the period - - - - 50,251 50,251
----------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------- --------
Total comprehensive income - - - - 50,251 50,251
Transactions with shareholders in their capacity as owners
Dividends to shareholders - - - - (11,094) (11,094)
Long-term incentive plan - - - 956 - 956
Issue of Ordinary Shares 699 105,355 - - - 106,054
30 September 2021 3,249 194,999 228,760 1,307 105,307 533,622
----------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------- --------
Year ended 31 March 2022 (audited)
----------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------- --------
1 April 2021 2,550 89,644 228,760 351 66,150 387,455
----------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------- --------
Profit for the period - - - - 171,773 171,773
----------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------- --------
Total comprehensive income - - - - 171,773 171,773
Transactions with shareholders in their capacity as owners
Dividends to shareholders - - - - (21,654) (21,654)
Long-term incentive plan - - - 4,114 - 4,114
Issue of Ordinary Shares 2,170 348,774 - - - 350,944
31 March 2022 4,720 438,418 228,760 4,465 216,269 892,632
----------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------- --------
NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. CORPORATE INFORMATION
Urban Logistics REIT plc (the "Company") and its subsidiaries
(the "Group") carry on the business of property lettings throughout
the United Kingdom. The Company is a public limited company
incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales and listed on the
Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. The registered office
address is 6th Floor, 65 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7NQ.
These condensed interim financial statements were approved for
issue on 11 November 2022.
These condensed interim financial statements do not comprise
statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March
2022 were approved by the board of directors on 22 June 2022 and
delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors
on those accounts were unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of
matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under section
498 of the Companies Act 2006.
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION
This condensed interim financial report for the half-year ended
30 September 2022 has been prepared in accordance with the
UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial
Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
The interim report does not include all of the notes of the type
normally included in an annual financial report. Accordingly, this
report is to be read in conjunction with the annual report for the
year ended 31 March 2022, which has been prepared in accordance
with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the
previous financial year and corresponding interim reporting period,
except for the adoption of new and amended standards as set out
below.
The Group's financial information has been prepared on a
historical cost basis, except for investment property and
derivative interest rate swaps which have been measured at fair
value.
The functional currency of the Group is considered to be pounds
sterling as this is the currency of the primary environment in
which the Group operates.
GOING CONCERN
The Directors have reviewed the current and projected financial
position of the Group, making reasonable assumptions about future
trading performance. As part of the review, the Group has
considered its cash balances, its debt maturity profile, including
undrawn facilities, and the long-term nature of the tenant
leases.
The Group has undertaken risk assessments in respect of the
impact on key objectives and has appropriate response plans such as
stress testing, monitoring of tenant performance and financial
reviews. On the basis of this review, and after making due
enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the
Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Interim
Financial Statements.
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of the Interim Financial Statements in
conformity with the generally accepted accounting practices
requires management to make estimates and judgements that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the Statement of
Financial Position date and the reported amounts of revenue and
expenses during the reporting period.
FAIR VALUE OF INVESTMENT PROPERTY AND PROPERTIES UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
The market value of investment property is determined, by real
estate valuation experts, to be the estimated amount for which a
property should exchange on the date of the valuation in an arm's
length transaction. Each property has been valued on an individual
basis. The valuation experts use recognised valuation techniques
and the principles of IFRS 13. The valuations have been prepared in
accordance with RICS Valuation - Global Standards January 2020 (the
"Red Book"). Factors reflected include current market conditions,
annual rentals, lease lengths and location.
JUDGEMENT OF BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The directors assess whether the acquisition of a property
through the purchase of a corporate vehicle should be accounted for
as an asset purchase or business combination. Where the acquired
vehicle is an integrated set of activities and assets that is
capable of being conducted and managed to provide a return to
investors, the transaction is accounted for as a business
combination. Where this is not the case the transaction is treated
as an asset purchase. The directors assess when the risks and
rewards associated with an acquisition or disposal have
transferred.
4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of
these Financial Statements are consistent with those applied within
the Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year
ended 31 March 2022.
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The Financial Statements consolidate the accounts of the Company
and all subsidiary undertakings drawn up to the same year end.
