FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 August 2023
LONDON & ASSOCIATED PROPERTIES PLC
HALF
YEAR RESULTS TO 30 June
2023
London & Associated Properties PLC (“LAP” or the
“Group”) is a main market listed property investment group that
specialises in industrial and essential retail property in the
UK.
It also
holds a substantial stake in the main market listed Bisichi PLC
which operates coal mines in South
Africa and invests in UK property.
HIGHLIGHTS
-
Net assets
attributable to shareholders –
- Decreased
to £29.3 million (December 2022:
£32.5 million)
- Now 34.32p
(December 2022: 38.14p) per
share
- Write down
of £2.1m in value of Orchard Square, Sheffield despite strong operational
performance
-
Property
portfolio seeing continued strong operational performance with
Group occupancy levels of 98.4% by rental income (June 2022: 97.6%)
-
Whilst no
properties have been acquired in the period, we are actively
seeking to reinvest cash in new assets in targeted sectors. These
must be at an appropriate yield and with the potential to add value
and income growth through asset management initiatives.
“The
results for the six months to 30 June
2023 have been impacted very significantly by interest rate
increases.
Not only
have the additional costs damaged operating performance, but
negative sentiment has meant that the investment market for asset
sales is becoming more uncertain ………. We are, though, seeing rental
growth in both the industrial properties and the value-orientated
retail properties that we continue to hold.”
-more-
Contact:
London
& Associated Properties PLC Tel:
020 7415 5000
John
Heller, Chairman and Chief Executive
Baron
Phillips Associates Tel:
07767 444193
Baron
Phillips
Half year
results for the period ended
30 June 2023
Half year
review
The
results for the six months to 30 June
2023 have been impacted very significantly by interest rate
increases.
Not only
have the additional costs damaged operating performance, but
negative sentiment has meant that the investment market for asset
sales is becoming more uncertain. This has materially affected us
at Orchard Square in Sheffield
where in May we instructed agents to market this property in the
run up to the September 2023 expiry
of our loan from QSix.
As at the
date of this report, we are unable to confirm that any sales
proceeds will be sufficient to repay this loan and return a surplus
to the Group. In
light of this, we have adopted a prudent approach to the value of
Orchard Square and have written it down to the outstanding loan
value of £12.65m from £14.75m.
The loan
on the property is non recourse to the LAP Group, is secured
exclusively on this asset and the write down in value in the period
is the maximum loss the Group can incur.
However,
this write-down contributed to losses attributable to shareholders
of £3.0 million (2022: profits of £4.3 million) while net assets
attributable to shareholders have reduced from £32.5 million to
£29.3 million (34.32p a share as compared with 38.14p at
December 2022).
Orchard
Square is held as inventory as it is readied for sale. Since
September 2022, all surplus operating
cash was retained within Orchard Square Ltd and not distributed as
a dividend to LAP as part of an agreement with the lender to
exercise our option to extend the loan by 12 months. During this
period we have sought to refinance the loan, but due to prevailing
market conditions, this has not been possible without a significant
equity contribution which we do not feel would be in shareholders’
interests. In the last few days we have confirmed this decision to
the existing lender who has issued a reservation of rights
letter.
The
company will update shareholders on the progress of this matter in
due course.
This is a
disappointing outcome for a property that had performed well over
our 24 year ownership.
Once
again, Orchard Square has, operationally, performed strongly this
year. We have recently completed three significant lettings as we
continue to reposition the centre with a greater focus on food and
beverage operators.
We have
also upgraded the public
areas with new
paving, awnings for the tenants and a weather proofing
canopy having
been completed with
the support of a grant from Sheffield
Council. This
enables the year-round use of the public areas and has been warmly welcomed
by all the
tenants. Operating income for Orchard Square remains at c£1.7
million per annum (31 December 2022:
£1.7m).
The
remainder of our property portfolio is performing satisfactorily.
