Quarterly Report • May 12, 2022
Quarterly Report
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Press Release – Regulated information of the sole director with regard to the period from 01/01/2022 to 31/03/2022
Embargo until 12/05/2022 – 7:00 am
This at an average net initial yield of 5.6% excluding land bank2
1 The identified investment volume consists of the invested amount in the course of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 and projects in execution. 2 Including the land bank, the net initial yield amounts to 5.1%.
Press Release: Interim Statement – Regulated information Embargo until 12/05/2022 – 7:00 a.m. 2 / 46
1. The EPRA earnings of Montea amounted to €15.0 million for the first 3 months of 2022, a similar level compared to the same period of 2021 (€15.4 million). In the first quarter of 2021, a one-off payment was recorded further to a waiver by Montea of a pre-emptive right in relation to the possible sale of a plot of land with buildings in Tilburg. Without taking into account the one-off payment received in 2021, the EPRA earnings grew by 11% compared to the same period in 2021.
2. The EPRA earnings per share for Q1 2022 amounted to €0.93 per share, comparable to the EPRA earnings per share for Q1 2021 (€0.96 per share). Without taking into account the one-off payment received in 2021, the EPRA earnings per share grew by 10% compared to the first 3 months of 2021.
3. Since the beginning of 2021, Montea has an identified3 investment volume of €400 million, with €301 million already realised and €99 million in execution. Montea is thus continuing the momentum of 2021 and is on track to realise the planned investment volume of €800 million over the period from 2021 to 2024 (inclusive). The investment volume of €400 million consists of a mix of:
This at an average net initial yield of 5.6%, excluding land bank4 .
4. In the course of the first quarter of 2022, an additional portfolio volume of €176 million was realised. This increase consists of a realised investment volume of €128 million as well as latent capital gains of recently completed projects and revaluations of the existing portfolio for a total amount of €47 million. The revaluations of the existing portfolio were mainly driven by a further downward yield shift of 6 bps as well as an increase in estimated market rents of 1.6%. The fair value of the property portfolio including developments and solar panels increases to €1,874 million, an increase of 10% compared to the end of 2021 (€1,698 million).
5. This additional portfolio volume is being achieved partly thanks to new transactions that fit perfectly into the Track'24 growth plan pursuant to which Montea intends to continue its growth story:
In addition, the following projects were completed during the first quarter of 2022: the distribution centre in Waddinxveen (NL), leased for 10 years to HBM Machines B.V. and the cleantech recycling and distribution centre in Tiel (NL), leased for 20 years to Re-Match.
6. With a debt ratio of 41.1% on 31 March 2022, the consolidated balance sheet evidences a strong solvency. In addition, the property-related performance indicators also remain very firm. An occupancy rate of 98.8%, average remaining duration of the leases until the first termination option of 7.3 years (excluding solar panels), as well as a qualitative and diversified client portfolio, are all valuable assets.
7. Montea reaffirms the proposal to distribute a gross dividend of €3.03 per share in June 2022, based on a pay-out ratio of 80%.
3 The identified investment volume consists of the invested amount in the course of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 and projects in execution. 4 Including the land bank, the net initial yield amounts to 5.1%.
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8. At the start of 2022, Steven Claes was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer. He joins the management team and will actively help develop the future HR policy, whereby the strategy and culture will continue to develop in the same direction.
9. Montea will invest heavily in reducing both the CO2 footprint of its existing portfolio (operational carbon) and that of its new development projects (embodied carbon). In this way, Montea strengthens its ambitions to take up a leadership position on the sustainability front.
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| 1 | Management Report 7 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Key figures7 | ||
| 1.2 | Status Track'24 (at portfolio level)10 | ||
| 1.3 | Important events and transactions in Q1 202216 | ||
| 1.4 | Financial results as at 31 March 2022 26 | ||
| 1.5 | Important events after 31/03/202234 | ||
| 1.6 | Transactions between affiliated parties34 | ||
| 2 | Outlook 35 | ||
| 2.1 | Outlook 202235 | ||
| 2.2 | Track'2437 | ||
| 3 | Forward-looking statements38 | ||
| 4 | Financial calendar39 | ||
| Annexes40 | |||
| ANNEX 1: EPRA Performance measures40 | |||
| ANNEX 2: Detail on the calculation of APMs used by Montea 44 |
| BE | FR | NL | DE | 31/03/2022 3 months |
31/12/2021 12 months |
31/03/2021 3 months |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property portfolio | ||||||||
| Property portfolio - Buildings (1) | ||||||||
| Number of sites | 37 | 17 | 28 | 2 | 84 | 79 | 75 | |
| Occupancy Rate (2) | % | 100,0% | 90,2% | 100,0% | 100,0% | 98,8% | 99,7% | 99,4% |
| Total surface - property portfolio (3) | m² | 789.440 | 200.749 | 686.407 | 35.965 | 1.712.561 | 1.545.165 | 1.485.292 |
| Investment value (real estate) (4) | K€ | 800.419 | 221.269 | 784.339 | 45.746 | 1.851.773 | 1.635.073 | 1.447.807 |
| Fair value of the property portfolio (5) | K€ | 860.997 | 215.031 | 755.225 | 42.818 | 1.874.071 | 1.698.123 | 1.450.530 |
| Real estate | K€ | 780.889 | 206.704 | 719.577 | 42.818 | 1.749.988 | 1.548.305 | 1.370.186 |
| Projects under construction | K€ | 53.815 | 8.327 | 26.286 | 0 | 88.428 | 114.834 | 47.658 |
| Solar panels | K€ | 26.294 | 0 | 9.361 | 0 | 35.655 | 34.983 | 32.686 |
| Total surface - Landbank Acquired, valued in property portfolio |
m² m² |
1.943.662 1.465.964 |
1.991.351 1.429.246 |
1.426.246 1.277.109 |
||||
| of which income generating | % | 66% | 68% | 68% | ||||
| Under control, not valued in property portfolio | m² | 477.698 | 562.105 | 149.137 | ||||
| Consolidated results | ||||||||
| Results | ||||||||
| Net rental result | K€ | 20.688 | 75.145 | 19.074 | ||||
| Property result | K€ | 21.900 | 84.743 | 21.988 | ||||
| Operating result before the porfolio result | K€ | 19.143 | 77.275 | 19.515 | ||||
| Operating margin (6) | % | 87,4% | 91,2% | 88,8% | ||||
| Financial result (excl. changes in fair value of the financial instruments) (7) | K€ | -3.111 | -11.561 | -2.813 | ||||
| EPRA result (8) Weighted average number of shares |
K€ | 15.001 16.215.456 |
60.433 16.130.871 |
15.443 16.023.694 |
||||
| EPRA result per share (9) | € | 0,93 | 3,75 | 0,96 | ||||
| Result on disposals of investment properties | K€ | 19 | 453 | 0 | ||||
| Changes in fair value of investment properties | K€ | 46.702 | 175.392 | 69.584 | ||||
| Deferred taxes on the result on the portfolio | K€ | -5.548 | -21.397 | -12.332 | ||||
| Result on the portfolio (10) | K€ | 41.173 | 154.448 | 57.252 | ||||
| Changes in fair value of the financial instruments (11) | K€ | 22.581 | 12.967 | 5.359 | ||||
| Net result (IFRS) | K€ | 78.754 | 227.848 | 78.054 | ||||
| Net result per share | € | 4,86 | 14,12 | 4,87 | ||||
| Consolidated balance sheet | ||||||||
| IFRS NAV (excl. minority participations) (12) | K€ | 1.085.235 | 1.015.097 | 894.123 | ||||
| EPRA NRV (13) | K€ | 1.200.302 | 1.144.202 | 1.003.683 | ||||
| EPRA NTA (14) | K€ | 1.094.618 | 1.053.984 | 931.460 | ||||
| EPRA NDV (15) | K€ | 1.061.710 | 1.013.270 | 895.989 | ||||
| Debts and liabilities for calculation of debt ratio | K€ | 794.557 | 675.905 | 543.210 | ||||
| Balance sheet total | K€ | 1.934.936 | 1.752.917 | 1.497.345 | ||||
| Debt ratio (16) | % | 41,1% | 38,6% | 36,3% | ||||
| IFRS NAV per share (12) | € | 66,93 | 62,60 | 55,80 | ||||
| EPRA NRV per share (13) | € | 74,02 | 70,56 | 62,64 | ||||
| EPRA NTA per share (14) | € | 67,50 | 65,00 | 58,13 | ||||
| EPRA NDV per share (15) | € | 65,48 | 62,49 | 55,92 | ||||
| Share price (17) | € | 118,00 | 132,20 | 89,00 | ||||
| Premium | % | 76,3% | 111,2% | 59,5% |
Press Release: Interim Statement – Regulated information Embargo until 12/05/2022 – 7:00 a.m.
