Primary Health Properties — Successful merger and strong outlook

Primary Health Properties (LSE: PHP)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

GBP0.95

0.65 (0.69%)

Market capitalisation

GBP1,261m

More on this equity

Research: Real Estate

Primary Health Properties — Successful merger and strong outlook

PHP’s recent interim results showed strong underlying progress enhanced by a first-time contribution from MedicX (for three and a half months) and early achievement of the targeted merger operating synergies. Accelerating rental growth, ongoing asset management initiatives, a strong pipeline of acquisition opportunities and capital resources to fund these all bode well for future growth in recurring earnings and dividends.

Martyn King

Written by

Martyn King

Director, Financials

Real Estate

Primary Health Properties

Successful merger and strong outlook

Interim results

Real estate

29 August 2019

Price

136p

Market cap

£1,547m

Net debt (£m) at 30 June 2019

1,124

Net LTV at 30 June 2019

47.9%

Shares in issue

1,137.4m

Free float

97%

Code

PHP

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

1.6

1.9

20.9

Rel (local)

7.3

3.9

29.9

52-week high/low

139.0p

106.4p

Business description

Primary Health Properties (PHP) is a long-term investor in primary healthcare property in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Assets are mainly long-let to GPs and the NHS or HSE, organisations backed by the UK and Irish governments, respectively. The tenant profile and long average lease duration provide an exceptionally secure rental income stream.

Next events

Q319 DPS paid

23 August 2019

Analysts

Martyn King

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Andrew Mitchell

+44 (0)20 3681 2500

Primary Health Properties is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

PHP’s recent interim results showed strong underlying progress enhanced by a first-time contribution from MedicX (for three and a half months) and early achievement of the targeted merger operating synergies. Accelerating rental growth, ongoing asset management initiatives, a strong pipeline of acquisition opportunities and capital resources to fund these all bode well for future growth in recurring earnings and dividends.

Year
end

Net rental income (£m)

Adj. EPRA earnings* (£m)

Diluted adj.
EPRA EPS* (p)

Adj. EPRA** NAV/share (p)

DPS
(p)

P/NAV
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/17

71.3

31.0

5.1

100.7

5.25

1.35

3.9

12/18

76.4

36.8

5.2

105.1

5.40

1.29

4.0

12/19e

117.0

60.4

5.7

107.0

5.60

1.27

4.1

12/20e

133.5

70.2

6.2

111.1

5.80

1.22

4.3

Note: *Excludes valuation movements, amortisation of acquired fixed rate debt revaluation and other exceptional items. **Adjusts for fair value of derivative interest rate contracts and convertible bond, acquired fixed rate debt revaluation and deferred tax.

Strong underlying performance and merger delivery

H119 adjusted EPRA earnings increased by 63% to £27.9m and EPS by 13% to 2.8p. Of the total, PHP’s existing business contributed £20.3m (H118: £17.1m) and MedicX contributed £7.6m in the three and half months since the merger completed. Dividends increased by 3.7%, the 23rd year of growth, fully covered by adjusted EPRA earnings, and the company is well on target to meet its full year DPS target of 5.6p. Adjusted EPRA NAV per share was little changed at 115.2p and including dividends paid the adjusted EPRA NAV total return was 2.8% or a little more than 4% excluding c 1.4p of negative merger related effects. Our adjusted EPRA EPS forecasts are increased by c 2–4% for each of next three years. Our forecast DPS growth remains unchanged but with cover increased there is scope for a positive surprise.

Well placed for future growth

The merger brought together two complementary high-quality portfolios and created a scale platform, well placed to profitably address the substantial investment needs of the primary healthcare sectors in both the UK and Ireland. In both countries there is broad political will to reform healthcare provision, placing more emphasis on primary care to meet the increasing healthcare needs of growing and ageing populations. The requirement for larger, more flexible, higher-quality premises will provide significant investment opportunities for the enlarged group in coming years. The current pipeline of opportunities totals c £150m, including c £70m of properties that are in solicitors’ hands and subject to contract.

Valuation: Secure income with growth

PHP offers an attractive and growing dividend, fully covered by earnings. Income visibility is strong, with revenues supported by secure, long-term income, substantially subject to upward-only review, with little exposure to the economic cycle, or fluctuations in occupancy. The complementary nature of the merger and added scale have enhanced future growth prospects.