Revenue from property activities decreased slightly to £3.0 million
(2022: £3.3 million), reflecting the disposal of our shopping
centre in West Bromwich in
July 2022, the proceeds of which have
not yet been reinvested.
We are,
though, seeing rental growth in both our industrial and
value-orientated retail properties. While we remain open to selling
any properties where we think we can reinvest the proceeds into new
assets with stronger growth potential, we remain happy with the
cash generating potential of the current portfolio.
Across our
entire portfolio, voids remain at a low level of 1.6% by rental
income (2022: 2.4%), following the lettings at Orchard Square
discussed above.
A 5-year
loan with QIB (UK) plc for £13.6 million was executed in
August 2022 with an initial LTV of
56%. This loan remains covenant compliant.
We
continue to review all opportunities to reduce overheads and
improve profitability.
At our
development site in West Ealing, we continue to explore options to
realise the value from the planning consent for 56 flats we
obtained in 2021. For the past year, building cost inflation has
been a stumbling block to a land sale, and we have therefore
continued to work up detailed design drawings. A recent
stabilisation in material prices and a drop in contractors’
workloads have enabled us to achieve initial quotes from
contractors that make committing to a build out of this project
more attractive. We are weighing up the risks and rewards of both a
land sale and building out the site and are optimistic that a
decision to realise the best value of this site can be taken
shortly.
During the
period a short term extension of the Dragon Retail Properties loan
with Santander was secured to October
2023. Further negotiations with Santander were put on hold
in the period immediately prior to an outstanding break clause in
favour of the largest tenant at the property. The break was not
exercised and with a current WAULT of 5.0 years we are exploring
all options for refinancing this property, including an offer of a
new loan from the existing lender. This loan remains covenant
compliant, and the property continues to produce strong net cash
flow.
For the
first six months of the year, gross revenue at Bisichi PLC, which
is 42% owned by LAP, was £25.3 million as compared with £44.8
million last year.
This
resulted in a profit before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortisation (EBITDA) of £1.42 million (2022: £22.25 million) and a
net profit of £0.1 million before foreign exchange losses of £0.9
million. The lower earnings for Bisichi, compared to the first six
months of 2022, are mainly attributable to lower prices for coal
sold by Sisonke Coal Processing, Bisichi’s South African coal
processing operation, as well as difficult mining conditions at
Black Wattle Colliery.
Bisichi
intends to pay an interim dividend on 4
February 2024 of 3p (2022: 10p) per share, £133,000 of which
will be receivable by LAP.
Further
details of Bisichi’s performance and a forward looking statement
can be found in their own half year report available at
www.bisichi.com.
LAP has
made significant progress during the period although the outlook
for interest rates and inflation are limiting our options more than
we would wish. The Board of LAP bases its decisions about dividend
payments on the results and financial position of the Group’s
property activities and accordingly has decided not to declare a
dividend for the half year. Once our cash has been reinvested and
property income has returned to previous levels, our dividend
policy will reflect this.
