Artis Real Estate Investment Trust Provides Business Update Regarding Impact of COVID-19
CNW Group - Thu Jun 25, 4:49PM CDT
Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:AX-UN.TO) ("Artis" or the "REIT") today provided unitholders with an update on Artis' business as it relates to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artis continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, and to take all appropriate measures to ensure the REIT is limiting the spread of COVID-19. Protocols for building cleanliness are continuously evolving to incorporate up-to-date recommendations from public health agencies and the REIT's property management team is working diligently to ensure safety at all properties, and to support tenants through this unprecedented time.
Tenant Support Program
As previously announced, in an effort to support tenants through this difficult time, Artis has provided qualifying tenants who are in need of assistance with the option to defer a portion of their base rent, with an agreement to repay the amount at a specified later date with no interest. The table below details the amount of rent deferred in April, May and June, as well the percentage of rent collected to date for each month, including and excluding the deferred rent.
Month Amount of Rent Deferred % of Rent Collected % of Rent Collected (in functional currency) Excluding Deferred Rent Including Deferred Rent --- April $2.2 million 98.0% 92.3% May $1.9 million 94.6% 89.7% June $0.8 million 93.4% 91.5%
The REIT anticipates that the majority of the outstanding amount will be collected; however, a portion may be added to the rent deferral program.
Artis expects that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have the largest impact on its retail tenants, which accounted for 18.7% of the REIT's Q1-20 proportionate share property net operating income ("Property NOI"). Also, only 2% of Artis' Q1-20 proportionate share Property NOI is derived from the Calgary office segment. Artis' diversified portfolio, both by geography and by asset class, and its strong tenant base will help to mitigate the impact on the REIT's overall business.
Leasing Update
The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements have changed the landscape of the commercial leasing market. To adapt to this new environment, many of Artis' vacancies can now be toured virtually by prospective tenants.
Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, Artis continues to have an active pipeline of renewals and new leases, including the recent renewal of a 130,000 square foot tenant occupying an entire building in the Phoenix, Arizona, for an additional approximately eight-year term, and securing a new 12-year lease with a 134,000 square foot tenant at Tower Business Center, a new industrial development in the Greater Denver Area, Colorado.
The REIT's occupancy at May 31, 2020, was 91.0% (92.9% including commitments) compared to 90.7% (92.7% including commitments) at March 31, 2020.
Conservative Distribution Payout Ratio
The REIT reported an adjusted funds from operations payout ratio of 58.3% (for the three months ended March 31, 2020), which is among the most conservative payout ratios of all commercial real estate investment trusts in Canada.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
Artis' liquidity includes cash on hand and undrawn credit facilities. At March 31, 2020, the REIT had $53.0 million of cash on hand and $138.3 million available on its credit facilities. In addition, Artis had $1.8 billion of unencumbered assets at March 31, 2020. There are no credit facilities or debentures maturing prior to 2021. Artis will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and prudently manage its capital resources.
Artis' priority is to maintain a safe environment for tenants, employees, customers and visitors of its properties. The REIT will continue to work with tenants during this difficult time and is committed to minimizing the impact on its business. Further information pertaining to Artis' response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at https://www.artisreit.com/covid-19/statement-on-covid-19/ and a letter from Armin Martens, Artis' President and CEO, can be found at https://www.artisreit.com/covid-19/covid-19-letter-to-unitholders/. Updates will be provided as they are available.