Transformational half year and positive outlook

PHP’s all share merger with MedicX completed in March, bringing together two complementary high-quality portfolios, focused on modern, flexible, purpose-built, primary healthcare facilities located across the UK and Ireland. The combination has brought immediate cost savings while building a much stronger platform, well placed to profitably address the substantial investment needs of the primary healthcare sectors in both countries.

H119 saw good earnings growth from PHP’s existing business, enhanced by a first-time contribution from MedicX (for three and a half months) and early achievement of the targeted operating synergies of c £4m pa. The group is well on track to deliver its 23rd year of consecutive dividend growth, with prospective dividends fully covered by earnings. While integrating the two businesses, PHP has continued to selectively increase the portfolio, particularly in Ireland, and the pipeline of further acquisition opportunities is strong. Since the period end PHP has issued £150m in 2.875% unsecured convertible bonds, contributing to a continuing reduction in the average cost of finance.

Exhibit 1: Summary of H119 financial performance

£m unless stated otherwise

H119

H118

H119/H118

FY18

Net rental income

53.8

37.4

44%

76.4

Administrative expenses

(5.9)

(4.8)

23%

(9.9)

Net finance expense

(20.0)

(15.5)

29%

(29.7)

Adjusted EPRA earnings

27.9

17.1

63%

36.8

Other income/(expense)

(4.1)

0.4

1.5

Net result on property portfolio

17.7

21.2

36.0

Exceptional items related to MedicX merger

– contract termination fee

(10.2)

N/A

N/A

– exceptional revaluation loss

(138.4)

N/A

N/A

Amortisation of fair value adjustment on acquired debt

1.0

N/A

N/A

Tax charge

(0.4)

0.0

0.0

IFRS earnings

(106.5)

38.7

74.3

Basic IFRS EPS (p)

(10.7)

5.7

10.5

Basic EPRA EPS (p)

1.9

2.5

5.2

Diluted adjusted EPRA EPS (p)

2.8

2.5

13%

5.2

DPS (p)

2.8

2.7

4%

5.4

Adjusted EPRA NAV per share (p)

105.2

104.2

0%

105.1

EPRA NAV total return (%)

2.8%

6.1%

9.8%

Investment portfolio (£bn)

2.35

1.42

66%

1.50

Net LTV (%)

47.9%

44.6%

44.8%

EPRA cost ratio (%)

12.2%

14.3%

14.3%

Source: PHP data, Edison Investment Research

Recurring earnings grew strongly during H119. The key features were:

Adjusted EPRA earnings increased by 63% to £27.9m and adjusted EPRA EPS by 13% to 2.8p. Of the total adjusted EPRA earnings, PHP’s existing business contributed £20.3m (H118: £17.1m) and MedicX made a three-and-a-half-month contribution of £7.6m. In addition to the normal EPRA adjustments to the IFRS earnings, adjusted EPRA earnings adds back the £10.2m one-off exceptional expense that was incurred to terminate the MedicX investment advisory agreement with Octopus Healthcare, and excludes the £1.0m non-cash recurring amortisation (a positive item in IFRS finance expenses) related to the fair value adjustment on fixed rate debt previously acquired by MedicX.

Net rental income growth of 44% reflected the merger, portfolio acquisitions and continuing improvements in the pace of rent growth. Rent reviews agreed in the period showed an average uplift of 1.9% pa, adding £0.9m pa to rent roll (FY18: 1.4%, adding £1.1m pa).

Administrative cost growth benefited from the early achievement of the £4.0m pa operational cost savings targeted in the merger, including the impact of revised management fee schedules and other administrative cost savings. Excluding performance incentive fees (PIF), administrative costs grew by 19% to £5.0m compared with the 66% growth in the investment portfolio to £2.35bn. Including a PIF accrual of £0.9m (H118: £0.6m) administrative costs grew 23% to £5.9m. Reflecting only three and a half months of merger synergies, the EPRA cost ratio declined to 12.2% (FY18: 14.3%), likely to be among the lowest if not the lowest in the UK REIT sector, and should fall further. The increased PIF accrual reflects the strong returns generated by PHP in FY18 and H119.

