NAM TAI PROPERTY INC. Reports Q3 2015 Results

SHENZHEN, China, November 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Nam Tai Property Inc. ("Nam Tai" or the "Company") (NYSE Symbol: NTP) today announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015. The Company's original core manufacturing business of LCM module, including Wuxi and Shenzhen production operations was classified as "discontinued operations" and disclosed in the statement of comprehensive income separately under the (loss) income from discontinued operations and not included in the presentation of rental income, net rental income and operating loss that form parts of the operating loss of "continuing operations" as the following:

OPERATING RESULTS

Rental income, net rental income and operating loss for the third quarter of 2015 and the same quarter of 2014 were presented excluding the discontinued operations (Shenzhen and Wuxi facilities). Rental income was derived from properties and lands located in Shenzhen. Operating loss for the third quarter of 2015 was $3.0 million, an increase of $1.3 million, compared to operating loss of $1.7 million in the third quarter of last year. Operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $8.1 million, an increase of $1.9 million, compared to operating loss of $6.2 million in the same period of last year. The rental agreement with external lessee on the Guangming land has ended in second quarter of 2015 due to the expiry of lease terms. As such, from the third quarter of 2015 onwards, the rental income is reduced.

With respect to the discontinued operations (Shenzhen and Wuxi facilities), for the third quarter of 2015, it recorded the loss of $0.2 million, compared to the income of $1.7 million in the third quarter of last year.

After considering the loss from discontinued operations (net of tax), net loss for the third quarter of 2015 was $9.0 million, or loss of $0.23 per diluted share, compared to net income of $5.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share in the third quarter of last year. Net loss for the third quarter of 2015 primarily is comprised of (i) loss of $8.8 million (mainly including foreign exchange loss of $7.7 million resulting from depreciation of RMB against USD) from continuing operations, compared to income of $3.8 million in the same quarter of last year, and (ii) loss of $0.2 million from discontinued operations (net of tax), compared to income of $1.7 million in the same quarter of last year.

Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $8.2 million, or loss of $0.20 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $20.7 million, or loss of $0.46 per diluted share, in the same period of last year. Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily comprised of (i) the loss of $7.8 million (mainly including foreign exchange loss of $7.3 million resulting from depreciation of RMB against USD) from continuing operations (net of tax), compared to income of $0.4 million in the same period of last year, and (ii) and the loss of $0.4 million from discontinued operations, compared to loss of $21.1million (mainly including impairment charge of $19.0 million on assets held for sale, land repurchased by local government in Wuxi and loss of $3.2 million on one-off amortization for certain leasehold improvements) in the same period of last year.

Please see page 7 of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for further details. This information has also been published on the Company's website at http://www.namtai.com/investors#investors/quarterly_earnings in the quarterly earnings report of Q3 2015 on page 7, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

COMPANY OUTLOOK

With the cessation of LCM business in April 2014, the Company has been focusing its effort in developing the land parcels in Shenzhen.

In relation to the land parcels (in Guangming and Gushu) in Shenzhen, the construction permit application processes have been proceeding smoothly, and we believe that we can obtain the necessary permits and approvals to carry out the next stages of our property development projects on schedule.

For the Guangming project (Phase 1), we have obtained the Permit for Construction Site Planning where we are now allowed to start planning for the work at the site. The appointed professional architectural design firm is working on the design of the mixed-use style development for the next stage of this project.

Based on the current plan and subject to the final approval of the relevant authorities in China, Phase 1 of Guangming project will consist of mixed development of office buildings, retail area, and hotel and apartment complexes. The Guangming project (Phase 2) will commence upon the completion of Guangming project (Phase 1). Based on the current timetable, the construction at the Gushu area is expected to commence no earlier than 2017.

A summary of our planned gross floor area of the two land parcels in Shenzhen is as follows:

Please note that the eventual plot ratio and GFA for the two parcels of land could be different from the above, and are subject to the final approval of the relevant authorities in China.

At this juncture, we continue to seek potential joint venture partners for the development of the land parcels in Shenzhen. There has been no progress on this matter in this quarter. Before a joint venture partner is secured, we will work with other external professional firms in all material property development matters. In the event that no suitable joint venture partners can be found, we will continue with the land development projects mainly by relying on and supported by external professional firms. We have started working with various suitable, capable and experienced external professional agents and firms concerning our project management and permit applications for the development of the land parcels in Shenzhen. Based on the current timetable and progress, we do not foresee any immediate difficulties in the permit application process. We will continue to make timely announcements to keep shareholders informed about material developments.

As for our Wuxi plant, the factory building continues to be listed for sale.

