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Picton Property Income Limited

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FY2015 Annual Report · Picton Property Income Limited
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Picton property income limited
Annual Report 2015

Occupier focused
Opportunity led

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Welcome to our 
2015 annual report

Who we are
Picton Property Income Limited is an income focused, 
internally managed investment company, which invests 
in commercial property across the United Kingdom. 
Established in 2005, Picton has a main market listing on the 
London Stock Exchange.

The portfolio is predominantly invested in the office and industrial sectors (72%) and 
is biased towards London and the South East (60%). We invest in assets where 
we believe there are opportunities to enhance either income or value and this is 
primarily achieved by providing space that meets our occupiers’ requirements.

Our structure

The Board of Picton Property Income Limited is fully responsible for the direction 
and control of the Company, including investment policy and strategy. 

Picton Capital Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary company, is the investment 
manager to the Group and implements investment policy once determined 
by the Board. Our investment management team comprises 12 permanent 
employees and includes six property professionals, three qualified accountants 
and three further support employees. The team’s entrepreneurial leadership 
style and complementary set of skills enable them to implement effective 
investment policies and strategies that drive sustainable long-term growth. The 
team is led by its Chief Executive, Michael Morris, and his review of the year is 
set out on pages 18 and 19.

One of the benefits of the Company’s structure is that management costs are 
not linked to the size of the Company, which is unlike most traditional investment 
companies. This means that, with growth, the Company benefits from increasing 
economies of scale, which in turn enhance returns for investors.

Read more about Our Business Model on page 6

We have recently relaunched our website 
aiming to improve our communication  
with all our stakeholders. We hope you 
like the new site and would value your 
feedback. Please send your comments to: 
enquiries@picton.co.uk 

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Why invest in us? 
Our investment objective is to provide shareholders with 
an attractive level of income, together with the potential 
for capital growth, by investing in the principal commercial 
property sectors.

We have a portfolio of UK commercial property valued at £541 million, comprising 57 assets 
with around 400 occupiers. We differentiate Picton from its peer group by:

1  

 Offering diversified exposure to the UK commercial property market. 

2  

 Having one of the highest and fully covered dividend yields within the sector and 
significantly ahead of the UK REIT average. 

3  

 Utilising gearing to enhance returns over the long term.

4  

 Actively managing our assets with an occupier focused and opportunity led approach. 
This has continued to deliver outperformance at a portfolio level, ahead of the IPD 
Quarterly Benchmark.

5  

 Having an internalised management structure creating alignment with shareholders and 
generating economies of scale through growth.

Picton and EPRA best 
practice recommendations

The European Public Real Estate Association’s (EPRA) mission is to promote, develop 
and represent the European public real estate sector.

EPRA provides effective and continuous leadership in matters of common interest 
by publishing research and encouraging discussion of issues impacting the property 
industry, both within the membership and with a wide range of stakeholders, including 
the EU institutions, governmental and regulatory bodies and business partners.

We support EPRA’s drive to bring parity to the comparability and quality of information 
provided to investors and other key stakeholders of this Report. With this in mind, 
for our 2015 Report we have aimed to allow our audience to navigate to key areas of 
narrative in the Report and have highlighted these areas within our Report using the 
EPRA logo to aid identification.

The six key performance measures are set out on page 5, with supporting 
calculations and further disclosures, including sustainability measures, on pages 94 to 
98. We have also highlighted other specific metrics throughout the Report.

Strategic Report

Chairman’s Statement

2015 Highlights

Our Business Model

Our Strategy

Our Business Model in Action

Our Marketplace

Chief Executive’s Review

Our Key Performance Indicators

How We Manage Our Risks

Being Responsible

Investment Manager’s Report

Financial Review

Governance

Chairman’s Introduction

Board of Directors

Investment Management Team

Corporate Governance Report

Audit Committee Report

Property Valuation
Committee Report

Remuneration Report

Risk Committee Report

Directors’ Report

Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report

Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of 
Changes in Equity

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements

Other Information

EPRA Disclosures
Supplementary Disclosures

Investment Assets

5 Year Financial Summary

Glossary
Financial Calendar

Shareholder Information
As We Enter Our 10th Year

 We are a member of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC).

Look out for these icons:

Read more information in this Report

Visit www.picton.co.uk for more details

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Chairman’s 
statement

“We are fortunate to have a talented team of committed 
individuals that have helped drive success over the last 
12 months.”

Another year of 
considerable progress
During the last financial year, we have made 
considerable progress and delivered strong 
returns for shareholders. Our profit for the year 
was £69 million, the largest we have reported 
since 2006. For the 12 months to 31 March 
2015, we have delivered a total return of 27%, 
while the return to shareholders was 32%.

At a portfolio level we have grown occupancy 
from 91% to 95%, which reflects the improving 
occupier market and a continuation of our 
occupier focused strategy, and has helped 
contribute to another year of outperformance 
against the IPD Quarterly Benchmark.

Our growth this year has allowed us to benefit 
from efficiencies created by the Company’s 
internalised management structure, which have 
resulted in our Ongoing Charges ratio falling 
significantly, by 29%, from 1.7% to 1.2%.

I believe the success of our overall strategy  
has been demonstrated by the results this  
year and the shareholder support for our 
Placing Programme, which together have 
contributed to a £170 million increase in our 
market capitalisation.

Our strategy
As a business we have continued with our 
occupier focused, opportunity led approach. 
We are invested across the UK commercial 
property market, both geographically and  
by sector.

Our strategy enables us to acquire and dispose 
of assets on a selective basis, looking to exploit 
mis-pricing in the market and providing flexibility 
to acquire assets in better value sectors. We 
have taken advantage of a tightening market 
and a limited supply of suitable investments 
to make a number of selective disposals, 
having completed previously identified asset 
management initiatives, which have further 
enhanced performance. 

Our use of debt has again enhanced our 
returns and the property portfolio continues to 
provide a yield higher than our cost of debt. 
During the year we established a revolving 
credit facility, which provides us with greater 
flexibility as we look ahead to the maturity  
of our zero dividend preference shares next 
year, and further details are provided in the 
Financial Review. 

Successful placing 
programme
In May last year, we established a Placing 
Programme to raise new equity with the aim 
of investing this in the portfolio and a re-priced 
property market. This has enabled us to take 
advantage of opportunities arising in the market, 
and the improving economic conditions.

During the year we successfully raised £102 
million, utilising the majority of the Placing 
Programme. We have acquired five assets, 
investing £62 million, with a further £20 million 
committed following the financial year end. 

Growing and diversifying 
our portfolio
The property portfolio has increased in value by 
28% to £541 million over the past 12 months, 
taking into account both valuation gains 
and the impact of new acquisitions. Sector 
weightings remain broadly similar and the 
Company continued to be overweight to the 
industrial sector, whilst remaining underweight 
to retail, relative to the IPD Quarterly 
Benchmark. Whilst we have continued to 
make acquisitions, we have taken advantage 
of improved market liquidity to dispose of a 
number of non-core assets. This has led to 
an increase in the average lot size within the 
portfolio, from £7.4 million to £9.5 million.

“ As a business we 
have continued with 
our occupier focused, 
opportunity led approach. 
We are invested across 
the UK commercial 
property market, both 
geographically and by 
sector.”

Find out more:

How our Investment Management Team are 
implementing our strategy on pages 18 to 19

Read about Our Business Model on page 6

How we are Measuring our performance  
on pages 20 and 21

2

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Increase in EPRA NAV per share

23.2%

Total property return

19.0%

Total shareholder return

32.3%

Total Return (%)

2015 27.4
2014 21.6
2013  (7.6)

Our dedicated team
We are fortunate to have a talented team of 
committed individuals that have helped drive 
success over the last 12 months. Whilst we 
have grown net assets by over 70%, we 
have only needed to recruit one further asset 
manager, again demonstrating the benefits 
of our internalised management structure. 
The investment management team is entirely 
focused on Picton, and has complete alignment 
with the interests of our shareholders.

The team is partly remunerated though 
our Long Term Incentive Plan, linked to the 
Company’s share price, and we believe this 
alignment of interests is fundamental to  
our success. 

Outlook
During the last 12 months we have seen a 
marked positive rebound within the commercial 
property market. We view the improvement 
in occupier markets and general economic 
sentiment positively, especially given the 
backdrop of increasingly tight supply. Whilst we 
expect another year of double digit returns for 
UK commercial property in 2015, we expect 
the rate of growth to be lower than in 2014. 

We believe our ability to invest across the 
whole UK market will enable us to continue 
to take advantage of attractive investment 
opportunities and accretive asset management 
transactions. I believe we are well placed, 
recognising our diverse portfolio and bias 
towards the office and industrial sectors, and 
we remain confident about our prospects.

Nicholas Thompson  
Chairman 
8 June 2015

Governance 
During the year, Trust Associates was 
commissioned to carry out an independent 
evaluation of Picton’s Board. In addition to 
concluding that the Board was operating 
effectively, Trust Associates recognised the 
length of service of a number of the Directors 
and made a recommendation that the Board 
should expedite further its provisions for 
succession planning. As a result, a Nominations 
Committee has been created to formalise our 
plan for Board succession. At the same time 
it has been agreed that Trevor Ash will stand 
down from the Board in September 2015, 
ahead of the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting. On behalf of the Board I would like to 
thank Trevor for his longstanding and valuable 
service to the Company. I am pleased to 
announce that it is our intention that Michael 
Morris, the Chief Executive of Picton Capital 
Limited, will join the Board as a non-executive 
director from 1 October 2015.

I would also like to thank shareholders for their 
overwhelming support for the resolutions at last 
year’s Annual General Meeting. The next Annual 
General Meeting will take place in November 
and details will be provided in due course.

We have noted that a number of our immediate 
peers have adopted UK REIT status. This is an 
issue that we continue to keep under review, 
but have no immediate plans to change the 
Company’s position. 

Dividends and income
Income is a significant factor for the Company 
and its shareholders, and we are pleased to 
remain one of the higher yielding, fully covered 
property investment companies. Our EPRA 
earnings increased by £2 million to £15.3 
million, and our dividend cover remained at a 
healthy 117%. 

I am very pleased to be able to report that 
we have been able to increase the dividend 
following the year end. This reflects the success 
we have had over recent years and also the 
more favourable conditions in which we are 
now operating.

The increase of 10% means that the current 
annualised dividend is 3.3 pence per annum 
and, based on the share price of 70.75 pence 
on 5 June, reflects a dividend yield of 4.7%. 

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTN2015 
Highlights

Property Assets net of lease incentives (£m)

Profit after Tax (£m)

Dividends per Share (p)

£532.9m

2015 532.9
2014 417.6
2013 382.7

Net Assets (£m)

£370m

2015
370.0
2014 
214.1
2013 169.4

£68.9m

2015
68.9
2014
37.3
2013 (14.6)

3.0p

2015 3.0
2014 3.0
2013 3.5

NAV per Share (p)

Earnings per Share (p)

69.0p

2015 69.0
2014 56.0
2013 49.0

15.4p

2015 15.4
2014 10.4
2013 (4.2)

Dividend Cover (%)

Total Shareholder Return (%)

Total Return (%)

117%

2015 117
2014 124
2013 122

32.3%

2015 32.3
2014 50.2
2013
6.2

27.4%

2015 27.4
2014 21.6
2013  (7.6)

Financial highlights
 ■ Profit for the year of £68.9 million

 ■ Total return of 27.4% 

Operational highlights
 ■ Total Property return of 19.0%, outperforming IPD

 ■ Improved portfolio occupancy from 91% to 95%

 ■ Growth in net assets by 73% to £370 million

 ■ Invested £62.1 million in five new property assets during 

 ■ Increase in EPRA NAV per share of 23%, to 69 pence 

the year

per share

 ■ Reduction in net gearing to 30.1%

 ■ Established new three year revolving credit facility of 

£26 million

 ■ Sold four assets for £4.4 million, on average 14% ahead of 

the March 2014 valuation

 ■ Over £4 million invested into refurbishment projects 

 ■ 26 lease renewals and re-gears retaining £2.2 million 

 ■ £102 million of new equity raised through a Placing Programme

per annum

 ■ Reduction in Ongoing Charges ratio by 29% to 1.2% 

 ■ 68 lettings completed securing £4.4 million in additional annual 

income

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015  
EPRA Performance 
measures (EPM) – 
an explanation

EPRA Best Practices Recommendations 
recognise the six key performance 
measures detailed below, something 
we fully support. We aim to be as 
transparent with our EPRA Best 
Practices Recommendation reporting as 
possible, and for this year’s Report we 
felt the inclusion of the purpose against 
each measure would be helpful for our 
audiences and help give context. We 
have also cross-referenced these specific 
measures to more detailed information 
found in our Report.

EPRA performance measures and purpose

EPRA earnings

EPRA earnings per share

EPRA NAV per share

EPRA NNNAV per share

EPRA cost ratio (including direct vacancy costs)

EPRA cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)

EPRA net initial yield

EPRA ‘topped-up’ net initial yield

EPRA vacancy rate

2015

2014

2013

£15.3m

£13.3m

£14.7m

3.4p

69p

65p

24.9%

19.1%

5.9%

6.5%

4.8%

3.7p

56p

61p

23.5%

18.0%

6.5%

6.7%

8.7%

4.3p

49p

51p

22.5%

17.2%

7.0%

7.4%

12.4%

EPRA earnings:
A key measure of a company’s underlying operating results and an indication of the extent to 
which current dividend payments are supported by earnings.

See page 94 for more details

EPRA NAV:
Makes adjustments to IFRS NAV to provide stakeholders with the most relevant information on the 
fair value of the assets and liabilities within a true real estate investment company with long-term 
investment strategy.

See page 94 for more details

EPRA NNNAV:
Makes adjustments to EPRA NAV to provide stakeholders with the most relevant information on 
the current fair value of all the assets and liabilities within a real estate company.

See page 94 for more details

EPRA net initial yield and ‘topped-up’ net initial yield:
A comparable measure for portfolio valuations. This measure should make it easier for investors 
to judge for themselves, how the valuation of a portfolio compares with others. The EPRA NIY is 
based on the passing rents at the balance sheet date, the EPRA ‘topped-up’ NIY also includes 
rents where there are unexpired lease incentives at the balance sheet date.

See page 95 for more details

EPRA vacancy rate:
A “pure” (%) measure of investment property space that is vacant, based on ERV.

See page 95 for more details

EPRA cost ratios:
A ratio to enable meaningful measurement of the changes in a company’s operating costs as a 
percentage of rental income.

See page 95 for more details

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5

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNOur 
business model

We invest in 
commercial property 
and own a portfolio 
of 57 assets located 
throughout the United 
Kingdom.

The portfolio covers the main commercial 
property sectors of office, industrial, 
retail, retail warehouse and leisure, and 
has around 400 occupiers providing a 
diversified income stream from a wide 
range of businesses. The majority of this 
income is paid out to investors in the form 
of quarterly dividends, after deducting 
operating and financing costs.

The Group is managed and controlled 
by its Board which is based in 
Guernsey. The Company’s Investment 
Restrictions are set out on our website at 
www.picton.co.uk

Read more in our Investment Manager’s 
Report on pages 29 to 45

See Our Business Model in Action 
on pages 8 to 15

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Occupier focused
Opportunity led

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Creating a diverse 
portfolio 
Our portfolio is diversified, not only in terms of 
sector and geographic allocation, but also by 
income concentration, which reduces the risk 
profile. Our investment objective enables us to 
consider opportunities across the UK. We look 
to invest in assets where we believe we can 
drive either income or value in the medium term, 
and remain focused on total returns.

Asset management
Our asset management team has a hands on 
approach and maintains a direct relationship with 
our occupiers. Our aim, using our experience 
and knowledge, is to create space that meets 
occupier needs, which in turn will help to 
maintain occupancy. We are continually looking 
at innovative ways to add value to our assets 
through refurbishment, higher value uses or the 
restructuring of leases.

Stable recurring income 
Through such a diverse occupier base, the 
rental income from the property portfolio remains 
relatively stable and we aim to grow income though 
active asset management and capturing market 
rental uplifts. We have a covered dividend policy 
which allows us to invest surplus cash flow back 
into the portfolio.

Depth of expertise 
Alongside our experienced Board, the 
investment management team has over 100 
years’ experience within the commercial property 
sector and comprises 12 permanent employees 
with six property professionals, three qualified 
accountants and three further support staff. Our 
talented team is fully focused on delivering the 
Group’s strategy.

Enabling us to deliver long term shareholder value

We believe long term shareholder value is achieved though good sector and asset allocation, managing 
occupiers and in turn the underlying cashflow. Prudent use of gearing, not only in the short term, enhances the 
income position but used effectively will enhance shareholder value over the long term. 

Read more in Our Key Performance Indicators on pages 20 and 21

6

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015 
 
 
 
Our 
strategy

The Company’s objective is to provide investors with an 
attractive level of income, with the potential for capital 
growth.

This is achieved by creating a portfolio of 
assets with a high income bias. Assets are 
managed to maximise the potential for both 
income and, where appropriate, capital growth. 
This is achieved through, amongst other things, 
improving the quality of accommodation, 
extending income longevity and exploring the 
potential to create value through refurbishment, 
change of use or redevelopment.

In addition, we look to recycle capital where 
opportunities exist for better risk adjusted 
returns. The ability to invest across the UK 
market and across sectors means that we 
can be opportunity led. Equally, understanding 
and meeting the needs of new and existing 
occupiers is paramount.

Read about our Strategic Priorities 
on pages 18 and 19

Our 5 key strategic priorities

  Growth of net income

We aim to grow net income over the long term through the active management of the 
property portfolio. We aim to add additional annual income from new lettings, lease 
renewals and re-gears. We also strive to reduce the portfolio voids by attracting new 
occupiers, and by investing in our assets to make them attractive to occupiers to help 
drive rental growth.

Progress
 ■ Overall net income has grown by £2.6 

million compared to 2014. We expect this 
to grow further as cash is invested into new 
acquisitions and the benefits of increased 
occupancy reduce operating costs.

  Working with our occupiers

We maintain regular communication with our occupiers. By doing this, we understand 
their needs and can work to meet their requirements in a timely manner. Our successful 
occupier focused initiatives include the ‘Picton Promise’ – eight commitments to quality 
and service that underpin every aspect of our occupier experience. We believe that these 
initiatives will lead to enhanced occupancy and retention rates.

Progress
 ■ Our increase in occupancy from 91% to 
95% reflects the success of our occupier 
initiatives. We have also undertaken a 
number of surrender transactions through 
working with our occupiers.

  Operational efficiency

Picton is an internally managed investment company. The Investment Manager, Picton 
Capital Limited, is a wholly owned subsidiary company and has 12 permanent staff, as 
at 31 March 2015. We believe this efficient operating model will allow Picton to benefit 
from economies of scale as it grows. We constantly review property operating costs and 
employ strategies to reduce costs where possible.

Progress
 ■ Our Ongoing Charges ratio has fallen this 

year to 1.2% from 1.7% in 2014.

  Portfolio and asset management

Active asset management is core to our approach and will continue to be implemented 
to enhance the value of our assets. In addition, we will seek to acquire new assets for 
the portfolio that offer the potential of income and value enhancement whilst disposing of 
assets that have been identified as contributing less in terms of performance.

Progress
 ■ We have outperformed the IPD Quarterly 
Benchmark on both a total return and 
income return basis.

  Effective use of debt

Over the long term we believe that effective use of gearing will increase returns to 
shareholders. The income return from the portfolio will be enhanced by the low, long term 
fixed interest rates in place on our borrowings. At this stage of the property cycle, gearing 
is proving accretive to returns from the property portfolio. The Board reviews the level 
of gearing in place on a regular basis so that the Group can adapt to changing market 
conditions as necessary.

Progress
 ■ Gearing has again contributed positively to 
performance, our geared return of 27% for 
the year is well ahead of the IPD Quarterly 
Benchmark.

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7

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Our business 
model in action

Gloucester retail park

Creating a diverse portfolio – 
strengthening our  
total returns

The opportunity we recognised 
We recognised the opportunity to acquire a well-located retail warehouse park at an attractive 
entry price with good income longevity and low overall rental levels.

Located on a seven acre site, this four unit scheme had undergone significant re-positioning in 
prior years following a number of occupier defaults. The new occupier line-up, along with re-
based rental levels, is attractive and we believe will enable medium term growth.

In addition, we believe the potential exists to develop a pod unit on the site, which is currently 
being explored. Equally, we intend to restructure some of the existing leasing arrangements and 
aim to improve footfall, making the park even more attractive to occupiers.

Key property details

Acquisition Price

£14,650,000

Net Initial Yield

6.9%

Size

112,400 sq ft

Number of Occupiers

4

Annual Rent

£1,067,000

8

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www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

23437 

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9

Picton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Our business 
model in action

Parkbury industrial  
estate, radlett

Asset management – 
driving higher  
occupancy rates

The opportunity we recognised 
When we acquired Parkbury in 2014, we felt we would be able to enhance income and value 
with a coordinated letting campaign and through proactive asset management.

Our objective was to quickly secure occupiers for the vacant units and start to build 
relationships with the existing occupiers to establish where further asset management could be 
undertaken.

The value we added
Through leasing four vacant units during the year and undertaking a further simultaneous 
surrender and re-letting, we have improved occupancy (now 100%) and have extended income 
longevity. As a result, this property increased in value by 15% over the period and, in nominal 
terms, was the second largest single uplift within the portfolio.

Key property details

Size

336,700 sq ft

Number of Occupiers

22

Annual Rent

£2,405,000

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www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

23437 

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11

Picton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Our business 
model in action

Citylink, croydon 

Asset management –  
strong occupier  
relationships

The opportunity we recognised 
We wanted to maximise value by creating best in class space and securing a key flagship 
occupier.

Using proceeds from our Placing Programme we completed the internal refurbishment of all 
floors to complement a re-configuration of the reception area previously undertaken.

The value we added
We secured leading education provider BPP as occupier for the entire west wing of Citylink 
following refurbishment of the building which completed in late 2014.

Our relationship with BPP, a previous occupier within the portfolio, helped us secure this 
transaction. We worked alongside BPP, their fit-out contractors and planning consultants to 
enable them to occupy the space within two weeks of our refurbishment completing.

Key property details

Size

48,300 sq ft

Number of Occupiers

2

Annual Rent

£865,000

12

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www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

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13

Picton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Our business 
model in action

Angel gate office village, 
london EC1

Asset management – 
meeting occupier needs

The opportunity we recognised 
With increasingly discerning businesses in this technology belt to the north of the City we 
have re-positioned this estate to meet occupier needs. We have undertaken an architect-led 
refurbishment scheme, which we are rolling out across the estate, alongside re-invigorating the 
external areas with a more contemporary feel. 

The value we added
The like-for-like capital gain over the last year was 44% and in nominal terms was the largest 
single uplift within the portfolio. The two refurbished units were both let within a month of the 
refurbishment works completing, at an annual rent over 40% higher than standard space on the 
estate. The most recent letting set a rental record for the estate at £40 per sq ft. We continue 
to refurbish units when occupiers vacate and capitalise on rental growth while occupational 
demand remains strong for the City fringe. 

A further unit was acquired following the year end at a low capital value of £350 per sq ft, 
enabling a further continuation of this strategy to acquire the few remaining units at the property 
outside our ownership.

Key property details

Size

61,300 sq ft

Number of Occupiers

23

Annual Rent

£1,090,000

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www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

23437 

10 July 2015 11:17 AM 

slugline

Skeleton

15

Our
marketplace

IPD All Property total returns

17.1%

IPD capital value growth

11.2%

IPD rental growth

3.1%

IPD occupancy

91.8%

The relative certainty afforded by a majority government 
following the General Election in May is, we believe, 
helpful in many respects. Whilst in the medium term 
the impact of a referendum on Europe may affect 
investment decisions, at present it very much appears to 
be business as usual. 

UK property market
As measured by the IPD Quarterly Digest, All 
Property total returns for the year to March 
2015 were 17.1%. Capital movements 
contributed 11.2% and the income return 
5.3%. Despite this growth, on average, IPD All 
Property values still remain 25% lower than the 
June 2007 peak. This is an improvement from a 
year ago where values were 33% lower.

The IPD Quarterly Digest recorded an 11.2% 
rise in capital values in the year to March 2015. 
Capital values in the office sector grew by 
15.9%, industrial by 14.9% and retail by 7.5%. 
The strongest rise was recorded in West End 
Retail at 24.2% and the weakest in Northern 
Ireland Retail at 2.4%. In the year to March 
2015, all of the 37 IPD segments recorded 
positive capital growth, which compares to 34 
in March 2014.

The IPD Quarterly Digest recorded a 3.1% rise 
in rents in the year to March 2015. Rents in 
the office sector grew by 7.3%, industrial by 
3.0% while retail rents grew by only 0.6%. The 
strongest rise in rents was seen in Inner London 
Offices at 14.6% and the weakest in Wales 
retail at -1.5%. In the year to March 2015,  
27 of the 37 IPD segments recorded positive 
rental growth, which compares to only 16 in 
March 2014. 

The IPD Quarterly Digest in March 2015 had 
an occupancy rate of 91.8%, an improvement 
from 90.9% recorded in March 2014.

Economic backdrop
The annual growth rate for GDP has been 
reassuring, recording a 2.4% rise for the year 
to March 2015 and is now 4% higher than 
the first quarter of 2008, the pre-crisis peak. 
A strengthening in confidence in industry and 
employment surveys together with a pick-up in 
lending and low interest rates are encouraging. 

Whilst CPI inflation in the year to April 2015 
was -0.1%, its first fall since records began in 
1960, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) 
is confident that inflation is unlikely to remain 
negative for very long. The Retail Price Index 
in the year to April 2015 was 0.9%, down from 
2.5% in April 2014 and at its lowest since 2009.

In terms of employment, the Office for National 
Statistics reported that in the three months to 
March 2015, 73.5% of people aged from 16 
to 64 were in work, a rise from 72.5% for the 
same period a year earlier and its highest level 
since records began in 1971. Pay, excluding 
bonuses, rose by 2.2% when comparing the 
period January 2015 to March 2015 with the 
same period a year earlier.

The recently published De Montfort annual 
lending survey showed that new loans to the 
commercial property sector rose by more than 
50% in the year to £45.2 billion. Total new loans 
in the second half of the year were particularly 
strong, almost a third higher than the first half 
of the year. Traditional lenders continued to 
reduce their exposure to property but insurance 
companies and non-bank lenders increased 
their share of total net lending to £11.5 billion, 
accounting for 25% of all new loans in 2014. 
The total value of distressed loans at the end of 
2014 stood at £21.1 billion, down from £44.7 
billion in the previous year.

As at 29 May 2015, ten year gilt yields were 
1.9%, compared to 2.6% at the end of March 
2014. The Bank of England base rate remains 
unchanged at 0.5%. 

Read more in our Investment Manager’s 
Report on pages 29 to 45

16

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015IPD All Property total returns (%)

2015 17.1
2014 13.3
2013  3.0

All Property sector returns 2015 (%)

Industrial 21.6
Office
21.2
Retail 
13.3

Capital movements by geographic region 
ranged from 17.0% for London to 9.6% for 
North East Industrial.