Higher underlying net interest expense reflected the debt acquired with the MedicX merger, offset by the reductions in the average cost of debt achieved in FY18. In July, post the period-end, £150m of 2.875% unsecured convertible bonds were issued, and £75m of 5.375% retail bonds were repaid at maturity, resulting in a further 25bp reduction in the average cost of debt to 3.75%.

Dividends increased by 3.7% in H119, the 23rd year of growth, and were fully covered by adjusted EPRA earnings. Quarterly dividends of 1.4p per share were paid in February and May and a third quarterly DPS of 1.4p will be paid on 23 August. The company expects to pay 5.6p for the year barring unforeseen circumstances and intends to maintain its policy of paying a progressive dividend that is covered by earnings in each financial year.

Statutory earnings reflect non-recurring merger impacts as well as net property revaluation gains. The merger effects were overwhelmingly non-cash and reflected the accounting treatment for the all-share merger. The increase in the PHP share price during the merger process, to 129.2p at closing, increased the value of the shares issued and the total consideration paid for MedicX (which also included £14.5m in transaction costs) to £455.1m. The fair value of MedicX assets acquired was £316.7m, resulting in an exceptional revaluation loss of £138.4m. Only the £14.5m in transactions costs was reflected in a cash movement. Additionally, the £10.2m expense incurred to terminate the MedicX investment advisory agreement with Octopus Healthcare is included in IFRS earnings. The other items included in IFRS earnings but not in adjusted EPRA earnings were:

Net property revaluation of £17.7m or 0.8%, including £3.2m in respect of the assets added by the MedicX merger. The revaluation surplus was driven by rental growth with the blended net initial yield remaining stable at 4.85%.

Other expenses of £4.1m reflecting fair value movements on interest rate derivatives and convertible bonds.

Non-cash amortisation of the fair value adjustment to acquired debt of £1.0m.

Including dividends paid in the period, the adjusted EPRA NAV total return was 2.8% or a little more than 4% excluding the merger related effects. Adjusted EPRA NAV per share was little changed during H119 at 105.2p (end-FY18: 105.1p) with recurring earnings distributed as dividends and property revaluation offsetting one-off merger impacts. In addition to the normal adjustments for deferred tax and fair value movements on interest rate hedging derivatives and on convertible bonds, adjusted EPRA NAV adds back the fair value adjustment on MedicX acquired fixed rate debt (net of amortisation).

Exhibit 2: NAV Bridge

Source: Primary Health Properties

Attractive scale portfolio with good growth prospects

The merger brought together two complementary high-quality portfolios and has created a strong platform for further growth. Continuing signs of a pick-up in open market rents provide a positive backdrop for organic rental growth driven by ongoing asset management. The pipeline of further acquisition opportunities is strong and, as we discuss in the financial section below, PHP has the financial resources to pursue these.

Strong portfolio metrics

At 30 June 2019 the portfolio comprised 483 assets, including eight on-site forward funded developments, externally valued at £2.35bn, reflecting a net initial yield (NIY) of 4.85%. The rent roll was £125.6m including the development assets at completion. The merger with MedicX added a complementary, high-quality portfolio of 167 assets valued at £804m and the group continued to selectively grow its portfolio through acquisitions, adding four assets in the period and exchanging contracts to acquire The Meath Primary Healthcare Centre in Dublin for €10.9m, its 484th asset and its15th asset in Ireland.

Exhibit 3: Portfolio summary

30 June 2019

31 December 2018

Total number of properties

483

313

Of which in Ireland

14

8

Investment portfolio value (£bn)

2.35

1.5

Contracted rent roll (£m)

125.6

79

Net initial yield (NIY, %)

4.85%

4.85%

Average lot size (£m)

4.9

4.8

Average WAULT (years)

13

13.1

Occupancy (%)

99.50%

99.8%

Government backed rents (%)

90%

91%

Source: PHP data

The portfolio metrics are strong with the normal high occupancy (99.5%), a strong tenant covenant (90% UK and Irish government backed), and long weighted average unexpired lease term (WAULT) of 13.0 years. The non-government backed rents are predominantly (9%) from low-risk pharmacies co-located within the health facilities. Only 1.6% of total rent is due to expire over the next three years. A further positive indicator of the quality of the assets, average lot size has continued to increase and is now £4.9m (end-FY18: £4.8m). Properties valued at more than £3m represent 83.5% of the total and there are only eight assets valued at less than £1m. The UK portfolio is well spread geographically, with London and the South East weighting up to 20%. By value, Ireland represents 7% of the portfolio and we would expect this to increase to at least 10% over time.

