Half Year 2026 Waypoint REIT Ltd Earnings Call

August 27, 2026

Speaker #2: Thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Waypoint REIT Q1 and Q2 results webcast. All participants are in listen-only mode. There will be a presentation followed by a Q&A session.

Operator: Thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Waypoint REIT H1 2026 Results Webcast. All participants are in a listen-only mode. There will be a presentation followed by a question and answer session. If you wish to ask a question, you will need to press the star key followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. I would now like to hand the conference over to Hadyn Stephens, CEO and Managing Director. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: If you wish to ask a question, you will need to press the star key followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad. I would now like to hand the conference over to Hayden Stephens, CEO and Managing Director.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Thank you, and good morning, everyone. A summary of key highlights for the six months to 30 June is provided on page 6 of the presentation.

Hadyn Stephens: Thank you, and good morning, everyone. A summary of key highlights for the six months to 30 June is provided on page six of the presentation. Starting with financial highlights for the half, distributable EPS of AUD 8.59 cents was 3.4% higher than the corresponding period last year, with higher net interest expense being offset by retail increases and the impact of the buyback that was completed in the second half of last year. NTA per security increased by AUD 0.02 to AUD 2.92, as at 30 June, primarily due to an increase in the value of our investment portfolio, and our MER remains one of the lowest in the sector at 31 basis points on an annualized basis.

Speaker #3: Starting with financial highlights for the half, distributable EPS of 8.59 cents was 3.4% higher than the corresponding period last year, with higher net interest expense being offset by rental increases and the impact of the buyback that was completed in the second half of last year.

Speaker #3: NTA per security increased by 2 cents to $2.92 as at 30 June, primarily due to an increase in the value of our investment portfolio. Our MER remains one of the lowest in the sector at 31 basis points on an annualized basis.

Speaker #3: Moving to our property portfolio, we saw a 10 basis point increase in Waypoint's weighted average cap rate during the half to 5.71%, which was offset by the impact of rent reviews across 94% of the portfolio, with the net result being a $10.7 million valuation uplift.

Hadyn Stephens: Moving to our property portfolio, we saw a 10 basis point increase in Waypoint's weighted average cap rate during the half to 5.71%, which was offset by the impact of rent reviews across 94% of the portfolio, with the net result being a AUD 10.7 million valuation uplift. All 28 of our leases expiring in 2026 have now been resolved, with the tenant being retained on 26 of these sites and a 10.3% positive reversion achieved on renewals. Our focus now moves to the 2027 lease expiries, as well as plans for the two sites where leases were not renewed in 2026, which I will cover later in the presentation. As stated back in February, we are aiming to sell AUD 10 to AUD 20 million of non-core assets this year.

Speaker #3: All 28 of our leases expiring in 2026 have now been resolved, with the tenant being retained on 26 of these sites and a 10.3% positive reversion achieved on renewals.

Speaker #3: Our focus now moves to the 2027 lease expiries, as well as plans for the two sites whose leases would not be renewed in 2026, which I'll cover later in the presentation.

Speaker #3: As stated back in February, we're aiming to sell $10 to $20 million of non-core assets this year. However, it's been a very quiet first half, with the only update being the settlement of a previously announced disposal, NARA, for $6.1 million in May.

Hadyn Stephens: However, it's been a very quiet H1, with the only update being the settlement of a previously announced disposal, Nowra, for AUD 6.1 million in May. Aditya will cover the finance and capital management update shortly. But in terms of highlights, gearing fell slightly to 32.4% during the half, and we completed a new AUD 250 million six-year AMTN program in June, which allowed us to repay bank facilities and maintain our weighted average debt maturity at 3.8 years. Average hedging for the H2 of the year is 95%, and our weighted average hedge maturity as at 30 June was 2.5 years. Our major tenant, Viva Energy, reported a strong interim result earlier in the week, with a summary included as an appendix to this presentation. Group EBITDA was up 154%, with all business units reporting significant growth on the H1 2025, particularly the refining business.

Speaker #3: A teacher will cover the Finance and Capital Management update shortly, but in terms of highlights, Gearing fell slightly to 32.4% during the half, and we completed a new $250 million six-year AMTN program in June.

Speaker #3: This allowed us to repay bank facilities and maintain our weighted average debt maturity at 3.8 years. Average hedging for the second half of the year is 95%, and our weighted average hedge maturity at 30 June was 2.5 years.

Speaker #3: Our major tenant, Viva Energy, reported a strong interim result earlier in the week, with a summary included as an appendix to this presentation. Group EBITDA was up 154%, with all business units reporting significant growth on the first half of 2025, particularly the refining business.

Speaker #3: Strong cash flow enabled a 17% reduction in net debt, with gearing reducing significantly and currently below Vita's through-the-cycle target. Within the Convenience and Mobility business, EBITDA increased by 86% on the prior corresponding period, with fuel volumes up 2%, and fuel margins also strong during the half.

Hadyn Stephens: Strong free cash flow enabled a 17% reduction in net debt, with gearing reducing significantly and currently below Viva's through the cycle target. Within the convenience and mobility business, EBITDA increased by 86% on the prior corresponding period, with fuel volumes up 2% and fuel margins also strong during the half. Overall, convenience sales were up 1.3%, excluding tobacco, where sales were down 16.8% on the H1 2025, but were in line with the H2, with the impact of illicit tobacco on legitimate retailers sales appearing to have now stabilized. Looking at the broader environment in which our tenants operate, new vehicle sales remained strong in the first six months, with total sales increasing 1.7% versus the H1 2025.

