CAPREIT Reports Continued Growth and Strong Operating Performance in Third Quarter of 2019

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (“CAPREIT”) (TSX: CAR.UN) announced today continuing strong operating and financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.
HIGHLIGHTS:SUMMARY OF Q3 – 2019 RESULTS OF OPERATIONSKey TransactionsOn September 30, 2019, ERES acquired a portfolio of multi-residential properties from CAPREIT. For details, see Section I – European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust. As at September 30, 2019, all of the Netherlands properties are held through ERESOn September 24, 2019, ERES completed an offering of ERES units for a price of $4.15 per unit for aggregate proceeds of $166.8 million. The net proceeds after underwriters’ commission and other closing costs totalling $9.2 million was $157.6 million. CAPREIT purchased 4,820,000 of ERES units amounting to $20.0 millionTotal acquisitions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 of 2,358 suites and sites and 8,413 suites and sites for a total of $475.1 million and $1.0 billion respectively, of which 2,710 suites were subsequently sold to ERESStrong Operating Results Supported by Strong Market FundamentalsGrowth in revenue and net operating income (“NOI”) from stabilized properties driven by higher monthly rents compared to last yearOn turnovers, monthly residential rents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by 13.0% on 6.9% and 13.6% on 14.8% of the Canadian portfolio, compared to an increase of 11.5% on 7.2% and 10.7% on 16.8% of the Canadian portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018On renewals, monthly residential rents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by 2.0% on 29.0% and 2.1% on 67.5% of the Canadian portfolio, compared to an increase of 2.2% on 28.5% and 2.2% on 66.1% of the Canadian portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018Net AMR for the stabilized portfolio as at September 30, 2019 increased by 4.8% compared to September 30, 2018, while occupancies increased to 98.9%Net AMR increased due to the strong rents on turnovers in British Columbia and Ontario and above guideline increases in OntarioNOI increased by 3.7% and 4.7% for the stabilized portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to last yearNOI for the total portfolio increased by 16.3% and 13.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to last year primarily due to contributions from acquisitions, and increased same property monthly rentsNOI margin for the total portfolio increased to 66.8% and 65.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019Continued Fair Value Increases in Investment PropertiesFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the fair value of investment properties increased by $263.6 million and $473.6 million, primarily as a result of increases in NOI attributable to the growth in rents driven by the rental increases on turnovers, as current rents are significantly below market rents, especially in major regions such as the GTA, other Ontario and British ColumbiaStrong and Flexible Balance SheetCAPREIT’s financial position continues to strengthen, with reduced leverage ratiosDebt to Gross Book Value (“GBV”) reduced to 36.74% as at September 30, 2019 from 39.37% at December 31, 2018, due to increases in fair value of investment properties and proceeds of the equity raise that was used to repay debtDebt Service Coverage (“DSC”) ratio increased to 1.79 compared to 1.75 as at December 31, 2018Liquidity available on our Credit Facilities is $44.7 million as at September 30, 2019. In addition, there is $50.7 million of borrowing capacity under the Bridge Facility and $72.2 million available under the ERES unsecured credit facilityClosed mortgage refinancing for $61.1 million and $245.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, with top-ups of $42.4 million, a weighted average term to maturity of 7.9 years and a weighted average interest rate of 2.79%CAPREIT’s mortgage weighted average term to maturity and the weighted average interest rate as at September 30, 2019 are approximately 5.2 years and 2.93%. CAPREIT continues to fix long-term mortgages to defend against the risk of rising interest rateDelivering Unitholder ValueNFFO up 14.9% and 14.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019NFFO per Unit was up by 3.3% and 3.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019“The third quarter was another busy period as we expanded our presence in our target markets, generated strong growth in all of our key performance metrics, and strengthened the significant benefits our diversification strategies bring to our Unitholders,” commented Mark Kenney, President and CEO. “Looking ahead, we are confident 2019 will be another record year for CAPREIT.”OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RESULTSOverall Net AMR for the stabilized residential suite portfolio as at September 30, 2019 increased by approximately 4.8% (including the Netherlands), and 5.0% (excluding the Netherlands) compared to the same period last year, while occupancies increased to 99.2%. The rate of growth in Net AMR is primarily due to (i) significant rental increases on turnover in the strong rental markets in British Columbia, Ontario and strong contributions from certain regions and (ii) increases due to above guideline increases (“AGI”) achieved in Ontario.
