Recommendation Buy Risk Rating High Current share price $0.43 12 month target price $0.60 Price range - high/low $0.25 - $1.405 Market capitalisation $252m APN/UKA European Retail Property Group (AEZ) manages 36 individual retail assets across Europe. After stapling in July 2007, AEZ has expanded into pan-European asset management, property syndication and commercialisation activities. AEZ is focussed on growing security holder value through a combination of secure income streams and capital growth initiatives. We initiate coverage on AEZ with a Buy, High Risk recommendation and $0.60/security DCF based price target. Investment View: AEZ has had a tough time with the twin effects of the credit crunch and a difficult European property market. Management has responded quickly to steady the portfolio and begin the process of restoring security holder value. · Strong portfolio of assets. Characterised by long leases, high occupancy, strong tenants. · Earnings cut at interim FY’08. DPS now 9cps p.a. with cash EPS rebased to 8.2cps FY’08. · Headroom on debt. RBS has agreed to higher LVRs and lower interest coverage covenants, easing current pressure on the balance sheet. · Immature property market. Europe is undersecuritised and under-supplied in terms of retail property, providing opportunities for AEZ to export their skill in retail property management. · Key drivers: Development of pan-European property and asset management business. Diversification of recurrent revenue streams. · Key Risks: Executing new business strategy, balance sheet issues, rising cap rates, European recession, ability to raise third party equity. Recommendation: Buy with $0.60/security price target implies a 12 month total return of +45%.
AEZ Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held