Helvetica Swiss Opportunity Fund Shows Strong First Half of 2024 and Lowers Vacancy Rate to 2.3%

Zurich, September 3, 2024 – The Helvetica Swiss Opportunity Fund (HSO Fund) ended the first half of 2024 with solid results. The vacancy rate dropped from 5% to 2.3% by June 30, 2024. The merger preparations with the Helvetica Swiss Commercial Fund (HSC Fund) are on track.

Net income for the first half reached CHF 4.5 million, contributing CHF 2.90 per unit to the distribution. The EBIT margin remained above 70%. The portfolio’s market value was CHF 297 million with a gross yield of nearly 6%.

No new properties were acquired, but a property valued at CHF 20 million was sold above market value. Despite an CHF 8 million drop in the value of the Pratteln site, total portfolio write-down was 3%.

The debt financing ratio was 39.8%, with an average interest rate of 2.07%. Plans aim to reduce this ratio to below 33% in the second half of 2024. The HSO Fund aims for a net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050.

The IPO is planned for Q4 2024, awaiting FINMA approval. The merger with the HSC Fund, expected by mid-2025, will form a more profitable, listed commercial real estate fund with an estimated size of CHF 750 million.