Gazit-Globe Reports Second Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Shareholders' equity grew by half a billion (NIS 2.6 per share) totaled NIS 7.9 billion, Investments during the quarter totaled NIS 1.1 billion


TEL-AVIV, Israel, Aug. 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gazit-Globe (NYSE:GZT) (TSX:GZT) (TASE:GZT), one of the world's leading multi-national real estate companies focused on the management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of supermarket-anchored shopping centers in major urban markets, announced today its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016.

References to the “Group” relate to Gazit-Globe’s consolidated statements. References to the “Company” relate to Gazit-Globe’s stand-alone financial statements. Unless otherwise stated, financial information included in this press release relates to the “Group”.

Highlights:

  • NOI for the quarter increased by 3.0% to NIS 1,074 million (US$ 279 million) compared to NIS 1,043 million (US$ 271 million) in the same quarter last year. Excluding the effect of exchange rate fluctuations NOI increased by 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year.
  • FFO for the quarter totaled NIS 142 million (US$ 37 million), or NIS 0.72 per share (US$ 0.19), compared to NIS 135 million (US$ 35 million), or NIS 0.69 per share (US$ 0.18), in the first quarter of 2016 and NIS 162 million (US$ 42 million), or NIS 0.91 per share (US$ 0.24), in the same quarter last year. The decrease in FFO and FFO per share between the two periods is mainly due to the effects of exchange rates, the sale of shares in subsidiaries and the equity offering that was completed at the end of 2015.
  • Shareholders' equity as of June 30, 2016 increased during the quarter by approximately NIS 0.5 billion (NIS 2.6 per share) totaled NIS 7,867 million (US$ 2,046 million), or NIS 40.2 per share (US$ 10.45 per share), compared to NIS 7,512 million (US$ 1,953 million), or NIS 38.4 million (US$ 9.98 per share), as of December 31, 2015 and after a dividend distribution of NIS 0.81 per share (US$ 0.21) in the six months ended June 30, 2016.
  • Investments during the quarter totaled NIS 1.1 billion (US$ 293 million).
  • The occupancy rate as of June 30, 2016 increased to a level of 95.7% compared to 95.4% as of June 30, 2015.
  • Same Property NOI for the period, excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, decreased by 0.1%. The decrease is mainly due to one-time effect in Canada as well as a decrease in NOI in Russia.
  • As of June 30, 2016, the Group had liquid assets and unutilized revolving credit facilities in the amount of NIS 9.8 billion (US$ 2.55 billion), of which NIS 2.3 billion (US$ 0.6 billion) was at the Company level.
  • As of June 30, 2016, net debt to total assets (LTV) decreased by 50 basis points to 50.8%, compared to 51.3% as of December 31, 2015.
  • The Company will distribute a quarterly cash dividend of NIS 0.35 per share, payable on September 12, 2016 to shareholders record as of September 5, 2016.
  • During the quarter and thereafter Gazit-Globe disposed part of its shares in BR Malls, which resulted in a total realized and unrealized gain of more than NIS 130 million (US$ 34 million).
  • In August 2016, the local credit agency, S&P Maalot, re-affirmed Gazit-Globe’s local credit rating of ilAA-.

Rachel Lavine, CEO of Gazit-Globe: “The second quarter results clearly show the continuation of the positive trends as evident through a significant increase in shareholders' equity, strengthening of our balance sheet, decrease of our cost of debt, and the improvement in our financial ratios. The Company’s financial strength has recently been reinforced by the re-affirmation of our local credit rating by S&P Maalot.

Alongside of more than NIS 130 million gain from the investment in BR Malls, we continue to bear fruit as a result of our portfolio repositioning; We believe that our portfolio is exceptional due to its high quality as well as its geographical diversity in strong economies and their leading urban cities. The Company focuses its activity on the acquisition, development and redevelopment of prime assets which amount to approximately NIS 3.7 billion, with a cost to complete of approximately NIS 2 billion. We believe that these quality properties, located in leading cities around the world such as Toronto, San Francisco, Sau Paulo, Helsinki and Warsaw will yield over the coming quarters, and in particularly during the course of 2017.”