Overall, industrial rents grew by 3.0%. Rental 
growth was strongest for West Midlands, which 
rose by 4.6%, and weakest for Yorkshire and 
Humberside at 0.8%. 

Occupancy rates for industrial at the end of 
March 2015 were 90.9%, higher than the 
88.8% recorded for March 2014.

Office market
According to IPD, total returns for the year to 
March 2015 were 21.2%, of which income 
contributed 4.6% and capital growth 15.9%. 
Returns were strongest in Mid-town at 27.3% 
and weakest for the North East at 11.4%. 

Capital movements by geographic region 
ranged from 22.8% for Mid-town Offices to 
4.4% for North East Offices.

Overall, office rents rose by 7.3% over the  
year. Rental rises were best for Inner London 
Offices at 14.6% and worst for North East 
Offices at 0.1%. 

Occupancy rates for offices at the end of March 
2015 were 86.8%, higher than the 85.9% 
recorded in March 2014.

Retail market
According to IPD, total returns for the year to 
March 2015 were 13.3%, of which income 
contributed 5.4% and capital growth 7.5%.  
The strongest returns were recorded in West 
End at 28.4% and the weakest was Northern 
Ireland at 9.7%.

Capital movements by geographic region 
ranged from 24.2% for West End Retail to  
2.4% for Northern Ireland Retail.

Overall, retail rents grew by 0.6% in the year. 
Rental growth was strongest for West End 
Retail at 9.6%, and weakest for Wales Retail  
at -1.5%. 

Occupancy rates for retail at the end of March 
2015 were 95.0%, higher than the 94.4% 
recorded in March 2014.

Current trends in the UK 
property market
Investors continue to see the UK as a safe 
haven and the returns offered by the property 
market as attractive, as the economic recovery 
spreads from London to the regions. This 
contributed to net inflows into the commercial 
property sector strengthening during the 
year. This is supported by figures from the 
Investment Association which shows that for 
the year to 31 March 2015, investment into  
UK property funds totalled £4.7 billion, higher 
than the £2.4 billion recorded for the year to 
March 2014. 

At an All Property level, capital value growth 
has been positive for 24 consecutive months. 
However, many assets, especially those outside 
of London, have only recently started to see an 
uplift in occupier demand, which would suggest 
rental growth in these areas will play a bigger 
part in capital value growth going forwards. 

Rental growth in the year to March 2015 was 
3.1% and has been positive for 21 consecutive 
months. Rental growth in central London and 
the South East has been the strongest but 
rents in the retail sector have struggled to gain 
momentum in the last year. 

How we see these trends 
affecting our specific 
sector profiles
We continue to recognise the structural 
changes taking place within the market and 
in particular the impact of technology in the 
way that space is utilised. Our overweight 
stance to the industrial sector, which includes 
warehousing and logistics, alongside our 
underweight position to retail is a reflection of 
these themes. In the retail sector we are seeing 
a change in the balance between supply and 
demand, alongside a marked re-pricing in rental 
levels. Whilst this starts to reflect these more 
structural changes, we believe that, following 
a prolonged writedown in this sector, we are 
close to the floor on rental levels.

Industrial market
According to IPD, total returns for the year to 
March 2015 were 21.6%, of which income 
contributed 5.9% and capital growth 14.9%. 
Returns were strongest in West Midlands at 
23.6% and weakest in North East at 17.3%, 
but still ahead of the All Property average  
of 17.1%.

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17

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Chief executive’s 
review

Benchmarked against our five key strategic priorities, 
Picton has had a very successful 12 months. 

The team continues to work well and their 
efforts are evident from the Key Performance 
Indicators that have been reported. The total 
property return of 19%, ahead of the IPD 
Benchmark for the year, and a total return of 
27.4%, are particular highlights. 

We are utilising gearing to enhance returns, 
recognising that we believe there is still further 
momentum within the property cycle and 
there remains a positive arbitrage between 
the portfolio yield and our cost of debt, which 
further improves our net income. 

As we have grown the business we have 
continued to reshape the portfolio through a 
combination of disposing of non-core assets 
and making new acquisitions. This has resulted 
in a 28% increase in the average lot size to 
£9.5 million.

Working with our 
occupiers 
Within our portfolio, occupancy continues to be 
above that recorded by the IPD Index. We have 
had considerable success increasing occupancy 
to 95%, up from 91% 12 months ago.

Key to this success has been our ability to 
attract new occupiers while retaining existing 
ones through our occupier focused approach. 
We have, over the course of the year, worked 
with numerous occupiers to help them ‘right 
size’ their business and I genuinely believe this 
personal hands-on approach and attention 
to detail is key as we manage our assets and 
improve their attractiveness for occupiers. 
This approach has really started to show 
results since we internalised the investment 
management function in 2012.

Operational efficiency
Whilst the net assets of the Group have risen 
considerably this year, by over 70% to £370 
million, our management team has only seen 
the addition of one new asset manager. Our 
cost base does not rise in proportion to assets, 
unlike most externally managed investment 
companies and, as such, the Ongoing Charges 
ratio, a measure of how efficiently the business 
is run, has fallen from 1.7% to 1.2%.

Growth in net income
The starting point for growing net income in a 
sustainable way is to increase occupancy. 

Net income has risen by over £2 million this 
year primarily reflecting the larger portfolio 
and improved occupancy. During the year we 
have held a higher level of cash compared 
to previous years, which will reduce with the 
investments announced following the year end. 
There is a lag effect in terms of reducing void 
holding costs, following letting activity, and 
we expect these benefits to become further 
apparent in the next financial year.

In addition, the Company has taken advantage 
of more buoyant occupier markets to make 
a number of transactions that have not, in 
the short term, grown net income, but have 
secured income longevity or enhanced value 
(our activity at Chancery Lane for example, 
which is further detailed in the Investment 
Manager’s Report). Therefore we do not see 
the lower EPRA earnings per share this year as 
significant in the context of overall returns.

Equally, we are starting to see emerging signs 
of rental growth, which are no longer confined 
to the core areas within central London. Whilst 
this will not immediately lead to an increase in 
income until it is captured at lease expiry or at 
the next rent review, conditions in the occupier 
market are certainly the best they have been, in 
our view, since 2008. 

“ As we report our largest 
profit since 2006, we 
must not be complacent 
as there is still much to 
build on.”

Find out more:

How we are Measuring our performance  
on pages 20 and 21

How we are Managing our risks  
on pages 22 and 23

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As we head into our  
tenth year
We have a strong, committed and aligned 
team at Picton and we remain confident about 
our prospects as we continue to build on the 
accomplishments of the last 12 months.  
We have a good pipeline of occupational 
activity and continue to see good access to 
investment opportunities.

As we report our largest profit since 2006, we 
must not be complacent as there is still much 
to build on. We have to continue to treat our 
occupiers well, manage our lease expiry profile 
and cash flow and continually look at ways in 
which we can maximise overall total returns 
from within the portfolio.

As markets continue to improve and asset 
values rise, we believe further opportunities will 
be unlocked. As such, I believe we continue 
to employ the right strategy for the prevailing 
market conditions.

Michael Morris  
Chief Executive, Picton Capital Limited 
8 June 2015

Portfolio and asset 
management 
As demonstrated not only by our total property 
performance relative to IPD, but also in the 
detail of the following pages, we have achieved 
many asset management successes across 
the portfolio. In addition, our acquisitions and 
disposals have contributed to performance, 
while our overweight position relative to the 
industrial sector has also helped.

Effective use of debt
As we have seen positive valuation gains across 
the portfolio over the year, we have also seen a 
positive effect from the gearing, with a property 
return of 19% giving rise to a total return of 
27% for the year. We continue to be mindful of 
the need to manage gearing effectively and to 
reduce it in a structured and disciplined way as 
we progress through the cycle. 

Currently gearing stands at 30%, but this 
is expected to rise modestly as monies are 
invested into higher income producing property 
assets during the coming months, with a 
corresponding positive impact on dividend cover. 

We believe the right mid-cycle gearing for a 
company such as Picton is around 35%. Our 
current level, a reduction from 48% a year ago, 
remains appropriate under the circumstances.

As we look forward, the revolving credit 
facility that has been established is expected 
to reduce financing costs by in excess of £1 
million per annum when the zero dividend 
preference shares mature in 2016.

Average lot size

£9.5 million

Occupancy

95%

Net assets

£370 million

Total Property Return (%)
2015 19.0
1 year
2015 19.0
2014 14.0
2015 19.0
2014 14.0
2013  (0.7)
2014 14.0
3 years
2013  (0.7)
2013  (0.7)
2015 10.4
2015 10.4
5 years
2015 10.4
2015   8.9
2015   8.9
2015   8.9

Property Income Return (%)
2015 6.1
1 year
2015 6.1
2014 7.1
2015 6.1
2014 7.1
2013 7.0
2014 7.1
3 years
2013 7.0
2013 7.0
2015 6.7
2015 6.7
5 years
2015 6.7
2015 6.8
2015 6.8
2015 6.8

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19

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNOur key performance 
indicators

The following key 
performance indicators 
are considered to be 
the most appropriate for 
measuring how successful 
the business has been 
in meeting its strategic 
objectives. 

They also play a key role in 
determining remuneration 
strategy for the Picton 
Capital team, as set out in 
the Remuneration Report.

Read about our Remuneration 
on pages 62 and 63

Linking our 
performance to 
EPRA best practice 
recommendations

We have a range of Key Performance 
Indicators that we use to measure the 
performance and success of the business. 
We consider that industry standard 
measures, such as those calculated by 
IPD, are appropriate to use alongside 
certain EPRA measures and others that 
are relevant to our business.

In this regard we consider that the EPRA 
net asset value per share, earnings per 
share and vacancy rate are the most 
appropriate measures to use in assessing 
our performance.

EPRA Net Asset Value per Share (pence)

2015 69
2014 56
2013 49

Why we use this indicator

The net asset value per share, calculated in 
accordance with EPRA, measures the value of 
shareholders’ equity in the business. 

Our Performance in 2015

The EPRA NAV per share has continued to grow 
strongly throughout the year.

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✓

Strategic link 

Our 5 strategic priorities

 Growth of net 
income

 Working with our 
occupiers

 Operational 
efficiency

 Portfolio and asset 
management

  Effective use of debt

EPRA Vacancy Rate (%)

EPRA Earnings per Share (pence)

2015   4.8
2014   8.7
2013 12.4

2015 3.4
2014 3.7
2013 4.3

Why we use this indicator

Why we use this indicator

The vacancy rate measures the amount of vacant 
space in the portfolio at the end of each financial 
period.

The earnings per share, calculated in accordance 
with EPRA, measures the operational profit 
generated by the business that is attributable to our 
shareholders.

Our Performance in 2015

Our Performance in 2015

The EPRA vacancy rate has continued to fall as the 
asset management team have focused on letting 
vacant space in improving market conditions. It is at 
its lowest level since June 2007.

The lower EPRA earnings per share is partly due to 
the impact of new equity prior to investment, and 
also to re-based rental levels coming through on 
lease expiries.

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✓

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✓

Strategic link 

Strategic link 

20

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015 
 
 
 
Total Property Return (%)

Property Income Return (%)

Total Shareholder Return (%)

2015 19.0
2014 14.0
2013  (0.7)

2015 6.1
2014 7.1
2013 7.0

2015 32.3
2014 50.2
2013   6.2

2015 10.4
Why we use this indicator
2015   8.9
The Total Property Return is the combined ungeared 
income and capital return from our property portfolio 
for the year, as calculated by IPD.

2015 6.7
Why we use this indicator
2015 6.8
The Property Income Return, as calculated by IPD, is 
the ungeared income return of the portfolio.

Why we use this indicator

The Total Shareholder Return measures the change 
in our share price over the year plus dividends 
paid. This is the return seen by investors on their 
shareholdings.

Our Performance in 2015

Our Performance in 2015

Our Performance in 2015

For the second year running we have outperformed 
IPD, delivering a return of 19.0% compared to the IPD 
Quarterly Benchmark return of 17.1% for the year.

With our portfolio biased towards income generation, 
this is an important indicator. The return for the year 
of 6.1% was ahead of the IPD Quarterly Benchmark 
of 5.1%, and we have also outperformed on a three 
and five year basis.

The positive movement in the share price has 
generated a very healthy 32.3% return to investors.

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✓

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✓

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✓

Strategic link 

Strategic link 

Strategic link 

Loan to Value Ratio (%)

Ongoing Charges (%)

Total Return (%)

2015 30.1
2014 47.7
2013 54.5

2015 1.2
2014 1.7
2013 1.7

2015 27.4
2014 21.6
2013  (7.6)

Why we use this indicator

Why we use this indicator

Why we use this indicator

The loan to value ratio is total Group borrowings, 
net of cash, as a percentage of the total portfolio 
value. See the Supplementary Disclosures section 
for further details.

The Ongoing Charges ratio represents the annual 
running costs of the Group. It is the proportion of 
recurring operating costs (management and other 
operating expenses) to the average net asset value. 
The above figures exclude property operating costs, 
as the Board considers that these are not recurring 
in nature, nor are they a measure of how efficiently 
the business is run.

The Supplementary Disclosures section provides 
further analysis of the Ongoing Charges ratio.

The Total Return measures the change in the 
Group’s net asset value, calculated in accordance 
with IFRS, over the year, plus dividends paid. This 
measure shows the performance of the Group 
based on its published results.

Our Performance in 2015

Our Performance in 2015

Our Performance in 2015

The loan to value ratio has fallen as the portfolio 
values have increased, and also due to cash held at 
31 March 2015, ahead of investment in the portfolio.

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✘

The Ongoing Charges ratio has fallen significantly 
this year, as the economies of scale arising from the 
growth in our net assets have flowed into the results. 
Operating expenses, principally the management 
costs of Picton Capital Limited, have not grown 
at the same rate as the increase in assets, thus 
enhancing shareholder returns.

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✓

Driven by valuation gains and the increase in net 
income, the result for the year of 27.4% is the 
highest return reported since 2006.

Are we on target?  ✓
Linked to remuneration?  ✓

Strategic link 

Strategic link 

Strategic link 

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21

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTN 
 
How we manage 
our risks

The Board recognises 
that there are risks and 
uncertainties that could 
have a material impact on 
our results. 

Risk management provides a structured 
approach to the decision making process 
such that the identified risks can be mitigated 
and the uncertainty surrounding expected 
outcomes can be reduced. The Board 
reviews its policy to risk management on a 
regular basis. The Risk Committee oversees 
investment risk management and the Audit 
Committee considers operational risks and 
mitigating controls. The Group’s risk appetite 
will vary over time and during the course of 
the property cycle. The principal risks – those 
with potential to have a material impact on 
performance and results – are set out below, 
together with mitigating controls.

Risk trend key

Increase in risk

Decrease in risk

Risk and Impact

Mitigation

Risk Trend

Corporate Strategy and Performance

The property market is cyclical 
and returns can be volatile. Failure 
to react appropriately to changing 
market conditions could have a 
significant impact on our results.

Returns can vary significantly 
between different geographical 
areas and sectors. Our properties 
could underperform as a result of 
a poor portfolio strategy.

The Board reviews the Group’s strategy on 
a regular basis and considers whether any 
change is needed, in light of current market 
conditions and forecast changes. 

We maintain a diversified portfolio in 
order to minimise exposure to any one 
geographical area or market sector.

Investment and Property Management

Decisions to buy or sell assets 
based on incorrect assumptions, 
poor research or incomplete due 
diligence could result in lower 
investment returns.

The Investment Manager prepares business 
plans for each asset on an annual basis. 
All investment decisions are made by the 
Board following a formal appraisal and due 
diligence process.

Active management initiatives or 
capital expenditure decisions do 
not enhance values due to flawed 
analysis or assumptions.

Poor asset management can lead 
to long void periods, low occupier 
retention, high occupier arrears 
and defaults, and cash flow 
problems.

All asset management and investment 
decisions are subject to a formal internal 
review process with clear authority limits.

Our asset managers are focused on 
income generation and maintain close 
contact with occupiers to ensure their 
space requirements are understood and 
addressed proactively. Creditworthiness 
checks of potential occupiers are carried 
out prior to letting.

No change in risk

Operational

A failure to attract and retain 
employees of a suitable calibre 
to manage our affairs could lead 
to poor shareholder returns. The 
increase in risk this year reflects 
an increasingly competitive 
employment market.

We could fail to anticipate legal, 
fiscal or regulatory changes, 
which may lead to an adverse 
financial or regulatory impact.

Health and safety management 
processes could fail, leading to 
financial or reputational loss.

We have a remuneration policy in place 
which incentivises performance and 
is aligned to our results. The Board 
commissions independent reviews of 
market remuneration to ensure salary levels 
are competitive.

We employ various professional advisers 
who provide regular updates in relevant 
laws and regulations.

The Group’s property manager is required 
to carry out all necessary health and safety 
checks, and is subject to the oversight of 
the Investment Manager.

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Risk and Impact

Mitigation

Risk Trend

Our Risk Committee

Our key activities during the year

The Risk Committee was established in 
2014 to assist the Board in discharging 
its responsibilities with regard to risk 
management. It advises the Board on our 
risk profile and appetite in setting future 
strategy within its investment objectives. The 
Committee also oversees the effectiveness 
of risk management procedures and the 
steps being taken to mitigate the principal 
risks and uncertainties relating to the 
Group. The Committee has developed a 
Risk Management Policy to strengthen the 
management of risks through proactive 
identification, management and acceptance 
of risks from all activities undertaken by the 
Group. 

Read about our Risk Committee 
on pages 64 and 65

Financial

The assumptions used in the 
valuation of property assets 
include many external factors, 
including prevailing economic 
conditions. In adverse conditions 
there can be a reduction in 
property values leading to a fall 
in the Group’s net asset value 
and potentially failure to meet 
financing covenants.

A fall in our investment property 
values could lead to a breach of 
our loan covenants, and leave the 
Group without sufficient long-term 
funding.

An increase in interest rates could 
lead to a fall in our earnings.

We operate a geared capital 
structure, which will magnify 
returns from the property portfolio, 
both positively and negatively. An 
inappropriate level of gearing for 
the property cycle could lead to 
lower investment returns.

Fluctuations in cash flows from 
operating activities can have 
a detrimental impact on debt 
servicing, asset management 
initiatives and shareholder returns.

We maintain detailed forecasts of our 
property portfolio, which are subject to 
regular scenario testing. In this way we will 
be able to react to expected changes in 
economic conditions in a timely manner.

Covenant headroom and sensitivity 
to forecast asset values are regularly 
monitored by the Board.

We have entered into long-term fixed rate 
loan facilities and hence has certainty over 
interest cost for the foreseeable future.

We have a gearing strategy in place and 
the Board regularly reviews property market 
forecasts, so that it is able to amend its 
strategy in the light of changing market 
conditions.

Cash flow forecasts are regularly prepared 
and reviewed by the Board to ensure 
sufficient cash resources are available to 
meet the operating needs of the business. 
Debt covenants are continually monitored 
and reported to the Board. 

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23

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNbeing 
responsible

The Board is responsible 
for setting the values and 
standards of the Group, 
including leadership on 
environmental and social 
issues. 

Why this is important to us

We have in place a framework for conducting business in a way that makes a positive 
contribution to society, whilst minimising any negative impacts on people and the environment. 

One of our key priorities is to work with our occupiers, so that we can understand their needs 
and aim to meet their current and future requirements. We will use our expertise in asset 
management to provide modern flexible space that is safe, clean and energy efficient. We 
believe that it is important for all of the stakeholders in the business that we put sustainability 
at the forefront in all of our activities. In this way we can constantly strive to reduce the 
environmental burdens from our business.

Diversity
We recognise the benefits of diversity and 
the value this brings to the Group. We aim to 
maintain the right blend of skills, experience 
and knowledge in the Board and investment 
management team.

Performance and 
development
We aim to provide a business environment that 
inspires our employees and encourages them to 
realise their full potential by giving them access 
to development and training opportunities.  

This is attained through the following key 
principles:

 ■ Development should be continuous; 

employees should always be actively seeking 
to improve performance

 ■ Regular investment of time in learning is seen 

as an essential part of working life

 ■ Development needs are met by a mix of 

activities, which include internal and external 
training courses, structured ‘on the job’ work 
experience and through interaction with 
professional colleagues

Board

Our people
Fairness and equality
We value the contributions made by all of our 
employees and believe that a diverse workforce 
is key to maximising business effectiveness. We 
aim to select, recruit, develop and promote 
the very best people and are committed to 
creating a workplace where everyone is treated 
with dignity and respect, and where individual 
difference is valued.  

Men 5

Women 0

This is accomplished by:

 ■ Ensuring equal opportunities in the 

recruitment process

 ■ Paying fair and competitive salaries and 

having reasonable and competitive family 
and well-being policies

 ■ Being opposed to any form of less favourable 
treatment, whether through direct or indirect 
discrimination, harassment or victimisation, 
accorded to employees and applicants for 
employment on the grounds of sex, sexual 
orientation, marital or parental status, 
disability, race, religious beliefs, creed, 
age, ethnic or national origin, or any other 
protected characteristic.

Employee alignment
Unlike traditional investment companies 
we have a dedicated internal investment 
management team whose entire focus is on 
creating long term value for our shareholders. 
Our employees are fully aligned through our 
remuneration policy and Long Term Incentive 
Plan, ensuring that outperformance is suitably 
recognised in bonus awards.

Investment
management
team

Men 9

Women 3

Total

Men 14

Women 3

24

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Health and well-being
Health and well-being is critical to the business, 
both within the property portfolio and also 
within the office environment. 

Our commitment to providing a safe and 
healthy working environment for all employees 
is achieved by:

 ■ Adhering to the appropriate health and safety 

standards

 ■ Providing a working environment that 

enables employees to work effectively and 
free from unnecessary anxiety, stress and 
fear

 ■ Offering private health benefits to all 

employees

 ■ Ensuring employees can report inappropriate 

behaviour or concerns through the 
whistleblowing policy

 ■ Having appropriate family friendly policies

Celebrating our 
10th anniversary

The Company was launched in October 2005 
and as we approach our tenth anniversary it 
is fitting to link this into the 200th anniversary 
of the Battle of Waterloo, also this year, 
where General Sir Thomas Picton fought 
under Wellington.

In July seven members of the Picton team 
cycled the 235 miles from Waterloo Station 
in London to the site of the battle in Belgium, 
raising funds for three very different charities: 
War Child, LandAid and The Funding 
Network.

Further information on the team’s progress is 
available on the Company’s website: 

www.picton.co.uk 

Pictured:
The team at the memorial to General Picton 
after completing the ride.

25

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNBeing 
responsible

Reporting against 
EPRA sustainability 
best practice

For last year’s Annual Report we 
reported for the first time our overall 
energy, greenhouse gas, water 
and waste usage by sector. In the 
EPRA Disclosures section we have 
disclosed the absolute and intensity 
performance measures as set out by 
the EPRA Sustainability Best Practice 
Recommendations. These will allow the 
Group to identify and target key impact 
areas across the portfolio, contributing 
to better management of the overall 
environmental performance and to 
formulate indicator targets to track 
sustainability performance.

Read about our EPRA Sustainability 
Reporting on pages 96 to 98

The following measures are set out in the EPRA Disclosures section towards the end of the Report:

Issue Type
Energy

Greenhouse gas emissions

Water

Waste

Sustainability Performance Measure
Total electricity consumption
Like-for-like total electricity consumption
Total fuel consumption
Like-for-like total fuel consumption
Building energy intensity
Total direct GHG emissions
Total indirect GHG emissions
Like-for-like total direct GHG emissions
Like-for-like total indirect GHG emissions
GHG intensity from building energy
Total water consumption
Like-for-like total water consumption
Building water intensity
Total weight of waste by disposal route
Like-for-like total weight of waste by disposal route

There is no district heating or cooling consumption within the portfolio and so there is nothing to 
report against these sustainability measures.

One asset within the portfolio has a sustainability certification (ISO 14001), representing 1.7% of 
the total.

The environment
It is recognised that certain natural resources 
are finite and must therefore be used 
responsibly. This is achieved by controlling any 
environmental burdens caused by our activities.  

Assessment of the environmental performance 
of our portfolio is ongoing. In order to continue 
to improve, we work closely with our property 
managers and occupiers to develop cost-
effective measures to increase energy efficiency. 
We also use our consultants at CBRE to 
engage with property managers and create 
sustainability improvements at each asset. 

We continue to assess the environmental 
performance of the portfolio and work closely 
with both property managers and occupiers 
to find pragmatic, cost-effective solutions for 
energy reduction. We have also offered energy 
audits to our largest occupiers to help improve 
sustainability within the portfolio beyond the 
boundaries of our operational control.

In addition, sustainability considerations 
have been incorporated into all maintenance 
schedules at multi-let sites to help reduce 
occupancy costs as well as deliver 
significant environmental impact reductions. 
Improvements include:

 ■ Replacing traditional light bulbs with LEDs at 
four properties within the portfolio, which are 
more energy efficient, in common and vacant 
areas

 ■ Installing passive infrared (PIR) sensor lighting 
in common areas in three properties to save 
energy when buildings are not occupied

 ■ Implementing switch controls

 ■ Optimising plant equipment run hours and 
building management system controls

This year we carried out a solar photovoltaic 
feasibility study across the portfolio to 
determine a shortlist of sites best suited to solar 
installations. We have since begun discussions 
with leading solar providers and aim to install 

solar panels on at least one property within 
the next year. This will reduce the reliance on 
electricity from non-renewable sources at the 
site and reduce tenant occupancy costs by 
providing lower energy prices.

In the workplace it is our policy to:

 ■ Constantly strive to reduce the amount of 

paper used

 ■ Encourage employees to use public 

transport where possible to reduce CO2 
emissions

 ■ Pick products wisely such as using recycled 

paper and avoiding disposable or non-
biodegradable items

 ■ Recycle, by offering accessible recycling bins 

in the office

 ■ Use energy-efficient products and appliances 

and reduce consumption where possible

26

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Greenhouse gas emissions
We have measured our greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint for the second time for this year’s Annual 
Report, building on the actions set out last year. This year’s data has again been compiled for the 
calendar year to 31 December. Our GHG emissions for the year totalled 4,711 tCO2e, compared to 
5,070 last year, a reduction of 7%. The table below shows this separated by scope, as provisioned 
in the GHG Protocol. Our 2014 footprint is compared to the 2013 baseline year in order to 
demonstrate carbon reductions where applicable. Our GHG inventory has been compiled using an 
Operational Control approach.

CO2 (metric tonnes)

2014 4,711
2013 5,070

Emission source
Combustion of fuel and 
operation of facilities
Electricity, heat, steam and 
cooling purchased for own use
Business travel
Total

2014

Absolute 
GHG 
emissions 
(tCO2e)

GHG 
Intensity 
(tCO2e/m²)

2013

Absolute 
GHG 
emissions 
(tCO2e)

GHG 
Intensity 
(tCO2e/m²)

GHG 
Scope

1

2
3

951

0.005

1,408

0.008

3,752
8
4,711

0.020
N/A
0.025

3,649
 13
5,070

0.020
N/A
0.028

In order to express our annual emissions in relation to the growth of our business, and to negate 
the effects of acquisitions and disposals, we report GHG emissions intensity measurements, in 
tonnes of CO2 per square metre of property floor area (tCO2e/m²).

We have reported on all the emission sources required under UK legislation, and have additionally 
disclosed business travel (scope 3) emissions. These sources fall within the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements. We have calculated and reported our emissions in line with the GHG Protocol 
Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition) and emission factors from the UK 
Government’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 2014. 1.1% of carbon reported 
was based upon estimates and as such the results are preliminary and subject to revision.

Charity and local communities
We continue to support a variety of charities, principally through The Funding Network, whose aim 
is to achieve long-term social change. The Funding Network enables individuals to join together 
to support social change projects. They are the UK’s first public open giving forum and have been 
described as the ‘Dragons’ Den’ for charities. They have raised over £7 million for over 1,000 
diverse local, national and international projects.

For the year ended 31 March 2015 the Group made charitable donations totalling over £7,500.

Our employees are encouraged to play a positive role in community activities and individual 
charitable fundraising is supported through the process of ‘matched giving’. Over the last 12 
months our employees have taken part in the London Marathon and the Thames Bridges cycle 
ride, raising funds for charities.

Pictured:
A crowdfunding event organised by The 
Funding Network.

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27

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Continued growth 
through strong 
asset management

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Investment 
manager’s report

This year there has been 
considerable activity, in 
terms of acquisitions, 
disposals and the asset 
management of the 
existing portfolio.

www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

t
r
o
p
e
R
c
g
e
t
a
r
t
S

i

risen to £34.6 million, up from £30.9 million a 
year ago, and we have outperformed the IPD 
Quarterly Benchmark on both a capital and 
income basis.

A number of key asset transactions were 
completed during the year and these are set 
out in the following individual portfolio updates. 
Looking ahead we will be focused on deploying 
the remainder of new capital raised, maintaining 
a high occupancy level and completing asset 
management initiatives across the portfolio.

Jay Cable 
Director, Picton Capital Limited

Fraser D’Arcy 
Investment Director, Picton Capital Limited 
8 June 2015

With the new equity raised we have been able 
to acquire five new assets, investing £62 million 
in two distribution warehouses, a city centre 
retail property and two retail warehouse assets 
(one of these was adjacent to an existing 
holding). All were acquired on favourable terms 
and offer potential for future income and capital 
growth.

Additionally we have disposed of four non-core 
assets for total proceeds of £4 million, having 
completed asset management initiatives.

Our portfolio now comprises 57 assets, with 
around 400 occupiers, it is valued at £541 
million, and the average lot size has increased 
to £9.5 million.

The asset management team have worked 
hard to complete a significant number of 
transactions in the year, including 68 lettings 
and 59 other lease transactions. This has 
resulted in an increase in occupancy across 
the portfolio to 95%, up from 91%. This is the 
highest level of occupancy since 2007, and is 
well ahead of the market. The passing rent has 

Find out more:

Read about our Industrial Portfolio 
on pages 34 to 37

Read about our Office Portfolio 
on pages 38 to 41

Read about our Retail and Leisure 
Portfolio on pages 42 to 45

Pictured: 
Belkin Unit, 3 Shipton Way, Rushden

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GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Investment 
manager’s report

Sector split (%)

Industrial 
40.3
Office 
32.1
Leisure and Retail   27.6

Geographic split  (%) 

Central and Greater London 28.7%

Office 
Leisure and Retail 
Industrial 

19.0
 6.1
3.6

South East 31.7%

Industrial 

Office
Leisure and Retail 

22.1

8.2
1.4

Rest of UK 39.6%

Leisure and Retail  20.1
Industrial
14.6

Office

4.9

Portfolio overview
As at 31 March 2015, the portfolio generated a 
net initial yield of 5.9% after void costs, which 
in rental terms reflects a current passing rent of 
£34.6 million per annum.

The portfolio’s total return for the year to  
31 March 2015 was 19%, which equates to 
an 11% outperformance relative to the IPD 
Quarterly Benchmark. This outperformance  
was principally driven by the growth in 
occupancy and our performance in the office 
and industrial sectors.

The portfolio’s capital value for the year grew by 
14%. Regional office values rose by 22%, with 
London assets growing by 28%. Industrial values 
grew by 12% and retail and leisure  by 4%.

Overall, like-for-like growth in the portfolio’s 
estimated rental values was 5% during the 
year to March 2015. Estimated rental values in 
the office sector grew by 7.8% over the year, 
predominantly driven by growth in London of 
16.5%. Industrial estimated rental values grew 
by 5% with retail and leisure stabilising.

We have continued our strategy of re-shaping 
the portfolio. As a result of four disposals and 
five acquisitions the number of properties in the 
portfolio is 57, with the average lot size growing 
by 28%. 

We are seeing continued rental growth across 
central London offices and in the industrial 
portfolio. Compared to a year ago we are 
now seeing emergent growth in the regional 
offices on the back of occupational demand in 
locations such as Chester, Glasgow and  
St. Albans. The retail portfolio rental values  
have been re-based and where we have space 
to let we are generally in line with the estimated 
rental values. 

Within the portfolio the over-rented properties 
are isolated to a small number of properties 
principally in the regional offices and retail 
and leisure sectors. Overall the majority of the 
portfolio is now rack-rented or reversionary  
and we therefore expect to grow income on 
lease events.

We have had a very good year for lettings, 
generating an additional £4.3 million of income 
after incentives, the overall rent being 6% 
ahead of the preceding estimated rental values. 
Whilst the occupancy rate is high at 95%, 
compared to the IPD benchmark of 92%, 
we believe we can maintain this level and are 
confident it will increase over the next year. The 
estimated rental value of the void portfolio is 
£1.9 million per annum, with further financial 
benefits from reduced void holding costs as 
properties are let.

Demand in the industrial sector, which includes 
warehousing and logistics, is good and the 
largest void in the portfolio is unit O at Lyon 
Business Park, Barking, which was surrendered 
in an active management transaction in January 
2015. The unit has been comprehensively 
refurbished and, as our largest void with a 
rental value of £214,000 per annum, we expect 
to attract an occupier quickly, given the limited 
competing supply in the immediate area.

Outlook for the 
coming year
We expect to build on the leasing success 
during the year and already have a number 
of vacant units under offer. Over the next 12 
months we have six lease events where the rent 
is over £100,000 per annum, and four of the 
occupiers have already indicated they wish to 
renew, which is extremely encouraging. 

We see capital value growth coming from 
the regional assets as the occupier market 
continues to improve, translating into rental 
growth, which is already apparent in some 
locations, and investment demand continuing 
to strengthen.

The focus is on continuing the strategy of 
re-shaping the portfolio, de-risking income 
through active management and growing the 
portfolio’s income. With high occupancy levels 
and improving occupational demand, we 
believe we are in a strong position to capitalise 
on this throughout the portfolio.

30

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Our locations
Integral to our Business Model is our 
investment objective that enables us to 
create a portfolio that is diverse not just in 
terms of sector or geography but also by 
income concentration.

Find out more detail on our Investment  
Assets on page 100

Find out more detail on our Industrial  
portfolio on pages 34 to 37

Find out more detail on our Office portfolio  
on pages 38 to 41

Find out more detail on our Retail and  
Leisure Portfolio on pages 42 to 45

Key to map:

Industrial

Office

Retail and Leisure

Whole portfolio rental growth

5%

Whole portfolio capital value growth

14%

Occupancy levels

95%

Visit our website for more information 
www.picton.co.uk

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNInvestment 
manager’s report

Retention rates
For the year ended 31 March 2015, based on 
rental value, the percentage of income that 
was retained on lease expiry or break options 
was 73%, an improvement from 2014. This 
comprises 90% retained on lease expiry and 
10% after break options. This analysis does 
not take into account early renewals and 
where we have successfully removed occupier 
break options. We are finding occupiers are 
keen to stay unless they have different space 
requirements or the business strategy has 
changed. With supply reducing and rents 
growing, we expect our retention rates to 
remain high.

Income concentration
There is a wide diversity of occupiers within the 
portfolio, as set out below, which are compared 
to the IPD Benchmark by contracted rent, as at 
31 March 2015.

Industry Sector
Retail Trade
Services
Manufacturing
Financial Services
Transportation, 
Communications
Public Administration
Undetermined
Wholesale Trade
Other

Picton
(%)
26.8
24.2
13.5
10.9

Benchmark 
(%)
38.0
19.6
8.2
16.6

10.8
3.6
2.5
6.5
1.2
100

6.0
3.6
1.0
3.8
3.2
100

Source: IPD IRIS Report March 2015

Longevity of income
As at 31 March 2015, based as a percentage 
of current annual rent, the average length of the 
leases to the first termination was 6.2 years. 
This is summarised as follows:

Up to 5 years

59.7%

5 to 10 years

29.5%

10 to 15 years

2.8%

15 to 25 years

5.6%

25 years and over

2.4%

Pictured:
Grantham Book Services, Trent Road, 
Grantham

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Top ten assets
The largest assets in the portfolio as at 31 March 2015, ranked by capital value, represent just over 49% of the total portfolio valuation and are  
detailed below.

Approximate 
area (sq ft)

Occupancy 
Rate (%)

Parkbury Industrial Estate, Radlett

March 2014

Acquisition Date

Property 
type

Industrial

River Way Industrial Estate, Harlow

December 2006

Industrial

Stanford House, Long Acre, London WC2

May 2010

Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1

October 2005

50 Farringdon Road, London EC1

October 2005

Boundary House, Jewry Street,  
London EC3

May 2006

Retail

Office

Office

Office

Tenure

Freehold

Freehold

Freehold

Freehold

Leasehold

Freehold

Belkin Unit, Shipton Way, Rushden

July 2014

Industrial

Leasehold

Phase II, Parc Tawe Retail Park, Swansea

October 2005

Retail Warehouse

Leasehold

Angouleme Way Retail Park, Bury

October 2005/ 
January 2015

Retail Warehouse

Leasehold

336,700

451,700

19,700

61,300

32,000

45,000

312,800

116,700

76,200

Colchester Business Park, The Crescent, 
Colchester

October 2005

Office

Leasehold

150,700

Top ten occupiers
The top ten occupiers, based as a percentage of annual rental income, as at 31 March 2015, are summarised as follows:

100%

100%

91%

94%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

98%

%

4.5

4.3

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.3

2.2

1.8

1.7

1.7

Annual Rental 
Income (£000)

1,630

1,560

1,008

1,000

972

838

785

640

611

600

Occupier

Belkin Limited

DHL Supply Chain Limited*

Snorkel Europe Limited

The Random House Group Limited

Cadence Design Systems Limited

Trainline.com Limited

Edward Stanford Limited

Ricoh UK Limited

Viglen Limited*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 Asda Stores Limited

Total

* Includes fixed rental uplift

9,644

26.8

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Investment 
manager’s report

Industrial portfolio

Shipton Way, Rushden

The opportunity we recognised 
We purchased this modern distribution property in July 2014 in a well located and improving 
distribution area.

This well specified building is let to a strong covenant for a further five years and whilst the 
acquisition price offered a high yield for the sector, we felt there was further opportunity to 
increase the rent at the April 2015 rent review.

The value we added
Post completion we negotiated the expected increase at the April 2015 rent review, settling 
prior to the review date and increasing the annual rent by a further £60,000 per annum (a 4% 
increase).

A combination of improving market conditions and the asset management initiative noted above 
has led to an increase in valuation of 14% since acquisition, reflecting the continued desirability 
in the market for high specified, well located distribution units.

Key property details

Acquisition Price

£20,000,000

Net Initial Yield

7.7%

Size

312,800 sq ft

Number of Occupiers

1

Annual Rent

£1,691,000

Delivering an 
increase in  
valuation of 14% 
since acquisition

34

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www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

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slugline

Proof 2

35

Investment 
manager’s report

Industrial portfolio

At River Way Industrial Estate in Harlow, we 
renewed the lease on Fleet House to DHL 
securing £675,000 per annum, a 31% uplift 
on the previous passing rent. TNT vacated 
Unit D in October and this unit was re-let in 
December, securing £370,000 per annum, 
which represents an 8% uplift on the previous 
passing rent. The estate remains fully let.

In respect of the regional assets, there is only 
one vacant unit at Abbey Business Park in 
Belfast and we are seeing rental growth, albeit 
off a low base. We have one vacant unit in 
Warrington, Oldham and Wokingham, and three 
in Luton.

Sector outlook
Looking forward, we expect to maintain the 
high occupancy rate and grow the income 
profile, led by our Greater London and South 
East estates. The de-risking of income streams 
will continue and strong occupational demand 
means we can negotiate longer leases on 
renewal with little or no incentive. 

In the regions we are also seeing demand, 
albeit at a more subdued level, and we have 
seven light industrial units to lease out of 64, 
with a rental value of £312,000 per annum. We 
expect them all to let relatively quickly.

At the Group’s largest holding, Parkbury 
Industrial Estate in Radlett, we let four vacant 
units for a combined rent of £383,000  
per annum. The combined rental levels 
were 6% ahead of the estimated rental 
value. In addition, we removed a June 2015 
break clause and simultaneously settled an 
outstanding rent review at £127,600 per 
annum, a 5.5% uplift on the previous rent, 
securing the occupier until 2020. We agreed a 
back-to-back surrender of an occupier’s lease, 
who were not in occupation, and let the unit on 
a new ten year lease at a rent of £129,200 per 
annum (£8.75 per sq ft) which sets a new rental 
level for this terrace. The transaction increased 
the lease term on the unit by eight years 
and the outgoing occupier paid a premium 
equivalent to the incentive under the new lease. 
The estate is now fully let.

Middleton Trade Park in Lancashire was sold 
for £2.2 million. The sale of this 24,000 sq ft 
multi-let estate followed considerable letting 
success, which included the letting of six units 
to a range of occupiers including Screwfix.  
The sale price was 23% ahead of the 
apportioned valuation when the asset was 
purchased as part of Picton’s acquisition of 
Rugby REIT in 2010, and 27% ahead of the 
March 2014 valuation.

Overall, within the industrial portfolio, we let 
18 units at a combined rent of £1.3 million 
per annum, renewed nine leases with a 
combined rent of £800,000 per annum and 
surrendered seven leases to facilitate active 
management. The surrenders included unit O 
at Lyon Business Park in Barking, our largest 
void, where the outgoing occupier paid a 
surrender premium equating to £300,000 plus 
dilapidations. We have seen rental growth of 
5% across the portfolio.

Highlights of the year
The most significant activity was the acquisition 
of two distribution warehouses for a combined 
price of £31.5 million, which are currently 
valued at over £35 million. This growth in capital 
value is attributable to the early settlement of a 
rent review ahead of estimated rental value and 
a strengthening investment market for this type 
of property.

The Belkin distribution unit in Rushden was 
acquired in July 2014 for £20 million, a net initial 
yield of 7.7% and a capital value of £64 per  
sq ft. This modern 312,800 sq ft distribution 
unit is located on the A45, which provides 
access to the M1, A14 and A1(M). The passing 
rent on acquisition was £1,630,000 per annum. 
The April 2015 rent review was subsequently 
settled directly with the occupier at £1,691,000 
per annum, a 4% increase and 1% above the 
estimated rental value. 

The Group also acquired a 336,100 sq ft East 
Midlands distribution warehouse, in Grantham, 
Lincolnshire for £11.5 million. The property has 
good access to the UK road network, located 
immediately adjacent to the A1. The income 
is secured against The Random House Group 
Limited (part of Penguin Random House) for 
eight years and currently produces an annual 
rent of £1 million, equivalent to just under £3 
per sq ft. The purchase price represents a net 
initial yield of 8.2% and a low capital value of 
£34 per sq ft.

Demand has outstripped supply in respect of 
the majority of the Group’s Greater London 
estates, with full occupation in Bromley-by-
Bow, Epsom and Radlett, and with active 
management surrenders facilitating new lettings 
and higher rents. Four units in Barking are 
currently being refurbished and we expect 
strong demand for these. 

Pictured:
Shipton Way, Rushden

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Portfolio key metrics

Value

Internal Area

Annual Rental Income

Estimated Rental Value

Occupancy

Number of Assets

Property

Units A–G2, River Way Industrial Estate, Harlow, Essex

Parkbury Industrial Estate, Radlett, Herts.

Grantham Book Services, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincs.

Belkin Unit, 3 Shipton Way, Rushden, Northants.

Vigo 250, Birtley Road, Washington, Tyne and Wear

Unit 3220, Magna Park, Lutterworth, Leics.

Lawson Mardon Buildings, Kettlestring Lane, York

Units 1–13 Dencora Way, Sundon Park, Luton, Beds.

Haynes Way, Swift Valley Industrial Estate, Rugby, Warwickshire

The Business Centre, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, Berks.

Lyon Business Park, Barking, Essex

Easter Court, Gemini Park, Warrington

Abbey Business Park, Mill Road, Newtownabbey, Belfast

Datapoint Business Centre, Cody Road, London E16

Nonsuch Industrial Estate, 1–25 Kiln Lane, Epsom, Surrey

Western Industrial Estate, Downmill Road, Bracknell, Berks.

Manchester Road/Drury Lane, Oldham, Lancs.

Magnet Trade Centre, Winnersh, Reading

Largest occupiers

Belkin Limited

DHL Supply Chain Limited*

Snorkel Europe Limited

Viglen Limited*

Amcor Packaging UK Limited

1

2

3

4

5

* Including fixed rental uplift

2015

2014

£217.7 million

£164.4 million

2,736,500 sq ft

2,116,000 sq ft

£14.8 million 

£12.3 million

£16.5 million

£12.8 million

96.5%

18

96.9%

17

Area 
(sq ft)

Freehold/
Leasehold

451,700

336,700

336,100

312,800

246,800

160,900

157,800

127,500

101,800

99,900

96,900

81,500

61,700

51,100

41,700

41,500

16,400

13,700

F

F

L

F

F

L

F

L

L

F

F

F

F

L

L

F

F

F

% of total 
portfolio

4.5

4.3

2.8

1.7

1.5

37

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Investment 
manager’s report

Office portfolio

Queens house, glasgow

The opportunity we recognised 
In 2014 we undertook a comprehensive refurbishment of this central Glasgow period office 
building creating best in class space to enable lettings in an improving market.

Alongside new common areas, updated signage and lighting, vacant office suites were 
refurbished on a rolling basis.

The value we added
We completed ten new lettings and retained three occupiers at lease expiry, leading to an 
increase in occupancy to over 93%. 

This enabled a 28% increase in value of the asset over the course of the year.

Key property details

Size

50,200 sq ft

Number of Occupiers

30

Annual Rent

£466,000

Creating best  
in class space

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www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

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39

Investment 
manager’s report

Office portfolio

The central London market has continued to 
drive performance with the portfolio delivering 
11% rental growth over the year, but notably we 
have seen a marked increase in occupational 
demand in the regions, although location 
specific, generating rental growth of 3% in 
respect of this part of the Group’s portfolio. 

Highlights of the year
We let 43 units at a combined rent of £2.8 
million per annum, 9% ahead of the estimated 
rental value, renewed 11 leases with a 
combined rent of £1.1 million per annum and 
surrendered five leases to facilitate active 
management.

In our largest office letting of the year, education 
provider BPP took 24,000 sq ft of office space 
at the newly refurbished Grade A Citylink in 
East Croydon. BPP occupies the whole of the 
west wing of the building at an annual rent of 
£522,000 per annum, which is in line with the 
estimated rental value. This asset is now 90% 
occupied, with one small ground floor suite of 
4,800 sq ft available.

At Angel Gate in central London, we have 
implemented an architect-led refurbishment 
scheme resulting in rental growth of 30% over 
the year with the refurbished units achieving 
£40 per sq ft. 

Boundary House, EC3 is fully let following 
four lettings, confirming a new rental level for 
the property of £36.50 per sq ft. Overall the 
cumulative annual rent was 11% ahead of the 
estimated rental value.

Significant refurbishment projects have been 
completed at Merchants House in Chester and 
Queens House in Glasgow, where we have had 
considerable lettings success. We completed 
ten lettings in Glasgow for a combined rent of 
£167,000 per annum, leaving only two vacant 
suites out of 31, and four lettings in Chester for 
a combined rent of £94,000 per annum. We 
have good interest in the remaining space at 
both properties. 

At 401 Grafton Gate in Milton Keynes, we 
renewed a major occupier’s lease for a further 
five years at a rent of £398,750 per annum, in 
line with the estimated rental value. In addition, 
we let two vacant office suites to existing 
occupiers for a combined rent of £240,000  
per annum, 2% ahead of the estimated rental 
value. There is now only one suite available 
which is currently being refurbished.

At Sentinel House in Fleet we have secured 
United Business Centres, who are taking two 
leases for ten years, subject to a break, at a 
stepped rent to £400,000 per annum, plus a 
top up rent based on the occupancy of the 
business centre. The leases will complete after 
the refurbishment of the property. This will be 
one of the largest lettings in Fleet in 2015.

We obtained a resolution to grant planning 
permission for a food store and outline planning 
for a 70 unit residential scheme at Westlea 
Campus in Swindon. Subsequent to the year 
end we have sold the land for the food store 

to Aldi for £1.65 million. We expect to sell 
the remaining 4.4 acre site to a residential 
developer and will report further in the  
coming months.

In April 2014 we sold the freehold of a 
non-core asset, The Cloisters, Dartford, for 
£425,000, which was in line with the March 
2014 valuation. The property was purchased 
in 2010 as part of a larger portfolio for 
£335,000, following which we surrendered the 
occupational leases for a premium payment 
and secured planning consent for residential 
use, subsequently selling to a developer.

Sector outlook
Our central London portfolio is very well let 
and the small amount of vacant space is 
currently being refurbished. The story over 
the next year is the regional portfolio, and 
a number of buildings have recently been 
refurbished including Longcross Court, Cardiff 
and Merchants House, Chester. We are 
seeing good demand for the finished product 
and expect to replicate the success we had 
at Queens House in Glasgow which is 93% 
let. The leases at Sentinel House, Fleet will 
complete by the end of the summer and the 
only notable void on the horizon is a small office 
building in Bracknell, where supply continues 
to reduce.

Pictured:
Queens House, Glasgow

Pictured:
Citylink, Croydon

40

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Portfolio key metrics

Value

Internal Area

Annual Rental Income

Estimated Rental Value

Occupancy

Number of Assets

Property

Colchester Business Park, The Crescent, Colchester, Essex

Longcross Court, Newport Road, Cardiff

Angel Gate Office Village, City Road, London EC1

401 Grafton Gate East, Milton Keynes, Bucks.

Queens House, 19/29 St Vincent Place, Glasgow

800 Pavilion Drive, Northampton Business Park, Northampton

Citylink, Addiscombe Road, Croydon

Boundary House, Jewry Street, London EC3

L’Avenir, Opladen Way, Westwick, Bracknell, Berks.

Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Fleet, Hants.

50 Farringdon Road, London EC1

Waterside Park, Longshot Lane, Bracknell, Berks.

Waterside House, Kirkstall Road, Leeds

Atlas House, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Bucks.

Merchants House, Crook Street, Chester

Trident House, 42/48 Victoria Street, St Albans, Herts.

1–3 Chancery Lane, London WC2

8–9 College Place, Southampton

Marshall Building,122–124 Donegall Street, Belfast

Land at Westlea Campus, Swindon, Wilts.

Largest occupiers

Cadence Design Systems Limited

Trainline.com Limited

Ricoh UK Limited

BPP Holdings Limited

Essex County Council

1

2

3

4

5

2015

2014

£173.4 million

£139.4 million

799,800 sq ft

877,000 sq ft

£10.6 million 

£10.3 million

£14.3 million

£13.0 million

93.1%

20

Area 
(sq ft)

150,700

72,900

61,300

57,600

50,200

49,500

48,300

45,000

41,300

33,600

32,000

30,200

25,200

24,800

22,200

19,300

15,100

11,900

8,700

–

83.0%

21

Freehold/
Leasehold

L

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

L

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

% of total 
portfolio

2.7

2.3

1.8

1.5

1.2

41

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Investment 
manager’s report

Retail and leisure portfolio

62/68 BRIDGE STREET, 
PETERBOROUGH 

The opportunity we recognised 
We purchased this asset in September 2014 off an attractive entry price which is in line with 
the build cost. It provides two large retail units in a top 50 town centre which are let to strong 
multinational retailers.

These units are let off re-based rental levels of only £7 per sq ft and offer significant frontage to 
the pedestrianised retail zone.

Our aim is to increase income and add value through a combination of factors including 
alternative use potential in respect of the upper floors, increasing income longevity and 
capturing rental growth off significantly re-based levels.

Key property details

Acquisition Price

£9,075,000

Net Initial Yield

6.5%

Size

88,700 sq ft

Number of Occupiers

2

Annual Rent

£625,000

Using our expertise 
to increase income 
and add value

42

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43

www.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNInvestment 
manager’s report

Retail and leisure portfolio

Highlights of the year
During the year we let seven units at a 
combined rent of £250,000 per annum and 
renewed six leases with a combined rent of 
£280,000 per annum.

At the year end we had one vacant retail 
unit in Bristol and two vacant leisure units in 
Birmingham, which have subsequently been let. 
In line with the wider market, rental growth has 
been static during the year.

In September 2014, the Group acquired 
a freehold city centre retail property in 
Peterborough for £9.1 million, reflecting a 
net initial yield of 6.5%. The property, which 
totals 88,700 sq ft, comprises two prime high 
street retail units, with significant frontage to 
the pedestrianised Bridge Street, let to TK 
Maxx and New Look until 2020 and 2021 
respectively. It produces an annual rent of 
£625,000 reflecting a low average overall rent 
of £7.00 per sq ft, which is subject to review in 
2015 and 2016.

In March 2015 we acquired Gloucester Retail 
Park for £14.65 million, reflecting a net initial 
yield of 6.9%. This retail park is prominently 
located on Eastern Avenue and comprises four 
units totalling 112,400 sq ft. It is in a recognised 
retail warehouse location and is leased to 
leading discount retailers: B&M Bargains, 
Carpetright, The Range and AHF. It produces 
a diversified annual income of £1.1 million with 
an average weighted lease length of 13.2 years, 
at a low average rent of under £9.60 per sq ft, 
which reflects recent letting activity.

At 1 Chancery Lane, we proactively 
surrendered Hammick’s lease, paying the 
occupier £250,000 to vacate. In a back-to-
back transaction, we let the unit to Itsu on a 
15 year lease at a rent of £165,000 per annum 
with a nominal incentive. The transaction 
increased the lease term by eight years, the 
passing rent by £40,000 per annum and added 
over £1 million to the value of the property.