Speaker #3: Overall, convenience sales were up 1.3%, excluding tobacco, where sales were down 16.8% on the first half of 2025 but were in line with the second half, with the impact of illicit tobacco on legitimate retailers’ sales appearing to have now stabilized.

Speaker #3: Looking at the broader environment in which our tenants operate, new vehicle sales remain strong in the first six months, with total sales increasing 1.7% versus the first half of 2025.

Hadyn Stephens: There was a material increase in market share for EVs from March as a result of tensions in the Middle East, with battery EV and petrol hybrid EVs accounting for approximately one quarter of new car sales for the full half or around double the market share of calendar 2025. We've included some slides in the pack looking at how the EV market share has progressed over the last few years, as well as how increased penetration might impact the Australian vehicle fleet moving forward, which we know is a key consideration for our investors. Six-monthly fuel volumes across the industry were broadly flat on the H1 2025, with operators also benefiting from strong fuel margins during the period. Industry C-store sales, ex tobacco, were up 2.2%, although a 10.8% decline in tobacco sales resulted in total sales falling 0.6% versus the prior corresponding period.

Speaker #3: There was a material increase in market share for EVs from March, as a result of tensions in the Middle East, with battery EV and petrol hybrid EVs accounting for approximately one quarter of new car sales for the full half, or around double the market share of calendar 2025.

Speaker #3: We've included some slides in the pack looking at how the EV market share has progressed over the last few years, as well as how increased penetration might impact the Australian vehicle fleet moving forward, which we know is a key consideration for our investors.

Speaker #3: Six-monthly fuel volumes across the industry were broadly flat on the first half of 2025, with operators also benefiting from strong fuel margins during the period.

Speaker #3: Industry C-store sales, excluding tobacco, were up 2.2%. However, a 10.8% decline in tobacco sales resulted in total sales falling 0.6% versus the prior corresponding period.

Speaker #3: I'll now hand over to Aditya.

Hadyn Stephens: I'll now hand over to Aditya.

Speaker #4: Thanks, Hayden, and good morning. Turning to slide 8, which sets out the half-year result. DEPS for the half was up 3.4% to 8.59 cents, driven by higher earnings and lower securities on issue following completion of the buyback in 2025.

Aditya Asawa: Thanks, Hayden, and good morning. Turning to slide 8, which sets out the H1 result. DEPS for the half was up 3.4% to AUD 0.0859, driven by higher earnings and lower securities on issue following completion of the buyback in 2025. Looking at earnings, rental income grew by 1.3%. This was underpinned by like-for-like rental growth of 3%, which was partially offset by the loss of rent from the AUD 44 million of non-core asset sales completed across 2025 and the H1 of 2026. Operating expenses were in line with the prior period, with higher corporate costs offset by lower property-related costs. Property expenses have averaged AUD 1.3 million per annum over the last 5 years, and while the H1 was lower than usual, we expect these to normalize in the H2. The MER remains relatively low at 31 basis points.

Speaker #4: Looking at earnings, rental income grew by 1.3%. This was underpinned by like-for-like rental growth of 3%, which was partially offset by the loss of rent from the $44 million of non-core asset sales completed across 2025 and the first half of 2026.

Speaker #4: Operating expenses were in line with the prior period, with higher corporate costs offset by lower property-related costs. Property expenses have averaged $1.3 million per annum over the last five years, and while the first half was lower than usual, we expect these to normalize in the second half.

Speaker #4: The MER remains relatively low at 31 basis points. Interest expense has also increased, driven by a higher average debt balance over the period as a result of the buyback.

Aditya Asawa: Interest expense has also increased, driven by a higher average debt balance over the period as a result of the buyback. Finally, statutory profit for the period was AUD 65.8 million, primarily driven by valuation movements on the investment portfolio. A full reconciliation between operating and statutory earnings is provided in the appendix. Turning to the balance sheet on slide 9. The balance sheet has not moved significantly compared to December, with the primary movements being the settlement of Nowra for AUD 6.1 million in May 2026, the updated valuation of our investment properties and interest rate swaps, as well as working capital movements. NTA was up slightly over the period to AUD 2.92 per security. Our balance sheet and capital position remains strong, and we have set out the key metrics illustrating this on slide 10.

Speaker #4: Finally, statutory profit for the period was $65.8 million, primarily driven by valuation movements on the investment portfolio. A full reconciliation between operating and statutory earnings is provided in the appendix.

Speaker #4: Turning to the balance sheet on Slide 9. The balance sheet has not moved significantly compared to December, with the primary movements being the settlement of NARA for $6.1 million in May 2026, the updated valuation of our investment properties and interest rate swaps, as well as working capital movements.

Speaker #4: NTA was up slightly over the period to $2.92 per security. Our balance sheet and capital position remain strong, and we have set out the key metrics illustrating this on slide 10.

Speaker #4: As shown in the table, gearing remains at the lower end of the target range. Our liquidity position is solid, and a high level of hedging has been maintained, providing insulation against the current interest rate environment.

Aditya Asawa: As shown in the table, gearing remains at the lower end of the target range, our liquidity position is solid, and a high level of hedging has been maintained, providing insulation against the current interest rate environment. Our weighted average cost of debt was steady at 4.7%. Lower margins from the refinancing activities conducted in 2025 offset increases in base rates across our hedges and floating rate debt. Our ICR also continues to show healthy headroom to the 2 times covenant. Turning to slide 11 to look a little more closely at our debt and hedging profile. On the debt front, we repaid and terminated AUD 250 million of bank debt during the period. This was funded through the issuance of a new 6-year AMTN, which extends our debt maturity profile while also capturing a modest margin saving.