Overall, suite turnovers in the Canadian residential suite portfolio (excluding co-ownerships) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 resulted in monthly rents increasing by approximately $157 or 13.0% and $167 or 13.6%, respectively, compared to an increase of approximately $129 or 11.5% and $122 or 10.7% for the same periods last year, primarily due to the strong rental markets in British Columbia and Ontario.Monthly rents on lease renewals in the Canadian residential suite portfolio (excluding co-ownerships) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 resulted in monthly rents increasing by approximately $24 or 2.0% and $25 or 2.1% respectively, compared to an increase of approximately $26 or 2.2% for both of the same periods last year.For the Netherlands portfolio, suite turnovers in the residential suite portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 resulted in monthly rents increasing by approximately €58 or 7.2% and €56 or 6.9% respectively, compared to an increase of approximately €55 or 7.0% and €94 or 12.2% respectively for the same periods last year.Netherlands’ lease renewals occur only once a year in July. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, monthly rents on lease renewals in the Netherlands resulted in monthly rents increasing by approximately €27 or 3.5%, compared to an increase of approximately €25 or 3.3% for the same periods last year.Estimated Net Rental Revenue Run-RateCAPREIT’s annualized net rental revenue run-rate as at September 30, 2019 grew to $782.2 million, up 18.1% from $662.2 million, primarily as a result of the extensive MHC portfolio growth, substantial acquisitions in the Netherlands and significant growth in the commercial rent roll primarily as a result of the ERES commercial income. Net rental revenue net of dispositions for the 12 months ended September 30, 2019 was $715.6 million (September 30, 2018 – $636.6 million).NOIStabilized properties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are defined as all properties owned by CAPREIT continuously since December 31, 2017 and therefore do not take into account the impact on performance of acquisitions or dispositions completed during 2019 and 2018.
Operating RevenuesFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, total operating revenues for the total and stabilized portfolios increased compared to the same periods last year, due to increases in monthly rents and continuing high occupancies. Contributions from acquisitions further contributed to increased operating revenues for the total portfolio.
Operating ExpensesThe stabilized operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased compared to the same period last year, primarily due to increases in realty taxes and other operating expenses. The realty taxes for the stabilized portfolio increased mainly as a result of the increase in the assessment of the property values in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Québec. Stabilized other operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased primarily due to higher R&M costs and rising insurance costs driven by higher replacement cost valuations, and overall increases in insurance rates.NOI MarginFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the NOI margin on the total portfolio increased to 66.8% and 65.2%.NON-IFRS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEFor the nine months ended September 30, 2019, basic NFFO per Unit increased by 3.4% compared to the same period last year despite an approximate 7.1% increase in the weighted average number of Units outstanding resulting from the January and April 2019 equity offerings. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, basic NFFO per Unit increased by 3.3% compared to the same period last year. Management expects per Unit FFO and NFFO and related payout ratios to strengthen further in the medium term as a result of NOI contributions from recent acquisitions.PROPERTY CAPITAL INVESTMENTSDuring the nine months ended September 30, 2019, CAPREIT made property capital investments (excluding head office assets) of $154.7 million compared to $118.3 million for the same period last year. Management expects CAPREIT to complete property capital investments (excluding development and conversion) of approximately $212 million to $222 million in 2019.Property capital investments include suite improvements, common areas and equipment, which generally tend to increase NOI more quickly. CAPREIT also continues to invest in environment-friendly and energy-saving initiatives, including energy-efficient boilers and lighting systems.SUBSEQUENT EVENTSOn October 15, 2019, CAPREIT completed the acquisition of a four-storey waterfront apartment, containing 64 rental suites located in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, for an acquisition price of $11.6 million. The acquisition was funded by CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating credit facility.On October 31, 2019, ERES acquired a portfolio from a third-party vendor comprised of 9 rental properties, totaling 294 residential suites located in five urban centres in the Netherlands. ERES paid $98.4 million (€67.3 million) for the portfolio, financed by a new $57.8 million (€39.5 million) seven-year mortgage bearing an interest rate of 1.55% and a draw on ERES’s revolving credit facility of $38.0 million (€26.0 million), with the balance in cash.On October 31, 2019, CAPREIT acquired the remaining 3.0% stake in 506 units of a brand-new property located in Toronto, Ontario bringing the total ownership to 33.3%.  The acquisition price of $5.5 million was financed by CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONMore detailed information and analysis is included in CAPREIT’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, which have been filed on SEDAR and can be viewed at www.sedar.com under CAPREIT’s profile or on CAPREIT’s website on the investor relations page at www.caprent.com or www.capreit.net.Conference CallA conference call hosted by Mark Kenney, President and Chief Executive Officer and Scott Cryer, Chief Financial Officer will be held Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 10:00 am EST. The telephone numbers for the conference call are: Local/International: (416) 340-2216, North American Toll Free: (800) 273-9672.A slide presentation to accompany Management’s comments during the conference call will be available an hour and a half prior to the conference call. To view the slides, access the CAPREIT website at www.caprent.com or www.capreit.net, click on “Investor Relations” and follow the link at the top of the page. Please log on at least 15 minutes before the call commences.The telephone numbers to listen to the call after it is completed (Instant Replay) are local/international (905) 694-9451 or North American toll free (800) 408-3053. The Passcode for the Instant Replay is 6816738#. The Instant Replay will be available until midnight, November 28, 2019. The