We settled the September 2013 rent review 
on the retail unit at Stanford House, Covent 
Garden at £785,000 per annum, a 17% uplift 
from £668,500 per annum. 

The lease at 78 Briggate in Leeds was 
extended by a further five years until 2023. 
The transaction secures the rent of £177,000 
per annum, which is significantly ahead of 
the estimated rental value, and we gained an 
improved covenant on the lease. 

In Carlisle we secured planning permission 
to combine four vacant retail units into one. 
Following this we completed a letting to toy 
shop chain The Entertainer for 11 years at 
£65,000 per annum. We also agreed the June 
2013 rent review on the Crown and Mitre Hotel, 
increasing the rent by 23% to £137,500  
per annum.

We have surrendered a temporary occupational 
lease and re-let a unit in Huddersfield at a 
rent of £42,500 per annum, 6% ahead of 
the estimated rental value. This improved the 
occupier line up, with Savers Health & Beauty 
joining Peacocks and Argos at the property.

We are actively pursuing legal action against 
the guarantor of the occupational lease of the 
Strathmore Hotel in Luton and expect this to be 
resolved by the end of the year. 

113/113a High Street, Sutton was sold for 
£850,000. The sale of this retail unit follows 
the re-gear of Stan James’ lease in 2012 for 
ten years, with the other unit being let to the 
Fragrance Shop until 2017. The sale price 
was 14% ahead of the March 2014 valuation. 
In addition, having recently restructured the 
long leasehold with Brighton City Council, we 
disposed of a small retail and restaurant unit in 
Bartholomew Square, Brighton, for a combined 
consideration of £1.1 million. This was in line 
with the March 2014 valuation.

Sector outlook
Rental growth, outside London, has been 
muted and we expect a small improvement 
from the re-based rental levels. The portfolio is 
very well let and we expect to maintain these 
high occupancy levels.

Pictured:
Itsu, Chancery Lane, London, WC2

Pictured:
62/68 Bridge Street, Peterborough

44

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Portfolio key metrics

Value

Internal Area

Annual Rental Income

Estimated Rental Value

Occupancy

Number of Assets

Property

Parc Tawe, Phase II, Link Road, Swansea

Gloucester Retail Park, Eastern Avenue, Gloucester

62/68 Bridge Street, Peterborough

Strathmore Hotel, Arndale Centre, Luton, Beds.

Angouleme Way Retail Park, Bury, Greater Manchester

17/19 Fishergate, Preston, Lancs.

Regency Wharf, Broad Street, Birmingham

Scots Corner, High Street/Institute Road, Birmingham

56 Castle Street, 2/12 English Street and 12–21 St Cuthberts Lane, Carlisle, Cumbria

Stanford House, 12–14 Long Acre, London WC2

6/12 Parliament Row, Hanley, Staffs.

Units 1–3, 18/28 Victoria Lane, Huddersfield, West Yorks.

53/55/57 Broadmead, Bristol

72/78 Murraygate, Dundee

7 & 9 Warren Street, Stockport

78–80 Briggate, Leeds

2 Bath Street, Bath

6 Argyle Street, Bath

123 High Street, Guildford, Surrey 

Largest occupiers

Edward Stanford Limited

Asda Stores Limited

Homebase Limited

Central England Co-operative Limited

Barclays Bank PLC

1

2

3

4

5

2015

2014

£149.7 million

£119.2 million

732,300 sq ft

516,000 sq ft

£9.2 million 

£8.6 million

£9.3 million

£8.0 million

96.1%

19

Area 
(sq ft)

116,700

112,400

88,700

81,600

76,200

59,900

44,300

30,000

25,300

19,700

17,300

14,600

10,500

9,700

8,700

7,700

4,700

2,500

1,800

95.7%

19

Freehold/
Leasehold

L

F

F

L

F/L

F

L

F

F

F

F

L

L

F

F

F

F

F

F

% of total 
portfolio

2.2

1.7

1.2

1.2

1.2

45

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Continued growth 
through stable 
recurring income

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Financial 
review

This year the Group has 
produced a very strong 
set of results. With the 
completion of the Placing 
Programme we have 
raised £102 million of 
new equity and, together 
with an increase in the 
share price of 26%, the 
market capitalisation of the 
Company reached £387 
million by the year end,  
an increase of 80% over 
the year.

EPRA Best practices 
recommendations

The EPRA key performance measures 
for the year are set out on page 5 of the 
Report, with more detail provided in the 
EPRA Disclosures section which starts on 
page 94. There are further references to 
the Best Practices Recommendations in 
the Financial Review under the appropriate 
headings, and again more detail is 
provided in the EPRA Disclosures section.

www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

t
r
o
p
e
R
c
g
e
t
a
r
t
S

i

We have invested £62 million into new assets, 
growing and diversifying the portfolio, as well as over 
£4 million in the existing assets, making these more 
attractive to occupiers in an improving market. The 
portfolio made valuation gains of nearly £54 million 
over the year.

Our new acquisitions, plus the rise in occupancy, have increased net income by over  
£2 million compared with last year, with the overall income profit up by 15% from 2014.  
This has given us the confidence to increase the level of the dividend subsequent to the  
year end.

It is pleasing to see the benefits of our internalised structure evident in the fall in the 
Ongoing Charges ratio, down some 29% compared to last year.

We have established a new three-year revolving credit facility with Santander for  
£26 million, which will provide us with greater financial flexibility in the medium term.

Andrew Dewhirst 
Finance Director, Picton Capital Limited 
8 June 2015

Pictured:
CityLink, Croydon

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47

GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Financial 
review

The Group’s net asset 
value increased over the 
year from £214.1 million to 
£370.0 million, an overall 
increase of £155.9 million, 
or over 70%. 

Net asset value
The main factor behind the increase was the 
new equity raised during the year, of £102 
million before costs. However, there have also 
been strong valuation gains of £53.6 million, 
contributing to earnings per share of 15.4 
pence for the year. On a per share basis, the 
net asset value rose from 56 pence to 69 
pence, or 23%.

The following table reconciles the net 
asset value calculated in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) with that of the European Public Real 
Estate Association (EPRA). 

Total Revenue

£39.7 million

Dividend

3.0 pence

Property Assets

£532.7 million

2015
£m

370.0
(19.8)
350.2

69

69

65

2014
£m

214.1
17.8
231.9

56

56

61

2013
£m

169.4
5.7
175.1

49

49

51

The Group is subject to UK tax on its net 
property income and management fees, in total 
£0.3 million for the year. The Group has agreed 
Advance Thin Capitalisation Agreements with 
HMRC in respect of the majority of its UK 
income, and these are in place until 31 March 
2017, when the position will be reviewed.

The income profit for the year was £15.3 
million, an increase of 15% from 2014. This, 
together with the capital gains, resulted in a 
total profit for the year of £68.9 million.

Dividends
We paid four quarterly dividends of 0.75 pence 
per share, giving a total of 3 pence for the year, 
in line with 2014. Dividend cover remained 
healthy at 117%, if lower than the 124% of the 
previous year. Cover has been impacted by 
new rents being set at re-based market levels 
and to a lesser extent by the lag in investing 
the new equity. However, given the increase in 
revenue and improved occupancy, the Board 
has decided to increase the dividend to an 
annual rate of 3.3 pence per share, a 10% 
uplift. This was effective from the dividend  
paid in May.

Net asset value – EPRA and IFRS
Fair value of debt
EPRA Triple Net Asset Value

Net Asset Value per share (pence)
EPRA Net Asset Value per share 
(pence)
EPRA Triple Net Asset Value per 
share (pence)

Income statement
Total revenue from the property portfolio was 
£39.7 million, an increase of 7.9% over 2014. 
This reflects the additional income generated 
from the new assets acquired in the year and 
from the improved occupancy rate. Property 
expenses are also higher, at £9.3 million, but at 
3.6%, a lower rate than the growth in revenue.

The like-for-like change in rental income 
compared to the previous year, on an EPRA 
basis, is set out in the EPRA Disclosures on 
page 96. 

Operating expenses increased from 2014, 
and this is largely a result of higher staff costs 
arising from the increased value of LTIP awards. 
Although this increase is not significant in the 
context of the increased shareholder value 
generated, it has impacted management costs 
this year, and is evidence of the alignment 
between management and shareholders. 

Financing costs are largely unchanged from 
2014, as would be expected with the Group’s 
fixed long-term borrowings in place.

As stated above, there were positive valuation 
movements of £53.6 million for the year, 
representing a 13.9% like-for-like unrealised 
gain across the portfolio.

48

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Capital structure
Following the issues of equity during the year, 
our share capital has increased by over £100 
million, to £157.3 million. Retained earnings 
increased by £55.7 million, comprising the 
total profit for the year of £68.8 million less the 
dividends paid of £13.1 million.

Our net gearing ratio, using the method 
prescribed by the AIC, has fallen from 101.7% 
as at 31 March 2014 to 48.9% at 31 March 
2015. Further details are provided in the 
Supplementary Disclosures section.

Cash flow and liquidity
Our cash balances increased to over £70 
million at the year end, boosted by the final 
tranche of the Placing Programme undertaken 
in March 2015. Of the £102 million raised 
through the Programme, £62 million had 
been invested in new assets during the 
year, and a further £4 million was utilised as 
capital expenditure on the existing portfolio. 
Subsequent to the year end a further £20 
million has been invested in new assets.

Investment properties
The fair value of our investment property 
portfolio increased to £532.9 million at  
31 March 2015, up from £417.6 million. 
Included within this uplift are acquisitions 
of £62.0 million, which are detailed in the 
Investment Manager’s Report, and capital 
expenditure across the existing portfolio of  
£4.1 million, enhancing the quality of the assets 
and space available. Four small non-core 
assets were disposed of, for proceeds of £4.4 
million, realising a small gain compared to the 
2014 valuation. The overall revaluation gain was 
£53.2 million, representing a 13.9% like-for-like 
increase in the valuation of the portfolio. At  
31 March 2015 the portfolio comprised 57 
assets, so an average lot size of £9.5 million.

A further analysis of capital expenditure, 
in accordance with EPRA Best Practice 
Recommendations, is set out in the EPRA 
Disclosures section on page 96.

Borrowings
Total borrowings remained stable at £232.8 
million this year. Our senior loan facilities with 
Canada Life and Aviva remained in place, 
reduced only by the amortisation of the 
Aviva facility (£1.0 million in the year). The 
Group remained fully compliant with the loan 
covenants throughout the year.

A summary of our borrowings is set out below:

Our unsecured loan notes, arising from the 
Rugby acquisition in 2010, were fully repaid 
before the year end from surplus cash, thus 
reducing the total borrowings by £2.0 million.

Our 22 million zero dividend preference shares 
continued to roll up additional capital at an 
annual rate of 7.25%, £1.8 million over the year. 
These shares mature in October 2016, the 
earliest maturity of any of our borrowings.

In March 2015 we agreed a new three 
year revolving credit facility with Santander 
Corporate Banking, for £26 million. The facility 
pays interest at 175 basis points over three 
month LIBOR, and will give flexibility in the 
financing of potential new asset acquisitions, as 
well as a potential solution to the ZDP maturity 
next year.

The Group’s loan-to-value ratio fell to 30.1% 
at 31 March 2015, due to the increase in size 
of the portfolio but also influenced by the cash 
balance at the year end, arising from the recent 
equity issue. The ratio will increase once these 
funds are fully invested.

The fair value of our borrowings at 31 March 
2015 was £252.6 million, higher than the book 
amount, due to the current very low gilt rates 
and lower margins in the lending market. 

Total borrowings (£m)
Borrowings net of cash (£m)
Undrawn facilities (£m)
Loan to value ratio (%)
Weighted average interest rate (%)
Average duration (years)

2015

232.8
162.8
26.0
30.1
4.6
12.4

2014

234.0
201.7
–
47.7
4.5
13.4

2013

233.4
210.5
–
54.5
4.5
14.5

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49

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTN 
Picton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Governance

Continued growth 
through depth 
of expertise

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www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

Chairman’s 
introduction

 The Board is committed 
to maintaining a high 
standard of corporate 
governance and 
transparency throughout 
the business. I am pleased 
that the independent 
Board evaluation carried 
out by Trust Associates 
concluded that the Board 
was operating effectively.

e
c
n
a
n
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v
o
G

As a member of the Association of Investment 
Companies, we comply with the AIC Code, which 
ensures the Group meets its obligations under the 
UK Corporate Governance Code.

In the last year we have set up a separate Risk Committee, in order to assist the Board in 
discharging its responsibilities with regard to risk management, following the implementation 
of the EU Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive.

At our meeting in May 2015 we concluded that it is now appropriate to have a distinct forum 
through which to address matters of Board succession, and therefore it was resolved to 
establish a Nominations Committee, which I will chair. The first meeting of this Committee has 
taken place and recommended that Michael Morris be appointed from 1 October 2015.

The Board agreed that the duties of the Management Engagement Committee will be 
assumed by the whole Board in future, which we consider to be more in keeping with an 
internally managed company.

I would like to thank shareholders for their support in passing all of the resolutions presented 
at last year’s Annual General Meeting. However, as a Board we were disappointed that a 
number of shareholder advisory organisations, who make recommendations on governance 
and voting, took a contrary stance on a small number of resolutions with one refusing to 
engage with the Board or present our rationale for the recommendations to its clients. 

Finally I would again like to express my thanks to Trevor Ash, who is stepping down on 
30 September 2015, for his invaluable contribution to the Board since the launch of the 
Company in 2005.

Nicholas Thompson  
Chairman 
8 June 2015

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51

Find out more:

Read more about our Audit Committee 
on pages 58 and 59

Read more about our Risk Committee 
on page 64

Read more about our Property Valuation 
Committee on page 60

Read more about our Corporate  
Governance on pages 56 and 57

Read more about Remuneration 
on pages 62 and 63

Financial StatementsOther InformationStrategic Report4

5

Board of  
directors

1

2

3

52

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 20151

4

Roger lewis
Chairman of the property 
valuation committee
Age 67, has extensive experience in the 
property sector, most recently as a director of 
Berkeley Group Holdings Plc for over 15 years, 
the last eight of which was as Chairman, a 
position from which he retired at the end of July 
2007. He subsequently acted as a consultant 
to the Berkeley Group and is currently a 
non-executive director of three Jersey based 
subsidiaries of the Berkeley Group, as well 
as being a director of the States of Jersey 
Development Company Limited. Prior to this, 
he was UK Group Chief Executive Officer of 
Crest Nicholson Group PLC from 1983 to 
1991. He is also currently a director of Grand 
Harbour Marina Plc (Malta), of Camper and 
Nicholsons Marina Investments Limited and of 
Cambian Global Timberland Limited. He was 
appointed to the Board in 2010.

5

Vic holmes
Chairman of the remuneration 
committee
Age 58, was Chief Executive of Northern Trust’s 
businesses in the Channel Islands until he 
retired from full-time employment in November 
2011. He joined the Board on 1 January 
2013. He serves as a director for a number 
of companies involved in the funds sector, for 
groups such as Permira, Ashmore, Foreign and 
Colonial, DBAG, Roundshield and Renshaw 
Bay. He is also a director of Next Energy Solar 
Fund Limited (a London Listed Company) and 
was elected as Chairman of the Guernsey 
Investment Funds Association in April 2013 and 
retired from that position in April 2015. He is a 
Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified 
Accountants.

Nicholas thompson
Chairman
Age 66, was formerly Director and Head 
of Fund and Investment Management at 
Prudential Property Investment Management 
and has served on the Board as Chairman 
since 2005. He is currently Chairman of MSCI/
IPD’s UK & Ireland Consultative Group, a 
director of the Lend Lease Retail Partnership 
and an independent director of the Association 
of Real Estate Funds. He is a Fellow of the 
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 
and a member of the Property Forum of the 
Association of Investment Companies.

2

Trevor ash
Chairman of the management 
engagement committee
Age 69, was formerly Managing Director of 
Rothschild Asset Management (CI) Limited 
(until 1999) and a non-executive director of 
Rothschild Asset Management Limited. He 
retired as a director of NM Rothschild & Sons 
(CI) Limited in 2007. He is a director of a 
number of funds managed by Merrill Lynch, 
JPMorgan, Rothschild Group and Insight. He 
is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for 
Securities & Investment.

3

Robert sinclair
Chairman of the audit committee
Age 65, is Managing Director of the Guernsey 
based Artemis Group and a director of a 
number of investment fund management 
companies and investment funds associated 
with clients of that Group. He has served on 
the Board since 2005. Robert is Chairman 
of Schroder Oriental Income Fund Limited, 
Chairman of Sirius Real Estate Limited, a 
director of Secure Property Development & 
Investment Limited and a director of Chariot Oil 
& Gas Limited. He is a Fellow of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 
and a member of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants of Scotland.

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53

Financial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNStrategic ReportGovernanceInvestment  
management team

1

2

3

4

54

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015The investment management team comprises 12 
permanent employees, and includes six real estate 
professionals, three qualified accountants and three 
further support employees.

1
Michael morris
Chief executive
Michael, age 42, is Chief Executive of Picton 
Capital Limited and is responsible for devising 
and overseeing the implementation of all 
aspects of the Company’s investment strategy. 
Formerly, he was Director and Fund Manager at 
ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) 
Limited, and he has worked with the Group 
since it launched in 2005. He has over 20 years 
of real estate experience and is a member of 
the Investment Property Forum. Michael sits 
on the Property Panel of the Association of 
Investment Companies and the CPD steering 
committee of the Investment Property Forum. 
He has obtained the Investment Management 
Certificate and the IPF Diploma in Property 
Investment.

2

Andrew dewhirst
Finance director
Andrew, age 55, joined Picton Capital Limited 
as Finance Director in March 2011. Previously 
he was Director of Client Accounting at ING 
Real Estate Investment Management (UK) 
Limited, a role he had held since January 
2006. At ING he was responsible for the 
accounting and administration of all the UK real 
estate vehicles and separate client accounts. 
Prior to joining ING Andrew was Director of 
Securities and Property Accounting at Hermes 
Pensions Management Limited. He has 
over 25 years’ experience in the real estate 
and financial services sector. Andrew is an 
associate member of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in England and Wales and a 
member of the Investment Property Forum.

in devising and implementing the Company’s 
strategy and is a member of Picton Capital’s 
Investment Committee. He has over 15 years of 
real estate experience and is a member of the 
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and of 
the Investment Property Forum.

4

Fraser d’arcy
Investment director
Fraser, age 39, joined Picton Capital Limited 
as Investment Director in January 2013. 
He is primarily responsible for transactional 
activity within the portfolio to manage effective 
recycling of capital. Previously he was an 
Investment Surveyor at Threadneedle Property 
Investments Limited from 2006, where he was 
responsible for acquisitions and disposals 
in all sectors across the UK market. Prior to 
this he was an Associate Director at Insight 
Investment, having started his career at 
Scottish Widows Investment Partnership as 
an Investment Manager. He has 15 years of 
investment experience in UK real estate and 
has obtained the Investment Management 
Certificate. Fraser is a member of the Royal 
Institution of Chartered Surveyors and of the 
Investment Property Forum.

5

James forman
James is the Financial Controller at Picton 
Capital Limited. In this role, he is responsible 
for all the accounting and financial reporting 
for the Group. Previously at ING Real Estate 
Investment Management (UK) Limited, he has 
worked with the Group since 2005. James is a 
Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified 
Accountants. 

3

6

Jay cable
Director
Jay, age 37, is Head of Asset Management 
at Picton Capital Limited. In this role he 
is responsible for overseeing all asset 
management activities in respect of the Group’s 
property portfolio. Formerly he was Director at 
ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) 
Limited, and has worked with the Group since 
it launched in 2005. Jay plays an active role 

Laurence jones
Laurence Jones is a Senior Asset Manager 
at Picton Capital Limited, and a member of 
the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 
In this role, he is responsible for delivering all 
the asset management initiatives required to 
fulfil the portfolio’s strategy. He has 11 years of 
real estate experience and has worked on the 
Group’s portfolio since July 2007. 

7

Clare bunning
Clare Bunning is responsible for the day-to-
day management of the office and oversees 
all aspects of administration support within 
the Company. She joined ING Real Estate 
Investment Management (UK) Limited in May 
2007 and has worked with the Group since 
then.

8

Tim hamlin
Tim Hamlin is an Asset Manager at Picton 
Capital Limited and a member of the 
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 
He is responsible for the formulation and 
implementation of asset level business plans in 
line with the overall portfolio strategy. He has 
eight years of real estate experience and seven 
years working with the Group’s portfolio.

9

Sonya kapur
Sonya Kapur joined Picton Capital Limited in 
January 2012. Previously she worked at BNP 
Paribas Real Estate as an investment analyst. 
She is responsible for all aspects of analysis 
and research within the Company. Sonya has 
the IPF Diploma in Property Investment.

10

Adam green
Adam Green joined Picton Capital Limited 
in January 2012 from Invista Real Estate 
Investment Management as Accounts 
Assistant. 

11

Sarah barnes
Sarah Barnes joined Picton Capital Limited in 
June 2014 and provides administration support 
to the team.

12

Matthew barker
Matthew Barker joined Picton Capital Limited 
as an Asset Manager in August 2014 from 
JLL. He is a member of the Royal Institution 
of Chartered Surveyors and is responsible 
for assisting with the asset management and 
performance of the property portfolio in order to 
deliver superior returns.

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Financial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNStrategic ReportGovernanceCorporate  
governance report

As a member of the Association of 
Investment Companies (“AIC”), the 
Company has been reporting against 
the principles and recommendations of 
the AIC Code of Corporate Governance 
(the “AIC Code”) and the accompanying 
AIC Corporate Governance Guide for 
Investment Companies (the “AIC Guide”). 
In these financial statements, the Company 
is reporting against the February 2013 
AIC Code and AIC Guide which take into 
account updates made to the UK Corporate 
Governance Code in September 2012. The 
February 2015 AIC Code and AIC Guide 
take into account updates made to the UK 
Corporate Governance Code in September 
2014, which applies to accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 October 2014 and 
will therefore be adopted in the Group’s  
31 March 2016 financial statements.

The Board has considered the principles and 
recommendations of the AIC Code by reference 
to the AIC Guide. The AIC Code, as explained 
by the AIC Guide, addresses all the principles 
set out in the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the “UK Code”), as well as setting out 
additional principles and recommendations 
on issues that are of specific relevance to the 
Company. The Financial Reporting Council has 
confirmed that, by following the AIC Guide, 
investment company boards should fully meet 
their obligations in relation to the UK Code.

The Board considers that reporting against 
the principles and recommendations of the 
AIC Code, and by reference to the AIC Guide 
(which incorporates the UK Code), will provide 
better information to shareholders.

Except as disclosed below, the Company 
has complied throughout the year with the 
recommendations of the AIC Code and the 
relevant provisions of the UK Code.

By complying with the AIC Code and the 
UK Code, the Board considers that it is in 
compliance with the provisions of the Code 
of Corporate Governance published by the 
Guernsey Financial Services Commission. 

The board
The Board retains full responsibility for  
the direction and control of the Company, 
including investment policy and strategy, 
dividend policy and gearing. The Board 
meets regularly, normally quarterly, and more 
frequently if necessary. 

The Board has delegated responsibility for 
operational matters under an Investment 
Management Agreement to its Investment 
Manager, Picton Capital Limited. 

Composition
The Company is led and controlled by a 
Board composed of non-executive Directors, 
all of whom have wide experience and are 
considered to be independent. 

In making any new appointment the Board will 
consider a number of factors, but principally 
the skills and experience that will be relevant to 
the specific role and that will complement the 
existing Board members.

The Articles of Association stipulate that all 
new Directors shall retire at their first Annual 
General Meeting and offer themselves for 
re-appointment. One-third, or the number 
nearest to but not exceeding one-third, of the 
Directors shall retire and offer themselves for 
re-appointment at each subsequent Annual 
General Meeting.

The Board considers that the length of time 
each Director, including the Chairman, serves 
on the Board should not be limited and 
therefore has not set a finite tenure policy. 
This issue, as well as that of future succession 
planning, is reviewed annually as part of the 
Board evaluation process, and as a result of 
the latest evaluation further arrangements have 
been put in place to secure continuity.

The Board believes that it is in the shareholders’ 
best interests for the Chairman to be the 
point of contact for all matters relating to the 
governance of the Company and as such has 
not appointed a senior independent non-
executive Director. 

Alternative investment 
fund managers directive
This Directive is European legislation which 
creates an EU-wide framework for regulating  
an alternate investment fund manager (AIFM). 
The Group’s activities fall within the scope of 
the Directive and the Board has determined 
that the Company itself will act as AIFM for 
these purposes.

Non-mainstream pooled 
investments
The Company currently conducts its affairs  
so that its shares can be recommended  
by independent financial advisers to retail 
investors in accordance with the FCA’s rules in 
relation to non-mainstream pooled investments, 
and intends to continue to do so for the 
foreseeable future. 

Committees
The Board has established five Committees: 
Audit, Remuneration, Property Valuation, Risk 
and Nominations. The terms of reference 
for these Committees are available on the 
Company’s website.

Attendance at board and committee meetings

Nicholas Thompson
Robert Sinclair
Trevor Ash 
Roger Lewis
Vic Holmes

Board
(4 meetings)
4
4
3
4
3

Audit
(3 meetings)
3
3
3
3
3

Remuneration
(4 meetings)
4
3
4
4
4

Property Valuation
(4 meetings)
4
4
3
4
3

Risk
(4 meetings)
4
4
3
4
3

The above meetings were the scheduled Board and Committee meetings. No meetings of the Management Engagement Committee were held during 
the year, but one has subsequently been held during May 2015. The first meeting of the Nominations Committee took place in June 2015. Additional 
meetings were held to deal with other matters as required and are not included above. 

56

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Relations with 
shareholders
In conjunction with the Board, the Administrator 
keeps under review the register of members  
of the Company. All shareholders are 
encouraged to participate in the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting. 

All Directors normally attend the Annual 
General Meeting, at which shareholders 
have the opportunity to ask questions and 
discuss matters with the Directors and senior 
management. Investors are able to direct any 
questions for the Board via the Secretary.

The Chairman regularly attends analyst 
meetings and is available for roadshows to 
meet investors if requested. The outcome of 
these meetings is communicated to the rest of 
the Board.

Evaluation
The performance of the Board and its 
Committees is evaluated on an annual basis. 
This is carried out by external consultants every 
three years and internally by the Directors for 
intervening years. An external evaluation was 
performed in August 2014, by Trust Associates, 
who have carried out previous external 
evaluations. The evaluation concluded that ‘this 
appears to be a Board with all the necessary 
skills, knowledge and commitment to be 
effective in overseeing the management of 
the Company and safeguarding shareholders’ 
interests’. The specific recommendations of the 
evaluation were considered by the Board at its 
meeting in November 2014 and appropriate 
actions agreed.