Organic growth from developments and asset management

The enlarged group had eight forward funded developments onsite at the end of H119 with a net development cost of £59.5m and costs to complete not yet incurred of £32.7m. We expect these to contribute a little more than £3m pa to rental income at completion which, for all eight assets, is expected in the current year. Since the start of H219, two of the assets have already completed, with an aggregate development cost of £6.4m.

Organic rental growth from the existing asset base remains an area of strong focus. This mainly arises from rent reviews and through asset management projects (extensions, refurbishments, and lease re-gears), which provide an important opportunity to increase income, extend lease terms, and ensure that the properties continue to meet the needs of the tenants and the services they provide. This benefits income and capital values. In H119 eight such projects were completed, with three currently on site and 11 further projects approved and due to commence shortly. The projects represent £4.9m in investment, will generate £0.3m of additional annualised rental income, and will extend the WAULT on those properties by an average 17 years. PHP has a pipeline of more than 60 potential projects.

Rent growth showing signs of picking up

Low rates of inflation (in contrast to land and building cost inflation) and low open-market rent review increases in recent years have resulted in muted overall levels of rent growth, especially compared with the broader, mainstream commercial property market (industrial and office assets in particular). However, the accelerating trend of the past three years continued in H119 and comes at a time when rental growth in the broader market has weakened. The average uplift on rent reviews completed in H119 was 1.9%, which compares with an average 1.4% in FY18.

Exhibit 4: Rental growth history

Source: PHP data, Edison Investment Research. Note: Average annual increase achieved in completed rent reviews.

Open market rent reviews account for 68% of PHP’s rents, with the balance represented by indexed/RPI based rents (25%) or fixed uplift agreements (7%). After several years of failing to sufficiently capture the strong rise in land and build costs there are increasing signs of acceleration and this has the potential to be a key driver of future organic rental growth. The slow growth in open market rents in recent years is attributed to financial pressures and reorganisation within the NHS that slowed decision making and the commissioning and development of new primary healthcare facilities. This dearth of new developments has restricted the opportunities for increased land and building costs to be adequately reflected in the rent reviews for existing assets and threatens to restrict the flow of much-needed private investment to support modernisation of the primary healthcare estate. There is now a growing optimism that this is changing as NHS reforms bed down, plans take shape and development activity picks up. In H119 an average 0.9% pa uplift in open market rents (3.0% on RPI-linked and 3.1% on fixed uplifts) was noticeably higher than the average 0.4% achieved in FY18 (2.7% on RPI-linked and 2.6% on fixed uplifts). At the end of H119, 197 open market rent reviews remained outstanding, representing a substantial estimated rental value (ERV) of £32.4m, an uplift of c £1.6m to the current passing rent and equivalent to a 1.7% pa increase.

Strong acquisition pipeline

In both the UK and Ireland, there is broad political will to reform healthcare provision, placing more emphasis on primary care to meet the increasing healthcare needs of growing and ageing populations. The requirement for larger, more flexible, higher-quality premises will provide significant investment opportunities for the enlarged group in coming years.

In addition to strengthening PHP’s ability to fund investments, the merger with MedicX has added complementary development partners, enhancing its ability to source opportunities. The pipeline of further potential acquisitions remains strong in both the UK and Ireland totalling c £150m, which includes £70m of properties that are in solicitors’ hands and subject to contract.

With access to attractive marginal funding rates (c 2.7% in the UK and c 1.7% in Ireland) and low marginal management fee rates (0.27%) the spread between income returns after financing and other costs remains clearly positive, and especially so in Ireland.

Financials

Forecasts increased

We have increased our adjusted EPRA earnings and adjusted EPRA EPS forecasts by 3–4% for each of the next three years (Exhibit 5). The forecast increase results from a combination of slightly lower costs and slightly higher revenues, building off the H119 performance.

