REG - Alpha Real Tst Ltd - Annual Results for the year ended 31.03.24
21/06/2024 07:00
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RNS Number : 2957T Alpha Real Trust Limited 21 June 2024
LEI: 213800BMY95CP6CYXK69
21 June 2024
ALPHA REAL TRUST LIMITED ("ART" OR THE "COMPANY" OR "THE GROUP")
ART ANNOUNCES ITS ANNUAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
· NAV per ordinary share 207.3p as at 31 March 2024 (31 March 2023:
216.8p).
· Basic losses for the year ended 31 March 2024 of (1.6)p per
ordinary share (31 March 2023: earnings of 1.1p per ordinary share).
· Adjusted earnings for the year ended 31 March 2024 of 10.3p per
ordinary share (31 March 2023: 7.7p per ordinary share)*.
· Declaration of a quarterly dividend of 1.0p per ordinary share
expected to be paid on 26 July 2024.
· Robust financial position: ART remains on a robust financial
footing and is well positioned to take advantage of new investment
opportunities.
· Investment targets: the Company is currently focussed on
selectively increasing its loan portfolio and opportunistically extending its
wider investment strategy to target investments offering inflation protection
via index linked income adjustments and investments that have potential for
capital gains.
· H2O Madrid: sale of the shopping centre investment completed post
year end.
· Diversified portfolio of secured senior and secured mezzanine
loan investments: as at 31 March 2024, the size of ART's drawn secured loan
portfolio was £46.4 million, representing 39.1% of the investment portfolio.
· The senior portfolio has an average Loan to Value ('LTV')** of
62.5% based on loan commitments (with mezzanine loans having an LTV range of
between 49.8% and 68.0% whilst the highest approved senior loan LTV is 64.1%).
· Loan commitments: including existing loans at the balance sheet
date and loans committed post period end, ART's current total committed but
undrawn loan commitments amount to £1.0 million.
· Cash management: during the year the Company invested £19.5
million in short term UK Treasury Bonds (Gilts) and £10.0 million in the
Morgan Stanley Sterling Liquidity Fund to enhance returns on its liquid
holdings. Post year end, ART invested a further £16.5 million in Gilts and
short term UK Treasury Bills.
* The basis of the adjusted earnings per share is provided in note 9
** See below for more details
William Simpson, Chairman of Alpha Real Trust, commented:
"ART's investment portfolio benefits from diversification across geographies,
sectors, and asset types. As inflationary pressures increasingly dominate the
economic backdrop in which the Company operates, ART remains on a robust
financial footing and is well placed to capitalise on new investment
opportunities.
ART remains committed to growing its diversified investment portfolio. In
recent years the Company focused on reducing exposure to direct development
risk and recycling capital into cashflow driven investments. The Company is
currently focussed on its loan portfolio and also on its wider investment
strategy which targets investments offering inflation protection via index
linked income adjustments and investments that have potential for capital
gains."
The Investment Manager of Alpha Real Trust is Alpha Real Capital LLP.
For further information please contact:
Alpha Real Trust Limited
William Simpson, Chairman, Alpha Real Trust +44 (0) 1481 742 742
Gordon Smith, Joint Fund Manager, Alpha Real Trust +44 (0) 207 391 4700
Brad Bauman, Joint Fund Manager, Alpha Real Trust +44 (0) 207 391 4700
Panmure Gordon, Broker to the Company
Atholl Tweedie +44 (0) 20 7886 2500
Notes to editors:
About Alpha Real Trust
Alpha Real Trust Limited targets investment, development, financing and other
opportunities in real estate, real estate operating companies and securities,
real estate services, infrastructure, infrastructure services, other
asset-backed businesses and related operations and services businesses that
offer attractive risk-adjusted total returns.
Further information on the Company can be found on the Company's website:
www.alpharealtrustlimited.com (http://www.alpharealtrustlimited.com) .
About Alpha Real Capital LLP
Alpha Real Capital is a value-adding international property fund management
group. Alpha Real Capital is the Investment Manager to ART. Brad Bauman and
Gordon Smith of Alpha Real Capital are joint Fund Managers to ART. Both have
experience in the real estate and finance industries throughout the UK, Europe
and Asia.
For more information on Alpha Real Capital please visit
www.alpharealcapital.com (http://www.alpharealcapital.com) .
Company's summary and objective
Strategy
ART targets investment, development, financing and other opportunities in real
estate, real estate operating companies and securities, real estate services,
infrastructure, infrastructure services, other asset-backed businesses and
related operations and services businesses that offer attractive risk-adjusted
total returns.
ART currently selectively focusses on asset-backed lending, debt investments
and high return property investments in Western Europe that are capable of
delivering strong risk adjusted returns.
The portfolio mix at 31 March 2024, excluding sundry assets/liabilities, was
as follows:
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
High return debt: 39.2% 44.5%
High return equity in property investments: 26.1% 26.5%
Other investments: 20.6% 15.2%
Cash: 14.1% 13.8%
The Company is currently focussed on selectively increasing its loan portfolio
and opportunistically extending its wider investment strategy to target high
return property investments offering inflation protection via index linked
income adjustments and investments that have potential for capital gains.
Dividends
The current intention of the Directors is to pay a dividend and offer a scrip
dividend alternative quarterly to all shareholders.
Listing
The Company's shares are traded on the Specialist Fund Segment ("SFS") of the
London Stock Exchange ("LSE"), ticker ARTL: LSE.
Management
The Company's Investment Manager is Alpha Real Capital LLP ("ARC"), whose team
of investment and asset management professionals focus on the potential to
enhance earnings in addition to adding value to the underlying assets, and
also focus on the risk profile of each investment within the capital structure
to best deliver attractive risk adjusted returns.
Control of the Company rests with the non-executive Guernsey based Board of
Directors.
Financial highlights
12 months ended 6 months ended 12 months ended
31 March 30 September 31 March
2024 2023 2023
Net asset value (£'000) 123,106 125,354 125,067
Net asset value per ordinary share 207.3p 214.3p 216.8p
Losses/(earnings) per ordinary share (basic and diluted) (1.6)p 1.5p 1.1p
Earnings per ordinary share (basic and diluted) (adjusted)* 10.3p 4.6p 7.7p
Dividend per ordinary share (paid during the period) 4.0p 2.0p 4.0p
* The adjusted earnings per share includes adjustments for the effect of the
fair value revaluation of investment property and indirect property
investments, capital element on Investment Manager's fees, the fair value
movements on financial assets and deferred tax provisions: full analysis is
provided in note 9 to the accounts.
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to present the Company's annual report and accounts for the year
ended 31 March 2024.
ART's investment portfolio benefits from diversification across geographies,
sectors and asset types and the Company remains on a robust financial footing
and is well placed to capitalise on new investment opportunities.
The impact from higher interest rates, and speculation regarding the timing of
a reduction, continues to dominate the economic backdrop in which the Company
operates and clouds the outlook for the real estate market. The uncertain
market offers potential opportunities in the medium term for ART to grow its
diversified investment portfolio. The Company is currently focussed on risk
managing and selectively growing its loan portfolio and opportunistically
extending its wider investment strategy to target mezzanine opportunities as
companies seek to refinance and recapitalise. The Company is also seeking to
invest further in assets offering inflation protection via index linked income
adjustments and investments that have potential for capital appreciation.
ART continues to take a cautious approach to new investment, including new
lending, as we observe ongoing pressures in the economy. Recently the Company
has again focused on recycling capital into more conservative asset backed
lending while reducing exposure to development risk. In this time of
heightened uncertainty, the Company is benefiting from that strategy and it
has placed the Company on a robust financial footing.
ART continues to adhere to its disciplined strategy and investment
underwriting principles which seek to manage risk through a combination of
operational controls, diversification and an analysis of the underlying asset
security.
Long leased assets
The Company's portfolio of long leased properties, comprising three hotels
leased to Travelodge in the UK and an industrial facility in Hamburg, Germany,
leased to a leading industrial group are well positioned in the current
inflationary environment. The leased assets have inflation linked rent
adjustments which offer the potential to benefit from a long term,
predictable, inflation linked income stream and the potential for associated
capital growth.
Diversified secured lending investment
The Company invests in a diversified portfolio of secured senior and mezzanine
loan investments. The loans are typically secured on predominately residential
real estate investment and development assets with attractive risk adjusted
income returns. As at 31 March 2024, ART had committed £53.4 million across
thirteen loans, of which £46.4 million (excluding a £6.0 million provision
for Expected Credit Loss discussed below) was drawn.
The Company's debt portfolio comprises predominately floating rate loans.
Borrowing rates are typically set at a margin over Bank of England ('BoE')
Base Rate and benefit from rising interest rates as outstanding loans deliver
increasing returns as loan rates track increases in the BoE Base Rate.
During the year, two new loans were drawn for £7.8 million, eight loans
totalling £30.8 million (including accrued interest and exit fees) were fully
repaid and a further £2.7 million (including accrued interest) was received
as part repayments. Post year end, no new loans were drawn but additional
drawdowns of £0.9 million were made on existing loans and part loan
repayments were received amounting to £0.7 million (including accrued
interest).
As at 31 March 2024, 51.7% of the Company's loan investments were senior loans
and 48.3% were mezzanine loans. The senior portfolio has an average LTV of
62.5% based on loan commitments (with mezzanine loans having an LTV range of
between 49.8% and 68.0% whilst the highest approved senior loan LTV is 64.1%).
Portfolio loans are underwritten against value for investment loans or gross
development value for development loans as relevant and collectively referred
to as LTV in this report.
The largest individual loan in the portfolio as at 31 March 2024 is a senior
loan of £12.3 million which represents 23.0% of committed loan capital and
10.0% of the Company's NAV.
Four loans in the portfolio have entered receivership: ART is closely working
with stakeholders to maximise capital recovery. The Company has considered the
security on these loans (which are a combination of a first charge and a
second charge over the respective assets and personal guarantees) and have
impaired one loan, which is accounted for at fair value, by £0.3 million; the
Group also calculated an Expected Credit Loss ('ECL') on the other three loans
of approximately £4.1 million; the Group have also provided for an ECL on the
remainder of the loans' portfolio for an additional £1.6 million: in total,
the Group have provided for an ECL of £5.7 million (31 March 2023: £3.7
million) in its consolidated accounts.
Aside from the isolated cases of receivership, illustrated above, the
Company's loan portfolio has proved to be resilient despite the recent
extended period of heightened uncertainty and risk. In terms of debt
servicing, allowing for some temporary agreed extensions, interest and debt
repayments have been received in accordance with the loan agreements. Where it
is considered appropriate, on a case-by-case basis, underlying loan terms may
be extended or varied with a view to maximising ART's risk adjusted returns
and collateral security position. The Company's loan portfolio and new loan
targets continue to be closely reviewed to consider the potential impact on
construction timelines, building cost inflation and sales periods.
The underlying assets in the loan portfolio as at 31 March 2024 had
diversification throughout the UK and channel islands with the majority of
assets held located in London, accounting for 34.0% of the total loan
investment portfolio.
H2O, Madrid
ART held a 30% stake in a joint venture, CBRE H2O Rivas Holding NV ('CBRE
H2O') with CBRE Investment Management that owned the shopping centre.
Post year end, on 03 April 2024, ART completed on the sale of its investment
in the H2O shopping centre in Madrid.
CBRE H2O disposed of its Spanish subsidiaries for €48.4 million (£41.4
million): the price was based on the 31 December 2023 accounts of the Spanish
subsidiaries and will be adjusted for the 3 April 2024 accounts (the
adjustment is estimated to be immaterial for CBRE H2O). In April 2024, ART
received €14.7 million as dividend and capital return from CBRE H2O.
Under Alpha Real Trust's ownership the shopping centre had benefited from a
near 50% increase in annual visitor numbers. The centre's permitted leasable
area was also extended, which enabled a new standalone retail park unit and
two drive thru restaurant units to be created. In addition it has facilitated
the creation of a new 3,000 square metre unit which was pre-leased to Primark.
Further anchor tenants, including a number of Inditex group brands, have
recently extended and upgraded their stores. Operational and physical
improvements to the property have resulted in a BREEAM certification being
awarded.
Other investments
Investment in listed and authorised funds
The Company invested a total of £6.0 million (value as at 31 March 2024:
£4.2 million) across three investments that offered potential to generate
attractive risk adjusted returns. The prevailing higher interest rate
environment continues to have an impact on the capital value of these
investments. The investment yield offers a potentially accretive return to
holding cash while the Company deploys capital in opportunities in line with
its investment strategy. These funds invest in ungeared long-dated leased real
estate, debt and infrastructure.
Cash management
The Company adopts an active approach to enhance returns on its cash balances.
As at 31 March 2024, the Company had invested a total of £19.5 million in
three short dated UK Treasury Bonds (Gilts) (annualised yield to maturity
ranging from 4.7% to 4.9% with maturities in September 2024, March 2025 and
October 2025). These government backed short term investments offer the
Company enhanced returns over cash balances.
Post year end, the Company invested £6.5 million in a short dated UK Treasury
Bill with an annualised yield to maturity of 5.2% with maturity in October
2024 and £10.0 million in Gilts with maturity 30 January 2026 and an
annualised yield to maturity of 4.3%.
During the year, the Company also invested £10.0 million in the Morgan
Stanley GBP Liquidity Fund, which invests in high quality short-term money
market instruments denominated in sterling, offers same day liquidity and
earns an annualised return, net of Morgan Stanley's fees, of 5.2%.
Results and dividends
Results
Basic losses for the year ended 31 March 2024 are £0.7 million ((1.1) pence
per ordinary share, see note 9 of the financial statements).
Adjusted earnings, which the Board believes is a more appropriate assessment
of the operational income accruing to the Group's activities, for the year
ended 31 March 2024 are £6.0 million (10.3 pence per ordinary share, see note
9 of the financial statements). This compares with adjusted earnings of £4.5
million (7.7 pence per ordinary share) in the same period last year. Earnings
have improved predominantly due to a stronger performance from the Company's
loan portfolio and revenue from Gilts and UK Treasury Bills investments.
The net asset value per ordinary share at 31 March 2024 is 207.3 pence per
share (31 March 2023: 216.8 pence per ordinary share) (see note 10 of the
financial statements). The decrease in value over the period mainly reflects
the reduction in fair value of investment properties and of the H2O joint
venture investment, which was sold after the year end, on 3 April 2024.
Dividends
The Board announces a dividend of 1.0 pence per ordinary share which is
expected to be paid on 26 July 2024 (ex-dividend date 4 July 2024 and record
date 5 July 2024).
The dividends paid and declared in respect of the year ended 31 March 2024
totalled 4.0 pence per ordinary share representing an annual dividend yield of
3.1% p.a. by reference to the average closing share price over the year ended
31 March 2024.
During the period, dividends of £205,762 were paid in cash and £2,126,498
settled by scrip issue of shares.
Scrip dividend alternative
Shareholders of the Company have the option to receive shares in the Company
in lieu of a cash dividend, at the absolute discretion of the Directors, from
time to time.
The number of ordinary shares that an Ordinary Shareholder will receive under
the Scrip Dividend Alternative will be calculated using the average of the
closing middle market quotations of an ordinary share for five consecutive
dealing days after the day on which the ordinary shares are first quoted "ex"
the relevant dividend.
The Board has elected to offer the scrip dividend alternative to Shareholders
for the dividend for the quarter ended 31 March 2024. Shareholders who
returned the Scrip Mandate Form and elected to receive the scrip dividend
alternative will receive shares in lieu of the next dividend. Shareholders who
have not previously elected to receive scrip may complete a Scrip Mandate Form
(this can be obtained from the registrar: contact Computershare (details
below)), which must be returned by 11 July 2024 to benefit from the scrip
dividend alternative for the next dividend.
Financing
As at 31 March 2024 the Group has one direct bank loan of €9.5 million
(£8.1 million), with no financial covenant tests, to a subsidiary used to
finance the acquisition of the Hamburg property. The loan is secured over the
Hamburg property and has no recourse to the other assets of the Group.
Further details of individual asset financing can be found under the
individual investment review sections later in this report.
Share buybacks
Following the Annual General Meeting held on 7 September 2023 the Company has
the authority to buy back 14.99% of its share capital (assessed on 29 June
2023) for a total of 8,709,579 shares. No shares have been yet bought back
under this authority.
During the period and post period end, the Company did not purchase any shares
in the market.
As at the date of this announcement, the ordinary share capital of the Company
is 67,536,128 (including 7,717,581 ordinary shares held in treasury) and the
total voting rights in the Company is 59,818,547.
Foreign currency
The Company monitors foreign exchange exposures and considers hedging where
appropriate. Foreign currency balances have been translated at the period end
rates of £1: €1.170 as appropriate.
Going concern
The Company has adopted a prudent short-term strategy to move to cash
conservation and a cautious approach to commitments to new investments over
this uncertain time. Alert to the impact of potentially reducing income
returns, this approach has supported a robust balance sheet position. The
Company continues to adopt this cautious approach to new investment and is
conserving cash because of the uncertainty that has characterised the past few
months; this ensures the Company retains a robust financial footing, making it
well positioned to take advantage of new investment opportunities.
As noted above, the Company held approximately (as at 31 March 2024) 14.1% of
its assets (excluding sundry net assets) in cash (including the investment in
the Morgan Stanley GBP Liquidity Fund) and 16.5% in highly liquid UK Treasury
Bonds with limited current contractual capital commitments. While there is
external financing in the Group's investment interests, this is limited and
non-recourse to the Company; the borrowings in these special purpose vehicles
are compliant with their banking covenants. See the investment review section
for more details on relevant investments.
