QinetiQ Group — Momentum building

QinetiQ Group — Momentum building

QinetiQ is a business in transformation. It has a new management team, a new campaign based strategy and it is proactively adapting to meet the new defence environment in the UK and US. Solid FY17 numbers saw the first organic revenue growth since 2014, which is encouraging, and management has maintained its expectations for FY18. Underlying momentum is building at the company. Order intake, contract wins and continued organic revenue growth will demonstrate whether or not the new strategy can translate into higher returns.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

QinetiQ Group

Momentum building

FY17 results

Aerospace & defence

5 June 2017

Price

310.0p

Market cap

£1,750m

Net cash (£m) 31 March 2017

221.9

Shares in issue

564.3m

Free float

96%

Code

QQ

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

4.4

10.4

26.5

Rel (local)

0.9

7.3

4.4

52-week high/low

319.7p

217.5p

Business description

QinetiQ provides technical support services to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets. The group operates through two divisions: EMEA Services (78% of FY17 sales) and Global Products (22% of FY17 sales).

Next events

Paris Air Show

19-23 June 2017

Analysts

Alexandra West

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Roger Johnston

+44 (0)20 3077 5722

QinetiQ is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

QinetiQ is a business in transformation. It has a new management team, a new campaign based strategy and it is proactively adapting to meet the new defence environment in the UK and US. Solid FY17 numbers saw the first organic revenue growth since 2014, which is encouraging, and management has maintained its expectations for FY18. Underlying momentum is building at the company. Order intake, contract wins and continued organic revenue growth will demonstrate whether or not the new strategy can translate into higher returns.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

03/16

755.7

108.6

16.3

5.7

19.0

1.8

03/17

783.1

116.1

18.1

6.0

17.1

1.9

03/18e

831.4

110.3

16.9

6.4

18.4

2.1

03/19e

850.6

118.4

18.1

6.7

17.1

2.2

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Growth potential but facing margin headwinds

QinetiQ’s FY17 revenue grew organically by 1% to £783.1m (FY16: £755.7m). Underlying operating profit as reported by QinetiQ of £116.3m (FY16: £108.9m) was boosted by £7.4m of non-recurring trading items. Orders excluding the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) amendment were up 2% and book to bill improved to 1.3x (FY16: 1.2x). However, the EMEA Services division is facing margin headwinds from the lower baseline profit rate for single-source contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). Management issued guidance for “steady progress” in FY18, although optically earnings will fall due to the £7.4m one-off boost to profits in FY17. Our FY18 numbers remain broadly unchanged and we introduce our FY19 forecasts for the first time.

Orders will be the metric to watch

With a number of interesting campaigns ongoing, including a robotics offering in the US, there is potential for upside to the company’s restrained growth expectations. CEO Steve Wadey has stated that most of the campaigns will take three to five years to have a meaningful impact on revenue. Therefore, in the next two years we would hope to see a number of important contract wins, a growing order book and continued organic revenue growth.

Valuation: In line with its peer group

QinetiQ is currently trading on 17.1x FY19 EPS, which is in line with its aerospace and defence peers, which are trading on an average of 17.3x. QinetiQ has less US exposure than most defence and historically has been discounted accordingly. However, its recent strong share price performance implies that the market increasingly understands its strategy to become more international and believes the stock is well positioned to benefit from higher UK defence spending.

Return to organic growth as QinetiQ adapts

The FY17 results were the first opportunity for new CFO David Smith (ex Rolls-Royce) to present to the market. He and CEO Steve Wadey delivered a set of numbers that showed progress in the right direction and building underlying momentum.

Revenue grew 1% on an organic basis to £783.1m (FY16: £755.7m) due primarily to a strong performance in QinetiQ North America in the Global Products division.

Underlying operating profit as reported by the company of £116.3m (FY16: £108.9m) was boosted by £7.4m of non-recurring trading items. EMEA Services benefited from a £5.2m credit relating to the release of engine servicing obligations as QinetiQ invests in new aircraft for test aircrew training. Global Products benefited from £2.2m of credits related to historical overseas contractual disputes.

Underlying basic earnings per share were 18.1p (FY16: 16.3p) benefiting from the higher underlying profit before tax and the reduced share count following the completion of the £50m share buyback on 31 March 2017.

QinetiQ’s recent acquisitions, Meggitt Target Systems and Rubikon, appear to be performing in line with expectations. Together they contributed £9.2m of revenue and £1.2m of operating profit.

The underlying tax rate of 10.6% (FY16: 11.8%), remains below the UK statutory rate, primarily as a result of research and development expenditure credits in the UK.

Capital expenditure of £32.9m in FY17 is expected to increase to £80-100m as investment is made as per the LTPA contract amendment announced in December 2016.

