Wrap Text
Provisional Summarised Audited Consolidated Financial Statements For The Year Ended 28 February 2019
SPEAR REIT LIMITED
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 2015/407237/06
JSE share code: SEA
ISIN: ZAE000228995
(Approved as a REIT by the JSE)
("Spear" or "the group" or "the company")
Provisional Summarised Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 28 February 2019
Highlights
- FY2019 distribution of 86.42 cents per share
- FY2019 distribution growth of 10%
- Occupancy rate of 98%
- Asset value R3.8 billion
- Asset value increased 22% from FY2018
- Loan to value ("LTV") 39%
- Fixed debt ratio of 65%
Nature of the Business
Spear REIT Limited ("Spear" or "the
group" or "the company") listed as a
Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT")
on the main board of the Johannesburg
Stock Exchange ("JSE") and is the only
regionally-focused REIT listed on the
JSE which predominantly invests in
high-quality income-generating assets
in the Western Cape.
Spear obtains its diversification through
asset type rather than geographical
investment.
The company conducts its business
directly and through a number of
subsidiaries, collectively referred to as
the "group".
The group's property and asset
management functions are internally
and directly managed by the Spear
executive management team.
Consolidated Statement of
Financial Position
Group
Audited Audited
Year ended Year ended
28 February 28 February
2019 2018
R'000 R'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment property (including straight-line accrual) 3 737 352 2 912 417
Property, plant and equipment 3 352 1 785
Financial assets 60 943 55 810
Deferred taxation 6 780 5 838
3 808 427 2 975 850
Current assets
Investment properties held for sale 74 000 221 492
Financial assets 9 863 6 466
Loans to related parties 109 -
Trade and other receivables 10 527 13 132
Cash and cash equivalents 13 792 10 220
Insurance claim receivable - 178
108 291 251 488
TOTAL ASSETS 3 916 718 3 227 338
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' interest
Share capital 1 794 067 1 547 407
Share-based payment reserve 10 850 4 394
Accumulated income 490 615 365 517
Total attributable to owners 2 295 532 1 917 318
Non-controlling interest 54 155 54 155
2 349 687 1 971 473
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities 1 335 853 1 053 434
1 335 853 1 053 434
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities 186 463 152 536
Loans from related parties - 8 411
Trade and other payables 44 715 40 840
Deferred revenue - 644
231 178 202 431
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1 567 031 1 255 865
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 3 916 718 3 227 338
Number of ordinary shares in issue 188 888 709 165 190 689
Treasury shares (24 550) (1 424 139)
Net ordinary shares in issue 188 864 159 163 766 550
Gearing ratio (%) 39.58 38.48
Tangible net asset value per share (cents) 1 212 1 157
Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
Group
Audited Audited
Year ended Year ended
28 February 28 February
2019 2018
R'000 R'000
Property revenue
- Contractual rental income 319 509 232 896
- Tenant recoveries 98 801 54 179
- Straight-line rental income accrual 7 812 16 980
426 122 304 055
Other income 8 607 12 540
Total revenue 434 729 316 595
Property operating and management expenses (139 200) (87 422)
Net property-related income 295 529 229 173
Administrative expenses (22 668) (17 530)
Net property operating profit 272 861 211 643
Fair value adjustment - Investment properties 111 702 252 535
Depreciation (2 943) (441)
Annual listing fee (262) (314)
Share-based payment expense (6 456) (455)
Profit from operations 374 903 462 968
Net interest (100 111) (76 044)
- Finance costs (109 202) (82 297)
- Finance income 9 091 6 253
Profit before taxation 274 792 386 924
Taxation (244) (695)
Profit for the year 274 547 386 229
Other comprehensive income - -
Total comprehensive income for the year 274 547 386 229
Attributable to:
Equity owners of the parent 270 389 383 186
Non-controlling interest 4 158 3 043
Total comprehensive income for the year 274 547 386 229
Basic earnings per share (cents) 149.86 271.60
Diluted earnings per share (cents) 149.86 271.60
Distribution per share (cents) 86.42 78.50
Interest cover ratio (times) 2.65 2.56
Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows
Group
Audited Audited
Year ended Year ended
28 February 28 February
2019 2018
R'000 R'000
Cash generated from operations
Profit before tax 274 792 386 924
Adjustments for:
Straight-line revenue accrual (7 812) (16 980)
Fair value adjustments - Investment property (111 702) (252 535)
Depreciation 2 943 441
Finance income (9 091) (6 253)
Finance cost 109 202 82 297
Rental loss credits (644) (2 059)
Share-based payment reserve 6 456 454
Reclassification of trade receivables (3 397) (4 752)
Changes in working capital
Trade and other receivables 2 605 (5 040)
Trade and other payables 3 875 19 288
Cash generated from operating activities 267 227 201 785
Finance income 4 825 1 602
Finance cost (108 261) (82 297)
Distribution paid (145 292) (83 000)
Taxation (paid)/received (244) 11
Net cash generated from operating activities 18 255 38 101
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of investment property (542 470) (1 278 255)
Cost incurred on developments (99 913) -
Proceeds on sale of investment property 223 522 15 968
Acquisition of subsidiary (60 420) -
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (1 984) (1 734)
Proceeds from insurance receivable 178 18 508
Net cash used in investing activities (481 086) (1 245 513)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from share issue 150 442 482 168
Proceeds from financial liabilities 390 211 761 214
Repayment of financial liabilities (74 806) (33 696)
Loan advanced to minority shareholder (72) (48)
Advance from related party - 4 530
Repayment of related party loan (8 520) -
Loan advanced to tenant (5 869) -
Repayment of finance lease - (112)
Proceeds from tenant loan 915 -
