Canada NewsWire
TORONTO, April 24, 2017
TORONTO, April 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust ("Choice Properties" or the "Trust") (TSX: CHP.UN) today announced its condensed consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017. Choice Properties also announced it will increase its annual distribution to $0.74 per unit or by 4.2% effective for the May 31, 2017 distribution payable on June 15, 2017. The Trust's Quarterly Report will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Trust's website at www.choicereit.ca, filed with SEDAR and available at www.sedar.com.
Quarter Highlights:
"Choice Properties' performance during the first quarter of 2017 provided us a strong start to the year. The quarter delivered solid results and we are pleased to announce an increase in our distributions to Unitholders," said John Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer. "During the quarter, we maintained a steadfast focus on execution and continued our progress to expand our portfolio and create value for all of our stakeholders. I look forward to leading the Choice Properties' team as we continue to strengthen our business and toward broadening our growth opportunities as we embark on our mixed-use development program to build for the future."
(1) |
See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5. |
Financial and Operational Summary
As at or for the three months ended March 31 |
|||||
($ thousands except where otherwise indicated) |
|||||
(unaudited) |
2017 |
2016 | |||
Number of properties |
536 |
519 | |||
Gross Leasable Area ("GLA") (in millions of square feet) |
43.7 |
41.6 | |||
Occupancy |
98.8% |
98.7% | |||
Rental revenue |
$ |
203,433 |
$ |
192,238 | |
Net Operating Income ("NOI")(1) |
$ |
142,424 |
$ |
132,445 | |
Net Income (loss)(i) |
$ |
24,250 |
$ |
(132,655) | |
Net Income (loss)(i) per unit diluted |
$ |
0.059 |
$ |
(0.324) | |
Funds from Operations ("FFO")(1) per unit diluted |
$ |
0.264 |
$ |
0.251 | |
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations ("ACFO")(1) |
$ |
90,776 |
$ |
78,354 | |
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations(1) payout ratio |
80.3% |
87.3% | |||
Distribution declared per unit |
$ |
0.1775 |
$ |
0.1675 | |
Total assets (in millions) |
$ |
9,380 |
$ |
8,730 | |
Debt to total assets(ii) |
46.3% |
45.9% | |||
Debt service coverage(ii) |
3.6x |
3.6x |
(i) |
Net income included a negative adjustment of $117,656 and a negative adjustment of $180,753 for the fair value of Exchangeable Units, and a positive adjustment of $92,843 and a negative adjustment of $13,623 for the fair value of investment properties, and a negative adjustment of $1,250 and a positive adjustment of $13,640 for the fair value of investment property held in equity accounted joint venture for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. Net income before adjustments to fair value(1) was $50,313 and $48,081 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. |
(ii) |
Debt ratios include Class C LP Units but exclude Exchangeable Units. The ratios are non-GAAP financial measures calculated based on the trust indentures, as supplemented. |
Financial Results for the Quarter:
(1) |
See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5. |
Operational Results for the Quarter:
Capital Structure:
Outlook
Choice Properties continues to drive value creation through accretive acquisitions, strategic development and active management of its portfolio of properties. This strategy supports the Trust's goal to expand its asset base and increase monthly distributions to unitholders.
Choice Properties is well positioned to meet its current obligations and to invest for future growth. The Trust's competitive advantages include: a sizable asset base that is geographically diverse across Canada; long-term leases and a strategic alliance with Loblaw; and an existing development pipeline, supported by sound financial management focused on maintaining a solid balance sheet and its investment grade credit ratings.
In 2017, Choice Properties expects to:
(1) |
See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5. |
(2) |
To be read in conjunction with "Forward-Looking Statements". |
(3) |
Debt ratios include Class C LP Units but exclude Exchangeable Units. The ratios are non-GAAP financial measures calculated based on the trust indentures, as supplemented. |
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about Choice Properties' objectives, outlook, plans, goals, aspirations, strategies, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, performance, prospects and opportunities. Specific statements with respect to anticipated future results can be found in various sections of this press release and in the MD&A of Choice Properties' First Quarter 2017 Report. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive" , "will", "may", "should" and similar expressions, as they relate to Choice Properties and its management.