Speaker #4: Our weighted average cost of debt was steady at 4.7%. Lower margins from the refinancing activities conducted in 2025 offset increases in base rates across our hedges and floating rate debt.

Speaker #4: Our ICR also continues to show healthy headroom to the two-times covenant. Turning to slide 11 to look a little more closely at our debt and hedging profile.

Speaker #4: On the debt front, we repaid and terminated $250 million of bank debt during the period. This was funded through the issuance of a new six-year AMTN, which extends our debt maturity profile while also capturing a modest margin saving.

Speaker #4: Our next debt maturities are in 2028 and are listed on the slide, comprising $200 million of bank debt and a $200 million AMTN, which will mature in September 2028.

Aditya Asawa: Our next debt maturities are in 2028 and are listed on the slide, comprising AUD 200 million of bank debt and a AUD 200 million AMTN, which will mature in September 2028. On the hedging front, we have a high level of near-term hedging to support our overall resilience against interest rate volatility. We continued our approach of progressively adding hedging over time, with coverage added for the H2 of 2026 and the 2028 to 2031 period. As noted on the chart, average rates on the hedge book, including forward starts, sit at circa 3.1% to 3.4% through to FY28, which is well-positioned relative to the forward curve. We have also reiterated our cost of debt guidance for the full year at circa 5%. An overview of our valuations as at 30 June is also provided on page 12.

Speaker #4: On the hedging front, we have a high level of near-term hedging to support our overall resilience against interest rate volatility. We continued our approach of progressively adding hedging over time, with coverage added for the second half of 2026 and the 2028 to 2031 period.

Speaker #4: As noted on the chart, average rates on the hedge book, including forward starts, sit at approximately 3.1% to 3.4% through to FY28, which is well positioned relative to the forward curve.

Speaker #4: We've also reiterated our cost of debt guidance for the full year at approximately 5%. An overview of our valuations as at 30 June is also provided on page 12.

Speaker #4: As per our valuation policy, we had a change of valuer ahead of our June valuation cycle, with CBRE replacing Savills for the next three years.

Aditya Asawa: As per our valuation policy, we had a change of valuer ahead of our June valuation cycle, with CBRE replacing Savills for the next three years. The process remained unchanged, with independent valuations conducted on 74 assets and director valuations for the remainder. The director vals are informed by the outcomes of the independent valuations and are also subject to a desktop review by the independent valuer. As shown on the table, the weighted average cap rate increased by 10 basis points during the period, with our capital city assets experiencing the most expansion, given they are generally on firmer yields. In particular, Melbourne saw cap rates soften by 21 basis points as negative sentiment regarding the Victorian economy has filtered through to transactions and values.

Speaker #4: The process remained unchanged, with independent valuations conducted on 74 assets, and direct evaluations for the remainder. The direct evaluations are informed by the outcomes of the independent valuations and are also subject to a desktop review by the independent valuer.

Speaker #4: As shown on the table, the weighted average cap rate increased by 10 basis points during the period, with our capital city assets experiencing the most expansion, given they are generally on firmer yields.

Speaker #4: In particular, Melbourne saw cap rates soften by 21 basis points, as negative sentiment regarding the Victorian economy has filtered through to transactions and values.

Speaker #4: This cap rate expansion was offset by the impact of rent reviews across more than 90% of the portfolio that were incorporated into the June valuations, resulting in an overall valuation uplift of $10.7 million for the period.

Aditya Asawa: This cap rate expansion was offset by the impact of rent reviews across more than 90% of the portfolio that were incorporated into the June valuations, resulting in an overall valuation uplift of AUD 10.7 million for the period. I will now hand back to Hayden to provide a market and portfolio update and our outlook for the remainder of 2026.

Speaker #4: I'll now hand back to Hayden to provide a market and portfolio update, and our outlook for the remainder of 2026.

Speaker #3: As outlined on page 14, while the number of fuel and convenience assets sold in the six months to 30 June was similar to the first half of last year, transaction volumes were significantly lower than the second half of 2025.

Hadyn Stephens: As outlined on page 14, while the number of fuel and convenience assets sold in the six months to 30 June was similar to the H1 of last year, transaction volumes were significantly lower than the H2 of 2025. Total transaction value was down approximately 20% to 30% versus the two prior six-month periods, driven by a lower number of larger transactions, with only a couple of deals in excess of AUD 10 million. The average transaction yield was approximately 20 basis points higher, reflecting some yield expansion, but also a greater weighting towards higher yielding regional assets during the half. In terms of current market conditions, agents report that activity levels are being impacted by uncertainty as a result of interest rates and conflict in the Middle East, whilst the recently announced federal budget has also affected near-term demand as investors have digested its potential impact.

Speaker #3: Total transaction value was down approximately 20 to 30 percent versus the two prior six-month periods, driven by a lower number of larger transactions, with only a couple of deals in excess of $10 million.

Speaker #3: The average transaction yield was approximately 20 basis points higher, reflecting some yield expansion but also a greater weighting towards higher-yielding regional assets during the half.

Speaker #3: In terms of current market conditions, agents report that activity levels are being impacted by uncertainty as a result of interest rates and conflict in the Middle East, whilst the recently announced federal budget has also affected near-term demand as investors have digested its potential impact.

Speaker #3: New stock is relatively limited as owners elect to hold onto properties until market conditions improve, with interest rates being a key catalyst for a return to the level of activity that we saw in the second half of last year.