Internal control and risk 
management
The Directors acknowledge that they are 
responsible for establishing and maintaining 
the Group’s system of internal controls and 
reviewing its effectiveness. Internal control 
systems are designed to manage rather 
than eliminate the failure to achieve business 
objectives and can only provide reasonable, 
and not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. They have therefore 
established an ongoing process designed 
to meet the particular needs of the Group in 
managing the risks to which it is exposed, 
consistent with the guidance provided by the 
Turnbull Committee. Such review procedures 
have been in place throughout the full financial 
year, and up to the date of the approval of the 
financial statements, and the Board is satisfied 
with their effectiveness.

This process involves a review by the Board 
of the control environment within the Group’s 
service providers to ensure that the Group’s 
requirements are met.

The Group does not have an internal 
audit function. Following the change to 
internalised management, and given the 
scale of the Group’s operations, the Board 
has determined that a separate internal audit 
function is unnecessary and that additional 
procedures carried out by the external auditor 
in conjunction with the audit of the Group’s 
accounts will provide the Board with sufficient 
assurance regarding the internal control 
systems in place. The Board continues to  
place reliance on the Administrator’s internal 
control systems.

These systems are designed to ensure effective 
and efficient operations, internal control and 
compliance with laws and regulations. In 
establishing the systems of internal control, 
regard is paid to the materiality of relevant risks, 
the likelihood of costs being incurred and costs 
of control. It follows, therefore, that the systems 
of internal control can only provide reasonable, 
but not absolute, assurance against the risk of 
material misstatement or loss.

The effectiveness of the internal control 
systems is reviewed annually by the Board and 
the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee 
has a discussion annually with the auditor to 
ensure that there are no issues of concern in 
relation to the audit opinion on the financial 
statements and, if necessary, representatives 
of the Investment Manager would be excluded 
from that discussion.

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57

Financial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNStrategic ReportGovernanceAudit committee 
report

The Audit Committee 
comprises all of the 
Directors of the Company 
and is chaired by Robert 
Sinclair. 

Meetings of the Audit Committee are attended 
by the Finance Director of Picton Capital 
Limited and other members of the finance 
team, and the external auditor. The external 
auditor is given the opportunity to discuss 
matters without management presence.

Terms of reference
The Committee’s terms of reference include 
consideration of the following issues:

 ■ Financial reporting, including significant 
accounting judgements and accounting 
policies

 ■ Internal controls and risk management 

systems

 ■ The Group’s relationship with the external 

auditor, including effectiveness and 
independence

 ■ Internal audit and the programme of controls 

testing

 ■ Reporting responsibilities

Activity
The Committee met three times during the 
year ended 31 March 2015 and considered 
the following matters:

 ■ External audit strategy and plan

 ■ Audit and accounting issues of 

significance

 ■ The Annual and Interim Reports of the 

Group

 ■ Reports from the external auditor

 ■ The effectiveness of the audit process 

and the independence of KPMG Channel 
Islands Limited

 ■ Review of business risks and internal 

controls and risk review 

 ■ Stock Exchange announcements

Financial reporting and 
significant reporting 
matters
The Committee considers all financial information 
published in the annual and half-year financial 
statements and considers accounting policies 
adopted by the Group, presentation and 
disclosure of the financial information and the 
key judgements made by management in 
preparing the financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report. At the request of the 
Board, the Committee considered whether 
the 2015 Annual Report was fair, balanced 
and understandable and whether it provided 
the necessary information for shareholders to 
assess the Group’s performance, business 
model and strategy. 

The key area of judgement that the  
Committee considered in reviewing the  
financial statements was the valuation of  
the Group’s investment properties.

The valuation is conducted on a quarterly 
basis by independent valuers, and is subject to 
oversight by the Property Valuation Committee. 
It is a key component of the annual and half 
year financial statements and is inherently 
subjective, requiring significant judgement. 
Members of the Property Valuation Committee, 
together with the Investment Manager, meet 
with the independent valuer on a quarterly 
basis to review the valuations and underlying 
assumptions, including the year end valuation 
process. The Chairman of the Property 
Valuation Committee reported to the  
Audit Committee at its meeting in May 2015 
and confirmed that the following matters 
had been considered in discussions with the 
independent valuers:

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015As part of the review of auditor independence 
and effectiveness, KPMG Channel Islands 
Limited has confirmed that:

 ■ They have internal procedures in place to 

identify any aspects of non-audit work which 
could compromise their role as auditor and 
to ensure the objectivity of the audit report;

 ■ The total fees paid by the Group during the 
year do not represent a material part of their 
total fee income; and

 ■ They consider that they have maintained their 

independence throughout the year.

In evaluating KPMG Channel Islands Limited 
the Committee completed its assessment 
of the external auditor for the financial 
period under review. It has satisfied itself 
as to their qualifications and expertise and 
remains confident that their objectivity and 
independence are not in any way impaired by 
reason of the non-audit services which they 
provide to the Group.

KPMG Channel Islands Limited have been 
auditor to the Group since the year ended  
31 December 2009 following a tender  
process in July 2009. The Senior Statutory 
Auditor, Neale Jehan, has served three years  
in this position.

The Committee recommends that KPMG 
Channel Islands Limited are recommended  
for re-appointment at the next Annual  
General Meeting.

Robert Sinclair  
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
8 June 2015

Given the scale of the Group’s operations, 
the Board has determined that a separate 
internal audit function is unnecessary and 
that additional procedures carried out by the 
external auditor in conjunction with the audit 
of the Group’s accounts will provide the Board 
with sufficient assurance regarding the internal 
control systems in place.

Independence of Auditor
It is the policy of the Audit Committee that non-
audit work will not be awarded to the external 
auditor if there is a risk their independence may 
be conflicted. The Committee must approve 
in advance all non-audit assignments to be 
carried out by the external auditor.

The fees payable to the Group’s auditor and its 
member firms are as follows:

Year ended 
31 March 
2015
£000
119
19
25
163

Year ended 
31 March 
2014
£000
119
20
17
156

Audit fees
Interim review fees
Non-audit fees

The non-audit fees include £14,000 for 
additional controls testing, £7,000 for tax 
compliance services, both carried out by KPMG 
Channel Islands Limited, and £4,000 in respect 
of the Picton Capital FCA CASS review, carried 
out by KPMG LLP.

Annual auditor assessment
On an annual basis, the Committee assesses 
the qualifications, expertise and independence 
of the Group’s external auditor, as well as the 
effectiveness of the audit process. It does this 
through discussion and enquiry with senior 
management, review of a detailed assessment 
questionnaire and confirmation from the 
external auditor. The Committee also considers 
the external audit plan, setting out the auditor’s 
assessment of the key audit risk areas and 
reporting received from the external auditor 
in respect of both the half year and year end 
reports and accounts.

 ■ Property market conditions;

 ■ Yields on properties within the portfolio;

 ■ Letting activity and vacant properties;

 ■ Covenant strength and lease lengths;

 ■ Estimated rental values; and

 ■ Comparable market evidence.

The Audit Committee reviewed the report 
from the Chairman of the Property Valuation 
Committee including the assumptions 
applied to the valuation and considered their 
appropriateness, as well as considering current 
market trends and conditions, and valuation 
movements compared to previous quarters. 
The Audit Committee considered the valuation 
and agreed that this was appropriate for the 
financial statements. 

The Committee was satisfied that the 
2015 Annual Report is fair, balanced and 
understandable and included the necessary 
information as set out above, and it has 
confirmed this to the Board.

Internal controls
The Board is responsible for the Company’s 
internal control system and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. It has therefore established a 
process designed to meet the particular needs 
of the Company in managing the risks to which 
it is exposed.

As part of this process, a risk matrix has 
been prepared that identifies the Company’s 
key functions and the individual activities 
undertaken within those functions. From 
this, the Board has identified the Company’s 
principal risks and the controls employed 
to manage those risks. These are reviewed 
at each Audit Committee meeting. Also the 
Audit Committee has agreed a programme 
of additional controls testing which is carried 
out by the external auditor, in order to provide 
the Board with comfort that the controls are 
operating as intended and have been in place 
throughout the year. The Board also monitors 
the investment performance of the Company 
against its objectives and receives reports from 
the Investment Manager and Administrator 
each quarter on their activities. The Audit 
Committee has received and reviewed a copy 
of CBRE Limited’s Real Estate Accounting 
Services – Service Organisation Control 
Report as at 31 December 2014, prepared 
in accordance with International Standard on 
Assurance Engagements 3402, in respect of 
property management accounting services 
provided to Picton Capital Limited.

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59

Financial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNStrategic ReportGovernanceProperty valuation 
committee report

The Property Valuation 
Committee comprises 
all of the Directors of the 
Company and is chaired 
by Roger Lewis. 

Terms of reference
The Committee shall review the quarterly 
valuation reports produced by the independent 
valuers before their submission to the Board, 
looking in particular at:

 ■ Significant adjustments from previous 

quarters

 ■ Individual property valuations

Activity
The Committee met four times during  
the year ended 31 March 2015. Members  
of the Property Valuation Committee, 
together with the Investment Manager, met 
with the independent valuer each quarter 
to review the valuations and considered the 
following matters:

 ■ Commentary from the Investment Manager

 ■ Property market conditions and trends

 ■ Significant issues that should be raised with 

 ■ Movements compared to previous 

the Investment Manager

quarters

 ■ Material and unexplained movements in the 

 ■ Yields on properties within the portfolio

Company’s net asset value 

 ■ Compliance with applicable standards and 

guidelines

 ■ Reviewing findings or recommendations of 

the valuers

 ■ The appointment, remuneration and 

removal of the Company’s valuers, making 
such recommendations to the Board as 
appropriate

 ■ Letting activity and vacant properties

 ■ Covenant strength and lease lengths

 ■ Estimated rental values

 ■ Comparable market evidence

The Committee was satisfied with the 
valuation process throughout the year.

Appointment of valuer
CBRE Limited was appointed as sole external 
valuer to the Group, effective from 31 March 
2013, and carries out a valuation of the Group’s 
property assets each quarter, the results of 
which are incorporated into the Group’s half 
year and annual financial statements, and the 
quarterly net asset statements. 

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015The Directors 
Picton Property Income Limited 
PO Box 255 
Trafalgar Court 
Les Banques 
St Peter Port 
Guernsey 
GY1 3QL

8 June 2015

Dear Sirs 

PICTON PROPERTY PORTFOLIO — VALUATION AS AT 31 MARCH 2015 

In accordance with the terms of our appointment as External Valuers to Picton Property Income Limited, we have valued the freehold 
and leasehold properties in which the Fund has an interest as at 31 March 2015, for accounting purposes. Our valuations have been 
prepared on the basis of ‘Fair Value’ in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards, January 2014. We confirm that 
the “Fair Value” reported above, for the purpose of financial reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and UK 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP), is effectively the same as “Market Value”.

On the basis, assumptions, terms and conditions as set out within our Valuation Report dated 31 March 2015, we are of the opinion 
that the aggregate values of the properties we value in the Picton Fund, as at 31 March 2015, is £540,905,000 (FIVE HUNDRED 
FORTY MILLION NINE HUNDRED AND FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS), exclusive of VAT. 

Our opinion of Market Value was derived using comparable recent market transactions on arm’s length terms.

The total fees, including the fee for this assignment, earned by CBRE Ltd (or other companies forming part of the same group of 
companies within the UK) from the Addressee (or other companies forming part of the same group of companies) is less than 5.0% of 
the total UK revenues. 

This letter is for the use only of the party to whom it is addressed for the specific purpose set out herein and no responsibility is 
accepted to any third party for the whole or any part of its contents.

Yours faithfully 

NICK KNIGHT MRICS  
Executive Director  
RICS Registered Valuer 
For and on behalf of CBRE Limited

www.cbre.co.uk
Registered in England No 3536032 Registered Office St Martin’s Court 10 Paternoster Row London EC4M 6HP
CBRE Limited is regulated by the RICS and is an appointed representative of CBRE Indirect Investments Service Limited
which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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61

Financial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNStrategic ReportGovernancePicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

Remuneration  
Remuneration  
report
report

The Remuneration 
Committee comprises 
all of the Directors of the 
Company and is chaired 
by Vic Holmes.

Terms of reference
The Committee will consider the following 
matters:

 ■ Appointment of, and setting the terms of 

reference for, any remuneration consultants

 ■ Setting and reviewing remuneration levels 
for the Directors, within the limit set by the 
Company’s Articles of Association

 ■ Recommending remuneration policies to the 
Board for Directors and senior management 
of Picton Capital Limited

 ■ Reviewing remuneration trends across  

the sector

Activity
The Committee met four times during the 
year ended 31 March 2015 and considered 
the following matters:

 ■ Remuneration trends across similar 

property companies

 ■ Remuneration review and Long Term 

Incentive Plan awards for Picton Capital 
Limited employees

 ■ Appointment of external consultants to 

review the level of Directors’ fees

 ■ Performance of the Committee

Remuneration policy
The objective of the Group’s remuneration 
policy is to have a simple and transparent 
remuneration structure aligned with the  
Group’s strategy.

The Group aims to provide a remuneration 
package which will retain Directors and 
management with the skills and experience 
necessary to manage the Group and maximise 
shareholder value on a long-term basis. 
The remuneration policy aims to incentivise 
management by rewarding performance 
through enhanced shareholder value.

Directors receive an annual fee as set out 
on page 63. Directors will not receive share 
options or other performance related elements.

The Committee has determined the 
remuneration policy for the management 
and staff of Picton Capital Limited following 
independent advice from external advisers. 

Terms of employment
The terms of appointment of the Directors 
are documented in letters of appointment. 
They have a six month notice period and 
their appointment would terminate without 
compensation if not re-elected at the Annual 
General Meeting. The Directors have no service 
contracts or interests in any material contracts 
with the Group.

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Directors’ fees
All of the Directors of the Company are non-
executive and their fees are recommended 
by the Board. The level of Directors’ fees was 
independently reviewed in September 2014 
by Deloitte against a benchmark group of 
similar companies. Following consideration of 
the report from Deloittes, the Remuneration 
Committee recommended the following 
annual fee rates, which were set between 
the lower and median quartiles of the 
benchmarked range. The Board approved this 
recommendation and the new rates became 
effective on 1 January 2015.

Chairman
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Chairman of the Property 
Valuation Committee
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee
Director

Annual 
rate 
£
82,500
43,000

40,000

40,000
36,000
241,500

The total fees earned by each Director for the 
year ended 31 March 2015 were as follows:

Nicholas Thompson
Robert Sinclair
Trevor Ash
Roger Lewis
Vic Holmes

31 March 
2015
£
67,875
39,250
33,750
36,250
34,750
211,875

31 March 
2014
£
63,000
38,000
33,000
35,000
33,000
202,000

No additional fees were earned above the 
annual expected time commitment for the  
year ended 31 March 2015. The Company’s 
Articles set an annual limit of £300,000 for 
Directors’ remuneration. 

Picton capital limited 
remuneration
The Group’s Investment Manager  
employed 12 staff as at 31 March 2015  
(2014: 11 staff). 

The policy and components of remuneration 
set by the Committee in respect of Picton 
Capital Limited directors and staff are as 
follows:

Base salary 
Base salaries are based on market data 
provided by the Company’s independent 
advisers. Base salaries are reviewed 
annually on 1 April. 

Pension 
The Group makes contributions for eligible 
employees into a Group personal pension 
plan to a maximum of 12% of base salary. 
Further contributions to a maximum of 5% 
will be paid by the Group if matched by 
additional voluntary contributions by the 
employee.

Annual bonus 
A discretionary annual bonus may be 
awarded to recognise individual performance. 
An award will take into account three factors: 
the underlying performance of the Group, 
the underlying real estate return and the 
individual’s performance. Bonus payments 
are not pensionable. An element of any 
award will be made in units in the Long Term 
Incentive Plan.

Long Term Incentive Plan
A share-based long-term incentive plan has 
been established that aligns remuneration 
with that of shareholders. Any award 
under the plan is linked to both share price 
movement and dividend distributions. 
Awards will normally vest in either two or 
three years.

Other benefits
These include private medical insurance and 
life cover.

In considering the salary and bonus review for 
2015, the Committee received an independent 
benchmarking review, which considered market 
salaries and benefits for each member of the 
Picton Capital team. The Committee also 
considered the key performance indicators for 
the year in relation to individual and team 
objectives set at the start of the year. In 
conclusion, the Committee determined that 
there would be an overall increase of 12.7% in 
base salaries from 1 April 2015 (2014: 2.8%).

For the year ended 31 March 2015, the 
Committee agreed that bonuses awarded 
to Picton Capital staff would total £379,000 
payable on 31 March 2015 (2014: £242,000) 
and £516,000 in Long Term Incentive Plan 
awards (2014: £353,000). The Long Term 
Incentive Plan awards were made at the 
prevailing share price, and equate to 720,000 
units, of which 360,000 units vest on 31 March 
2017 and 360,000 units vest on 31 March 
2018. The cost to the Group of awards made is 
spread over the vesting periods in accordance 
with its accounting policy. The accrued cost 
at 31 March 2015 was £635,000 (2014: 
£321,000). A summary of the awards made to 
Picton Capital staff is set out in Note 7 to the 
financial statements.

Share ownership
Directors and employees are encouraged to 
maintain a shareholding in the Company’s 
shares to provide alignment with investors, 
although in the case of Picton Capital staff, 
alignment is also achieved through awards 
under the Long Term Incentive Plan.

The numbers of shares beneficially held 
by each Director and senior management 
(including spouses), as at 31 March 2015, were 
as follows:

Directors
Nicholas Thompson *
Robert Sinclair
Trevor Ash
Roger Lewis
Vic Holmes

Senior management
Michael Morris†
Andrew Dewhirst
Jay Cable
Fraser D’Arcy

Shares
184,836
15,000
350,000
530,000
–

Shares
53,596
15,000
9,505
–

*  Includes 81,634 shares held by  

Mrs Elizabeth Thompson

†  Includes 28,596 shares held by  
Mrs Joanne Morris

Mrs Elizabeth Thompson additionally holds 
45,249 zero dividend preference shares issued 
by Picton ZDP Limited.

Members of senior management also hold  
units in the Long Term Incentive Plan. At  
31 March 2015 the number of units that had 
been awarded to senior management and yet 
to vest was 1,457,640 (2014: 1,161,781).

63

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Financial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNStrategic ReportGovernance 
Risk committee 
report

The Risk Committee 
comprises all of the 
Directors of the Company 
and is chaired by 
Nicholas Thompson. 

The Risk Committee was established to  
ensure that the Company addressed its 
responsibilities under the Alternative Investment 
Fund Managers Directive in respect of  
risk management.

Terms of reference
The Committee’s terms of reference include 
consideration of the following issues:

 ■ Adoption of the Group’s Risk Management 

Policy

 ■ Monitoring and evaluating the risks relating to 

the Group

 ■ Providing guidance to the Board in respect of 

those risks

 ■ Evaluation of the Group’s risk profile and risk 
appetite, and whether these are aligned with 
its investment objectives

 ■ Consideration of the current macroeconomic 
and financial environment relevant to risk 
policies

 ■ Ensuring that key risks are being effectively 

measured, managed and mitigated

Activity
The Committee met four times during the 
year ended 31 March 2015 and considered 
the following matters:

 ■ The Risk Management Policy for the 

Group 

 ■ Oversight responsibility and interaction 

with the Audit Committee

 ■ The Risk Matrix and mitigating controls

Risk management policy
The Risk Committee has considered and 
adopted a Risk Management Policy for the 
Group, and considered where oversight  
and responsibility for each area of risk lies, 
being the Board, the Risk Committee or the 
Audit Committee.

The purpose of the Risk Management Policy 
is to strengthen the proper management of 
risks through proactive risk identification, risk 
management, and risk acceptance pertaining to 
all activities undertaken by the Group. The Risk 
Management Policy is intended to: 

 ■ Ensure that major risks are reported to the 

Board for review and acceptance;

 ■ Result in the management of those risks 

that may significantly affect the pursuit of the 
stated strategic goals and objectives;

 ■ Embed a culture of evaluation and identifying 

risks at multiple levels within the Group;

 ■ Meet legal and regulatory requirements. 

Risk committee oversight
The Risk Committee’s principal area of 
oversight covers the investment management 
function, specifically relating to:

 ■ Property performance

 ■ Portfolio management

 ■ Acquisitions and disposals

64

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Directors’  
report

The Directors of Picton 
Property Income Limited 
present the Annual Report 
and audited financial 
statements for the year 
ended 31 March 2015. 

On 1 May 2014 the Company announced an 
Offer for Subscription and Placing Programme 
for the issue of up to 170 million new ordinary 
shares. Under the Initial Placing and Offer for 
Subscription the Company issued 59,322,034 
new ordinary shares at 59 pence per share, 
raising £35 million before costs. Under 
the Placing Programme the Company has 
subsequently raised a further £67 million 
through the issue of 100,861,897 new ordinary 
shares. Full details are set out in Note 20 to the 
consolidated financial statements. The Placing 
Programme is now closed.

The Directors have authority to buy-back up 
to 14.99% of the Company’s ordinary shares 
in issue, subject to the annual renewal of this 
authority from shareholders. Any buy-back of 
ordinary shares is, and will be, made subject 
to Guernsey law, and the making and timing of 
any buy-backs are at the absolute discretion of 
the Board. 

Statement of going 
concern
The Group’s business activities, together with 
the factors affecting performance, investment 
activities and future development are set out 
in the Strategic Report. The financial position 
of the Group, including its liquidity position, 
borrowing facilities and debt maturity profile, 
is set out in the Financial Review and in the 
consolidated financial statements.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. Therefore, they continue to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

The Company is a closed ended investment 
company and is registered under the provisions 
of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.

Principal activity
The principal activity of the Group is property 
investment with the objective of providing 
shareholders with an attractive level of income 
together with the potential for capital growth, 
by investing in a diversified UK commercial 
property portfolio.

With effect from 29 October 2008, the 
Company became regulated under the 
Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) 
Law, 1987 (as amended). Under this regulation, 
the Company was deemed to be authorised by 
the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. 

Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out in the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income. As set out in Note 11 to the 
consolidated financial statements, the 
Company has paid four interim dividends of 
0.75 pence per share, making a total dividend 
for the year ended 31 March 2015 of 3.0 pence 
per share (2014: 3.0 pence). The Directors have 
subsequently resolved to increase the dividend 
payable, and the interim dividend paid on  
29 May 2015 was for 0.825 pence per share.

Directors and directors’ 
interests
The Directors of the Company who served 
throughout the year are set out on page 52. 

The Directors’ interests in the shares of the 
Company as at 31 March 2015 are set out in 
the Remuneration Report.

Listings
The Company is listed on the main market of 
the London Stock Exchange.

Share capital
The issued share capital of the Company as  
at 31 March 2015 was 540,053,660 (31 March 
2014: 379,869,729) ordinary shares of no  
par value.

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65

Financial StatementsOther Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNStrategic ReportGovernanceDirectors’  
report

Substantial shareholdings
Based on notifications received and on 
information provided by the Company’s 
brokers, the Company understands the 
following shareholders held a beneficial interest 
of 3% or more of the Company’s issued share 
capital as at 28 May 2015.

% of issued 
share capital

Investec Wealth & Investment 
Limited
Blackrock Inc
Premier Fund Managers 
Limited
Seven Investment 
Management
J O Hambro Capital 
Management
Thames River Capital
Alliance Trust Savings Limited
Brewin Dolphin Limited
Rathbone Investment 
Management

18.6
6.1

5.3

4.1

4.0
3.3
3.3
3.3

3.2

Disclosure of information 
to auditor
The Directors who held office at the date of 
approval of this Directors’ Report confirm 
that, so far as they are each aware, there is 
no relevant audit information of which the 
Company’s auditor is unaware; and each 
Director has taken all the steps that he ought 
to have taken as a Director to make himself 
aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Company’s auditor is aware 
of that information. 

Auditor
KPMG Channel Islands Limited (the “Auditor”) 
has expressed its willingness to continue 
in office as the Company’s auditor and a 
resolution proposing its reappointment will be 
submitted at the Annual General Meeting.

Statement of directors’ 
responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing  
the Directors’ Report and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law they have elected to prepare 
the financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards, as 
issued by the IASB, and applicable law. 

The financial statements are required by law to 
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Company and of the profit or loss of the 
Company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:

 ■ select suitable accounting policies and then 

apply them consistently;

 ■ make judgements and estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

 ■ state whether applicable accounting 

standards have been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained 
in the financial statements; and

 ■ prepare the financial statements on the going 
concern basis unless it is inappropriate to 
presume that the Company will continue in 
business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
proper accounting records which disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial 
position of the Company and to enable them 
to ensure that the financial statements comply 
with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. They 
have general responsibility for taking such steps 
as are reasonably open to them to safeguard 
the assets of the Company and to prevent and 
detect fraud and other irregularities. 

Directors’ responsibility 
statement in respect of 
the annual report and 
financial statements
The Directors confirm that to the best of their 
knowledge and belief the report and accounts, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information 
necessary to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy.

Directors’ responsibility 
statement under 
the disclosure and 
transparency rules 4.1.12
The Directors confirm to the best of their 
knowledge and belief:

 ■ the financial statements, prepared in 

accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit or loss of the Company and the 
undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole; and

 ■ the Strategic Report includes a fair review 
of development and performance of the 
business and the position of the Company 
and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, together 
with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that they face.

By Order of the Board

Robert Sinclair  
8 June 2015

66

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

Financial 
Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report

Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of  
Changes in Equity

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Statement of  
Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements

68

70

71

72

73

74

s
t
n
e
m
e
t
a
t
S

l

i

a
c
n
a
n
F

i

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67
67

Other InformationStrategic ReportGovernance 
Independent auditor’s report

to the members of picton property income limited

Our application of materiality 
and an overview of the scope of 
our audit
Materiality is a term used to describe the 
acceptable level of precision in financial 
statements. Auditing standards describe a 
misstatement or an omission as “material” if 
it could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the 
basis of the financial statements. The auditor 
has to apply judgement in identifying whether a 
misstatement or omission is material and to do 
so the auditor identifies a monetary amount as 
“materiality for the financial statements as  
a whole”.

The materiality for the financial statements 
as a whole was set at £5.2 million. This has 
been calculated using a benchmark of the 
Group’s total assets (of which it represents 
approximately 1%) which we believe is the 
most appropriate benchmark as investment 
property values are considered as the prime 
driver of returns to shareholders and main 
focus of users of the financial statements. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee to 
report to it all corrected and uncorrected 
misstatements we identified through our audit 
with a value in excess of £262,000, in addition 
to other audit misstatements below that 
threshold that we believe warranted reporting 
on qualitative grounds.

The Group audit team performed the audit 
of the Group as if it was a single operating 
entity based on the aggregated set of financial 
information for the Group. The audit was 
performed using the materiality levels set 
out above and covered 100% of total Group 
revenue, Group profit before taxation and total 
Group assets.