Purchase of treasury shares (4 859) (16 669)
Proceeds from sale of treasury shares 18 961 7 613
Net cash generated from financing activities 466 403 1 205 000
Total cash movement for the period 3 572 (2 412)
Cash at the beginning of the period 10 220 12 632
Cash at the end of the period 13 792 10 220
Consolidated Statement of
Changes in Equity
Accu- Total Non-
Share mulated Equity attributable controlling Total
capital profit reserve to parent interest equity
Group R'000 R'000 R'000 R'000 R'000 R'000
Balance as at
28 February 2017 917 538 65 331 3 939 986 808 - 986 808
Changes in equity:
Sale of investment in
subsidiary - - - - 54 155 54 155
Profit for the period - 383 186 - 383 186 3 043 386 229
Distribution to
minority shareholder - - - - (3 043) (3 043)
Issue of shares 638 926 - - 638 926 - 638 926
Acquisition of treasury
shares (9 057) - - (9 057) - (9 057)
Distributions to
shareholders - (83 000) - (83 000) - (83 000)
Share-based
payment expense - - 455 455 - 455
Balance as at
28 February 2018 1 547 407 365 517 4 394 1 917 318 54 155 1 971 474
Changes in equity:
Investment in
subsidiary 52 500 - - 52 500 - 52 500
Profit for the period - 270 389 - 270 389 4 158 274 547
Distribution to
minority shareholder - - - - (4 158) (4 158)
Issue of shares 180 058 - - 180 058 - 180 058
Disposal of treasury
shares 14 102 - - 14 102 - 14 102
Distributions to
shareholders - (145 292) - (145 292) - (145 292)
Share-based
payment expense - - 6 456 6 456 - 6 456
Balance as at
28 February 2019 1 794 067 490 614 10 850 2 295 531 54 155 2 349 686
Operating Segment
Information
Year ended 28 February 2019
Industrial Commercial Retail Hospitality
R'000 R'000 R'000 R'000
Segment revenue 124 589 167 704 77 646 44 089
Profit from operations 128 495 179 825 92 177 (11 627)
Fair value adjustments 49 391 68 125 43 028 (42 666)
Net property operating profit 79 411 112 651 50 252 31 203
Finance income 411 212 258 754
Finance costs (24 492) (27 650) (14 594) (8 908)
Investment property 955 832 1 481 039 559 065 504 897
Investment property held for
sale - - - -
Investment property under
construction - 213 381 - -
Total assets 1 023 315 1 669 899 626 056 532 042
Total liabilities (333 309) (657 511) (168 335) (101 909)
Straight-
Non- lining of
Residential property leases Total
R'000 R'000 R'000 R'000
Segment revenue 8 658 4 233 7 812 434 730
Profit from operations 484 (22 262) 7 812 374 903
Fair value adjustments (6 177) - - 111 702
Net property operating profit 6 661 (15 128) 7 812 272 862
Finance income 44 7 412 - 9 091
Finance costs (2) (33 556) - (109 202)
Investment property - 42 23 097 3 523 972
Investment property held for
sale 75 657 - (1 657) 74 000
Investment property under
construction - - - 213 381
Total assets 77 833 (33 866) 21 439 3 916 718
Total liabilities (272) (305 695) - (1 567 031)
Selected Explanatory Notes
to the Results
1. Earnings per share
This note provides the obligatory information in terms of IAS 33 Earnings Per Share and SAICA
Circular 4/2018 for the group and should be read in conjunction with note 2, where earnings are
reconciled to distributable earnings. Distributable earnings determine the distribution declared
to shareholders, which is a meaningful metric for a stakeholder in a REIT.
1.1 Basic earnings per share
Group
Audited Audited
Year ended Year ended
28 February 28 February
2019 2018
Number of Number of
Shares in issue shares shares
Number of shares in issue at the end of
the year net of treasury 188 864 159 163 766 550
Weighted average number of shares
in issue 180 427 720 141 084 847
Diluted weighted average number of
shares in issues 180 427 720 141 084 847
Basic earnings per share
Earnings (profit attributable to owners
of the parent) (R'000) 270 389 383 186
Basic earnings per share (cents) 149.86 271.60
Diluted earnings per share (cents) 149.86 271.60
1.2 Headline earnings per share
Reconciliation between basic earnings and
headline earnings:
Earnings (profit attributable to owners of
the parent) (R'000) 270 389 383 186
Adjusted for:
Fair value adjustments to investment
properties:
Gross (R'000) (111 702) (252 535)
Tax (R'000) - -
Headline earnings 158 687 130 651
Headline earnings per share
Headline earnings per share (cents) 87.95 92.60
Diluted headline earnings per share (cents) 87.95 92.60
2. Reconciliation between earnings and distributable earnings
2.1 Distributable earnings
Group
Audited Audited
Year ended Year ended
28 February 28 February
2019 2018
Earnings (profit attributable to owners of the parent) 270 389 383 186
Adjusted for:
Fair value adjustments to investment properties (111 702) (252 535)
Straight-lining of leases adjustment (7 812) (16 980)
Equity-settled share-based payment reserve 6 456 455
Deferred tax realisation - 695
Less: Profit not distributed - (2 483)
Antecedent dividend* 4 443 16 348
Distributable profit 161 774 128 686
*In the determination of distributable earnings, the group elects to make an adjustment for the
antecedent distribution arising as a result of the capital raises on 11 June 2018 and 16 November
2018 respectively, as well as the acquisition issue of shares for the acquisition of Webram Four
Proprietary Limited during the period for which the company did not have full access to the cash
flow from such issues.
Number
of shares
Number of shares in issue at period end 188 888 709
Less: Treasury shares (24 550)
Number of shares in issue net of treasury shares 188 864 159
Distribution declared and distribution per share
Distributable earnings (cents per share) FY2019 FY2018
Interim distribution 41.73 36.95
Final distribution 44.69 41.55
Total distributions for the period 86.42 78.50
Year-on-year growth (%) 10.09
Introduction
Spear REIT Limited (JSE share code: SEA) is the only regionally specialised Real Estate Investment
Trust listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange ("JSE"). Its main business is investing in high-
quality income-generating real estate across all sectors within the Western Cape, predominantly
in the Cape Town region.