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less any
provision for permanent diminution in value. Realised gains and
losses are dealt with through the Statement of Comprehensive
Income. A review for impairment is carried out if events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable, in which case an impairment provision is recognised
and charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
BORROWINGS
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of
transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at
amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of
transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised in
profit and loss over the borrowings period using the effective
interest method.
BORROWING COSTS
Borrowing costs in relation to interest charges on bank
borrowings are expensed in the period to which they relate. Fees
incurred in relation to the arrangement of bank borrowings are
capitalised and expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of
the loan.
SEGMENTAL REPORTING
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis
of internal reports that are regularly reported to the Board to
allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance.
The Directors consider there to be only one reportable segment,
being the investment in the United Kingdom into small logistics
warehouses.
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
Investment properties comprises completed property that is held
to earn rentals or for capital appreciation, or both, and
development properties that are under development or available for
development.
Investment properties are initially recognised at cost including
transactions costs. Transaction costs include transfer taxes and
professional fees for legal services. Subsequent to initial
recognition, investment properties are carried at fair value, as
determined by real estate valuation experts. Gains or losses
arising from change in fair value are recognised in the Statement
of Comprehensive Income in the period in which they arise.
Investment properties cease to be recognised when they have been
disposed of. The difference between the disposal proceeds and the
carrying amount of the asset is recognised in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income. A disposal is recognised on exchange if the
sale contract is unconditional; if the sale contract on exchange is
conditional, the disposal is recognised on legal completion.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the
Statement of Financial Position when the Group becomes a party to
the contractual provisions of the instrument.
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Trade receivables are held in order to collect the contractual
cash flows and are initially measured at the transaction price as
defined in IFRS 15, as the contracts of the Group do not contain
significant financing components. Impairment losses are recognised
based on lifetime expected credit losses in profit or loss.
Other receivables are held in order to collect the contractual
cash flows and accordingly are measured at initial recognition at
fair value, which ordinarily equates to cost, and are subsequently
measured at cost less impairment due to their short-term nature. A
provision for impairment is established based on twelve-month
expected credit losses unless there has been a significant increase
in credit risk when lifetime expected credit losses are recognised.
The amount of any provision is recognised in profit or loss.
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Financial liabilities, equity instruments and warrant
instruments issued by the Group are classified in accordance with
the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the
definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. An
equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual
interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its
liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at
the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value
and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest rate method.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments, comprising interest rate caps
and swaps for hedging purposes, are initially recognised at cost
and are subsequently measured at fair value, being the estimated
amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the
agreement at the period end date, taking into account current
interest rate expectations and the current credit rating of the
Group and its counterparties.
The gain or loss at each fair value measurement date is
recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Premiums
payable under such arrangements are initially capitalised into the
Statement of Financial Position, subsequently they are remeasured
and held at their fair values.
Hedge accounting has not been applied in these Interim Financial
Statements.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Rental income and service charge income from operating leases on
properties owned by the Group is accounted for on a straight-line
basis over the term on the lease. Rental income excludes service
charges and other costs directly recoverable from tenants.
Lease incentives are amortised on a straight-line basis over the
term of the lease.
LEASES
At inception, the Group assesses whether a contract is or
contains a lease. This assessment involves the exercise of
judgement about whether the Group obtains substantially all the
economic benefits from the use of that asset, and whether the Group
has the right to direct the use of the asset.
The Group recognises a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and a
corresponding lease liability at the commencement date of the
lease. The ROU asset is initially measured based on the present
value of lease payments, plus initial direct costs and the cost of
obligations to refurbish the asset, less any incentives
received.
Lease payments generally include fixed payments and variable
payments that depend on an index (such as an inflation index). When
the lease contains an extension or purchase option that the Group
considers reasonably certain to be exercised, the cost of the
option is included in the lease payments.
Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and
finance cost. The lease payments are discounted using the interest
rate implicit in the lease if that rate can be readily determined
or, if not, the incremental borrowing rate is used, which is the
weighted average cost of debt. The finance cost is charged to
profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant
rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each
period.
As the head leases meet the definition of investment property,
they are initially recognised in accordance with IFRS 16, and then
subsequently accounted for as if they were investment property in
accordance with the Group's accounting policy. After initial
recognition, the ROU head lease asset is subsequently carried at
fair value and the valuation gains and losses recognised within
"Changes in fair value of investment property" in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income.