Financial highlights for second quarter 2016:

  • Rental income for the quarter totaled NIS 1,523 million compared to NIS 1,514 million in the same quarter last year, an increase of 0.6%. Excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the rental income increased by 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year.
  • NOI for the quarter totaled NIS 1,074 million compared to NIS 1,043 million in the same quarter last year an increase of 3.0%. Excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, NOI increased by 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year.
  • FFO for the quarter totaled NIS 142 million, or NIS 0.72 per share, compared to NIS 135 million, or NIS 0.69 per share, in the first quarter of 2016 and NIS 162 million, or NIS 0.91 per share, in the same quarter last year. The decrease in FFO and FFO per share between the two periods is mainly due to the effects of exchange rates, the sale of shares in subsidiaries and the equity offering that was completed at the end of 2015.
  • The occupancy rate as of June 30, 2016 increased to a level of 95.7% compared to 95.4% as of June 30, 2015. By region, occupancy rates as of June 30, 2016 were: 96.3% in the US; 95.2% in Canada; 96.5% in North Europe; and 95.4% in Central and Eastern Europe.
  • EPRA NAV per share as of June 30, 2016 was NIS 55.2 compared to NIS 52.9 per share as of December 31, 2015.
  • Net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders totaled NIS 97 million, or NIS 0.47 per share, compared to NIS 130 million, or NIS 0.70 per share, in the same quarter last year.
  • The net fair value gain of investment property and investment property under development was NIS 572 million, compared to a gain of NIS 373 million in the same quarter last year.
  • Cash flow from operating activities totaled NIS 313 million, compared to NIS 322 million in the same quarter last year.

 Financial highlights for the first half 2016:

  • Rental income for the period totaled NIS 3,062 million compared to NIS 3,041 million in the same period last year, an increase of 0.7%. Excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the rental income increased by 4.8% compared to the same period last year.
  • NOI for the period totaled NIS 2,126 million compared to NIS 2,071 million in the same period last year an increase of 2.7%. Excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, NOI increased by 6.6% compared to the same period last year.
  • FFO for the period totaled NIS 277 million, or NIS 1.42 per share, compared to NIS 323 million, or NIS 1.81 per share, in the same quarter last year. The decrease in FFO and FFO per share between the two periods is mainly due to the effects of foreign exchange rates, the sale of shares of subsidiaries and equity offering that was completed at the end of 2015.
  • Loss attributable to the Company’s shareholders totaled NIS 181 million, or NIS 0.96 per share, compared to net income of NIS 506 million, or NIS 2.81 per share, in the same period last year. The loss is mainly due to the revaluation of financial derivatives and the loss from the sale of shares of Luzon Group (previously: Dori Group) recognized in the first quarter of 2016.
  • Cash flow from operating activities totaled NIS 603 million, compared to NIS 497 million in the same period last year.

Acquisition, Development, Redevelopment and Capital Recycling Activities:

  • During the period, the Group invested NIS 2,122 million. Total investment included NIS 783 million invested in 7 income-producing properties totaling 63 thousand square meters, as well as NIS 1,339 million in development and redevelopment projects.
  • As of June 30, 2016, the Group had 6 properties under development with a gross leasable area of 111 thousand square meters with a total investment of NIS 1.4 billion, and 21 properties under redevelopment with a gross leasable area of 215 thousand square meters with a total investment of NIS 4.3 billion. The additional cost to complete the properties under development and redevelopment totaled NIS 2.0 billion.
  • During the quarter, the company announced that it is increasing its share in Gazit Israel (Development) to 100%, becoming the sole shareholder in the company.

Financing Activities:

  • The average nominal annual cost of debt during the period was 4.0%, compared to 4.2% in the same period last year.
  • The Company will distribute a quarterly cash dividend of NIS 0.35 per share, payable on September 12, 2016 to shareholders record as of September 5, 2016.
  • In August 2016, the local credit agency, S&P Maalot, re-affirmed Gazit-Globe’s local credit rating of ilAA-.

ACCOUNTING AND OTHER DISCLOSURES

The Company believes that publication of FFO, which is computed according to EPRA guidance, more correctly reflects the operating results of the Company, since the Company’s financial statements are prepared in line with IFRS. In addition, publication of FFO provides a better basis for the comparison of the Company’s operating results in a particular period with those of previous periods and also provides a uniform financial measure for comparing the Company’s operating results with those published by other European property companies.