Spear's mission statement is to be the leading Western Cape-focused REIT and to consistently
grow its distribution per share ahead of inflation and within the top quartile of its peer group.
Management's proximity to assets remains excellent and its acute understanding of the Western
Cape real estate market truly makes Spear a regional specialist with access to excellent investment
pipelines and development opportunities to further enhance an already high-quality real estate
portfolio.
During the year both the regional economy of the Western Cape along with the national economy
of South Africa has faced various headwinds ranging from severe droughts, which negatively
impacted the tourism and hospitality sector in the Western Cape, to national economic challenges
leading to low overall growth and a declining business confidence environment. Management
has remained resolved to stay focused on business continuity through its early engagement and
tenant-centric approach resulting in sustainable revenue and the achievement of its results despite
an underperforming hospitality sector.
Growing cash flows and distribution growth will remain a primary Spear objective, which
management believes clearly displays management and shareholder alignment.
Financial results
The board of directors is pleased to announce a final distribution of 44.69 cents per share for the
six months ended 28 February 2019.
Total distribution for the year ended 28 February 2019 is 86.42 cents per share, being a 10.09%
growth from the prior year.
Spear's results are in line with the forecast as disclosed during the results presentation on
17 May 2018 and a testament to Spear's focus, active asset and property management along with
prudent financial management of the going concern.
Spear's tangible net asset value per share increased by 4.71% from FY2018 to R12.12 in FY2019.
The increases are a result of acquisitions and a small fair value adjustment performed during the
financial year.
The like-for-like income growth delivered by the underlying portfolio for the reporting period was
26%. The significant increase is due to R1 billion worth of assets being owned for 12 months during
the 2019 financial year versus an average of 7 months in the 2018 financial year. This is a clear
testament to the significant asset growth since listing in 2016.
The financial results achieved are attributable to the high-quality nature of Spear's assets, strong
contractual income and recoveries together with cost containment and savings on finance costs.
Despite increasingly tougher trading conditions particularly within the hospitality sector, which
has underperformed the rest of the Spear portfolio, distributable income targets were achieved.
Positive rental reversion on lease renewals and re-lets has been a key contributor to the financial
results for the period.
Group gearing increased to 39.58% (FY2018: 38.48%) during the year as a result of cash reserves
being utilised for refurbishment work and increased gearing on the Northgate Park transaction.
There is no immediate debt refinancing concerns within the business. A detailed debt expiry
schedule is provided within this report.
Property portfolio
Spear's current property portfolio consists of 30 high-quality assets with an average value per
asset of R127 million, being a 35.23% increase during the year (FY2018: R94 million) and a total gross
lettable area ("GLA") of 402 652m2 valued at R3.81 billion.
The portfolio's income stream is underpinned by average contractual escalations of 8.07%, a
weighted average lease expiry ("WALE") of 30 months (FY2018: 33 months) together with a high
percentage of A-grade tenants (listed and large nationals) comprising 62% of the portfolio's GLA.
Vacancies across the portfolio are significantly below the national average and reported IPD
statistics with an overall vacancy of 1.98% at the end of the period (FY2018: 1.95% portfolio vacancies).
Top 10 properties by value
Value
including Gross
lease lettable % of
asset area total Valuation
Property R'000 Sector m2 value R/m2
1. Mega Park, Bellville 441 022 Industrial 86 095 11.58 5 123
2. 2 Long Street, Cape Town 426 034 Commercial 25 115 11.18 16 963
3. Sable Square Shopping Centre 416 400 Retail 31 100 10.93 13 389
4. UES DoubleTree by Hilton,
Woodstock 322 139 Hospitality 18 761 8.46 17 171
5. Northgate Park, Brooklyn 314 302 Commercial 17 002 8.25 18 486
6. 15 on Orange, Cape Town 310 191 Hospitality 16 726 8.14 18 545
7. MWEB Head Office, Bellville 154 000 Commercial 11 195 4.04 13 756
8. Blackheath Park, Blackheath 134 000 Industrial 37 334 3.52 3 589
9. 1 Waterhouse Place,
Century City 125 434 Commercial 11 030 3.29 11 372
10. No 2 Estuaries, Century City 102 833 Commercial 4 199 2.70 24 490
2 746 356 258 557 72.09 10 622
Sectoral split and vacancy profile
Value
Number excluding Gross Gross
of lease lettable lettable Vacant
proper- asset Value Revenue Revenue area area area Vacancy
ties R'000 % R'000 % m2 % m2 %
Industrial 8 955 832 25 124 589 30 207 354 51 2 432 1.17
Commercial 13 1 481 039 39 167 704 40 109 667 27 2 689 2.45
Retail 4 559 065 15 77 646 18 34 648 9 1 462 4.22
Hospitality 2 504 897 13 44 089 10 28 153 7 1 410 5.01
Residential 1 75 657 2 8 658 2 8 000 2 - -
Under
development 2 213 381 6 - - 14 830 4 - -
30 3 789 871 100 422 685 100 402 652 100 7 992 1.98
Sectoral performance
Industrial
Performance remains healthy and strong with continuous demand for our rental opportunities
by prospective tenants across the industrial portfolio. The industrial portfolio offers a diversified
industrial offering situated in well-established industrial nodes consisting of mini, mid-size and large
industrial units. The industrial portfolio has continued to operate with high occupancy rates and in
line with management's expectations during the reporting period with no major tenant movements
or lease expiries.
The industrial portfolio (207 354m2) occupancy rate was at 99% at year-end.
Commercial
The commercial sector's performance has exceeded management's expectations with robust
vacancy reductions as a result of a front-footed and aggressive letting strategy across the
commercial portfolio. Commercial vacancies at year-end were at 2%, translating to 2 689m2 of
unlet GLA. Office sector lease renewals continue to be concluded with positive rental reversions
achieved in the vast majority of renewals concluded during the reporting period.
