Helvetica Swiss Commercial Fund Reports a Solid 2024 Financial Year Performance
- Stable occupancy rate of 95% at year end with a WAULT increase to 4.1 years
- Reduction in debt financing ratio to 18.36%
- Constant distribution of profits of CHF 5.35 per share, the same as the previous year
- Sustainable heating in 70% of the portfolio and increase in REIDA coverage to 93%
- Confirmation of merger schedule with Helvetica Swiss Opportunity Fund (HSO Fund): the merged HSC Fund is scheduled to start trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange on 23 June 2025
The Fund Management Company successfully achieved the specified, strategic objectives in the 2024 financial year. The fund is ideally placed to continue to generate sustainable, stable returns for its investors in future.
Implementation of Strategic Priorities
Strengthened portfolio income: based on stable tenancies and close tenant relations, the occupancy rate remained stable at 95% and the WAULT increased to 4.1 years (3.7 years in the previous year). A total of 64 new and re-lettings over 66,000 m² were concluded.
Optimised portfolio and finance structure: the sale of five properties for around CHF 98 million (market value as of 31 December 2023) increased the portfolio's focus on suburban regions and reduced the debt financing ratio to 18.36%.
Improved cost structure: the reduction of the management fee to 0.60% (0.70% in the previous year, 0.55% from 1 January 2025) and fall in interest charges had a positive impact on the cost structure. These optimisations resulted in savings of CHF 1.1 million in fund management costs and CHF 0.6 million in interest charges. As a result, the TERREF GAV decreased from 0.96% to 0.86% at the end of 2024.
The fund’s Income Performance
Distribution of profits: thanks to the strong income performance, the HSC Fund maintained a stable dividend level and distributed CHF 5.35 per share, as in the previous year.
Net income: the fund generated a net income of CHF 24.4 million, with lower rental income due to sales partially offset by cost savings.
EBIT margin: thanks to healthy portfolio income and optimised cost structure, the fund maintained a stable EBIT margin of over 70%.
Sustainability: REIDA coverage rose from 68% to 93%, all the possible GEAK certificates were obtained, two photovoltaic systems were commissioned and 70% of the portfolio was heated sustainably. CO₂ emissions were 8.0 kg Co₂/m²₂/m² (target: 4.5 kg CO₂/m² by 2035). The first tenant survey provided valuable insights into new in-house management.
Performance and Return on Investment
Development of net asset value (NAV): the portfolio’s market value fell by CHF 106 million to CHF 614 million, mainly as a result of sales. The net asset value declined by CHF 27.8 million to CHF 470.7 million.
This reduction is attributable to the distribution of profits in 2023, accrued net income, realised capital losses from sales of CHF 9.7 million and depreciation of the existing portfolio (like-for-like) of CHF 8.4 million. These value adjustments were already reported in the first half of 2024 and reflect additional maintenance costs and higher discount rates. At the end of 2024, the valuations remained stable compared to the first half of 2024.
The net asset value per share at the end of 2024 was CHF 109.53 (CHF 114.80 in the previous year).
Return on investment: the continued strong cash flow yield of 5.20% (5.66% in the previous year) resulted in a positive return on investment of 0.07% despite a change-in-value yield of -5.13%.
2025 Outlook
For the 2025 financial year, the Fund Management Company is focussing on the following areas:
- Merger with the HSO Fund with the first day of trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange scheduled for 23 June 2025, with the HSC Fund being the acquiring fund (see press release/merger schedule published on 28 February 2025 on Swiss Fund Data)
- Further operational improvements and increased earnings, as well as increased value, thanks to targeted potential utilisation within the existing portfolio
- Efficient fund and portfolio management to further reduce costs
Further details, facts and figures in the HSC Fund's 2024 Annual Report: Helvetica.com
Media contacts Urs Kunz | Patricia Neupert |
About Helvetica
Helvetica Property Investors AG, founded in 2006, is an independent real estate investment manager and FINMA-regulated fund manager. We offer institutional and private investors stable property investments with sustainable returns and develop individual solutions that we manage via our fully integrated value chain. Our listed investment products – the commercially focused HSC Fund and HSO Fund and the residentially focused HSL Fund – invest in high-growth, suburban locations throughout Switzerland. Sustainability is an integral component of our business and is formally embraced at fund level throughout the entire property cycle. Helvetica.com
Helvetica Swiss Commercial Fund
The HSC Fund is a Swiss real estate fund for public investors, listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. It invests in specialised commercial properties throughout Switzerland, focusing on office, commercial and retail use, primarily in suburban, high-growth and easily accessible locations. The investment portfolio is geared towards long-term value preservation and the distribution of constant income. The HSC Fund is authorized by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. Listing SIX Swiss Exchange; ticker symbol HSC; valor 33 550 793; ISIN CH0335507932
Helvetica Swiss Opportunity Fund
The HSO Fund is a Swiss real estate fund for public investors, listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. It invests in specialised commercial properties throughout Switzerland, focusing on operator, commercial, warehouse and logistics buildings, primarily in suburban, high-growth and easily accessible locations. The focus is on real estate with few tenants and long-term leases that generate stable income. The investment portfolio is geared towards long-term value preservation and the distribution of constant income. The HSO Fund is authorized by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. Listing SIX Swiss Exchange; ticker Symbol HSO; valor 43 472 505; ISIN CH0434725054
Disclaimer
This media release does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Art. 35 et seq. of the Federal Act on Financial Services or Art. 27 et seq. of the Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd, nor a basic information sheet. It does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to subscribe for or redeem fund units but is intended solely for information purposes. This media release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to uncertainties and risks and may change. Historical performance is no guarantee of current or future performance. The performance data do not take into account any commissions and costs charged on the subscription and redemption of units. The documents that are solely relevant for an investment decision, the prospectus with integrated fund contract as well as the current annual report can be obtained free of charge from the fund management company. This media release is not addressed to persons resident and/or domiciled outside Switzerland. In particular, this media release may not be made available or handed over to US persons within the meaning of the US Securities Act or US tax regulations, nor may it be distributed in the USA.
In case of doubt, the German version shall prevail.