ROU assets are included in the heading "Non-current assets", and
the lease liability included in the heading "Non-current
liabilities", on the Statement of Financial Position.
Where the ROU asset relates to land or property that meets the
definition of investment property under IAS 40, the ROU assets are
included in the heading "Investment properties", and the lease
liability in the heading "Non-current liabilities", on the
Statement of Financial Position.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
There is a long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") in place whereby
Pacific Industrial LLP, an affiliate of PCP2 Limited (the
"Manager") has subscribed for C Ordinary Shares issued in Urban
Logistics Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Urban Logistics REIT
plc (the "Company"). Under the terms of the LTIP, the Company is
obliged to acquire the C Ordinary Shares in Urban Logistics
Holdings Limited, in return for services provided by Pacific
Industrial LLP, subject to certain conditions.
The fair value of the share price element of the LTIP award is
calculated at the grant date using the Monte Carlo model. The
resulting cost is charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income
over the vesting period.
At each year end, the Directors make an assessment of the fair
value EPRA NTA element of the LTIP award based on Company
forecasts. The resulting cost is charged to the Statement of
Comprehensive Income over the vesting period.
Further details have been provided in note 10.
TAXATION
Taxation on the profit or loss for the period not exempt under
UK REIT regulations comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax
is expected tax payable on any non-REIT taxable income for the
period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the
period end date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of
previous years.
DIVIDS
Dividends on equity shares are recognised when they become
legally payable. In the case of interim dividends, this is when
paid. In the case of final dividends, this is when approved by the
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and short-term
deposits with banks and other financial institutions, with an
initial maturity of three months or less.
5. STANDARDS IN ISSUE BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE
As at the date of authorisation of these Financial Statements
there were standards and amendments which were in issue but which
were not yet effective and which have not been applied. The
principal ones were:
-- classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current - Amendments to IAS 1.
-- disclosure of Accounting Policies - Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2
-- definition of Accounting Estimates - Amendments to IAS 8
-- deferred tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a
Single Transaction - Amendments to IAS 12
-- Sale of contribution of assets between an investor and its
associate or joint venture - Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28
The Directors do not expect the adoption of these standards and
amendments to have a material impact on the Financial
Statements.
In the current period, the following amendments have been
adopted which were effective for the periods commencing on or after
1 January 2022:
-- property, plant and equipment: Proceeds before intended use - Amendment to IAS 16
-- reference to the Conceptual Framework - Amendments to IFRS 3
-- onerous contracts - Costs of Fulfilling a Contract - Amendment to IAS 37
-- annual improvements to IFRS Standards 2018 - 2020
The adoption of these amendments has not had a material impact
on the financial statements .
6. REVENUE
The Group is involved in UK property ownership and letting and
is considered to operate in a single geographical and business
segment. The total revenue of the Group for the period was derived
from its principal activity, being that of property lettings. No
single tenant accounted for more than 10% of the Group's gross
rental income.
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Rental income 25,675 16,480 36,626
Service charge income 154 36 193
Licence fee 671 149 992
---------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Total revenue 26,500 16,665 37,811
---------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
7. CHANGES IN FAIR VALUE OF INVESTMENT PROPERTY
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ ------------- ------------- ---------
Revaluation (deficit)/surplus (21,508) 43,236 153,474
Provision for profit share (654) (2,684) (3,582)
------------------------------ ------------- ------------- ---------
Total (22,162) 40,552 149,892
------------------------------ ------------- ------------- ---------
8. FINANCE EXPENSE
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Interest on bank borrowings 3,810 2,551 5,405
Amortisation of loan arrangement fees 594 574 1,086
Other interest payable - 87 178
Interest on lease liabilities 183 105 229
Total 4,587 3,317 6,898
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of the basic earnings per share ("EPS") was
based on the profit attributable to Ordinary Shareholders divided
by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding
during the period, in accordance with IAS 33.