call and accompanying slides will also be archived on the CAPREIT website at www.caprent.com or www.capreit.net. For more information about CAPREIT, its business and its investment highlights, please refer to our website at www.caprent.com or www.capreit.net.About CAPREITCAPREIT owns interests in multi-unit residential rental properties, including apartments, townhomes and manufactured home communities (“MHC”) primarily located in and near major urban centres across Canada and the Netherlands. As at September 30, 2019, CAPREIT managed 63,478 suites and sites across Canada, the Netherlands and Ireland. It owned interests directly in Canada and indirectly in the Netherlands through its investment in ERES a total of 59,844 suites and sites. For more information about CAPREIT, its business and its investment highlights, please refer to our website at www.caprent.com or www.capreit.net and our public disclosure which can be found under our profile at www.sedar.com.Non-IFRS Financial MeasuresCAPREIT prepares and releases unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and audited consolidated annual financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. In this and other earnings releases and investor conference calls, as a complement to results provided in accordance with IFRS, CAPREIT discloses financial measures not recognized under IFRS which do not have standard meanings prescribed by IFRS. These include stabilized net rental income (“Stabilized NOI”), Funds From Operations (“FFO”), Normalized Funds From Operations (“NFFO”), Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations (“ACFO”), FFO and NFFO per Unit amounts and FFO, NFFO and ACFO payout ratios, and Adjusted Cash Generated from Operating Activities (collectively, the “Non-IFRS Measures”). These Non-IFRS Measures are further defined and discussed in the MD&A released on November 13, 2019, which should be read in conjunction with this press release. Since these measures are not recognized under IFRS, they may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other issuers. CAPREIT presents the Non-IFRS measures because Management believes these Non-IFRS measures are relevant measures of the ability of CAPREIT to earn revenue and to evaluate its performance and cash flows. A reconciliation of these Non-IFRS measures is included in this press release below. The Non-IFRS measures should not be construed as alternatives to net income (loss) or cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of CAPREIT’s performance or the sustainability of our distributions.Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained, or contained in documents incorporated by reference, in this press release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to CAPREIT’s future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial position, business strategy, budgets, litigation, occupancy rates, productivity, projected costs, capital investments, financial results, taxes, plans and objectives of or involving CAPREIT. Particularly, statements regarding CAPREIT’s future results, performance, achievements, prospects, costs, opportunities and financial outlook, including those relating to acquisition and capital investment strategies and the real estate industry generally, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative thereof, or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding expected growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. In addition, certain specific assumptions were made in preparing forward-looking information, including: that the Canadian, Irish, Dutch, German and Belgian economies will generally experience growth, which, however, may be adversely impacted by the global economy; that inflation will remain low; that interest rates will remain low in the medium term; that Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (“CMHC”) mortgage insurance will continue to be available and that a sufficient number of lenders will participate in the CMHC-insured mortgage program to ensure competitive rates; that the Canadian capital markets will continue to provide CAPREIT with access to equity and/or debt at reasonable rates; that vacancy rates for CAPREIT properties will be consistent with historical norms; that rental rates on renewals will grow at levels similar to the rate of inflation; that rental rates on turnovers will grow; that CAPREIT will effectively manage price pressures relating to its energy usage; and, with respect to CAPREIT’s financial outlook regarding capital investments, assumptions respecting projected costs of construction and materials, availability of trades, the cost and availability of financing, CAPREIT’s investment priorities, the properties in which investments will be made, the composition of the property portfolio and the projected return on investment in respect of specific capital investments. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions, Management believes they are reasonable as of the date hereof; however, there can be no assurance actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond CAPREIT’s control, that may cause CAPREIT’s or the industry’s actual results, performance, achievements, prospects and opportunities in future periods to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to: reporting investment properties at fair value, real property ownership, investment restrictions, operating risk, energy costs, environmental matters, catastrophic events, insurance, capital investments, indebtedness, taxation-related risks, government regulations, controls over financial reporting, other legal and regulatory risks, the nature of units of CAPREIT (“Trust Units”), unitholder liability, liquidity and price fluctuation of Units, dilution, distributions, participation in CAPREIT’s distribution reinvestment plan, potential conflicts of interest, dependence on key personnel, general economic conditions, competition for residents, competition for real property investments, risks related to acquisitions, cyber security risk and foreign operation and currency risks.  There can be no assurance that the expectations of CAPREIT’s Management will prove to be correct. These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in regulatory filings, including CAPREIT’s Annual Information Form, which can be obtained on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, under CAPREIT’s profile, as well as under Risks and Uncertainties section of the MD&A released on November 13, 2019. The information in this press release is based on information available to Management as of November 13, 2019. Subject to applicable law, CAPREIT does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information.SOURCE: Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATIONCondensed Balance SheetsCondensed Income StatementsSELECTED NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURESReconciliation of cash generated from operating activities to Adjusted Cash Flows from Operations: