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Consolidated
Annual Report
2023
For the year ended December 31,
Rome
Berlin
Content
BOARD OF DIRECTORS‘ REPORT
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AUDITOR’S REPORT
Report of the Réviseur d’Entreprises Agréé
240
LIMITED ASSURANCE REPORT
Independent Limited Assurance Report on the Non-Financial Report
(Independent Auditor)
152
THE BUSINESS & OPERATIONS
Key Financials
4
Aroundtown
6
Key Achievements
8
Letter from the CEO
12
The Strategy and Business Model
16
Key Strengths
20
Aroundtown’s Quality Portfolio
24
Capital Markets
37
NON-FINANCIAL REPORT
General Information
41
Environmental Information
48
EU Taxonomy
72
Social Information
84
Governance Information
101
EPRA sBPR Data Preparation
116
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Notes on Business Performance
122
EPRA Performance Measures
132
Alternative Performance Measures
142
Responsibility Statement & Disclaimer
151
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
158
Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income
159
Consolidated statement of financial position
160
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
162
Consolidated statement of cash flows
164
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
166
Drenthe (Netherlands, Center Parcs)
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01
Board Of
Directors‘ Report
5
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Key Financials
in € millions unless otherwise indicated
1–12/2023
Change
1–12/2022
Revenue
1,602.8
(0%)
1,609.9
Net rental income
1,192.8
(2%)
1,222.1
Adjusted EBITDA
1)
1,002.9
0%
1,002.3
FFO I
1)
332.0
(8%)
362.7
FFO I per share (in €)
1)
0.30
(9%)
0.33
FFO II
449.1
(37%)
714.1
ICR
4.2x
(1.0x)
5.2x
Loss for the year
(2,426.4)
431%
(457.1)
Basic loss per share (in €)
(1.82)
214%
(0.58)
1) including AT‘s share in companies which AT has significant influence, excluding the contributions from assets held for sale
1) Reclassified in Dec 2023 to include owner-occupied property
in € millions unless otherwise indicated
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
Total Assets
33,559.3
37,347.1
Total Equity
15,149.7
17,823.4
Investment property
24,632.4
27,981.0
Investment property of assets held for sale
408.3
909.1
Cash and liquid assets
(including those under held for sale)
3,026.1
2,718.7
Total financial debt
(including those under held for sale)
14,242.1
14,805.8
Unencumbered assets ratio
(by rent)
74%
82%
Equity Ratio
45%
48%
Loan-to-Value
1)
43%
40%
Financial Position Highlights
5
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In € millions unless otherwise indicated
2023
Change
2022
EPRA NRV
9,920.8
(19%)
12,289.1
EPRA NRV per share (in €)
9.1
(19%)
11.2
EPRA NTA
8,058.7
(20%)
10,135.2
EPRA NTA per share (in €)
7.4
(20%)
9.3
EPRA NDV
7,592.1
(28%)
10,515.2
EPRA NDV per share (in €)
6.9
(28%)
9.6
EPRA Earnings
438.8
0%
438.7
EPRA Earnings per share (in €)
0.40
0%
0.40
EPRA LTV
60.8%
5.4%
55.4%
EPRA Net initial yield (NIY)
4.0%
0.5%
3.5%
EPRA 'Topped-up' NIY
4.1%
0.6%
3.5%
EPRA Vacancy
7.9%
0.3%
7.6%
EPRA Vacancy including JV
8.1%
0.3%
7.8%
EPRA Cost Ratio
(including direct vacancy costs)
23.0%
(4.8%)
27.8%
EPRA Cost Ratio
(excluding direct vacancy costs)
20.8%
(4.9%)
25.7%
EPRA Cost Ratio
(including direct vacancy costs,
excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
20.4%
(1.6%)
22.0%
EPRA Cost Ratio
(excluding direct vacancy costs,
excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
18.3%
(1.6%)
19.9%
EPRA Performance Measures
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The Board of Directors of Aroundtown SA and its investees
(the “Company”, “Aroundtown”, “AT”, or the “Group”), hereby
submits the consolidated annual report as of December 31,
2023. The figures presented are based on the consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 2023, unless stated
otherwise.
Aroundtown SA is a real estate company with a focus
on income generating quality properties with
value-add potential in central locations in top
tier European cities primarily in Germany,
the Netherlands and London. Aroundtown
invests in commercial and residential
real estate which benefits from strong
fundamentals and growth prospects.
Aroundtown invests in residential real
estate through its subsidiary Grand City
Properties S.A. (“GCP”), a publicly traded
real estate company that focuses on the
German as well as London residential real
estate market. As of December 31, 2023, the
Group’s holding in GCP is 63% excluding shares GCP
holds in treasury (61% including these shares). GCP is
consolidated in AT’s financials since July 1, 2021.
The Group’s unique business model and experienced
management team led the Group to grow continuously since
2004, navigating successfully through all economic cycles.