It remains our view that the general commercial office sector within the Western Cape and nationally
may experience headwinds in the form of increased vacancies as a result of low economic growth,
aggressive cost cutting and companies looking to significantly reduce operating overheads through
space optimisation. Although the latter has not been experienced within the Spear commercial
portfolio yet, management believes that a strong focus must continuously be placed on early tenant
engagement and hands-on asset management to mitigate such effects without delay.
The commercial portfolio (109 667m2) occupancy rate was at 98% at year-end.
Retail
The retail portfolio consists of two convenience retail centres, both offering an ultra-convenience
retail experience with ample parking. Spear's retail assets are located in high-growth nodes servicing
the Century City and Northern Suburbs market. During the reporting period 48% (16 772m2) of retail
GLA (34 648m2) was occupied by national retail tenants. Management has been gratified at the
positive performance of its retail assets in addition to key retail tenants showing positive growth in
store revenue and footfall.
Spear's retail assets will remain attractive locations for retailers to trade from given their high-quality
tenant mix geared towards a convenience retail offering, ample shopper parking, ease of access
and egress along with plum geographical locations offering easy access to all significant arterial
transportation routes.
The retail portfolio (34 648m2) occupancy rate was at 96% at year-end.
Residential
Spear's residential portfolio for the reporting period continued to perform to the satisfaction of
management with 100% occupancy rates. Currently only 2% of GLA is exposed to the residential
sector. Management has stated its intention to increase Spear's residential holdings closer to 15%
of GLA and 12% of portfolio value in the medium term with the development of approximately 200
residential units at Sable Square and 200 residential units in Paarden Island as part of its mixed-use
development plans.
Hospitality
The current performance of the domestic economy and environmental impact continue to present
challenges to the hospitality sector as both transient and group business have been severely
impacted by the drought experienced in the Western Cape. The hospitality sector over the reporting
period has continued to operate under extremely tough trading conditions. The drought in the
Western Cape has been broken and a strong focus now is to rebuild on hospitality occupancies and
room rates as a key recovery metric to the overall hospitality sector. The pace at which the recovery
of the hospitality sector will take place at this stage remains uncertain due to the shift in interest
by dominant markets to other destinations during this time. At best management is of the opinion
that some green shoots on the recovery path have already started to show, however, meaningful
recoveries will most likely only start to emerge towards the start of 2020.
Weakened local currency and volatile emerging and competing markets to our destination might aid
our recovery in building buyer confidence in our overall offering. We have seen positive movement
with the removal of prohibitive travel regulations to South Africa and further change to ease access
to our shores has been tabled for consideration.
Although occupancies have shown better recovery signs, the biggest challenge will remain in
recovering lost rate strength experienced during the downturn. As with most industries the
hospitality sector is largely reliant on a positive election result, which will encourage economic
growth and will contribute to the resurgence in Cape Town's image as one of the top destinations
in the world for Leisure and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions ("MICE").
The hospitality portfolio (28 153m2) occupancy rate was at 95% at year-end.
Tenant grading
Gross Gross Number
lettable lettable Number of
area area of tenants
m2 % tenants %
A - Large nationals, large listed and
government tenants 252 269 63 111 28
B - Smaller international and national
tenants 101 804 25 204 51
C - Other local tenants and sole
proprietors 25 757 6 84 21
Development 14 830 4 - -
Vacant 7 992 2 - -
402 652 100 399 100
Letting activity
Spear began the period with an opening vacancy of 6 334m2 and with 91 359m2 expiring during the
year. Management has successfully renewed and re-let 96 560m2 at a positive reversion of 8.03%.
The table below reflects the letting activity of the period:
Gross Gross Gross
Expiries and Gross expiry Renewals/ rental at new Rental
cancellations rental at rental New lets renewals/ rental reversion
GLA expiry R/m2 GLA New lets R/m2 %
Commercial 17 409 2 378 813 137 20 487 3 016 016 147 7.74
Industrial 68 930 2 483 248 36 69 433 2 708 842 39 8.29
Retail 5 020 392 901 78 6 639 563 408 85 8.43
91 359 5 254 961 84 96 560 6 288 265 90 8.03
Spear's lease expiry profile remains defensive with a WALE of 30 months.
Spear's asset and property management team has a hands-on approach to tenant retentions
and actions tenant engagements well in advance of expiry to ensure business continuity and risk
management for the business.
Lease expiry profile
Lease expiry profile based on GLA
Industrial Commercial Retail Hospitality Residential Total
% % % % % %
Vacant 2 3 3 2 - 2
Monthly - - - - - -
Expiries for 03/2019
- 02/2020* 12 24 6 - - 13
Expiries for 03/2020
- 02/2021 40 31 17 1 - 31
Expiries for 03/2021
- 02/2022 17 15 25 1 100 18
Expiries for 03/2022
- 02/2023 8 10 11 - - 8
Expiries for 03/2023
and onwards 21 17 38 96 - 28
100 100 100 100 100 100
*Including No 2 Estuaries
Lease expiry profile based on revenue
Industrial Commercial Retail Hospitality Residential Total
% % % % % %
Monthly 1 1 - - - 1
Expiries for 03/2019
- 02/2020 13 26 6 - - 17
Expiries for 03/2020
- 02/2021 40 32 18 8 - 30
Expiries for 03/2021
- 02/2022 20 16 22 2 100 19
Expiries for 03/2022
- 02/2023 9 9 11 - - 9
Expiries for 03/2023
and onwards 17 16 43 90 - 24
100 100 100 100 100 100
Weighted average in force escalations and yields
Escalation Yield
% %
Industrial 8.61 8.6
Commercial 7.77 8.6
Retail 7.95 8.6
Residential 8.00 9.0
Hospitality Note 1 6.1
Group average 8.07 8.3
Note 1:
- DoubleTree by Hilton is operated by a third-party operator and the lease is based on a fixed (60% of budgeted
EBITDA) and variable (95% of actual EBITDA less fixed rental) rate, which is agreed annually.