John Heller
Chairman
and Chief Executive
24 August 2023
Consolidated
income statement
for the
six months ended 30 June
2023
|
|
6
months
|
6
months
|
Year
|
|
|
|
ended
|
ended
|
ended
|
|
|
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
|
Notes
|
£’000
|
£’000
|
£’000
|
Group
revenue
|
1
|
28,335
|
48,076
|
100,243
|
Operating
costs
|
|
(28,708)
|
(26,236)
|
(64,730)
|
Operating
(loss)/profit
|
1
|
(373)
|
21,840
|
35,513
|
Finance
income
|
2
|
171
|
40
|
199
|
Finance
expenses
|
2
|
(1,775)
|
(1,470)
|
(3,218)
|
Result
before valuation and other movements
|
|
(1,977)
|
20,410
|
32,494
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non–cash
changes in valuation of assets and liabilities and other
movements
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange
losses
|
|
-
|
-
|
(270)
|
Decrease
in value of investment properties
|
|
-
|
(200)
|
(115)
|
Profits
on disposal of investment properties
|
|
-
|
-
|
(83)
|
Loss on
disposal of fixed assets
|
|
-
|
-
|
36
|
(Decrease)/Increase
in value of trading investments
|
|
(553)
|
49
|
1,036
|
Adjustment
to interest rate derivative
|
|
-
|
70
|
70
|
Result
including revaluation and other movements
|
|
(2,530)
|
20,329
|
33,168
|
(Loss)/profit
for the period before taxation
|
1
|
(2,530)
|
20,329
|
33,168
|
Income
tax charge
|
3
|
(232)
|
(5,646)
|
(12,002)
|
(Loss)/profit
for the period
|
|
(2,762)
|
14,683
|
21,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable
to:
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
holders of the Company
|
|
(3,007)
|
4,293
|
2,704
|
Non–controlling
interest
|
|
245
|
10,390
|
18,462
|
(Loss)/profit
for the period
|
|
(2,762)
|
14,683
|
21,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/profit
per share – basic and diluted
|
4
|
(3.52)
|
5.03p
|
3.17p
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
statement of comprehensive income
for the
six months ended 30 June
2023
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£’000
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/profit
for the period
|
(2,762)
|
14,683
|
21,166
|
Other
comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Items
that may be subsequently recycled to the income
statement:
|
|
|
|
Exchange
differences on translation of foreign operations
|
(874)
|
565
|
(43)
|
Other
comprehensive (expense)/income for the period, net of
tax
|
(874)
|
565
|
(43)
|
Total
comprehensive (expense)/income for the period, net of
tax
|
(3,636)
|
15,248
|
21,123
|
Attributable
to:
|
|
|
|
Equity
shareholders
|
(3,256)
|
4,496
|
2,696
|
Non–controlling
interest
|
(380)
|
10,752
|
18,427
|
|
(3,636)
|
15,248
|
21,123
|
Consolidated
balance sheet
at
30 June 2023
|
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
Notes
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Non–current
assets
|
|
|
|
|
Market
value of properties attributable to Group
|
|
35,610
|
35,725
|
35,610
|
Present
value of head leases
|
|
1,552
|
3,221
|
1,552
|
Property
|
5
|
37,162
|
38,946
|
37,162
|
Mining
reserves, property, plant and equipment
|
|
14,599
|
15,100
|
16,928
|
Other
investments at fair value through profit and loss
(“FVPL”)
|
|
12,740
|
6,418
|
12,590
|
|
|
64,501
|
60,464
|
66,680
|
Current
assets
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories
– Property
|
5
|
21,256
|
25,493
|
22,862
|
Inventories
– Mining
|
|
4,502
|
4,189
|
5,199
|
Assets
held for sale
|
|
-
|
4,550
|
-
|
Trade and
other receivables
|
|
8,031
|
10,604
|
7,915
|
Investments
in listed securities held at FVPL
|
|
779
|
1,209
|
886
|
Cash and
cash equivalents
|
|
10,886
|
7,816
|
15,382
|
|
|
45,454
|
53,861
|
52,244
|
Total
assets
|
|
109,955
|
114,325
|
118,924
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and
other payables
|
|
(14,386)
|
(13,546)
|
(17,058)
|
Borrowings
|
|
(21,580)
|
(36,151)
|
(22,061)
|
Lease
liabilities
|
|
(345)
|
(201)
|
(414)
|
Interest
rate derivatives
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Current
tax liabilities
|
|
(4,321)
|
(1,657)
|
(4,256)
|
|
|
(40,632)
|
(51,555)
|
(43,789)
|
Non–current
liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
(17,154)
|
(3,932)
|
(17,113)
|
Lease
liabilities
|
|
(1,599)
|
(3,866)
|
(1,839)
