Announcement
GENERAL: ARV: COVID-19 Update
02:56pm
ARV
27/03/2020 14:56
GENERAL
NOT PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 1456 HRS Arvida Group Limited
GENERAL: ARV: COVID-19 Update
Arvida Group Limited (Arvida) (NZX: ARV) advises that all villages and aged
care centres are classified as an essential service under the Governments'
COVID-19 criteria and will continue to operate. All visits to Arvida village
and care centre residents have ceased other than those for families of
residents in palliative end-of-life care.
Construction activities at all sites have been safely and securely closed,
with only essential weathertightness or health and safety related works to be
completed. A total of 209 new units have been delivered in the FY20 financial
year, slightly ahead of market guidance. The closure of construction sites
will impact delivery timeframes of future development activities. The Board
will provide an update on planned development activities when more
information on the duration of the interruption is available. Accordingly,
development guidance for FY21 onwards is withdrawn.
Whilst the sale of occupation rights in the second half of March have been
impacted, we expect just under 400 settlements to be completed in FY20. Our
care facility occupancy for the month of February was 95%. We are conscious
that people will require our services and care during this difficult time,
and we will do our very best to meet their needs. The Government's emergency
measures will significantly restrict sales activity over the coming weeks.
With development activity in progress, Arvida had commenced discussions to
increase its funding headroom and diversify sources. Following the rapid
progress of the COVID-19 crisis, Arvida has now substantively agreed terms
and pricing for a refinance of its existing bank debt facilities with its
banking syndicate that comprises of ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited and Bank of
New Zealand. Documentation for the refinance is currently being reviewed by
the banking syndicates lawyers. The tenure of Tranche A of the facility
(which was due to expire in June 2021) will be extended for a further five
years. A new tranche with a limit of $100m will be added to the facility,
with a tenure of eighteen months. As a result, the facility limit will
increase from $375m to $475m and the weighted average tenure will extend to
3.1 years. Arvida remains in a strong financial position with current net
debt of $316m.
Strict protocols in place across all Arvida villages have required screening
of all residents, staff, visitors and contractors. These protocols have been
developed specifically in relation to the COVID-19 risk and have gone further
than protocols approved by the Ministry of Health for virus outbreaks. Expert
virologist Professor Lance Jennings has been advising Arvida's COVID-19
response team to assist with this preparedness. Extensive infection control
and pandemic plans are in place.
- ENDS -
End CA:00350824 For:ARV Type:GENERAL Time:2020-03-27 14:56:37
Click here
to view related attachments.