Opinions and conclusions 
arising from our audit
Opinion on financial statements 
We have audited the consolidated financial 
statements (the “financial statements”) of Picton 
Property Income Limited (the “Company”) and 
its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) for the 
year ended 31 March 2015 which comprise 
the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, the Consolidated Statement of 
Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Cash 
Flows and the related notes. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied 
in their preparation is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards  
as issued by the IASB. In our opinion, the 
financial statements: 

 ■ give a true and fair view of the state of the 
Group’s affairs as at 31 March 2015 and of 
its profit for the year then ended; 

 ■ have been properly prepared in accordance 

with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as issued by the IASB; and 

 ■ comply with the Companies (Guernsey)  

Law, 2008. 

Our assessment of risks of 
material misstatement
The risks of material misstatement detailed 
in this section of this report are those risks 
that we have deemed, in our professional 
judgement, to have had the greatest effect 
on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of 
resources in our audit; and directing the efforts 
of the engagement team. Our audit procedures 
relating to these risks were designed in the 
context of our audit of the financial statements 
as a whole. Our opinion on the financial 
statements is not modified with respect to 
any of these risks, and we do not express an 
opinion on these individual risks.

In arriving at our audit opinion above on 
the financial statements, the risk of material 
misstatement that had the greatest effect on 
our audit was as follows:

Valuation of Investment 
Properties (£532.9 million)
Refer to page 58 of the Report of the Audit 
Committee, Note 2 Significant accounting 
policies and Note 14 Investment properties 
disclosures.

 ■ The risk

The Group’s property portfolio accounted 
for 85.8% of the Group’s total assets as 
at 31 March 2015.  The fair value of the 
investment properties at 31 March 2015 was 
assessed by the Board of Directors based 
on an independent valuation prepared by 
the Group’s external property valuer.  As 
highlighted in the Audit Committee Report, 
the valuation of the Group’s property 
portfolio, given it represents the majority of 
the total assets of the Group and requires 
the use of significant judgement and 
subjective assumptions, is a significant area 
of our audit.  

 ■ Our response

Our audit procedures with respect to 
the valuation of the Group’s investment 
properties included, but were not limited 
to, testing the design, implementation and 
operating effectiveness of the relevant 
controls, involvement of our own Real 
Estate specialist, to examine the valuation 
prepared by the external property valuer 
and to evaluate the appropriateness of the 
valuation methodologies and assumptions 
used, including reviewing general market 
information and undertaking discussions on 
key findings with the external valuer.

We challenged the external valuer’s 
assumptions and data by comparing key 
inputs to the valuation such as current rental 
income and initial and equivalent yields, for 
consistency with other audit findings. We 
also considered the Group’s disclosures 
in relation to the use of estimates and 
judgements regarding fair value of investment 
properties and the Group’s valuation 
policies adopted and fair value disclosures 
in Note 2 and Note 14 for compliance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
as issued by the IASB.

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Our assessment of materiality has informed 
our identification of significant risks of material 
misstatement and the associated audit 
procedures performed in those areas as 
detailed above.

Whilst the audit process is designed to provide 
reasonable assurance of identifying material 
misstatements or omissions it is not guaranteed 
to do so. Rather we plan the audit to determine 
the extent of testing needed to reduce to an 
appropriately low level the probability that the 
aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements does not exceed materiality for 
the financial statements as a whole. This testing 
requires us to conduct significant depth of work 
on a broad range of assets, liabilities, income 
and expense as well as devoting significant 
time of the most experienced members of 
the audit team, in particular the Responsible 
Individual, to subjective areas of the accounting 
and reporting process.

An audit involves obtaining evidence about 
the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are free 
from material misstatement, whether caused by 
fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: 
whether the accounting policies are appropriate 
to the Group’s circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed; 
the reasonableness of significant accounting 
estimates made by the Board of Directors; 
and the overall presentation of the financial 
statements. In addition, we read all the financial 
and non-financial information in the Annual 
Report to identify material inconsistencies with 
the audited financial statements and to identify 
any information that is apparently materially 
incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, the knowledge acquired by us in the 
course of performing the audit. If we become 
aware of any apparent material misstatements 
or inconsistencies we consider the implications 
for our report.

Matters on which we are required 
to report by exception 
Under International Standards on Auditing 
[ISAs] (UK and Ireland) we are required to 
report to you if, based on the knowledge we 
acquired during our audit, we have identified 
other information in the Annual Report that 
contains a material inconsistency with either 
that knowledge or the financial statements, 
a material misstatement of fact, or that is 
otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to report to you if: 

 ■ we have identified material inconsistencies 

between the knowledge we acquired during 
our audit and the directors’ statement that 
they consider that the Annual Report and 
financial statements taken as a whole is fair, 
balanced and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for members to 
assess the Group’s performance, business 
model and strategy; or

 ■ the Audit Committee Report does 
not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit 
Committee.

Under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, 
we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion:

 ■ the Company has not kept proper 

accounting records; or 

 ■ the financial statements are not in agreement 

with the accounting records; or 

 ■ we have not received all the information 

and explanations, which to the best of our 
knowledge and belief are necessary for the 
purpose of our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to 
review the part of the Corporate Governance 
Statement on pages 51 to 66 relating to the 
Company’s compliance with the ten provisions 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
specified for our review. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the 
above responsibilities.

Scope of report and 
responsibilities
The purpose of this report and 
restrictions on its use by persons 
other than the company’s members 
as a body
This report is made solely to the Company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with 
section 262 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 
2008 and, in respect of any further matters on 
which we have agreed to report, on terms we 
have agreed with the Company. Our audit work 
has been undertaken so that we might state 
to the Company’s members those matters we 
are required to state to them in an auditor’s 
report and for no other purpose. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than the 
Company and the Company’s members, as a 
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for 
the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities 
of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities Statement set out on page 66, 
the Directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion 
on, the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and ISAs (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the 
UK Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Neale D Jehan  
For and on behalf of KPMG Channel 
Islands Limited  
Chartered Accountants and Recognised 
Auditors 
Glategny Court 
Glategny Esplanade 
St Peter Port 
Guernsey 
GY1 1WR 
8 June 2015

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69

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceConsolidated statement 
of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 march 2015

Income
Revenue from properties
Property expenses
Net property income
Expenses
Management expenses
Other operating expenses
Total operating expenses

Operating profit before movement on investments
Investments
Profit on disposal of investment properties
Investment property valuation movements
Total profit on investments

Operating profit
Financing
Interest received
Interest paid
Total finance costs

Profit before tax
Tax
Total comprehensive income
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted

Income 
£000

39,662
(9,320)
30,342

(2,591)
(1,194)
(3,785)

26,557

Capital 
£000

–
–
–

–
–
–

–

2015
Total
£000

39,662
(9,320)
30,342

(2,591)
(1,194)
(3,785)

2014
Total
£000

36,749
(8,992)
27,757

(2,127)
(1,139)
(3,266)

26,557

24,491

–
–
–

412
53,163
53,575

412
53,163
53,575

5,660
18,422
24,082

26,557

53,575

80,132

48,573

184
(11,114)
(10,930)

15,627
(347)
15,280

–
–
–

53,575
–
53,575

184
(11,114)
(10,930)

69,202
(347)
68,855

164
(11,032)
(10,868)

37,705
(357)
37,348

3.4p

12.0p

15.4p

10.4p

Notes

3
4

6
8

14
14

9

10

12

The total column of this statement represents the Group’s Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The supplementary income return and 
capital return columns are prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive 
from continuing operations. 

All of the profit and total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to the equity holders of the Company. 

Notes 1 to 27 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Consolidated statement 
of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 march 2015

Balance as at 31 March 2013
Issue of ordinary shares
Issue costs of shares
Profit for the year
Dividends paid

Balance as at 31 March 2014
Issue of ordinary shares
Issue costs of shares
Profit for the year
Dividends paid

Balance as at 31 March 2015

Notes

20

11

20

11

Share 
Capital 
£000
39,149
18,229
(186)
–
–

57,192
102,176
(2,055)
–
–

Retained 
Earnings
£000
130,267
–
–
37,348
(10,711)

156,904
–
–
68,855
(13,102)

Total
£000
169,416
18,229
(186)
37,348
(10,711)

214,096
102,176
(2,055)
68,855
(13,102)

157,313

212,657

369,970

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71

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceConsolidated 
balance sheet

As at 31 march 2015

Non-current assets 
Investment properties 
Tangible assets
Accounts receivable
Total non-current assets

Current assets 
Investment properties held for sale
Accounts receivable 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total current assets

Total assets 

Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accruals
Loans and borrowings
Obligations under finance leases
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities 
Loans and borrowings
Obligations under finance leases
Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Retained earnings

Total equity

Net asset value per share

Notes

14

15

14
15
16

17
18
22

18
22

2015
£000

532,926
101
3,871
536,898

–
14,019
70,092
84,111

2014
£000

417,207
140
4,046
421,393

425
10,102
32,352
42,879

621,009

464,272

(16,365)
(1,012)
(103)
(17,480)

(14,330)
(2,935)
(104)
(17,369)

(231,834)
(1,725)
(233,559)

(231,081)
(1,726)
(232,807)

(251,039)

(250,176)

369,970

214,096

20

157,313
212,657

57,192
156,904

369,970

214,096

23

69p

56p

These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 8 June 2015 and signed on its behalf by:

Robert Sinclair  
Director 
8 June 2015

Notes 1 to 27 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

72

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Consolidated statement  
of cash flows

For the year ended 31 march 2015

Operating activities
Operating profit
Adjustments for non-cash items
Interest received
Interest paid
Tax paid
Cash inflows from operating activities

Investing activities
Capital expenditure on investment properties
Acquisition of investment properties
Disposal of investment properties
Purchase of tangible assets
Cash outflows from investing activities

Financing activities
Issue of ordinary shares
Issue costs of ordinary shares
Borrowings repaid
Financing costs
Dividends paid
Cash inflows from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Notes

21

14
14
14

11

2015
£000

80,132
(55,427)
184
(8,879)
(369)
15,641

(4,070)
(62,059)
4,410
(10)
(61,729)

102,176
(2,055)
(2,936)
(255)
(13,102)
83,828

2014
£000

48,573
(25,428)
164
(8,932)
(394)
13,983

(2,060)
(19,611)
10,850
(17)
(10,838)

18,229
(186)
(1,031)
–
(10,711)
6,301

37,740

9,446

32,352

22,906

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

16

70,092

32,352

Notes 1 to 27 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

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73

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 march 2015

1. General information
Picton Property Income Limited (the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries the “Group”) was registered on 15 September 2005 as a closed 
ended Guernsey investment company. The consolidated financial statements are prepared for the year ended 31 March 2015 with comparatives for 
the year ended 31 March 2014.

2. Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and adopt the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of investment 
properties. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for the assets. The financial statements are 
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by IASB and are in compliance with the Companies 
(Guernsey) Law, 2008.

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the Company’s functional currency. All financial information presented in pounds 
sterling has been rounded to the nearest thousand, except when otherwise indicated.

Changes in accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial period, as amended to reflect the adoption of new standards, 
amendments and interpretations which became effective in the year as shown below.

 ■ IAS 32 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. The amendments to IAS 32 

clarify the offsetting criteria by explaining when an entity currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off and when gross settlement is considered 
to be equivalent to net settlement. The amendments to IAS 32 had no impact on the Group. 

At the date of approval of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations were in issue but not yet effective for the financial year 
and have not been adopted early:

 ■ In July 2014, the IASB published the final version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, which introduces new requirements for the classification and 
measurement of financial assets. Under IFRS 9 (2009), financial assets are classified and measured based on the business model in which they 
are held and the characteristics of their contractual cash flows. IFRS 9 (2010) introduces additional changes relating to financial liabilities. The 
IASB currently has an active project to make limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements of IFRS 9 and add new 
requirements to address the impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. IFRS 9 (2010) and (2009) are effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with early adoption permitted.

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the standard listed above will have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements in the year 
of initial application, other than on presentation and disclosure. 

Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
application of policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based 
on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of 
making estimates about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

The fair value measurement for the assets and liabilities are categorised into different levels in the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs to valuation 
techniques used. The different levels have been defined as follows:

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Group can access at the measurement date.

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The Group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period during which the transfer has occurred.

The critical estimate and assumption relate to the investment property valuations applied by the Group’s independent valuer and this is described in 
more detail in the accounting policy on page 75 and in Note 14. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the year in which the estimate is 
revised, if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of the revision and future years, if the revision affects both current and future years. 

Critical judgements, where made, are disclosed within the relevant section of the financial statements in which such judgements have been applied. 
Key judgements relate to the treatment of business combinations, lease classifications, or employee benefits where different accounting policies could 
be applied. These are described in more detail in the accounting policy notes below, or in the relevant notes to the financial statements.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company at the reporting 
date. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to 
affect these returns through its power over the entity.

74

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be consolidated from the date on which control 
is transferred out of the Group. These financial statements include the results of the subsidiaries disclosed in Note 13. All intra-group transactions, 
balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Business combinations
The Group acquires subsidiaries that own real estate. At the time of acquisition, the Group considers whether the acquisition represents the 
acquisition of a business. The Group accounts for an acquisition as a business combination where an integrated set of activities is acquired in addition 
to the property. More specifically, the following criteria are considered:

 ■ The number of items of land and buildings owned by the subsidiary;

 ■ The extent to which significant processes are acquired and in particular the extent of ancillary services provided by the subsidiary; and

 ■ Whether the subsidiary has allocated its own staff to manage the property and/or to deploy any processes, including provision of all relevant 

administration and information to the entity’s owners.

When the acquisition of subsidiaries does not represent a business, it is accounted for as an acquisition of a group of assets and liabilities.

Goodwill on business combinations is measured as the fair value of the consideration transferred less the net recognised amount (fair value) of 
the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date. When the excess is negative, this is recognised 
immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs in connection with a business 
combination are expensed as incurred.

Presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
In order to better reflect the activities of an investment company and in accordance with guidance issued by the AIC, supplementary information which 
analyses the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income between items of a revenue and capital nature has been presented alongside the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Investment properties 
Freehold property held by the Group to earn income or for capital appreciation or both is classified as investment property in accordance with IAS 
40 ‘Investment Property’. Property held under finance leases for similar purposes is also classified as investment property. Investment property is 
initially recognised at purchase cost plus directly attributable acquisition expenses. The fair value of investment property is based on a valuation by an 
independent valuer who holds a recognised and relevant professional qualification and who has recent experience in the location and category of the 
investment property being valued.

The fair value of investment properties is measured based on each property’s highest and best use from a market participant’s perspective and 
considers the potential uses of the property that are physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible. The Group ensures the use of 
suitable qualified external valuers valuing the investment properties held by the Group.

The fair value of investment property generally involves consideration of:

 ■ Market evidence on comparable transactions for similar properties;

 ■ The actual current market for that type of property in that type of location at the reporting date and current market expectations;

 ■ Rental income from leases and market expectations regarding possible future lease terms;

 ■ Hypothetical sellers and buyers, who are reasonably informed about the current market and who are motivated, but not compelled, to transact in 

that market on an arm’s length basis; and

 ■ Investor expectations on matters such as future enhancement of rental income or market conditions.

Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year in which they arise. Purchases 
and sales of investment property are recognised when contracts have been unconditionally exchanged and the significant risks and rewards of 
ownership have been transferred.

An item of investment property is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use 
of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying 
amount of the item) is included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year the item is derecognised. Investment properties 
are not depreciated.

Realised and unrealised gains on investment properties have been presented as capital items within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The loans have a first ranking mortgage over the majority of properties, see Note 14. 

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75

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 march 2015

2. Significant accounting policies (continued)
Leases
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item are capitalised at the 
inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are 
apportioned between finance charges and a reduction of the lease liability to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. 
Finance charges are charged directly to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

An operating lease is a lease other than a finance lease. Lease income is recognised in income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Direct 
costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised as an expense 
over the lease term on the same basis as the lease income. The financial statements reflect the requirements of SIC 15, ‘Operating Leases – 
Incentives’ to the extent that they are material. Premiums received on the surrender of leases are recorded as income immediately if there are no 
relevant conditions attached to the surrender.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash includes cash in hand and cash with banks. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known 
amounts of cash with original maturities in three months or less and that are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Income and expenses 
Income and expenses are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income on an accruals basis. All of the Group’s income and 
expenses are derived from continuing operations. 

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefit will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured.

Lease incentive payments are amortised on a straight-line basis over the period from the date of lease commencement to the lease end. Upon 
receipt of a surrender premium for the early termination of a lease, the profit, net of dilapidations and non-recoverable outgoings relating to the lease 
concerned, is immediately reflected in revenue from properties.

Property operating costs include the costs of professional fees on letting and other non-recoverable costs. 

The income charged to occupiers for property service charges and the costs associated with such service charges are shown separately in Notes 3 
and 4 to reflect that, notwithstanding this money is held on behalf of occupiers, the ultimate risk for paying and recovering these costs rests with the 
property owner.

Employee benefits
Defined contribution plans
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have 
no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an 
expense in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the periods during which services are rendered by employees.

Short-term benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided.  A liability 
is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the Company has a present legal or 
constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Share-based payments
The fair value of the amounts payable to employees in respect of the Long Term Incentive Plan, which are settled in cash, is recognised as an expense 
with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the period that the employees become unconditionally entitled to payment. The liability is re-measured 
at each reporting date and at settlement date. Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognised as staff costs in the Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income.

Dividends
Dividends are recognised in the period in which they are declared.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are stated at their nominal amount as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts. An estimate for 
doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off when identified.

Loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of the consideration received net of issue costs associated with the 
borrowing. After initial recognition, loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Amortised 
cost is calculated by taking into account any issue costs, and any discount or premium on settlement. Gains and losses are recognised in the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income when the liabilities are derecognised, as well as through the amortisation process.

76

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Assets classified as held for sale
A property is classified as held for sale when its carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sales transaction and a sale is highly 
probable. Investment properties included in the held for sale category continue to be measured in accordance with the accounting policy for 
investment properties. 

Other assets and liabilities
Other assets and liabilities are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from equity.

Taxation
The Directors conduct the affairs of the Group such that the management and control of the Group is not exercised in the United Kingdom and that 
the Group does not carry on a trade in the United Kingdom. Accordingly the Group will not be liable to United Kingdom taxation on its income or 
capital gains arising in the United Kingdom, other than certain income deriving from a United Kingdom source.

The Group is subject to United Kingdom taxation on income arising on the investment properties after deduction of allowable debt financing costs and 
allowable expenses. The Group is tax exempt in Guernsey for the year ended 31 March 2015.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit before taxation reported in the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income because it excludes items of income or expenses that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further 
excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. 

Deferred income tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred income tax liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to 
apply to the period when the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 
date. Deferred income tax assets are only recognised if it is considered more likely than not that there will be suitable profits from which the future 
reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted. As the Directors consider that the value of the property portfolio is likely to be realised 
by sale rather than use over time, and that no charge to Guernsey or United Kingdom taxation will arise on capital gains, no provision has been made 
for deferred tax on valuation uplifts.

Principles for the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been drawn up according to the indirect method, separating the cash flows from operating activities, 
investing activities and financing activities. The net result has been adjusted for amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and 
movements in the Consolidated Balance Sheet which have not resulted in cash income or expenditure in the relating period.

The cash amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows include those assets that can be converted into cash without any restrictions and 
without any material risk of decreases in value as a result of the transaction. Dividends that have been paid are included in the cash flow from financing 
activities.

3. Revenue from properties

Rents receivable (adjusted for lease incentives)
Surrender premiums
Dilapidation receipts
Other income
Service charge income

Rents receivable includes lease incentives recognised of £1.2 million (31 March 2014: £1.0 million).

4. Property expenses

Property operating expenses
Property void costs
Recoverable service charge costs

2015
£000
34,088
464
528
71
4,511
39,662

2015
£000
2,861
1,948
4,511
9,320

2014
£000
31,036
157
677
97
4,782
36,749

2014
£000
2,527
1,683
4,782
8,992

77

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Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 march 2015

5. Operating segments
The Board is charged with setting the Company’s investment strategy in accordance with the Company’s investment restrictions and overall 
objectives. The key measure of performance used by the Board to assess the Group’s performance is the total return on the Group’s net asset value. 
As the total return on the Group’s net asset value is calculated based on the net asset value per share calculated under IFRS as shown at the foot 
of the Balance Sheet, assuming dividends are re-invested, the key performance measure is that prepared under IFRS. Therefore no reconciliation is 
required between the measure of profit or loss used by the Board and that contained in the financial statements.

The Board have delegated the day-to-day implementation of this strategy to the Investment Manager but retain responsibility to ensure that adequate 
resources of the Company are directed in accordance with their decisions. The operating activities of the Investment Manager are reviewed on a 
regular basis to ensure compliance with the policies and legal responsibilities of the Board. 

The Investment Manager has been given authority to act on behalf of the Company in certain situations. Under the terms of the Investment 
Management Agreement, subject to the overall supervision of the Board, the Investment Manager advises on the investment strategy of the Company, 
advises the Company on its borrowing policy and geared investment position, manages the investment of the Company’s short-term liquid resources, 
and advises on the use and management of derivatives and hedging by the Company. Whilst the Investment Manager may make operational 
decisions on a day-to-day basis regarding the property investments, any changes to the investment strategy or allocation decisions have to be 
approved by the Board, even though they may be proposed by the Investment Manager.

The Board therefore retains full responsibility for investment policy and strategy. The Investment Manager will always act under the terms of the 
Investment Management Agreement which cannot be changed without the approval of the Board. The Board has considered the requirements of 
IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. The Board is of the opinion that the Group, through its subsidiary undertakings, operates in one reportable industry 
segment, namely real estate investment, and across one primary geographical area, namely the United Kingdom, and therefore no segmental 
reporting is required. The portfolio consists of 57 commercial properties, which are in the industrial, office, retail, retail warehouse, and leisure sectors.

6. Management expenses

Staff costs
Other management costs

2015
£000
2,019
572
2,591

2014
£000
1,610
517
2,127

The Investment Manager for the Group is Picton Capital Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary company. The above staff and other management costs 
are those incurred by Picton Capital Limited during the year.

7. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share-based payments

2015
£000
1,258
175
125
461
2,019

2014
£000
1,072
130
125
283
1,610

Staff costs are those of the employees of Picton Capital Limited. Employees in the Group participate in a share-based Long Term Incentive Plan 
(‘LTIP’). Awards made under the LTIP are linked to the Company’s share price and dividends paid, and normally vest after periods of two or three 
years. Employees must still be in the Group’s employment to receive payment on the vesting date. During the year the Group made awards of 
719,512 units (year ended 31 March 2014: 621,586 units), of which 359,756 units vest on 31 March 2017 and 359,756 units vest on 31 March 2018. 

78

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015The table below summarises the awards made under the Long Term Incentive Plan to Picton Capital staff. Employees have the option to defer 
the vesting date of their awards for a maximum of seven years. The units which vested at 31 March 2015 and were not deferred were paid out 
subsequent to the year end at a cost of £147,000.

Vesting Date
31 March 2014
31 March 2015
31 March 2016
31 March 2017
31 March 2018

Units 
at start 
of year
114,070
356,695
583,293
310,793
–
1,364,851

Units 
granted 
in the year
–
–
–
359,756
359,756
719,512

Units 
cancelled 
in the year
–
(2,480)
(3,232)
(1,982)
–
(7,694)

Units  
redeemed  
in the year
(104,100)
(186,165)
–
–
–
(290,265)

Units 
at end 
of year
9,970
168,050
580,061
668,567
359,756
1,786,404

The emoluments of the Directors are set out in the Remuneration Report.

The Group employed 12 members of staff at 31 March 2015 (31 March 2014: 11). The average number of people employed by the Group for the year 
ended 31 March 2015 was 12 (31 March 2014: 12).

8. Other operating expenses

Recurring costs:
Valuation expenses
Administrator fees
Auditor’s remuneration
Directors’ fees
Other expenses

Auditor’s remuneration comprises:

Audit fees:
Audit of Group financial statements
Audit of subsidiaries’ financial statements
Audit related fees:
Review of half year financial statements

Non-audit fees:
Additional controls testing
FCA CASS audit
Tax compliance

9. Interest paid

Interest payable on loans at amortised cost
Capital additions on zero dividend preference shares
Interest on obligations under finance leases
Amortisation of finance costs

2015
£000

87
192
163
212
540
1,194

2015
£000

56
63

19
138

14
4
7
25
163

2015
£000
8,758
1,766
115
475
11,114

2014
£000

71
193
156
202
517
1,139

2014
£000

56
63

20
139

12
5
–
17
156

2014
£000
8,797
1,647
115
473
11,032

The loan arrangement costs incurred to 31 March 2015 are £5,728,000 (31 March 2014: £5,275,000). These are amortised over the duration of the 
loans with £475,000 written off in the year ended 31 March 2015 (31 March 2014: £473,000).

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79

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 march 2015

10. Tax 
The charge for the year is:

Current UK income tax
Income tax adjustment to provision for prior year

UK corporation tax

2015
£000
250
(54)
196
151
151
347

A reconciliation of the income tax charge applicable to the results at the statutory income tax rate to the charge for the year is as follows:

Profit before taxation 
Expected tax charge on ordinary activities at the standard rate of taxation of 20%
Less:
Revaluation gains not taxable
Income not taxable, including interest receivable
Expenditure not allowed for income tax purposes
Losses utilised
Capital allowances and other allowable deductions
Losses carried forward to future years
Adjustment to provision for prior years
Total tax charge

2015
£000
69,202
13,840

(10,715)
(138)
584
(102)
(3,334)
115
(54)
196

2014
£000
357
–
357
–
–
357

2014
£000
37,705
7,541

(4,816)
(64)
542
(10)
(2,836)
–
–
357

For the year ended 31 March 2015 there was an income tax liability of £196,000 in respect of the Group (31 March 2014: £357,000) and corporation 
tax of £151,000 (31 March 2014: £nil).

The Group is exempt from Guernsey taxation under the Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1989. A fixed fee of £600 (£1,200 from 1 
January 2015) per company per year is payable to the States of Guernsey in respect of this exemption. No charge to Guernsey taxation will arise on 
capital gains.

The Directors conduct the affairs of the Group such that the management and control of the Group is not exercised in the United Kingdom and that 
the Group does not carry on a trade in the United Kingdom. 

The Group is subject to United Kingdom taxation on rental income arising on the investment properties after deduction of allowable debt financing 
costs and allowable expenses. The treatment of such costs and expenses in estimating the overall tax liability for the Group requires judgement and 
assumptions regarding their deductibility. The Directors have considered comparable market evidence and practice in determining the extent to which 
these are allowable. This is shown above as Current UK income tax. UK corporation tax relates to the corporation tax arising in respect of Picton 
Capital Limited.

No deferred tax asset has been recognised from unused tax losses which total £4.8 million as the Group is only able to utilise the losses to offset 
taxable profits in certain discrete business streams, and the Group considers the probability of realising the benefit in future periods in these business 
streams as remote (31 March 2014: £3.0 million).