Exhibit 5: Estimate revisions

Net rental income
(£m)

Adjusted EPRA earnings(£m)

Diluted adjusted. EPRA EPS (p)

DPS
(p)

Dividend cover
(%)

Adjusted EPRA NAVPS (p)

Old

New

% diff

Old

New

% diff

Old

New

% diff

Old

New

% diff

Old

New

% diff

Old

New

% diff

12/19e

115.6

117.0

1.2

59.3

60.4

1.8

5.6

5.7

1.5

5.6

5.6

0.0

101%

103%

1.8

106.4

107.0

0.6

12/20e

131.9

133.5

1.2

68.1

70.2

3.1

6.0

6.2

3.1

5.8

5.8

0.0

103%

106%

3.1

110.6

111.1

0.5

12/21e

141.3

143.7

1.7

70.1

72.8

3.9

6.1

6.4

4.2

6.0

6.0

0.0

102%

107%

4.2

115.1

115.6

0.4

Source: Edison Investment Research

Underlying growth assumptions

They key underlying forecast assumptions we make relate to asset growth and funding:

We assume new investment commitments of £70m in H219, reflecting the pipeline of acquisitions at an advanced stage reported with the interim results, and taking the total for the year to just over £100m. We continue to forecast an increase in commitments to £150m pa in FY20 and FY21. We assume a mix of fully let completed assets and forward funding commitments, in both the UK and Ireland.

For the UK we assume a blended cash yield on investment of 4.75% for standing assets and 5.0% for development assets and in the RoI we assume 5.25% for standing assets and 5.75% for development assets. The blended yield on our assumed new commitments is 5.13% in FY20 and FY21 and a little higher in H219 when we assume a higher weight of development assets. We assume a blended average 2.0% pa rental growth.

For commitments to forward funding agreements the cash is deployed over time causing our forecast cash investment to lag the commitments in FY19, although the two converge in subsequent periods. We expect PHP to fund its future growth with a mix of new equity and debt capital, but for modelling purposes we assume all debt funding and no equity issuance. Our debt funding assumptions for the period from end-H119 include the £150m of convertible bond issuance and £275m of additional secured debt. The secured debt assumption is ahead of the c £200m available headroom at end-H119 and anticipates the arrangement of additional facilities. For new secured debt we assume a rate of 3.3% (previously 3.5%). This is above the current marginal rate applicable to PHP’s existing facilities of less than 3% in the UK and less than 2% in Ireland, but we feel is more representative of medium-term funding costs.

Our cost estimates are substantially driven by the revised fee schedules in place following the merger with MedicX. In addition, and in line with our overall return expectations, we allow for £1.8m pa (previously £1.0m pa) of performance incentive fee (PIF) payments to the investment adviser.

We make no assumption of changes in market valuation yields (either up or down) and reflect the assumed rental growth in gross revaluation gains. We estimate that a 0.1% decrease in the portfolio net initial yield would increase FY19e EPRA NAV per share by c 4p, with a 0.1% increase in net initial yield having a similar negative impact.

Funding available for growth

The enlarged group has a broadly diversified portfolio of debt facilities, with a long average maturity, substantially fixed rate or hedged. The average cost of debt has continued to reduce and management expects a further improvement.

Total debt facilities amounted to £1,376m at end-H119 of which £1,138m had been drawn. 93% of the drawn debt and 77% of the aggregate debt facility was fixed rate or hedged. The net loan to value ratio (LTV) of 47.9% (FY18: 44.8%) and the average cost of debt of 4.0% (FY18: 3.9%) were both slightly increased in H119 by the inclusion of MedicX with a higher LTV than PHP and a higher average cost of debt on its longer-term fixed rate borrowings.

Since 30 June the £75m 5.375% unsecured retail bond has been repaid at maturity and £150m of 2.875% unsecured convertible bonds have been issued, reducing the average cost of borrowing to 3.75%. Allowing for this refinancing activity, the pro-forma end-H119 average debt maturity was 7.6 years with significant further debt capital resources remaining with which to fund portfolio growth. On a similar pro-forma basis there was £208m of unsecured borrowing headroom at end-H119 and a healthy balance of £153m of unfettered assets.

