MERLIN Properties has released its 1H 2017 consolidated financial statements with total revenues of € 243 million, recurring EBITDA of € 199 million, recurring FFO (EBITDA less interest) of € 149 million and a consolidated net profit in accordance with IFRS of € 421 million. The Company has reached a FFO per share of € 0.32, representing a 5.7% increase versus the first half of 2016 and showing good income generation capacity.

The gross asset value (GAV) of the portfolio amounts to over 10.45 billion, growing 3,7% LfL as compared to December. EPRA net asset value (EPRA NAV) amounts to € 5,586 million or € 11.89 per share, compared to € 11.23 in December (+5.9%).

The intense leasing activity during the period, with ca. half a million sqm renewed or contracted, evidences the positive evolution of the Spanish real estate market and the portfolio size and quality of MERLIN following the integration of Metrovacesa. Offices, shopping centers and logistics have posted positive like-for like rental growth and remarkable re-letting spreads in all cases. Furthermore, the overall portfolio occupancy rate has increased from 91.3% in December to 93.1% at the end of the first half.

Offices

This segment, which was lagging behind shopping centers and logistics in terms of rental recovery, has shown very good performance in the 3 core markets, delivering +3.4% re-letting spread overall (+3.1% in Madrid, + 6.3% in Barcelona and +7.9% in Lisbon). Occupancy rate also increases from 87.9% to 89.3%.

During the period, MERLIN acquired Torre Glòries in Barcelona and Central Office in Lisbon, progressed in the construction of Torre Chamartin, and continued executing its refurbishment plan, notably in Avenida Europa (Renault), Puerta de las Naciones (Ferrovial) and Balmes 236 (Eugin).

Shopping Centers

The shopping center portfolio has shown its quality and strength in the period, with positive footfall and tenant sales evolution coupled with a notable re-letting spread (+5.5%). The occupancy rate has increased to 89.3%.

The refurbishment plan keeps progressing. The new Marineda sports area has successfully been inaugurated with 91% occupancy, Nickelodeon works in Thader progress according to plans (opening in 4Q) and the renovation works in Arturo Soria Plaza have started.

Logistics

The strong market dynamics are driving the portfolio performance to reach virtually full occupancy, with a re-letting spread of +16.3%.

After the successful inauguration of Cabanillas Park I in May, with 202.600 sqm fully let at opening, the ambitious organic growth plan continues, with upcoming projects in Meco, Pinto, Azuqueca, Getafe and Sevilla.

Shareholder remuneration

In line with the positive business evolution, the Company increases its FY2017 dividend guidance to €216 million or 46 cents per share (+15% vs 2016).

MERLIN Properties SOCIMI SA published this content on 22 September 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
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