Six months Six months Year ended
to to
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Profit attributable to Ordinary Shareholders
Total comprehensive income 2,393 50,251 171,773
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue 471,975,411 285,590,418 351,533,233
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Basic earnings per share (pence) 0.51p 17.60p 48.86p
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Number of diluted shares under option/warrant - - -
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares
for the purpose of dilutive earnings per share 471,975,411 285,590,418 351,533,233
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Diluted earnings per share (pence) 0.51p 17.60p 48.86p
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Adjustments to remove:
Changes in fair value of investment property 22,162 (40,552) (149,892)
Changes in fair value of interest rate derivatives (5,102) (787) (2,663)
Profit on disposal of investment properties - - (220)
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
EPRA earnings 19,453 8,912 18,998
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
EPRA earnings per share 4.12p 3.12p 5.40p
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Adjustments to add back:
LTIP (credit)/charge (3,503) 956 4,114
Exception items - - 459
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Adjusted earnings 15,950 9,868 23,571
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
Adjusted earnings per share 3.38p 3.46p 6.71p
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -----------
10. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company has an LTIP, accounted for as an equity-settled
share-based payment. At 30 September 2022, Pacific Industrial LLP,
an affiliate of PCP2 Limited, has subscribed for 1,000 C Ordinary
Shares of GBP0.01 each issued in Urban Logistics Holdings Limited,
a subsidiary of the Company.
Charge/(Credit)
for
Fair value the period
Date granted Class of GBP'000 GBP'000
share
---------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------
August 2017
- Share price element C Ordinary 131 11
- EPRA NTA element C Ordinary 1,173 (3,514)
---------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------
1,304 (3,503)
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------------
An independent valuation of the fair value of these shares was
carried out at the grant date. The valuation was prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard 2 ("IFRS
2"): Share-based Payments. These shares were subsequently revalued
at the modification date, in March 2020, with no material change.
The Monte Carlo valuation model has been used to estimate the fair
value of the share price element of the award.
The Directors have made an assessment of the EPRA NTA element
based on Company forecasts. An assessment will be made at each
period end, with any adjustment to expected value being charged as
an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
From 7 February 2020 (the "Revised First Calculation Date") to
30 September 2023 (the "Second Calculation Date") the LTIP will be
assessed as follows:
-- the EPRA NAV element is 5% of the amount by which the
Company's EPRA NAV at the Second Calculation Date exceeds the
Company's EPRA NAV as at the Revised First Calculation Date and an
annualised 10% hurdle thereon (adjusted for any new issue of
shares, all distributions including inter alia dividends and any
returns of capital); and
-- the share price element is 5% of the amount by which the
market capitalisation of the Company at the Second Calculation Date
exceeds the market capitalisation of the Company as at the Revised
First Calculation Date and an annualised 10% hurdle thereon
(adjusted for any new issue of shares, all distributions including
inter alia dividends and any returns of capital).
The LTIP payment is capped at three times the average annual
management fees paid from 7 February 2020 to the Second Calculation
Date.
If there is a change of control, the LTIP will be assessed by
applying the relevant offer price to the EPRA NAV element and the
share price element calculations at the date of the change of
control.
The LTIP will be settled, at the Board's discretion, in either
shares of Urban Logistics REIT plc, or cash, or a combination of
both.
11. DIVIDS
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Ordinary dividends paid
2021: Second interim dividend: 4.35p per share - 11,094 11,094
2022: First interim dividend: 3.25p per share - - 10,560
2022: Second interim dividend: 4.35p per share 20,531 - -
----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total dividends paid in the period (GBP'000) 20,531 11,094 21,654
----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total dividends paid in the period 4.35p 4.35p 7.60p
----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
On 11 Novembers 2022, the Company declared an interim dividend
for the six months to 30 September 2022 of 3.25 pence per Ordinary
Share. The dividend will be paid as a property income distribution
on 16 December 2022 to shareholders on the register on 25 November
2022.
12. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
In accordance with IAS 40: Investment Property, investment
property is carried at its fair value as determined by an external
valuer. This valuation has been conducted by CBRE and has been
prepared as at 30 September 2022, in accordance with the RICS
Valuation - Professional Standards UK January 2020 (the "Red
Book").
The valuations have been prepared in accordance with those
recommended by the International Valuation Standards Committee and
are consistent with the principles in IFRS.