As at 31 March 2017 QinetiQ had net cash of £221.9m (31 March 2016: £274.5m). The reduction was due to acquisitions, the share buyback and the progressive dividend policy.

The full year dividend increased 5% to 6.0p (FY16: 5.7p).

EMEA Services: Modernising but facing margin headwinds

EMEA Services revenue was flat on an organic basis at £613.5m with performance across all business units described as “broadly consistent”. Underlying operating profit reduced to £92.7m (FY16: £93.8m) resulting in a margin of 15.1%. As previously mentioned it was boosted by a £5.2m credit. The company attributes 80bps of margin decline (£4.6m of operating profit) to the lower baseline rate for single-source contracts

Management reiterated its guidance that EMEA Services is facing margin headwinds because the baseline profit rate for new and renewed single-source contracts signed in FY18 will fall by 149bp from the 8.95% in FY16/17 to 7.46% in FY17/18. This rate is set by the Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) and is applied to all MOD contracts that are uncompeted. It is important to note, though, that the rate is the starting point but companies can earn higher returns through adjustments for risk, capital requirements and good execution of contracts. 76% of EMEA Services revenue (FY16: 74%) is derived from single-source contracts. However, an increasing proportion of QinetiQ’s revenue is contracted on a long-term basis, which provides some protection from falling rates. For example, the £1bn 11-year contract amendment to the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) was contracted at the 2017 profit rate. This is discussed further in our update note published in March 2017.

EMEA Services delivered 78% of group revenue in FY17 (FY16: 82%) so it is by far and away QinetiQ’s most dominant division. However, it is the one facing structural challenges because the UK MOD, its primary customer, is changing the way it does business. The MOD is becoming more commercial so the procurement regime is becoming tougher for industry. Historically, UK defence procurement has been chaotic, slow moving and unpredictable. QinetiQ and others therefore see the changes as positive in the long term, even if it means they suffer some near-term margin headwinds.

QinetiQ’s EMEA Services is responding in two ways: innovating and internationalising. In the UK QinetiQ is aiming to become more reactive and responsive, which it believes will enable it to take on an even bigger role in supporting UK defence testing and evaluation. It is modernising facilities, for example aircrew training facilities, to enable growth opportunities, and it is bringing together the supply chain to offer a joined up solution. For example, it has entered into a teaming agreement with Thales and Textron to provide innovative, cost-effective and technologically advanced tri-service training using a Textron Scorpion jet equipped with Thales and QinetiQ sensors as part of the Air Support to the Defence Operational Training (ASDOT) programme.

Outside the UK, EMEA Services is constantly looking for growth opportunities. A new international business was established at the beginning of FY17, representing 6% of group revenue. Order intake in Australia grew, QinetiQ Canada achieved its first home win to provide advice to the Royal Canadian Coastguard and a new QinetiQ office is being established in Malaysia to support sales and marketing in South-East Asia.

EMEA Services orders, excluding the £1bn LTPA amendment, grew 5% to £520.9m (FY16: £495.4m). Management states that 79% of its forecast EMEA Services’ FY18 revenue was under contract at the beginning of the year, compared with 77% at the beginning of the prior year. Its book to bill ratio improved from 1.2x in FY16 to 1.3x in FY17.

Global Products: Opportunities in OptaSense and robotics

Global Products has shorter order cycles than EMEA Services so can have a lumpier revenue profile. In FY17 revenue was up 8% due to higher product shipments for the new US aircraft carriers, robotics and growth in OptaSense.

In FY17, 8% of QinetiQ’s group revenue came from the US Department of Defense (DoD). However, Global Products is showing encouraging signs that it is gaining increasing traction in the US. For example, it is currently bidding on a number of US robotics and autonomy competitions, two of which are likely to be awarded this year. QinetiQ’s specialisation in unmanned systems plays well to the US DoD’s focus on autonomy. The recent FY18 US defence budget requested 10% more for R&D than the Obama administration (as shown in Exhibit 1), much of which is expected to be spent on developing autonomous systems.

Exhibit 1: FY18 US defence budget

 

FY18 Obama ($m)

FY18 Trump ($m)

Difference (%)

Difference ($m)

Military Personnel

137,889

141,686

2.8%

3,797

Operations & Maintenance

219,039

223,277

1.9%

4,238

Procurement

115,270

114,983

-0.2%

-287

RDT&E

75,166

82,717

10.0%

7,551

Revolving & Management Funds

7,854

2,096

-73.3%

-5,758

Military Construction

1,353

8,375

519.0%

7,022

Family House

141

1,407

897.9%

1,266

Total Base Budget

556,712

574,541

3.2%

17,829

Source: US DoD Budget Materials, Edison Investment Research

The OptaSense business is also performing well and showing interesting potential in commercial markets. Growth last year was driven principally by continued strength in its pipeline sensing business and some recovery in the North American oil and gas market. It has recently signed an agreement with Siemens to pursue new opportunities in the rail sector.

