Overall, the operating performance has been strong in the face of an inflationary environment. With 92% of leases being indexed for inflation and occupancy cost at 8.8%, there is ample headroom for rent growth. As mentioned, this indexation is calculated at the end of each year so the bulk of the inflation impact on rents will be seen starting in 2023. Given our tenant mix, our centres are also more resilient and less reliant on consumer discretionary spending than fashion-oriented centres. As evidenced by our operational outperformance during the pandemic, Citycon’s portfolio is positioned to, once again, outperform in the current economic environment. These factors, combined with strong results from Q2, have provided us the confidence to tighten and raise our guidance by 2% on Direct operating profit, 5% on EPRA EPS and 2% on Adjusted EPRA EPS versus our initial 2022 guidance provided in February. OUTLOOK FOR THE YEAR 2022 (SPECIFIED)
Citycon forecasts the 2022 direct operating profit to be in range EUR 170–180million, EPRA EPS EUR 0.68–0.72 and adjusted EPRA EPS EUR 0.50–0.58.
The outlook assumes that there are no major changes in macroeconomic factors and that there will not be another wave of COVID-19 with restrictions resulting in significant store closures and no major disruptions from the war in Ukraine. These estimates are based on the existing property portfolio as well as on the prevailing level of inflation, the EUR–SEK and EUR–NOK exchange rates, and current interest rates.
AUDIOCAST
Citycon’s investor, analyst and press conference call and live audiocast will be arranged on 11 August 2022 at 10 a.m. EEST. The audiocast can be participated by calling in and followed live on the following website: https://citycon.videosync.fi/2022-q2
Conference call numbers are:
Participants from Europe +44 (0)330 165 3641
Participants from the US +1 646-828-8082
PIN: 181139
For more investor information, please visit the company’s website at www.citycon.com.
Helsinki, 10 August 2022
Citycon Oyj
Board of Directors
For further information, please contact:
Bret McLeod
Chief Financial Officer
Tel. +46 73 326 8455
bret.mcleod@citycon.com
Sakari Järvelä
VP, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations
Tel. +358 50 387 8180
sakari.jarvela@citycon.com
Citycon is a leading owner, manager and developer of mixed-use real estate featuring modern, necessity-based retail with residential, office and municipal service spaces that enhance the communities in which they operate. Citycon is committed to sustainable property management in the Nordic region with assets that total approximately EUR 4.5 billion. Our centres are located in urban hubs in the heart of vibrant communities with direct connections to public transport and anchored by grocery, healthcare and other services that cater to the everyday needs of customers.
Citycon has investment-grade credit ratings from Moody’s (Baa3) and Standard & Poor’s (BBB-). Citycon Oyj’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.citycon.com
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