Bearing in mind the nature of the Group's business and assets, after making
enquiries, with the support of revenue forecasts for the next twelve months
and considering the above, the Directors consider that the Group has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For
this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
financial statements.
ART has no arrangements with any person currently on (or potentially on) any
sanctions list. The Board continues to monitor the global political and
economic situation regularly assessing impacts arising from inflation and
interest rate changes for a potential material impact on ART's portfolio.
Strategy and outlook
ART's investment portfolio benefits from diversification across geographies,
sectors, and asset types. As inflationary pressures increasingly dominate the
economic backdrop in which the Company operates, ART remains on a robust
financial footing and is well placed to capitalise on new investment
opportunities.
ART remains committed to growing its diversified investment portfolio. In
recent years the Company focused on reducing exposure to direct development
risk and recycling capital into cashflow driven investments. The Company is
currently focussed on its loan portfolio and also on its wider investment
strategy which targets investments offering inflation protection via index
linked income adjustments and investments that have potential for capital
gains.
William Simpson
Chairman
20 June 2024
Investment review
Portfolio overview as at 31 March 2024
Investment name
Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. * Investment location Property type / underlying security Investment notes % of portfolio(1) Notes **
High return debt (39.2%)
Secured senior finance
Senior secured loans (excluding committed but undrawn facilities of £1.0 £24.0m (2) 10.3% (3) UK Diversified loan portfolio focussed on real estate investments and Senior secured debt 20.2% 13
million) developments
Secured mezzanine finance
Second charge mezzanine loans £22.4m (2) 17.3% (3) UK Diversified loan portfolio focussed on real estate investments and Secured mezzanine debt and subordinated debt 19.0% 13
developments
High return equity in property investments (26.1%)
H2O shopping centre
Indirect property £12.6m 4.1% (4) Spain Dominant Madrid shopping centre and separate development site Sold post year end 10.7% 12
(€14.8m)
Long leased industrial facility, Hamburg
Direct property £7.3m (5) 8.9% (4) Germany Long leased industrial complex in major European industrial and logistics hub Medium term moderately geared bank finance facility 6.2% 10
with RPI linked rent
(€8.6m)
Long leased hotel, Wadebridge
Direct property £3.3m 5.3% (6) UK Long leased hotel to Travelodge, a large UK hotel group with CPI linked rent No external gearing 2.8% 10
Long leased hotel, Lowestoft
Direct property £2.7m 5.2% (6) UK Long leased hotel to Travelodge, a large UK hotel group with RPI linked rent No external gearing 2.3% 10
Long leased hotel, Yardley
Direct property £4.8m 7.7% (6) UK Long leased hotel to Travelodge, a large UK hotel group with RPI linked rent No external gearing 4.1% 10
Other investments (20.6%)
Listed and authorised fund investments
£4.2m UK & Channel Islands Commercial real estate, infrastructure and debt funds Short to medium term investment in listed and authorised funds
8.9% (4) 3.6% 11
Affordable housing
Residential Investment £0.6m n/a UK High-yield residential UK portfolio 100% shareholding; no external gearing 0.5% 10
UK Treasury Bonds £19.5m 4.7%-4.9% (7) UK UK government bonds - 16.5% 11
2.8%-5.0% (8)
Cash and short-term investments (14.1%)
Cash (9) £6.8m 2.6% (10) UK 'On call' and current accounts - 5.7% -
Sterling Liquidity Fund £10.0m 5.2% (11) UK Money market fund, daily liquidity - 8.4% 16
( )
* Return from underlying investments excluding Fund fees
** See notes to the financial statements
(1) Percentage share shown based on NAV excluding the company's sundry
assets/liabilities
(2) Including accrued interest/coupon at the balance sheet date
(3) The income returns for high return debt are the annualised actual finance
income return over the period shown as a percentage of the average committed
capital over the period
(4) Yield on equity over 12 months to 31 March 2024
(5) Property value including sundry assets/liabilities, net of associated debt
(6) Annualised monthly return
(7) Range of annualised yields to maturity
(8) Range of fixed annual coupons
(9) Group cash of £7.2m excluding cash held with the Hamburg holding company
of £0.4m
(10) Weighted average interest earned on call accounts
(11) Annualised daily return
High return debt
Overview
ART has a portfolio of secured loan investments which contribute a diversified
return to the Company's earnings position. The portfolio comprises high return
senior (first charge) loans and mezzanine (second charge) loans secured on
real estate investment assets and developments. ART loan underwriting is
supported by the Investment Manager's asset-backed lending experience,
developer and investor relationships and knowledge of the underlying assets
and sectors, in addition to the Group's partnerships with specialist debt
providers.
Secured Finance
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. Property type / underlying security Investment notes
Secured senior finance First charge secured loans £24.0m * 10.3%** Diversified loan portfolio focussed on real estate investments and Secured debt
developments
Secured mezzanine finance Second charge secured loans £22.4m * 17.3%** Diversified loan portfolio focussed on real estate investments and Second charge secured debt and secured subordinated debt
developments
* Including accrued interest/coupon at the balance sheet date
** The income returns for high return debt are the annualised actual
finance income return over the period shown as a percentage of the average
committed capital over the period
ART's portfolio of secured senior and mezzanine loan investments have
increased in scale and diversity over the past year. These loans are typically
secured on real estate investment and development assets with attractive
risk-adjusted income returns from either current or capitalised interest or
coupons.
As at 31 March 2024, ART had invested a total amount of £46.4 million across
thirteen loans. Over the past twelve months the loan portfolio has decreased
by 16.2%.
During the year, two new loans were drawn for £7.8 million, eight loans
totalling £30.8 million (including accrued interest and exit fees) were fully
repaid and a further £2.7 million (including accrued interest) was received
as part repayments. Post year end, no new loans were drawn but additional
drawdowns of £0.9 million were made on existing loans and part loan
repayments were received amounting to £0.7 million (including accrued
interest).
Each loan will typically have a term of up to two years (one loan has a term
of four years), a maximum 75% loan to gross development value ratio and be
targeted to generate attractive risk-adjusted income returns. As at 31 March
2024, the portfolio had an average LTV of 62.5% (with average approved LTV
between 49.8% and 68.0% for mezzanine facilities while the highest approved
LTV for senior loans is 64.1%).
Four loans in the portfolio have entered receivership: ART is closely working
with stakeholders to maximise capital recovery. The Company has considered the
security on these loans (which are a combination of a first charge and a
second charge over the respective assets and personal guarantees) and have
impaired one loan, which is accounted for at fair value, by £0.3 million; the
Group also calculated an ECL on the other three loans of approximately £4.1
million; the Group have also provided for an ECL on the remainder of the
loans' portfolio for an additional £1.6 million: in total, the Group have
provided for an ECL of £5.7 million (31 March 2023: £3.7 million) in its
consolidated accounts.
Current loan investment examples:
Location Total commitment Loan type Loan term (months) Current LTV Underlying security
St. Lawrence, Jersey £11,731,000 Senior Development Loan 24 64.15% Development of eleven new build apartments
Throughout the UK £12,000,000 Senior Investment Loan 36 60.32% Refinance of a portfolio of six care homes
Central London £8,737,000 Mezzanine Investment Loan 60 49.77% Refinance of Hotel
High return equity in property investments
Overview
ART continues to remain focused on investments that offer the potential to
deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns by way of value enhancement through
active asset management, improvement of income, selective deployment of
capital expenditure and the ability to undertake strategic sales when the
achievable price is accretive to returns.
H2O Shopping Centre, Madrid
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. Property type / underlying security Investment notes
H2O Indirect property £12.6m 4.1%* High-yield, dominant Madrid shopping centre and separate development site Sold post year end
(€14.8m)
* Yield on equity over twelve months to 31 March 2024, excluding Fund
fees
ART held a 30% stake in a joint venture with CBRE Investment Management that
owns the shopping centre.
Post year end, on 03 April 2024, ART completed on the sale of its investment
in the H2O shopping centre in Madrid.
CBRE H2O disposed of its Spanish subsidiaries for €48.4 million (£41.4
million): the price was based on the 31 December 2023 accounts of the Spanish
subsidiaries and will be adjusted for the 3 April 2024 accounts (the
adjustment is estimated to be immaterial for CBRE H2O). In April 2024, ART
received €14.7 million as dividend and capital return from CBRE H2O.
Under Alpha Real Trust's ownership the shopping centre has benefited from a
near 50% increase in annual visitor numbers. Alpha Real Capital, the Company's
Investment Manager has actively managed the asset and through the addition of
top tier brands and targeted capital expenditure has successfully repositioned
the centre. The shopping centre's leasable area has been extended, partly
enabled by the transfer of building rights from a nearby separate vacant site,
strategically acquired for that purpose. This has permitted a new retail box
and two drive thru restaurant units to be created on the shopping centre's
surface car park. More recently it has facilitated a major reconfiguration and
upgrade of a mall area to create a new 3,000 square metre anchor tenant unit
pre-leased to Primark. Further anchor tenants, including a number of Inditex
group's brands, have recently extended and upgraded their stores. Upgrades
to the property have resulted in a BREEAM certification being awarded and the
centre receiving a two notch uplift in its energy rating, resulting in a Green
Loan certificate being granted from the lending bank.
Long leased industrial facility, Hamburg
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. Property type / Investment notes
underlying security
Industrial facility, Werner-Siemens-Straße Hamburg, Germany Direct property £7.3m* 8.9%** High return industrial facility in Hamburg Germany Long leased investment with moderately geared, medium term, bank finance
facility
(€8.6m)
* Property value including sundry assets/liabilities and cash, net of
associated debt
** Yield on equity over twelve months to 31 March 2024, excluding Fund
fees
ART has an investment of €8.6 million (£7.3 million) in an industrial
facility leased to a leading international group.
The property is held freehold and occupies a site of 11.8 acres in Billbrook,
a well-established and well-connected industrial area located approximately 8
kilometres south-east of Hamburg centre. Hamburg is one of the main industrial
and logistics markets in Germany.
The property is leased to Veolia Umweltservice Nord GmbH, part of the Veolia
group, an international industrial specialist in water, waste and energy
management, with a 19-year unexpired lease term. Under the operating lease,
the tenant is responsible for building maintenance and the rent has periodic
inflation linked adjustments.
The Hamburg asset is funded by way of a €9.5 million (£8.1 million)
non-recourse, fixed rate, bank debt facility which matures on 31 July 2028.
The facility carries no financial covenant tests.
This investment offers the potential to benefit from a long term secure and
predictable inflation-linked income stream which is forecast to generate
stable high single digit income returns. In addition, the investment offers
the potential for associated capital growth from an industrial location in a
major German logistics and infrastructure hub.
Long leased hotel, Wadebridge, Cornwall
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. Property type / Investment notes
underlying security
Hotel, Wadebridge Cornwall, UK Direct property £3.3m 5.3%* Long leased hotel to Travelodge, a large UK hotel group with RPI linked rent No external gearing
* Annualised monthly return, excluding Fund fees
ART has an investment of £3.3 million (property valuation as at 31 March
2024) in a 55-bedroom property, which is held freehold and is situated on the
outskirts of Wadebridge in the county of Cornwall. The hotel is in a
well-connected location in close proximity to the A39.
The property is leased to Travelodge Hotels Limited on a 20 year unexpired
lease term. Under the lease, the tenant is responsible for building
maintenance.
The passing rent of £0.3 million p.a. has inflation linked adjustments.
Long leased hotel, Lowestoft
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. Property type / Investment notes
underlying security
Hotel, Lowestoft, UK Direct property £2.7m 5.2%* Long leased hotel to Travelodge, a large UK hotel group with RPI linked rent No external gearing
* Annualised monthly return, excluding Fund fees
ART has an investment of £2.7 million (property valuation as at 31 March
2024) in a 47-bedroom property, which is held freehold and occupies a site of
1.08 acres in Lowestoft, a well established and well connected area located in
close proximity to the A47 which runs to Norwich.
The property is leased to Travelodge Hotels Limited on an 18 year unexpired
lease term. Under the lease, the tenant is responsible for building
maintenance.
The passing rent of £0.2 million p.a. has inflation linked adjustments.
Long leased hotel, Yardley, Birmingham
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. Property type / Investment notes
underlying security
Hotel, Yardley, UK Direct property £4.8m 7.7%* Long leased hotel to Travelodge, a large UK hotel group with RPI linked rent No external gearing
* Annualised monthly return, excluding Fund fees
ART has an investment of £4.8 million (property valuation as at 31 March
2024) in a 64-bedroom property, which is held freehold and occupies a site of
1.42 acres and has 116 car parking spaces in Yardley. The hotel is situated to
the east of Birmingham City Centre off the A45. The hotel is in a
well-connected location equidistant between Birmingham City Centre to the west
and Birmingham Airport to the east. The property was purchased in August 2023
and subsequently independently valued as at 31 March 2024.
The property is leased to Travelodge Hotels Limited until November 2060 with a
tenant only break option in 2035. Under the lease, the tenant is responsible
for building maintenance.
The passing rent of £0.4 million p.a. has inflation linked adjustments.
Other Investments
Listed and authorised fund investments
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. * Property type / underlying security Investment notes
Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund Limited Listed equity £2.3m 6.1% Listed investment fund FTSE 250 infrastructure debt fund
GCP Infrastructure Investments Limited Listed equity £0.9m 6.7% Listed investment fund FTSE 250 infrastructure fund
GCP Asset Backed Income Fund Limited Listed equity £1.0m 6.1% Listed investment fund Diversified asset back debt fund
Total £4.2m 6.2%
*Yield on equity based on 12 months to 31 March 2024
The Company invested a total of £6.0 million (value as at 31 March 2024:
£4.2 million) across three investments that offered potential to generate
attractive risk adjusted returns. Current market volatility and rise in
interest rates has impacted the capital value of these investments. The
investment yield offers a potentially accretive return to holding cash while
the Company deploys capital in opportunities in line with its investment
strategy. These funds invest in ungeared long-dated leased real estate, debt
and infrastructure.
Affordable Housing
The Company's wholly owned investment, RealHousingCo Limited ("RHC") has
obtained successful registration with the Regulator of Social Housing as a For
Profit Registered Provider of affordable homes. This status provides RHC with
a platform to undertake future investment in the affordable housing sector
which offers scope to generate long term, inflation-linked returns while
addressing the chronic undersupply of affordable homes in the UK.
RHC owns a residential property located in Liverpool (UK), which is comprised
of seven units, all of which are occupied by private individuals, each with a
six month term contract. The fair value of the Liverpool property as at 31
March 2024 was £0.6 million.
UK Treasury Bonds (Gilts) and Bills
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. * Property type / underlying security Investment notes
Gilts UK Treasury Bonds £19.5m 4.7%-4.9% Liquid Government security Short dated (maturity in September 2024)
Total £19.5m 4.8% **
* Annualised yield to maturity
** Weighted average
These government backed short term investments offer the Company enhanced
returns over cash balances.
As at 31 March 2024, the Company had invested a total of £19.5 million in
three short dated UK Treasury Bonds (Gilts) (annualised yield to maturity
ranging from 4.7% to 4.9% with maturities in September 2024, March 2025 and
October 2025). These government backed short term investments offer the
Company enhanced returns over cash balances.
Post year end, the Company invested £6.5 million in a short dated UK Treasury
Bill with an annualised yield to maturity of 5.2% with maturity in October
2024 and £10.0 million in Gilts with maturity 30 January 2026 and an
annualised yield to maturity of 4.3%.
Cash balances
Investment Investment type Carrying value Income return p.a. Property type / underlying security Investment notes
Cash balance * Cash £6.8m 2.6% ** 'On call' and current accounts n/a
Morgan Stanley Sterling Liquidity Fund Short-term investment £10.0m 5.2% Money market fund, daily liquidity n/a
* Group cash of £7.2m excluding cash held with the Hamburg holding
company of £0.4m
** weighted average interest earned on call accounts
As at 31 March 2024, the Group had cash balances of £6.8 million, excluding
cash held with the Hamburg holding company of £0.4 million.
The Group's cash is held with established banks with strong credit ratings.
Summary
ART has a diversified portfolio focussed on asset-backed lending and property
investments in Western Europe.
The Company is currently focussed on selectively increasing its loan portfolio
and extending its wider investment strategy to opportunistically target
investments offering inflation protection via index linked income adjustments
and investments that have potential for capital gains
Brad Bauman and Gordon Smith
For and on behalf of the Investment Manager
20 June 2024
Directors
William Simpson (aged 68)
Chairman
William Simpson has over 30 years' experience as a lawyer in financial
services. His focus has been on regulated and unregulated investment vehicles,
encompassing banking, finance, corporate, investment, trust and regulatory
work.
William studied law at Leeds University and practised at the Bar in England
before moving to the Cayman Islands and then the British Virgin Islands.
William was a partner at Ozannes, now Mourant, and then managing partner of
Ogier Guernsey, during which time he also served on the Ogier Group board.
In 2017 William became an independent consultant and remains a director of a
number of Guernsey based financial services companies. William is a member of
the English and Guernsey Bars.
Phillip Rose (aged 64)
Phillip Rose is a Fellow of the Securities Institute and holds a Master of Law
degree. He has over 40 years' experience in the real estate, funds
management and banking industries in Europe, the USA and Australasia. He has
been the Head of Real Estate for ABN AMRO Bank, Chief Operating Officer of
European shopping centre investor and developer TrizecHahn Europe, Managing
Director of retail and commercial property developer and investor Lend Lease
Global Investment and Executive Manager of listed fund General Property Trust.