Hadyn Stephens: New stock is relatively limited as owners elect to hold on to properties until market conditions improve, with interest rates being a key catalyst for a return to the level of activity that we saw in the H2 of last year. As outlined on page 15 of the presentation, with the final three lease expiries of the 2026 cohort resolved in the H1, all FY26 lease expiries have now been finalized, with options exercised on 26 of 28 leases, resulting in a 97.2% retention rate by income and an aggregate rental uplift of 10.3% on the 26 leases that have been renewed. Viva Energy has exited or will shortly exit two Brisbane sites, being Brendale and Slacks Creek.

Speaker #3: As outlined on page 15 of the presentation, with the final three lease expiries of the 2026 cohort resolved in the first half, all FY26 lease expiries have now been finalized, with options exercised on 26 of 28 leases, resulting in a 97.2% retention rate by income and an aggregate rental uplift of 10.3% on the 26 leases that have been renewed.

Speaker #3: Viva Energy has exited or will shortly exit two Brisbane sites, being Brendale and Slacks Creek. We're currently in discussions with an operator for a fund-through development at Brendale, and will shortly be commencing an EOI campaign for Slacks Creek, where we're exploring a range of potential options as summarized on the slide.

Hadyn Stephens: We're currently in discussions with an operator for a fund through development at Brendale and will shortly be commencing an EOI campaign for Slacks Creek, where we are exploring a range of potential options, as summarized on the slide. We'll endeavor to provide more information on both of these at our full-year results in February. Moving to page 16, Viva Energy provided an update on its network conversion program as part of its half-year results this week, which is summarized on this page, along with an update on OTR conversions across the Waypoint portfolio. Some key things to highlight here. Firstly, as indicated by Viva at its February results, the broader OTR conversion program across Viva's network slowed in H1, with only 5 new stores opened or converted, versus 35 in FY26.

Hadyn Stephens: We're currently in discussions with an operator for a fund through development at Brendale and will shortly be commencing an EOI campaign for Slacks Creek, where we are exploring a range of potential options, as summarized on the slide. We'll endeavor to provide more information on both of these at our full-year results in February. Moving to page 16, Viva Energy provided an update on its network conversion program as part of its half-year results this week, which is summarized on this page, along with an update on OTR conversions across the Waypoint portfolio. Some key things to highlight here. Firstly, as indicated by Viva at its February results, the broader OTR conversion program across Viva's network slowed in H1, with only five new stores opened or converted, versus 35 in FY26.

Speaker #3: We'll endeavor to provide more information on both of these at our full-year results in February. Moving to page 16, Viva Energy provided an update on its network conversion program as part of its half-year results this week.

Speaker #3: This is summarized on this page, along with an update on OTR conversions across the Waypoint portfolio. Some key things to highlight here: Firstly, as indicated by Viva at its February results, the broader OTR conversion program across Viva's network slowed in the first half, with only five new stores opened or converted, versus 35 in full year 2025.

Speaker #3: Secondly, Viva's network program for the second half is focused on new OTR stores from its development pipeline, with a smaller number of conversions of existing stores expected to be completed.

Hadyn Stephens: Viva's network program for H2 is focused on new OTR stores from its development pipeline, with a smaller number of conversions of existing stores expected to be completed. Thirdly, Viva has announced the introduction of a new unattended self-service offer, similar to the Yugo offer that Ampol has been rolling out over the last 6 to 12 months, with 25 to 30 conversions to this format expected in H2 across the Viva network. Across our portfolio, landlord consent has been sought and provided for basic OTR conversions on 40 of our sites, with 19 conversions having been completed to date. Viva has scheduled an investor day for November this year, where we expect to hear more about their longer-term plans from the newly appointed CEO of the convenience and mobility division.

Speaker #3: And thirdly, Viva has announced the introduction of a new unattended self-service offer, similar to the Yugo offer that Ample has been rolling out over the last 6 to 12 months, with 25 to 30 conversions to this format expected in the second half across the Viva network.

Speaker #3: Across our portfolio, landlord consent has been sought and provided for basic OTR conversions on 40 of our sites, with 19 conversions having been completed to date.

Speaker #3: Viva has scheduled an investor day for November this year, where we expect to hear more about their longer-term plans from the newly appointed CEO of the Convenience and Mobility division. For now, based on Viva's public disclosures, we anticipate a more moderate rollout of the OTR brand across both our portfolio and the broader Ready Express network, at least in the near term.

Hadyn Stephens: But for now, based on Viva's public disclosures, we anticipate a more moderate rollout of the OTR brand across both our portfolio and the broader Reddy Express network, at least in the near term. Turning to the outlook for H2 of the year on page 18. A key focus for H2 will be the market rent review and auction process for the 33 leases we have expiring in 2027, which represent approximately 7% of total rental income. Based on independent advice we've received from valuers, we believe this cohort is under-rented, but we obviously need to work through the process with our tenants, and we'll provide more details regarding the status of these leases at our full-year results in February next year.

Speaker #3: Turning to the outlook for the second half of the year, as shown on page 18. A key focus for the second half will be the market rent review and option process for the 33 leases we have expiring in 2027, which represent approximately 7% of total rental income.

Speaker #3: Based on independent advice we've received from valuers, we believe this cohort is under-rented, but we obviously need to work through the process with our tenants and will provide more details regarding the status of these leases at our full-year results in February next year.

Speaker #3: With the recent $250 million AMTN issuance completed in June, our debt expiry profile is in good shape, with no facilities maturing until March 2028.