Investment Development
properties properties Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ---------
At 1 April 2022 979,962 34,735 1,014,697
Property acquisitions through corporate transactions 82,925 - 82,925
Property acquisitions 32,404 2,473 34,877
Capital expenditure 3,014 17,906 20,920
Revaluation (deficit)/surplus in period (22,761) 1,253 (21,508)
Transfer of completed development properties 39,082 (39,082) -
------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------- ---------
At 30 September 2022 1,114,626 17,285 1,131,911
Add: tenant lease incentives 6,934 - 6,934
------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------- ---------
Investment properties excluding head lease 1,121,560 17,285 1,138,845
ROU assets at 30 September 2022
Add: right-of-use asset 9,550 - 9,550
------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------- ---------
Total investment properties at 30 September 2022 1,131,110 17,285 1,148,395
------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------- ---------
Total rental income for the interim period recognised in the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income amounted
to GBP26.5 million (30 September 2021: GBP16.7 million).
Tenant lease incentives at 30 September 2022 totalled GBP6.93
million (30 September 2021: GBP3.55 million).
13. BANK BORROWINGS AND RECONCILIATION OF LIABILITIES TO CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of
transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at
amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of
transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised in
profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the
effective interest method.
Bank
borrowings
GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Balance at 1 April 2022 236,140
Bank borrowings drawn in period 121,600
Bank borrowings repaid in period (51,000)
Loan arrangement fees paid (2,019)
Non-cash movements:
Amortisation of loan arrangement fees 595
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Total bank borrowings per the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 305,316
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Being:
Drawn debt 309,964
Unamortised loan arrangement fees (4,648)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Total bank borrowings per the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 305,316
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
On 31 May 2022, the Group drew GBP46.6 million from the Aviva
loan facility. This facility provides a ten-year term at a fixed
cost of 3.52%.
On 20 August 2022, the Group drew GBP75.0 million from the Aviva
loan facility. This facility provides a ten-year term at a fixed
cost of 3.99%.
The bank borrowings from both facilities are secured over the
investment properties owned by the Group.
14. INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES
The Group has used interest rate swaps to mitigate exposure to
interest rate risk. The total fair value of these contracts is
recorded in the Statement of Financial Position. The interest rate
derivatives are marked to market by the relevant counterparty banks
on a quarterly basis in accordance with IFRS 9. Any movements in
the fair value of the interest rate derivatives are taken to
finance expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Six months Six months Year ended
to to
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Non-current liabilities: derivative interest rate swaps:
At beginning of period 1,603 (1,060) (1,060)
Change in fair value in the period 5,102 787 2,663
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Total 6,705 (273) 1,603
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
15. SHARE CAPITAL
30 September 30 September
2022 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Number GBP'000
------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Issued and fully paid up at 1p each
At beginning of period 471,975,411 4,720
At 30 September 2022 471,975,411 4,720
------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
30 September 30 September
2021 2021
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Number GBP'000
------------------------------------ --------------------------------- -------------
Issued and fully paid up at 1p each
At beginning of period 255,045,821 2,550
Issued and fully paid 13 July 2021 69,870,766 699
At 30 September 2021 324,916,587 3,249
------------------------------------ --------------------------------- -------------
31 March 31 March
2022 2022
(audited) (audited)
Number GBP'000
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------
Issued and fully paid up at 1p each
At beginning of period 255,045,821 2,550
Issued and fully paid 13 July 2021 69,870,766 699
Issued and fully paid 7 December 2022 147,058,824 1,471
At 31 March 2022 471,975,411 4,720
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------
16. SHARE PREMIUM
Share premium relates to amounts subscribed for share capital in
excess of nominal value less any associated issue costs that have
been capitalised.
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Balance brought forward 438,418 89,644 89,644
Share premium on the issue of Ordinary Shares - 107,601 356,130
Share issue costs - (2,246) (7,356)
Total 438,418 194,999 438,418
---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
17. CAPITAL REDUCTION RESERVE
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------
Balance brought forward 228,760 228,760 228,760
Total 228,760 228,760 228,760
------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------
18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the interim period, the amount paid for services provided
by PCP2 Limited (the "Manager") totalled GBP3,950,500 (30 September
2021: GBP2,086,900).
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Under the terms of the Company's long-term incentive plan, at 30
September 2022 Pacific Industrial LLP, an affiliate of PCP2
Limited, has subscribed for shares in Urban Logistics Holdings
Limited, a subsidiary of Urban Logistics REIT plc. Further details
have been provided in note 10.
