MERLIN Properties publishes solid Q3 results.

As published on their website, MERLIN Properties has released its 9M 2018 consolidated financial statements with total revenues of € 376 million, recurring EBITDA of € 296 million, recurring FFO (EBITDA less interest) of € 213 million and a consolidated net profit in accordance with IFRS of € 482 million.

NAV amounted to € 6,733 million (14.33 euros per share), representing a 19.2% increase versus 9M 2017. It is important to highlight that no new appraisal for the assets has been carried out this quarter as, in accordance with the Company’s policy, new appraisals of the portfolio are carried out on a semi-annual basis.

The intense leasing activity during the period, with over 650,000 sqm renewed or contracted, delivers very positive performance indicators, evidencing a growing trend both in rental prices (+6.8% release spread in offices as of September, versus +4.7% as of June) and occupancy, which has grown significantly to end the period at 93.4% (+128 basis points versus June).

Offices

• Business performance

Very good performance with a 6.8% average release spread. The release spread has been 4.6% in Madrid, 17.2% in Barcelona and 6.4% in Lisbon. The occupancy has also grown to reach 88.6%, which represents an increase of 79 bps quarter over quarter. Like for like rental growth is now in the positive territory, after overcoming the effect of the vacancies experienced in the first quarter. Relevant leases in the quarter include 6,046 sqm with Deloitte in Torre Chamartin, 3,385 sqm with Oracle in Torre Glòries, 2,239 sqm with Servdebt in Marqués de Pombal 3 and 7,531 sqm with Ferrovial in Via Norte.

• Landmark Plan I

The works in Adequa Phase 1 have been completed. Torre Glòries has seen the end of Phase I and the commencement of Phase II (lobby, observatory and auditorium).

Shopping Centers

• Business performance

The shopping center portfolio has seen a strong release spread of 4.1%, exhibiting an accelerating trend (+3.4% as of June). Significant increase in occupancy during the quarter, growing from 88.2% as of June to 90.5% as of September (+235 basis points). Like for like rental growth stands at 3.2%.

• Flagship Plan

Arturo Soria shopping center has been completely refurbished, only pending works on the parking and terraces. X_Madrid is also progressing both in works and leasing activity, with pre-lets now at 80%. The full refurb of Larios is 32% executed, with Zara having signed the extension to the new fashion area, totaling 4,425 sqm.

Logistics

• Business performance

This asset category continues showing strength: MERLIN release spread reaches 9.2% and occupancy grows by 85 bps to reach 98.2%. Like for like rental growth is 8.2%.

• Best Plan II

On track, with great progress in Cabanillas Park I module F and Toledo-Seseña. Logistics footprint keeps expanding through selected acquisitions in the main hubs of Valencia and The Basque Country.