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 201511. Dividends

Declared and paid:
Interim dividend for the period ended 31 March 2013: 0.75 pence
Interim dividend for the period ended 30 June 2013: 0.75 pence
Interim dividend for the period ended 30 September 2013: 0.75 pence
Interim dividend for the period ended 31 December 2013: 0.75 pence
Interim dividend for the period ended 31 March 2014: 0.75 pence
Interim dividend for the period ended 30 June 2014: 0.75 pence
Interim dividend for the period ended 30 September 2014: 0.75 pence
Interim dividend for the period ended 31 December 2014: 0.75 pence

2015
£000

–
–
–
–
2,849
3,294
3,294
3,665
13,102

2014
£000

2,590
2,590
2,682
2,849
–
–
–
–
10,711

The interim dividend of 0.825 pence per ordinary share in respect of the period ended 31 March 2015 has not been recognised as a liability as it was 
declared after the year end. A dividend of £4,455,000 was paid on 29 May 2015.

12. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. The following reflects the profit and share data used in the basic and diluted profit per 
share calculation: 

Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company from continuing operations (£000)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic and diluted profit per share

13. Investments in subsidiaries
The Company had the following principal subsidiaries as at 31 March 2015:

Name
Picton UK Real Estate (Property) Limited
Picton (UK) REIT (SPV) Limited
Picton (UK) Listed Real Estate
Picton UK Real Estate (Property) No 2 Limited
Picton (UK) REIT (SPV No 2) Limited
Picton (UK) Listed Real Estate Limited
Merbrook Business Property Unit Trust*
Merbrook Prime Retail Property Unit Trust*
Merbrook Bristol Property Unit Trust*
Merbrook Swindon Property Unit Trust*
Picton Capital Limited
Picton ZDP Limited
Picton (General Partner) No 2 Limited
Picton (General Partner) No 3 Limited
Picton No 2 Limited Partnership
Picton No 3 Limited Partnership
Picton Property No 3 Limited
Picton Finance Limited

* (the “JPUTs”) 

2015
68,855
445,259,094

2014
37,348
359,866,250

Place of 
incorporation
Guernsey
Guernsey
Guernsey
Guernsey
Guernsey
Guernsey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
England & Wales
Guernsey
Guernsey
Guernsey
England & Wales
England & Wales
Guernsey
Guernsey

Ownership 
proportion
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

The results of the above entities are consolidated within the Group financial statements.

Picton UK Real Estate (Property) Limited and Picton (UK) REIT (SPV) Limited own 100% of the units in Picton (UK) Listed Real Estate, a Guernsey Unit 
Trust (the “GPUT”). The GPUT holds a 99.9% interest in both Picton No 2 Limited Partnership and Picton No 3 Limited Partnership. 

Picton No 3 Limited Partnership owns all of the units in the JPUTs, which are each registered as Jersey Unit Trusts. 

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81

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 march 2015

14. Investment properties 
The following table provides a reconciliation of the opening and closing amounts of investment properties classified as Level 3 recorded at fair value.

Fair value at start of year
Acquisitions
Capital expenditure on investment properties
Disposals
Realised gains on disposal
Realised losses on disposal
Unrealised gains on investment properties
Unrealised losses on investment properties
Fair value at the end of the year

Historic cost at the end of the year

The fair value of investment properties reconciles to the appraised value as follows:

Appraised value
Valuation of assets held under finance leases
Lease incentives held as debtors
Fair value at the end of the year

2015
£000
417,632
62,059
4,070
(4,410)
438
(26)
60,094
(6,931)
532,926

2014
£000
382,729
53,611
2,060
(44,850)
5,664
(4)
30,606
(12,184)
417,632

628,645

566,494

2015
£000
540,905
1,155
(9,134)
532,926

2014
£000
423,020
1,166
(6,554)
417,632

The investment properties were valued by CBRE Limited, Chartered Surveyors, as at 31 March 2015 and 31 March 2014 on the basis of fair value in 
accordance with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards (2014). The total fees earned by CBRE Limited from the Group is less than 5% of their 
total UK revenue.

As at 31 March 2014 The Cloisters, Dartford had an unconditional sales offer so had been reclassified as an asset held for sale. The sale completed 
on 16 April 2015. As at 31 March 2015 there were no assets held for sale.

Included within acquisitions and disposals for the year ended 31 March 2014 in the above table is a swap transaction whereby the Group acquired an 
asset for a consideration of £40.5 million, before costs, satisfied by the transfer of one of its investment properties sold for £34.0 million, plus a cash 
balance of £6.5 million.

The fair value of the Group’s investment properties has been determined using an income capitalisation technique, whereby contracted and market 
rental values are capitalised with a market capitalisation rate. The resulting valuations are cross-checked against the equivalent yields and the fair 
market values per square foot derived from comparable market transactions on an arm’s length basis.

The Group’s investment properties are valued quarterly by independent valuers. The valuations are based on:

 ■ Information provided by the Investment Manager including rents, lease terms, revenue and capital expenditure. Such information is derived from the 

Investment Manager’s financial and property systems and is subject to the Group’s overall control environment.

 ■ Valuation models used by the valuers, including market related assumptions based on their professional judgement and market observation.

The assumptions and valuation models used by the valuers, and supporting information, are reviewed by the Investment Manager and the Board 
through the Property Valuation Committee. Members of the Property Valuation Committee, together with the Investment Manager, meet with the 
independent valuer on a quarterly basis to review the valuations and underlying assumptions, including considering current market trends and 
conditions, and changes from previous quarters. The Directors will also consider where circumstances at specific investment properties, such as 
alternate uses and issues with occupational tenants, are appropriately reflected in the valuations. The fair value of investment properties is measured 
based on each property’s highest and best use from a market participant’s perspective and considers the potential uses of the property that are 
physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible.

82

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015As at 31 March 2015 and 31 March 2014 all of the Group’s properties are Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as it involves use of significant inputs. 
There were no transfers between levels during the year. Level 3 inputs used in valuing the properties are those which are unobservable, as opposed to 
level 1 (inputs from quoted prices) and Level 2 (observable inputs either directly, i.e. as prices, or indirectly, i.e. derived from prices).
Information on these significant unobservable inputs per sector of investment properties is disclosed as follows:

Appraised value (£000)
Area (sq ft, 000s)

Range of unobservable inputs:

Gross ERV (sq ft per annum)
— range
— weighted average

Net initial yield
— range
— weighted average

Reversionary yield
— range
— weighted average

True equivalent yield
— range
— weighted average

2015

Industrial
217,745
2,736

Offices
173,420
800

Retail and 
Leisure
149,740
732

Offices
139,395
877

2014

Industrial
164,395
2,116

Retail and 
Leisure
119,230
516

£7.57–£50.99
£26.83

£2.98–£15.31
£6.94

£5.74–£81.04
£30.53

£7.57–£46.01
£24.03

£3.55–£14.86
£7.12

£7.32–£81.04
£31.49

-1.09%–25.47%
5.36%

0%–10.55% 2.65%–14.47%
6.00%

6.18%

0%–19.5% 5.21%–11.71% 3.49%–14.60%
6.65%

6.42%

6.86%

5.07%–18.02% 5.68%–13.15% 4.08%–18.46% 5.44%–20.86% 6.08%–12.57% 4.08%–18.63%
6.59%

8.83%

7.32%

7.64%

6.87%

6.39%

0%–13.13% 5.80%–12.59% 4.50%–20.05% 5.56%–13.6% 6.22%–12.62% 4.46%–19.47%
7.06%

8.43%

7.49%

7.15%

6.93%

7.03%

An increase/decrease in ERV will increase/decrease valuations, while an increase/decrease to yield decreases/increases valuations. The table below 
sets out the sensitivity of the valuation to changes of 50 basis points in yield.

Sector
Industrial

Office

Retail and Leisure

Movement

2015
Impact on valuation
Increase of 50 basis points Decrease of £15.7m
Decrease of 50 basis points
Increase of £18.2m
Increase of 50 basis points Decrease of £12.5m
Decrease of 50 basis points
Increase of £14.4m
Increase of 50 basis points Decrease of £10.5m
Decrease of 50 basis points
Increase of £12.3m

2014
Impact on valuation
Decrease of £11.3m
Increase of £13.0m
Decrease of £9.0m
Increase of £10.2m
Decrease of £8.1m
Increase of £9.5m

23918.02 

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Proof 2

83

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2015

15. Accounts receivable 

Current
Tenant debtors (net of provisions for bad debts)
Lease incentives
Other debtors
Capitalised finance costs

Non-current
Capitalised finance costs

2015
£000

3,871
9,134
388
626
14,019

3,871
3,871
17,890

2014
£000

2,327
6,554
749
472
10,102

4,046
4,046
14,148

Tenant debtors, which are generally due for settlement at the relevant quarter end, are recognised and carried at the original invoice amount less an 
allowance for any uncollectable amounts. An estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts 
are written off when identified.

16. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term deposits

2015
£000
16,416
53,676
70,092

2014
£000
16,006
16,346
32,352

Cash at bank and in hand earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of 
between one day and one month depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group, and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit 
rates. The carrying amounts of these assets approximate their fair value.

17. Accounts payable and accruals

Accruals
Deferred rental income
VAT liability
Income tax liability
Trade creditors 
Other creditors

2015
£000
3,803
7,482
1,935
206
750
2,189
16,365

2014
£000
3,180
6,702
1,530
228
499
2,191
14,330

84

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 201518. Loans and borrowings

Current
Secured loan facility
Unsecured loan stock

Non-current
Secured loan facility
Secured loan facility
Secured loan facility
Zero dividend preference shares

Maturity

–
–

20 July 2022
24 July 2027
24 July 2032
15 October 2016

2015
£000

1,012
–
1,012

33,718
80,000
91,982
26,134
231,834
232,846

2014
£000

968
1,967
2,935

33,718
80,000
92,995
24,368
231,081
234,016

The Group has a loan with Canada Life Limited for £113.7 million, which is fully drawn. The loan is for a term of 15 years, with £33.7 million repayable 
on the tenth anniversary of drawdown. Interest is fixed at 4.08% over the life of the loan. The loan agreement has a loan to value covenant of 65% 
and an interest cover test of 1.75. The loan is secured over the Group’s properties held by Picton No 2 Limited Partnership and Picton UK Real Estate 
Trust (Property) No 2 Limited.

Additionally the Group has a term loan facility agreement with Aviva Commercial Finance Limited for £95.3 million, which was fully drawn on 24 July 
2012. The loan is for a term of 20 years, with approximately one third repayable over the life of the loan in accordance with a scheduled amortisation 
profile. The Group has repaid £1.0 million in the year (31 March 2014: £0.9 million). Interest on the loan is fixed at 4.38% over the life of the loan. The 
facility has a loan to value covenant of 65% and a debt service cover ratio of 1.4. The facility is secured over the Group’s properties held by Picton No 
3 Limited Partnership, Picton Property No 3 Limited and the JPUTs.

The fair value of the secured loan facilities at 31 March 2015, estimated as the present value of future cash flows discounted at the market rate of 
interest at that date, was £224.9 million (31 March 2014: £188.3 million). The fair value of the secured loan facilities is classified as Level 2 under the 
hierarchy of fair value measurements.

The Group has 22,000,000 zero dividend preference shares (‘ZDPs’) in issue with a maturity date of 15 October 2016. The ZDPs accrue additional 
capital at a rate of 7.25% per annum, resulting in a final capital entitlement at maturity of 132.3 pence per share. The ZDPs do not receive any 
dividends or income distributions, and are listed on the London Stock Exchange. The ZDPs were issued by Picton ZDP Limited, a wholly owned 
subsidiary company.

The fair value of the zero dividend preference shares at 31 March 2015, based on the quoted market price at that date, was £27.7 million (31 March 
2014: £25.9 million). The fair value of the zero dividend preference shares is classified as Level 1 under the hierarchy of fair value measurements  
(31 March 2014: Level 1).

The Group’s unsecured loan stock was repaid in full on 27 March 2015.

A new three-year £26 million revolving credit facility has been entered into with Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking on 26 March 2015. Once 
drawn, interest will be charged at 175 basis points over three month LIBOR. There is also a non-utilisation fee of 70 basis points. The facility is secured 
over the Group’s properties held by Picton (UK) REIT (SPV No 2) Limited.

The weighted average interest rate on the Group’s borrowings as at 31 March 2015 was 4.56% (31 March 2014: 4.51%).

In accordance with the AIFM Directive, information in relation to the Group’s leverage is required to be made available to investors. The Group’s 
maximum and average actual leverage levels at 31 March 2015 are shown below:

Maximum limit 
Actual

Gross 
method
285%
144%

Commitment 
method
285%
163%

85

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Proof 2

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2015

18. Loans and borrowings (continued)
For the purpose of the AIFM Directive, leverage is any method which increases the Group’s exposure, including the borrowing of cash and use of 
derivatives. It is expressed as a percentage of the Group’s exposure to its net asset value and is calculated on both a gross and commitment method.

Under the gross method, exposure represents the sum of the Group’s positions after deduction of cash balances, without taking account of any 
hedging or netting arrangements. Under the commitment method, exposure is calculated without the deduction of cash balances and after certain 
hedging and netting positions are offset against each other.

The leverage limits are set by the Board and are in line with the maximum leverage levels permitted in the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. 

19. Contingencies and capital commitments
The Group has entered into contracts for the refurbishment of 17 properties with commitments outstanding at 31 March 2015 of approximately £3.2 
million (31 March 2014: £1.9 million). No further obligations to construct or develop investment property or for repairs, maintenance or enhancements 
were in place as at 31 March 2015.

20. Share capital

Authorised:
Unlimited number of ordinary shares of no par value
Issued and fully paid:
540,053,660 ordinary shares of no par value 
(31 March 2014: 379,869,729)
Share premium

The Company issued the following new ordinary shares of no par value in the period:

 ■ 59,322,034 shares at 59.0 pence per share for cash of £35,000,000 on 23 May 2014

 ■ 39,215,686 shares at 63.75 pence per share for cash of £25,000,000 on 22 December 2014

 ■ 10,294,118 shares at 68.0 pence per share for cash of £7,000,000 on 27 January 2015

 ■ 51,352,093 shares at 68.5 pence per share for cash of £35,176,000 on 18 March 2015

The consideration received net of expenses has been credited to the share premium account.

2015
£000

–

2014
£000

–

–
157,313

–
57,192

Subject to the solvency test contained in the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 being satisfied, ordinary shareholders are entitled to all dividends 
declared by the Company and to all of the Company’s assets after repayment of its borrowings and ordinary creditors. Ordinary shareholders have the 
right to vote at meetings of the Company. All ordinary shares carry equal voting rights.

The Directors have authority to buy back up to 14.99% of the Company’s ordinary shares in issue, subject to the annual renewal of the authority from 
shareholders and provided that the ZDP Share Cover for the ZDPs is not less than 3.5 times, after the proposed repurchase. Any buy back of ordinary 
shares will be made subject to Guernsey law, and the making and timing of any buy backs will be at the absolute discretion of the Board.

86

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 201521. Adjustment for non-cash movements in the cash flow statement

Profit on disposal of investment properties
Increase in investment property valuation
Depreciation of tangible assets
Increase in receivables
Increase in payables

2015
£000
(412)
(53,163)
49
(3,764)
1,863
(55,427)

2014
£000
(5,660)
(18,422)
47
(2,158)
765
(25,428)

22. Obligations under leases
The Group has entered into a number of leases in relation to its investment properties. These leases are for fixed terms and subject to regular rent 
reviews. They contain no material provisions for contingent rents, renewal or purchase options nor any restrictions outside of the normal lease terms.

Finance lease obligations in respect of rents payable on leasehold properties were payable as follows:

Future minimum payments due:
Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years

Less: finance charges allocated to future periods
Present value of minimum lease payments 

The present value of minimum lease payments is analysed as follows:

Current
Within one year

Non-current
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years

2015
£000

116
466
7,849
8,431
(6,603)
1,828

2015
£000

103
103

351
1,374
1,725
1,828

2014
£000

116
466
7,965
8,547
(6,717)
1,830

2014
£000

104
104

352
1,374
1,726
1,830

Operating leases where the group is lessor
The Group leases its investment properties under operating leases.

At the reporting date, the Group’s future income based on the unexpired lessor lease length was as follows (based on annual rentals): 

Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years

2015
£000
35,617
121,873
134,409
291,899

2014
£000
29,495
94,845
122,343
246,683

The Group has entered into commercial property leases on its investment property portfolio. These properties, held under operating leases, are 
measured under the fair value model as the properties are held to earn rentals. The majority of these non-cancellable leases have remaining lease 
terms of more than five years.

23918.02 

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Proof 2

87

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2015

23. Net asset value
The net asset value per ordinary share is based on net assets at the year end and 540,053,660 (31 March 2014: 379,869,729) ordinary shares, being 
the number of ordinary shares in issue at the year end.

At 31 March 2015, the Company had a net asset value per ordinary share of £0.69 (31 March 2014: £0.56). 

24. Financial instruments
The Group’s financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, secured loans, zero dividend preference shares, 
obligations under finance leases and accounts payable that arise from its operations. The Group does not have exposure to any derivative financial 
instruments. Apart from the secured loans and the zero dividend preference shares, as disclosed in Note 18, the fair value of the financial assets and 
liabilities is not materially different from their carrying value in the financial statements.

Categories of financial instruments

31 March 2015
Financial assets
Accounts receivable
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities
Loans
Obligations under finance leases
Accounts payable and accruals

31 March 2014
Financial assets
Accounts receivable
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities
Loans
Obligations under finance leases
Accounts payable and accruals

Held at fair value 
through profit or 
loss
£000

Financial assets 
and liabilities at 
amortised cost
£000

Note 

15
16

18
22
17

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

17,890
70,092
87,982

232,846
1,828
16,365
251,039

Held at fair value 
through profit or 
loss
£000

Financial assets 
and liabilities at 
amortised cost
£000

Note 

15
16

18
22
17

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

14,148
32,352
46,500

234,016
1,830
14,330
250,176

Total 
£000

17,890
70,092
87,982

232,846
1,828
16,365
251,039

Total 
£000

14,148
32,352
46,500

234,016
1,830
14,330
250,176

88

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 201525. Risk management
The Group invests in commercial properties in the United Kingdom. The following describes the risks involved and the applied risk management. The 
Investment Manager reports regularly both verbally and formally to the Board, and its relevant committees, to allow them to monitor and review all the 
risks noted below.

Capital risk management
The Group aims to manage its capital to ensure that the entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return 
to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain 
investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business.

The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, as disclosed in Note 18, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the 
Company, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings. The Group is not subject to any external capital requirements.

The Board of Directors monitors the return on capital as well as the level of dividends to ordinary shareholders. The Group has managed its capital risk 
by entering into long-term loan arrangements which will enable the Group to reduce its borrowings in an orderly manner over the long-term.

The Group’s net debt to equity ratio at the reporting date was as follows:

Total liabilities
Less: cash and cash equivalents
Net debt
Total equity
Net debt to equity ratio at end of year

2015
£000
251,039
(70,092)
180,947
369,970
0.49

2014
£000
250,176
(32,352)
217,824
214,096
1.02

Interest rate risk management
Interest rate risk arises on interest payable on the revolving credit facility and unsecured loan stock only. The Group’s senior debt facilities have fixed 
interest rates over the lives of the loans and thus the Group has limited exposure to interest rate risk on the majority of its borrowings and no sensitivity 
is presented. 

Interest rate risk 
The following table sets out the carrying amount, by maturity, of the Group’s financial assets/(liabilities).

31 March 2015
Floating
Cash and cash equivalents
Fixed
Secured loan facilities
Zero dividend preference shares

31 March 2014
Floating
Cash and cash equivalents
Unsecured loan stock
Fixed
Secured loan facilities
Zero dividend preference shares

Less than 
one year
£000

1 to 5 
Years
£000

More than 
5 years
£000

Total
£000

70,092

(1,012)
–
69,080

–

–

70,092

(4,517)
(26,134)
(30,651)

(201,183)
–
(201,183)

(206,712)
(26,134)
(162,754)

Less than 
one year
£000

1 to 5 
Years
£000

More than 
5 years
£000

Total
£000

32,352
(1,967)

–
–

–
–

(4,325)
(24,368)
(28,693)

(202,388)
–
(202,388)

(207,681)
(24,368)
(201,664)

32,352
(1,967)

(968)
–
29,417

23918.02 

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Proof 2

89

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2015

25. Risk management (continued)
Credit risk
The following tables detail the balances held at the reporting date that may be affected by credit risk:

31 March 2015
Financial assets
Tenant debtors
Cash and cash equivalents

31 March 2014
Financial assets
Tenant debtors
Cash and cash equivalents

Held at fair value 
through profit or 
loss
£000

Financial assets 
and liabilities at 
amortised cost
£000

–
–
–

3,871
70,092
73,963

Held at fair value 
through profit or 
loss
£000

Financial assets 
and liabilities at 
amortised cost
£000

–
–
–

2,327
32,352
34,679

Note 

15
16

Note 

15
16

Total 
£000

3,871
70,092
73,963

Total 
£000

2,327
32,352
34,679

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group has adopted 
a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of 
financial loss from defaults. The Group’s exposure and credit ratings of its counterparties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of 
transactions concluded is spread amongst approved counterparties. Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed regularly.

Trade debtors consist of a large number of occupiers, spread across diverse industries and geographical areas. Ongoing credit evaluations are 
performed on the financial condition of trade debtors, and where appropriate, credit guarantees are acquired. The Group does not have any 
significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties having similar characteristics. The credit risk on liquid funds 
is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies. Rent collection is outsourced 
to managing agents who report regularly on payment performance and provide the Group with intelligence on the continuing financial viability of 
occupiers. 

A provision of £2,049,000 (31 March 2014: £1,400,000) exists at the year end, in relation to outstanding debtors that are considered to be impaired 
based on a review of individual debtor balances. The Group believes that unimpaired amounts that are overdue by more than 30 days are still 
collectable, based on the historic payment behaviours and extensive analyses of the underlying customers’ credit ratings. At 31 March 2015 debtors 
overdue by more than 30 days totalled £2,595,000 (31 March 2014: £1,670,000).

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents the Group’s maximum 
exposure to credit risk. The Board continues to monitor the Group’s exposure to credit risk. 

The Group has a panel of banks with which it makes deposits, based on credit ratings with set counterparty limits. The Group’s main cash balances 
are held with National Westminster Bank plc (“NatWest”), Santander plc (“Santander”), Nationwide International Limited (“Nationwide”) and The Royal 
Bank of Scotland plc (“RBS”). Bankruptcy or insolvency of the bank holding cash balances may cause the Group’s rights with respect to the cash held 
by them to be delayed or limited. The Group manages its risk by monitoring the credit quality of its bankers on an ongoing basis. NatWest, Santander, 
Nationwide and RBS are rated by all the major rating agencies. If the credit quality of these banks deteriorates, the Group would look to move the 
short-term deposits or cash to another bank. Procedures exist to ensure that cash balances are split between banks to minimise exposure. At 31 
March 2015 and at 31 March 2014 Standard & Poor’s credit rating for Nationwide and Santander was A-1 (31 March 2014: A-2) and the Group’s 
remaining bankers had an A-2 rating.

There has been no change in the fair values of cash or receivables as a result of changes in credit risk in the current or prior periods, due to the 
actions taken to mitigate this risk, as stated above.

90

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Liquidity risk
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board, which has built an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for 
the management of the Group’s short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by 
maintaining adequate reserves and loan facilities by continuously monitoring forecasts and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of 
financial assets and liabilities.

The table below has been drawn up based on the undiscounted contractual maturities of the financial assets/(liabilities), including interest that will 
accrue to maturity. 

31 March 2015
Cash
Accounts receivable
Finance lease liability
Fixed interest rate loans
Accounts payable and accruals

31 March 2014
Cash
Accounts receivable
Finance lease liability
Fixed interest rate loans
Floating interest rate facility
Accounts payable and accruals

Less than 
one year
£000
70,180
14,019
(116)
(9,708)
(16,365)
58,010

Less than 
one year
£000
32,392
10,102
(116)
(9,708)
(1,978)
(14,330)
16,362

1 to 5 
Years
£000
–
3,871
(466)
(67,945)
–
(64,540)

1 to 5 
Years
£000
–
4,046
(466)
(67,945)
–
–
(64,365)

More than 
5 years
£000
–
–
(1,246)
(272,078)
–
(273,324)

More than 
5 years
£000
–
–
(1,248)
(281,786)
–
–
(283,034)

Total
£000
70,180
17,890
(1,828)
(349,731)
(16,365)
(279,854)

Total
£000
32,392
14,148
(1,830)
(359,439)
(1,978)
(14,330)
(331,037)

Market risk
The Group’s activities are primarily within the real estate market, exposing it to very specific industry risks. 

The yields available from investments in real estate depend primarily on the amount of revenue earned and capital appreciation generated by the 
relevant properties as well as expenses incurred. If properties do not generate sufficient revenues to meet operating expenses, including debt service 
and capital expenditure, the Group’s revenue will be adversely affected. 

Revenue from properties may be adversely affected by the general economic climate, local conditions such as oversupply of properties or a reduction 
in demand for properties in the market in which the Group operates, the attractiveness of the properties to occupiers, the quality of the management, 
competition from other available properties and increased operating costs (including real estate taxes).

In addition, the Group’s revenue would be adversely affected if a significant number of occupiers were unable to pay rent or its properties could not 
be rented on favourable terms. Certain significant expenditure associated with each equity investment in real estate (such as external financing costs, 
real estate taxes and maintenance costs) generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenue from properties. By diversifying 
in regions, sectors, risk categories and occupiers, the Investment Manager expects to lower the risk profile of the portfolio. The Board continues to 
oversee the profile of the portfolio to ensure risks are managed. See the Investment Manager’s report for the geographical spread and the analysis of 
the top ten occupiers of the portfolio.

The valuation of the Group’s property assets is subject to changes in market conditions. Such changes are taken to the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income and thus impact on the Group’s net result. A 5% increase or decrease in property values would increase or decrease the 
Group’s net result by £27.0 million (31 March 2014: £21.2 million).

23918.02 

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Proof 2

91

Other Informationwww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNFinancial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceNotes to the consolidated 
financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2015

25. Risk management (continued)
Concentration risk 
As discussed above, all of the Group’s investments are in the UK and therefore it is exposed to macroeconomic changes in the UK economy. 
Furthermore, the Group places reliance on a limited number of occupiers for its rental income, with one occupier accounting for 4.5% of the Group’s 
annual contracted rental income.

Currency risk
The Group has no exposure to foreign currency risk.

26. Related party transactions
The total fees earned during the year by the five Directors of the Company was £211,875 (31 March 2014: £202,000). As at 31 March 2015 the 
Group owed £nil to the Directors (31 March 2014: £nil). The emoluments of each Director are set out in the Remuneration Report.

Picton Property Income Limited has no controlling parties.

27. Events after the balance sheet date
A dividend of £4,455,000 (0.825 pence per share) was approved by the Board on 20 April 2015 and paid on 29 May 2015. 

The Group has disposed of two properties since 31 March 2015 for proceeds of £3,145,000 and made two acquisitions for £20,165,000, before 
costs of disposal and acquisition respectively.