Forward-looking statements reflect Choice Properties' current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on management's perception of historic trends, current conditions, outlook and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Choice Properties' expectation of operating and financial performance is based on certain assumptions, including assumptions about future growth potential, prospects and opportunities, industry trends, future levels of indebtedness, current tax laws, current economic conditions and no new competition in the market that leads to reduced revenues and profitability. Management's estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. Choice Properties can give no assurance that such estimates, beliefs and assumptions will prove to be correct.
Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause Choice Properties' actual results to differ materially from those expressed, implied or projected in the forward-looking statements, including, those described in Section 12, "Enterprise Risks and Risk Management", in the MD&A of Choice Properties' 2016 Annual Report. Such risks and uncertainties include:
This is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect Choice Properties' forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to Choice Properties could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in Choice Properties' materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including the Trust's 2016 Annual Information Form. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect Choice Properties' expectations only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, Choice Properties does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Choice Properties reports non-GAAP financial measures, including, but not limited to, Net Operating Income ("NOI"), Net Income before Adjustments to Fair Value, Funds from Operations ("FFO"), and Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations ("ACFO"). The Trust believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Trust for the reasons outlined below.
Management uses these and other non-GAAP financial measures to exclude the impact of certain expenses and income that must be recognized under IFRS when analyzing operating performance, as the excluded items are not necessarily reflective of Choice Properties' underlying operating performance or impact the comparability of financial performance between periods.
These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded REITs, and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS.
A comprehensive list of non-GAAP measures are defined and discussed in the Trust's 2016 Annual Report.
Net Operating Income NOI is defined as rental revenue, excluding straight-line rent, from investment properties less property operating costs. NOI is a key performance indicator as it evaluates the operating performance of the portfolio and represents a measure over which management has control. It is also a key input in determining the fair value of the portfolio. The Trust's method of calculating NOI may differ from other issuers' methods and, accordingly, may not be comparable to NOI reported by other issuers.
Net Income before Adjustments to Fair Value Net Income (or net loss) as calculated under IFRS excluding adjustments to fair value of Exchangeable Units, investment properties and investment property held in equity-accounted joint venture.
Funds from Operations FFO is not a term defined under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other real estate entities. Except as otherwise noted, Choice Properties calculates its FFO in accordance with the Real Property Association of Canada's White Paper on Funds from Operations & Adjusted Funds from Operations for IFRS issued in February 2017. The purpose of the White Paper was to provide reporting issuers and investors with greater guidance on the definition of FFO, and to help promote more consistent disclosure from reporting issuers.
Choice Properties calculates FFO by adjusting net income (or net loss) for items that do not arise from operating activities, such as adjustments to fair value.
Funds from Operations Payout Ratio FFO Payout ratio is calculated as the distributions declared per unit, divided by the FFO per unit diluted.
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations ACFO is not a term defined under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other real estate entities. Except as otherwise noted, Choice Properties calculates its ACFO in accordance with the Real Property Association of Canada's White Paper on Adjusted Cashflow from Operations (ACFO) for IFRS issued in February 2017. The purpose of the White Paper was to provide reporting issuers and investors with greater guidance on the definitions of ACFO and to help promote more consistent disclosure from reporting issuers.
Choice Properties considers ACFO an input to determining the appropriate level of distributions to Unitholders as it adjusts cash flows from operations for other sustainable economic cash flows.
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations Payout Ratio ACFO Payout ratio is calculated as the total distributions declared, divided by the ACFO.
Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
For the three months ended March 31 |
||||
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per unit amounts) |
||||
(unaudited) |
2017 |
2016 | ||
Rental revenue |
$ |
203,433 |
$ |
192,238 |
Reverse - Straight-line rental revenue |
(9,298) |
(8,883) | ||
Property operating costs |
(51,711) |
(50,910) | ||
Net Operating Income(1) |
$ |
142,424 |
$ |
132,445 |
Net Income (Loss) |
$ |
24,250 |
$ |
(132,655) |
Adjustment to fair value of Exchangeable Units |
117,656 |
180,753 | ||
Adjustment to fair value of investment properties |
(92,843) |
13,623 | ||
Adjustment to fair value of investment property held in equity accounted |
1,250 |
(13,640) | ||
Net Income before Adjustments to Fair Value(1) |
50,313 |
48,081 | ||
Adjustment to fair value of unit-based compensation |
1,254 |
1,033 | ||
Interest otherwise capitalized for development in equity accounted |
93 |
— | ||
Distributions on Exchangeable Units |
56,443 |
53,115 | ||
Amortization of tenant improvement allowances |
174 |
102 | ||
Internal expenses for leasing |
559 |
468 | ||
Funds from Operations(1) |
$ |
108,836 |
$ |
102,799 |
FFO(1) per unit - diluted |
$ |
0.264 |
$ |
0.251 |
FFO(1) payout ratio - diluted |
67.2% |
66.7% | ||
Distribution declared per unit |
$ |
0.1775 |
$ |
0.1675 |
Weighted average Units outstanding - basic |
410,766,421 |
408,264,351 | ||
Weighted average Units outstanding - diluted |
412,164,820 |
409,095,647 | ||
Number of Units outstanding, end of period |
410,957,673 |
408,459,152 |
(1) |
See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5. |
(2) |
Interest expensed in the Trust, relating to qualifying development projects underway in the equity accounted joint venture, was eligible to be added back to FFO(1) in accordance with the Real Property Association of Canada White Paper on Funds from Operations & Adjusted Funds from Operations for IFRS issued in February 2017. |
For the three months ended March 31, |
||||||
($ thousands) |
||||||
(unaudited) |
2017 |
2016 | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities(1) |
$ |
37,954 |
$ |
30,053 | ||
Interest paid |
(92,696) |
(85,549) | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities less interest paid |
(54,742) |
(55,496) | ||||
Add (deduct) impact of the following: |
||||||
Net interest expensed and other financing charges in excess of |
(3,465) |
(1,781) | ||||
Distributions on Exchangeable Units included in net interest expense |
56,443 |
53,115 | ||||
Gain on settlement of bond forward contracts |
— |
(2,682) | ||||
Interest income in excess or interest received(2) |
47 |
536 | ||||
Interest otherwise capitalized for development in equity |
93 |
— | ||||
Share of interest income from joint venture |
60 |
— | ||||
Portion of internal expenses for leasing relating to development activity |
280 |
234 | ||||
Property capital expenditures - incurred |
(360) |
(16) | ||||
Property and leasing capital expenditures - normalized(3) |
(10,890) |
(9,984) | ||||
Leasing capital expenditures - incurred |
(1,390) |
(1,444) | ||||
Adjustment for changes in non-cash operating working capital items which |
104,700 |
95,872 | ||||
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations(5) |
$ |
90,776 |
$ |
78,354 | ||
Total distributions declared |
$ |
72,922 |
$ |
68,394 | ||
ACFO(5) payout ratio |
80.3% |
87.3% |
(1) |
Presentation of the prior period has been updated to exclude leasing capital expenditures. |
(2) |
The timing of the recognition of interest expense and income differs from the payment and collection. The ACFO calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 were adjusted for this factor to make the quarters more comparable. |
(3) |
Seasonality impacts the timing of capital expenditures. The ACFO calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 were adjusted for this factor to make the quarters more comparable. |
(4) |
ACFO was adjusted to remove fluctuations in non-cash operating working capital due to the timing of transactions for capital expenditure accruals, realty taxes prepaid or payable, prepaid insurance, and construction inventory. These fluctuations generally net over the course of the year. ACFO was also adjusted to remove the variability created when rent was received in advance from Loblaw and the related sales taxes payable. |
(5) |
See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5. |
Selected Financial Information
The following includes quarterly financial information prepared by management in accordance with IFRS and based on the Trust's First Quarter 2017 Report. This financial information does not contain all disclosures required by IFRS, and accordingly should be read in conjunction with the Trust's 2016 Annual Report, which is available in the Investor Relations section of the Trust's website at www.choicereit.ca.
Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited) |
As at |
As at | ||||||
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
March 31, 2017 |
December 31, 2016 | ||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Non-current Assets |
||||||||
Investment properties |
$ |
9,196,000 |
$ |
9,098,000 | ||||
Equity accounted joint venture |
18,880 |
19,070 | ||||||
Accounts receivable and other assets |
5,724 |
5,888 | ||||||
Notes receivable |
2,407 |
2,360 | ||||||
9,223,011 |
9,125,318 | |||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||
Accounts receivable and other assets |
20,916 |
14,882 | ||||||
Notes receivable |
94,441 |
290,009 | ||||||
Assets held for sale |
35,000 |
— | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
6,772 |
5,113 | ||||||
157,129 |
310,004 | |||||||
Total Assets |
$ |
9,380,140 |
$ |
9,435,322 | ||||
Liabilities and Unitholders' Equity |
||||||||
Non-current Liabilities |
||||||||
Long term debt and Class C LP Units |
$ |
3,727,869 |
$ |
3,726,991 | ||||
Credit facilities |
493,000 |
172,000 | ||||||
Exchangeable Units |
4,400,960 |
4,283,304 | ||||||
Trade payables and other liabilities |
2,590 |
1,397 | ||||||
8,624,419 |
8,183,692 | |||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||
Long term debt and Class C LP Units |
967 |
201,723 | ||||||
Trade payables and other liabilities |
164,451 |
472,762 | ||||||
165,418 |
674,485 | |||||||
Total Liabilities |
8,789,837 |
8,858,177 | ||||||
Equity |
||||||||
Unitholders' equity |
582,532 |
569,374 | ||||||
Non-controlling interests |
7,771 |
7,771 | ||||||
Total Equity |
590,303 |
577,145 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Equity |
$ |
9,380,140 |
$ |
9,435,322 |
Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(unaudited) |
Three months ended |
Three months ended | ||||
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
March 31, 2017 |
March 31, 2016 | ||||
Net Property Income |
||||||
Rental revenue from investment properties |
$ |
203,433 |
$ |
192,238 | ||
Property operating costs |
(51,711) |
(50,910) | ||||
151,722 |
141,328 | |||||
Other Income and Expenses |
||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(5,996) |
(6,416) | ||||
Property management fee charged to related party |
150 |
150 | ||||
Amortization of other assets |
(233) |
(223) | ||||
Net interest expense and other financing charges |
(96,161) |
(87,330) | ||||
Interest Income |
771 |
572 | ||||
Share of income (loss) from joint venture |
(1,190) |
13,640 | ||||
Adjustment to fair value of Exchangeable Units(1) |
(117,656) |
(180,753) | ||||
Adjustment to fair value of investment properties |
92,843 |
(13,623) | ||||
Net Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
$ |
24,250 |
$ |
(132,655) |
(1) |
The Class B LP Units of the Trust's subsidiary, Choice Properties Limited Partnership, are exchangeable into Trust Units at the option of the holder. Loblaw holds all of the Exchangeable Units. These Exchangeable Units are considered puttable instruments and are required to be classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. The distributions paid on the Exchangeable Units are accounted for as interest expense. |
Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited) |
Three months ended |
Three months ended | ||||
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
March 31, 2017 |
March 31, 2016 | ||||
Operating Activities |
||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
24,250 |
$ |
(132,655) | ||
Straight-line rental revenue |
(9,298) |
(8,883) | ||||
Amortization of tenant improvement allowances |
174 |
102 | ||||
Amortization of other assets |
233 |
223 | ||||
Net interest expense and other financing charges |
96,161 |
87,330 | ||||
Interest income |
(771) |
(572) | ||||
Value of unit-based compensation granted |
2,181 |
1,847 | ||||
Share of loss (income) from joint venture |
1,190 |
(13,640) | ||||
Adjustment to fair value of Exchangeable Units |
117,656 |
180,753 | ||||
Adjustment to fair value of investment properties |
(92,843) |
13,623 | ||||
Interest received |
724 |
36 | ||||
