University of Colorado

Introduction

  • Acknowledgement to Cornell for the opportunity to compete.

  • Appreciation for the judges for their feedback and time.

Importance of Investment in Spanish Market

  • LREI's (Lampard Real Estate Investments) investment in Spain has faced delays due to uncertain economic conditions.

  • Spain is rebounding from a worldwide recession.

  • Opportunity for LREI to acquire a major unit in a competitive high street location with low supply and high demand.

  • The investment committee is expected to provide value and profits for investors from the second fund.

  • Analysis by Influence Investments (focus on Mercado de Fuencarral) shows a positive outlook to generate value for investors.

Deal Profile Overview

  • The team presents critical components of the deal profile.

  • Discussion of macro and local market conditions surrounding the retail market in Spain.

  • Introduction of a unique tenant strategy to secure profits for investors.

  • Financial considerations will include various scenarios and sensitivity/risk analysis.

Key Players of the Deal

  • Buyer: Lampard Real Estate Investments (LREI)

  • Seller: Sol Invorzones (referred to as "Sol").

  • Property: Mercado de Fuencarral (MDF), a nine-story mixed-use asset.

Property Details

  • Composition: 2,400 square meters of retail on the lower three floors.

  • Highest and best use for the asset is a single tenant flagship store.

  • Confidence in Sol delivering the asset in white box condition in two weeks due to their strong motivation to sell.

  • Current vacancy: low occupation rate of 60% and high tenancy turnover of 33%.

Financial Analysis

  • Going in cap rate defined at 6.8%, and potential hold period of one year is discussed.

  • Going out cap rate analyzed and determined to be 5.6% based on market risks and cap rate volatility.

Market Conditions

  • Location of MDF on Calle De Fuencarral, a major shopping thoroughfare.

  • Comparison with Grand Via, another major thoroughfare with significant footfall of 21,000 per day.

  • Proximity to transportation options, including nearby metro stations, increases the asset's value for future tenants and investors.

Retail Market Economics

  • MDF is considered a unique investment opportunity due to consumer spillover from adjacent districts, e.g., Gran Via Prequodios.

  • Retail rents in Fuencarral District are approximately 30% lower than in Gran Via, making it attractive for retailers.

  • Current economic indicators (January - 2015) show positive trends: rising CPI, increased household consumption, and decreased unemployment.

  • Lifting of the Urban Lease Act of 1965 removes rent controls that will affect both residential and commercial sectors, opening market opportunities.

  • Investment volume trends for 2015 suggest that around 50% will stem from foreign investments.

Leasing Considerations

  • Discussion of potential retail tenants:

    • Zara: Large retailer; however, unfavorable lease terms make profitability questionable.

    • Decathlon: Affordable athletic wear with favorable lease terms, but entering the market as a new tenant may pose brand equity challenges.

    • Topshop: Desired tenant with significant international presence; potential for easy disposition, but lacks a corporate guarantee.

  • Recommendation to secure Topshop, contingent on obtaining corporate guarantee and establishing a 10% profit participation clause in the lease.

  • If Topshop does not proceed, the recommendation shifts to Decathlon despite lower notoriety as a tenant.

Investment Return Projections

  • Anticipated returns: 23.8% IRR (Topshop) versus 28.5% IRR (Decathlon).

  • The expected attractiveness of Topshop as a brand could lead to higher disposition prospects.

Financing Discussion

  • Evaluation of financing options for the acquisition with emphasis on debt financing:

    • Debt fund and CMBS loan ruled out due to lockout periods.

    • Suggested line of credit ($100,000,000 at 2% cost) is not advisable due to recourse features.

    • Recommendation to utilize 100% equity for the property acquisition.

Capital Deployment Strategy

  • Total Required Capital: $15,000,000 for property purchase.

  • Reserve Funds: $1,500,000 to cover facade improvements and tenant-related obligations.

Financial Recommendations

  • Conservative disposition price at €32,400,000, resulting in a 5.6% exit cap rate.

  • Market interest confirmed by pension fund offer indicating investor demand for a flagship Topshop.

  • Potential returns projected to yield approximately 22% in total.

Sensitivity Analysis

  • Emphasis on importance of lease abatements for tenant attraction and corresponding impact on return rate.

  • Analysis showing how minor changes in cap rates significantly affect IRR metrics; sensitivity conducted with various scenarios.

  • Identification of three major risks (demand, supply, inflation) which are anticipated to be managed effectively within the market environment.

Conclusion

  • Reinforcement of strengthening economic indicators in the Spanish market.

  • Strategic recommendation to secure Topshop as the tenant for MDF.

  • Preference for equity financing over debt financing due to reduced return volatility.

  • Financial target set to make €10,700,000 for investor funds within one year hold scenario.

Q&A Section Highlights

  • Clarification and questioning around the decision to prioritize Topshop despite higher IRR associated with Decathlon.

  • Discussion on the rationale behind opting for a one-year hold and overall risk profiles.

  • Emphasis on effective lease negotiation strategies and market dynamics.

  • Queries regarding capital rate determination based on Spanish bond market versus retail space performance evaluations.