Hadyn Stephens: With the recent AUD 250 million AMTN issuance completed in June, our debt expiry profile is in good shape, with no facilities maturing until March 2028. However, we continue to explore opportunities to reduce our cost of debt and optimize our debt facilities through early refinancing. As I mentioned earlier, it's a relatively subdued transaction market at the moment, but we're still looking to sell AUD 10 to 20 million of non-core assets this year. It's important to note that we don't have to sell these assets, but we will continue to explore avenues to do so when we believe there is a realistic opportunity to transact. Finally, I'm pleased to reaffirm our DPS guidance for the full year at AUD 0.1714, which represents 3% growth on last year. With that, I'll hand back to the operator to coordinate the Q&A.

Speaker #3: However, we continue to explore opportunities to reduce our cost of debt and optimize our debt facilities through early refinancing. As I mentioned earlier, it's a relatively subdued transaction market at the moment, but we're still looking to sell $10 to $20 million of non-core assets this year.

Speaker #3: It's important to note that we don't have to sell these assets, but we will continue to explore avenues to do so when we believe there is a realistic opportunity to transact.

Speaker #3: And finally, I'm pleased to reaffirm our DVS guidance for the full year at 17.14 cents, which represents 3% growth on last year. With that, I'll hand back to the operator to coordinate Q&A.

Speaker #2: Thank you. If you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. If you wish to cancel your request, please press star two.

Hadyn Stephens: Thank you. If you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. If you wish to cancel your request, please press star two. If you are on a speakerphone, please pick up the handset to ask your question. Your first question comes from Adam West with JP Morgan. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. If you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. If you wish to cancel your request, please press star two. If you are on a speakerphone, please pick up the handset to ask your question. Your first question comes from Adam West with JPMorgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: If you are on a speakerphone, please pick up the handset to ask your question. Your first question comes from Adam West with J.P. Morgan.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: So, good morning. Thanks for taking my question. My first question today is just, it was a good outcome on the $250 million refinancing. I'm just wondering if you could talk to if the FY28 expiries were to be part of that batch, what type of margin saving you would have expected, or if it would have been sort of similar to what you're paying at the moment?

Adam West: Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. My first question today is, it was a good outcome on the AUD 250 million refinancing. I am just wondering if you could talk to, if the FY28 expiries were to be part of that batch, what type of margin saving you would have expected or if it would have been similar to what you are paying at the moment?

Speaker #3: Thanks for the question, Adam. So you're trying to figure out the margin saving if we had refinanced the 28 expiries instead of the debt that we did repay.

Aditya Asawa: Thanks for the question, Adam. You are trying to figure out the margin saving if we had refinanced the 2028 expiries instead of the debt that we did repay. Is that your question?

Speaker #3: Is that your question?

Speaker #4: Yeah, or the potential upside you'd see in those expiries, from a margin perspective.

Adam West: Yeah. Or the potential upside you would see in those expiries from a margin perspective.

Speaker #3: Yes. Yeah, look, it's a tricky one. The $200 million AMTN that we have in September—that's due to expire in September 2028—that's a fixed-rate instrument, and that was put in place during really favorable conditions.

Aditya Asawa: Yeah. Look, it is a tricky one. The AUD 200 million AMTN that we have in September, that is due to expire in September 2028, that is a fixed rate instrument. That was put in place during really favorable conditions. So that has an all-in cost of 2.4%. So that is all in, including margin and base rate. It is a little bit hard to, obviously, given how favorable that rate is, to give you an answer where we are repaying that rate instead of other debt. Just to give you a sense, the six-year AMTN that we did issue, the equivalent margin on that was 156 basis points. That is in the range of where we are seeing five-year bank debt for us is around 150, and six years around 160 for bank debt. Hopefully that gives you a bit of a sense.

Speaker #3: So that's got an all-in cost of 2.4%. So that's all-in, including margin and base rate. So it's a little bit hard to, obviously, given how favorable that rate is, to sort of give you an answer where we're repaying that rate instead of other debt.

Speaker #3: But just to give you a sense, the six-year AMTN that we did issue, the equivalent sort of margin on that was 156 basis points.

Speaker #3: And that's sort of in the range of where we're seeing five-year bank debt for us is around 150, and six-year is around 160 for bank debt.

Speaker #3: So, hopefully, that gives you a bit of a sense.

Speaker #4: Yeah, perfect. Maybe just my second question, but I’m just wondering, obviously with the uptick in electric vehicles, how attractive would electric charging bays be for highway and roadside assets?

Adam West: Yeah, perfect. Maybe just my second question, I am just wondering, obviously with the uptick in electric vehicles, just how attractive electric charging bays would be for highway and roadside assets, and whether or not it is attractive from both a leasing perspective, but then also from a resale perspective as well.

Speaker #4: And whether or not it's attractive from both a leasing perspective, but then also from a resale perspective as well.

Speaker #3: Yeah, I'll take that one, Adam. Thanks. Look, I think the highway sites are obvious targets for EV chargers. We, as the landlord, we don't have the ability to put those in ourselves.

Hadyn Stephens: Yeah, I will take that one, Adam. Thanks. Look, I think the highway sites are obvious targets for EV chargers. We as the landlord, we do not have the ability to put those in ourselves. Obviously, we lease the entire site to our tenants, so it is obviously a tenant-led initiative. We do know that both Ampol and Viva Energy and other operators are rolling out EV chargers across their network. Highway sites are a focus of those. In terms of economics, I think economics probably are marginal in the first few years, just given usage. Obviously longer term, they will start to be more profitable. I think from a resale point of view, anything like that helps future-proof your asset is a positive when buyers are looking at them.

