Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR August 30, 2021

Press release (PDF)

• Successful capital increase in the first half of 2021 and expansion of the investor base
• Acquisition of eleven residential properties and one property under construction
• Expansion of real estate portfolio to CHF 345.8 million, +70% compared to year-end 2020
• Target rental income (annualized) of CHF 14.1 million as of June 30, 2021
• Rental income of CHF 4.7 million, +153% compared to the first half of 2020
• Total fund assets at CHF 352.1 million as of June 30, 2021
• Net asset value per share of CHF 108.66 as of June 30, 2021
  
   

Details on the first half year 2021

In the first half of 2021, the Fund management company successfully carried out a capital increase for the HSL Fund with proceeds of CHF 37.6 million. As part of the capital increase, the investor base was expanded again. The inflow of funds was used to acquire ten residential properties and one property under construction with a total of over 300 apartments in attractive locations and a value of around CHF 130 million (legal transfer of ownership of the ten residential properties as of April/June 2021).

The market value of the real estate portfolio as of June 30, 2021 increased to CHF 345.8 million, an increase of approximately 70% compared to year-end 2020 (12/31/2020: CHF 204.3 million; 06/30/2020: CHF 100.8 million). The portfolio now comprises a total of 819 apartments with a total rental area of 71,670 m2.

Income statement
As a result of the significant portfolio expansion also in the previous financial year, rental income increased by 153% to CHF 4.7 million in the reporting period 2021 compared to the first half of 2020 (H1 2020: CHF 1.8 million). Due to the fund structure, with over 90% of rental income from residential properties and associated ancillary uses, the COVID-19 measures had virtually no impact on rental income in the first half of 2021 with only TCHF 12 in rent reductions. 

As of June 30, 2021, the annual target rental income was CHF 14.1 million (June 30, 2020: CHF 4.5 million). The occupancy rate as of June 30, 2021 was 92.1% (12/31/2020: 89.2%; 06/30/2020: 86.9%). The occupancy rate of the existing portfolio properties increased from 89.2% to 92.3%. Therefore, the occupancy rate remained high due to the acquired properties. However, the properties newly added to the portfolio still show significant re-letting potential and thus appreciation and additional income opportunities.

Net income increased by 47% to CHF 3.5 million in the first half of 2021 (H1 2020: CHF 2.4 million). The valuation of the property portfolio by the independent valuation experts Wüest Partner AG resulted in an unrealized gain of CHF 2.7 million (H1 2020: CHF 2.3 million). Total income for the first half of 2021 amounted to CHF 5.7 million (H1 2020: CHF 4.1 million).

Balance sheet
Total fund assets amounted to CHF 352.1 million as of June 30, 2021 (December 31, 2020: CHF 225.1 million; June 30, 2020: CHF 124.8 million). The property portfolio worth CHF 345.8 million is broadly diversified and comprises 34 properties in the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Land, Bern, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Valais and Zurich. After deducting liabilities of CHF 164.3 million (31.12.2020: CHF 75.6 million) and estimated liquidity taxes of CHF 1.5 million (31.12.2020: CHF 1.0 million), the net fund assets reached a value of CHF 186.2 million (31.12.2020: CHF 148.5 million). The change in the fund's net assets is attributable to the distribution of CHF 3.10 per fund share for a total amount of CHF 4.3 million, which was paid out on April 29, 2021, the balance of newly issued fund shares of CHF 36.2 million and the total income of CHF 5.7 million in the first half of 2021. The net asset value per fund share as of June 30, 2021 was CHF 108.66, which, taking the distribution into account, represents an increase of 3.3% compared to year-end 2020.

Outlook
The fund management company is optimistic about the second half of 2021 and aims to further expand the existing residential real estate portfolio in line with the investment strategy. The focus is on geographical diversification and properties with attractive earnings potential. The aim is to achieve qualitative growth with a medium-term portfolio size of around CHF 800 million. The Fund management company plans a further capital increase in the course of the last quarter of the 2021 financial year. By the end of 2022, the HSL Fund will also be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange to increase liquidity and transparency and to broaden its investors base.

The semi-annual report 2021 of the HSL Fund is available on the fund management company's website and on Swiss Fund Data.

All press releases can be found under www.helvetica.com.

Zurich, August 30, 2021 - In the first half of 2021, the Helvetica Swiss Living Fund (HSL Fund) was able to expand its real estate portfolio through acquisitions of attractive residential properties to a market value of CHF 345.8 million with over 800 apartments and target rental income of CHF 14.1 million.

About Helvetica
Helvetica Property Investors AG is a leading real estate fund management company and asset management firm. We deliver sustainable value to our clients through active, long-term ownership of safe and stable real estate investments. With a fully integrated real estate investment platform, we are able to provide both standardized investment products and customized investment plans. We are proud of our longstanding reputation for outstanding client service and dedication to responsible ownership. Our firm is approved and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA.

About Helvetica Swiss Living Fund
The HSL Fund is a Swiss real estate fund open exclusively to qualified investors. The HSL Fund invests in residential real estate throughout Switzerland, primarily where regional and national economic centers are easily accessible. The investment focus of the fund is on older and newer properties with stable and sustainable revenues. The investment objective is primarily to preserve the fund's long-term value and to distribute reasonable profits. The fund share units can be traded over-the-counter. The HSL Fund is approved by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, FINMA.

Ticker Symbol HSL; Valor 49 527 566; ISIN CH0495275668