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| Definition | Purpose | 31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A) EPRA earnings | Recurring earnings from the core operational activities. |
A keymeasure of a company's underlying operating results from its property rental business and an indicator of the extent to which current dividend payments are supported by earnings. |
€ x 1000: 15.001 0,93 |
15.443 $\epsilon$ / share: 0.96 |
|
| B) EPRA Net Reinstatement Value | The Net Reinstatement Value assumes that entities never sell assets and aims to represent the value required to recreate the company through the rebuild the entity. |
The objective of the EPRA NRV measure is to also reflect what would be needed to investment markets based on its current capital and financing structure, related costs such as real estate transfer taxes |
€ x 1000: 1.200.302 74,02 |
1.003.683 $E /$ share: 62,64 |
|
| C) | EPRA Net Tangible Assets | The Net Tangible Assets assumes that entities buy and sell assets, thereby crystallising certain levels of unavoidable deferred tax. |
should be included. This scenario assumes a business model with long-term investment properties, with property and other investments at fair value and excluding certain items that are not expected to materialize. |
€ x 1000: 1.094.618 67,50 |
931.460 $E /$ share: 58.13 |
| D) EPRA Net Disposal Value | The Net Disposal Value represents the shareholders' value under a disposal scenario, where deferred tax, financial instruments and certain other adjustments are calculated to the full extent of their liability, net of any resulting tax. |
This scenario assumes that the company sells the assets, leading to the realization of deferred taxes and the liquidation of debt and financial instruments. This measure should not be viewed as a "liquidation NAV" as, in many cases, the fair value is not equal to the liquidation value. |
€ x 1000: 1.061.710 65.48 |
895.989 $\epsilon$ / share: 55,92 |
|
| E) EPRA cost ratio (incl. vacancy charges) |
Administrative & operating costs (including costs of direct vacancy) divided by gross rental income. |
A key measure to enable meaningful measurement of the changes in a company's operating costs. |
14,1% | 13,5% | |
| F) | EPRA cost ratio (excl. vacancy charges) |
Administrative & operating costs (excluding costs of direct vacancy) divided by gross rental income. |
A keymeasure to enable meaningful measurement of the changes in a company's operating costs. |
12,5% | 12,3% |
| Definition | Purpose | 31/03/2022 | 31/12/2021 | ||
| G) EPRA Vacancy Rate | Estimated rental value (ERV) of vacant space, divided by the ERV of the entire portfolio. |
A 'pure' (%) measure of investment property space that is vacant, based on ERV. |
1.2% | 0.4% | |
| H) EPRA Net Initial Yield | Annualized rental income based on the A comparable benchmark for portfolio steady rent collected on the balance sheet date, minus the non-recoverable property operating costs, divided by the market value of the property, plus the (estimated) acquisition costs. |
valuations in Europe | 4,8% | 4,9% | |
| I) EPRA "Topped-up" Net Initial Yield | This benchmark integrates an adjustment of the EPRA NIY before the expiry of rent-free periods (or other non- due rental incentives such as discounted and tiered rent). |
A comparable benchmark for portfolio valuations in Europe |
4,9% | 4,9% |
The EPRA cost ratio is always higher in the first quarter because of IFRIC 21.
Press Release: Interim Statement – Regulated information Embargo until 12/05/2022 – 7:00 a.m.
Since the beginning of 2021, Montea has an identified5 investment volume of over €400 million, with €301 million already realised and €99 million in execution. Montea expects to realise an average net initial yield of 5.6% on these identified investments, excluding land bank. Including the land bank, Montea expects the net initial yield to be 5.1%. Montea will continue the momentum of 2021 and is on track to realise the planned investment volume of €800 million over the period 2021 to 2024 (inclusive). These investments will consist of a mix of acquisition of land positions and leased warehouses, development and extension projects, and investments in solar panels.
In the course of the first quarter of 2022, a total acquisition volume of approximately €109 million was realised. All acquisitions were concluded at an investment value lower than or in line with the value determined by the independent property expert.
5 The identified investment volume consists of the invested amount in the course of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 and projects in execution.
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Early 2022, Montea reached an agreement with Urban Industrial for the acquisition of two buildings in 's Hertogenbosch and Zwolle, both currently leased to PostNL.
The acquisition in Zwolle concerns a site of 6 hectares with a footprint of approximately 29,000 m². The building in 's Hertogenbosch is a 5-hectare site with a footprint of approximately 24,000 m². Both buildings are strategically located at the entrance of the city and are therefore extremely suitable for e-commerce. Moreover, the presence of a lot of outdoor space offers the possibility to extend the site in case the current tenant would leave. Both buildings were purchased on 31/01/2022.
Acquisition of building from Barsan, Tilburg (NL)8
In the beginning of February 2022, Montea reached agreement on three new-build projects in the Netherlands that GVT Transport and Logistics will lease for a period of 10 years. The first newbuild project was delivered during the first quarter of 2022 and is located in Alkmaar, an ideal location for fine-mesh distribution. The sites in Berkel and Rodenrijs and Echt will be completed and purchased during the second and third quarter of 2022 (cf. 1.2.1.2).
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7 See press release of 04/01/2022 or www.montea.com for more information.
8 See press release of 04/01/2022 or www.montea.com for more information.
9 See press release of 07/02/2022 or www.montea.com for more information.
In Lembeek, located near the access road to the Brussels ring road, Montea acquired a site of ca. 55,000 m² in the course of the first quarter, for an investment value of ca. €10.0 million The location is suitable for both logistical activities and urban distribution (south of Brussels). Montea expects to start developing the site in the course of 2023.
In the course of the first quarter of 2022, Montea concluded an agreement with Transuniverse Forwarding NV on the takeover of a strategically located building in Ghent. It concerns a land of ca. 46,000 m² on which there are currently buildings of ca. 27,000 m². The buildings are leased to Transuniverse Forwarding NV, which offers transport solutions tailored to the needs of its customers, and to Oxfam Fair Trade CV, which promotes fair world trade.
The location of the building along the R4 in Ghent makes the site of strategic importance in the long term, for example for future last-mile deliveries to Ghent.
In the course of the second and third quarter of 2022, the two sites in Echt and Berkel and Rodenrijs, leased for a fixed period of 10 years to GVT Transport and Logistics, will be completed and delivered. Just like the site in Alkmaar, the sites offer an ideal location for fine-meshed distribution (cf. 1.2.1.1).
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10 Included in the investment volume 'in execution' on 31/03/2022.
11 See press release of 07/02/2022 or www.montea.com for more information.
In the course of the first quarter of 2022 a surface of ca. 59,700 m² of pre-let projects has been delivered for a total investment amount of €52 million (excluding investments in solar panels, see 1.2.2.3).
In the first quarter of 2022, the first development phase of a distribution centre located at Waddinxveen, the Netherlands, has been delivered (50% of the plot of land acquired in 2020). This development is fully pre-let to HBM Machines B.V. 13 for a fixed period of 10 years.
In the first quarter of 2022, Montea also delivered the construction of a 9,700 m² recycling and distribution centre for Re-match. The recycling and distribution centre was built on the approximately 48 hectare site in Tiel, which Montea purchased in September 2018. After completion of this development for Re-match, there are still 45 hectares of land available for development on the site, which in the meantime remains leased to Recycling Kombinatie REKO B.V. (for storage and processing of residual waste) and Struyk Verwo Infra B.V.
15 See press release of 26/04/2021 or www.montea.com for more information.
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12 Included in the investment volume on 31/03/2022.
13 See press release of 21/12/2020 or www.montea.com for more information.
14 Total surface of the purchased land amounts to 120,000 m². Phase 2 (60,000 m²) will only be considered as an identified project when the construction phase will start.
In addition, Montea started up a number of projects in the course of 2021 which will be completed in the course of 2022, i.e. the development of an area of ca. 55,000 m² of pre-let projects and a pre-let parking tower of ca. 40,000 m² for a total investment budget of ca. €84 million.
In the course of the second quarter of 2021, Montea was able to sign an eight-year lease with Bas Service Oriented for the development of a new distribution centre of ca. 26,500 m² at the Vosdonk industrial estate in Etten-Leur. Montea already signed the purchase agreement for this brownfield of 37,520 m² in 2019. In the meantime, this site has been completely remediated, the environmental permit has been definitively issued and construction works are in full swing.
In February 2016, Montea became the exclusive partner for the development of the Blue Gate logistics site in Antwerp, with a strong focus on the development of 'next generation' buildings that combine unique sustainability with low-impact urban distribution.
In the course of the third quarter of 2021, Montea was able to start developing a distribution centre of around 8,500 m². This development has been fully pre-let for a fixed period of 15 years to Amazon Logistics. The distribution centre is qualified as BREEAM Excellent.
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16 Partly included in the invested investment volume on 31/03/2022 and partly included in the investment volume 'in execution' on 31/03/2022. 17 See press release of 03/06/2021 or www.montea.com for more information.
At the end of 2021, Montea entered into a new structural cooperation arrangement with the Cordeel construction group and its real estate division C-living (hereinafter referred to as the "Cordeel Group"). Montea has become involved in current development projects of the Cordeel Group in Tongeren, Vilvoorde and Zele. Together with Montea, they will give the various sites, with a total site area of about 420,000 m², a new future.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, Montea acquired, in a first phase, two sites of about 180,000 m² in Tongeren. On the first site, a first pre-
let (XPO Logistics) building of 20,000 m² was already developed in 2021 and the development of a second building of 20,000 m² was started:
Development phase 1 – second building on the 1st site (20,000m²):
At the end of the first quarter in 2022, Montea's PV portfolio has a total capacity of ca. 43 MWp, good for a production of ca. 40,000 MWh, comparable to the energy consumption of ca. 11,500 households or an equivalent CO2 reduction of ca. 650 hectares of forest.
Montea has effectively equipped around 86% of all the roofs of its warehouses in Belgium with PV installations. The aim is to increase this percentage to 95%, the maximum technical capacity of the current portfolio. An investment budget of approximately €0.6 million has been budgeted for that purpose.
In the Netherlands, 61% of the portfolio of warehouses has already been fitted with solar panels. Montea aims to increase this percentage to 75% and foresees an investment budget of around €9 million. A delay is expected due to capacity problems with the electricity grid in the Netherlands.
Next to the Netherlands and Belgium, the installation of solar panels in France was started in the fourth quarter of 2021. An investment budget of approximately €4 million has been budgeted for that purpose.
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18 See press release of 04/01/2022 or www.montea.com for more information.
19 Included in the investment volume 'in execution' on 31/03/2022.
Just like at the end of 2021, Montea closed the first quarter of 2022 with a land reserve of ca. 2,000,000 m², a stable reserve to pursue its ambitions further in the years to come. During the first quarter of 2022, Montea was able to purchase approximately 80,000 m² of land that it already had under control (cf. 1.2.1.1). This concerns a development site located in Lembeek in Belgium of ca. 55,000 m² and three extension sites located in Tilburg, Zwolle and 's Hertogenbosch of ca. 24,000 m² in the Netherlands. In addition, in early 2022, a development was started in Tongeren (BE) of ca. 44,000 m² (cf. 1.2.2.2).
As at 31 March 2022, the occupancy rate was 98.8% compared to 99.7% at the end of 2021. Of the 9% of leases maturing in 2022, 82% have already been renewed or extended.
The limited vacancy is located in St-Martin-de-Crau (FR) previously let to Office Dépot.
No divestments took place in the first quarter of 2022.
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Quality entrepreneurship and growth, with respect for the broad environment in which we operate, has always been part of Montea's DNA. Whereas 2020 was the year in which we first converted this DNA into a clear vision and sustainability strategy, 2021 was the year in which we received recognition for those efforts, with, among other things, a GRESB score that more than doubled and an EPRA sBPR Silver Award. It was also the year in which we fine-tuned our sustainability strategy based on new insights gained in the areas of Environment, Team and Governance.
Montea developed its sustainability vision for the future through a strategic plan for 2030/2050, which was fine-tuned further in 2021. For example, it was decided to focus also on reducing the embodied carbon of the new developments. In addition, the ESG and corporate policies were updated in 2021 to reflect the ambitious sustainability strategy better. In this way, Montea strengths its ambitions to take up a leadership position on the sustainability front.
In essence, Montea's total greenhouse gas emissions consist of three components:
20 See press release of 15/04/2022 or www.montea.com for more information.
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Montea succeeded in making its own operations CO2-neutral in scope 1, 2 and 3 (employee mobility and scope 1 and 2 upstream emissions) by the end of 2021 through a combination of measures (e.g. purchase of 100% green electricity) and an offsetting mechanism set up by COշlogic.
Montea aims to be COշ-neutral without an offsetting mechanism by 2030
However, Montea also has enough sense of responsibility to realize that a CO2-neutral label for its own operations is insufficient. That is why it is important that Montea's ambitions extend beyond the carbon neutrality of its own operations, and that actions are also taken to reduce both the operational and embodied carbon of the portfolio.
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Montea wants to reduce the CO2 emissions (embodied carbon) of its new development projects by 55% by 2030 and make them Net-zero (neutral with offsetting) by 2050.
In order to reduce both costs and greenhouse gas emissions from tenants, energy efficiency targets were also set for new development projects.
In order to meet these targets, a sustainable building guide for new development projects has been created with the introduction of the Blue label. The following items are now standard equipment in new construction projects:
Montea aims for all new development projects to have a maximum embodied carbon footprint of 216 kg COշe/m2 from 2025.
| Target year | Embodied Carbon new developments (kq CO 2 e/m 2 ) |
Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 288 | 0% |
| 2030 | 130 | 55% |
| 2040 | 86 | 70% |
| 2050 | 29 | 90% |
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76% of the embodied carbon of a building is determined by product choices. It therefore goes without saying that Montea is constantly looking for innovative, sustainable products (e.g., low-CO2 concrete) and construction methods. In addition, diesel is avoided on the sites, materials are transported by ship if possible, instead of by truck and cement water is recovered and treated on the site.
Montea helps its customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (and costs) by improving energy performance and making it more sustainable. By 2050 Montea wants to make the existing portfolio Paris Proof (= net zero).
To underline our ambitions, we have signed the Paris Proof Commitment of the Dutch Green Building Council. This commits us to reducing the energy consumption in the portfolio and therefore also the related greenhouse gas emissions. We also registered our steep ambitions in the field of greenhouse gas emission reduction with the Science Based Targets initiative, an ambitious joint initiative of CDP, United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and WWF. With the acceptance of our Science Based Targets, Montea belongs to a minority of participants whose targets have been approved.
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Montea wants to create value for its customers, shareholders and all other stakeholders. This is only possible through the unremitting efforts of our employees, the Monteaneers. They are at the heart of our organization. Respect, integrity and sustainability are in our DNA. For Montea it is crucial that employees feel valued and are given the space to develop their talents. To create an engaged team, Montea builds on the strengths of its people in all functional areas. Monteaneers are entrepreneurs, team players and fundamentally positive. Everyone at Montea is entitled to information, personal development and the right to express themselves.
The arrival of Steven Claes as its first Chief Human Resources will enable Montea to provide further sustainable support to the strong team that has been built up in recent years. Attention will be paid to:
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In addition, Montea supports its employees to take an active role in socially relevant initiatives alongside their work. Employees are also involved in sharing their extensive expertise with as many partners and stakeholders as possible (e.g., the Montea Inspiration Days). In this context, Montea signed a cooperation agreement with The Shift, a platform of various organizations united around a common goal: actively moving towards a more sustainable economy and society, with Jo De Wolf as one of the directors of The Shift.
