Poland Echo-Archicom with scores and with strategy
Investment & financeIn 2022, the group generated a net profit of PLN 127 mln attributable to shareholders of the parent company, which was mainly the outcome of handing over to customers 2,168 apartments for sale and rent built by Echo Investment and Archicom, as well as an increase in the value of office buildings and apartments for rent. In 2022, the value of Echo-Archicom’s assets amounted to nearly PLN 6.1 bln, including a high level of cash: PLN 942 mln.
As always, we are focused on maintaining a stable financial position of our group and follow a prudent financial policy. We enjoy the trust of investors, thanks to which in 2022 our group issued bonds with a total value of PLN 495 mln. During this time, we redeemed bonds worth nearly PLN 590 mln. When thinking about the future, we are working on more spectacular projects. Last week, we presented the Towarowa 22 project in Warsaw, which we will build together with our partner AFI Europe. We plan to start construction of the first office building already this year.
Maciej Drozd, CFO of Echo Investment
The residential market is currently undergoing changes. Individual investors who buy flats, treating them as a safe capital investment, have become the dominant group of clients. Last year the group sold 1,515 and handed over 2,168 apartments to individual clients, as well, as started the construction of 1,613 units.
The condition of the rental residential market is reflected in the high level of commercialization of Resi4Rent buildings. At the end of 2022, the company had nearly 3,000 ready and fully leased premises, with another 3,600 under construction. The goal of Resi4Rent is to have about 10,000 premises for rent by the end of 2024 – out of which over 8,000 ready and the rest close to completion. Currently, the land for 95 pct of these apartments is already secured.
Last year was marked by the sale of completed and well-leased office buildings in our group. We managed to close transactions for the sale of seven buildings of the total value of EUR 318 mln. Echo is in the process of negotiating further transactions, the effects of which we will soon be able to present to you. We are also happy with the development of CitySpace, our flexible office space operator. The main activities marked by 2022 in this company were the opening of the twelfth location, expansion in Warsaw, and adapting offices in the entire network to the highest standards.
Nicklas Lindberg, CEO Echo Investment
Libero and Galeria Młociny are popular among clients thanks to changes in the tenant mix and implemented marketing campaigns. 2022 was a continuation of growth in both locations. Libero's turnover in 2022 was 39 pct higher than in 2021 while its footfall grew by 35 pct. An equally good situation is observed in Galeria Młociny in Warsaw. Here, the turnover increased by 41 pct and footfall – by 33 pct.
In March 2023, Echo-Archicom has adopted an ambitious ESG strategy that organizes its priorities and actions in the perspective of 2030. Its main assumptions focus on limiting the carbon footprint, improving the energy efficiency of buildings, minimizing the projects impact on the environment and biodiversity, as well as strengthening our corporate culture.
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