ANALYST’S NOTE

GPT Group’s (GPT) 1H18 results were solid with Funds from Operation (FFO) growth per security of +3.4% and distribution growth per security up +2.5% on pcp, representing a payout ratio of 97.7%.

Profit After Tax (NPAT) for the group was $728.5m, a decrease of -3% on pcp, despite strong like for like income growth of +3.9% and a high occupancy rate of 97.4%. GPT’s balance sheet remains strong with net gearing of 24.7%.

Trading at a price to book of ~1.0x and yield of 4.8%, we prefer a significant discount to NTA, so we rate GPT as a Neutral and would wait for a more significant dip in price.

• 1H18 results overview. NPAT of A$728.5m was down -3% on pcp and FFO of $289.4m equated to growth of +3.2% driven by fixed rent increases across the portfolio and contribution from acquisitions and completed developments in logistics partially offset by elevated electricity costs and increased downtime in retail and a higher interest rate. GPT’s performance was underpinned by strong valuation gains of $457m across the group’s investment portfolio, particularly in Office which benefited from strong rental growth. GPT delivered distribution per security growth of +2.5% on pcp and NTA per security increased +5.4% to $5.31. Retail portfolio performed well delivering MAT growth of +4.4% and occupancy rate of 99.7%. Management noted, “GPT remains in strong financial shape, with net gearing of 24.7% and a weighted average debt term of 6.6 years.”
•  FY18 Outlook reaffirmed. Management noted that they expect office and logistics sectors to perform well. Office valuation growth is expected, underpinned by strong fundamentals and GPT is on track for 2019/2020 new developments delivery. Management expects a 1.5% population growth, low inflationary pressures and stable interest rates for FY19. Management reaffirmed FY18 guidance of +3% in FFO per security growth and +3% DPS growth.
•  Retail segment drives growth. Retail delivered total portfolio returns of +9.5% and like for like income growth of +2.3% in 1H18, with total specialty sales growth of +4.4%. Property net Income rose +3.2% to $156.8m, with Rouse Hill Town Centre, Melbourne Central and Charlestown Square being the strongest performing assets. The portfolio recorded a valuation gain of $53.5m for the period. Management confirmed, $420m expansion of Sunshine Plaza, in which GPT has a 50% interest, is due for completion in 2H19 and good progress has been made in securing retail tenants for the expansion, with 75% of the leasing deals completed for the development.
•  Office performs well delivering return of 14.4%. The Office portfolio delivered +5.5% like-for-like income growth for 1H18, with net operating Income increasing +4.4% to $132.9m compared to the previous corresponding period driven by strong occupancy rate of 96.6% and WALE of 5.3 years. The portfolio recorded a $377.9m valuation gain during the period, driven by the increase in market rents in Sydney. Management expects further valuation growth in Sydney and Melbourne office markets as a result of the strong market fundamentals.
• Logistics continues to deliver strong leasing results. The Logistics portfolio saw total portfolio return of 10% and strong leasing results, with 49,500 sqm of lease signed during the half, with a further 73,900 sqm of terms agreed. Like for like income growth of +3.6% for 1H18 was supported by healthy occupancy levels increasing to 96.6% and the weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 7.4 years. GPT acquired Sunshine Business Estate in Melbourne for a total consideration of $74m and continued to deliver its logistics development pipeline with construction of two facilities; 11,000 sqm in Huntingwood and 30,000 sqm in Eastern Creek, set for completion in 2H18.
• Funds Management delivers strong return. Total assets under management grew by +15.9% to $12.4bn, with strong demand for units from existing and new investors across both funds, delivering total return of 13.5% and profit growth of +20.6%. The GPT Wholesale Office Fund, delivered returns of 13.9%, and the GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund delivered 8.4%.