Palace Capital’s results (4 June) show 37 new leases were completed. Most importantly, these were 14% above ERV (i.e. the level which previous valuers had estimated). This is one of several factors underpinning significant medium-term expansion in capacity to pay growing dividends. Further, the REIT status enhances the capacity for investment and for dividend payment, through the elimination of corporation tax payable. Total property return was 7.1%, ahead of the MSCI UK Index figure of 4.6%. Like-for-like valuations edged ahead by 0.5%, compared with MSCI UK index capital growth at 0.1%. Cost of debt fell to a competitive 3.3%.