Speaker #3: Obviously, we'd lease the entire site to our tenants, so it's obviously a tenant-led initiative. We do know that both Ample and Viva, and other operators, are rolling out EV chargers across the network.

Speaker #3: Highway sites are a focus of those. In terms of the economics, I think economics are probably marginal in the first few years, just given usage.

Speaker #3: But, obviously, longer term, they'll start to be more profitable. And I think from a resale point of view, anything like that that helps future-proof your asset is a positive when buyers are looking at them.

Speaker #4: Yeah, perfect. And I guess maybe just a quick follow-up, but how many of your highway sites currently have charging bays on them?

Adam West: Yeah, perfect. I guess maybe just a quick follow-up, but how many of your highway sites currently have charging bays on them?

Speaker #3: So, across our network, Viva's got six in place with EV Networks, which is one of the operators. And they've been rolling them out. I don't have an exact number for you, to be honest, Adam, but I can get back to you on that.

Aditya Asawa: Across our network, Viva's got six in place with Evie Networks, which is one of the operators, and they have been rolling them out. I do not have an exact number for you, to be honest, Adam, but I can get back to you on that.

Speaker #4: Yeah, yeah. Perfect, thanks. That's everything from me.

Adam West: Yeah. Perfect. Thanks. That is everything from me.

Speaker #2: Your next question comes from Carl Braganza with Jardin. Please go ahead.

Adam West: Your next question comes from Carl Braganza with Jarden. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from Carl Braganza with Jarden. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good morning, Hayden. I just had a few questions from me. The first one was based on your guidance. You've got second-half earnings going slightly backwards.

Carl Braganza: Morning, Hayden, Aditya. A few questions from me. The first one is based on your guidance. You have got H2 earnings going slightly backwards. You have got more income flowing through from the FY26 renewals and are quite highly hedged. What is the drag in H2 then? Is it higher base rates, disposals, or something else?

Speaker #4: You've got more income flowing through from the FY26 renewals and are quite highly hedged. What's the drag in the second half then? Is it higher base rates, disposals, or something else?

Speaker #3: Yeah, it's a good question, and thanks for raising it. So you're right. If I just talk through the components of the second half, obviously we do have the rent escalations coming through, particularly in relation to the lease renewals that we've done.

Aditya Asawa: Yeah, it's a good question, and thanks for raising it. So, you're right. If I just talk through the components for the H2. Obviously, we do have the rent escalations coming through, particularly, in relation to the lease renewals that we've done. But again, that's only across 4% of the income, and it's only for part of the H2. So once you sort of apply all of that, the increase in the H2 is not that material from the lease renewals. But in terms of what's moving in the other direction, that's sort of holding our guidance at 3%. So we have a higher hedge rate in the H2, so it's 3.1% versus the H1, where we had about 2.9% average rate, just given the nature of swaps rolling off and new ones coming on. So that's creating a bit of a drag.

Speaker #3: But again, that's only across 4% of the income, and it's only for part of the second half. So, once you sort of apply all of that, the increase in the second half is not that material from the lease renewals.

Speaker #3: But in terms of what's moving in the other direction, that's what's holding our guidance at 3%. So, we have a higher hedge rate in the second half.

Speaker #3: So it's 3.1%, versus the first half where we had about a 2.9% average rate, just given the nature of swaps rolling off and new ones coming on.

Speaker #3: So, that's creating a bit of a drag. Obviously, floating debt costs—albeit we're not that exposed to them—still have a net impact, because the second half's looking like it's going to have a higher floating rate than the first half.

Aditya Asawa: Obviously, floating debt costs, albeit we're not that exposed to them, they still have a net impact because the H2's looking like it's going to have a higher floating rate than the H1. We've obviously sold Nowra, which contributed five months of income, to the H1, and that's been sold, so that won't contribute to the H2. And probably the other piece is, just around the which I mentioned in my speaking notes, was around the property expenses. So, they were quite low in the H1, at around AUD 0.3 million. I mentioned that the average over the last five years has been about AUD 1.3 million. So I'd say we had probably an unseasonably low level of property expenses in the H1, and we're sort of expecting that to normalize in the H2.

Speaker #3: We've obviously sold Nara, which contributed five months of income to the first half, and that's been sold, so that won't contribute to the second half.

Speaker #3: And probably the other piece is just around—which I mentioned in my speaking notes—was around the property expenses. So, they're quite low in the first half.

Speaker #3: At around $0.3 million, I mentioned that the average over the last five years has been about $1.3 million. So, I'd say we had probably an unseasonably low level of property expenses in the first half, and we're sort of expecting that to normalize in the second half.

Speaker #3: So, hopefully that gives you a bit of a bridge in terms of how we're seeing things.

Aditya Asawa: So hopefully that gives you a bit of a bridge in terms of how we're seeing things.

Speaker #4: Well, that's great, Carla. Thanks for that. The second one was on capital management. It seems like the OTR rollout is going slower than expected.

Carl Braganza: That's great, Tyler. Thanks for that. The second one was on capital management. It seems like the OTR rollout is going slower than expected, and you've got around liquidity of AUD 100 million and trading at a sort of circa 18% discount to NTA. What's the appetite for a buyback, and what's the minimum level of liquidity that you like to have?

Speaker #4: And you've got around liquidity of $100 million and are trading at a sort of circa 18% discount to NTA. What's the appetite for a buyback?

Speaker #4: And what's the minimum level of liquidity that you like to have?

Speaker #3: Yeah, I'm happy to have a first crack at that one as well. So, I think when you look back over the history of the REIT, the liquidity position that we're holding at the moment is about average in terms of where we've held liquidity in the past.