Montea also supports the next generation of professionals by, inter alia, supporting the Dennie Lockefeer Chair at Antwerp University (scientific research into the use of navigable inland waterways as a solution to mobility challenges) and by being a member of various other associations that focus on sustainability (BE-REIT association, Paris Proof, the Science Based Targets Initiative, the Green Deal Circular Building, etc.).
Montea strives for governance that is characterised by honesty and integrity, transparency, a sense of responsibility, strict ethics and compliance with legal regulations and corporate governance standards.
The most important Montea governance principles are set out in our policies, i.e. corporate governance charter, code of conduct, dealing code, remuneration policy and environmental policy. These policies were recently amended with a view to continuously improve governance within Montea in line with its ESG strategy. All these policies can be consulted on our website.
Montea aims for a culture in which equality, diversity and non-discrimination are central. Employee diversity ensures good dynamics and balanced decision-making and has already contributed greatly to Montea's growth.
Sufficient diversity is also sought within the board of directors. This not only includes diversity in terms of the gender of the directors, but also other criteria such as skills, experience and knowledge. After all, diversification contributes to more balanced decision-making, whereby decisions are taken by analysing them from different points of view. The background of the current members of the board of directors is very diverse with, amongst others, experience from the banking, pharmaceutical, postal and real estate sectors. The current members of the board of directors also have considerable knowledge of ESG-related issues thanks to their many years of experience (at C-level) in Belgian and international companies with a solid track record in ESG. At the level of the board of directors, the decision was also taken to increase the number of independent directors from three to four in 2021. With the appointment of Barbara De Saedeleer and Koen Van Gerven as independent directors, the number of independent directors on the board of directors rose from 44% to 57%.
Independent directors
Good corporate governance also implies that processes, procedures and policies are organized in a transparent and efficient manner and that adequate risk management procedures are implemented. A detailed management structure is essential in order to organize decision-making and the flow of information within the company. In this context, various specialized committees were set up within the board of directors:
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the audit committee, remuneration and nomination committee, investment committee and sustainable executive committee. Each of these committees advises the board of directors on a regular basis in their respective fields, so that the board of directors can make well-founded decisions. As concerns risk management, Montea has identified the existing risks in all its processes and built in the necessary internal controls to limit exposure to these risks.
As part of its policy and decision-making structure, Montea also pays special attention to sustainability. For example, there are standardized procedures within Montea for deciding on new expenditure relating to maintenance, renovation or redevelopment work, both for buildings in the portfolio and for new investments. Investment proposals must substantiate how the amount to be invested fits within Montea's sustainability strategy. The sustainable executive committee examines whether the funds available within Montea's Green Finance Framework can be allocated to investment projects. Compliance with applicable ESG regulations and standards is a top priority for Montea and forms an integral part of our internal audit processes.
The members of the executive management and employees have a special responsibility to integrate Montea's corporate governance principles, sustainability vision and ESG objectives into their daily work. The Montea remuneration policy is also aligned with this objective as the variable remuneration of the executive management is partly linked to the achievement of two nonfinancial performance criteria:
Within the limits of the authorization to purchase own shares as granted by the extraordinary shareholders' meeting held on 9 November 2020, Montea has successfully completed a share buy-back programme during the period from 6 January 2022 until 3 February 2022 (inclusive). During this period a total of 70,000 treasury shares have been purchased through an independent broker for a total purchase price of € 8,838,255.60. The treasury shares that were acquired through the share buy-back programme will be allocated to the execution of share purchase and share option plans to the benefit of the management and employees of Montea.
Further to this share buy-back programme the total number of treasury shares held by Montea amounted to 82,422 (0,51% out of a total of 16,215,456 shares) on 3 February 202222. The press releases on this share buyback program, as well as an overview of the individual transactions, can be found here: https://montea.com/investor-relations/buyback-own-shares.
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21 See press release of 03/02/2022 or www.montea.com for more information.
22 For an update on the number of own shares after 31/03/2022, see section 1.5 below.
In February 2022 Steven Claes joined the Montea team as Chief Human Resources Officer. His arrival will give an extra boost to the social aspect of the ESG policy. As CHRO, Steven will further fine-tune the HR policy of the entire Montea group and make it future proof for the future growth of Montea and the team. Among other things, setting up a new welfare programme for employees is on his agenda, as well as optimizing existing evaluation processes and satisfaction surveys.
As concerns the realization of its real estate investments in the Netherlands, Montea, in September 2013, submitted a request for the application of the 'Fiscale Beleggingsinstelling' (FBI) regime (as referred to in Article 28 of the Corporate Tax Act of 1969) for Montea Nederland N.V. and its subsidiaries. Up to now, the company's Dutch subsidiary, Montea Nederland N.V. and its subsidiaries, has not yet received a final decision from the Dutch tax authorities in which the FBI status was approved.
In 2016, with reference to certain case law of the Dutch Supreme court, the Dutch tax authorities developed a new view in their policy concerning what the shareholder test should entail. As a shareholder of its FBI (foreign investment institution) subsidiary Montea Nederland N.V., the company would have to show that it can itself be considered as an FBI. Only in such case, in the view of the Dutch tax authorities, the company can be considered as a qualified shareholder under the FBI regime.
In this context, consultations are being held between the Dutch tax authorities, the Dutch Ministry of Finance and the company to see how this can be put into practice in concrete terms. In January 2020, the Ministry officially announced that this interpretation cannot be given concrete form for the time being, particularly because it depends on the outcome of ongoing lawsuits between the Dutch tax authorities and foreign investment funds regarding the refund of dividend tax, on which the Ministry does not wish to anticipate. Pursuant to the judgment of the European Court of Justice of 30 January 2020 (in the Köln-Aktienfonds Deka case), a foreign party that wishes to avail itself of the Dutch FBI regime must meet similar requirements. This must be interpreted in relation to the (underlying) purpose of the FBI requirements concerned. The Den Bosch Court of Appeal has also issued a judgement relevant for Montea. This judgment offers good starting points for Montea with regard to the requirements for the FBI regime. The Court of Appeal stated that only the domestic activities must be taken into account for a foreign entity.
Montea maintains ongoing constructive contacts with the Dutch tax authorities and the Dutch Ministry on the concrete application of the judgments already published and on the comparability of Montea with Dutch institutions having the FBI status. Such contacts are aimed to obtain FBI status for Montea Nederland N.V. and its subsidiaries.
Apart from this, the Dutch government is looking into whether an adjustment of the FBI regime in general and for real estate funds in particular is necessary, possible and feasible in the long run. Possible changes to the policy are not expected before 2023.
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Despite the fact that Montea does not yet have the approval of the Dutch tax administration for the FBI status, it has kept its accounts until the end of 2020 as if it already had the FBI status. After all, the Ministry has already indicated in the past that it will act within the framework of the general principles of good administration regarding the obtaining of a level playing field ('equal cases will be treated equally'). This is intended to ensure that Montea will not be treated worse by the Dutch tax authorities than other sufficiently comparable Belgian REITs with existing agreements concerning the FBI status.
Montea Nederland N.V.23 has taken the position in its corporate tax returns 2015 through 2020 that it qualifies for the FBI status as a result of which the corporate tax owed by it is zero. However, the Dutch inspector imposed (provisional) assessments for 2015 through 2020 based on the regular corporate tax rate. Given the applicable tax interest rate (in principle 8%), Montea has opted to pay these provisional assessments (being a total of € 11.7 million for these 6 years).
With respect to 2015, 2016 and 2017, Montea received final corporate income tax assessments (response period Dutch tax administration would expire for these years). Montea has filed objections against the final 2015, 2016 and 2017 assessments.
Montea also recorded the same total amount (€ 11.7 million) as a receivable in its accounts. If the FBI status is granted, this full amount will be repaid. If, however, the FBI status is refused, the assessments were rightly paid and the receivable will have to be written off which may have a material negative impact on Montea's profitability. Montea Nederland N.V.24 has complied with the distribution obligation under the FBI regime every year and has thus paid €2,3 million in dividend tax due for the period 2015-2020. Ex officio reduction requests were filed against the dividend tax remittances in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Objections have been lodged in relation to the dividend tax remittances in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The dividend tax may possibly be recovered if the FBI status would be refused. The total impact with respect to the years 2015 to 2020 would therefore amount to €9,4 million or €0.58 per share (16% of the EPRA earnings in 2021).
Despite the fact that Montea has not yet obtained approval from the Dutch tax authorities concerning FBI status, it has kept its accounts up to 2020 as if had already obtained said status. The basis for this can be found in the 'level playing field' principle with other sufficiently comparable Belgian REITs that already have agreements concerning the FBI status.
In line with new developments (withdrawal of tax ruling granted as of 1 January 2021 to sufficiently comparable Belgian REITs), Montea has, for the sake of prudence, taken into account in its 2021 forecasts the possibility that the FBI status could be refused for the period starting on 1 January 2021. A provision of €4 million was consequently included in the outlook of 2021 via the income statement, i.e. the difference between the fiscally transparent FBI status and the regular taxed sphere.
As such, a tax provision of €4.0 million was recorded in the 2021 income statement, i.e. the difference between the tax status of FBI and the regular taxed sphere. In the income statement of the first quarter of 2022, an impact of €0.8 million was recorded, i.e. the difference between the FBI tax status and the regulation taxed sphere.
Supported by European law, however, Montea's efforts remain focused on being able to apply the FBI status in the Netherlands as of 2021. The tax returns for 2021 and 2022 will therefore be filed as FBI since Montea continues to believe that it fulfils all the conditions to be able to claim FBI status.
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| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (K EUR) Analytical |
31/03/2022 3 months |
31/03/2021 3 months |
|---|---|---|
| CONSOLIDATED RESULTS | ||
| NET RENTAL RESULT | 20.688 | 19.074 |
| PROPERTY RESULT | 21,900 | 21,988 |
| % compared to net rental result | 105.9% | 115,3% |
| TOTAL PROPERTY CHARGES | $-729$ | $-752$ |
| OPERATING PROPERTY RESULT | 21.170 | 21.236 |
| General corporate expenses | $-2.106$ | $-1.853$ |
| Other operating income and expenses | 79 | 131 |
| OPERATING RESULT BEFORE THE PORTFOLIO RESULT | 19.143 | 19.515 |
| % compared to net rental result | 92,5% | 102,3% |
| FINANCIAL RESULT excl. changes in fair value of the hedging instruments | $-3.111$ | $-2.813$ |
| EPRA RESULT BEFORE TAXES | 16.033 | 16.702 |
| Taxes | $-1.032$ | $-1.259$ |
| EPRA Earnings | 15.001 | 15.443 |
| per share | 0,93 | 0,96 |
| Result on disposal of investment properties | 19 | 0 |
| Result on disposal of other non-financial assets | $\Omega$ | 0 |
| Changes in fair value of investment properties | 46.702 | 69.584 |
| Deferred taxes on portfolio result | $-5.548$ | $-12.332$ |
| Other portfolio result | $\Omega$ | 0 |
| PORTFOLIO RESULT | 41.173 | 57.252 |
| Changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities | 22.581 | 5.359 |
| RESULT IN FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | 22.581 | 5.359 |
| NET RESULT | 78.754 | 78.054 |
| per share | 4.86 | 4,87 |
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The net rental result amounted to €20.7 million in the first quarter of 2022, up by 8% (or €1.6 million) compared to the same period in 2021 (€19.1 million). This increase is due mainly to the acquisition of new properties, leased land and completed projects, which generate additional rental income. With an unchanged portfolio (and therefore excluding new acquisitions, sales and project developments between both comparative periods), the level of rental income increased by 2.4%, mainly driven by indexation of rental contracts (1.7%) and the reletting of vacant units in the building in Aalst (Belgium) and Le Mesnil-Amelot (France) (0.7%).
The property result amounted to €21.9 million, a similar level compared to the same period of 2021 (€22.0 million). The increase of the net rental result with €1.6 million in 2022 is offset by a decrease in other rental-related income compared to 2021, which included a one-off payment. If this one-off payment is not taken into account, the property result grew by 9% compared to the same period in 2021.
Operating result before the result on the property portfolio
The property expenses, overheads and other operating income and expenses, which are part of the operating result before result on property portfolio, increased slightly by €0.3 million in the first 3 months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. This is due to the growth of the portfolio. As the property result remained stable, this movement causes a decrease in the operational property result for the result on portfolio of €0.4 million or 2% compared to the same period last year (from €19.5 million in 2021 to €19.1 million in 2022). Without taking into account the aforementioned one-off payment, an increase of 9% would be recorded.
The operating and exploitation margin 25 amounted to 87.4% for the first 3 months of 2022, compared to 88.8% for the first 3 months of 2021. If the one-off payment received in 2021 is not taken into account, the operating margin remains at a similar level compared to the same period in 2021 (87.7%).
Financial result
The financial result excluding changes in fair value of the hedging instruments amounted to €-3.1 million compared to €-2.8 million in the same period last year, an increase of 11% (€-0.3 million), which is mainly caused by a higher debt taken up during 2022 to finance the investments made during the first quarter of 2022.
The total financial debt (including bond loans and leasing debts, including the recurring cost of land in concession) is covered for 95.6% as at 31 March 2022.
The average financing cost,26 calculated on the basis of the average financial debt, stands at 1.8% at the end of the first 3 months of the financial year 2022 compared to 2.2% at the end of the first 3 months of the financial year 2021.
25 The operating and exploitation margin is obtained by dividing the operating result before the result on the property portfolio by the property result. 26 This financial expense is an average over the last 5 quarters and is based on the total financial result compared to the average of the opening and closing balance of the financial debt without taking into account the valuation of the hedging instruments and interest costs related to lease obligations booked in accordance with IFRS 16.
Despite the fact that Montea does not yet have the approval of the Dutch tax administration with regard to the FBI status, it conducted its accounts up to and including 2020 as if it had already obtained the FBI status. The basis of this can be found in the 'level playing field' principle with other sufficiently comparable Belgian REITs with existing agreements regarding the FBI status.
Based on new facts (withdrawal of the fiscal ruling as of 1 January 2021 in the case of sufficiently similar Belgian REITs) Montea has for the sake of caution, taken into account the possibility that the FBI status could be refused for the period as of 1 January 2021. In this sense, a tax provision of €0.8 million was included in the income statement for the first 3 months of 2022, namely the difference between the fiscally transparent FBI status and the regular taxed sphere. Supported by European law, however, Montea's efforts remain focused on being able to apply the FBI status in the Netherlands as of 2021. The 2021 tax return has therefore been filed as FBI since Montea continues to believe that it meets all the conditions for claiming FBI status.
The EPRA earnings amounted to €15.0 million in Q1 2022, a similar level compared to the same period in 2021 (€15.4 million). The slight decrease is due to the one-off payment included in Q1 2021. Without taking this payment into account, the EPRA earnings would increase by 11%. This increase in the EPRA earnings is mainly due to the strong growth of the property portfolio whereby operational and financial costs are closely monitored and managed as such.
The EPRA earnings per share for Q1 2022 amounted to €0.93, comparable to the EPRA earnings per share for Q1 2021 (€0.96). Without the one-off payment, the EPRA earnings per share grew by 10% compared to the first 3 months of 2021.
Result on the property portfolio27
The result on the property portfolio for the first 3 months of 2022 amounted to €41.2 million compared to €64.1 million for the same period last year. This decrease is mainly linked to the downward yield shift of 6 bps in Q1 2022 compared to a yield shift decrease of 68 bps in Q1 2021. The decrease is partly offset (€6.8 million) by a decrease in the provision for deferred taxes on the Dutch portfolio result, which was initially accrued in the first quarter of 2022, based on a principle of prudence (FBI status not obtained, see section on 'Taxes').
The result on the property portfolio is not a cash item and does not impact the EPRA earnings in any way.
Changes in the fair value of financial instruments
The positive change in the fair value of financial instruments amounted to €22.6 million or €1.39 per share at the end of the first quarter in 2022, compared to a change of €5.4 million at the end of the first quarter in 2021. The positive impact of €17.2 million arises from the change in the fair value of the interest rate hedges concluded at the end of March 2022 as a result of rising long-term interest rates in the course of the first quarter of 2022.
The changes in the fair value of financial instruments are not a cash item and do not impact the EPRA earnings in any way.
27 The result on the property portfolio is the negative and/or positive change in the fair value of the property portfolio + any loss or gain resulting from the realization of property, taking into account any deferred taxes.
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Net result (IFRS)
The net result consists of the EPRA earnings, the result on the property portfolio and the changes in fair value of financial instruments partly offset by a provision for deferred tax on the Dutch portfolio result that was processed based on a principle of caution (not obtaining FBI status, see section 'Taxes').
The net result in the first quarter of 2022 (€78.8 million) is up by €0.7 million or 1% compared to the previous year.
The net result (IFRS) per share 28 amounted to €4.86 compared to €4.87 per share in 2021.
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (EUR) | 31/03/2022 Conso |
31/12/2021 Conso |
31/03/2021 Conso |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. | NON-CURRENT ASSETS | 1.886.981.529 | 1.703.679.775 | 1.446.240.463 |
| II. | CURRENT ASSETS | 47.954.853 | 49.237.090 | 51.104.691 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 1.934.936.382 | 1.752.916.865 | 1.497.345.153 | |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 1.086.609.489 | 1.016.279.776 | 894.122.714 | |
| I. | Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company | 1.085.235.068 | 1.015.097.125 | 894.122.714 |
| II. | Minority interests | 1.374.421 | 1.182.651 | 0 |
| LIABILITIES | 848.326.892 | 736.637.089 | 603.222.439 | |
| I. | Non-current liabilities | 724.682.903 | 597.218.066 | 475.662.521 |
| II. | Current liabilities | 123.643.990 | 139.419.023 | 127.559.918 |
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 1.934.936.382 | 1.752.916.865 | 1.497.345.153 |
On 31/03/2022, the total assets (€1,934.9 million) consist mainly of investment properties (90%), solar panels (2%), and projects in execution (5%). The remaining amount of the assets (3%) consists of the other tangible and financial fixed assets including assets for own use and current assets including cash deposits, trade and tax receivables.
28 Calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of shares.
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| Total 31/03/2022 |
Belgium | France | The Netherlands | Germany | Total 31/12/2021 |
Totaal 31/03/2021 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property portfolio - Buildings (1) | |||||||
| Number of sites | 84 | 37 | 17 | 28 | 2 | 79 | 75 |
| Total area (m²) - property portfolio | 1.712.561 | 789.440 | 200.749 | 686.407 | 35.965 | 1.545.165 | 1.485.292 |
| Annual contractual rents (K EUR) Gross yield (%) Current yield on 100% occupancy (%) |
85.997 4,91% 4,98% |
77.133 4,98% 5,07% |
74.088 5,41% 5,40% |
||||
| Un-let property area (m²) Rental value of un-let property parts (K EUR) (2) Occupancy rate |
19.750 1.052 98,8% |
0 161 100,0% |
19.750 890 90,2% |
0 0 100,0% |
0 0 100,0% |
4.135 279 99,7% |
8.149 1.015 99,4% |
| Investment value (K EUR) | 1.851.773 | 800.419 | 221.269 | 784.339 | 45.746 | 1.635.073 | 1.447.807 |
| Fair value (K EUR) | 1.749.988 | 780.889 | 206.704 | 719.577 | 42.818 | 1.548.305 | 1.370.186 |
| Property portfolio - Solar panels (3) | |||||||
| Fair value (K EUR) | 35.655 | 26.294 | 0 | 9.361 | 0 | 34.983 | 32.686 |
| Property portfolio - Developments | |||||||
| Fair value (K EUR) | 88.428 | 53.815 | 8.327 | 26.286 | 0 | 114.834 | 47.658 |
| Property portfolio - TOTAL | |||||||
| Fair value (K EUR) | 1.874.071 | 860.997 | 215.031 | 755.225 | 42.818 | 1.698.123 | 1.450.531 |
(1) Including buildings held for sale.
(2) Surface area of leased land is included for 20% of the total surface area; the rental value of a site is approximately 20% of the rental value of a logistics building.
(3) Excluding the estimated rental value of projects under construction and/or renovation.
(4) The fair value of the investment in solar panels is included in section "D" of the fixed assets in the balance sheet.
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Montea has a total land bank of 1,943,662 m² that will lead to a future development potential of approximately 1 million m².
About 1.5 million m² (or 75%) of this land bank has been acquired and is valued in the property portfolio for a total value of €276 million. In addition, 66% of the land bank generates an immediate average yield of 5,3%.
Moreover, Montea holds approximately 0.5 million m² (or 25% of the total land bank) under control by way of contracted partnership agreements.
| Total 31/03/2022 |
Total % |
Total 31/12/2021 |
Total % |
Total 31/03/2021 |
Total % |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landbank | |||||||
| Total surface | m² | 1.943.662 | 100% | 1.991.351 | 100% | 1.426.246 | 100% |
| Acquired, valued in property portfolio of which income generating Under control, not valued in property portfolio |
m² % m² |
1.465.964 66% 477.698 |
75% 25% |
1.429.246 68% 562.105 |
72% 28% |
1.277.109 68% 149.137 |
90% 10% |
| Fair value | K€ | 276.410 | 100% | 259.424 | 100% | 216.678 | 100% |
| Acquired, valued in propery portfolio of which income generating Under control, not valued in property portfolio |
K€ % K€ |
276.410 66% 0 |
100% 0% |
259.424 68% 0 |
100% 0% |
216.678 68% 0 |
100% 0% |
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The weighted average maturity of the financial debts (credit lines, bond loans and leasing obligations) amounts to 5.7 years as at 31 March 2022, which remains stable compared to 31 December 2021 (5.7 years)
The weighted average maturity of interest rate hedges was 6.8 years at the end of March 2022. The hedge ratio, which represents the percentage of financial liabilities with a fixed interest rate or with a floating interest rate subsequently hedged by a hedging instrument, amounted to 95.6% at the end of March 2022.
The Interest Coverage Ratio was equal to 6.2x in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 7.0x for the same period last year. Montea thus amply meets the covenants on the interest coverage ratio that it has concluded with its financial institutions.
The average financing cost of the debts was 1.8% for the first quarter of 2022 (compared to 2.2% for the same period last year).
Montea's debt ratio30 amounted to 41.1% at the end of March 2022 (compared with 36.3% at the end of March 2021).
Montea complies with all debt ratio covenants it has entered into with its financial institutions, under which Montea may not have a debt ratio higher than 60%.
30 Calculated in accordance with the Royal Decree of 13 July 2014 on regulated real estate companies.
29 Accruals and deferred income largely comprise rent already invoiced in advance for the following quarter.
Article 8:6 of the Royal Decree of 29 April 2019 implementing the Companies and Associations Code stipulates that any disposal of own shares must be made public.
Pursuant to this article, Montea announced on 19 April 2022 that it had disposed of Montea shares over the counter (OTC) to beneficiaries under a Montea share purchase plan.
An overview of the transactions that took place between 11 April and 15 April can be found in the press release of 19 April 2022. As a result of these transactions, the total number of treasury shares amounted to 7,854 on 15 April 2022 (0.05% of a total of 16,215,456 shares). This information is also available on https://montea.com/investor-relations/buyback-own-shares.
There were no transactions between affiliated parties during the first quarter of 2022, with the exception of those at arm's length and as is customary in the exercise of Montea's activities.
31 See press release of 19/04/2022 or www.montea.com for more information.
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Result-related targets in line with Track'24
Montea has adjusted its result-related targets for 2022:
Montea aims to maintain its strong fundamentals in 2022 and will stick to its strategy of subjecting its portfolio to continuous arbitrage. This strategy results in exceptional property-related performance indicators such as occupancy rate (98.8% as at 31/03/2022) and average remaining duration of the leases until the first termination option (7.3 years as at 31/03/2022). Thanks to its focus on the type of client and their activity (such as the health care sector, recycling sector, etc.) as well as on strategic locations with high added value (such as airports, water locations, etc.), Montea has succeeded in optimally extending its real estate portfolio. As a result, Montea expects to maintain the occupancy rate at least above 97% and to maintain stable payment behaviour on the part of its customers. At present, Montea has received 99.9% of the rents for Q1 2022. Of the due rental invoices of April 2022 (for monthly rents) and Q2 2022 (for quarterly rents), Montea has already collected 99.8%.
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The armed conflict in Ukraine, which started in February 2022, is leading to increased uncertainty and market volatility in the macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook. Montea is already experiencing an impact at various levels: an increase in the cost price of raw and building materials, disruption in the supply chain, which could jeopardize the timing of projects, and an increase in interest rates.
Wherever possible, risks are covered by proactive monitoring of projects in progress (timing and budget), by taking rising construction costs into account in rental contracts and by covering credit lines and bond loans at variable interest rates.
On the other hand, the importance of logistics can be expected to increase due to important trends such as near-shoring, the creation of strategic inventories and the further growth of the e-commerce sector. Given the scarcity of land in the various markets, upward pressure on market rents can be expected.
Montea launched its first ESG report in the course of 2021, with the primary objective of continuing to bring its expertise in logistics real estate to bear so as to make sustainable, long-term investments with added value for clients, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders. In 2021, Montea succeeded in making its own operations carbon-neutral by means of compensation.
In 2022, Montea will continue at this pace, with efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions further (stimulating public transport, electric cars, etc.), as well as to improve energy efficiency and continue to use renewable energy sources (such as solar panels and heat pump applications).
In addition, Montea will also place greater focus on the social aspect of sustainability in 2022. Montea is ambitious with Track'24 and wants to attract the necessary additional employees for this, as well as focusing on the well-being and further development of its current employees. At the start of 2022, Chief Human Resources Officer Steven Claes will join the management team, who will actively help to develop the futureoriented HR policy, with the strategy and culture continuing to evolve in the same direction.
Some of the concrete initiatives in Montea in 2022 include the launch of a well-being programme for its employees, creating a communication tool that brings all the countries together and stimulates communication between the teams in the various branches. Furthermore, Montea will upgrade the performance and satisfaction process for employees, for example by organizing the satisfaction survey annually with the necessary feedback, as well as by developing the existing feedback moments further so that people can continue to grow.
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In 2021, Montea proposed Track'24, intended to achieve its envisaged ambitions in the years 2021 to 2024. Over a four-year period, Montea aims to realise an investment volume growth of € 800 million.
The focus will be on sustainable and versatile logistics real estate:
Based on Montea's strong financial basis, its low debt ratio and its high occupancy rate at its sites, Montea's ambition for 2024 is to achieve
Montea is more than ever ready to attain its ambitions. With more than € 400 million in identified projects, € 301 million already completed and € 99 million in execution, many new projects in the pipeline, an ample land bank of some 2,000,000 m² and professional teams in the four countries where it operates, Montea can offer an answer to the strong market demand. These factors will form the basis for the implementation of Track'24.
Montea aspires to reduce the COշ emissions from its own operations by 50% by the end of 2024 – in line with the 2030 target, i.e. full COշ neutrality without compensation.
Montea aspires to reduce the COշ emissions from its buildings by 20% by the end of 2024 – in line with the 2050 target, i.e. to bring the emissions in line with the targets of the Paris climate conference (Paris Proof).
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This press release contains, inter alia, forecasts, opinions and estimates made by Montea with regard to the future performance of Montea and of the market in which Montea operates ('outlook').
Although prepared with the utmost care, such an outlook is based on Montea's estimates and forecasts and is by nature subject to unknown risks, uncertain elements, and other factors. These could lead to results, financial conditions, performance, and final achievements that differ from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Some events are difficult to predict and may depend on factors beyond Montea's control. In view of such uncertainties, Montea cannot give any guarantees on these forecasts.
Statements in this press release that pertain to past activities, achievements, performance, or trends should not be considered as a statement or guarantee that they will continue in the future.
Furthermore, the outlook is only valid as of the date of this press release.
Unless it is legally required to do so, Montea in no way undertakes to update or change these forecasts, even if there are changes in the expectations, events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which such forecasts are based. Nor does Montea, its statutory sole directors, the directors of Montea Management NV, members of Montea's management or advisors guarantee that the assumptions on which the outlook is based are free from error, and none of them can state, guarantee or predict that the results expected by such outlook will actually be achieved.
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| 17/05/2022 | General shareholders meeting (10:00 a.m.) |
|---|---|
| 19/08/2022 | Half-yearly financial report - results as at 30/06/2022 (before market opening) |
| 19/08/2022 | Analysts' meeting (10:00 a.m.) |
| 28/10/2022 | 28/10/2022 Interim statement - results as of 30/09/2022 (before market opening) |
| 28/10/2022 | Analysts' conference call (8:00 a.m.) |
This information is also available on our website www.montea.com.
Montea NV is a public real estate investment trust under Belgian law, specializing in logistics real estate in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany. The company is a benchmark player in this market. Montea literally offers its customers room to grow, using flexible and innovative real estate solutions. In this way, Montea creates value for its shareholders. As at 31/03/2022, the real estate portfolio represents a total surface area of 1.712.561 m², spread across 84 locations. Montea NV has been listed on Euronext Brussels (MONT) and Paris (MONTP) since the end of 2006.
PRESS CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION
Jo De Wolf | +32 53 82 62 62 | [email protected] www.montea.com
Press Release: Interim Statement – Regulated information Embargo until 12/05/2022 – 7:00 a.m. 39 / 46
Calculation:
| (in EUR X 1 000) | 31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Net result (IFRS) | 78.754 | 78.054 |
| Changes for calculation of the EPRA earnings | ||
| To exclude: | ||
| Changes in fair value of the investment properties and properties for sale | $-46.700$ | $-69.584$ |
| Result on sale of investment properties | $-19$ | 0 |
| Changes in fair value of the financial assets and liabilities | $-22.581$ | $-5.359$ |
| Deferred taxes related to EPRA changes | 5.548 | 12.332 |
| Minority interests with regard to changes above | $-2$ | $\circ$ |
| EPRA earnings | 15.001 | 15.443 |
| Weighted average number of shares | 16.215.456 | 16.023.694 |
| EPRA earnings per share ( $\epsilon$ /share) | 0,93 | 0,96 |
In October 2019, EPRA published its new Best Practice Recommendations which set out the financial indicators listed real estate companies should disclose so as to provide more transparency across the European listed sector. For example, the EPRA NAV and EPRA NNNAV were consequently replaced by three new Net Asset Value indicators: Net Reinstatement Value (NRV), Net Tangible Assets (NTA) and Net Disposal Value (NDV).
The EPRA NAV indicators are obtained by correcting the IFRS NAV in such a way that stakeholders get the most relevant information about the fair value of assets and liabilities. De EPRA NAV indicators per share are calculated based on the number of shares in circulation on the balance sheet date. The three different EPRA NAV indicators are calculated on the basis of the following scenarios:
Net Reinstatement Value: based on the assumption that entities never sell assets and aims to reflect the value needed to rebuild the entity. The purpose of this indicator is to reflect what would be required to reconstitute the company through the investment markets based on the current capital and financing structure, including Real Estate Transfer Taxes.