Integration of the Target Systems business acquired from Meggitt in December 2016 is progressing well and is expected to start delivery good growth. CEO Steve Wadey speaks with conviction about how as a former customer, he knows that the end-to-end targeting solution that QinetiQ can now provide is in high demand.

Outlook maintained for FY18 and we introduce FY19 forecasts

This is the first time management has issued guidance for FY18, and it is maintaining expectations for “steady progress excluding the non-recurring benefits in FY17”. EMEA Services is expected to deliver modest revenue growth with a continued headwind to operating margins due to the lower baseline profit rate for single-source contracts. The Global Products division is expected to continue growing in FY18. Cash flow in FY18 will reflect increasing investment in the LTPA with £80-100m of capital expenditure.

Our forecasts for FY18 remain broadly unchanged. The only notable change in Exhibit 2 is our dividend forecast. We had previously forecast a 10% rate of growth, which was unnecessarily ahead of management’s guidance for a progressive dividend policy. We now forecast 6% growth in FY18. Exhibit 3 introduces our FY19 forecasts for the first time.

Exhibit 2: FY17 forecasts vs actuals and FY18 new forecasts

Year to March (£m)

2017

2018e

 

Estimate

Actual

% change

Prior

New

% change

EMEA Services

622.6

613.5

-1.5%

638.8

638.8

0.0%

Global Products

155.4

169.6

9.2%

187.3

192.6

2.9%

Sales

777.9

783.1

0.7%

826.0

831.4

0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

132.6

145.3

9.5%

141.3

143.1

1.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMEA Services

87.2

92.7

6.4%

86.2

86.2

0.0%

Global Products

18.6

23.6

26.6%

24.3

24.3

-0.3%

Underlying EBITA

105.8

116.3

9.9%

110.6

110.5

-0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying PTP

106.8

116.1

8.7%

111.1

110.3

-0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS - underlying continuing (p)

16.3

18.1

11.0%

16.9

16.9

-0.1%

DPS (p)

6.2

6.0

-3.1%

6.6

6.4

-3.6%

Net debt / (cash)

-193.5

-221.9

14.6%

-194.4

-198.6

2.2%

Source: QinetiQ accounts, Edison Investment Research

QinetiQ is meeting “challenges and opportunities” head on

QinetiQ is a business in transformation. CEO Steve Wadey said that he believes defence companies have two options in the changing defence environment: either sit back and try to defend the status quo of the past, or adapt and be part of shaping the future. He is choosing to meet the “challenges and opportunities head on”. QinetiQ has always been seen as technologically innovative, but management identifies a crucial nuance in that not only is it applying its innovative expertise to the technology but also to creating original and experimental customer-focused solutions and delivery. In QinetiQ’s own words, “turning creativity and innovation into tangible value for our customers increasingly requires innovative thinking across the broader range of activities.”

Initial evidence of this new way of operating was given in the recent agreement with Rockwell Collins to collaborate on the next generation of Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. Rockwell Collins is the global leader in secure military GPS receivers and QinetiQ has critical satellite navigation technologies that enable the development of multi constellation solutions. It is very significant that Rockwell Collins, one of the defence industry giants in the US, has chosen to partner with QinetiQ.

For the past year QinetiQ has been operating a campaign strategy with the aim of maximising opportunities for products across customers. There are reported to be more than 30 growth campaigns, all of which are worth tens of millions of pounds, and some are reported to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds. We expect that it will be three to five years before this strategy delivers meaningful revenue growth; however, if it is successful there should be an increase in order intake, notable contract wins and continued organic growth.

Financials and valuation

Cash focused on higher capex for the LTPA

QinetiQ started FY17 with net cash of £274.5m. Operating cash flow of £117.7m covered capex of £32.9m and acquisition outlays of £65.7m (on Meggitt Target Systems and Rubikon). Share buybacks of £48.1m and dividend payments of £33.4m led to end-March 2017 year net cash of £221.9m. Management has guided that capex will rise to between £80-100m in FY18 in order to invest in facilities for the LTPA (for further details see our March note – we are modelling £100m). It is also expects a partial unwinding of net working capital. Company cash contributions to the pension plan are £13m per year until 31 March 2018. We therefore forecast £198.6m of cash at end FY18, leaving QinetiQ with a strong balance sheet. Its stated capital allocation priorities are:

Investing in organic capabilities, complemented by bolt-on acquisitions where there is a strong strategic fit.

Maintain the necessary balance sheet strength.

Provide a progressive dividend to shareholders.

