Fountainhead Property Trust gains 11% distribution growth

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Fountainhead Property Trust CEO, Len van Niekerk says the company’s core portfolio delivered net property income growth of 7.3% during the review period, despite challenging market conditions. Fountainhead Property Trust CEO, Len van Niekerk says the company’s core portfolio delivered net property income growth of 7.3% during the review period, despite challenging market conditions.

Fountainhead Property Trust today posted 11% growth to 29c in its distributions per combined linked unit in the six months to end February 2014.

The JSE-listed REIT has also revised prospects for the full-year upwards, anticipating distribution growth of between 7% and 8%, up from previous guidance of 6.25% to 7.25%.

Fountainhead is invested in a diversified portfolio of properties valued at R11.8 billion, comprising 64 properties of which 75% by value are well-established metropolitan shopping centres, 16% offices, 6% industrial and 3% specialised properties.

Len Van Niekerk Fountainhead’s CEO comments, “Fountainhead’s core portfolio delivered net property income growth of 7.3% during the review period, despite challenging market conditions. Positive rental reversions on lease renewals of 4.5% were achieved. Total vacancies increased from 7.1% to 9.1% during the period, however vacancies in the retail portfolio remained stable at a low 3.8% and tenant retention remains robust with 86% of leases expiring during the year being renewed. Office and industrial vacancies increased during the period as a result of a few larger tenants vacating, but these premises are already under negotiation to be relet.”

Current approved capital projects amount to over R1 billion with the potential to increase further as other projects currently under consideration come to fruition. The majority of the approved projects kick-off this year from April onwards and are expected to be completed in the later part of 2015.

Major development projects currently underway include the extension of the Checkers store at Bryanston Shopping Centre by 2000 square meters to 4000 square meters, construction of two new parking decks with direct access to the centre, and a continuing process of improving the tenant mix.

Other developments include upgrading and expansion by 3,500 square meters at Centurion Mall, the addition of 4,600 square meters at Kenilworth Centre together with improvements to the parking deck. Boulders Shopping Centre will be enhanced by 7,200 square meters including a new 3,500 square meter food anchor.

The Trust continues to investigate redevelopment proposals for Brightwater Commons in Randburg as well as the potential conversion of AMR Office Park in Bedfordview into a college campus.

Agreements were concluded to dispose of Fountainhead’s minority interests in Westgate, Southgate and the Southgate Value Market for a total consideration of R944 million. The proceeds from the disposals will be used to fund capital projects and acquisitions.

“We are focusing the activities of the Trust on core assets that can enhance performance as a key strategy and to this end Fountainhead intends disposing of the majority of its smaller properties during the course of this calendar year,” van Niekerk added.

During the period, Fountainhead acquired and took transfer of the strategically located CIB office complex in Bedfordview for a total consideration of R159 million at an initial yield of 8.15% with a long triple net lease in place. It also entered a sale and leaseback agreement with Robor Proprietary Limited to acquire the Robor Elandsfontein property for R570,7 million at an initial yield of 8.5% with an initial lease period of 10 years escalating at 8% pa.

“These acquisitions are in line with Fountainhead’s strategy to acquire large, quality assets with sustainable income growth and low risk profiles,” says van Niekerk. “While retail remains our core focus, we are also pursuing investments in other sectors which offer high-quality growing income streams, such as the Robor industrial property.”

Fountainhead ended the half year with a gearing level of 27%. During this period it increased the amount of debt hedged against changes in interest rates through swap agreements and fixed rate loans from 47% at 31 August 2013, to 62% and again to 78% subsequent to the end of the interim period.

During the period Redefine Properties Limited increased its unitholding in Fountainhead Trust to 65,9% of the units in issue. “Fountainhead enjoys considerable alignment with and support from Redefine Properties,” says van Niekerk.

Van Niekerk concluded. “I am pleased to report that we have made good progress in improving operations, debt funding and enhancing our portfolio and Fountainhead is well positioned to continue this new chapter of sustainable long-term growth in income for our investors.”

Simultaneous with the interim results, a cautionary announcement was issued whereby Redefine Properties Limited and Fountainhead have begun engaging in relation to the possible terms of a potential merger between Redefine and Fountainhead.

The engagements are still at an early stage but an independent committee of the board of Fountainhead has been established to progress discussions and to represent the interests of all Fountainhead unitholders.


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