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| (in EUR X 1 000) | 31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| IFRS Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company | 1.085.235 | 894.123 |
| NAV per share (€/share) | 66,93 | 55,80 |
| I) Hybrid instruments | ||
| Diluted NAV at fair value | 1.085.235 | 894.123 |
| To exclude: | ||
| V. Deferred tax in relation to fair value gains of investment property | 5.548 | 12.332 |
| VI. Fair value of financial instruments | 4.547 | 25.642 |
| To include: | ||
| XI. Real estate transfer tax | 104.972 | 71.586 |
| NRV | 1.200.302 | 1.003.683 |
| Fully diluted number of shares | 16.215.456 | 16.023.694 |
| NRV per share (€/share) | 74,02 | 62,64 |
Net Tangible Assets: assumes that entities buy and sell assets, thereby realising certain levels of deferred taxation. This pertains to the NAV adjusted to include property and other investments at fair value and to exclude certain items that are not expected to be firmly established in a business model with long-term investment properties.
| (in EUR X 1 000) | 31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| IFRS Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company | 1.085.235 | 894.123 |
| NAV per share (€/share) | 66,93 | 55,80 |
| I) Hybrid instruments | ||
| Diluted NAV at fair value | 1.085.235 | 894.123 |
| To exclude: | ||
| V. Deferred tax in relation to fair value gains of investment property | 5.548 | 12.332 |
| VI. Fair value of financial instruments | 4.547 | 25.642 |
| VIII.b) Intangible fixed assets as per the IFRS balance sheet | -711 | -637 |
| NTA | 1.094.618 | 931.460 |
| Fully diluted number of shares | 16.215.456 | 16.023.694 |
| NTA per share (€/share) | 67,50 | 58,13 |
Net Disposal Value: provides the reader with a scenario of the sale of the company's assets leading to the realization of deferred taxes, financial instruments, and certain other adjustments. This NAV should not be considered a liquidation NAV as in many cases the fair value is not equal to the liquidation value.
| (in EUR X 1 000) | 31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| IFRS Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company | 1.085.235 | 894.123 |
| NAV per share (€/share) | 66,93 | 55,80 |
| I) Hybrid instruments | ||
| Diluted NAV at fair value | 1.085.235 | 894.123 |
| To include: | ||
| IX. Remeasurements of the fair value of fixed-rate financing | -23.525 | 1.867 |
| NDV | 1.061.710 | 895.989 |
| Fully diluted number of shares | 16.215.456 | 16.023.694 |
| NDV per share (€/share) | 65,48 | 55,92 |
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| 31/03/2022 | 31/12/2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in EUR X 1 000) | (A) Estimated rental value (ERV) for vacancy |
(B) Estimated rental value portfolio (ERV) |
(A/B) ERPA Vacancy rate |
(A) Estimated rental value (ERV) for vacancy |
(B) Estimated rental value portfolio (ERV) |
(A/B) ERPA Vacancy rate |
| (in %) | (in %) | |||||
| Belgium | 161 | 40.751 | 0,4% | 279 | 36.873 | 0,8% |
| France | 890 | 11.187 | 8,0% | - | 11.140 | 0,0% |
| The Netherlands | - | 34.573 | 0,0% | - | 26.903 | 0,0% |
| Germany | - | 3.980 | 0,0% | - | - | 0,0% |
| TOTAL | 1.052 | 90.491 | 1,2% | 279 | 74.916 | 0,4% |
Definition: The EPRA NIY is an annualised rental income based on the cash rents passing at the balance sheet date, minus non-recoverable property operating expenses, divided by the market value of the property, increased with (estimated) purchase costs.
Purpose: Introduce a comparable benchmark for portfolio valuations within Europe.
Calculation32:
| EPRA NIY ( in EUR x 1000) |
31/03/2022 | 31/12/2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | TOTAL | ||
| Investment property – wholly owned | 1.799.181 | 1.623.701 | |
| Investment property – share of JVs/Funds | 0 | 0 | |
| Assets for sale | 0 | 0 | |
| Minus development projects | -88.428 | -114.834 | |
| Completed real estate portfolio | 1.710.753 | 1.508.867 | |
| Allowance for estimated purchasers' costs | 79.165 | 84.912 | |
| Gross up completed real estate portfolio valuation | B | 1.789.918 | 1.593.779 |
| Annualised cash passing rental income | 91.127 | 82.087 | |
| Property outgoings (incl. ground rents) | -4.324 | -4.038 | |
| Annualised net rents | A | 86.803 | 78.050 |
| Rent free periods or other lease incentives | 217 | 256 | |
| "topped-up" net annualised rent | C | 87.020 | 78.306 |
| EPRA NIY | A/B | 4,8% | 4,9% |
| EPRA "topped-up" NIY | C/B | 4,9% | 4,9% |
32 The calculation of the rent-free periods has been slightly adjusted in 2021. This has no impact on the total EPRA NIY per 31/12/2021.
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| EPRA Cost Ratio (in EUR x 1000) |
31/03/2022 31/03/2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (i) Administrative/operating expense line per IFRS income statement | 3.212 | 2.761 | |
| (iii) Management fees less actual/estimated profit element | -106 | -99 | |
| EPRA Costs (including direct vacancy costs) | A | 3.106 | 2.662 |
| (ix) Direct vacancy costs | -353 | -244 | |
| EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs) | B | 2.753 | 2.418 |
| (x) Gross Rental Income less ground rents – per IFRS | 22.051 | 19.711 | |
| Gross Rental Income | C | 22.051 | 19.711 |
| EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs) | A/C | 14,1% | 13,5% |
| EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs) | B/C | 12,5% | 12,3% |
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| RESULT ON PORTFOLIO (in EUR X 1 000) |
31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Result on sale of investment properties Changes in the fair value of investment properties Deferred taxes on the portfolio result |
19 46.702 -5.548 |
- 69.584 -12.332 |
| RESULT ON PORTFOLIO | 41.173 | 57.252 |
Definition: This is the financial result pursuant to the Royal Decree of 13 July 2014 on regulated real estate companies, exclusive of the change in the real value of the financial instruments.
Purpose: This APM indicates the actual financing cost of the company.
| FINANCIAL RESULT excl. changes in fair value of financial instruments (in EUR X 1 000) |
31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial result To exclude: Changes in fair value of financial assets & liabilities |
19.470 -22.581 |
2.547 -5.359 |
| FINANCIAL RESULT excl. changes in fair value of financial instruments | -3.111 | -2.813 |
33 Excluding EPRA indicators some of which are considered as an APM and are calculated under the EPRA Performance measures annex.
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Definition: This is the operating result before the result of the property portfolio, divided by the property result.
Purpose: This APM measures the operational profitability of the company as a percentage of the property result.
| OPERATING MARGIN (in EUR X 1 000) |
31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Property result Operating result (before the portfolio result) |
21.900 19.143 |
21.988 19.515 |
| OPERATING MARGIN | 87,4% | 88,8% |
| AVERAGE COST OF DEBT | 31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| (in EUR X 1 000) | ||
| Financial result To exclude: |
19.470 | 2.547 |
| Other financial income and charges | 20 | 16 |
| Changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities | -22.581 | -5.359 |
| Interest cost related to lease obligations (IFRS 16) | 526 | 525 |
| Activated interest charges | -374 | -514 |
| TOTAL FINANCIAL CHARGES (A) | -2.939 | -2.786 |
| AVERAGE OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL DEBTS (B) | 639.560 | 517.949 |
| AVERAGE COST OF DEBT (A/B) (*) | 1,8% | 2,2% |
34 The average cost of the outstanding financial debt is calculated on the basis of an average over the last 5 quarters. The calculation of 2021 has been adapted accordingly and, as a result, deviates from the average cost of debt that has been published in the past (2.1% in press release Q1 2021).
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Definition: The interest coverage ratio is calculated by the sum of the operating result before the result on the portfolio, together with the financial income, divided by the net interest costs.
Purpose: This APM indicates how many times the company earns its interest charges.
| INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO (in EUR X 1 000) |
31/03/2022 | 31/03/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating result, before portfolio result | 19.143 | 19.515 |
| Financial income (+) | 12 | 5 |
| TOTAL (A) | 19.156 | 19.519 |
| Net financial charges (-) | 3.091 | 2.797 |
| TOTAL (B) | 3.091 | 2.797 |
| INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO (A/B) | 6,20 | 6,98 |
| NET DEBT / EBITDA (in EUR X 1 000) |
31/03/2022 | 31/12/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current and current financial debt (IFRS) - Cash and cash equivalents (IFRS) |
768.133 -11.213 |
649.449 -15.172 |
| Net debt (IFRS) A |
756.920 | 634.277 |
| Operating result (before the portfolio result) (IFRS) (TTM) (1) B + Depreciations (1) EBITDA (IFRS) C |
76.904 359 77.263 |
77.275 346 77.621 |
| Net debt / EBITDA A/C |
9,8 | 8,2 |
(1) TTM stands for "Trailing Twelve Months" and means that the calculation is based on financial figures of the past 12 months.
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