Return excess cash to shareholders.

Valuation

QinetiQ is trading on 17.1x FY19e EPS, placing it in line with it aerospace and defence peers, which are trading on an average of 17.3x. It is also trading in line on an FY19e EV/EBITDA of 9.2x compared to a sector average of 9.7x. QinetiQ has less US exposure than most defence stocks so has not benefited from the wave of optimism surrounding US defence; however, the growth in FY17 came from North America so this perception of the stock may be outdated.

Exhibit 3: Financial summary

£m

2015

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

Year end 31 March

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

763.8

755.7

783.1

831.4

850.6

Cost of Sales

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Gross Profit

763.8

755.7

783.1

831.4

850.6

EBITDA

 

 

134.5

134.7

145.3

143.1

150.1

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

 

 

113.5

111.3

118.9

113.1

120.0

Intangible Amortisation

(1.5)

(2.5)

(2.6)

(2.6)

(2.5)

Exceptionals

(3.1)

(18.4)

15.4

(5.2)

(4.6)

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Operating Profit

108.9

90.4

131.7

105.3

113.0

Net Interest

(3.5)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.2)

0.8

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

108.5

108.6

116.1

110.3

118.4

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

105.4

90.2

131.5

105.1

113.8

Tax

12.0

8.4

(8.2)

(14.2)

(15.4)

Profit After Tax (norm)

96.7

95.8

103.8

95.4

102.4

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

117.4

98.6

123.3

90.9

98.4

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

630.9

587.0

573.9

564.9

564.9

EPS - normalised (p)

 

 

15.3

16.3

18.1

16.9

18.1

EPS - normalised and fully diluted (p)

 

 

15.2

16.2

17.9

16.7

18.0

EPS - (IFRS) (p)

 

 

18.6

16.8

21.5

16.1

17.4

Dividend per share (p)

5.4

5.7

6.0

6.4

6.7

Gross Margin (%)

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

EBITDA Margin (%)

17.6

17.8

18.6

17.2

17.6

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

14.9

14.7

15.2

13.6

14.1

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

354.8

317.4

384.1

447.6

507.2

Intangible Assets

122.5

81.4

142.5

137.9

134.1

Tangible Assets

229.6

233.4

238.8

306.9

370.3

Investments

2.7

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

Current Assets

 

 

386.1

453.8

587.8

577.8

586.3

Stocks

18.5

19.0

28.9

29.4

30.4

Debtors

143.4

129.9

144.9

153.8

157.4

Cash

195.5

274.5

221.9

198.6

189.1

Other

28.7

30.4

192.1

196.0

209.5

Current Liabilities

 

 

(370.6)

(383.9)

(372.0)

(371.0)

(379.2)

Creditors

(370.6)

(383.9)

(372.0)

(371.0)

(379.2)

Short term borrowings

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(72.2)

(62.5)

(67.3)

(66.8)

(66.4)

Long term borrowings

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other long term liabilities

(72.2)

(62.5)

(67.3)

(66.9)

(66.4)

Net Assets

 

 

298.1

324.8

532.6

587.6

648.0

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

112.5

182.4

117.7

126.0

138.4

Net Interest

0.0

(3.5)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.2)

Tax

0.0

(17.3)

(8.2)

(14.2)

(15.4)

Capex

(29.0)

(30.2)

(32.9)

(100.3)

(95.8)

Acquisitions/disposals

75.9

27.4

(65.7)

0.0

0.0

Financing

(106.8)

(48.6)

(48.1)

0.0

0.0

Dividends

(31.7)

(32.3)

(33.4)

(34.6)

(36.6)

Other

4.1

1.1

18.2

0.0

0.0

Net Cash Flow

25.0

79.0

(52.6)

(23.3)

(9.5)

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(170.5)

(195.5)

(274.5)

(221.9)

(198.6)

HP finance leases initiated

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other

(0.0)

(0.0)

0.0

0.0

(0.0)

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(195.5)

(274.5)

(221.9)

(198.6)

(189.1)

Source: QinetiQ accounts, Edison Investment Research

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by QinetiQ Group and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2017. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by QinetiQ Group and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2017. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Research: Real Estate

Regional REIT — Dividend up, vacancy down

Regional REIT (RGL) issued a trading update on 25 May providing portfolio statistics and declared a dividend of 1.8p for Q117 and then announced a major new letting on 30 May. Management has continued to reduce tenant concentration and has further rebalanced the portfolio towards offices and away from Scotland, in line with the intentions stated when it listed in November 2015. Regional economies remain robust, supporting occupier demand, while investment in new buildings is still subdued, constraining supply. RGL offers an attractive dividend supported by a growing portfolio of high-yielding assets in markets that may be more resilient to macroeconomic headwinds than London real estate.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free