- 15 on Orange Hotel is operated by a third-party operator and the rental is based on a blended rate of 18%
on all revenue generated by the hotel.
Acquisitions and disposals
The group acquired the following properties during the year ended 28 February 2019:
Acquisition Debt Cash Acquisition Acquisition
Transfer value funding funding issue yield
date R'000 R'000 R'000 R'000 %
Island Business 08/03/2018 24 000 - 24 000 - 9.31
Park, Paarden
Island
Blackheath Park, 12/04/2018 110 500 49 725 60 775 - 10.43
Blackheath
Old Mutual 12/07/2018 98 000 - 98 000 - 9.22
Private Wealth,
Century City
1 Waterhouse 24/07/2018 114 500 - 62 500 52 000 12.22
Place, Century
City
Talana Close, 12/11/2018 52 800 25 000 27 800 - 9.16
Bellville South
Northgate Park, 25/02/2019 313 000 180 000 133 000 - 9.26
Paarden Island
712 800 254 725 406 075 52 000 9.93
The group disposed of the following properties during the year ended 28 February 2019:
Cash
Disposal payment Disposal
Transfer value value yield
date R'000 R'000 %
Tyger Manor, Tyger Valley 20/06/2018 75 000 75 000 8.00
142 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD 18/07/2018 150 000 150 000 3.00
Plum Park, Southern Suburbs 07/02/2019 30 200 30 200 8.60
Tanker Services, Atlas Gardens 07/02/2019 20 900 20 900 8.60
Biella Building, Rosendal 07/02/2019 31 500 31 500 8.60
Burger King, Strand 07/02/2019 4 600 4 600 8.60
Virgin Active George, George 07/02/2019 22 300 22 300 8.60
334 500 334 500 7.71
Capital expenditure and redevelopment
Spear embarked on a number of capital expenditure projects during the period:
- 78 on Edward, Tyger Valley
Management actioned the redevelopment of two assets into a consolidated A-grade office
building on Edward Street, Tyger Valley off the back of increased tenant demand and low overall
area vacancies. The overall development costs of 78 on Edward on completion will be R89 million
with a completion date being end of July 2019.
The initial yield on cost will be 9% based on all vacant units being let in line with the approved
development feasibility. At the end of the period management had concluded negotiations with
users for 2 650m2 of the available 3 500m2 being developed.
The development comprises of 1 500m2 of prime high street retail space, 2 500m2 of AAA-grade
office space and a parking ratio of four bays per 100m2 let.
- 1 Waterhouse Place, Century City
The property is located in the sought-after Century City precinct. The building is made up of
10 500m2 of office space over four levels with a parking ratio of four bays per 100m2 let.
The property was acquired vacant at R10 000/m2 with a two-year head lease in place from the
seller. Management has embarked on a full refurbishment project on this property with a capital
expenditure allocation of R90 million. Based on management's feasibility and projected net
income stream on completion a target yield will be in the region of 9.1%.
At the end of the reporting period significant leasing interest had been shown with a 2 000m2
user already secured.
Completion date of the 1 Waterhouse Place project will be July 2019.
- 15 on Orange Hotel and Spa, Cape Town
Management had undertaken a critical assessment of the product offering at 15 on Orange and
concluded that the hotel was not a beneficiary of the leisure market given certain limitations
to the property at the time. Furthermore, the conference offering presented itself as detached
from the food and beverage offering in the hotel, which hampered synergies between the two
key components that typically should operate hand in hand. In consultation with Marriott it was
agreed to relocate certain portions of the conference offering to the main hotel public area levels.
Management has embarked on key enhancements to the pool area, food and beverage areas and
conference areas allocating R44 million as capital expenditure on this property. The project is in
its final stage of completion with the addition of a wellness spa to add to the product mix on site.
Capital allocation and strategic focus
Management acknowledges the vital role capital allocation plays in the formation of a high-quality
real estate portfolio and will continue to use its capital to invest in high-quality assets within the
Western Cape.
In the year under review Spear acquired R713 million of new assets at an average yield of 9.93%.
A total of seven buildings were sold for R335 million at an average yield of 7.71%. The net disposal
proceeds have been redeployed into the acquisition of four new assets for a gross consideration
of R578 million (including debt, acquisition issues and vendor placements) at a blended yield of
9.97% and the reduction of bank debt of R74 million.
Management will furthermore deploy capital into yield-enhancing assets through acquisition or
development with a primary focus on convenience retail, logistics-focused industrial and mixed-
use assets. An amount of R50 million has been spent of committed capital expenditure for the
refurbishment of two properties, being 15 on Orange and 1 Waterhouse Place.
Management will in addition to capital allocation continuously evaluate the disposal of portfolio
assets where management believes maximum shareholder value can be achieved or where
management believes the assets have reached the end of their life cycle within the portfolio.
Disposal proceeds will be redeployed into larger, higher quality assets or debt reduction. It is
commendable how management has shown its ability to prudently recycle capital into higher
yielding and higher quality assets to unlock deep shareholder value. Management remains of the
view that it will only seek investor funding when absolutely necessary and will only raise capital for
its needs if acceptable placement pricing is achieved in the market.
Balance sheet and risk management
Active and prudent focus on our balance sheet will provide Spear with the ability to take advantage
of opportunities that are presented in the market. Management maintains strong and unblemished
relationships with its key funding partners, which result in advantageous funding arrangements.
Management aims to maintain gearing levels within a range of 38% to 42% loan to value ("LTV") on
group debt together with an acceptable hedging policy to provide income certainty in challenging
economic times.
Spear's debt portfolio remains actively managed with an all-in cost of debt at the end of the reporting
period of 9.01%. Currently 64.57% of Spear's interest-bearing debt is hedged at an effective all-in
rate of 9.05%. Spear's cost of debt has decreased by 24 basis points since the start of the financial
year. The group's gearing level at the end of the reporting period was at 39.58%, translating to a
2.85% increase from FY2018.