Phillip is currently CEO of Alpha Real Capital LLP and has been a member of
the Management Committee for Hermes Property Unit Trust and its Audit
Committee, and has been a Non-Executive Director of Great Portland Estates
plc.
Jeff Chowdhry (aged 63)
Jeff is currently General Partner at Concept Ventures, an early stage,
software focused, VC fund. It is currently the largest dedicated pre-seed fund
in the UK.
He has an investment career which spans over 40 years having held senior
positions at F&C, as head of emerging markets and BMO Asset Management
where he was responsible for AUM of over $5 billion. He has specific expertise
in ESG related matters.
He is an active Angel investor having backed over 30 start-up companies and
has several board advisory positions within these rapidly growing businesses.
Melanie Torode (aged 44)
Mel Torode has 20 years' experience in the fund administration industry
specifically including private equity, property and mezzanine debt and is an
Independent Non-Executive Director.
Prior to founding Morgan Sharpe in April 2008 (a fund administration company
sold to Estera, subsequently Ocorian, in 2017), Mel was the Company Secretary
of Assura Administration, overseeing the administration of listed property
funds. During the period from 2017 to 2021, Mel held the roles of Operations
Director, Managing Director and subsequently Non-Executive of Ocorian
Guernsey.
Mel began her career at Guernsey International Fund Managers (now Northern
Trust), working on large private equity funds and European holding companies,
moving to Mourant International Finance Administration (now State Street)
where she spent more than two years concentrating primarily on listed property
funds.
Peter Griffin (aged 65)
Peter Griffin has over 30 years' experience in financial services and is a
qualified chartered accountant.
He is currently a director of Handelsbanken Alternatives Fund Limited, an
investment company listed on The International Stock Exchange.
Peter previously had various senior roles in the trust services industry in
the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
Directors' and Corporate Governance report
The Directors present their report and financial statements of the Group for
the year ended 31 March 2024.
Principal activities and status
During the year, the Company, an authorised closed-ended Guernsey registered
investment company, carried on business as an investment company, investing in
direct property, development, financing and other opportunities in real
estate, real estate operating companies and securities, real estate services,
infrastructure, infrastructure services, other asset-backed businesses and
related operations and services businesses.
The Company's shares are traded on the Specialist Fund Segment ("SFS") of the
London Stock Exchange ("LSE").
Business review, results and dividend
A review of the business during the year is contained in the Chairman's
Statement above.
The results for the year to 31 March 2024 are set out in the financial
statements. On 1 March 2024, the Company declared a dividend of 1.0p per
share, which was paid to shareholders on 12 April 2024. The intention of the
Company is to pay a dividend quarterly.
Share buybacks
Following the Annual General Meeting held on 7 September 2023 the Company has
the authority to buy back 14.99% of its share capital (assessed on 29 June
2023) for a total of 8,709,579 shares. No shares have been yet bought back
under this authority.
During the period and post period end, the Company did not purchase any shares
in the market.
As at the date of this announcement, the ordinary share capital of the Company
is 67,536,128 (including 7,717,581 ordinary shares held in treasury) and the
total voting rights in the Company is 59,818,547.
Scrip dividend alternative
In the circular published on 18 December 2018, the Company sought
shareholders' approval to enable a scrip dividend alternative to be offered to
ordinary shareholders whereby they could elect to receive additional ordinary
shares in lieu of a cash dividend, at the absolute discretion of the
Directors, from time to time. This was approved by shareholders at the
extraordinary general meeting on 8 January 2019.
The number of ordinary shares that an ordinary shareholder will receive under
the scrip dividend alternative will be calculated using the average of the
closing middle market quotations of an ordinary share for five consecutive
dealing days after the day on which the ordinary shares are first quoted "ex"
the relevant dividend.
The Board elected to offer the scrip dividend alternative to shareholders for
the dividend for the quarter ended 31 December 2023: for this period, scrip
dividend alternative elections were received in respect of 54,457,721 shares
of the Company, which has resulted in the issue of 437,407 new ordinary shares
in April 2024.
Further details on dividends are given in note 8 of the financial statements.
Corporate governance
As a Guernsey registered company traded on SFS, the Company is not required to
comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code ("UK Code"). However, as a
company authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission ("GFSC"), it
is required to follow the principles and guidance set out in the Finance
Sector Code of Corporate Governance issued by the GFSC and effective from 1
January 2012 (amended in February 2016 and November 2021) ("Guernsey Code").
Compliance with the Guernsey Code and general principles of good corporate
governance are reviewed by the Board at least annually and, at the date of
signing these financial statements, the Board is satisfied that the Company is
fully compliant with the Guernsey Code. The Guernsey Code is available for
consultation on the GFSC website: www.gfsc.gg (http://www.gfsc.gg) .
The Board
Biographies of the Directors are set out above.
The Directors' interests in the shares of the Company as at 31 March 2024 are
set out below:
Number of ordinary shares Number of ordinary shares
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
Phillip Rose 1,031,935 978,999
Jeff Chowdhry 5,000 5,000
Melanie Torode - -
William Simpson 40,347 30,000
Peter Griffin - -
Post year end, Phillip Rose and William Simpson increased their shareholding
in ART to 1,039,179 and 50,671 ordinary shares, respectively.
Non-executive directors are not appointed for specified terms; appointments of
Board members can be terminated at any time without penalty and the Company's
Articles of Association ("Articles") require each Director to retire and
submit himself/herself to re-election by the shareholders at every third
year. In addition, the Board believes that continuity and experience add to
its strength.
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will take place on 5 September
2024. At this meeting, Melanie Torode and Phillip Rose will retire and
submit themselves for re-election. The remainder of the Board recommend their
re-appointment.
Individual Directors may seek independent legal advice in relation to their
duties on behalf of the Company.
Operations of the Board
The Board has determined that its role is to consider and determine the
following principal matters which it considers are of strategic importance to
the Company:
1) Review the overall objectives for the Company and set the Company's
strategy for fulfilling those objectives within an appropriate risk framework
2) Consider any shifts in strategy that it considers may be appropriate
in light of market conditions
3) Review the capital structure of the Company including consideration
of any appropriate use of gearing both for the Company and in any joint
ventures in which the Company may invest from time to time
4) Appoint the Investment Manager, Administrator and other appropriately
skilled service providers and monitor their effectiveness through regular
reports and meetings
5) Review key elements of the Company's performance including Net Asset
Value and payment of dividends.
At Board meetings, the Board ensures that all the strategic matters are
considered and resolved by the Board. Certain issues associated with
implementing the Company's strategy are delegated either to the Investment
Manager or the Administrator. Such delegation is over minor incidental matters
and the Board continually monitors the services provided by these independent
agents. The Board considers matters that are significant enough to be of
strategic importance and are therefore reserved solely for the Board (e.g. all
acquisitions, all disposals, significant capital expenditure, leasing and
decisions affecting the Company's financial gearing).
The Board meets at least quarterly and as required from time to time to
consider specific issues reserved for decision by the Board, as noted above.
At the Board's quarterly meetings, it considers papers circulated in advance
including reports provided by the Investment Manager and the Administrator.
The Investment Manager's report comments on:
· The property and debt markets of the UK and Europe
including recommendations for any changes in strategy that the Investment
Manager considers may be appropriate
· Performance of the Group's portfolio and key asset
management initiatives
· Transactional or lending activity undertaken over the
previous quarter and being contemplated for the future
· The Group's financial position including relationships
with bankers, borrowers and lenders.
These reports enable the Board to assess the success with which the Group's
investment strategy and other associated matters are being implemented and
also consider any relevant risks and to consider how they should be properly
managed.
The Company's service providers issue reports on their own internal controls
and these reports are considered by the Board periodically.
In between its regular quarterly meetings, the Board has also met on a number
of occasions during the year to approve specific transactions and for other
matters.
Board and Directors' appraisals
The Board carries out an annual review of its composition and performance
(including the performance of individual Directors) and that of its standing
committees. Such appraisal includes reviewing the performance and
composition of the Board (and whether it has an appropriate mix of knowledge,
skills and experience), the relationships between the Board and the Investment
Manager and Administrator, the processes in place and the information provided
to the Board and communication between Board members.
Board Meeting attendance
The table below shows the attendance at Board meetings during the year to 31
March 2024:
No of meetings attended
Phillip Rose 5
Jeff Chowdhry 5
Melanie Torode 10
William Simpson 12
Peter Griffin 11
No. of meetings during the year 12
Directors' and officers' insurance
An appropriate level of Directors' and officers' insurance is maintained
whereby Directors are indemnified against liabilities to third parties to the
extent permitted by Guernsey company law.
Board Committees
The Board has established three standing committees, all of which operate
under detailed terms of reference, copies of which are available on request
from the Company Secretary.
Audit and Risk Committee
The Audit and Risk Committee consists of Peter Griffin (Chairman), Jeff
Chowdhry and William Simpson. The Board is satisfied that Peter Griffin
continues to have the requisite recent and relevant financial experience to
fulfil his role as Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Role of the Committee
The role of the Audit and Risk Committee, which meets at least twice a year,
includes:
· The engagement, review of the work carried out by and the
performance of the Group's external auditor
· To monitor and review the independence, objectivity and
effectiveness of the external auditor
· To develop and apply a policy for the engagement of the external
audit firm to provide non-audit services
· To assist the Board in discharging its duty to ensure that
financial statements comply with all legal requirements
· To review the Group's financial reporting and internal control
policies and to ensure that the procedures for the identification, assessment
and reporting of risks are adequate
· To review regularly the need for an internal audit function
· To monitor the integrity of the Group's financial statements,
including its annual and half-year reports and announcements relating to its
financial performance, reviewing the significant financial reporting issues
and judgements which they contain
· To review the consistency of accounting policies and practices
· To review and challenge where necessary the financial results of
the Group before submission to the Board.
The Audit and Risk Committee makes recommendations to the Board which are
within its terms of reference and considers any other matters as the Board may
from time to time refer to it.
Members of the Audit and Risk Committee may also, from time to time, meet with
the Group's independent property valuers to discuss the scope and conclusions
of their work.
Committee meeting attendance
No of meetings attended
William Simpson 4
Jeff Chowdhry 3
Peter Griffin 4
No. of meetings during the year 4
Policy for non audit services
The Committee has adopted a policy for the provision of non-audit services by
the Company's external auditor, BDO Limited, and reviews and approves all
material non-audit related services in accordance with the need to ensure the
independence and objectivity of the external auditor. No services, other than
audit-related ones, were carried out by BDO Limited during the year.
Internal audit
The Board relies upon the systems and procedures employed by the Investment
Manager and the Administrator which are regularly reviewed and are considered
to be sufficient to provide it with the required degree of comfort. Therefore,
the Board continues to believe that there is no need for an internal audit
function, although the Audit and Risk Committee considers this annually,
reporting its findings to the Board.
Nomination Committee and attendance
The Nomination Committee consists of William Simpson (Chairman), Phillip Rose
and Melanie Torode.
The Committee's principal task is to review the structure, size and
composition of the Board in relation to its size and position in the market
and to make recommendations to fill Board vacancies as they arise and it meets
at least annually. It met once during the year and all Committee members
were present.
Remuneration Committee and attendance
The Remuneration Committee consists of Melanie Torode (Chairman), Jeff
Chowdhry and William Simpson.
The Board has approved formal terms of reference for the Committee and a copy
of these is available on request from the Company Secretary.
As the Company comprises only non-executive directors, the Committee's main
role is to determine their remuneration within the cap set out in the
Company's Articles and it meets at least annually. It met once during the
year with Melanie Torode and William Simpson present.
Remuneration report
The aggregate fees payable to the Directors are limited to £200,000 per annum
under the Company's Articles. The annual fees payable to each Director, which
were last reviewed in 2019, have been increased by 10% with effect from 1
April 2022. The fees payable to the Directors are expected to reflect their
expertise, responsibilities and time spent on the business of the Group,
taking into account market equivalents, the activities, the size of the Group
and market conditions. Under their respective appointment letters, each
Director is entitled to an annual fee together with a provision for
reimbursement for any reasonable out of pocket expenses.
During the year the Directors received the following emoluments in the form of
fees from Group companies:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£ £
Phillip Rose 27,500 27,500
Jeff Chowdhry 27,500 27,500
William Simpson 39,500 39,500
Peter Griffin 27,500 27,500
Melanie Torode* 48,000 52,633
Total 170,000 174,633
* This comprises £20,500 for the ART's directorship plus fees for
directorships of ART's subsidiaries and joint ventures
Internal control and risk management
The Board understands its responsibility for ensuring that there are
sufficient, appropriate and effective systems, procedures, policies and
processes for internal control of financial, operational, compliance and risk
management matters in place in order to manage the risks which are an inherent
part of business. Such risks are managed rather than eliminated in order to
permit the Company to meet its financial and other objectives.
The Board reviews the internal procedures of both its Investment Manager and
its Administrator upon which it is reliant. The Investment Manager has a
schedule of matters which have been delegated to it by the Board and upon
which it reports to the Board on a quarterly basis. These matters include
quarterly management accounts and reporting both against key financial
performance indicators and its peer group. Further, a compliance report is
produced by the Administrator for the Board on a quarterly basis.
The Company maintains a risk management framework which considers the
non-financial as well as financial risks and this is reviewed by the Audit and
Risk Committee prior to submission to the Board.
Investment management agreement
The Company has an agreement with the Investment Manager. This sets out the
Investment Manager's key responsibilities, which include proposing a property
investment strategy to the Board, identifying property investments to
recommend for acquisition and arranging appropriate lending facilities.
The Investment Manager is also responsible to the Board for all issues
relating to property asset management.
Substantial shareholding
Shareholders with holdings of more than 3 per cent of the voting rights of
the Company as at 24 May 2024 were as follows:
Name of investor Number of % held
voting rights
Alpha Global Property Securities Fund Pte. Ltd 26,194,335 43.79%
Rockmount Ventures Ltd 25,278,982 42.26%
Shareholder relations
The Board places high importance on its relationship with its shareholders,
with members of the Investment Manager's Investment Committee making
themselves available for meetings with key shareholders and sector analysts.
Reporting of these meetings and market commentary is received by the Board on
a quarterly basis to ensure that shareholder communication fulfils the needs
of being useful, timely and effective. One or more members of the Board and
the Investment Manager will be available at the Annual General Meeting to
answer any questions that shareholders attending may wish to raise.
Directors' Responsibilities Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the
financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each
financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
Group at the end of the year and of the profit or loss of the Group for that
year.
In preparing those financial statements, the Directors are required to:
1) select suitable accounting policies and then apply
them consistently;
2) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
3) state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed,
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial
statements; and
4) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it
is appropriate to assume that the Group will not continue in business.
So far as each of the Directors is aware, there is no relevant information of
which the Group's auditor is unaware, and they have taken all the steps they
ought to have taken as Directors to make themselves aware of any relevant
information and to establish that the Group's auditor is aware of that
information.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the
Group and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply
with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for
the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in
preparing the financial statements.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group can be outlined as
follows:
· Rental income, fair value of investment properties (directly or
indirectly held) and fair value of the Group's equity investments are
affected, together with other factors, by general economic conditions and/or
by the political and economic climate of the jurisdictions in which the
Group's investments and investment properties are located.
· The Group's loan investments are exposed to credit risk which
arise by the potential failure of the Group's counter parties to discharge
their obligations when falling due; this could reduce the amount of future
cash inflows from financial assets on hand at the balance sheet date; the
Group receives regular updates from the relevant investment manager as to the
performance of the underlying investments and assesses their credit risk as a
result.
Going concern
The Company has adopted a prudent short-term strategy to move to cash
conservation and a cautious approach to commitments to new investments over
this uncertain time. Alert to the impact of potentially reducing income
returns, this approach has supported a robust balance sheet position. The
Company continues to adopt this cautious approach to new investment and is
conserving cash because of the uncertainty that has characterised the past few
months; this ensures the Company retains a robust financial footing, making it
well positioned to take advantage of new investment opportunities.
As noted above, the Company held approximately (as at 31 March 2024) 14.1% of
its assets (excluding sundry net assets) in cash (including the investment in
the Morgan Stanley GBP Liquidity Fund) and 16.5% in highly liquid UK Treasury
Bonds with limited current contractual capital commitments. While there is
external financing in the Group's investment interests, this is limited and
non-recourse to the Company; the borrowings in these special purpose vehicles
are compliant with their banking covenants. See the investment review section
for more details on relevant investments.
Bearing in mind the nature of the Group's business and assets, after making
enquiries, with the support of revenue forecasts for the next twelve months
and considering the above, the Directors consider that the Group has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For
this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
financial statements.
ART has no arrangements with any person currently on (or potentially on) any
sanctions list. The Board continues to monitor the global political and
economic situation regularly assessing impacts arising from inflation and
interest rate changes for a potential material impact on ART's portfolio.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Company will be held in Guernsey at 9.00 am on 5 September 2024
at Floor 2, Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St Peter Port, Guernsey. The
meeting will be held to receive the Annual Report and Financial Statements,
re-elect Directors and propose the reappointment of the auditor and that the
Directors be authorised to determine the auditor's remuneration.
Independent Auditor
BDO Limited has expressed its willingness to continue in office as auditor.
By order of the Board,
William
Simpson
Peter Griffin
Director
Director
20 June 2024
Directors' statement pursuant to the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the Directors'
and corporate governance report confirm that, to the best of each person's
knowledge and belief:
· The financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as
adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities,
financial position and profit of the Group, and
· The Chairman's statement and the investment review include a fair
review of the development and performance of the business and the position of
the Group and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the
Group faces is provided above.