ACQUISITION OF INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
During the interim period, the Group incurred fees totalling
GBP1,075,937 (30 September 2021: GBP1,352,801) from M1 Agency LLP,
a partnership in which Richard Moffitt is a member. These fees were
incurred in the acquisition and letting of investment
properties.
For the transactions listed above, Richard Moffitt's benefit is
derived from the profit allocation he receives from M1 Agency LLP
as a member and not from the transaction.
The Board, with the assistance of the Manager, and excluding
Richard Moffitt, reviews and approves each fee payable to M1 Agency
LLP, and ensures the fees are in line with market rates and on
standard commercial property terms.
19. NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
Basic NAV per share is calculated by dividing net assets in the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position attributable
to Ordinary Shareholders by the number of Ordinary Shares at the
end of the period.
Net assets have been calculated as follows:
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Net assets per Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
(GBP'000) 870,991 533,622 892,632
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Adjustments for:
Fair value of interest rate derivatives (GBP'000) (6,705) 273 (1,603)
Intangible assets (GBP'000) (39) (54) (47)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
EPRA net tangible assets (GBP'000) 864,247 533,841 890,982
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Ordinary Shares in issue at period end (basic and diluted) 471,975,411 324,916,587 471,975,411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
IFRS NAV per share (basic and diluted) 184.54p 164.23p 189.12p
EPRA NTA per share 183.11p 164.30p 188.78p
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
I. EPRA PERFORMANCE MEASURES SUMMARY
Six months Six months Year ended
to to
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
EPRA EPS (diluted) 4.12p 3.12p 5.40p
EPRA net tangible asset value 183.11p 164.30p 188.78p
EPRA net reinstatement value 199.19p 177.94p 203.19p
EPRA net disposal value 184.54p 164.23p 189.12p
-------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
EPRA net initial yield 4.5% 4.8% 4.4%
EPRA "topped up" net initial yield 4.6% 5.0% 4.5%
EPRA vacancy rate 5.0% 0.6% 6.9%
EPRA cost ratio (including vacant property costs) 21.6% 20.1% 21.8%
EPRA cost ratio (excluding vacant property costs) 18.8% 17.5% 20.0%
-------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
II. INCOME STATEMENT
Six months Six months Year ended
to to
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Gross rental income 26,500 16,665 37,811
Property operating costs (1,069) (701) (1,262)
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Net rental income 25,431 15,964 36,549
Administrative expenses (4,977) (2,851) (7,159)
Other operating income 41 69 1,021
Long-term incentive plan credit/(charge) 3,503 (956) (4,114)
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Operating profit before interest and tax 23,998 12,226 26,297
Net finance costs (4,545) (3,314) (6,840)
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Profit before tax 19,453 8,912 18,998
Tax on EPRA earnings - - -
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
EPRA earnings 19.453 8,912 18,998
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares 471,975,411 285,590,418 351,533,233
EPRA earnings per share 4.12p 3.12p 5.40p
------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
III. BALANCE SHEET
Six months Six months Year ended
to to
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Investment properties 1,148,395 671,707 1,029,071
Other net assets 27,912 58,683 99,701
Net borrowings (305,316) (196,768) (236,140)
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Total shareholders' equity 870,991 533,622 892,632
Adjustments to calculate EPRA NTA:
Fair value of interest rate derivative (6,705) 273 (1,603)
Intangible assets (39) (54) (47)
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
EPRA net assets 864,247 533,841 890,982
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Ordinary Shares in issue at year end (basic and diluted) 471,975,411 324,916,587 471,975,411
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
EPRA NTA per share 183.11p 164.30p 188.78p
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
The Group considers EPRA NTA to be the most relevant measure for
its operating activities, it is therefore the Group's primary
measure of net asset value. A reconciliation of the three net asset
value measurements is provided in the table below.