The current headcount of our Group is 67 as at September 30, 2015 and we believe that our overhead expenses are under control. We currently derive a majority of our income from rental and interest income. In 2015, the People's Bank of China ("PBOC") has, on five different occasions, cut the benchmark interest rates in China. This has resulted in the reductions in the Renminbi denominated official time deposit interest rates in China and Hong Kong. Such reductions in the official time deposit interest rates have adversely impacted our interest income correspondingly. From the third quarter of 2015 onwards, we expect the interest income to be lower. With this lower interest rate and rental income, we expect to incur operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2015. In addition, in August 2015, as part of the PBOC's monetary policy, it has devalued the Renminbi against the US dollars. Since the majority of our assets are denominated in the Renminbi, the translation of Reminbi denominated assets to US dollars for Group reporting purposes has resulted in foreign exchange loss in this quarter. As such, we expect to see fluctuations in the reporting of foreign exchange loss/gain in the financial statements due to the movement of Renminbi against US dollars. As of September 30, 2015, total cash was $212.3 million. With our current cash position, we believe our finances remain healthy to fund the initial stages of these property development projects in the next two to three years. All our land development related applications are subject to government policies and regulations in the real estate market. However, this is our first venture into the land development projects after the cessation of the LCM business, and we may encounter industry-specific difficulties that result in losses as we progress with our projects in Shenzhen. For more information on risks in our business, please refer to the Risk Factors section of the 2014 Form 20-F as filed with the SEC and on our website.

The information contained in or that can be accessed through the website mentioned in this announcement does not form part of this announcement.

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

As previously reported, we have accepted the repurchase of 3,518,750 shares tendered by shareholders through the cash tender offer which expired on September 7, 2015. For more information specific to this tender offer, please refer to the Form 6-K as filed with the SEC and press release uploaded on our corporate website on this matter.

LEGAL UPDATES

On the Notice of Arbitration against the Insurers (as previously disclosed in the 2014 Form-20F), we have received the Partial Final Award on October 20, 2015. Per advice from our external legal counsel, it is highly likely that we will be ordered to pay the Insurers costs. Both parties to this legal case are required to submit the costs incurred by November 10, 2015. As such, currently we are not in the position to reliably estimate the cost to be incurred.

PAYMENT OF QUARTERLY DIVIDENDS FOR 2015 AND 2016

As announced on December 19, 2014, the Company set the payment schedule of quarterly dividends for 2015. The dividend for Q4 2015 was paid on October 19, 2015.

The following table updates the previously announced schedule for declaration and payment of quarterly dividends in 2015.

The Company announced today that its Board authorized a plan, same as 2015, to distribute annual dividend of $0.08 ($0.02 x 4 quarters) per outstanding share of the Company's common stock, effective from the first quarter of 2016. After extensive review, the Board determined that the distribution of an annual dividend of $0.08, which maintains our dividend distribution program at a competitive level, is a prudent measure, in view of the fact that we have sufficient cash on hand to support the overhead expenses related to the land development projects in Shenzhen. The Company recognizes the importance of the dividend to our shareholders and the significance of this decision, and believes it is the right action at this time given the highly competitive market environment to further strengthen the Company for the long-term, while still providing an attractive dividend.

The Company's decision to continue making the dividend payments in 2016 as set out and confirmed in the above table does not necessarily mean that cash dividend payments will continue thereafter. Whether future dividends after 2016 are to be declared will depend upon Company's future growth and earnings at each relevant period, of which there can be no assurance, and the Company's cash flow needs for business operations and transformation. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that cash dividends on the Company's common shares will be declared beyond those declared for 2016, and we also cannot assure you what the amounts of such dividends will be or whether such dividends, once declared for a specific period, will continue for any future period, or at all.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF RELEASE OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR Q4 2015 AND 2016

To maintain the efficiency of delivering the Company's quarterly financial results to the market, the Company's management has decided to follow approximately the same schedule of 2015 to release the quarterly financial results for 2016. Details of the expected quarterly release dates are as follows:

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OUR SHARE PRICE TO DECLINE

Certain statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "plan", "seek" or "believe". These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activities, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, delay in the Company's ability to obtain all requisite permits and approvals from relevant government authorities in relation to the redevelopment of two parcels of properties in Gushu, Shenzhen, and Guangming, Shenzhen, respectively, and the successful redevelopment of the two parcels of properties; the sufficiency of the Company's cash position and other sources of liquidity to fund its property developments; continued inflation and appreciation of the Renminbi against the US dollar; rising labor costs in China and changes in the labor supply and labor relations. In particular, you should consider the risks outlined under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and in our Current Report filed from time to time on Form 6-K. The Company's decision to continue dividend payments in 2016 does not necessarily mean that dividend payments will continue thereafter. Whether future dividends will be declared depend upon the Company's future growth and earnings, of which there can be no assurance, as well as the Company's cash flow needs for further expansion. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that cash dividends on the Company's common shares will be declared beyond those declared for 2016, what amount those dividends may be or whether such dividends, once declared for a specific period, will continue for any future period, or at all; and whether we will purchase any of our shares in the open markets or otherwise. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this press release; as such, they should not be unduly relied upon as circumstances change. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstance occurring after the date of this release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ABOUT NAM TAI PROPERTY INC.

We are a property development and management company located in Shenzhen, China. Prior to becoming a property development and management company, we were an electronic manufacturing service (EMS) company. In April 2014, we ceased our LCM manufacturing business and turned our focus to re-developing two parcels of land in Gushu and Guangming, Shenzhen, China, by converting these two parcels of land that formally housed our manufacturing facilities into high-end commercial complexes. We believe our principal income in the future will be derived from rental income from our commercial complexes.

Nam Tai Property Inc. is a corporation registered in the British Virgin Islands and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: "NTP").

Please refer to the Nam Tai website (www.namtai.com) or the SEC website (www.sec.gov) for Nam Tai press releases and financial statements.

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