As noted above, our modelling assumes that all of the portfolio growth we forecast is debt funded, taking gross debt to c £1.5bn by end-FY21, using currently undrawn debt facilities and requiring additional borrowing to be arranged. In reality, we would expect PHP to increase its equity capital resources during this period, although the timing and terms of this are difficult to anticipate. As noted above, we have assumed the marginal debt funding rate strikes a balance between the likely medium-term cost of funding and the lower marginal rate of debt funding available in current market conditions. This may prove conservative as PHP expects to derive further funding benefits from its increased scale and favourable market conditions.

Continuing refinancing opportunity

The average cost of both the PHP and MedicX debt and derivatives is above current market values, reflected in the published negative £98.9m fixed rate debt mark-to-market impact at 30 June 2019. Other than at maturity, we do not expect PHP to take any significant action to refinance the existing debt as this would trigger settlement of the mark-to-market liability and would be effectively net present value neutral despite lowering recurring interest costs. However, new borrowing should immediately benefit from the increased scale of the group and debt maturities in coming years (more than £350m before the end of 2022) will provide additional opportunities for the enlarged group to leverage its scale to optimise its funding position. The actual impact will depend on market rates and financing conditions at the time, but we estimate that based on our FY20 estimates every 10bp reduction in average interest costs enhances forecast EPRA earnings by almost 2%.

Valuation

With economic momentum faltering and interest rates remaining low, within the broad UK property sector those companies with a focus on assets that provide secure and visible income growth have continued to find favour with investors This includes primary healthcare property where strong investment fundamentals, the security and length of leases, and signs of rental growth acceleration are all positive factors. Historical returns on primary healthcare assets have been higher than other sectors of the UK commercial property market, with a lower level of volatility. This has been a function of more resilient income, with no material voids and rents continuing to grow through downturns and more muted yield shifts. Driven by the anticipated operational and financial benefits, PHP’s merger with MedicX has also had a positive impact on its share price performance, increasing from 115.2p at the time of the announcement to 129.2p at close, and rising further since. With an increased market capitalisation and increasing share trading liquidity, along with the positive sector fundamentals, we would expect PHP shares to appeal to a broader group of investors worldwide to provide long-term valuation support.

PHP’s target FY19 dividend of 5.60p represents a 4.3% dividend yield on the current share price, with growth potential, and is covered by forecast cash earnings off a secure, long-term income stream. With c 90% of the rent roll funded directly or indirectly by the NHS in the UK or HSE in Ireland, it is tempting to draw comparison with the generic yield on 10-year gilts at c 0.5%. This secure and growing dividend return on PHP shares provides support for a continuing valuation premium to EPRA NAV.

Between the end of 2013 and the end of 2018, PHP generated an EPRA NAV total return of 74.6% or a compound 11.8% pa. Dividends paid have accounted for around a half of the return, with capital values benefiting from yield tightening and modest rental growth. The H119 EPRA NAV total return was 2.8% after absorbing merger-related effects.

Exhibit 6: Five-year NAV total return of 11.8% pa compound

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014–18

Opening EPRA NAV per share (p)

74.9

79.7

87.7

91.1

100.7

74.9

Closing EPRA NAV per share (p)

79.7

87.7

91.1

100.7

105.1

105.1

Dividends paid in period (p)

4.88

5.00

5.13

5.25

5.40

25.65

NAV total return

12.9%

16.4%

9.7%

16.3%

9.8%

74.6%

Compound annual average return

11.8%

Source: Edison Investment Research

With indications of open market rental growth picking up and the scope for further yield tightening less clear, we would expect the balance of future returns to shift towards income. At some point we are likely to enter a market environment in which valuation yields stop tightening and may even increase again, although the latter is only likely in the context of a broad property market yield shift. This would have no impact on the rental income from existing assets and would increase the cash yield available on acquisitions. In our near-term estimates, by assuming capital value growth in line with 2.0% assumed rent growth, our forecast EPRA NAV total returns including a full merger impact in FY20 and FY21 are above 9% pa, of which income returns represent around two-thirds of the total.

