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In our note, French and German exposures in perspective, published 27 February, we noted RECI’s approach to its French operations (25% of the portfolio) was unchanged from our note, Vive la difference (15 February 2022). Following the December 2023 factsheet unrealised hit of 1.6p to the NAV from a prime Grade A Paris office exposure, we thought we would review them again. In addition, with the November factsheet 1.1p NAV hit from a legacy Berlin mezzanine position, we also looked at the de minimis German exposure. The unrealised losses were not expected, but our note showed RECI’s prudent accounting and portfolio resilience.

  • Feb factsheet: The NAV rose 1.1p, with 0.8p interest income and 0.4p asset valuation gains. During the month, RECI was fully repaid at par its position in two Spanish deals, receiving ca.£11m net of leverage. The cash balance was £28.7m, with gross leverage just 15% of NAV. There are 32 positions, with average yield 10.2% and LTV 60.6%.
  • Buybacks: In March, 1.1m shares have been bought back in two transactions; in combination, 0.5% of the shares in issue. 3.95m shares are now held in treasury. We also note the Chair showed his confidence in the trust’s NAV and outlook with a further purchase of shares in the market (10,000 on 16 February at 120.64p).
  • Valuation: In the five-year, pre-pandemic era, on average, RECI traded at a premium to NAV. In periods of market uncertainty, it has traded at a discount; currently, it trades at a well-above-average 20% discount. RECI is paying an annualised 12p dividend, generating a yield of 10.2%, which we expect to be covered by recurring net interest income.
  • Risks: Any lender is exposed to credit risks. We believe RECI has appropriate policies to reduce the probability of default. Its average LTV is 60.6%, and most loans (including all the top 10) are senior-secured, providing a downside cushion. Some assets are illiquid. In the short term, investor sentiment could be an issue.
  • Investment summary: RECI generates an above-average dividend yield from well-managed credit assets. Management has demonstrated its confidence in its sustainability. Bond pricing includes a discount, reflecting uncertainty, which should unwind when conditions normalise. Market wide, credit risk is currently above average, but RECI’s strong liquidity and debt restructuring expertise should allow it time to manage problem accounts. Borrowers, to date, have injected further equity into deals. The initial £5m share buyback programme has now been completed. A new £10m one was announced on 28 March.
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