Aditya Asawa: Yeah, I am happy to have a first crack at that one as well. I think when you look back over the history of the REIT, the liquidity position that we are holding at the moment is about average, in terms of where we have held liquidity in the past. I do not really see us being in a position where we have significant surplus liquidity. We have taken steps over the last 12 months to reduce our liquidity back to a more targeted level or refined level. In terms of our appetite for buybacks, we are always on the lookout for capital management initiatives. We have not shied back or shied away from doing buybacks in the past. Generally speaking, though, they have been linked to non-core asset sales. Obviously, we have not made a huge amount of progress on that in the H1 of this year.

Speaker #3: So, I don't really see us being in a position where we have significant surplus liquidity. We've taken steps over the last 12 months to reduce our liquidity back to a more sort of targeted level, or refined level.

Speaker #3: In terms of appetite for buybacks, look, we're always on the lookout for capital management initiatives. We've not shied back, or shied away, from doing buybacks in the past.

Speaker #3: Generally speaking, though, they've been linked to non-core asset sales. And obviously, we haven't made a huge amount of progress on that in the first half of this year.

Speaker #3: We've also got to bear in mind, obviously, things like our credit rating and all of the parameters around that in context. And so I'd say in the absence of significant progress on the non-core asset sales front, there's probably less appetite to do a buyback in terms of where we're currently trading and the way we see the outlook.

Aditya Asawa: We have also got to bear, obviously, things like our credit rating, all of the parameters around that in context. I would say in the absence of significant progress on the non-core asset sales front, there is probably less appetite to do a buyback in terms of where we are currently trading and the way we see the outlook.

Speaker #4: Thanks for that. And then, final one from me— in the present, I think you mentioned Melbourne assets have had the biggest cap rate expansion over the last six months.

Carl Braganza: Thanks for that. The final one from me is, in the present, I think you mentioned Melbourne assets have had the biggest cap rate expansion over the last six months. Can you give any more color on what you are seeing in the Melbourne market?

Speaker #4: Can you give any more, Carla, on what you're seeing in the Melbourne market?

Speaker #3: Obviously, it's just generally negative sentiment there. Buyers are genuinely negative around Victoria, the Victorian economy, and that's just flowing through into a lack of transactions. When things do trade, there is a bit of movement out in terms of cap rates.

Aditya Asawa: Well, there is just generally negative sentiment there. Buyers are generally negative around the Victorian economy, and that is just flowing through into a lack of transactions. When things do trade, there is a bit of a movement out in terms of cap rates, and, sorry, in terms of the yields that buyers are buying on. Probably one thing just to point out, our new valuer has a slightly different approach to Melbourne as well in terms of their view on cap rates for some of the outer trade areas. That is sort of fed through into that 22 basis points as well.

Speaker #3: Sorry, in terms of the yields that buyers are buying on, probably one thing just to point out: our new value is a slightly different approach to Melbourne as well, in terms of their view on cap rates for some of them.

Speaker #3: The outer show areas, so that's sort of fed through into that 22 basis points as well.

Speaker #4: Perfect. Thanks for that, guys.

Carl Braganza: Perfect. Thanks for that, guys.

Speaker #2: Your next question comes from Leanne Turong with CLSA. Please go ahead.

Carl Braganza: Your next question comes from Leanne Truong with CLSA. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from Leanne Truong with CLSA. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Good morning, Adita and Hayden. Just a question—I mean, obviously Ample and Viva have been increasing the number of unmanned sites. So, just wondering if any of your sites were converted to unmanned, and does that do anything to your valuation?

Leanne Truong: Good morning, Aditya and Hayden. Just a question. Obviously, Ampol and Viva have been increasing the number of unmanned sites. I was just wondering if any of your sites will be converted to unmanned, and does that do anything to your valuation?

Speaker #3: Hi, Leanne. It's Hayden here. Welcome back. Good to hear your voice.

Hadyn Stephens: Hi, Leanne, Hayden here. Welcome back. Good to hear your voice.

Hadyn Stephens: Hi, Leanne, Haydn here. Welcome back. Good to hear your voice.

Speaker #5: Oh, thank you.

Leanne Truong: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Yeah, so we've been given the heads-up on nine of our sites that would be converted to that unattended, self-service format. To be honest, we're still working our way through the implications of that.

Aditya Asawa: Yeah. So we've been given the heads-up on nine of our sites that would be converted to that unattended self-service format. To be honest, we're still working our way through the implications of that. We do have some consent rights around that in the works. This is all pretty new to us as well, so we're just trying to get our head around the valuation side of things. Yeah.

Hadyn Stephens: Yeah. So we've been given the heads-up on nine of our sites that would be converted to that unattended self-service format. To be honest, we're still working our way through the implications of that. We do have some consent rights around that in the works. This is all pretty new to us as well, so we're just trying to get our head around the valuation side of things. Yeah.

Speaker #3: We do have some consent rights around that in the works. This is all pretty new to us as well, so we're just trying to get our head around the valuation side of things.

Speaker #3: Both what it might mean for the market rent that is applied on valuations, and also how those assets might trade in the market. And there's not a lot of market evidence out there around these sort of assets trading, given it's a relatively new, I guess, format.

Aditya Asawa: What it might mean for the market cap rate that is applied on valuations and also how those assets might trade in the market. There's not a lot of market evidence out there around these sort of assets trading, given it's a relatively new, I guess, format in the sector. So it's something that we're still working our way through, Leanne, is the answer.