EPRA NTA EPRA NRV EPRA NDV
30 September 2022 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
IFRS equity attributable to shareholders 870,991 870,991 870,991
Fair value of interest rate derivatives (6,705) (6,705) -
Intangible assets (39) - -
Real estate transfer tax - 75,838 -
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EPRA net asset value 864,247 940,124 870,991
Diluted shares (number) 471,975,411 471,975,411 471,975,411
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EPRA net asset value per share 183.11p 199.19p 184.54p
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EPRA NTA EPRA NRV EPRA NDV
30 September 2021 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
IFRS equity attributable to shareholders 533,622 533,622 533,622
Fair value of interest rate derivatives 273 273 -
Intangible assets (54) - -
Real estate transfer tax - 44,252 -
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EPRA net asset value 534,841 578,147 533,622
Diluted shares (number) 324,916,587 324,916,587 324,916,587
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EPRA net asset value per share 164.30p 177.94p 164.23p
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EPRA NTA EPRA NRV EPRA NDV
31 March 2022 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
IFRS equity attributable to shareholders 892,632 892,632 892,632
Fair value of interest rate derivatives (1,603) (1,603) -
Intangible assets (47) - -
Real estate transfer tax - 67,985 -
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EPRA net asset value 890,982 959,014 892,632
Diluted shares (number) 471,975,411 471,975,411 471,975,411
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EPRA net asset value per share 188.78p 203.19p 189.12p
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
IV. EPRA NET INITIAL YIELD AND "TOPPED UP" NET INITIAL YIELD
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Total properties per Financial Statements 1,148,395 671,707 1,029,071
Less head lease right-of-use asset (9,550) (7,677) (8,953)
Less development properties (17,285) (10,109) (34,735)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Completed property portfolio 1,121,560 653,921 985,383
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Add notional purchasers' costs 75,145 43,813 66,021
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Gross up completed property portfolio valuation (A) 1,196,705 697,734 1,051,404
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Annualised passing rent 54,832 33,738 46,315
Less irrecoverable property outgoings (516) (477) (390)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Annualised net rents (B) 54,316 33,261 45,925
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Contractual rental increases for rent-free period 530 1,657 936
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
"Topped up" annualised net rent (C) 54,846 34,918 28,326
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
EPRA net initial yield (B/A) 4.5% 4.8% 4.4%
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
EPRA "topped up" net initial yield (C/A) 4.6% 5.0% 4.5%
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
V. EPRA VACANCY RATE
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Annualised potential rental value of vacant properties 3,289 219 3,753
Annualised potential rental value for the completed property portfolio 65,581 38,132 54,529
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
EPRA vacancy rate 5.0% 0.6% 6.9%
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
VI. EPRA COST RATIO
Six months Six months Year ended
to to
30 September 30 September 31 March
2021 2020 2021
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Total cost ratio GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Costs
Property operating expenses(1) 1,069 701 1,262
Administrative expenses 4,977 2,851 7,159
Less: service charge income (154) (36) (193)
Less: service charge costs recovered through rents but not
separately invoiced (208) (200) -
Less: ground rents (71) (43) (83)
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Total costs including vacant property costs (A) 5,613 3,273 8,145
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Group vacant property costs (734) (424) (685)
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Total costs excluding vacant property costs (B) 4,879 2,849 7,460
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Gross rental income
Gross rental income 26,500 16,665 37,811
Less: ground rents paid (182) (105) (229)
Less: service charge income (154) (36) (193)
Less: service charge costs recovered through rents but not
separately invoiced (208) (200) -
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Total gross rental income (C) 25,956 16,324 37,389
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Total cost including vacant property costs (A/C) 21.6% 20.1% 21.8%
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Total cost excluding vacant property costs (B/C) 18.8% 17.5% 20.0%
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
EPRA cost ratio
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
Total costs (A) 5,613 3,273 8,145
Long-term incentive plan crystallisation - - -
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
EPRA total costs including vacant property costs (D) 5,613 3,273 8,145
Vacant property costs (734) (424) (685)
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
EPRA total costs excluding vacant property costs (E) 4,879 2,849 7,460
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
EPRA cost ratio (including vacant property costs (D/C) 21.6% 20.1% 21.8%
EPRA cost ratio (excluding vacant property costs (E/C) 18.8% 17.5% 20.0%
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------------------
1. Property operating expenses are cost of sales. These
typically include utilities, business rates, letting fees and other
direct costs.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE ("EPC")
A measure of the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A
(most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is a legal requirement
for a building to be sold, let or constructed. Once obtained, an
EPC is valid for ten years.
EPRA COST RATIO
Administrative and operative costs (including and excluding
costs of direct vacancy) divided by gross rental income.
EPRA EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")
Earnings from continuing operational activities divided by
weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.