92

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015www.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

Other 
Information

EPRA Disclosures
Supplementary Disclosures
Investment Assets –  
By Valuation Bands
5 Year Financial Summary
Glossary
Financial Calendar
Shareholder Information
As We Enter Our 10th Year

94
99

100
101
102
103
104
106

n
o
i
t
a
m
r
o
f
n

I

r
e
h
t
O

93

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Proof 2

GovernanceFinancial Statementswww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNStrategic Report 
EPRA 
disclosures (unaudited)

The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) is the industry body representing listed companies in the real estate sector. EPRA publishes Best 
Practice Recommendations (BPR) to establish consistent reporting by European property companies. Further information on the EPRA BPR can be 
found at www.epra.com.

EPRA earnings per share 
EPRA Earnings represents the earnings from core operational activities, excluding investment property revaluations and gains/losses on asset 
disposals. It demonstrates the extent to which dividend payments are underpinned by recurring operational activities.

Profit/(loss) for the year after taxation
Exclude:
Investment property valuation movement
(Gain)/loss on disposal of investment properties
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments
EPRA earnings
Weighted average number of shares in issue (000s)
EPRA earnings per share

2015
£000
68,855

(53,163)
(412)
–
15,280
445,259
3.4p

2014
£000
37,348

(18,422)
(5,660)
–
13,266
359,866
3.7p

2013
£000
(14,607)

30,937
4
(1,617)
14,717
345,336
4.3p

EPRA NAV per share 
The EPRA Net Asset Value highlights the fair value of net assets on an ongoing, long-term basis. It excludes assets and liabilities that are not expected 
to crystallise in normal circumstances such as the fair value of financial derivatives and deferred taxes on property valuation surpluses. 

2014
£000
214,096
–
–
214,096
379,870
56p

2014
£000
214,096
17,817
–
231,913
379,870
61p

2013
£000
169,416
–
–
169,416
345,336
49p

2013
£000
169,416
5,747
–
175,163 
345,336
51p

Balance Sheet net assets
Fair value of financial instruments
Deferred tax
EPRA NAV
Shares in issue (000s)
EPRA NAV per share

2015
£000
369,970
–
–
369,970
540,054
69p

EPRA NNNAV per share 
The EPRA Triple Net Asset Value includes the fair value adjustments in respect of all material balance sheet items.

EPRA NAV
Fair value of debt
Deferred tax
EPRA NNNAV
Shares in issue (000s)
EPRA NNNAV per share

94

2015
£000
369,970
(19,781)
–
350,189
540,054
65p

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10 July 2015 11:17 AM 

Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015EPRA net initial yield (NIY) 
EPRA NIY is calculated as the annualised rental income based on the cash rents passing at the balance sheet date, less non-recoverable property 
operating expenses, divided by the gross market valuation of the properties.

Investment property valuation
Allowance for estimated purchasers’ costs
Gross up property portfolio valuation
Annualised cash passing rental income
Property outgoings
Annualised net rents
EPRA Net Initial Yield

2015
£000
540,904
31,629
572,533
34,580
(1,026)
33,554
5.9%

2014
£000
423,020
24,763
447,783
31,227
(2,285)
28,942
6.5%

2013
£000
386,391
22,892
409,283
30,980
(2,194)
28,786
7.0%

EPRA “topped-up” net initial yield 
The EPRA “topped-up” NIY is calculated by making an adjustment to the EPRA NIY in respect of the expiration of rent free periods (or other unexpired 
lease incentives such as discounted rent periods and step rents).

EPRA NIY annualised net rents
Annualised cash rent that will apply at expiry of lease incentives
Topped-up annualised net rents
EPRA “topped-up” NIY

2015
£000
33,554
3,724
37,278
6.5%

2014
£000
28,942
880
29,822
6.7%

2013
£000
28,786
1,691
30,477
7.4%

EPRA vacancy rate 
EPRA Vacancy Rate is the estimated rental value (ERV) of vacant space divided by the ERV of the whole property, expressed as a percentage.

Annualised potential rental value of vacant premises 
Annualised potential rental value for the complete property portfolio
EPRA Vacancy Rate

EPRA cost ratio 
EPRA Cost Ratio reflects the overheads and operating costs as a percentage of the gross rental income.

Property operating expenses
Property void costs
Management expenses
Other operating expenses
Less:
Ground rent costs
EPRA costs (including direct vacancy costs)
Property void costs
EPRA costs (excluding direct vacancy costs)
Gross rental income
Less ground rent costs
Gross rental income
EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs)
EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)

2015
£000
1,920
40,013
4.8%

2015
£000
2,861
1,948
2,591
1,194

(159)
8,435
(1,948)
6,487
34,088
(159)
33,929
24.9%
19.1%

2014
£000
2,956
33,810
8.7%

2014
£000
2,527
1,683
2,127
1,139

(249)
7,227
(1,683)
5,544
31,036
(249)
30,787
23.5%
18.0%

2013
£000
4,170
33,559
12.4%

2013
£000
2,426
1,676
1,682
1,592

(207)
7,169
(1,676)
5,493
32,125
(207)
31,918
22.5%
17.2%

95

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Proof 2

GovernanceFinancial Statementswww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNOther InformationStrategic Report 
EPRA 
disclosures (unaudited)

Capital expenditure
The table below sets out the capital expenditure incurred over the financial year, in accordance with EPRA Best Practices Recommendations.

Acquisitions
Development
Like-for-like portfolio
Other
Total capital expenditure

2015
£000
8
–
4,062
–
4,070

Like-for-like rental growth
The table below sets out the like-for-like rental growth of the portfolio, by sector, in accordance with EPRA Best Practices Recommendations.

Like-for-like rental 
income
Properties acquired
Properties sold

Offices

Industrial

Retail & Leisure

Total

2015
£000

10,739
56
–
10,795

2014
£000

10,844
11
119
10,974

2015
£000

9,101
5,734
110
14,945

2014
£000

8,318
417
3,180
11,915

2015
£000

7,609
635
104
8,348

2014
£000

7,903
–
244
8,147

2015
£000

27,449
6,425
214
34,088

2014
£000
–
–
2,060
–
2,060

2014
£000

27,065
428
3,543
31,036

EPRA sustainability reporting
The Group’s sustainability data reported below is for the year ended 31 December 2014, with comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2013.

The table below sets out the total energy consumption from the Group’s portfolio by sector.

Sector
Industrial
Office
Retail and Leisure
Total

Total energy 
consumption from 
electricity 
(kWh)
102,569
6,987,969
500,814
7,591,352

Total energy 
consumption from 
fuels
(kWh)
125,547
4,704,665
308,414
5,138,626

Building energy 
intensity 
(kWh/m²/year)
11.07
396.40
390.58
66.98

Where data was unavailable, consumption has been estimated using intensity ratios. Estimated data accounts for less than 1% of electricity data and 
1.4% of gas data. 

The table below sets out the like-for-like energy consumption by sector, and the change from the previous year.

Sector
Industrial
Office
Retail and Leisure
Total

Electricity consumption (kWh)

Fuel consumption (kWh)

2014
85,493
6,984,119
500,814
7,570,426

2013
73,662
7,238,936
410,101
7,722,699

Change
16.1%
–3.5%
22.1%
–2.0%

2014
124,541
3,749,041
308,414
4,181,996

2013
119,721
4,482,257
347,924
4,949,902

Change
4.0%
–16.4%
–11.4%
–15.5%

96

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015The table below sets out the Group’s direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sector.

Sector
Industrial
Office
Retail and Leisure
Total

Total direct 
emissions 
(tCO2e)
23
871
57
951

Total indirect 
emissions 
(tCO2e)
51
3,454
247
3,752

GHG emissions 
intensity 
(kgCO2e/m²/year)
0.01
0.15
0.14
0.03

Note: Scope 1 and 2. Where data was unavailable, emissions were estimated using intensity ratios. Estimated data accounts for 1.1% of emissions. 

The table below sets out the Group’s like-for-like direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by sector.

Sector
Industrial
Office
Retail and Leisure
Total

Direct emissions (tCO2e)

Indirect emissions (tCO2e)

2014
23
693
57
773

2013
22
825
64
911

Change
4.6%
–15.9%
–10.9%
–15.1%

2014
43
3,452
247
3,742

2013
33
3,225
183
3,441

Change
28.8%
7.0%
170.2%
8.8%

The table below sets out the Group’s water withdrawal by source.

Sector
Industrial
Office
Retail and Leisure
Total

Total water 
withdrawn by source
(m³)
600
26,250
450
27,300

Building water 
intensity
(m³/m²/year)
0.10
0.95
0.32
0.36

Where data was unavailable, consumption has been estimated using intensity ratios. Estimated data accounts for 5.7% of water consumption. 

The following table sets out the Group’s like-for-like total water consumption by sector.

Sector
Industrial
Office
Retail and Leisure
Total

2014
600
26,032
450
27,082

Water withdrawn (m³)

2013
1,012
30,347
533
31,892

Change
–40.7%
–14.2%
–15.7%
–15.1%

23918.02 

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Proof 2

97

GovernanceFinancial Statementswww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNOther InformationStrategic ReportEPRA 
disclosures (unaudited)

The following table sets out the Group’s waste by disposal route.

Sector
Industrial
Office
Total
Proportion of waste by  
disposal route (%)

Recycling
(tonnes)
21,222
152,835
174,057

Composting
(tonnes)
–
18,789
18,789

Recovery
(tonnes)
–
–
–

Incineration
(tonnes)
–
68,356
68,356

Landfill
(tonnes)
11,427
128,067
139,494

Other
(tonnes)
–
–
–

Total
(tonnes)
32,649
368,047
400,696

43

5

–

17

35

–

100

Where data was unavailable, waste weights have been estimated. Estimated data accounts for 35% of waste data. Proportion of waste by disposal 
route was estimated using proportions of actual data available.

The table below sets out the Group’s like-for-like weight of waste by disposal route.

Recycling

Composting

Incineration

Landfill

Total

Industrial
Office

Industrial
Office

Industrial
Office

Industrial
Office

Industrial
Office

2014
21,222
108,315
129,537
–
18,789
18,789
–
7,036
7,036
11,427
128,067
139,494
32,649
262,207
294,856

2013
21,191
113,328
134,519
–
17,520
17,520
–
7,316
7,316
4,179
161,218
165,397
25,370
299,382
324,752

Change
0.1%
–4.4%
–3.7%
–
7.2%
7.2%
–
–3.8%
–3.8%
173.4%
–20.6%
–15.7%
28.7%
–12.4%
–9.2%

The table below sets out the Scope 3 business travel emissions for Picton Directors and employees.

Total kgCO2e 
emissions
3,274
3,526
1,228
8,028

Total distance 
(km)
16,888
22,742
25,911
65,541

Car
Air
Train
All transport

98

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Supplementary 
disclosures (unaudited)

Ongoing charges 
The Ongoing Charges ratio is based on historical information and provides shareholders with an indication of the likely level of cost that will be 
incurred in managing the Group. The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) is the trade body for closed-ended investment companies. The AIC 
recommended methodology for calculating the Ongoing Charges ratio uses the annual recurring operational expenses as a percentage of the average 
net asset value over the period.

Property expenses
Management expenses
Other operating expenses
Exclude:
Exceptional costs (see Note 8)
Recurring operational expenses
Average Net Asset Value over the year
Ongoing Charges 
Ongoing Charges (excluding property expenses)

2015
£000
4,809
2,591
1,194

–
8,594
304,546
2.8%
1.2%

2014
£000
4,210
2,127
1,139

–
7,476
192,073
3.9%
1.7%

Loan to value
The loan to value (LTV) is calculated by taking the Group’s total borrowings, net of cash, as a percentage of the total portfolio value.

Total borrowings
Less:
Cash and cash equivalents
Total net borrowings
Investment property valuation
Loan to value

2015
£000
232,846

(70,092)
162,754
540,905
30.1%

2014
£000
234,016

(32,352)
201,664
423,020
47.7%

Gearing
Using the method recommended by the AIC, Gearing is calculated by dividing the Group’s total assets, less cash, by shareholders’ funds.

Total assets
Less:
Cash and cash equivalents

Total equity
Gearing

2015
£000
621,009

(70,092)
550,917
369,970
48.9%

2014
£000
464,272

(32,352)
431,920
214,096
101.7%

2013
£000
4,102
1,682
1,592

(225)
7,151
177,279
4.0%
1.7%

2013
£000
233,400

(22,906)
210,494
386,391
54.5%

2013
£000
418,268

(22,906)
395,362
169,416
133.4%

99

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Proof 2

GovernanceFinancial Statementswww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNOther InformationStrategic ReportInvestment assets – 
by valuation bands

Properties valued under £5 million
 ■ Longcross Court, Newport Road, Cardiff
 ■ Easter Court, Gemini Park, Warrington
 ■ Trident House, 42/48 Victoria Street, St Albans, Herts.
 ■ Land at Westlea Campus, Swindon, Wilts.
 ■ Atlas House, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Bucks.
 ■ 72/78 Murraygate, Dundee
 ■ 123 High Street, Guildford, Surrey 
 ■ Units 1-3, 18/28 Victoria Lane, Huddersfield, West Yorks.
 ■ Waterside Park, Longshot Lane, Bracknell, Berks.
 ■ Merchants House, Crook Street, Chester
 ■ Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Fleet, Hants.
 ■ Waterside House, Kirkstall Road, Leeds
 ■ 2 Bath Street, Bath
 ■ Abbey Business Park, Mill Road, Newtownabbey, Belfast
 ■ 7 & 9 Warren Street, Stockport
 ■ 6/12 Parliament Row, Hanley, Staffs.
 ■ Magnet Trade Centre, Winnersh, Reading
 ■ 8-9 College Place, Southampton
 ■ Manchester Road/Drury Lane, Oldham, Lancs.
 ■ Marshall Building,122-124 Donegall Street, Belfast
 ■ 6 Argyle Street, Bath

Properties valued in excess of £30 million
 ■ Parkbury Industrial Estate, Radlett, Herts.
 ■ Units A-G2, River Way Industrial Estate, Harlow, Essex
 ■ Stanford House, 12-14 Long Acre, London WC2

Properties valued between £25 million and £30 million
 ■ Angel Gate Office Village, City Road, London EC1

Properties valued between £20 million and £25 million
 ■ 50 Farringdon Road, London EC1
 ■ Boundary House, Jewry Street, London EC3
 ■ Belkin Unit, 3 Shipton Way, Rushden, Northants.

Properties valued between £15 million and £20 million
 ■ Parc Tawe, Phase II, Link Road, Swansea
 ■ Angouleme Way Retail Park, Bury, Greater Manchester

Properties valued between £10 million and £15 million
 ■ Colchester Business Park, The Crescent, Colchester, Essex
 ■ Gloucester Retail Park, Eastern Avenue, Gloucester
 ■ 1-3 Chancery Lane, London WC2
 ■ Citylink, Addiscombe Road, Croydon
 ■ Unit 3220, Magna Park, Lutterworth, Leics.
 ■ Grantham Book Services, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincs.
 ■ Lyon Business Park, Barking, Essex

Properties valued between £5 million and £10 million
 ■ 401 Grafton Gate East, Milton Keynes, Bucks.
 ■ Datapoint Business Centre, Cody Road, London E16
 ■ Vigo 250, Birtley Road, Washington, Tyne and Wear
 ■ 62/68 Bridge Street, Peterborough
 ■ Nonsuch Industrial Estate, 1-25 Kiln Lane, Epsom, Surrey
 ■ Units 1-13 Dencora Way, Sundon Park, Luton, Beds.
 ■ The Business Centre, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, Berks.
 ■ Regency Wharf, Broad Street, Birmingham
 ■ 56 Castle Street, 2/12 English Street and 12-21 St Cuthberts Lane, 

Carlisle, Cumbria

 ■ Lawson Mardon Buildings, Kettlestring Lane, York
 ■ 53/55/57 Broadmead, Bristol
 ■ 800 Pavilion Drive, Northampton Business Park, Northampton
 ■ Scots Corner, High Street/Institute Road, Birmingham
 ■ 78-80 Briggate, Leeds
 ■ Haynes Way, Swift Valley Industrial Estate, Rugby, Warwickshire
 ■ 17/19 Fishergate, Preston, Lancs.
 ■ Queens House, 19/29 St Vincent Place, Glasgow
 ■ Western Industrial Estate, Downmill Road, Bracknell, Berks.
 ■ L’Avenir, Opladen Way, Westwick, Bracknell, Berks.
 ■ Strathmore Hotel, Arndale Centre, Luton, Beds.

100

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Proof 2

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 20155 year 
financial summary

Income Statements
Net property income
Management expenses
Other operating expenses
Exceptional costs
Income profit
Net finance costs
Income profit before tax
Tax
Income profit after tax
Property gains and losses
Financing gains and losses
Profit/loss after tax
Dividends paid

Balance Sheets
Investment properties
Borrowings
Other assets and liabilities
Net assets

Net asset value per share (pence)
EPRA net asset value per share (pence)
Earnings per share (pence)
Dividends per share (pence)
Dividend cover (%)
Share price (pence)

All figures are in £million unless otherwise stated. 

2015

30.3
(2.6)
(1.2)
–
26.5
(10.9)
15.6
(0.3)
15.3
53.6
–
68.9
13.1

2015

532.9
(232.8)
69.9
370.0

69
69
15.4
3.0
117
71.8

2014

2013

2012

2010

27.7
(2.1)
(1.1)
–
24.5
(10.9)
13.6
(0.4)
13.2
24.1
–
37.3
10.7

29.8
(1.7)
(1.4)
(0.2)
26.5
(11.5)
15.0
(0.3)
14.7
(30.9)
1.6
(14.6)
12.1

36.2
(3.8)
(1.4)
(2.5)
28.5
(14.6)
13.9
0.3
14.2
(13.9)
6.2
6.5
17.3

30.8
(2.9) 
(2.4) 
(0.9)
 24.6 
(10.1) 
 14.5 
(0.3) 
 14.2 
 18.0 
(0.6)
 31.6 
 13.5 

2014

2013

2012

2010

417.6
(234.0)
30.5
214.1

56
56
10.4
3.0
124
56.8

382.7
(233.4)
20.1
169.4

49
49
(4.2)
3.5
122
40.0

411.7
(233.0)
17.4
196.1

57
58
1.9
5.0
82
41.3

424.3 
(245.9) 
28.5 
206.9 

60 
63
9.3 
4.0 
105 
53.5

Reporting dates are annually except 2012 which is a 15 month period to 31 March 2012.

23918.02 

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Proof 2

101

GovernanceFinancial Statementswww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNOther InformationStrategic ReportGlossary

AIC

AIFMD

Association of Investment Companies.

Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive.

Annual Rental Income

Cash rents passing at the Balance Sheet date.

CIPS

Contracted rent

Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

The contracted gross rent receivable which becomes payable after all the occupier incentives in the letting  
have expired.

DTR

Disclosure and Transparency Rules, issued by the United Kingdom Listing Authority.

Dividend cover

Income profit after tax divided by dividends paid.

Earnings per share (EPS)

Profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders divided by the average number of shares in issue during  
the period.

EPC

EPRA

Energy performance certificate.

European Public Real Estate Association, the industry body representing listed companies in the real estate sector.

Estimated rental value (ERV)

The external valuers’ opinion as to the open market rent which, on the date of the valuation, could reasonably be 
expected to be obtained on a new letting or rent review of a property.

Fair value

The estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the valuation date between a willing buyer 
and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after the proper marketing and where parties had each acted 
knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion.

Fair value movement

An accounting adjustment to change the book value of an asset or liability to its fair value.

FRI lease

Gearing

Group

IASB

IFRS

A lease which imposes full repairing and insuring obligations on the tenant, relieving the landlord from all liability for 
the cost of insurance and repairs.

Total assets, less cash, divided by shareholders’ funds, expressed as a percentage, as defined by the AIC.

Picton Property Income Limited and its subsidiaries.

International Accounting Standards Board.

International Financial Reporting Standards.

Property Income return

The ungeared income return of the portfolio as calculated by IPD.

Initial yield

IPD

Lease incentives

Annual cash rents receivable (net of head rents and the cost of vacancy), as a percentage of gross property value, as 
provided by the Group’s external valuers. Rents receivable following the expiry of rent-free periods are not included. 

Investment Property Databank. An organisation supplying independent market indices and portfolio benchmarks 
to the property industry.

Incentives offered to occupiers to enter into a lease. Typically this will be an initial rent-free period, or a cash 
contribution to fit-out. Under accounting rules the value of the lease incentives is amortised through the Income 
Statement on a straight-line basis until the lease expiry.

NAV

Net Asset Value is the equity attributable to shareholders calculated under IFRS.

Ongoing Charges ratio

Total operating expenses, excluding one off costs, as a percentage of the average net asset value over the period, 
as defined by the AIC.

Over-rented

PMI

Rack-rented

Space where the passing rent is above the ERV.

Purchasing Managers Indexes.

Space where the passing rent is the same as the ERV.

Reversionary yield

The estimated rental value as a percentage of the gross property value.

Weighted average debt 
maturity

Each tranche of Group debt is multiplied by the remaining period to its maturity and the result is divided by total 
Group debt in issue at the period end.

Weighted average interest rate The Group loan interest per annum at the period end, divided by total Group debt in issue at the period end.

Weighted average lease term The average lease term remaining to first break, or expiry, across the portfolio weighted by contracted rental 

income (including rent-frees).

Zero dividend preference share.

The Group’s net asset value, including any accrued ZDP capital additions, divided by the final ZDP liability on  
their maturity.

ZDP

ZDP share cover

102

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Financial
calendar

Annual Results announced
Annual Results posted to shareholders
Annual General Meeting
June 2015 NAV announcement 
2015 Half Year Results to be announced
December 2015 NAV announcement 
Dividend Payment Dates

9 June 2015
15 July 2015
12 November 2015 (provisional)
July 2015 (provisional)
November 2015 (provisional)
January 2016 (provisional)
August/November/February/May

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103

GovernanceFinancial Statementswww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNOther InformationStrategic ReportShareholder  
information

Directors
Nicholas Thompson (Chairman) 
Trevor Ash 
Vic Holmes  
Roger Lewis 
Robert Sinclair

Registered office
PO Box 255 
Trafalgar Court 
Les Banques 
St Peter Port 
Guernsey 
GY1 3QL 
Registered Number: 43673

Administrator and secretary 
Northern Trust International Fund Administration 
Services (Guernsey) Limited 
PO Box 255, Trafalgar Court 
Les Banques 
St Peter Port 
Guernsey  
GY1 3QL

T: 01481 745001  
E: team_picton@ntrs.com

Investment manager
Picton Capital Limited 
28 Austin Friars 
London 
EC2N 2QQ 

T: 020 7628 4800  
E: enquiries@picton.co.uk

Registrar
Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited 
NatWest House 
Le Truchot 
St Peter Port 
Guernsey 
GY1 1WD 

Corporate brokers
JP Morgan Securities Limited 
25 Bank Street 
London 
E14 5JP

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited 
150 Cheapside 
London 
EC2V 6ET

104

Auditor
KPMG Channel Islands Limited 
Glategny Court 
Glategny Esplanade 
St Peter Port 
Guernsey 
GY1 1WR

Media
Tavistock Communications 
131 Finsbury Pavement 
London 
EC2A 1NT

T: 020 7920 3150  
E: jcarey@tavistock.co.uk

Solicitors 
As to english law
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP 
3 More London Riverside 
London 
SE1 2AQ

As to english property law
DLA Piper UK LLP 
India Buildings 
Water Street 
Liverpool 
L2 0NH

As to guernsey law   
Carey Olsen 
PO Box 98 
Carey House 
Les Banques 
St Peter Port 
Guernsey 
GY1 4BZ

Property valuers
CBRE Limited 
Henrietta House 
Henrietta Place 
London 
W1G 0NB

Tax adviser
Deloitte LLP 
Hill House 
1 Little New Street 
London 
EC4A 3TR

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2015Shareholder enquiries
All enquiries relating to holdings in Picton Property Income Limited, including notification of change 
of address, queries regarding dividend/interest payments or the loss of a certificate, should be 
addressed to the Company’s registrars.

Website
The Company has a corporate website which holds, amongst other information, a copy of our 
latest annual report and accounts, a list of properties held by the Group and copies of all press 
announcements released over the last five years. 

The site can be found at: 
www.picton.co.uk

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105

GovernanceFinancial Statementswww.picton.co.uk Stock code: PCTNOther InformationStrategic ReportPicton Property Income Limited 
Annual Report 2015

As we enter  
our 10th year

2005

 ■ The Company was successfully 

launched as ING UK Real 
Estate Income Trust Limited on 
the London Stock Exchange.

2006

 ■ Strong commercial property market returns, with falling yields

 ■ Increase in the Company’s property assets, including a £125 million portfolio 

purchase

 ■ Disposal of a portfolio of public houses, including the General Picton, to a pub 

operating company, at a significant profit

2007

 ■ The US sub-prime mortgage 

crisis starts

 ■ UK commercial property capital 
values correct sharply in latter 
half of year

2008

 ■ Peak of financial crisis

 ■ Unprecedented decline in asset 
values including commercial 
property

 ■ The Company disposed of a 
number of assets to facilitate 
debt repayment

2009

 ■ Restructuring of the Company’s 
securitised debt successfully 
completed with further asset 
sales

 ■ Recession in the UK finally 

ended

106

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2015 marks the tenth anniversary of the Company’s launch. During that time there have been many significant events, both specifically for the Company but also impacting the environment in which we operate. As a business I believe that we are now in a strong position to look forward to the next ten years with confidence, and can build on the achievements we have made so far.Nicholas Thompson Chairmanwww.picton.co.uk 
Stock code: PCTN

2010

 ■ Acquisition of Rugby Estates 
Investment Trust plc by the 
Company

 ■ Improvement in asset values

 ■ Decision taken to internalise the 

Company’s management

2011

 ■ Name changed to Picton 
Property Income Limited

 ■ Picton Capital Limited created

 ■ UK economy weakens and  

re-enters recession

2012

 ■ Internalisation is effective from  

1 January, with significant 
saving in costs

 ■ Company’s debt facilities  

re-financed

 ■ Introduction of covered 

dividend policy

2013

 ■ Share price moved to  a 

premium to net asset value

 ■ New equity raised to fund 

property acquisitions

 ■ Capital values stabilised

2014

 ■ Placing Programme initiated to raise £100 million of new equity

 ■ Recovery in UK economy continues

 ■ Increase in Company’s market capitalisation to over £300 million

 ■ £81 million of new property assets acquired

2015

 ■ Increase in quarterly dividend

 ■ Highest reported profit and total return since 2006

 ■ New revolving credit facility established

 ■ New website launched and branding refreshed www.picton.co.uk

 ■ To be continued . . .

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Picton property 
income limited
Trafalgar Court 
Les Banques 
St. Peter Port 
Guernsey 
GY1 3QL 

T: 01481 745001 
www.picton.co.uk

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