Hadyn Stephens: What it might mean for the market cap rate that is applied on valuations and also how those assets might trade in the market. There's not a lot of market evidence out there around these sort of assets trading, given it's a relatively new, I guess, format in the sector. So it's something that we're still working our way through, Leanne, is the answer.

Speaker #3: In the sector. So it's something that we're still working our way through, Leanne, is the answer.

Speaker #5: Yeah, yeah, thank you. And I guess—I don't know, it might be too early to speak—but obviously, you have a few financial year '27 expiries.

Leanne Truong: Yeah. Thank you. I guess, I don't know, it might be too early to speak, but obviously you have a few financial year 2027 expiries. I guess, yeah, expectations on some of those sites. Obviously, you probably have an understanding of how they're performing, so expectations on renewals.

Speaker #5: I guess, yeah, like, expectations on some of those sites—obviously, you probably have an understanding of how they're performing. So, expectations and renewals?

Speaker #3: Yeah, look, in terms of performance, they're broadly similar to our FY26 expires. So yeah, I don't want to put a sort of retention probability or anything out there, because we still need to go through that process with Viva.

Hadyn Stephens: Yeah, look, in terms of performance, they are broadly similar to our FY26 expires. Yeah, I do not want to put a sort of retention probability or anything out there because we still need to go through that process with Viva. If we look back at the 2026 expires, there were some sites where we thought they were maybe a risk of leaving, and they stayed. There were others, Slacks Creek in particular, where we were surprised that they left. It is just a process we need to go through with Viva. I think what I would say is we are still encouraged by the level of appetite from other operators in the event that tenants did leave any of our sites. A number of operators out there looking for sites, and that is both for the leasehold, i.e.

Speaker #3: And if we look back at the 2026 expiries, there were some sites where we thought there was maybe a risk of leaving, and they stayed.

Speaker #3: And there were others—Slacks Creek in particular—where we were surprised that they left. So it's just a process we need to go through with Viva.

Speaker #3: I think what I would say is we're still encouraged by the level of appetite from other operators, in the event that tenants did leave any of our sites.

Speaker #3: A number of operators are out there looking for sites, and that's both the leasehold—i.e., leasing it from us—but also operators buying vacant sites in the direct market.

Hadyn Stephens: leasing it from us, but also operators buying vacant sites in the direct market. Speaking to a couple of the agents last week, there is still a lot of appetite there from operators to buy sites. I think, we will obviously try and retain Viva on as many of those sites as we can. It is not just Viva, by the way. It is Ampol and Chevron as well. We will obviously try and retain the tenant on those sites, but we are pretty encouraged by the level of appetite from other operators.

Speaker #3: Speaking with capital agents last week, there's still a lot of appetite from operators to buy sites. So I think we'll obviously try and retain Viva on as many of those sites as we can.

Speaker #3: It's not just Viva, by the way. It's Ample and Chevron as well. We're obviously trying to retain the tenant on those sites, but we're pretty encouraged by the level of appetite from other operators.

Speaker #5: And just, my last question. I mean, the OTR firm—we have been selling sites. Have you looked at this? And I guess the second follow-up question to that is, why are they selling sites?

Leanne Truong: My last question. The OTR family have been selling sites. Have you looked at this? I guess the second follow-up question to that is, why are they selling sites? Are they worried about the market, I guess? Yeah, they would have a better understanding of the market than anyone else.

Speaker #5: Are they worried about the market, I guess? Yeah, they would have a better understanding of the market than anyone else.

Speaker #3: Yeah, I don't know their rationale for selling Leanne. It could just be a reallocation of their resources and investments. I don't know the answer to that.

Hadyn Stephens: Yeah, I do not know their rationale for selling, Leanne. It could just be a reallocation of their resources and investments. I do not know the answer to that. You would have to ask them. In terms of do we look at them, yes, we look at all assets that sort of fit our criteria. As we have mentioned before, it is just hard finding anything that meets our cost of capital. That is really what restricts us from buying things at the moment.

Speaker #3: You'd have to ask them. In terms of do we look at them? Yes, we look at all assets that sort of fit our criteria.

Speaker #3: But as we've mentioned before, it's just hard finding anything that meets our cost of capital. That's really what restricts us from buying things at the moment.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Leanne Truong: Thank you.

Hadyn Stephens: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Once again, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. There are no further phone questions at this time.

Hadyn Stephens: Once again, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. There are no further phone questions at this time. I will now hand back to Hadyn Stephens for the closing remarks.

Operator: Once again, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. There are no further phone questions at this time. I will now hand back to Hadyn Stephens for the closing remarks.

Speaker #2: I'll now hand back to Hayden Stephens for the closing remarks.

Speaker #3: Just to say thank you, everyone, for joining us this morning. We'll be talking to a number of you over the next few days. If anyone would like to be added to the meeting or a follow-up meeting, please let us know.

Hadyn Stephens: Just to say thank you, everyone, for joining us this morning. We will be talking to a number of you over the next few days. Anyone that would like to schedule a meeting, a follow-up meeting, please let us know. We are very happy to jump on a call or meet in person. Thank you once again, and have a good day.

Speaker #3: We're very happy to jump on a call or meet in person. So, thank you once again, and have a good day.

Hadyn Stephens: That does conclude our conference for today. Thank you for participating, and you may now disconnect.

Operator: That does conclude our conference for today. Thank you for participating, and you may now disconnect.

Browse all earnings call transcripts

Half Year 2026 Waypoint REIT Ltd Earnings Call

Request TrialDemo

Waypoint REIT

Earnings