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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.

  • April factsheet: The underlying NAV rose 1.4p, with 1.1p interest income and 0.4p from buyback accretion. The cash balance was £24m, with gross leverage just 20% of NAV. There are 31 positions, with average yield 10.2% and LTV 61.0%. There are just six bonds left (gross value £8m) and 25 loans (gross value £358.3m).
  • Other matters: On 8 May, RECI announced Andreas Tautscher (former CEO of Deutsche Bank International) had been appointed as an NED. RECI also announced it is hosting an institutional investor day on 27 June ‒ please email [email protected] to register your attendance. The presentations will be on the website after the event.
  • 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 19% discount. RECI is paying an annualised 12p dividend, generating a yield of 10.1%, 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 61%, 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. Directors and management have demonstrated their confidence in its sustainability through share purchases. 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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