By order of the Board,
William
Simpson
Peter Griffin
Director
Director
20 June 2024
Independent Auditor's Report
To the Members of Alpha Real Trust Limited
Opinion on the financial statements
In our opinion, the financial statements of Alpha Real Trust Limited ("the
Parent Company") and its subsidiaries (the "Group"):
· give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's affairs as
at 31 March 2024 and of its loss for the year then ended;
· have been properly prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union; and
· have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements
of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
We have audited the financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31
March 2024 which comprise the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income,
the Consolidated balance sheet, the Consolidated cash flow statement, the
Consolidated statement of changes in equity, and notes to the financial
statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The
financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is
applicable law and IFRS as adopted by the European Union.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK) ("ISAs (UK)") and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the
audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of
the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to
our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical
Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in
accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Our
audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors'
use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the
financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the Directors'
assessment of the Group ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis
of accounting included:
· Obtaining those charged with governance and directors'
assessment in respect of going concern and challenging this, based on our
knowledge of the Group, with both those charged with
governance and management;
· Challenging the directors' cash flow forecasts for the twelve
months from the approval of these financial statements by stress testing
future income and expenditure and the impact on the going concern assessment;
· Consideration of the cash available together with the expected
annual running expenses of the Group and determining whether these
assumptions were reasonable based on our knowledge of the Group; and
· Reviewing the minutes of meetings of those charged with
governance, the RNS announcements and the compliance reports for indication
of any events or conditions which may impact on going concern.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material
uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as
a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial
statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to
going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Overview
Key audit matters (2024 and 2023) Property Valuations
Loans advanced and IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments'
Group financial statements as a whole
Materiality
£1,990,000 (2023: £2,023,000) based on 1.5% (2023: 1.5%)
of total assets
Materiality
Group financial statements as a whole
£1,990,000 (2023: £2,023,000) based on 1.5% (2023: 1.5%)
of total assets
An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its
environment, including the Group's system of internal control, and assessing
the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. We also
addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including
assessing whether there was evidence of bias by the Directors that may have
represented a risk of material misstatement.
We tailored the scope of our audit taking into account the nature of the
Group's investments, involvement of the Investment Manager, the accounting and
reporting environment and the industry in which the Group operates.
The Group consists of the Parent Company, numerous subsidiaries and a joint
venture entity. We concluded that the most effective audit approach to the
Group, due to the same accounting processes and control environment was to
audit the consolidated financial statements as if they were one entity, during
which we have performed audit procedures on all key risk areas. The
materiality applied was based on the consolidated financial information (see
Materiality section below).
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were
of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current
period and include the most significant assessed risks of material
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified, including those
which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation
of resources in the audit, and directing the efforts of the engagement team.
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not
provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Key audit matter How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter
Property Valuations (notes 2.(b)(a), 12, 13, 26) Independent valuations
The Group holds several investment properties within its subsidiaries and the For all independent property valuations, we evaluated the competence of the
joint venture structure. external valuers, which included consideration of their qualifications and
expertise. We discuss their terms of engagement with the valuers to determine
whether there were any matters that might have affected their objectivity or
may have imposed scope limitations upon their work.
The directors have valued all properties based on independent RICS valuations
performed by independent valuers.
We read the valuation reports for the properties and discussed the basis of
the property valuations with the valuers to understand the process undertaken
Such property valuations are a highly subjective area as the valuers will make by them and confirmed that the valuations were prepared in accordance with
judgements as to property yields, quality of tenants, development costs and professional valuation standards and IFRS.
other variables to arrive at the current open market value of the property.
We have considered the reasonableness, and where appropriate agreed through to
Any input inaccuracies or unreasonable bases used in the valuation judgements supporting documentation (for example rental income) of the inputs used by the
(such as in respect of estimated rental value and yield profile applied) could valuers in the valuations, such as the terms of void periods, rent free
result in a material misstatement of the Consolidated Statement of periods and other assumptions that impact the value.
Comprehensive Income and the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and we therefore
determined this to be a key audit matter.
Key observations
Based on the procedures performed, we consider that the judgements made in the
property valuations are reasonable.
Loans advanced and IFRS 9 "Financial instruments" (notes 2.(b)(b), 16) Through challenge, discussion and review of example scenarios, we gained a
detailed understanding of, and evaluated, the expected credit loss methodology
applied by management. This was undertaken with reference to accounting
standards and industry practice.
The Group's activities include advancing senior loans and mezzanine loans
secured over real estate assets. The amounts advanced represent a material We then tested the methodology used in determining the amortised cost amount
balance in the financial statements and IFRS 9 requires losses to be and recognition of any impairment loss. Our testing included:
recognised on an expected, forward-looking basis, reflecting the Group's view
of potential future economic events.
· reviewing the methodology, including key assumptions and
parameters, to check it is in line with IFRS 9 and appropriate, given our
As a result, the Group's IFRS 9 methodology incorporates a number of estimates understanding of the loans advanced;
to determine the expected credit loss provisions, and we therefore considered
this to be a key audit matter.
· obtaining and reviewing all loan agreements to confirm the
appropriateness of all loans except 1 being classified as stage 3 due to the
repayable on demand feature;
· obtaining and challenging, through discussion, the updates made
to the existing methodology to appropriately reflect the changes in the
economy;
· obtaining underlying supporting documentation, on a sample basis,
we tested the inputs that drive the economic scenario applied to the loans;
· obtaining third party confirmation on a sample of loans to
confirm the year end balance;
· undertaking procedures to check that the expected credit loss
model applied by management was mathematically accurate; and
· challenging management's expected credit loss on four individual
loans which had entered into true default and the manual adjustments made over
the mechanical model. This included obtaining and considering support for
expected returns, expenses payable and any security in place over the
underlying assets the loans are secured on.
Key observations
Based on the procedures performed, we consider the estimates used in the
determination of the expected credit losses were reasonable.
Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit,
and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. We consider materiality to be
the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could influence the
economic decisions of reasonable users that are taken on the basis of the
financial statements.
In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that any
misstatements exceed materiality, we use a lower materiality level,
performance materiality, to determine the extent of testing needed.
Importantly, misstatements below these levels will not necessarily be
evaluated as immaterial as we also take account of the nature of identified
misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when
evaluating their effect on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the
financial statements as a whole and performance materiality as follows:
Group financial statements
2024 2023
£ £
Materiality 1,990,000 2,023,000
Basis for determining materiality 1.5% of total assets 1.5% of total assets
Rationale for the benchmark applied Due to it being an investment fund with the objective of long-term capital
growth with investment values being a key focus of users of the financial
statements.
Performance materiality 1,492,500 1,517,250
Basis for determining performance materiality 75% of materiality
This was determined using our professional judgement and took into account the
complexity of the group and our long-standing knowledge of the engagement
together with a history of minimal ,misstatements.
Specific materiality
We also determined that for sensitive fees including: management fees,
performance fees, legal fees, directors' fees and audit fees, a misstatement
of less than materiality for the financial statements as a whole, specific
materiality, could influence the economic decisions of users. As a result, we
determined materiality for these items based on 10% (2023: 10%) of materiality
being £199,000 (2023: £202,300). We further applied a performance
materiality level of 75% (2023: 75%) of specific materiality to ensure that
the risk of errors exceeding specific materiality was appropriately mitigated.
Reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all individual
audit differences in excess of £59,700 (2023: £61,230). We also agreed to
report differences below this threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting
on qualitative grounds.
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information
comprises the information included in the Annual Report and Financial
Statements, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report
thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other
information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our
report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial
statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise
appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material
inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to
determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial
statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are
required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Other Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 reporting
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the
Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our
opinion:
· proper accounting records have not been kept by the Parent
Company; or
· the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting
records; or
· we have failed to obtain all the information and explanations
which, to the best of our knowledge and belief, are necessary for the purposes
of our audit.
Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors' responsibilities statement within
the Directors' and Corporate Governance Report, the Directors are responsible
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that
they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for
assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as
applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis
of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to
fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that
an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and
are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on
the basis of these financial statements.
Extent to which the audit was capable of detecting irregularities, including
fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and
regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined
above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities,
including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting
irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Based on our understanding of the Group and the industry in which it operates,
we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and
regulations related to its investment activities, and we considered the extent
to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the Group's financial
statements.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are
applicable to the Group and have a direct impact on the preparation of the
financial statements. We determined that the most significant frameworks which
are directly relevant to specific assertions in the financial statements are
those that relate to the reporting framework such as IFRS as adopted by the EU
and the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. We evaluated management's incentives
and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements
(including the risk of management override of controls), and determined that
the principal risks were related to revenue recognition in relation to the
rental income from properties held, revenue recognition in relation to loan
interest from loans advanced and management bias and judgement involved in
accounting estimates, specifically in relation to the valuation of properties
and the expected credit loss provisions (the response to which are detailed in
our key audit matters above).
We communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud
risks to all engagement team members and the component auditor, and remained
alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations
throughout the audit.
Audit procedures performed by the engagement team to respond to the risks
identified included:
· Discussion with and enquiry of management and those charged with
governance concerning known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws
and regulations and fraud;
· Obtaining an understanding of the internal control environment in
place to prevent and detect irregularities;
· Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance,
correspondence with the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, internal
compliance reports, complaint registers and breach registers to identify and
consider any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and
regulations and fraud;
· Recalculating loan interest income based on the underlying loan
agreements; and
· Recalculating the rental income based on the lease agreements and
required accounting by IFRS as adopted by the EU and comparing to that of
management.
Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material
misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not
detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not
detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate
concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the
further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events
and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are
to become aware of it.
A further description of our responsibilities is available at the Financial
Reporting Council's website at:
https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities
(https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities) . This description forms
part of our auditor's report.
The engagement audit director on the audit resulting in this independent
auditor's opinion is Simon Hodgson.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Parent Company's members, as a body, in
accordance with Section 262 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. Our audit
work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Parent Company's
members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report
and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not
accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Parent Company and
the Parent Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report,
or for the opinions we have formed.
.......................................................
Simon Hodgson
For and on behalf of BDO Limited
Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditor
Place du Pré, Rue du Pré
St Peter Port, Guernsey
Date: 20 June 2024
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended For the year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
Notes Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Income
Revenue 3 1,774 - 1,774 1,325 - 1,325
Interest revenue 6,596 - 6,596 5,328 - 5,328
Change in the revaluation of investment property 13 - (1,419) (1,419) - (548) (548)
Gains/(losses) on financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through 25 125 289 414 528 (1,597) (1,069)
profit or loss
Total income 8,495 (1,130) 7,365 7,181 (2,145) 5,036
Expenses
Expected credit losses 16 (277) (1,711) (1,988) (232) (881) (1,113)
Property operating expenses 3 (104) - (104) (87) - (87)
Investment Manager's fee 24 (2,326) - (2,326) (2,354) - (2,354)
Other administration costs 4 (1,083) - (1,083) (943) - (943)
Total operating expenses (3,790) (1,711) (5,501) (3,616) (881) (4,497)
Operating profit 4,705 (2,841) 1,864 3,565 (3,026) 539
Share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures 12 443 (4,141) (3,698) 1,012 (569) 443
Finance income 5 1,205 - 1,205 255 - 255
Finance costs 6 (202) (24) (226) (201) (201) (402)
Profit/(loss) before taxation 6,151 (7,006) (855) 4,631 (3,796) 835
Taxation 7 (110) 36 (74) (130) (74) (204)
Profit/(loss) for the year 6,041 (6,970) (929) 4,501 (3,870) 631
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
Items that may be classified to profit and loss in subsequent periods
Exchange differences arising on translation - (752) (752) - 1,253 1,253
of foreign operations
Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year - (752) (752) - 1,253 1,253
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year 6,041 (7,722) (1,681) 4,501 (2,617) 1,884
Earnings per ordinary share (basic & diluted) 9 (1.6)p 1.1p
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (basic & diluted) 9 10.3p 7.7p
The total column of this statement represents the Group's statement of
comprehensive income, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The revenue and
capital columns are supplied as supplementary information permitted under
IFRS. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
Consolidated balance sheet
Notes 31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Non-current assets
Investment property 13 26,740 23,496
Investment in joint venture 12 - 17,654
Loans advanced 16 16,039 16,051
42,779 57,201
Current assets
Investment in joint venture 12 12,630 -
Investments held at fair value 15 23,675 18,310
Derivatives held at fair value through profit or loss 25 327 -
Loans advanced 16 30,407 39,385
Collateral deposit 17 1,156 1,143
Trade and other receivables 18 4,500 414
Cash and cash equivalents 14 17,221 18,455
89,916 77,707
Total assets 132,695 134,908
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 19 (1,145) (986)
Corporation tax 7 (56) (34)
Bank borrowings 20 (31) (30)
Derivatives held at fair value through profit or loss 25 - (171)
(1,232) (1,221)
Total assets less current liabilities 131,463 133,687
Non-current liabilities
Bank borrowings 20 (8,053) (8,271)
Deferred tax 7 (304) (349)
(8,357) (8,620)
Total liabilities (9,589) (9,841)
Net assets 123,106 125,067
Equity
Share capital 21 - -
Special reserve 22 62,602 60,550
Translation reserve 22 (300) 452
Capital reserve 22 33,177 40,147
Revenue reserve 22 27,627 23,918
Total equity 123,106 125,067
Net asset value per ordinary share 10 207.3p 216.8p
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and
authorised for issue on 20 June 2024. They were signed on its behalf by
William Simpson and Peter Griffin.
William
Simpson
Peter Griffin
Director
Director
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
Consolidated cash flow statement
For the year ended For the year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Operating activities
(Loss)/profit for the year after taxation (929) 631
Adjustments for:
Change in revaluation of investment property 1,419 548
Net (gains)/losses on financial assets and liabilities held at fair value (414) 1,069
through profit or loss
Taxation 74 204
Share of loss/(profit) of joint ventures 3,698 (443)
Interest receivable on loans to third parties (6,596) (5,328)
Expected credit losses 1,988 1,113
Finance income (1,205) (255)
Finance costs 226 402
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital (1,739) (2,059)
Movements in working capital:
Movement in trade and other receivables (4,061) (381)
Movement in trade and other payables 135 8
Cash flows used in operations (5,665) (2,432)
Loan interest received 1,781 1,811
Loans granted to third parties (20,135) (18,832)
Cash returned from escrow for loans to be granted post year end - 1,928
Loans repaid by third parties 31,704 14,097
Interest received 220 255
Interest paid (185) (186)
Tax paid (86) (96)
Cash flows from/(used in) operating activities 7,634 (3,455)
Investing activities
Redemption of investments - 5,290
Investment in UK Treasury Bonds and Bills (26,413) (13,948)
Proceeds received at maturity from UK Treasury Bonds and Bills 21,454 -
Acquisition of investment property (5,118) (7,407)
Dividend income from joint ventures 871 700
Dividend income from investments 374 419
Dividend income from Morgan Stanley Sterling Liquidity Fund 169 -
Coupon interest received from UK Treasury Bonds 250 -
Capital return from joint venture in arbitration - 5,868
Collateral deposit increase (13) (207)
Cash flows used in investing activities (8,426) (9,285)
Financing activities
Share buyback - (9,553)
Share buyback costs - (49)
Share issue costs (74) (115)
Cash paid on maturity of foreign exchange forward (48) (47)
Ordinary dividends paid (206) (356)
Cash flows used in financing activities (328) (10,120)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,120) (22,860)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 18,455 41,250
Exchange translation movement (114) 65
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 17,221 18,455
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year Special reserve Translation reserve Capital Revenue Total equity
ended 31 March 2023 £'000 £'000 reserve reserve £'000
£'000 £'000
At 1 April 2022 68,243 (801) 44,017 21,797 133,256
Total comprehensive income for the year
(Loss)/profit for the year - - (3,870) 4,501 631
Other comprehensive income for the year - 1,253 - - 1,253
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year - 1,253 (3,870) 4,501 1,884
Transactions with owners
Cash dividends - - - (356) (356)
Scrip dividends 2,024 - - (2,024) -
Share issue costs (115) - - - (115)
Share buyback (9,553) - - - (9,553)
Share buyback costs (49) - - - (49)
Total transactions with owners (7,693) - - (2,380) (10,073)
At 31 March 2023 60,550 452 40,147 23,918 125,067
Notes 21, 22
For the year Special reserve Translation reserve Capital Revenue Total equity
ended 31 March 2024 £'000 £'000 reserve reserve £'000
£'000 £'000
At 1 April 2023 60,550 452 40,147 23,918 125,067
Total comprehensive income for the year
(Loss)/profit for the year - - (6,970) 6,041 (929)
Other comprehensive income for the year - (752) - - (752)
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year - (752) (6,970) 6,041 (1,681)
Transactions with owners
Cash dividends - - - (206) (206)
Scrip dividends 2,126 - - (2,126) -
Share issue costs (74) - - - (74)
Share buyback - - - - -
Share buyback costs - - - - -
Total transactions with owners 2,052 - - (2,332) (280)
At 31 March 2024 62,602 (300) 33,117 27,627 123,106
Notes 21, 22
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
1. General information
The Company is a limited liability, closed-ended investment company
incorporated in Guernsey. The address of the registered office is given
below. The nature of the Group's operations and its principal activities are
set out in the Chairman's Statement. The financial statements were approved
and authorised for issue on 20 June 2024 and signed by William Simpson and
Peter Griffin on behalf of the Board.
2. (a) Material accounting policies
A summary of the principal accounting policies is set out below. The policies
have been consistently applied for all periods presented unless otherwise
stated.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS, as adopted by
the EU, requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also
requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the
accounting policies. The areas involving a high degree of judgement or
complexity, or areas where the assumptions and estimates are significant to
the financial statements are disclosed in this note.
Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, which
comprise standards and interpretations approved by the International
Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"), and International Accounting Standards
and Standards Interpretations Committee's interpretations approved by the
International Accounting Standards Committee ("IASC") that remain in effect,
and to the extent that they have been adopted by the European Union.
Going concern
The Company has adopted a prudent short-term strategy to move to cash
conservation and a cautious approach to commitments to new investments over
this uncertain time. Alert to the impact of potentially reducing income
returns, this approach has supported a robust balance sheet position. The
Company continues to adopt this cautious approach to new investment and is
conserving cash because of the uncertainty that has characterised the past few
months; this ensures the Company retains a robust financial footing, making it
well positioned to take advantage of new investment opportunities.
As noted above, the Company held approximately (as at 31 March 2024) 14.1% of
its assets (excluding sundry net assets) in cash (including the investment in
the Morgan Stanley GBP Liquidity Fund) and 16.5% in highly liquid UK Treasury
Bonds with limited current contractual capital commitments. While there is
external financing in the Group's investment interests, this is limited and
non-recourse to the Company; the borrowings in these special purpose vehicles
are compliant with their banking covenants. See the investment review section
for more details on relevant investments.
Bearing in mind the nature of the Group's business and assets, after making
enquiries, with the support of revenue forecasts for the next twelve months
and considering the above, the Directors consider that the Group has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For
this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
financial statements.
ART has no arrangements with any person currently on (or potentially on) any
sanctions list. The Board continues to monitor the global political and
economic situation regularly assessing impacts arising from inflation and
interest rate changes for a potential material impact on ART's portfolio.
New standards, interpretations and amendments from 1 January 2023
New standards, amendments to standards and interpretations were effective for
the current period, and with the exception of the Disclosure of Accounting
Policies (Amendment to IAS 1) has not had a significant impact on the
financial statements. The Disclosure of Accounting Policies amendment
generated a review of and reduction in the accounting policy disclosures so
that only the material accounting policy information is now provided.
Accounting policy information is material if, when considered together with
other information included in an entity's financial statements, it can
reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of the
financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements.
New standards, interpretations and amendments from 1 January 2024
The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards and
interpretations will not have a material impact on the financial statements of
the Group.
Basis of consolidation
(a) Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of
the Company and the subsidiary undertakings controlled by the Company, made up
to 31 March each year. Control is achieved where the Company has power over
the investee, exposure or rights, to variable returns from its involvement
with the investee and the ability to use its power to affect the amount of the
investor's returns.
The results of subsidiary undertakings acquired or disposed of during the year
are included within profit or loss in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income from the effective date of acquisition or up to the
effective date of disposal as appropriate.
When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiary
undertakings to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used
by the Group.
All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on
consolidation.
ART holds a number of direct property investments through subsidiary
undertakings. The Group is actively involved in the management of these
property investments and its investment plans do not include specified exit
strategies for these investments. As a result, ART plans to hold these
property investments indefinitely. ART reports its investment properties at
fair value in its financial statements but this is not the primary measurement
attribute used by management to evaluate the performance of these
investments. In addition, ART holds a number of loans through subsidiary
undertakings and management do not measure the performance of these on a fair
value basis. In consequence, management have concluded that ART does not meet
the definition of an investment entity and the subsidiaries have been
consolidated into the Group's balance sheet, rather than being carried at fair
value.
When a partial disposal of a subsidiary occurs which causes the entity to no
longer be controlled and hence no longer a subsidiary, the Company
derecognises the subsidiary and recognises the retained interest initially at
fair value.
When calculating the profit or loss on disposal the Company measures the
retained interest at fair value and includes this in the fair value of the
consideration received. The profit or loss on disposal is the difference
between the fair value of the consideration received and the carrying value of
the assets and liabilities disposed of, as reduced by transactions costs
incurred and any foreign currency gains or losses recycled on disposal as per
the foreign currency accounting policy in respect of group companies.
(b) Joint ventures and associates
The Group applies IFRS 11
(http://www.bloomsburyprofessionalonline.com/bpro/resolveolink/IFRS11) to its
joint arrangement. Under IFRS 11
(http://www.bloomsburyprofessionalonline.com/bpro/resolveolink/IFRS11)
investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or
joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each
investor. The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and
determined them to be joint ventures. Joint ventures are accounted for using
the equity method.
The Group also applies IAS 28: this standard defines an associate as an entity
over which an investor exercises significant influence. Under IAS 28
significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and
operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control
of those policies and, where an entity holds 20% or more of the voting power
(directly or through subsidiaries) of an investee, it is presumed that the
investor has significant influence unless it can be clearly demonstrated that
this is not the case. Associates are accounted for using the equity method.
Under the equity method of accounting, interests in joint ventures and
associates are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to
recognise the Group's share of the post-acquisition profits or losses and
movements in other comprehensive income. When the Group's share of losses in a
joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its interests in the joint
venture or associate (which includes any long-term interests that, in
substance, form part of the Group's net investment in the joint venture or
associate) the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred
obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.
Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its joint ventures or
associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group's interest in the joint
ventures or associates. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the
transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Presentation of statement of comprehensive income
In order to better reflect the activities of an investment company and in
accordance with guidance issued by the Association of Investment Companies
("AIC"), supplementary information, which analyses the statement of
comprehensive income between items of a revenue and capital nature, has been
presented alongside the statement of comprehensive income. The company has
opted to put realised results into revenue on the statement of comprehensive
income.
Revenue recognition
Rental income and service charge income from investment property leased out
under an operating lease are recognised within profit or loss in the statement
of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
Lease incentives granted are recognised as an integral part of the net
consideration for the use of the property and are therefore also recognised on
the same straight line basis. Rental revenues are accounted for on an accruals
basis. Therefore, deferred revenue generally represents advance payments from
tenants. Revenue is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits
associated with the transaction will flow to the Group and the amount of
revenue can be measured reliably. Upon early termination of a lease by the
lessee, the receipt of a surrender premium, net of dilapidations and
non-recoverable outgoings relating to the lease concerned, is immediately
recognised as revenue.
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal
outstanding and the effective interest rate applicable.
Other income is recognised when received.
Leasing
(a) Company as a lessor
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease
transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee.
All other leases are classified as operating leases.
The Group owns no leasehold property.
Foreign currencies
(a) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group entities are
measured in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the
entity operates (the "functional currency"). The consolidated financial
statements are presented in Sterling, which is the Company's functional and
presentation currency.
(b) Transactions and balances
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded at
the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each
balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in
foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance
sheet date. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in profit
or loss for the year.
(c) Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a
functional currency which differs from the presentation currency are
translated into the presentation currency as follows:
(i) assets and liabilities for each balance sheet
presented are translated at the closing rate at the balance sheet date;
(ii) income and expenses for each statement of
comprehensive income are translated at the average exchange rate prevailing in
the period; and
(iii) all resulting exchange differences are recognised
within other comprehensive income.
On consolidation, the exchange differences arising from the translation of the
net investment in foreign entities are taken to equity. When a foreign
operation is sold, such exchange differences are recognised within profit or
loss in the statement of comprehensive income as part of the gain or loss on
sale.
For Euro based balances the year end exchange rate used is £1:€1.170 (2023:
£1:€1.137) and the average rate for the year used is £1:€1.159 (2023:
£1:€1.158).
Taxation
The Company is exempt from Guernsey taxation on income derived outside of
Guernsey and bank interest earned in Guernsey. A fixed annual fee of £1,200
was payable to the States of Guernsey in respect of this exemption for the
calendar year 2023 (a fee of £1,600 was paid post year end for the calendar
year 2024). No charge to Guernsey taxation arises on capital gains. The
Group is liable to foreign tax arising on activities in the overseas
subsidiaries. The Group holds investments in Spain (H2O, sold post year
end), owned through investment entities in Luxembourg and the Netherlands, in
Germany (Hamburg), owned through a Guernsey subsidiary and in the United
Kingdom, owned directly by a UK subsidiary (Liverpool and Travelodge Hotels in
Lowestoft, Yardley and Wadebridge). The Group may therefore be liable to
taxation in these overseas jurisdictions.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred
tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable
profit differs from net profit as reported in the statement of comprehensive
income because it excludes items of income and expense that are taxable or
deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable
or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax
rates that have been substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences
between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable
profit and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred
tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences
and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that
taxable profits will be available against which deductible timing differences
can be utilised.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet
date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient
taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be
recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to
apply in the year when the liability is settled or the asset realised.
Deferred tax is charged or credited within profit or loss in the statement of
comprehensive income, except when it relates to items charged or credited
directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in
equity.
Dividends
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the Group's financial statements in
the period in which they become obligations of the Group.
Investment property
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital
appreciation, is initially recognised at cost being the fair value of
consideration given including related transaction costs.
After initial recognition at cost and/or upon commencement of construction,
investment property is carried at its fair value based on half yearly
professional valuations made by independent valuers or based on Directors'
valuations. The independent valuers' valuations are in accordance with
standards complying with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Appraisal and Valuation manual and the International Valuation Standards
Committee.
Gains or losses arising from changes in fair value of investment property are
included within profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive income in the
period in which they arise. Investment property is treated as acquired when
the Group assumes the significant risks and returns of ownership and as
disposed of when these are transferred to the buyer.
All costs directly associated with the purchase of an investment property and
all subsequent expenditures qualifying as acquisition costs are capitalised.
Segmental reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal
reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating
decision-maker, which is responsible for allocating resources and assessing
performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of
Directors of the Company.
The investing policy means the Group may invest in real estate opportunities
unconstrained by geography, but with a particular focus on the UK and Europe.
At present, for management purposes, the Group is organised into one main
operating segment being Europe.
The Group's revenue generated in the UK was £7,434,000 and in Germany was
£934,000 (Year ended 31 March 2023: £5,729,000 in the UK and £924,000 in
Germany).
The Group's non-current assets are located in the following countries:
Country 2024 2023
£'000 £'000
UK 27,394 23,276
Germany 15,385 16,271
Spain - 17,654
Total 42,779 57,201
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group's
balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of
the instrument. The Group shall offset financial assets and financial
liabilities if the Group has a legally enforceable right to set off the
recognised amounts and interests and intends to settle on a net basis.
(a) Financial assets
Under IFRS 9, on initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as
measured at:
· Amortised cost;
· Fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") - debt
investment;
· FVOCI - equity investment; or
· Fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL").
The classification of financial assets under IFRS 9 is generally based on the
business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash
flow characteristics.
The Group only has financial assets that are classified as amortised cost or
FVTPL.
(a) (i) Financial assets held at amortised cost
A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both of the
following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:
· it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to
collect contractual cash flows; and
· its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are
solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
Financial assets at amortised cost are initially measured at fair value plus
transaction costs that are directly attributed to its acquisition, unless it
is a trade receivable without a significant financing component which is
initially measured at its transaction price.
These assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest method. The amortised cost is reduced by impairment losses as
detailed in (b) below.
Cash deposits with banks that cannot be accessed within a period of three
months are not considered to be cash and cash equivalents.
(a) (ii) FVTPL
All financial assets not classified as measured at amortised cost or FVOCI are
measured at FVTPL which includes derivative financial assets. Financial assets
at FVTPL are initially and subsequently measured at fair value.
Fair value measurement
The Group measures certain financial instruments such as derivatives and
non-financial assets such as investment property, at fair value at the end of
each reporting period, using recognised valuation techniques and following the
principles of IFRS 13. In addition, fair values of financial instruments
measured at amortised cost are disclosed in the financial statements.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at
the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption
that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place
either:
· in the principal market for the asset or liability
or
· in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous
market for the asset or liability.
The Group must be able to access the principal or the most advantageous market
at the measurement date. The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured
using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the
asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic
best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market
participant's ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its
highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would
use the asset in its highest and best use.
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances
and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximising
the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable
inputs significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
· Level 1 - Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities.
· Level 2 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input
that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly
observable.
· Level 3 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input
that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements on
a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred
between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the
lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a
whole) at the end of each reporting period.
(a) (iii) Impairment of financial assets
(i) Trade receivables
Under IFRS 9 for trade receivables, including lease receivables, the Group has
elected to apply the simplified model as the trade receivables all have a
maturity of less than one year and do not contain a significant financing
component. Under the simplified approach the requirement is to always
recognise lifetime ECL. Under the simplified approach practical expedients are
available to measure lifetime ECL but forward looking information must still
be incorporated. Under the simplified approach there is no need to monitor
significant increases in credit risk and entities will be required to measure
lifetime ECLs at all times.
The directors have concluded that any ECL on trade receivables would be highly
immaterial to the financial statements due to the low credit risk of the
relevant tenants.
(ii) Other receivables
The directors have concluded that any ECL on other receivables would be highly
immaterial to the financial statements due to:
· collateral being held in the form of a security deposit for the
Group's hedging strategy which can be called back at any time with no capital
loss should the Group decide to terminate its foreign exchange contracts
before their contractual maturity;
· The credit risk of the underlying banks which are utilised by the
law firms by whom cash on escrow is kept before completion of a given senior
or mezzanine loan.
The remaining other receivables are immaterial to the financial statements and
therefore no assessment of the ECL has been completed.
(iii) Loans advanced
Despite the loans having a set repayment term, all but two of the loans have a
repayable on demand feature so the Group may call for an early repayment of
their principal, interest and applicable fees at any time.
Considering the 'on demand' clause, the Group concluded that the loans are in
stage 3 of the IFRS 9 model as should the loans be called on demand the
borrowers would technically be in default as repayment would only be possible
on demand if the property had already been sold.
The two loans that have a repayment term have an immaterial lifetime ECL and
hence no detailed analysis of whether those loans has suffered a significant
increase in credit risk has been performed.
(b) Financial liabilities
The Group classifies its financial liabilities into one of two categories,
depending on the purpose for which the liability was issued and its
characteristics. Although the Group uses derivative financial instruments in
economic hedges of currency and interest rate risk, it does not hedge account
for these transactions.
Unless otherwise indicated, the carrying amounts of the Group's financial
liabilities are a reasonable approximation of their fair values.
(b) (i) Derivatives at fair value through profit or loss
This category comprises only 'out-of-the-money' financial derivatives. They
are carried in the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value
recognised within profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive income.
Other than derivative financial instruments, the Group does not have any
liabilities held for trading nor has it designated any other financial
liabilities as being at fair value through profit or loss.
The fair value of the Group's derivatives is based on the valuations as
described in note 25.
(b) (ii) Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Other financial liabilities include the following items:
· Trade payables and other short-term monetary liabilities, which
are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised
cost using the effective interest method;
· Bank borrowings which are initially recognised at fair value net
of attributable transaction costs incurred. Such interest bearing liabilities
are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate
method.
(b) (iii) Derecognition of financial liabilities
A financial liability (in whole or in part) is derecognised when the Company
or Group has extinguished its contractual obligations, it expires or is
cancelled. Any gain or loss on derecognition is taken to profit or loss in the
statement of comprehensive income.
(c) Share capital
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only to the
extent that they do not meet the definition of a financial liability. The
Company's ordinary shares and class A shares are classified as equity
instruments. For the purposes of the disclosures given in note 25 (capital
risk part) the Group considers all its share capital, share premium and all
other reserves as equity. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed
capital requirements.
(d) Effective interest rate method
The effective interest rate method is a method of calculating the amortised
cost of a financial asset or liability and of allocating interest income or
expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that
exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts or payments (including all
fees on points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective
interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the
expected life of the financial asset or liability, or, where appropriate, a
shorter period.
2. (b) Significant accounting estimates and judgements
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting
accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual
results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing
a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within
the next financial year are discussed below.
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
(a) Investment property
The Group uses the valuations carried out by its independent valuers as the
fair value of its investment properties, whenever possible. The valuations
are based upon assumptions including future rental income, anticipated
maintenance costs, future development costs and the appropriate discount
rate. The valuers also make reference to market evidence of transaction
prices for similar properties. Investment property which is in the course of
construction is carried at cost plus associated costs and this has been
considered by the Directors to represent fair value at the balance sheet date:
upon commencement of construction, valuations will be carried out by
independent valuers.
As at the year ended 31 March 2024, the following valuations have been carried
out:
(a) (i) Independent valuations
Independent valuations were carried out for the following investment
properties:
· The directly owned properties located in Hamburg (Germany),
Liverpool (UK), Lowestoft, Wadebridge and Yardley (Travelodge Hotels in UK)
(notes 13 and 26);
· An indirectly owned property located in Madrid (Spain), held
through CBRE H2O Rivas Holding NV (note 12).
A sensitivity analysis of these investment properties' valuations is provided
in notes 12 and 26.
(b) Loans advanced - ECLs
The Group has calculated the lifetime ECLs of the loans advanced using the
following three scenarios:
1. Credit criteria unchanged or strengthened since inception and
expectation of repayment in full;
2. Credit criteria weakened since inception but expectation of full
recovery;
3. Credit criteria significantly weakened and potential for repayment
to not be fully achieved.
The criteria referred to above incorporate the following:
· Progress of development against plan;
· Borrower's financial position;
· Property market data.
In calculating the recoverable amounts under the three scenarios, the
Directors have taken into account the available collateral under the loan
agreements including charges over property and other guarantees.
Four loans in the portfolio have entered receivership: ART is closely working
with stakeholders to maximise capital recovery. The Company has considered the
security on these loans (which are a combination of a first charge and a
second charge over the respective assets and personal guarantees) and have
impaired one loan, which is accounted for at fair value, by £0.3 million; the
Group also calculated an ECL on the other three loans of approximately £4.1
million; the Group have also provided for an ECL on the remainder of the
loans' portfolio for an additional £1.6 million: in total, the Group have
provided for an ECL of £5.7 million (31 March 2023: £3.7 million) in its
consolidated accounts.
3. Revenue
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Rental income 1,706 1,267
Service charge income 56 52
Rental revenue 1,762 1,319
Other income 12 6
Other revenue 12 6
Total 1,774 1,325
At 31 March 2024, the Group recognised non recoverable property operating
expenditure as follows:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Service charge income 56 52
Property operating expenditure (104) (87)
Non recoverable property operating expenditure (48) (35)
The Group recognises rental revenue from its investment in one residential
property located in Liverpool, UK and four commercial properties: a long
leased industrial facility in Hamburg, Germany, and three Travelodge Hotels
located in Lowestoft, Wadebridge and Yardley in the UK.
The Hamburg property is leased to Veolia Umweltservice Nord GmbH, part of the
Veolia group, an international industrial specialist in water, waste and
energy management, with a 24-year unexpired lease term. Under the operating
lease, the tenant is responsible for building maintenance and the rent has
periodic inflation linked adjustments.
The Liverpool residential property is comprised of seven units, six of which
are occupied by private individuals with a six month term contract with one
unit being vacant at 31 March 2024.
The Travelodge Hotels in Lowestoft (47-bedroom property), in Wadebridge
(55-bedroom property) and in Yardley (64-bedroom property) are leased to
Travelodge Hotels on an 17 year, 19 year and 34 unexpired lease term
(including landlord extension option), respectively.
At 31 March 2024, the Group had contracted with its tenants for the following
future minimum lease payments:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Within one year 1,808 1,407
Year two 1,802 1,404
Year three 1,802 1,404
Year four 1,802 1,404
Year five 1,802 1,404
After five years 17,257 16,188
Total 26,273 23,211
4. Other administration costs
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Auditors' remuneration for audit services 176 107
Accounting and administrative fees 429 334
Non-executive directors' fees 170 175
Other professional fees 308 327
Total 1,083 943
5. Finance income
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Bank interest receivable 220 255
Income from UK Treasury Bonds and Bills 816 -
Income from Morgan Stanley Sterling Liquidity Fund 169 -
Total 1,205 255
6. Finance costs
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Interest on bank borrowings 202 201
Foreign exchange loss 24 201
Total 226 402
The above finance costs arise on financial liabilities measured at amortised
cost using the effective interest rate method. No other losses have been
recognised in respect of financial liabilities at amortised cost other than
those disclosed above.
7. Taxation
(a) Parent Company
The Parent Company is exempt from Guernsey taxation on income derived outside
of Guernsey and bank interest earned in Guernsey. A fixed annual fee of
£1,200 was payable to the States of Guernsey in respect of this exemption for
the calendar year 2023 (a fee of £1,600 was paid post year end for the
calendar year 2024). No charge to Guernsey taxation arises on capital gains.
The Group is liable to foreign tax arising on activities in its overseas
subsidiaries. The Company has investments, subsidiaries and joint venture
operations in Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain
and Cyprus.
(b) Group
The Group's tax expense for the year comprises:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Deferred tax (36) 74
Current tax 110 130
Tax Expense (74) 204
The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income as follows:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Tax expense reconciliation
(Loss)/profit before taxation (855) 835
Less: income not taxable (21,864) (11,660)
Add: expenditure not deductible 21,879 11,185
Un-provided deferred tax asset movement 1,387 284
Total 547 644
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Analysed as arising from
Cyprus entities - 226
Dutch entity 92 73
Luxembourg entities 143 243
German investment 312 102
UK investments - -
Total 547 644
Tax at domestic rates applicable to profits in the countries concerned is as
follows:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Cypriot taxation at 12.50% - 28
Dutch taxation at 20% 18 15
Luxembourg entities at an average rate of 29.22% 42 71
German taxation at 15.825% 50 16
UK taxation at 25% - -
Total 110 130
The tax liability for the Group at year end can be analysed as follows:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Cyprus entities - -
Dutch entity 3 4
Luxembourg entities 25 23
German investment 28 7
UK investments - -
Total 56 34
(c) Deferred taxation
The following is the deferred tax recognised by the Group and movements
thereon:
Revaluation of Investment Property Accelerated tax depreciation Tax Losses Other temporary differences Total
£'000 £'000
£'000
£'000 £'000
At 31 March 2022 265 - (336) 336 265
Release to income 84 - (19) 19 84
At 31 March 2023 349 - (355) 355 349
Release to income (45) - (65) 65 (45)
At 31 March 2024 304 - (420) 420 304
Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset. The following is
the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial
reporting purposes available for offset against future profits.
2024 2023
£'000 £'000
Deferred tax liabilities 724 704
Deferred tax assets (420) (355)
Total 304 349
At the balance sheet date the Group has unused tax losses of £1.4 million
(2024: £0.9 million). Due to the unpredictability of future taxable profits,
the Directors believe it is not prudent to recognise a deferred tax asset for
the unused tax losses at the year end.
Unused tax losses in Luxembourg, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom can be
carried forward indefinitely. Unused tax losses in the Netherlands can be
carried forward for nine years. Unused tax losses in Cyprus can be carried
forward for five years.
A deferred tax liability has been provided for in relation to the Hamburg
investment property in Germany.
8. Dividends
Dividend reference period Shares Dividend Paid Date of payment
'000 per share £
Quarter ended 31 December 2022 5,299 1.0p 52,990 6 April 2023
Quarter ended 31 March 2023 5,257 1.0p 52,570 28 July 2023
Quarter ended 30 June 2023 5,037 1.0p 50,368 27 October 2023
Quarter ended 30 September 2023 4,983 1.0p 49,834 24 January 2024
Total 205,762
On 12 April 2024, the Company paid a dividend for the quarter ended 31
December 2023 of £49,236 (1.0p per share).
The Company will pay a dividend for the quarter ended 31 March 2024 on 26 July
2024.
In accordance with IAS 10, the dividends for quarters ended 31 December 2023
and 31 March 2024 have not been included in these financial statements as the
dividends were declared or paid after the year end. The current intention of
the Directors is to pay a dividend quarterly.
Scrip dividend alternative
In the circular published on 18 December 2018, the Company sought
shareholders' approval to enable a scrip dividend alternative to be offered to
ordinary shareholders whereby they could elect to receive additional ordinary
shares in lieu of a cash dividend, at the absolute discretion of the
Directors, from time to time. This was approved by shareholders at the
extraordinary general meeting on 8 January 2019.
The number of ordinary shares that an ordinary shareholder will receive under
the scrip dividend alternative will be calculated using the average of the
closing middle market quotations of an ordinary share for five consecutive
dealing days after the day on which the ordinary shares are first quoted "ex"
the relevant dividend.
During the year, the Board elected to offer the scrip dividend alternative to
shareholders for every quarterly dividend, which resulted in the issue of
1,680,091 new ordinary shares. These shares are rank pari passu in all
respects with the Company's existing issued ordinary shares.
The Board also elected to offer the scrip dividend alternative to shareholders
for the dividend for the quarter ended 31 December 2023: elections were
received in respect of 54,457,721 shares of the Company, which has resulted in
the issue of 437,407 new ordinary shares in April 2024. These shares have been
issued at a price of 124.5 pence each and were rank pari passu in all respects
with the Company's existing issued ordinary shares. These new shares have been
admitted to trading on the SFS of the LSE on 12 April 2024.
9. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic, diluted and adjusted earnings per share is based
on the following data:
Year Year
ended ended
31 March 31 March
2024 2023
Ordinary share Ordinary share
(Losses)/earnings per statement of comprehensive income (£'000) (929) 631
Basic and diluted (losses)/earnings pence per share (1.6) 1.1
(Losses)/earnings per statement of comprehensive income (£'000) (929) 631
Net change in the revaluation of investment properties 1,419 548
Movement in fair value of investments 161 1,338
Movement in fair value of foreign exchange forward contract (450) 259
Net change in the revaluation of the joint ventures' investment property 4,141 569
Expected credit losses 1,711 881
Deferred tax (36) 74
Foreign exchange (gain)/loss 24 201
Adjusted earnings 6,041 4,501
Adjusted earnings (pence per share) 10.3 7.7
Weighted average number of shares ('000s) 58,626 58,606
The adjusted earnings are presented to provide what the Board believes is a
more appropriate assessment of the operational income accruing to the Group's
activities. Hence, the Group adjusts basic earnings for income and costs which
are not of a recurrent nature or which may be more of a capital nature.
10. Net asset value per share
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
Net asset value (£'000) 123,106 125,067
Net asset value per ordinary share 207.3p 216.8p
Total number of shares ('000s) 59,381 57,701
11. Investment in subsidiary undertakings
A list of the significant investments in subsidiaries as at 31 March 2024,
including the name, country of incorporation and the proportion of ownership
interest is given below.
Name of subsidiary undertaking Class of shares/units % of class held with voting rights Country of Principal
incorporation
activity
Luxco 111 SARL Ordinary shares 100 Luxembourg Holding Company
Skyred International SARL Ordinary shares 100 Luxembourg Holding Company
KMS Holding NV Ordinary shares 100 Netherlands Holding Company
ART Germany 1 Ltd Ordinary shares 100 Guernsey Property Company
Realhousingco Ltd Ordinary shares 100 United Kingdom Property Company
ART Income Holdco Ltd Ordinary shares 100 United Kingdom Property Company
ART Lowestoft Ltd Ordinary shares 100 United Kingdom Property Company
ART Wadebridge Ltd Ordinary shares 100 United Kingdom Property Company
ART Southampton Ltd Ordinary shares 100 United Kingdom Property Company
Post year end, the Group completed the liquidation for the non-significant
Cypriot structure comprising Alpha Tiger Cyprus Holdings Limited, Alpha Tiger
Cyprus Investments No. 2 Limited and Alpha Tiger Cyprus Investments No. 3
Limited.
12. Investment in joint venture
The movement in the Group's share of net assets of the joint ventures can be
summarised as follows:
H2O H2O SPHL Total
31 March 2024 31 March 2023 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
As at 1 April 17,654 17,075 118 17,193
Group's share of joint venture profits before fair value movements and 443 1,012 - 1,012
dividends
Fair value adjustment for investment property and interest rate cap (4,141) (569) - (569)
Dividends paid by joint venture to the Group (871) (582) - (582)
Capital return - - (118) (118)
Foreign exchange movements (455) 718 - 718
As at 31 March 12,630 17,654 - 17,654
As at 31 March 2024, the Group had an investment in the H2O shopping centre in
Madrid, Spain: the Group held a 30% equity investment in CBRE H2O Rivas
Holding NV ('CBRE H2O'), a company based in the Netherlands, which in turn
owned 100% of the Spanish entities that are owners of H2O. CBRE H2O is a Euro
denominated company hence the Group translates its share of this investment at
the relevant year end exchange rate with movements in the period translated at
the average rate for the period. As at 31 March 2024, the carrying value of
ART's investment in CBRE H2O was £12.6 million (€14.8 million) (31 March
2023: £17.7 million (€20.1 million)).
CBRE H2O disposed of its Spanish subsidiaries for €48.4 million (£41.4
million): the price was based on the 31 December 2023 accounts of the Spanish
subsidiaries and will be adjusted for the 3 April 2024 accounts (the
adjustment is estimated to be immaterial for CBRE H2O). In April 2024, ART
received €14.7 million as dividend and capital return from CBRE H2O.
Foreign exchange movement is recognised in other comprehensive income.
The investment in CBRE H2O is deemed to be significant and material for the
Group; its financial information can be summarised as follows:
H2O H2O
Statement of comprehensive income Year ended Year ended
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Revenue 10.152 10,546
Change in the revaluation of investment property (12,700) (1,895)
Total (expense)/income (2,548) 8,651
Operating expenses (5,929) (4,938)
Operating (loss)/profit (8,477) 3,713
Finance costs (3,295) (1,730)
(Loss)/profit before taxation (11,772) 1,983
Taxation 80 (508)
(Loss)/profit for the period (11,692) 1,475
Other comprehensive income/(expense) - -
Total comprehensive (expense)/income (11,692) 1,475
H2O H2O
Balance sheet 31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Investment property 94,600 104,943
Non-current assets 94,600 104,943
Trade debtors 1,433 2,160
Other debtors 495 418
Cash 4,695 10,787
Current assets 6,623 13,365
Trade and other payables (5,578) (4,185)
Bank borrowings (270) (283)
Current liabilities (5,848) (4,468)
Bank borrowings (52,639) (54,994)
Non-current liabilities (52,639) (54,994)
Net assets 42,736 58,846
Equity 51,728 51,728
Capital and revenue reserve (8,992) 7,118
Total equity 42,736 58,846
The fair value of the H2O property in Madrid (Spain) of €111.0 million
(£94.9 million) was set as part of the share price agreed by CBRE H2O with
the buyer of the joint venture's Spanish subsidiaries (31 March 2023: €119.3
million (£104.9 million) based on an independent valuation carried out by
Savills Aguirre Newman Valoraciones y Tasaciones S.A.).
The CBRE H2O group bank borrowings represent the €61.6 million (£52.6
million) provided by Aareal Bank to Alpha Tiger Spain 1, SLU less the balance
of unamortised deferred finance costs of €0.2 million (£0.1 million). This
loan carries an interest rate of EURIBOR (hedged by an interest rate cap to a
strike rate of 2.5%) plus 190 basis points, matures in May 2029 and is secured
by a first charge mortgage against the Spanish property. The borrowings are
non-recourse to the Group's other investments.
13. Investment property
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Fair value of investment property at 1 April 23,496 15,984
Additions 5,118 7,407
Fair value adjustment in the year (1,419) (548)
Foreign exchange movement (455) 653
Fair value of investment property at 31 March 26,740 23,496
Investment property is represented by a property located in Hamburg
(Werner-Siemens-Straße), Germany, a residential property located in
Liverpool, UK and three hotels located in the UK.
The fair value of the Hamburg property of €18.0 million (£15.4 million) (31
March 2023: €18.5 million (£16.3 million)) has been arrived at on the basis
of an independent valuation carried out at the balance sheet date by Cushman
& Wakefield ('C&W') (note 26).
On 23 August 2023, the Group acquired a further UK hotel located in Yardley,
Birmingham, leased to Travelodge Hotels Limited, the United Kingdom's largest
independent hotel brand, for £4.8 million plus acquisition costs of £0.3
million.
Each of these three investment property is held by a separate UK limited
company, all 100% held by a holding company, ART Income Holdco Limited, which
in turn is 100% held by ART.
The fair values of the three UK hotels have been arrived at on the basis of an
independent valuation carried out at the balance sheet date by C&W and
were as follows, by location:
· Wadebridge £3.3 million (31 March 2023: £3.8 million)
· Lowestoft £2.7 million (31 March 2023: £2.8 million)
· Yardley £4.8 million.
The fair value of the Liverpool residential property of £0.6 million (31
March 2023: £0.6 million) has been arrived at on the basis of an independent
valuation carried out at the balance sheet date by ASL Chartered Surveyors
& Valuers ('ASL').
C&W and ASL are independent valuers and are not connected to the Group.
The valuation basis used is fair value as defined by the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors Appraisal and Valuations Standards ("RICS"). The approved
RICS definition of fair value is "the price that would be received to sell an
asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date".
Foreign exchange movement is recognised in other comprehensive income.
14. Cash and cash equivalents
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Morgan Stanley Sterling Liquidity Fund 10,000 -
Cash at bank 7,221 18,455
Total 17,221 18,455
During the year, the Company invested £10.0 million in the Morgan Stanley
Sterling Liquidity Fund, which invests in high quality short-term money market
instruments denominated in sterling, offers same day liquidity and earns an
annualised return, net of Morgan Stanley's fees, of 5.2%.
15. Investments held at fair value
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Current
As at 1 April 18,310 10,990
Additions 26,414 13,948
Redemptions (21,454) (5,290)
Accrued income on UK Treasury Bonds and Bills 566 -
Movement in fair value of investments (161) (1,338)
As at 31 March 23,675 18,310
The investments, which are disclosed as current investments held at fair
value, are as follows:
· Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund Limited ('SEQI'), a
listed fund: the market value of SEQI as at 31 March 2024 was £2.3 million
(31 March 2023: £2.2 million);
· GCP Infrastructure Investments Limited ('GCP') a listed fund: the
market value of GCP as at 31 March 2024 was £0.9 million (31 March 2023:
£1.1 million);
· GCP Asset Backed Income Fund Limited ('GABI'): the market value
of GABI as at 31 March 2024 was £1.0 million (31 March 2023: £1.0 million);
· During the year, ART invested £19.3 million in UK Treasury
Bonds: the market value of UK Treasury Bonds as at 31 March 2024 was £19.5
million;
· In September 2023, ART invested £7.1 million in UK Treasury
Bills, which matured in March 2024, generating proceeds for ART of £7.3
million.
· HLP (participating redeemable preference shares): HLP provides
quarterly valuations of the net asset value of its shares; the net asset value
of the investment as at 31 March 2024 was nil (31 March 2023: nil).
