Arena REIT’s portfolio valuation program is expected to result in a net revaluation uplift of approximately $102 million for the six month period ending 30 June 2022, representing an increase of 7.8% from HY22.
A total of 48 Early Learning Centre (ELC) assets and three healthcare assets were independently valued as at 30 June 2022, with the remaining ELC and healthcare assets and ELC development projects subject to Directors’ valuation.
A summary of the approximate $102 million portfolio revaluation uplift is detailed below:
The increase is equivalent to an increase of $0.29 in Net Asset Value per security.
Arena’s property portfolio remains 100% occupied and has a Weighted Average Lease Expiry of 20 years.
Strong macroeconomic drivers continue to support the Australian ELC sector. Demand for services and record female workforce participation rate have been driving increased long day care participation rates over the medium to long term.
Australia’s new Labor Federal Government has committed to further reduce the cost of childcare by lifting the maximum Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rate to 90% for the first child in care, and to keep the recently increased CCS rate at a maximum of 95% for second and additional children for families with a household income up to $530,000. These measures have been designed to improve workforce participation, gender equality, women’s financial security and economic activity over the medium to long term.
Arena’s ELC tenant partners reported the following underlying business operating data as at 31 March 2022:
- Average daily fee of $120.27, +5.35% from March 2021;
- Like-for-like operator occupancy is in line with the same period last year, which was higher than any prior corresponding period over the past five years; and
- Net rent to revenue ratio of 10.6%.
Across the portfolio, in excess of 80% of Arena’s portfolio has, or has terms agreed for the installation of solar renewable energy systems, with over 100 solar installations completed in FY22. These projects have contributed to reduced carbon emissions and provided ongoing operating cost savings to our tenant partners.
A total of seven ELC property acquisitions and six ELC development projects have been completed during FY22.
Recent extreme weather events in New South Wales and Queensland have caused minor delays in the progress of four ELC development projects which were expected to be completed in 2HFY22. The average expected delay is two months and these projects are now anticipated to be completed in 1HFY23. Due to the fund through nature of these development projects the delays do not impact on Arena’s contracted returns or investment cost.
Arena’s development pipeline currently comprises 16 projects, with an initial yield on total cost of 5.78% and expected total capital investment of $103 million; approximately $50 million of forecast capital expenditure remains outstanding.
Rent reviews during FY22 resulted in an average annual like-for-like rent increase of 4.1%. Arena’s rent review profile is well placed with regard to inflation uncertainty, with annual lease rent reviews predominantly subject to an increase of the higher of an agreed fixed increase or CPI.
Profile of Arena’s FY23 to FY25 annual rent reviews;
Premium Members can find all Arena REIT Articles, trading Analysis, Annual Reports and Presentations here
Related Articles