|
Provisions
|
|
(1,475)
|
(1,609)
|
(1,716)
|
Deferred
tax liabilities
|
|
236
|
(57)
|
(752)
|
|
|
(19,992)
|
(9,464)
|
(21,420)
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
(60,624)
|
(61,019)
|
(65,209)
|
Net
assets
|
|
49,331
|
53,306
|
53,715
|
Equity
attributable to the owners of the parent
|
|
|
|
|
Share
capital
|
|
8,554
|
8,554
|
8,554
|
Share
premium account
|
|
4,866
|
4,866
|
4,866
|
Translation
reserve (Bisichi PLC)
|
|
(1,314)
|
(851)
|
(1,063)
|
Capital
redemption reserve
|
|
47
|
47
|
47
|
Retained
earnings (excluding treasury shares)
|
|
17,279
|
21,708
|
20,286
|
Treasury
shares
|
|
(144)
|
(144)
|
(144)
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
17,135
|
21,464
|
20,142
|
Total
equity attributable to equity shareholders
|
|
29,288
|
34,180
|
32,546
|
Non –
controlling interest
|
|
20,043
|
19,126
|
21,169
|
Total
equity
|
|
49,331
|
53,306
|
53,715
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
assets per share attributable to equity
shareholders
|
6
|
34.32p
|
40.04p
|
38.14p
|
Consolidated
statement of changes in shareholders’
equity
for the
six months ended 30 June
2023
|
Share
capital
£’000
|
Share
premium
£’000
|
Translation
reserves
£’000
|
Capital
redemption
reserve
£’000
|
Treasury
shares
£’000
|
Retained
earnings
excluding
treasury
shares
£’000
|
Total
excluding
Non–
Controlling
Interests
£’000
|
Non–controlling
Interests
£’000
|
Total
equity
£’000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at
1 January 2022
|
8,554
|
4,866
|
(1,055)
|
47
|
(144)
|
17,415
|
29,683
|
10,536
|
40,219
|
Profit for
the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,293
|
4,293
|
10,390
|
14,683
|
Other
comprehensive income:
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Currency
translation
|
-
|
-
|
204
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
204
|
362
|
566
|
Total other
comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
204
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
204
|
362
|
566
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
204
|
-
|
-
|
4,293
|
4,497
|
10,752
|
15,249
|
Transactions
with owners:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends –
non–controlling
Interests
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,162)
|
(2,162)
|
Transactions
with owners
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,162)
|
(2,162)
|
Balance
at 30 June 2022 (unaudited)
|
8,554
|
4,866
|
(851)
|
47
|
(144)
|
21,708
|
34,180
|
19,126
|
53,306
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at
1 January 2022
|
8,554
|
4,866
|
(1,055)
|
47
|
(144)
|
17,415
|
29,683
|
10,536
|
40,219
|
Profit for
the year
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,704
|
2,704
|
18,462
|
21,166
|
Other
comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency
translation
|
-
|
-
|
(8)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(8)
|
(35)
|
(43)
|
Total other
comprehensive expense
|
-
|
-
|
(8)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(8)
|
(35)
|
(43)
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
(8)
|
-
|
-
|
2,704
|
2,696
|
18,427
|
21,123
|
Transaction
with owners:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
167
|
167
|
237
|
404
|
Dividends –
equity holders
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(7,034)
|
(7,034)
|
Dividends –
non–controlling
Interests
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(997)
|
(997)
|
Transactions
with owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
167
|
167
|
(7,794)
|
(7,627)
|
Balance
at 31 December 2022
(audited)
|
8,554
|
4,866
|
(1,063)
|
47
|
(144)
|
20,286
|
32,546
|
21,169
|
53,715
|
Consolidated
statement of changes in shareholders’
equity -
continued
for the
six months ended 30 June
2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
capital
£’000
|
Share
premium
£’000
|
Translation
reserves
£’000
|
Capital
redemption
reserve
£’000
|
Treasury
shares
£’000
|
Retained
earnings
excluding
treasury
shares
£’000
|
Total
excluding
Non–
Controlling
Interests
£’000
|
Non–controlling
Interests
£’000
|
Total
equity
£’000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at
1 January 2023
|
8,554
|
4,866
|
(1,063)
