S&P downgrades Grand City Properties to BBB

Published 29/04/2025, 09:26
S&P downgrades Grand City Properties to BBB

LUXEMBOURG - Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has downgraded the credit rating of Grand City Properties S.A. (GCP) to BBB from its previous rating, aligning with a similar rating action taken on Aroundtown. This adjustment reflects a broader revision based on S&P’s group rating methodology and is accompanied by a stable outlook for GCP.

The downgrade, announced on April 29, 2025, also affects the company’s bonds, which now share the BBB rating, while its perpetual notes have been rated BB+. Despite the downgrade, GCP’s stand-alone credit profile (SACP) remains at bbb+.

S&P’s decision comes in the wake of heightened macro-economic uncertainty and a weakening German economy, which have impacted Aroundtown’s disposal activity and deleveraging efforts in 2025. However, S&P anticipates that GCP’s operational performance will stay robust, buoyed by the strength of the residential real estate markets in Germany and London. Positive like-for-like rental growth is expected to persist in the coming years.

GCP has demonstrated proactive steps to manage its leverage, which have been recognized by S&P. These measures include dividend suspension, perpetual notes exchanges, and disposals, as well as a favorable shift in valuation momentum in 2024. These actions have contributed to a significant reduction in the company’s debt-to-debt plus equity ratio, from 49.3% in December 2023 to 43.5% in December 2024.

The company’s conservative financial approach is further supported by a strong liquidity position and solid credit metrics. As of December 2024, GCP reported a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 33% and an interest coverage ratio (ICR) of 5.7x for the year.

GCP, a specialist in residential real estate with a focus on value-add opportunities in densely populated areas of Germany and London, remains committed to maintaining a conservative financial profile. The company aims to enhance its properties through repositioning and intensive tenant management, with the goal of increasing occupancy and rental levels.

This news is based on a press release statement and reflects the latest developments in Grand City Properties S.A.’s credit status as evaluated by S&P.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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