During the year, one investment in UK Treasury Bonds and one investment in UK
Treasury Bills came to maturity and generated proceeds for ART of £7.0
million (market value at 31 March 2023: £7.0 million) and £7.1 million
(market value at 31 March 2023: £7.0 million), respectively.
ART also received payments of coupon interests on UK Treasury Bonds amounting
to £0.2 million.
16. Loans advanced
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Non-current
Loans granted to third parties 15,834 15,530
Interest receivable from loans granted to third parties 205 521
Total loans at amortised cost 16,039 16,051
Loans at fair value through profit or loss - -
Total non-current loans 16,039 16,051
Current
Loans granted to third parties 32,304 40,187
Interest receivable from loans granted to third parties 3,350 2,279
Total loans at amortised cost 35,654 42,466
Loans at fair value through profit or loss 426 604
Expected credit losses (5,673) (3,685)
Total current loans 30,407 39,385
As at 31 March 2024, the Group had granted a total of £46.4 million (31 March
2023: £55.4 million) of senior and mezzanine loans to third parties. These
comprised thirteen loans to UK entities, which assisted with the purchase of
property developments, predominantly residential, in the UK. These facilities
typically range from a 6 to 36 month term and entitle the Group to a weighted
average overall return on the investment of 17.3% for mezzanine loans and
10.3% for senior loans.
All senior and mezzanine loans granted by the Group are secured asset backed
real estate loans. Senior loans have a first charge security and mezzanine
loans have a second charge security on the property developments.
Loans at fair value through profit or loss represents loans that failed the
'solely payment of principal and interest' criteria of IFRS 9 to be measured
at amortised cost: this is due to a loan facility agreement's clause that
links those loans to a return other than interest.
Movement in expected credit losses can be summarised as follows:
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Opening balance of ECL (3,685) (2,572)
Movement for the year (revenue) (277) (232)
Movement for the year (capital) (1,711) (881)
Closing balance of ECL (5,673) (3,685)
The ECL table above includes general ECL on all loans in the period along with
specific provision for those in receivership.
Four loans totalling £8.1 million (31 March 2023: three loans totalling £6.8
million) in the portfolio have entered receivership: ART is closely working
with stakeholders to maximise capital recovery. The Company has considered the
security on these loans (which are a combination of a first charge and a
second charge over the respective assets and personal guarantees) and have
impaired one loan, which is accounted for at fair value, by £0.3 million; the
Group also calculated an ECL on the other three loans of approximately £4.1
million (31 March 2023: £2.9 million); the Group have also provided for an
ECL on the remainder of the loans' portfolio for an additional £1.6 million
(31 March 2023: £0.8 million): in total, the Group have provided for an ECL
of £5.7 million (31 March 2023: £3.7 million) in its consolidated accounts.
Loans maturity of the total £46.4 million loans granted by the Group at year
end, can be analysed as follows:
Less than 6 months Between 6 to 12 months Between 12 to 24 months £'m Over 24 months Total
£'m £'m £'m £'m
Non-current - - 8,863 7,176 16,039
Current 25,555 4,852 - - 30,407
Despite all of the loans having a set repayment term all but two of the loans
have a repayable on demand feature so the Group may call for an early
repayment of their principal, interest and applicable fees at any time.
Considering the 'on demand' clause, the Group concluded that the loans are in
stage 3 of the IFRS 9 model as should the loans be called on demand the
borrowers would technically be in default as repayment would only be possible
on demand if the property had already been sold.
The two loans without a repayable on demand clause amount to £8.9 million and
£7.2 million and mature in April 2025 and February 2029, respectively; both
loans remain in stage 1 of the IFRS 9 model. These two loans have an
immaterial lifetime ECL and hence no detailed analysis of whether those loans
has suffered a significant increase in credit risk has been performed.
As at 31 March 2024, ART's total undrawn loan commitments amounted to £1.0
million.
Post year end, no new loans were drawn but additional drawdowns of £0.9
million were made on existing loans and part loan repayments were received
amounting to £0.7 million (including accrued interest).
17. Collateral deposit
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Collateral deposit 1,156 1,143
The collateral deposit of £1.1 million (31 March 2023: £1.1 million) is a
cash deposit with Barclays Bank PLC ('Barclays') in Guernsey in relation to
the foreign exchange forward contract entered into by the Group at year end:
this cash has been placed on deposit to match the maturity of the contract.
18. Trade and other receivables
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Current
Trade debtors 8 295
Other debtors 4,492 119
Total 4,500 414
The balance of other debtors as at 31 March 2024 comprises £4.3 million held
in escrow for one loan repayment: this amount was received in early April 2024
by the Group.
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables
approximates to their fair value. See note 2(a)(a)(iii) 'financial
instruments' for more details.
19. Trade and other payables
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Trade creditors 35 51
Deferred revenue 220 106
Investment Manager's fee payable 589 589
Accruals 231 229
VAT 30 5
Other creditors 40 6
Total 1,145 986
Trade creditors and accruals primarily comprise amounts outstanding for trade
purchases and ongoing costs. The Group has financial management policies in
place to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit time frame.
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables
approximates to their fair value.
20. Bank borrowings
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Current liabilities: interest payable 31 30
Total current liabilities 31 30
Non-current liabilities: bank borrowings 8,053 8,271
Total liabilities 8,084 8,301
The borrowings are repayable as follows:
Interest payable 31 30
On demand or within one year - -
In the second to fifth years inclusive 8,053 -
After five years - 8,271
Total 8,084 8,301
Movements in the Group's bank borrowings are analysed as follows:
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
As at 1 April 8,271 7,921
Amortisation of deferred finance costs 15 15
Foreign exchange movement (233) 335
As at 31 March 8,053 8,271
As at 31 March 2024, bank borrowings represent the Nord LB (a German bank)
loan for €9.5 million (£8.1 million) (31 March 2023: €9.5 million (£8.4
million)), less unamortised deferred finance costs (£0.1 million): this loan
was used to partly fund the acquisition of the investment property in Hamburg
(Werner-Siemens-Straße), Germany. This loan is composed of two tranches of
€4.9 million and €4.6 million, which bear a 1.85% and 2.7% fixed rate
respectively and that are due to mature in August 2028.
The borrowings are non-recourse to ART and the facility carries no financial
covenant tests. The fair value of bank borrowings at the balance sheet date is
€7.9 million (£6.7 million).
Foreign exchange movement is recognised in other comprehensive
income/(expense).
The tables below set out an analysis of net liabilities from financing
activities and the movements in net liabilities from financing activities for
the year ended 31 March 2024 and prior year.
Foreign exchange forward Borrowings Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
Net liabilities from financing activities (171) (8,271) (8,442)
as at 1 April 2023
Cash movements 48 - 48
Non cash movements
Foreign exchange adjustments - 233 233
Unrealised gain on foreign exchange forward contract 450 - 450
Loan fee amortisation and other costs - (15) (15)
Net liabilities from financing activities 327 (8,053) (7,726)
as at 31 March 2024
Foreign exchange forward Borrowings Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
Net liabilities from financing activities 88 (7,921) (7,833)
as at 1 April 2022
Cash movements (47) - (47)
Non cash movements
Foreign exchange adjustments - (335) (335)
Unrealised gain on foreign exchange forward contract (212) - (212)
Loan fee amortisation and other costs - (15) (15)
Net liabilities from financing activities (171) (8,271) (8,442)
as at 31 March 2023
21. Share capital
Number of shares
Authorised
Ordinary shares of no par value Unlimited
Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary
Issued and fully paid treasury external total
At 1 April 2022 2,252,065 61,685,086 63,937,151
Share issue for scrip dividend - 1,481,479 1,481,479
Shares bought back 5,465,516 (5,465,516) -
At 1 April 2023 7,717,581 57,701,049 65,418,630
Share issue for scrip dividend - 1,680,091 1,680,091
Shares bought back - - -
At 31 March 2024 7,717,581 59,381,140 67,098,721
The Company has one class of ordinary shares. The Company has the right to
reissue or cancel the remaining treasury shares at a later date.
Following the Annual General Meeting held on 7 September 2023 the Company has
the authority to buy back 14.99% of its share capital (assessed on 29 June
2023) for a total of 8,709,579 shares. No shares have been yet bought back
under this authority.
During the period and post period end, the Company did not purchase any shares
in the market.
As at 31 March 2024, the ordinary share capital of the Company was 67,098,721
(including 7,717,581 ordinary shares held in treasury) and the total voting
rights in the Company was 59,381,140.
Scrip dividend alternative
In the circular published on 18 December 2018, the Company sought
shareholders' approval to enable a scrip dividend alternative to be offered to
ordinary shareholders whereby they could elect to receive additional ordinary
shares in lieu of a cash dividend, at the absolute discretion of the
Directors, from time to time. This was approved by shareholders at the
extraordinary general meeting on 8 January 2019.
The number of ordinary shares that an ordinary shareholder will receive under
the scrip dividend alternative will be calculated using the average of the
closing middle market quotations of an ordinary share for five consecutive
dealing days after the day on which the ordinary shares are first quoted "ex"
the relevant dividend.
During the year, the Board elected to offer the scrip dividend alternative to
shareholders for every quarterly dividend, which resulted in the issue of
1,680,091 new ordinary shares. These shares are rank pari passu in all
respects with the Company's existing issued ordinary shares.
The Board also elected to offer the scrip dividend alternative to shareholders
for the dividend for the quarter ended 31 December 2023: elections were
received in respect of 54,457,721 shares of the Company, which has resulted in
the issue of 437,407 new ordinary shares in April 2024. These shares have been
issued at a price of 124.5 pence each and were rank pari passu in all respects
with the Company's existing issued ordinary shares. These new shares have been
admitted to trading on the SFS of the LSE on 12 April 2024.
Post period end, the Company made no share buybacks.
As at the date of this announcement, the ordinary share capital of the Company
is 67,536,128 (including 7,717,581 ordinary shares held in treasury) and the
total voting rights in the Company is 59,818,547.
22. Reserves
The movements in the reserves for the Group are shown above.
Special reserve
The special reserve is a distributable reserve to be used for all purposes
permitted under Guernsey company law, including the buy-back of shares and
payment of dividends.
Translation reserve
The translation reserve contains exchange differences arising on consolidation
of the Group's overseas operations. These amounts may be subsequently
reclassified to profit or loss.
Capital reserve
The capital reserve contains increases and decreases in the fair value of the
Group's investment property, gains and losses on the disposal of property,
gains and losses arising from indirect property investment at fair value
together with expenses allocated to capital.
Revenue reserve
Any surplus arising from net profit after tax is taken to this reserve, which
may be utilised for the buy-back of shares and payment of dividends.
23. Events after the balance sheet date
On 3 April 2024, ART and its joint venture partner in CBRE H2O disposed of the
joint venture's Spanish subsidiaries, owners of the H2O Shopping Centre in
Madrid, Spain, for €48.4 million (£41.4 million): the price was based on
the 31 December 2023 accounts of the Spanish subsidiaries and will be adjusted
for the 3 April 2024 accounts (the adjustment is estimated to be immaterial
for CBRE H2O). In April 2024, ART received €14.7 million as dividend and
capital return from CBRE H2O.
On 16 April 2024, the Company invested £6.5 million in a short dated UK
Treasury Bill and, on 21 May 2024, £10.0 million in Gilts with maturity 30
January 2026 and an annualised yield to maturity of 4.3%.
Post year end, no new loans were drawn but additional drawdowns of £0.9
million were made on existing loans and part loan repayments were received
amounting to £0.7 million (including accrued interest).
In April 2024, scrip dividend alternative elections were received in respect
of 54,457,721 shares of the Company, which has resulted in the issue of
437,407 new ordinary shares.
On 12 April 2024, the Company paid a dividend for the quarter ended 31
December 2023 of £49,236 (1.0p per share).
24. Related party transactions
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control
the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in
making financial or operational decisions. ARC is the Investment Manager to
the Company under the terms of the Investment Manager Agreement and is thus
considered a related party of the Company. The management agreement with the
Investment Manager will expire on 21 December 2027.
The Investment Manager is entitled to receive a fee from the Company at an
annual rate of 2 per cent of the net assets of the Company, payable quarterly
in arrears. During the year a total of £2.3 million (31 March 2023: £2.4
million), net of rebates, was billed by ARC to ART. As at 31 March 2024, a
total of £0.6 million (31 March 2023: £0.6 million) was outstanding.
The Investment Manager is also entitled to receive an annual performance fee
calculated with reference to total shareholder return ("TSR"), whereby the fee
is 20 per cent of any excess over an annualised TSR of 15 per cent subject to
a rolling 3 year high water mark. As at 31 March 2024, no performance fee was
due to ARC (31 March 2023: nil).
Prior to the 70% disposal of the H2O property, ARC had a management agreement
directly with the H2O property company, Alpha Tiger Spain 1, SLU ('ATS1')
under which it earned a fee of 0.9% per annum based upon the gross assets of
ATS1. In order to avoid double counting of fees, ARC provided a rebate to the
Company of a proportion of its fee equivalent to the value of the Group's net
asset value attributable to the H2O investment. Subsequent to the sale of ATS1
to CBRE H2O Rivas Holding NV ('CBRE H2O'), ARC has been appointed as Asset
Manager to ATS1 and Investment Manager to CBRE H2O. ARC has agreed to rebate
to ART all of the fees charged by ARC directly to CBRE H2O and ATS1 that
relate to the Company's 30% share in CBRE H2O.
Total rebates for the year were £0.5 million (31 March 2023: £0.5 million).
Details of the Investment Manager's fees for the year are disclosed on the
face of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the balance
payable at 31 March 2024 is provided in note 19.
Alpha Global Property Securities Fund Pte. Ltd, a company registered in
Singapore, owned directly by the partners of ARC, held 26,000,909 shares in
the Company at 31 March 2024 (31 March 2023: 25,060,728). ARC did not hold any
shares in the Company at 31 March 2024 (31 March 2023: nil).
The following, being partners of ARC, have interests in the following shares
of the Company at 31 March 2023:
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
Number of shares held Number of shares held
Brian Frith - -
Phillip Rose 1,031,935 978,999
Brad Bauman 61,478 60,092
Post year end, Phillip Rose and Brad Bauman increased their shareholdings in
ART to 1,039,179 and 61,971 ordinary shares, respectively.
Details of the Directors' fees and share interests in the Company are included
in the Directors Report.
Karl Devon-Lowe, a partner of ARC, received fees of £5,000 (31 March 2023:
£5,000) in relation to directorial responsibilities on a number of the
Company's subsidiary companies.
During the year, a total of £96,300 (31 March 2023: £96,300) was billed by
Ocorian Administration (Guernsey) Limited to ART and £20,800 was outstanding
at year end (31 March 2023: £14,400).
25. Financial instruments risk exposure and management
There have been no substantive changes in the Group's exposure to financial
instrument risks, its objectives, policies and processes for managing those
risks or the methods used to measure them from previous periods unless
otherwise stated in this note.
Principal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the Group from which financial
instrument risk arises, are as follows:
Financial assets and liabilities carrying value
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Investments held at fair value 23,675 18,310
Foreign exchange forward contract 327 -
Loans advanced 426 604
Total financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 24,428 18,914
Financial assets at amortised cost
Loans advanced 51,693 58,517
Expected credit losses (5,673) (3,685)
Collateral deposit 1,156 1,143
Trade and other receivables 4,500 414
Cash and cash equivalents 17,221 18,455
Total loans and receivables 68,897 74,844
Total financial assets 93,325 93,758
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Foreign exchange forward contract - (171)
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Trade and other payables (excluding VAT and deferred revenue) (895) (874)
Bank borrowings (8,084) (8,301)
Total financial liabilities (8,979) (9,346)
Net changes in realised and unrealised gains or losses on financial
instruments at fair value through profit or loss can be summarised as follows:
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Unrealised gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities held at fair
value through profit or loss
Unrealised gain/(loss) on foreign exchange forward contract 498 (212)
Movement in fair value of investments (161) (1,338)
Movement in fair value of loans advanced (249) 109
Realised gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities held at fair
value through profit or loss
Realised loss on foreign exchange forward contract (48) (47)
Dividend received from investments held at fair value 374 361
Distributed investment income - 58
Net gains/(losses) on financial assets and liabilities held at fair value 414 (1,069)
through profit or loss
Net interest income can be summarised as follows:
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
£'000 £'000
Bank interest receivable 220 255
Interest receivable on loans granted to third parties 6,596 5,328
Expected credit losses (277) (232)
Interest on bank borrowings (202) (201)
Net interest income 6,337 5,150
General objectives, policies and processes
The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group's risk
management objectives and policies and, whilst retaining ultimate
responsibility for them, it has delegated the authority for designing and
operating processes that ensure the effective implementation of the objectives
and policies to the Group's finance function.
The overall objective of the Board is to set polices that seek to reduce risk
as far as possible without unduly affecting the Group's competitiveness and
flexibility. Further details regarding these policies are set out below.
Project monitoring
Projects are monitored through regular Project Control Meetings held with
development partners to discuss progress and monitor risks. The Investment
Manager attends these meetings and reports to the Board on a quarterly basis.
Credit risk
Credit risk arises when a failure by counter parties to discharge their
obligations could reduce the amount of future cash inflows from financial
assets on hand at the balance sheet date.
At 31 March 2024, trade and other receivables past due but not impaired
amounted to nil (31 March 2023: nil).
The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements,
which is net of impairment losses, represents the Group's maximum exposure to
credit risk.
The Group policy is to maintain its cash and cash equivalent balances with a
number of financial institutions as a means of diversifying credit risk. The
Group monitors the placement of cash balances on an ongoing basis and has
policies to limit the amount of credit exposure to any financial institution.
