half year results 2024
Results for the half year ended 30 September 2024
Strong operational execution drives upgrade in EPS outlook and increase in portfolio value
“Our operational outperformance continues, with further growth in occupancy and positive rental uplifts across our retail and London portfolio, which is translating into accelerated income growth. Combined with our focus on cost efficiencies, we therefore raise our outlook for EPRA EPS and now expect FY25 to be in line with last year’s level despite £0.5bn of net disposals over the past year, and for this outperformance to flow through into FY26.
At the same time, property values have stabilised, with growth in rental values driving a modest increase in capital values, resulting in a positive total return on equity. We expect these trends to persist, as customer demand for our best-in-class space remains robust and investment market activity has started to pick up. We have continued to reposition our portfolio towards higher-return opportunities and are confident of deploying further capital towards this in the second half. Having managed our balance sheet well as markets corrected, we are now well placed to deliver growth and attractive returns.”
Mark Allan
Chief Executive
Financial highlights
- EPRA earnings of £186m, up £1m vs prior period after adjusting for £13m lower surrender receipts
- EPRA EPS(2)(3) at top end of expectations at 25.0p, as better than expected 3.4% LFL net income growth and 2.2ppt improvement in operating margin offset earnings impact from non-core asset disposals
- Total dividend up 2.2% to 18.6p per share, in line with guidance of low single digit percentage growth
- Profit before tax up to £243m, as 2.1% ERV growth resulted in £91m or 0.9% uplift in portfolio value
- Total return on equity of 3.9% over six months, with 1.4% increase in EPRA NTA per share(2)(3) to 871p
- Maintained strong balance sheet with 7.4x net debt/EBITDA and a 34.9% Group LTV(2)(3)
- Upgrade in EPS outlook due to higher LFL income growth and cost efficiencies, with FY25 EPRA EPS now expected to be in line with the 50.1 pence delivered in FY24 and FY26 expected to be ahead of this, before any upside from potential future acquisitions
| 30 Sept 2024 | Prior period(1) | 30 Sept 2024 | Prior period(1) | ||
| EPRA earnings (£m)(2)(3) | 186 | 198 | Loss before tax (£m) | 243 | (193) |
| EPRA EPS (pence)(2)(3) | 25.0 | 26.7 | Basic EPS (pence) | 32.8 | (24.4) |
| EPRA NTA per share (pence)(2)(3) | 871 | 859 | Net assets per share (pence) | 873 | 863 |
| Total return on equity (%)(2)(3) | 3.9 | (2.4) | Dividend per share (pence) | 18.6 | 18.2 |
| Group LTV ratio (%)(2)(3) | 34.9 | 35.0 | Net debt (£m) | 3,573 | 3,594 |
Operational highlights:
Strategic focus on creating best-in-class portfolio pays off, with 6% uplifts on relettings/renewals across London and Major Retail, 40bps increase in occupancy, 3.4% growth in like-for-like net rental income, and property valuations returning to modest growth as rental values rise 2.1% and yields stabilise. Well placed to deliver the 8-10% annual return on equity we target over time, with current annual income return at NTA of 5.8%, continued growth in like-for-like income and further rental value growth.
CENTRAL LONDON
- Delivered 5.5% LFL net rental income growth, with occupancy up 60bps to 97.9%, £16m of lettings signed or in solicitors’ hands 3% above ERV and relettings/renewals 7% above previous rent
- Drove 2.2% ERV growth over first six months as customer demand remains focused on high-quality space in best locations, on track vs FY guidance of low to mid-single digit percentage growth
- Portfolio valuation up 0.8%, as yields stabilised and investment market activity starts to pick up
- Progressing two on-site developments in Victoria and Southbank, with expected completion in late 2025 and attractive 7.1% gross yield on cost and 11% yield on capex
MAJOR RETAIL DESTINATIONS
- Delivered 3.1% LFL net income growth, with LFL occupancy up 70bps to 96.0% and £26m of lettings signed or in solicitors’ hands 7% above ERV and 4% ahead of previous rent for relettings/renewals, underpinning growing reversionary potential
- Capitalised on continued focus from brands on fewer, bigger, better stores, with significant upsizes of leading brands such as Primark, Pull&Bear, Bershka, Sephora and JD Sports
- Delivered ERV growth of 1.7%, on track vs FY guidance of low to mid-single digit percentage growth, supporting 2.8% increase in portfolio valuation, as activity levels in investment markets pick up
- Acquired an additional £120m stake in Bluewater at attractive 8.5% yield, with confidence in deploying further capital in major retail at accretive returns in second half of the year
FUTURE PIPELINE
- Secured detailed planning consent for first phase of office development at Mayfield, creating optionality for potential earliest start of first c. £180m investment in first half of 2024
- Progressed further planning and land assembly workstreams at £1bn Finchley Road scheme to unlock potential start on site in first half of 2024, whilst optimising preparations for rest of long-term pipeline
Underpinning our strategy:
- Realised 10% reduction in overhead costs, with further efficiencies expected next year
- Executed on £690m of transactions since March, including £464m of non-core disposals in line with Mar-24 book value and £226m of acquisitions, improving future return prospects
- Capitalised on sector-leading access to credit, with AA/AA- credit ratings, via £350m 10-year bond issue at 4.625% coupon and refinancing of £2.25bn revolving credit facilities at existing low margins
- Maintained strong capital base, with 10.0-year average debt maturity, £2bn cash and undrawn facilities, 7.4x net debt/EBITDA and 34.9% LTV, providing capacity to grow at attractive time
You can view a replay of the webcast here: https://webcast.landsec.com/2024-half-year-results
1. Prior period measures are for the six months ended 30 September 2023 other than EPRA NTA per share, net assets per share, Group LTV ratio and net debt, which are as at 31 March 2024.
2. An alternative performance measure. The Group uses a number of financial measures to assess and explain its performance, some of which are considered to be alternative performance measures as they are not defined under IFRS. For further details, see the Financial review and table 13 in the Business analysis section.
3. Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Financial review. The condensed consolidated preliminary financial information is prepared under UK adopted international accounting standards (IFRSs and IFRICs) where the Group’s interests in joint ventures are shown collectively in the income statement and balance sheet, and all subsidiaries are consolidated at 100%. Internally, management reviews the Group’s results on a basis that adjusts for these forms of ownership to present a proportionate share. These metrics, including the Combined Portfolio, are examples of this approach, reflecting our economic interest in our properties regardless of our ownership structure. For further details, see table 13 in the Business analysis section.