In Exhibit 7 we show the key valuation and performance metrics for PHP, a group of peers with similarly long lease exposure to a range of asset types with differing covenant strengths, the broad UK property sector and the FTSE All-Share Index. For comparative purposes, the data are on a trailing basis, using the last published EPRA NAVs and trailing 12-month dividends declared. Within the peer group, primary healthcare assets are differentiated by the strength of the tenant covenant and lease terms that provide significant exposure to a pick-up in open market rents compared with significant index-linked rents among peers. Given the multi-year lag in open market rents and signs of acceleration, this may well prove advantageous.

Exhibit 7: Peer comparison

Price
(p)

Market cap (£m)

P/NAV
(x)

Yield
(%)

Share price performance

1 month

3 months

12 months

From 12M high

Assura

68

1631

1.27

4.0

3%

6%

20%

-3%

Impact Healthcare

111

318

1.06

5.5

-2%

4%

7%

-3%

Lxi

130

679

1.14

4.3

0%

3%

20%

-1%

Secure Income

434

1401

1.08

3.7

4%

7%

14%

-1%

Supermarket Income

106

254

1.10

5.3

2%

3%

4%

0%

Target Healthcare

116

448

1.08

5.7

2%

0%

2%

-2%

Tritax Big Box

138

2357

0.92

4.9

-12%

-6%

-7%

-15%

Average

1.09

4.8

0%

2%

8%

-4%

Primary Health Properties

136

1543

1.26

4.1

0%

2%

20%

-2%

UK property index

1,626

4.2

-3%

-3%

-9%

-10%

FTSE All-Share Index

3,881

4.9

-6%

-3%

-7%

-8%

Source: PHP data, Edison Investment Research. Note: Based on last reported EPRA NAV and 12-month trailing dividends declared. Prices at 27 August 2019.

Exhibit 8: Financial summary

£m

2017

2018

2019e

2020e

2021e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Net rental income

71.3

76.4

117.0

133.5

143.7

Administrative expenses

(8.7)

(9.9)

(12.2)

(12.9)

(13.3)

EBITDA

62.6

66.5

104.8

120.6

130.5

Net result on property portfolio

64.5

36.0

37.7

42.1

46.0

Other acquisition related value adjustment

0.0

0.0

(148.6)

0.0

0.0

Operating profit before financing costs

127.1

102.5

(6.0)

162.7

176.5

Net Interest

(31.6)

(29.7)

(41.8)

(47.0)

(54.3)

Net other income/expense

(3.6)

1.5

(4.1)

0.0

0.0

Profit Before Tax

91.9

74.3

(51.9)

115.6

122.2

Tax

0.0

0.0

(0.4)

0.0

0.0

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

91.9

74.3

(52.3)

115.6

122.2

Adjusted for the following:

Net gain/(loss) on revaluation

(64.5)

(36.0)

(37.7)

(42.1)

(46.0)

Profit on disposal

0.0

(0.1)

0.0

0.0

0.0

Fair value gain/(loss) on derivatives & convertible bond

3.6

(1.4)

4.1

0.0

0.0

Exceptional revaluation related to MedicX acquisition

0.0

0.0

138.4

0.0

0.0

Deferred tax

0.0

0.0

0.4

0.0

0.0

EPRA earnings

31.0

36.8

52.8

73.6

76.2

Exceptional item

0.0

0.0

10.2

0.0

0.0

Amortisation of fair value adjustment to acquired debt

0.0

0.0

(2.7)

(3.4)

(3.4)

Adjusted EPRA earnings

31.0

36.8

60.4

70.2

72.8

Period end number of shares (m)

619.4

769.1

1,137.4

1,137.4

1,137.4

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

600.7

708.6

1,065.2

1,137.4

1,137.4

Fully diluted average number of shares outstanding (m)

665.5

732.7

1,065.2

1,137.4

1,137.4

Basic IFRS EPS (p)

15.3

10.5

(4.9)

10.2

10.7

Diluted adjusted EPRA EPS (p)

5.1

5.2

5.7

6.2

6.4

Dividend per share (p)

5.250

5.400

5.600

5.800

6.000

Dividend cover (EPRA earnings/dividends paid)