EPRA LIKE-FOR-LIKE RENTAL GROWTH
Compares the growth of the net rental income of the portfolio
that has been consistently in operation, and not under development,
during the two full preceding periods that are described.
EPRA NET DISPOSAL VALUE ("NDV")
Represents the shareholders' value under a disposal scenario,
where deferred tax, financial instruments and certain other
adjustments are calculated to the full extent of the liability, net
of any resulting tax.
EPRA NET INITIAL YIELD
Annualised rental income based on the cash rent passing at the
balance sheet date, less non-recoverable property operating
expenses, divided by the market value of the property. Increased
with (estimated) purchasers' costs.
EPRA NET REINSTATEMENT VALUE ("NRV")
Assumes that entities never sell assets and aims to represent
the value required to rebuild the entity.
EPRA NET TANGIBLE ASSETS ("NTA")
Assumes that entities buy and sell assets, thereby crystallising
certain levels of unavoidable deferred tax.
EPRA "TOPPED-UP" NET INITIAL YIELD
EPRA net initial yield adjusted for expiration of rent-free
periods or other unexpired lease incentives such as discounted rent
periods and step rents.
EPRA VACANCY RATE
Estimate market rental value ("ERV") of vacant space divided by
ERV of the whole portfolio.
EUROPEAN PUBLIC REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION ("EPRA")
The European Public Real Estate Association ("EPRA") is the
industry body for European Real Estate Investment Trusts
("REITs").
LOAN TO VALUE ("LTV")
The Group's net debt expressed as a percentage of the investment
portfolio.
NET INITIAL YIELD
Annual rents on investment properties as a percentage of the
investment property portfolio valuation having added notional
purchasers' costs.
OCCUPANCY RATE
The ERV of the let units as a percentage of the total ERV of the
investment property portfolio.
PROPERTY INCOME DISTRIBUTION ("PID")
Dividends from the Group's tax-exempt property business.
TOTAL ACCOUNTING RETURN ("TAR")
Represents the movement in EPRA NTA per share plus dividends
paid during the period expressed as a percentage of EPRA NTA per
share at the beginning of the period.
TOTAL PROPERTY RETURN ("TPR")
Capital growth in the portfolio, plus net rental income and gain
or loss on property disposals expressed as a percentage return on
the period's opening value.
WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNEXPIRED LEASE TERM ("WAULT")
The average lease term remaining to expiry across the portfolio
weighted by contracted rental income.
COMPANY INFORMATION
DIRECTORS
Nigel Rich CBE FCA Chairman
Jonathan Gray Director
Richard Moffitt Director
Bruce Anderson ACMA FCIOBS Director
Mark Johnson Director
Heather Hancock Director
COMPANY SECRETARY
LINK COMPANY MATTERS LIMITED
Central Square, 10th Floor
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL
REGISTERED OFFICE
6th Floor
35 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7NQ
MANAGER AND AIFM
PCP2 LIMITED
124 Sloane Street
London
SW1X 9BW
JOINT BROKERS
SINGER CAPITAL MARKETS LLP
One Bartholomew Lane
London
EC2N 2AX
PANMURE GORDON
1 New Change
London
EC4M 9AS
LEGAL ADVISERS TO THE COMPANY
GOWLING WLG (UK) LLP
4 More London
London
EC2M 1JJ
FINANCIAL ADVISER
KINMONT LIMITED
5 Clifford Street
London
W1S 2LG
BANKERS
BARCLAYS BANK PLC
1 Churchill Place
London
E14 5HP
AVIVA PLC
St Helen's
1 Undershaft
London
EC3P 3DQ
LLOYDS BANK PLC
25 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7HN
SANTANDER
2 Triton Square
Regent's Place
London
NW1 3AN
DEPOSITARY
INDOS FINANCIAL LIMITED
The Scalpel, 18(th) Floor
52 Lime Street
London
EC3M 7AF
AUDITOR AND REPORTING ACCOUNTANT
RSM UK AUDIT LLP
25 Farringdon Street
London
EC4A 4AB
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY VALUER
CBRE LIMITED
Henrietta House
London
W1G 0NB
REGISTRARS
COMPUTERSHARE INVESTOR SERVICES PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS13 8AE
WEBSITE
www.urbanlogisticsreit.com
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IR GPGBUGUPPPGU
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