Property firm Sirius Real Estate traded in line with management's expectations in the financial year just ended. Rental income is expected to have increased to €45.2m from €43.6m (after excluding €1.9m of surrender premiums) the year before, driven primarily by higher average rate per square metre on new sales. In addition, the group expects to see further reductions in non-recovered service charge costs and overhead costs once all the numbers have been totted up, which should add around €1m to profits.
Occupancy has increased to 78% in the year, up from 76% at the start of the financial year. As at March 31st, 2012, cash reserves were €9.1 million, down from €13m six months earlier. Borrowings, excluding capitalised loan costs, totalled €296m, down from €300.0m at the end of September, representing a loan to value percentage of 60.1% based on an independent portfolio performed at the end of September. Both banking facilities are operating within covenants and the group remains in discussions with the the Royal Bank of Scotland about its banking facility, which matures in October 2012. The group said its main focus at present is to be able to service its borrowings and cover future capital expenditure requirements from operational cash flow.
Real Estate Credit Investments is to implement a more generous dividend policy for holders of its core shares. From the quarter ended March 31st, 2012, the closed-ended investment company is targeting an annual dividend on the core shares of 6% of net asset value per share, payable quarterly.
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