99%

101%

103%

106%

107%

EPRA cost ratio

13.2%

14.3%

11.8%

11.1%

10.6%

BALANCE SHEET

Non-current assets

1,361.9

1,503.5

2,427.8

2,626.0

2,823.9

Investment properties

1,361.9

1,502.9

2,427.8

2,626.0

2,823.9

Other non-current assets

0.0

0.6

0.0

0.0

0.0

Current Assets

10.5

10.5

49.2

34.4

29.1

Cash & equivalents

3.8

5.9

35.7

20.9

15.6

Other current assets

6.7

4.6

13.5

13.5

13.5

Current Liabilities

(33.9)

(134.5)

(55.9)

(55.9)

(55.9)

Current borrowing

(0.8)

(102.4)

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other current liabilities

(33.1)

(32.1)

(55.9)

(55.9)

(55.9)

Non-current liabilities

(751.7)

(591.5)

(1,271.8)

(1,405.5)

(1,544.1)

Non-current borrowings

(729.6)

(573.7)

(1,244.5)

(1,378.2)

(1,516.8)

Other non-current liabilities

(22.1)

(17.8)

(27.3)

(27.3)

(27.3)

Net Assets

586.8

788.0

1,149.3

1,199.0

1,253.0

Derivative interest rate swaps

24.5

17.2

20.5

20.5

20.5

Change in fair value of convertible bond

12.3

3.4

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other EPRA adjustments

0.0

0.0

47.7

44.4

41.0

Adjusted EPRA net assets

623.6

808.6

1,217.6

1,263.9

1,314.5

IFRS NAV per share (p)

94.7

102.5

101.0

105.4

110.2

Adjusted EPRA NAV per share (p)

100.7

105.1

107.0

111.1

115.6

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

60.1

68.5

103.7

119.2

129.1

Net Interest & other financing charges

(37.8)

(35.1)

(41.1)

(48.4)

(55.6)

Tax

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Acquisitions/disposals

(75.4)

(101.9)

(75.6)

(154.7)

(150.5)

Net proceeds from issue of shares

(0.1)

111.0

(0.3)

0.0

0.0

Debt drawn/(repaid)

82.3

(5.6)

105.5

135.0

140.0

Equity dividends paid (net of scrip)

(29.8)

(34.7)

(54.5)

(66.0)

(68.2)

Other cash movements and FX

(0.1)

0.6

(7.1)

(0.0)

0.0

Net change in cash

(1.3)

2.1

29.8

(14.9)

(5.3)

Opening cash & equivalents

5.1

3.8

5.9

35.7

20.9

Closing net cash & equivalents

3.8

5.9

35.7

20.9

15.6

Debt as per balance sheet

(730.4)

(676.1)

(1,244.5)

(1,378.2)

(1,516.8)

Convertible bond fair value adjustment

12.3

3.4

0.0

0.0

0.0

Unamortised borrowing costs

(6.1)

(6.4)

(13.9)

(11.9)

(9.9)

Acquired debt at fair value

0.0

45.3

42.0

38.6

Net debt

(720.4)

(673.2)

(1,177.4)

(1,327.2)

(1,472.5)

Net LTV (%)

52.9%

44.8%

48.6%

50.7%

52.3%

Source: Company data, Edison Investment Research


General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Primary Health Properties and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Primary Health Properties. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: 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 and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. 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.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, 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 securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. 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, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “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.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

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. 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 (i.e. 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.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison 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.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison 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. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, 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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Primary Health Properties and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Primary Health Properties. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: 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 and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. 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.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, 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 securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. 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, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “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.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

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. 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 (i.e. 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.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison 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.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison 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. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, 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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

More on Primary Health Properties

View All

Latest from the Real Estate sector

View All Real Estate content

F&C Investment Trust — Attractive long-term total returns

F&C Investment Trust (FCIT) aims to offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for investors looking for diversified equity exposure to both listed and unlisted markets. Over the last 10 years, the trust has delivered annual NAV and share price total returns of 13.6% and 14.4% respectively from a range of both internally and third-party managed strategies. While there has been a prolonged equity bull market for more than a decade since the end of the global financial crisis, FCIT’s manager Paul Niven believes the current environment of easy monetary policy and economic growth is supportive of further share price upside. The trust’s annual dividend has increased for the last 48 consecutive years (current yield of 1.6%).

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

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

Sign up for free