|
47
|
(144)
|
20,286
|
32,546
|
21,169
|
53,715
|
(Loss)/profit
for the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(3,007)
|
(3,007)
|
245
|
(2,762)
|
Other
comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency
translation
|
-
|
-
|
(251)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(251)
|
(623)
|
(874)
|
Total other
comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
(251)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(251)
|
(623)
|
(874)
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
(251)
|
-
|
-
|
(3,007)
|
(3,258)
|
(378)
|
(3,636)
|
Transactions
with owners:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends –
non-controlling interests
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(748)
|
(748)
|
Transactions
with owners
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(748)
|
(748)
|
Balance
at 30 June 2023 (unaudited)
|
8,554
|
4,866
|
(1,314)
|
47
|
(144)
|
17,279
|
29,288
|
20,043
|
49,331
|
Consolidated
cash flow statement
for the
six months ended 30 June
2023
|
6
months
|
6
months
|
Year
|
|
ended
|
ended
|
ended
|
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Operating
activities
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/profit
for the year before taxation
|
(2,530)
|
20,329
|
33,168
|
Finance
income
|
(171)
|
(40)
|
(199)
|
Finance
expense
|
1,775
|
1,470
|
3,218
|
Decrease in
value of investment properties
|
-
|
-
|
115
|
Increase in
value of trading investments
|
-
|
-
|
(1,036)
|
Expenditure
on trading property
|
-
|
(260)
|
-
|
Adjustment
to interest rate derivative
|
-
|
(70)
|
(70)
|
Loss on
investments
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
(Profit)/
loss on sale of investment properties
|
(2)
|
-
|
83
|
Depreciation
|
899
|
884
|
1,362
|
Loss/(profit)
on disposal of non-current assets
|
-
|
200
|
(36)
|
Share based
payment expense
|
553
|
-
|
405
|
Development
expenditure on inventories
|
-
|
-
|
(747)
|
Exchange
adjustments
|
188
|
37
|
270
|
Change in
inventories
|
1,572
|
(2,803)
|
(911)
|
Change in
receivables
|
728
|
766
|
2,194
|
Change in
payables
|
(3,627)
|
(2,813)
|
811
|
Cash
(outflows)/inflows generated from operations
|
(609)
|
17,700
|
38,627
|
Income tax
paid
|
(327)
|
(5,554)
|
(7,946)
|
Cash
(outflows)/inflows from operating activities
|
(936)
|
12,146
|
30,681
|
Investing
activities
|
|
|
|
Acquisition
of investment properties, mining reserves, plant and
equipment
|
(1,061)
|
(7,994)
|
(11,011)
|
Sale of
plant and equipment
|
16
|
504
|
102
|
Sale of
investment properties
|
-
|
-
|
5,171
|
Disposal of
other investments
|
-
|
-
|
2,083
|
Acquisition
of other investments
|
(596)
|
(3,262)
|
(10,207)
|
Interest
received
|
171
|
40
|
199
|
Cash
outflows from investing activities
|
(1,470)
|
(10,712)
|
(13,663)
|
Financing
activities
|
|
|
|
Interest
paid
|
(1,693)
|
(1,468)
|
(2,751)
|
Interest on
obligation under finance leases
|
(17)
|
(17)
|
(353)
|
Repayment
of lease liability
|
(126)
|
(126)
|
(236)
|
Lease
assignment costs paid
|
-
|
-
|
(52)
|
Receipt of
bank loan – Bisichi PLC
|
27
|
48
|
524
|
Repayment
of bank loan – Bisichi PLC
|
(540)
|
(150)
|
(55)
|
Repayment
of bank loan – Dragon Retail Properties Ltd
|
(183)
|
(10)
|
(21)
|
Receipt of
bank loan – London & Associated Properties PLC
|
3
|
220
|
13,337
|
Repayment
of bank loan – London & Associated Properties PLC
|
(61)
|
(188)
|
(14,247)
|
Equity
dividends paid
|
-
|
-
|
(641)
|
Equity
dividends paid – non–controlling interests
|
-
|
(1,787)
|
(6,323)
|
Cash
outflows from financing activities
|
(2,590)
|
(3,478)
|
(10,818)
|
Consolidated
cash flow statement -
continued
for the
six months ended 30 June
2023
|
6
months
|
6
months
|
Year
|
|
ended
|
ended
|
ended
|
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Net
(decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
|
(4,996)
|
(2,044)
|
6,200
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
12,157
|
5,982
|
5,982
|
Exchange
adjustment
|
177
|
(51)
|
(25)
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of period
|
7,338
|
3,887
|
12,157
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The cash
flows above relate to continuing and discontinued
operations.
