M7 Real Estate PLC said it is reducing its dividend due to the possibility of higher base rates in the New Year.
In a statement, M7, which owns Birmingham property The MailBox, said its capped borrowing rate expires at the end of January 2023, ‘at which point we must expect the cost of servicing our debt to increase substantially'.
“This will constrain our ability to pay a dividend. The board has therefore decided to declare a reduced dividend of 0.5p per share (second quarter: 1.75p) for this three-month period.
“We will continue to review levels of future dividend payments for the remainder of 2022 and into 2023, depending upon how quickly interest rates settle at a sustainable level. “
M7 added it is not looking to refinance the company’s debt in the short term, as there are two potential extensions of 12 months each available.
As of 30 September 2022, the company’s debt loan to value ratio (“LTV”) was 57.2%, based on the latest independent valuation by Avison Young.