Cost-to-income
Net total cost-to-income for the period was 21.59%, increasing from 18.51% as at 28 February 2018.
The increase is directly related to the significant increase in utility rates and property expenses.
Management will consistently endeavour to reduce the portfolio cost-to-income ratio. Any reduction
in consumption charges, repairs and maintenance and portfolio operating costs will result in the
cost-to-income ratio reducing towards the 20% level.
Administrative cost-to-income for the period was 5.92%, increasing from 5.85% as at 28 February
2018. The increase is directly related to the employment of additional staff with the increase in the
property portfolio.
Distributable earnings
The board approved and declared distribution number 5 of 44.69 cents per share on 15 May 2019.
Total distribution for the year ended 28 February 2019 is 86.42.
The distribution declared is an increase of 10.09% over the distribution for the year ended 28 February
2018.
Borrowings and funding
The group obtained funding for property acquisitions through capital raises and an increase in bank
borrowings as disclosed under acquisitions.
During the year R235.3 million worth of equity placement took place:
Number of Price Value
Share issue date shares ('R) R million
1 May 2018 3.15 million 9.52 30.0 Acquisition issue
11 June 2018 11.85 million 10.00 118.5 Vendor consideration/
private placement
24 July 2018 5.2 million 10.10 52.5 Acquisition issue
16 November 2018 3.5 million 9.80 34.3 Vendor consideration/
private placement
Group gearing
Gearing Variance
% %
31 August 2017 37.23 -
28 February 2018 38.48 3.36
31 August 2018 36.01 (6.43)
28 February 2019 39.58 9.92
Average
In force cost of Average Variance fixed cost Variance
debt for period % % % %
31 August 2017 9.23 - 9.51 -
28 February 2018 9.25 0.22 9.45 (0.60)
31 August 2018 9.04 (2.30) 9.09 (3.84)
28 February 2019 9.01 (0.28) 9.05 (0.48)
As at year-end prime linked loans bear interest at an average rate of prime less 1.13% and the average
fixed rate is 9.05% for the next 12 months of operation. The rate does not include any potential
interest rate increases from SARS.
Amount
R'000
Variable borrowing 539 359
Fixed borrowings 982 957
Total gross debt 1 522 316
Percentage fixed (%) 64.57
Debt expiry R'000 %
FY2019 - -
FY2020 186 463 12
FY2021 512 957 34
FY2022 667 002 44
FY2023 155 894 10
1 522 316 100
The weighted average expiry of the group debt is 25 months from 28 February 2019.
Tangible net asset value
Tangible net asset value
Rands Growth (%)
31 August 2017 10.49
28 February 2018 11.57 10.31
31 August 2018 11.63 0.49
28 February 2019 12.12 4.20
Receivables
Amid increasingly tougher trading conditions, receivables represented 2.47% of total revenue
excluding smoothing. Management has commended its debtors management team for the prudent
collections and low receivables. Management is cognisant of the fact that as South Africa continues
to be negatively impacted by the weak macroeconomic environment the probability of a higher
percentage receivables cannot be discounted, however, a concerted effort is made to guard against
receivables creep.
Provisions for bad debt cover all debtors greater than 90 days with adequate provisions made for
doubtful receivables.
Sustainability
PV solar power rollout
As part of Spear's sustainability strategy, a renewable energy rollout has commenced with the
first PV solar installation at Sable Square Shopping Centre in the Century City area. The PV solar
installation is an 800kWh system at a cost of R9 million with a payback period of four years. The latter
installation was commissioned on 1 October 2018. A further 12 assets have been earmarked as part
of the phase one rollout, which would result in an additional 4.2MWp of renewable energy generated
from alternative sources on property rooftops. Total earmarked expenditure for FY2020 will be
R49 million with an average payback period of four years. On completion and full commissioning
40% of the Spear portfolio will be equipped with a PV solar solution.
Water continuity
Spear's water continuity programme continues to be implemented across key parts of the portfolio.
Capital expenditure on water continuity projects have amounted to R5 million ranging from
additional boreholes, water tanker trucks, water filtration systems and water storage tanks. The
UES, home to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Woodstock, post the implementation of the water
continuity plan is generating 90 000 litres of potable water daily to service both the hotel and the
balance of the mixed-use scheme. Water usage across the portfolio has been reduced with the
implementation of tap aerators, waterless urinals and hand sanitisers where applicable. Pre-diluted
cleaning materials have been deployed across the portfolio and where possible greywater is used
for exterior cleaning and irrigation.
Board appointments
Shareholders were advised that Dr. Rozett Phillips had been appointed as a non-executive
director with effect from 17 July 2018 and was approved by shareholders at the last AGM held on
10 August 2018.
Roze holds the position of Group Executive: People and Culture for Absa Group Limited, a large
Pan-African bank.
Prior to joining Absa, Roze held the position of Management Consulting lead and Geographic
Council member for Accenture Africa and Board member of Accenture South Africa. She served
this organisation for 18 years. During her time there, she also served as the Middle East, Africa, Russia
and Turkey Innovation lead, creating the enablers for Accenture to lead Innovation in the region,
working at the intersection of business and technology.
Roze is Executive Sponsor for BornToSucceedWomen, a public benefit organisation dedicated to
helping young South African women with the necessary skills and mentorship to prepare for the
workplace and find employment.
Roze holds both Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) (1995) and Master's of Business
Administration (MBA) (1999) degrees from the University of Cape Town and a postgraduate diploma
in Future Studies (2016) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
Roze proudly mentors young black African men and women to unleash their full potential and is
a frequent public speaker and blog writer on the topics of the Workforce of the Future, New Skills
Now and Empowerment of women, young people, the poor and marginalised.
Outlook
The core portfolio of Spear remains defensive in nature underpinned by strong lease covenants
and high-quality tenants. Management is confident given the diversified mix of assets, tenant profile
and its own hands-on asset management approach that Spear will deliver on its guidance for
the 2020 financial year. The macroeconomic environment in South Africa together with sluggish
economic growth remains a general concern for management. It is our firm belief that a positive
election outcome will position South Africa on the right growth trajectory presenting further growth
and investment opportunities for both local and international investors. Spear is committed to do
its part in job creation and skills development in the Western Cape to reduce the burden that
unemployment places on South Africa and its people. To this end:
- Management will focus on improving the core portfolio through the acquisition of yield-enhancing
assets within the Western Cape
- Management will continue to focus on prudent capital management
- Management remains heavily invested in Spear and has committed to the retention of respective
investments within Spear to reinforce its alignment with shareholder interests
- Management is confident that Spear is trading on a stable management platform, which will
ensure that the company's growth objectives are achieved, both in the form of assets and
human capital
- The company will continue its tenant-centric approach, which has created strong customer
loyalty and high tenant retention rates within the core portfolio.
Prospects and guidance
The Western Cape property sector has proven to be more resilient than most other provinces in
South Africa as demand for its real estate has notably been higher than in most other parts of South
Africa. Western Cape infrastructure in our view is of a superior standard to the majority of South
Africa in the form of roads, telecommunication and other key infrastructure facilities, which makes
doing business across the entire Western Cape possible. Spear remains committed to its Western
Cape only strategy with its regional specialisation management's single-minded focus - allowing
for it to be first out the blocks to take advantage of portfolio and earnings enhancing opportunities.
Spear continues to have a healthy pipeline of greenfield and brownfield development opportunities
within the portfolio, which will unlock further value for the group in time.
Management remains confident that demand for its high-quality rental properties across the various
sectors within the Western Cape will continue given its tenant-centric approach and hands-on
asset management skills.
The political and tough economic environment remains a concern as business sentiment continues
to deteriorate and the increased cost of living places continued pressure on the general population.
Within a low-growth economic environment increased pressure on general business may result
in undue pressure on the commercial office market as companies move to cut overheads and
optimise their trading space. The potential for an upward trend in commercial office vacancies in a
low-growth economy may be a tough reality that lies ahead.
Trading conditions within the hospitality sector have started to improve, but not at the rate
management would have preferred with early green shoots becoming evident in hotel occupancies
and bookings, but the recovery in room rates lagging behind the occupancy growth experienced
since the end of the water crisis in the Western Cape.
Management has to the best of its ability forecast its earnings with the above in mind, having taken
the necessary steps to best mitigate against any further downturn.
Management's guidance for the 2020 financial year is a distribution growth of 6% to 8% per share.
The guidance is based on the following assumptions:
- That a relatively stable macro-economic environment will prevail
- That lease renewals are concluded as per the company forecast
- That no major tenant failures will take place
- That tenants will successfully absorb rising costs associated with utility consumption charges
and municipal rates
- The trading conditions continue to improve in the overall tourism sector directly related to hotel
occupancies and room rates
- That stage 3 and 4 load shedding do not become a regular occurrence in South Africa during
the year.
Any changes in the above assumptions may affect management's forecast for the year ending
29 February 2020.
The information and opinions contained above are recorded and expressed in good faith and are
based on reliable information provided to management.
No representation, warranty, undertaking or guarantee of whatsoever nature is made or given
regarding the accuracy and/or completeness of such information and/or the correctness of such
opinions.
The forecast for the period ending 29 February 2020 is the sole responsibility of the directors and
has not been reviewed and reported on by Spear's independent external auditors.
Subsequent events
The directors are not aware of any events, other than those listed below, which have occurred since
the end of the financial period and have a material impact on the results and disclosures in the
provisional summarised audited consolidated financial results for the year ended 28 February 2019.
The group took transfer of the following properties after period end:
Acquisition Debt Equity
Transfer value funding funding
date R'000 R'000 R'000
26 Marine Drive, Paarden Eiland 07/03/2019 39 300 15 300 24 000
The group disposed of the following subsidiary after period end:
Disposal
Disposal value
date R'000
Pacivista Proprietary Limited 01/04/2019 74 000
The group entered into an agreement after period end to acquire Radnor Road, Tygerberg Business
Park, for R112 million at a 9.1% yield. Expected transfer is 1 June 2019.
Basis of preparation
The provisional summarised consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with
the JSE Listings Requirements for provisional reports and the requirements of the Companies
Act of South Africa. The JSE Listings Requirements require provisional reports to be prepared in
accordance with the framework concepts and the measurement and recognition requirements
of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as
issued by the Accounting Practices Committee and Financial Reporting Pronouncements as issued
by the Financial Reporting Standards Council and to also, as a minimum, contain the information
required by IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. Except for the adoption of revised and new standards
that became effective during the year, IFRS 9 and IFRS 15, all accounting policies applied in the
preparation of these provisional summarised consolidated financial statements are in terms of IFRS
and are consistent with those applied in the previous consolidated financial statements. There was
no material impact on the annual financial statements as a result of the adoption of these standards.
The auditors, BDO Cape Incorporated, have issued their opinion on the group's consolidated and
separate financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2019. The audit was conducted in
accordance with International Standards on Auditing. They have issued an unmodified audit opinion.
The provisional summarised consolidated financial statements have been derived from the group
financial statements and are consistent, in all material respects, with the group financial statements,
but is itself not audited. The directors take full responsibility for the preparation of the provisional
summarised consolidated financial statements and for ensuring that the financial information has
been correctly extracted from the underlying audited annual financial statements. The auditor's
report does not necessarily report on all of the information contained in this announcement.
Shareholders are therefore advised that in order to obtain a full understanding of the nature of the
auditor's engagement, they should obtain a copy of that report together with the accompanying
financial information from Spears' registered office.
Christiaan Barnard CA (SA), in his capacity as Chief Financial Officer, was responsible for the
preparation of the provisional summarised consolidated financial statements for the year ended
28 February 2019.
Final distribution for the year ended 28 February 2019
Notice is hereby given of the declaration of final distribution number 5 of 44.69081 cents per share
for the year ended 29 February 2019 from income reserves.
As Spear is a REIT, the distribution meets the definition of a "qualifying distribution" for the purposes
of section 25BB of the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962 (Income Tax Act). Qualifying distributions
received by South African tax residents will form part of their gross income in terms of section
10(1)(k)(i)(aa) of the Income Tax Act. Consequently, these distributions are treated as income in the
hands of the shareholders and are not subject to dividends withholding tax. The exemption from
dividends withholding tax is not applicable to non-resident shareholders, but they may qualify for
relief under a tax treaty.
South African tax residents
The dividend received by or accrued to South African tax residents must be included in the gross
income of such shareholders and will not be exempt from income tax (in terms of the exclusion to
the general dividend exception, contained in paragraph (aa) of section 10(1)(k)(i) of the Income Tax
Act) because it is a dividend distributed by a REIT. The dividend is exempt from dividend withholding
tax in the hands of South African tax resident shareholders, provided that South African tax resident
shareholders provide the following forms to the Central Securities Depository Participant ("CSDP")
or broker in respect of uncertificated shares, or to the company, in respect of certificated shares:
a) a declaration that the dividend is exempt from dividend tax; and
b) a written undertaking to inform the CSDP, broker or the company, should the circumstances
affecting the exemption change or the beneficial owner ceases to be the beneficial owner, both
in the form prescribed by the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service.
Shareholders are advised to contact their CSDP, broker or the company to arrange for the above-
mentioned documents to be submitted prior to payment of the dividend, if such documents have
not already been submitted.
Non-residents shareholders
Dividends received by non-resident shareholders will not be taxable as income and instead will be
treated as an ordinary dividend, which is exempt from income tax in terms of the general dividend
exemption in section 10(1)(k)(i) of the Income Tax Act. It should be noted that up to 31 December
2013, dividends received by non-residents from a REIT were not subject to dividend withholding
tax. Since 1 January 2014, any dividend received by a non-resident from a REIT will be subject to
dividend withholding tax at 20%, unless the rate is reduced in terms of any applicable agreement
for the avoidance of double taxation ("DTA") between South Africa and the country of residence of
the shareholder concerned. Assuming dividend withholding tax will be withheld at a rate of 20%,
the net dividend amount due to non-resident shareholders is 35.75265 cents per share. A reduced
dividend withholding tax rate in terms of the applicable DTA may only be relied on if the non-resident
shareholder has provided the following forms to their CSDP or broker in respect of uncertificated
shares, or the company in respect of certificated shares:
a) a declaration that the dividend is subject to a reduced rate as a result of the application of
DTA; and
b) a written undertaking to inform their CSDP, broker or the company, should the circumstances
affecting the reduced rate change or the beneficial owner ceases to be the beneficial owner,
both in the form prescribed by the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service.
Non-resident shareholders are advised to contact their CSDP, broker or the company to arrange
for the above-mentioned documents to be submitted prior to payment of the dividend, if such
documents have not already been submitted.
The number of ordinary shares in issue on declaration date is 188 888 709.
The company's tax reference number is 9068437236.
Holders of uncertificated shares have to ensure that they have verified their residence status with
their CSDP or broker. Holders of certificated shares will be asked to complete a declaration to the
company. The distribution is payable to shareholders in accordance with the timetable set out
below:
2019
Declaration date Wednesday, 15 May
Last day to trade cum-dividend distribution Tuesday, 4 June
Shares trade ex-dividend distribution Wednesday, 5 June
Record date Friday, 7 June
Payment date Monday, 10 June
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 5 June 2019
and Friday, 7 June 2019, both days inclusive.
In respect of dematerialised shareholders, the distributions will be transferred to the CSDP account/
broker accounts on Monday, 10 June 2019. Certificated shareholders' distribution payments will be
paid to certificated shareholders' bank accounts on Monday, 10 June 2019.
On behalf of the Board
Spear REIT Limited
Cape Town
15 May 2019
Abubaker Varachhia Quintin Rossi Christiaan Barnard
Non-executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
Directorate and
Administration
SPEAR REIT LIMITED
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 2015/407237/06
JSE share code: SEA
ISIN: ZAE000228995
(Approved as a REIT by the JSE)
("Spear" or "the group" or "the company")
Directors of Spear
Abubaker Varachhia*
(Non-executive Chairman)
Michael Naftali Flax
(Executive Deputy Chairman)
Quintin Michael Rossi
(Chief Executive Officer)
Christiaan Barnard
(Chief Financial Officer)
Brian Leon Goldberg*#
Jalaloodien Ebrahim Allie*#
(Lead Independent Director)
Niclas Kjellstrom-Matseke*#
Cormack Sean McCarthy*
Dr. Rozett Phillips*#
* Non-executive
# Independent
Registered Office
16th Floor
2 Long Street
Cape Town, 8001
(PO Box 50, Observatory, 7935)
Contact Details
info@spearprop.co.za
www.spearprop.co.za
Company Secretary
Rene Cheryl Stober
Transfer Secretaries
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited
Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue,
Rosebank, 2196
(PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107)
Independent Reporting Accountants
and Auditors
BDO Cape Incorporated
6th Floor, 123 Hertzog Boulevard,
Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001
(PO Box 2275, Cape Town, 8000)
Sponsor
PSG Capital Proprietary Limited
1st Floor, Ou Kollege Building,
35 Kerk Street, Stellenbosch, 7600
(PO Box 7403, Stellenbosch, 7599)
Legal Adviser
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
11 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town, 8001
(PO Box 695, Cape Town, 8000)
Bankers
Nedbank Limited
Investec Limited
Standard Bank Limited
Date: 15/05/2019 07:05:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE').
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