Net change in non-cash working capital |
(101,703) |
(98,111) | ||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
37,954 |
30,053 | ||||
Investing Activities |
||||||
Acquisitions of investment properties |
(9,834) |
— | ||||
Additions to investment properties |
(20,554) |
(21,626) | ||||
Additions to fixtures and equipment |
(72) |
(2) | ||||
Equity investment distribution (contribution) |
(1,000) |
— | ||||
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities |
(31,460) |
(21,628) | ||||
Financing Activities |
||||||
Long term debt |
||||||
Issued - Senior unsecured debentures, net of debt placement costs |
— |
348,356 | ||||
Principal repayments - Senior unsecured debentures |
(200,000) |
(300,000) | ||||
Principal repayments - Mortgage |
(315) |
(295) | ||||
Gain on settlement of bond forward contracts |
— |
2,682 | ||||
Credit facilities |
||||||
Net advancements |
321,000 |
16,000 | ||||
Notes receivable |
||||||
Issued to related party |
(68,006) |
(64,150) | ||||
Repaid by related party |
263,574 |
248,463 | ||||
Cash received on exercise of options |
— |
64 | ||||
Interest paid |
(92,696) |
(85,549) | ||||
Distributions paid on Exchangeable Units |
(217,324) |
(202,204) | ||||
Distributions paid to Unitholders |
(11,068) |
(10,654) | ||||
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities |
(4,835) |
(47,287) | ||||
Change in cash and cash equivalents |
1,659 |
(38,862) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
5,113 |
44,354 | ||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period |
$ |
6,772 |
$ |
5,492 |
Management Discussion and Analysis and Financial Statements and Notes
Information appearing in this news release is a consolidated select summary of results. This news release should be read in conjunction with Choice Properties' First Quarter 2017 Report to Unitholders, which includes the unaudited interim period condensed consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the Trust and is available at www.choicereit.ca and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Conference Call and Webcast
Senior management will host a conference call to discuss the results on April 25, 2017 at 10:00AM (ET). To access via teleconference, please dial (647) 427-7450. A playback will be made available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 82435261. To access the conference call via webcast, a link is available at www.choicereit.ca in the "Events and Webcast" section under "News and Events".
Annual Meeting of Unitholders
Choice Properties' Annual Meeting of Unitholders will take place on April 25, 2017 at 11:00AM (ET), at the St. Andrew's Club & Conference Centre, 150 King Street West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A simultaneous audio webcast of the event will be available in the "Events and Webcast" section under "News and Events" of www.choicereit.ca. To access via teleconference, please dial (647) 427-7450. Playback will be available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 88410728.
About Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is an owner, manager and developer of well-located retail and other commercial real estate across Canada. Choice Properties' portfolio spans approximately 43.7 million square feet of gross leasable area and consists of 536 properties primarily focused on supermarket and drug store anchored shopping centres and stand-alone supermarkets and drug stores. Choice Properties' strategy is to create value by enhancing and optimizing its portfolio through accretive acquisitions, strategic development and active property management. Choice Properties' principal tenant and largest Unitholder is Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest retailer. Choice Properties' strong alliance with Loblaw positions it well for future growth. For more information, visit Choice Properties' website at www.choicereit.ca and Choice Properties' issuer profile at www.sedar.com.
SOURCE Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2017/24/c1699.html
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