Bullish indicating open at $55-$60, IPO prices at $37
Investing.com -- Derwent London (LON:DLN) shares fell more than 5% on Tuesday after the company posted flat first-half 2025 earnings and reaffirmed its rental growth guidance despite higher vacancy and results that missed some analyst forecasts.
EPRA net tangible assets rose 1% in the period to 3,187 pence, below the Visible Alpha consensus of 3,258 pence.
Like-for-like capital growth increased 1.2% after a 1.7% decline in the first half of 2024. Estimated rental value growth was 2%, with the net initial yield rising to 4.4% from 4.3% at the end of 2024, or 5.2% on a topped-up basis.
Earnings were largely unchanged, with EPRA earnings per share down 1% to 52.2 pence from 52.7 pence a year earlier. The interim dividend rose 2% to 25.5 pence.
Since the start of the year, the company completed £13.8 million in leasing, renewals and regears, with open-market lettings averaging 10.5% to 11% above estimated rental value. Vacancy increased by 0.6 percentage points to 3.7%.
Chief executive Paul Williams said the letting market continues to strengthen, with demand above long-term averages and a shortage of high-quality supply. He reiterated the company’s 2025 rental growth guidance of 3% to 6%.
The UK real estate investment trust also announced progress on several West End developments, including starting work at Holden House and 50 Baker Street under a new headlease, with additional projects at Greencoat and Gordon House planned for early 2026. Long-serving Director Nigel George will retire on March 31, 2026.
Jefferies maintained its “hold” rating with a price target of 1,802 pence, citing a sturdy balance sheet and unchanged guidance.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) kept an “overweight” rating and a 2,500 pence target, noting strong rental market fundamentals alongside broader uncertainty from bond yields and interest rates.