Cash
and cash equivalents
For the
purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents
comprise the following balance sheet amounts:
|
|
|
|
Cash and
cash equivalents (before bank overdrafts)
|
10,886
|
7,816
|
15,382
|
Bank
overdrafts
|
(3,548)
|
(3,929)
|
(3,225)
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of period
|
7,338
|
3,887
|
12,157
|
Notes to
the half year report
for the
six months ended 30 June
2023
|
|
|
|
1.
Segmental analysis
|
6
months
|
6
months
|
Year
|
|
ended
|
ended
|
ended
|
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
LAP
|
|
|
|
-
- Rental
income
|
2,000
|
2,092
|
4,175
|
-
- Service
charge income
|
378
|
471
|
788
|
-
-
Management income from third parties
|
9
|
9
|
18
|
Bisichi
|
|
|
|
-
- Rental
income
|
524
|
543
|
955
|
-
- Service
charge income
|
-
|
-
|
98
|
-
-
Mining
|
25,341
|
44,837
|
94,002
|
-
Dragon
|
|
|
|
-
- Rental
income
|
83
|
123
|
207
|
-
- Service
charge income
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
28,335
|
48,076
|
100,243
|
Operating
(loss)/profit
|
|
|
|
LAP
|
(1,728)
|
208
|
(3,041)
|
Bisichi
|
1,296
|
21,544
|
38,433
|
Dragon
|
59
|
88
|
121
|
|
(373)
|
21,840
|
35,513
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/profit
before taxation
|
|
|
|
LAP
|
(2,942)
|
(986)
|
(5,119)
|
Bisichi
|
390
|
21,249
|
38,267
|
Dragon
|
22
|
66
|
20
|
|
(2,530)
|
20,329
|
33,168
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.
Finance costs
|
6
months
|
6
months
|
Year
|
|
ended
|
ended
|
ended
|
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
Finance
income
|
171
|
40
|
199
|
Finance
expenses:
|
|
|
|
Interest on
bank loans and overdrafts
|
(1,671)
|
(925)
|
(1,862)
|
Unwinding
of discount (Bisichi)
|
-
|
-
|
(319)
|
Other
loans
|
(32)
|
(430)
|
(837)
|
Interest on
obligations under finance leases
|
(72)
|
(115)
|
(200)
|
Total
finance expenses
|
(1,775)
|
(1,470)
|
(3,218)
|
|
(1,604)
|
(1,430)
|
(3,019)
|
Notes to
the half year report –
continued
3.
Income tax
|
6
months
|
6
months
|
Year
|
|
ended
|
ended
|
ended
|
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current
tax
|
1,017
|
6,115
|
11,537
|
Deferred
tax
|
(785)
|
(469)
|
465
|
|
232
|
5,646
|
12,002
|
4.
Earnings per share
|
6
months
|
6
months
|
Year
|
|
ended
|
ended
|
ended
|
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/profit
attributable to equity shareholders after tax (£’000)
|
(3,007)
|
4,293
|
2,704
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average number of shares in issue for the period ('000)
|
85,326
|
85,326
|
85,326
|
Basic
earnings per share
|
(3.52)
|
5.03p
|
3.17p
|
Diluted
number of shares in issue ('000)
|
85,326
|
85,326
|
85,326
|
Diluted
earnings per share
|
(3.52)
|
5.03p
|
3.17p
|
5.
Properties
Investment
properties are held at fair value at each reporting
period.
During the
period no properties were acquired or sold.
Orchard
Square, Sheffield, held as
inventory, is currently being marketed for sale. The property is
secured by a loan that expires in September
2023 and we are not currently able to confirm if the
proceeds of any sale will be sufficient to repay this loan and
return a surplus to the Group. The value of this property has
therefore been written down to the outstanding loan value, from
£14.75m to £12.65m and is disclosed as an inventory write down
within Operating Costs in the Income Statement. The loan on the
property is non-recourse to the rest of the LAP Group, is secured
exclusively on this asset and the write down in value in the period
is the maximum loss the Group can incur. Due to rising interest
rates the loan breached its income cover covenant in July 2023, we have recently chosen not to cure
this breach with the lender issuing a reservation of rights
letter.
Other than
as discussed above, the Directors have placed a valuation on the
properties which is not materially different to the value as at
31 December 2022. Investment
properties are therefore included at a directors’ valuation which
is considered to be the fair value as at 30
June 2023. Please refer to page 56 of the 2022 Annual report
and Accounts for details on the valuation of investment and
inventory properties as at 31 December
2022.
6.
Net assets per share
|
30
June
|
30
June
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
in issue ('000)
|
85,326
|
85,326
|
85,326
|
Net assets
attributable to equity shareholders (£'000)
|
29,288
|
34,165
|
32,546
|
Basic
net assets per share
|
34.32
|
40.04p
|
38.14p
|
|
|
|
|
Shares in
issue diluted by outstanding share options ('000)
|
85,326
|
85,326
|
85,326
|
Net assets
after issue of share options (£'000)
|
29,288
|
34,165
|
32,546
|
Fully
diluted net assets per share
|
34.32p
|
40.04p
|
38.14p
|
Notes to
the half year report -
continued
7.
Related party transactions
The related
parties and the nature of costs recharged are as disclosed in the
group’s annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
8.
Dividends
There is no
interim dividend payable for the period (30
June 2022: Nil).
There is no
final dividend payable in respect of 2022.
9.
Risks and uncertainties
The group’s
principal risks and uncertainties are reported on pages 10 and 11
in the 2022 Annual Report.
They have
been reviewed by the Directors and remain unchanged for the current
period.
The largest
area of estimation and uncertainty in the interim financial
statements is in respect of the valuation of investment properties
(which are not revalued at the half year).
For Bisichi
PLC, the largest area of estimation relates to currency movements
and coal mining activities in South
Africa, including depreciation, impairment and the provision
for rehabilitation (relating to environmental rehabilitation of
mining areas).
Property,
plant and equipment representing Bisichi’s mining assets in
South Africa are reviewed for
impairment where there is evidence of a material impairment. The
impairment test indicated significant headroom as at 31 December 2022 and no impairment was considered
appropriate.
Other areas
of estimation and uncertainly are referred to in the Group's annual
financial statements. There have been no significant changes to the
basis of accounting for key estimates and judgements as disclosed
in the annual report as at 31 December
2022.
10.
Contingent Liabilities and Subsequent Events
Black
Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd continues to be involved in a tax dispute
in South Africa related to VAT.
The dispute arose during the year ended 31
December 2020 and is related to events which occurred prior
to the years ended 31 December 2020.
The interpretation of laws and regulations in South Africa where the Group operates can be
complex and can lead to challenges from or disputes with regulatory
authorities. Such situations often take significant time to
resolve. Where there is a dispute and where a reliable estimate of
the potential liability cannot be made, or where the Group, based
on legal advice, considers that it is improbable that there will be
an outflow of economic resources, no provision is recognised.
