Lendlease LLC reported FY20 NPAT of -$310m. The sale of the engineering business unit to Acciona is expected to complete soon with a sale of $160m, lower than the original $180m announced.
Lendlease is facing subdued trading conditions as the company navigates the effects of COVID-19, with development, investment, and construction income all down over 50% for the June period.
Despite short-term uncertainty, the long-term value remains attractive and the company’s strong balance sheet should provide it with resilience.
Lendlease announced a raising of up to $1.15bn $9.80 per share.
The equity raising comprises a fully underwritten $950m institutional placement, along with up to $200m via a non-underwritten SPP. With the proceeds from the placement, liquidity will increase to $4bn and company gearing will fall to 10-15%, (assuming completion of the sale of the Engineering business).
A correction in commercial real estate will provide new opportunities for Lendlease but will also ensure a tough operating environment in the near-term.