The Group's cash is held with established international banks such as Barclays
PLC, BGL BNP Paribas, Lloyds PLC, RBS International and Santander
International.
With regards to the investment property business, a property advisor monitors
the tenants in order to anticipate and minimise the impact of default by
occupational tenants. Where possible, tenants' risk is mitigated through
rental guarantees. The Group meets with tenants frequently and monitors their
financial performance closely.
The Group owns a portfolio of secured real estate loans and mezzanine loan
investments. These loans are typically secured on real estate investment and
development assets with attractive risk-adjusted income returns. The Group
receives monthly updates from its investment advisors regarding the credit
worthiness of the borrowers and values of the real estate investment and
development assets, which the loans are secured on, and assesses the
recoverability of each loan investment.
As at 31 March 2024, four loans in the portfolio have entered receivership:
ART is closely working with stakeholders to maximise capital recovery. The
Company has considered the security on these loans (which are a combination of
a first charge and a second charge over the respective assets and personal
guarantees) and have impaired one loan, which is accounted for at fair value,
by £0.3 million; the Group also calculated an ECL on the other three loans of
approximately £4.1 million; the Group have also provided for an ECL on the
remainder of the loans' portfolio for an additional £1.6 million: in total,
the Group have provided for an ECL of £5.7 million (31 March 2023: £3.7
million) in its consolidated accounts.
With regards to its other investments, the Group receives regular updates from
the relevant Investment Manager as to the performance of the underlying
investments and assesses credit risk as a result.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that arises when the maturity of assets and
liabilities does not match. An unmatched position potentially enhances
profitability but can also increase the risk of losses. The Group has
procedures with the object of minimising these risks such as maintaining
sufficient cash and other highly liquid current assets. Cash and cash
equivalents are placed with financial institutions on a short term basis
reflecting the Group's desire to maintain a high level of liquidity in order
to enable timely completion of investment transactions.
The following table illustrates the contractual maturity analysis of the
Group's financial liabilities.
Within 1 year 1-2 years 2-5 years Over 5 years Total Total carrying amount
£'000
£'000
31 March 2024 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Trade and other payables 1,145 - - - 1,145 1,145
Interest payable on bank borrowings 184 184 429 - 797 31
Bank borrowings - - 8,053 - 8,053 8,053
Total 1,329 184 8,482 - 9,995 9,229
Within 1 year 1-2 years 2-5 years Over 5 years Total Total carrying amount
£'000
£'000
31 March 2023 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Trade and other payables 986 - - - 986 986
Interest payable on bank borrowings 189 189 567 64 1,009 30
Bank borrowings - - - 8,271 8,271 8,271
Foreign exchange forward contract 171 - - - 171 171
Total 1,346 189 567 8,335 10,437 9,458
Market risk
(a) Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates in Germany and Spain and is exposed to foreign exchange
risk arising from currency exposures with respect to Euros. Foreign exchange
risk arises from recognised monetary assets and liabilities.
The Group's policy is, where possible, to allow Group entities to settle
liabilities denominated in their functional currency with the cash generated
from their own operations in that currency.
On 28 April 2023 the Group had entered into a six month contract to hedge
€12.0 million of its Euro exposure in the balance sheet; this contract
terminated on 31 October 2023 and, on the same date, the Group entered into a
six month contract to hedge €13.0 million of its Euro exposure in the
balance sheet; this contract matured on 30 April 2024. At that point, the
Group entered into another six month contract to hedge €4.0 million of its
Euro exposure in the balance sheet; this contract will mature on 31 October
2024.
The Board monitors the Group's exposure to foreign currencies on a quarterly
basis as part of its Risk Management review.
A strengthening of the Euro by 5 cents would increase the net assets by
£891,000 (2023: £1,213,000). A weakening of the Euro by 5 cents would
decrease net assets by £818,000 (2023: £1,111,000).
(b) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk
The Group's interest rate risk arose primarily from bank borrowings. The Group
is not directly exposed to interest rate risk related to bank borrowings: the
bank debt of ART Germany 1 Ltd, owner of the Hamburg investment property in
Germany, bears a fixed coupon until maturity in 2028 (note 20).
The Group holds significant cash balances and loan assets which accrue
interest based on variable interest rates.
The Group's cash flow is periodically monitored by the Board.
The sensitivity analysis below is based on a change in an assumption while
holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to
occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated - for example,
changes in interest rate and changes in market value.
For the Group, a decrease of 25 basis points in interest rates would result in
a £0.1 million decrease in post-tax profits (2023: £0.2 million decrease).
An increase of 25 basis points in interest rates would result in a £0.1
million increase in post-tax profits (2023: £0.2 million increase).
(c) Price risk
The Group has invested in the ordinary shares of GCP, SEQI and GABI, which are
closed ended investment funds traded on the LSE so are subject to market
fluctuation.
The Group has invested in UK Treasury Bonds and Treasury Bills. UK Treasury
Bonds are traded on the LSE so are subject to market fluctuation. UK Treasury
Bills are an over-the-counter instrument so not traded on an exchange and were
bought from Barclays Bank PLC: they are a zero-coupon discount instrument,
priced at a discount to par with a locked-in yield, which then move towards
par at maturity.
The Group has performed a sensitivity analysis on the values of the
investments in GCP, SEQI and GABI: if the share prices of these investments
were to fall by 10% (a decrease by £0.4 million) the resulting total
investment value of these funds would be £3.8 million (2023: £3.9 million);
if the share prices of these investments were to increase by 10% (an increase
by £0.4 million) the resulting total investment value of these funds would be
£4.6 million (2023: £4.8 million).
(d) Fair values
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair values:
· Cash and short-term deposits, trade receivables, trade payables,
and other current liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to the
short-term maturities of these instruments.
· The fair value of the foreign exchange forward contract is
determined by reference to the year end forward market rate and based on
observable inputs; this investment is therefore deemed to be a level 2
financial asset.
· The fair values of the ART's investments in the SEQI, GCP and
GABI shares, which are traded daily on the LSE, are based upon the market
value of the shares at the balance sheet date.
· The fair values of the ART's investments in UK Treasury Bonds,
which are traded regularly, are based upon the market value of those
instruments at the balance sheet date.
· The fair values of the ART's investments in UK Treasury Bills,
are based upon the market value of those instruments provided by Barclays Bank
PLC at the balance sheet date.
· The fair value of the HLP investment is based upon the price
provided by the issuer for the relevant share class owned: this is calculated
by reference to the net asset value of the investment and principally driven
by the fair value of HLP's underlying property investments. This net asset
value is therefore mainly based on unobservable inputs and is deemed to be
level 3 financial assets (see note 26).
· The loans advanced at fair value have been valued based on the
discounted cash flow of the respective instruments. Due to the short time
since inception and to maturity there has not been a material movement in
discount rates or cashflows.
· The fair value of bank borrowings has been calculated based on
the discounted cash flows of the Nord LB bank loan up to maturity date in July
2028; the fair value of bank borrowings at the balance sheet date is €9.5
million (£8.1 million).
As a result the carrying values less impairment provision of loans and
receivables and financial liabilities measured at amortised cost are
approximate to their fair values.
Capital risk management
The Board's objectives when managing capital, which comprises all components
of equity, are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern
in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other
stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost
of capital.
In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the
amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders,
issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.
The Board regularly reviews the adequacy of the Group's level of borrowings by
monitoring its compliance with the relevant bank covenants.
26. Fair value measurement
IFRS 13 requires disclosure of the fair value measurement of the Group's
assets and liabilities, the related valuation techniques, the valuations'
recurrence and the inputs used to assess and develop those measurements.
The Group discloses fair value measurements by level of the following fair
value measurement hierarchy:
· Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets
or liabilities (level 1).
· Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or
indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2).
· Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on
observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3).
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the asset or liability is
categorised is determined on the basis of the lowest input that is significant
to the fair value measurement. Assets and liabilities are classified in their
entirety into one of the three levels.
Investment property is valued on a recurring basis: half yearly.
The Group's valuers derive the fair value of the investment property by
applying the methodology and valuation guidelines as set out by the Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors in the United Kingdom.
The valuation approach for investment property available to rent is based on
discounting the future net income receivable from properties to arrive at the
net present value of that future income stream. Future net income comprises
the rent secured under existing leases, less any known or expected
non-recoverable costs and the current market rent attributable to vacant
units. The consideration basis for this calculation excludes the effects of
any taxes on the net income. The discount factors used to calculate fair value
are consistent with those used to value similar properties, with comparable
leases in each of the respective markets. A decrease in the net rental income
or an increase in the discount rate will decrease the fair value of the
investment property.
The investments and loans advanced held at fair value and derivative contracts
are valued quarterly.
The fair value of the investments in the ordinary shares of GCP, SEQI and
GABI, which are traded on the LSE, is based upon the mid price of the ordinary
shares at the balance sheet date.
The fair value of the investments in UK Treasury Bonds which are traded on the
LSE, is based upon the market price of those instruments at the balance sheet
date.
The fair value of the investments in UK Treasury Bills, is based upon the
market valuation of those instruments provided by Barclays Bank PLC at the
balance sheet date.
The following table shows an analysis of the fair values of assets and
liabilities recognised in the balance sheet by level of the fair value
hierarchy described above:
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
31 March 2024
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Assets measured at fair value
Non-current
Investment property (note 13) - - 26,740 26,740
Loans advanced - - 426 426
Current
Investments held at fair value (note 15) 23,675 - - 23,675
Foreign exchange forward contract - 327 - 327
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
31 March 2023
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Assets measured at fair value
Non-current
Investment property (note 13) - - 23,496 23,496
Loans advanced - - 604 604
Current
Investments held at fair value (note 15) 18,310 - - 18,310
Liabilities measured at fair value
Current
Foreign exchange forward contract - (171) - (171)
The carrying amounts of the Group's financial liabilities and assets not
carried at fair value through profit or loss are a reasonable approximation of
their fair values due to either their short term nature or short period of
time since they were acquired.
The Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the
hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that
is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each
reporting period.
Movements in levels 1 to 3 of the fair value measurements, during the year
ended 31 March 2024 and prior year, can be summarised as follows:
Loans advanced Investment property Investments held at fair value Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
At 1 April 2023 604 23,496 18,310 42,410
Additions - 5,118 26,414 31,532
Redemptions - - (21,454) (21,454)
Accrued income - - 566 566
Fair value adjustment (178) (1,419) (161) (1,758)
Effect of foreign exchange - (455) - (455)
At 31 March 2024 426 26,740 23,675 50,841
Loans advanced Investment property and asset held for sale Investments held at fair value Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
At 1 April 2022 495 15,984 10,990 27,469
Additions - 7,407 13,948 21,355
Redemptions - - (5,290) (5,290)
Fair value adjustment 109 (548) (1,338) (1,777)
Effect of foreign exchange - 653 - 653
At 31 March 2023 604 23,496 18,310 42,410
There were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements
and no transfers into or out of level 3 fair value measurements during the
year ended 31 March 2024 and prior year.
The fair value of investment property is based on unobservable inputs and it
is therefore disclosed as level 3.
The following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to estimate fair
values of investment property:
31 March 2024 - Hamburg (Werner-Siemens-Straße), Germany
Class of investment property Carrying amount / Area Valuation technique Significant unobservable inputs Value
fair value (acres)
'000
Europe €18,000 11.8 Discounted cash flow Gross Estimated Rental Value ('ERV') per sqm p.a. €74.6
(£15,385)
Discount rate 5.85%
Sensitivity analysis for the 31 March 2024 valuation of the Hamburg investment
property:
31 March 2024
Significant unobservable inputs Change applied Fair value change Change applied Fair value change
€'000 €'000
ERV -10% -€2,000 +10% +€2,000
Discount rate -1% +€1,400 +1% -€1,300
31 March 2023 - Hamburg (Werner-Siemens-Straße), Germany
Class of investment property Carrying amount / Area Valuation technique Significant unobservable inputs Value
fair value (acres)
'000
Europe €18,500 11.8 Discounted cash flow Gross Estimated Rental Value ('ERV') per sqm p.a. €70.9
(£16,271)
Discount rate 5.70%
Sensitivity analysis for the 31 March 2023 valuation of the Hamburg investment
property:
31 March 2023
Significant unobservable inputs Change applied Fair value change Change applied Fair value change
€'000 €'000
ERV -10% -€1,940 +10% +€1,800
Discount rate -1% +€1,400 +1% -€1,300
31 March 2024 - Travelodge Hotels, UK
Location Class of investment properties Carrying amount / Area Valuation technique Significant unobservable inputs Weighted average/Value
fair value (square meters)
'000
Lowestoft UK £2,700 1,259 Comparable transactions analysis Comparable evidence Not applicable
Wadebridge UK £3,300 1,572
Yardley UK £4,800 1,998
31 March 2023 - Travelodge Hotels, UK
Location Class of investment properties Carrying amount / Area Valuation technique Significant unobservable inputs Weighted average/Value
fair value (square meters)
'000
Lowestoft UK £2,800 1,259 Comparable transactions analysis Comparable evidence Not applicable
Wadebridge UK £3,800 1,572
A sensitivity analysis has been considered for the Travelodge Hotels: if the
value of comparable transactions were to drop by 10% due to adverse market
conditions, the values of the Wadebridge, Lowestoft and Yardley assets would
be £2,970,000, £2,430,000 and £4,320,000, respectively (2023: Wadebridge
and Lowestoft assets £3,420,000 and £2,520,000, respectively); if instead
the value of comparable transactions were to increase by 10% due to positive
market conditions, the values of the Wadebridge, Lowestoft and Yardley assets
would be £3,630,000, £2,970,000 and £5,280,000, respectively (2023:
Wadebridge and Lowestoft assets £4,180,000 and £3,080,000, respectively).
31 March 2024 - Liverpool, UK
Class of investment properties Carrying amount / Area Valuation technique Significant unobservable inputs Weighted average/Value
fair value (square meters)
'000
UK £655 475 Comparable transactions analysis Comparable evidence Not applicable
31 March 2023 - Liverpool, UK
Class of investment properties Carrying amount / Area Valuation technique Significant unobservable inputs Weighted average/Value
fair value (square meters)
'000
UK £625 475 Comparable transactions analysis Comparable evidence Not applicable
No sensitivity analysis has been provided for the Liverpool property since
immaterial to the Group.
Directors and Company information
Directors
William Simpson (Chairman)
Jeff Chowdhry
Peter Griffin
Phillip Rose
Melanie Torode
Registered office
Floor 2, Trafalgar Court
Les Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey GY1 4LY
Investment Manager
Alpha Real Capital LLP
Level 6, 338 Euston Road
London NW1 3BG
Administrator and secretary
Ocorian Administration (Guernsey) Limited
Floor 2, Trafalgar Court
Les Banques, St Peter Port
Guernsey GY1 4LY
Broker
Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited
One New Change
London EC4M 9AF
Independent valuers in the UK
Cushman & Wakefield
No 1 Colmore Square
Birmingham B4 6AJ
Independent valuers in Spain
Savills Aguirre Newman
Paseo de la Castellana, 81
Madrid, 28046
Spain
Independent valuers in Germany
Cushman & Wakefield
Rathenauplatz, 1
Frankfurt, 60313
Germany
Independent Auditor
BDO Limited
Place du Pré, Rue du Pré
St Peter Port
Guernsey GY1 3LL
Tax advisors in Europe
KPMG LLP
15 Canada Square
London E14 5GL
Ernst & Young LLP
1 More London Riverside
London SE1 2AF
Legal advisors in Guernsey
Carey Olsen
PO Box 98, Carey House
Les Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey GY1 4BZ
Legal advisors in the UK
Norton Rose
3 More London Riverside
London SE1 2AQ
Legal advisors in Spain
Ashurst LLP
Alcalá, 44
Madrid, 28014
Spain
Registrar
Computershare Investor Services (Jersey) Limited
Queensway House
Hilgrove Street
St Helier
Jersey JE1 1ES
Shareholder information
Further information on the Company, compliant with the SFS regulations, can be
found at the Company's website:
www.alpharealtrustlimited.com (http://www.alpharealtrustlimited.com)
Dividends
Ordinary dividends are declared and paid quarterly. Shareholders who wish to
have dividends paid directly into a bank account rather than by cheque to
their registered address can complete a mandate form for this purpose.
Mandates may be obtained from the Company's Registrar. Where dividends are
paid directly to shareholders' bank accounts, dividend vouchers are sent
directly to shareholders' registered addresses.
Shareholders who have not previously elected to receive scrip may complete a
Scrip Mandate Form, which can be obtained from the Company's Registrar.
Share price
The Company's Ordinary Shares are listed on the SFS of the LSE.
Change of address
Communications with shareholders are mailed to the addresses held on the share
register. In the event of a change of address or other amendment, please
notify the Company's Registrar under the signature of the registered holder.
Investment Manager
The Company is advised by Alpha Real Capital LLP which is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.
Financial calendar
Financial reporting Reporting/ Dividend period Ex-dividend date Record date Last date for election to scrip dividend Share certificates posted Payment date
Meeting dates (if applicable) (if applicable)
Annual report published and dividend announcement 5 Quarter ended 4 5 11 25 26
July 31 March 2024 July July July July July
2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024
Annual General Meeting 5
September
2024
Trading update statement (Quarter 1) 13 Quarter ending 26 27 10 24 25
September 30 June 2024 September September October October October
2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024
Half year report 22 Quarter ending 5 6 9 23 24
November 30 September 2024 December 2024 December 2024 January January January
2024 2025 2025 2025
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