Further details of the contingent tax liability can be found on
page 107 of Bisichi’s 2022 Annual report and Accounts.
There are
no other contingent liabilities as at 30
June 2023.
There are
no subsequent events or transactions that require
disclosure.
11.
Financial information
The above
financial information does not constitute statutory accounts within
the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The figures
for the year ended 31 December 2022
are based upon the latest statutory accounts, which have been
delivered to the Registrar of Companies; the report of the auditor
on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement
under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
As required
by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK's Financial
Conduct Authority, the interim financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) and in accordance with both IAS 34 'Interim
Financial Reporting' and in conformity with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS and
the disclosure requirements of the Listing Rules.
The half
year results have not been audited or subject to review by the
company's auditor.
The annual
financial statements of London
& Associated Properties PLC are prepared in accordance with
IFRS and in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act
2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The company has
applied UK-adopted IAS and at the date of application, both
UK-adopted IAS and EU-adopted IFRS are the same. The same
accounting policies are used for the six months ended 30 June 2023 as were used for the year ended
31 December 2022.
As stated
in the 2022 Annual Report in the group accounting policies, Bisichi
PLC and Dragon Retail Properties Limited are consolidated with LAP,
as required by IFRS 10.
The
assessment of new standards, amendments and interpretations issued
but not effective, is that these are not anticipated to have a
material impact on the financial statements.
The interim
financial statements have been prepared on the going concern
basis.
12.
Board approval
The half
year results were approved by the Board of London & Associated Properties PLC on
24 August 2023.
Directors'
responsibility statement
The
Directors confirm that to the best of their
knowledge:
(a) the
condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting
Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting.
(b) the
interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required by:
(1)
DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an
indication of important events that have occurred during the first
six months of the financial year 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
(2) DTR
4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related
party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of
the current financial year and that have materially affected the
financial position or performance of the entity during that period;
and any changes in the related party transactions described in the
last annual report that could do so.
This report
contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on
current estimates and projections of management and currently
available information. Future statements are not guarantees of the
future developments and results outlined therein. Rather, future
developments and results are dependent on a number of factors; they
involve various risks and uncertainties and are based upon
assumptions that may not prove to be accurate. Risks and
uncertainties identified by the Group are set out on pages 10 and
11 of the 2022 Annual Report & Accounts. We do not assume any
obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in
this report.
Signed on
behalf of the Board on 24 August
2023
John Heller
Jonathan
Mintz
Director
Director
Directors
and advisors
|
|
Directors
|
Executive directors
|
*
Sir Michael Heller
MA FCA (Chairman) (resigned 30 January 2023)
|
John A Heller
LLB MBA (Chief Executive) and (Chairman from 24 February
2023)
|
Jonathan Mintz
FCA (Finance Director)
|
|
|
Non-executive directors
|
† Howard D Goldring
BSC (ECON) ACA
|
#†Clive A Parritt
FCA CF FIIA
|
Robin Priest
MA
Andrew R Heller MA, ACA
(appointed 29 March 2023)
|
|
* Member of the nomination committee
|
# Senior independent director
|
† Member of the audit, remuneration and nomination
|
committees.
|
|
|
Secretary & registered office
|
Jonathan Mintz
FCA
|
12 Little Portland Street
|
London W1W 8BJ
|
|
|
Registrars & transfer office
|
Link Group
Shareholder Services
|
The Registry
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL
|
|
|
UK
Telephone: 0871 664 0300
(Calls cost
12p per minute plus network access charges; lines are open Monday
to Friday between 9.00am and 5.30pm)
International
Telephone: +44 371 664 0300
(Calls
outside the United Kingdom will be charged at applicable
international rate)
Lines are
open between 9.00am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public
holidays in England and Wales.
Website: www.linkassetservices.com
E-mail:
enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk
|
|
Company registration number
|
341829 (England and Wales)
|
|
|
Website
|
www.lap.co.uk
|
|
E-mail
|
admin@lap.co.uk
|