In addition, pursuant to the investment property guideline issued by the Israel Securities Authority in January 2011, FFO is to be presented in the “Description of the Company’s Business” section of the annual report of investment property companies on the basis of the EPRA criteria. As clarified in the EPRA and NAREIT position papers, the EPRA Earnings and the FFO measures do not represent cash flows from operating activities according to accepted accounting principles, nor do they reflect the cash held by a company or its ability to distribute that cash, and they are not a substitute for the reported net income. Furthermore, it is clarified that these measures are not audited by the Company’s independent auditors.

CONFERENCE CALL/WEB CAST INFORMATION

Gazit-Globe will host a conference call and webcast in English on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 5:00 pm Israel Time / 4:00 pm Central European Time / 10:00 am Eastern Time, to review the second quarter 2016 financial results. Shareholders, analysts and other interested parties can access the conference call by dialing: United States 1888 668 9141, Canada 1866 485 2399, United Kingdom 0800 917 5108, International +972 39180610, Israel 03 9180610.

A presentation will be available on the company’s website under Investor Relations/Conference Calls & Webcast at: www.gazit-globe.com

Webcast link: http://www.veidan-stream.com/?con=Gazit_Globe_Q2_2016_Results_Conference_Call

For those unable to participate during the call, a replay will be available for future review on Gazit-Globe's website under Investor Relations.

About Gazit-Globe

Gazit-Globe is one of the largest owners, developers and operators of predominantly supermarket-anchored shopping centers in major urban markets around the world. Gazit-Globe is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:GZT), the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:GZT) and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE:GZT) and is included in the TA-25 and Real-Estate 15 indices in Israel. As of June 30, 2016 Gazit-Globe owns and operates 429 properties in more than 20 countries, with a gross leasable area of approximately 6.5 million square meters and a total value of approximately US$ 21.5 billion.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A comprehensive copy of the Company’s financial report is available on Gazit-Globe website at www.gazit-globe.com
Investors Contact: IR@gazitgroup.com, Media Contact: press@gazitgroup.com
Gazit-Globe Headquarters, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Tel: +972 3 6948000

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In the United States, these statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks detailed in our public filings with the SEC and the Canadian Securities Administrators. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking or other statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Below please find excerpts from our Q2 2016 financial report. For our full Q2 2016 report in English, please go to http://www.gazitglobe.com/financial-reports.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
 
 June 30, December 31,
 2016 2015  2015
 Unaudited Audited
      
 NIS in millions
ASSETS      
      
CURRENT ASSETS     
      
Cash and cash equivalents1,427 1,989 2,125
Short-term investments and loans71 301 203
Marketable securities52 41 38
Financial derivatives52 136 77
Trade receivables237 560 467
Other accounts receivable1,073 572 363
Inventory of buildings and apartments for sale - 544 522
Current taxes receivable37 33 24
      
 2,949 4,176 3,819
      
Assets classified as held for sale534 929 826
      
 3,483 5,105 4,645
NON-CURRENT ASSETS     
      
Equity-accounted investees2,646 2,686 2,996
Other investments, loans and receivables781 632 754
Available-for-sale financial assets914 528 771
Financial derivatives346 674 702
Investment property73,738 65,007 70,606
Investment property under development2,799 3,078 2,587
Fixed assets, net128 195 170
Intangible assets, net926 99 900
Deferred taxes39 89 105
      
 82,317 72,988 79,591
      
 85,800 78,093 84,236


 June 30, December 31,
 2016 2015 2015
 Unaudited Audited
      
 NIS in millions
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
      
CURRENT LIABILITIES     
      
Credit from banks and others  918    730    1,062 
Current maturities of non-current liabilities  2,980    2,102    2,279 
Financial derivatives  57    249    45 
Trade payables  519    788    833 
Other accounts payable  1,532    1,489    1,521 
Advances from customers and buyers of apartments  -    287    326 
Current taxes payable  91    84    111 
      
   6,097    5,729    6,177 
Liabilities attributable to assets held for sale  6    275    50 
      
   6,103    6,004    6,227 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES     
      
Debentures  28,479    27,955    29,480 
Convertible debentures  615    1,005    921 
Interest-bearing loans from banks and others  11,940    9,516    11,457 
Financial derivatives  132    84    93 
Other liabilities  410    429    402 
Deferred taxes  4,916    4,209    4,661 
      
   46,492    43,198    47,014 
      
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY       
      
Share capital  249    232    249 
Share premium  4,989    4,413    4,983 
Retained earnings  4,868    5,257    5,207 
Foreign currency translation reserve (2,592)  (2,574)  (3,103)
Other reserves  374    147    197 
Treasury shares (21)  (21)  (21)
      
   7,867    7,454    7,512 
Non-controlling interests  25,338    21,437    23,483 
      
Total equity  33,205    28,891    30,995 
      
   85,800    78,093    84,236 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
 Six months ended
 June 30,
 Three months ended
 June 30,
 Year ended
December 31,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2015
 Unaudited Audited
          
 NIS in millions (except for per share data)
          
Rental income  3,062    3,041    1,523    1,514    6,150 
Property operating expenses  936    970    449    471    1,966 
          
Net operating rental income  2,126    2,071    1,074    1,043    4,184 
          
Fair value gain from investment property and investment property under development, net  821    480    572    373    711 
General and administrative expenses (354)  (345)  (179)  (176)  (726)
Other income  40    7    31    3    31 
Other expenses (54)  (503)  (36)  (2)  (795)
Company's share in earnings of equity-accounted investees, net  86    85    51    55    234 
          
Operating income  2,665    1,795    1,513    1,296    3,639 
          
Finance expenses (1,301)  (875)  (578)  (565)  (1,831)
Finance income  94    703    34    86    852 
          
Income before taxes on income  1,458    1,623    969    817    2,660 
Taxes on income  289    120    188    58    166 
          
Net income from continuing operations  1,169    1,503    781    759    2,494 
Loss from discontinued operation, net (230)  (79)   -   (62)  (188)
Net income  939    1,424    781    697    2,306 
          
Attributable to:         
          
Equity holders of the Company (181)   506    97    130    620 
Non-controlling interests  1,120    918    684    567    1,686 
          
   939    1,424    781    697    2,306 
          
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders of the Company (NIS):         
Basic net earnings from continuing operations  0.07    2.99    0.50    0.84    4.05 
Basic loss from discontinued operation (1.00)  (0.15)   -   (0.11)  (0.58)
Total basic net earnings (loss) (0.93)   2.84    0.50    0.73    3.47 
Diluted net earnings from continuing operations  0.04    2.96    0.47    0.81    4.02 
Diluted loss from discontinued operation (1.00)  (0.15)   -   (0.11)  (0.57)
Total diluted net earnings (loss) (0.96)   2.81    0.47    0.70    3.45 


FFO (EPRA Earnings)
 
The table below presents the calculation of the Company’s FFO, calculated according to the recommendations EPRA and the guidelines of the Israel Securities Authority, and its FFO per share for the stated periods:
 
       For the year
 For the 6 months ended
June 30,
 For the 3 months ended
June 30,
 ended
December 31
 2016 2015  2016 2015 2015
 NIS in millions (other than per share data)
          
Net income (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company for the period (181)   506    97    130    620 
          
Adjustments:         
Fair value gain from investment property and investment property under development, net (821)  (480)  (572)  (373)  (711)
Capital loss (gain) on sale of investment property (13)   5   (11)  -    106 
Changes in the fair value of financial instruments, including derivatives, measured at fair value through profit or loss  610   (629)   84   (54)  (693)
Adjustments with respect to equity-accounted investees (16)  (6)  (11)  (15)  (50)
Loss from disposal and  decrease of holding interest in investees -    1,533   -   -    1,533 
Deferred taxes and current taxes with respect to disposal of properties  264    92    175    51    138 
Gain from bargain purchase, net of goodwill amortization -   (1,067)   -   -   (1,026)
Acquisition costs recognized in profit or loss  3    3    2    2    41 
Loss from early redemption of interest-bearing liabilities and financial derivatives  40    29    11    30    78 
Non-controlling interests' share in above adjustments  348    290    282    248    395 
          
Nominal FFO (EPRA Earnings)   234    276    57    19    431 
          
Additional adjustments:         
CPI linkage differences (31)  (45)   39    97   (77)
Depreciation and amortization  8    10    4    5    21 
Adjustments with respect to equity-accounted investees -   (3)  -   (3)  - 
Other adjustments  66    85    42    44    252 
          
FFO according to the management approach (Adjusted EPRA Earnings)   277    323    142    162    627 
Basic and diluted FFO according to the management approach per share (in NIS)  1.42    1.81    0.72    0.91    3.51 
Number of shares used in the basic FFO per share calculation (in thousands)  195,481    178,420    195,485    178,425    178,426 
Number of shares used in the diluted FFO per share calculation (in thousands)  195,567    178,525    195,572    178,525    178,601 



            

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