Aroundtown
The Group
Quality assets with a focus on large EU cities
primarily in Germany, Netherlands, and in London
Capital recycling by selling non-core/mature
assets
Attractive acquisitions below market value and
below replacement costs
Income generating portfolio
with value-add potential
Asset repositioning, increasing cash flow, quality,
WALTs and value
Healthy capital structure with a strong &
conservative financial profile
Extracting new building/conversion rights on
existing and new land & buildings
Frakfurt HBF & CBD
Approx.
200,000 SQM
lettable space in Frankfurt
prime centers, main central train
station and banking district
Banking District
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
(Central Train Station)
Frankfurt Stadtmitte
Bleichstraße
9k sqm
Intercontinental Frankfurt
Wilhelm-Leuschner Stra
ße
28k sqm
Frankfurt HBF
Stuttgarter Straße
9k sqm
Frankfurt Office Campus
Gutleutstraße
88k sqm
Frankfurt
Büro Center (FBC)
Mainzer Landstraße
43k sqm
Frankfurt HBF
Hafenstraße
20k sqm
View from Hafenstr. Office Tower
7
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2
3
EXECUTING ON STRATEGIC PILLARS
€0.9 billion disposals signed in 2023
Over €1.2 billion of disposals closed in 2023
€0.2 billion of disposals signed but not closed
Ability to dispose of during difficult market conditions
€1.0 billion new bank debt signed in 2023
of which ca. €900 million was drawn during 2023
Supported by €17.9 billion unencumbered assets and strong bank relationships
REINFORCING STRONG LIQUIDITY POSITION
€3.0 billion in cash & liquid assets
Representing 21% of debt
SUPPORTING LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
€1.3 billion
of bonds repurchased at a discount in 2023
Generating profit, reducing leverage and supporting cash preservation
16% of debt maturing in 2024-2026 has been repurchased
Liquidity covers upcoming debt maturities until mid-2026
Cash and liquid assets, expected proceeds of signed disposals (not closed) and vendor loans
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9
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Progress on ESG: Green Certifications
First analysis
and planning
Pilot project
started successfully
in the Netherlands
Transferring the
knowledge from the pilot
project across the portfolio
Aiming at gradual progress
y
Ongoing certifications in German offices
y
Analyzing certification options in hotels
100% of Dutch offices
have been certified.
First German offices
have been certified.
Beyond
2020
2%
2021
8%
2023
36%
%
of Offices
Green Certified
2022
15%
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EV charging station
Combined Heat and Power
Solar Panels
Progress on ESG:
Green Installations & Refurbishments
Energy-improving
investments
Green installations
Buildings fitted with solar panels and energy
efficient heating (Combined Heat and Power)
with a maximum capacity of over 6m kWh pa,
translating to over 2,000 tons of avoided CO
2
ca. 400 EV charging sockets installed
across the portfolio
Regular refurbishments such as roof,
façade, window, and lighting upgrades
can save 60%-95% of the energy loss from
inefficient insulation/lighting
Reduces energy consumption and CO
2
tax, benefitting both landlord and tenants
Improving energy labels resulting in higher
tenant demand & value.
Green refurbishments
Potsdam/Berlin
11
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Social
Governance, Awards & Indices
Progress on ESG:
Social, Governance, Awards & Indices
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES
Over 90 impactful
projects supported
Significant contributions to communities
across diverse portfolio locations
Focused on improving child and youth
education and healthcare, fostering
job readiness for disadvantaged young
individuals, supporting initiatives
for underprivileged youth, extending
solidarity to ethnic minorities, and more
EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION
Recognized as top employer
Awarded “Top Company
2024” by Kununu
placing among the top
5% of companies as
rated by employees
GCP awarded “Most Wanted Start 2024” by ZEIT
publishing group and Kununu for its in-house
apprenticeship program
Provided added training and development opportunities
to foster in-house talent and establish AT as a top
employe
r
(RE-)INCLUSION INTO INDICES
Reintroduced into the MDAX and added to MDAX ESG+
Included in the DJSI Europe and Bloomberg Gender Equality
Index displaying the Group’s visibility across key ESG indices
and commitment to diversity
M



2023
AWARDS & RATINGS
Received the 7
th
consecutive EPRA BPR Gold award &
6
th
consecutive EPRA sBPR Gold award
Strong Sustainalytics rating (6
th
percentile) and S&P Global
CSA rating (6
th
percentile)
HIGH QUALITY TENANT SERVICES
24/7 Support & TÜV Certified
Providing 24/7 support
to both commercial and
residential tenants.
Both service centers are
TÜV certified. Residential service center
was also awarded fairest customer service hotline by
Focus Money.
Further digitalization measures in
residential portfolio: improved tenant
app and implemented AI to minimize
call center waiting times
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Letter From
The CEO
Dear Stakeholders,
2023 has been a challenging year for the real estate sector, marked by a rapid hike in interest
rates, increasing geopolitical tensions, and heightened economic uncertainty. Our pro-active
management, diverse portfolio, conservative capital structure, and flexible business model
enabled us to navigate these uncertain times and capitalize on some opportunities in this
heightened market volatility. We executed strategic measures to strengthen our liquidity, balance
sheet and operating platform and are ready to continue moving the company towards its long-
term objectives. In this letter, we are pleased to highlight our achievements on these fronts and
share our insights on the current market environment.
MARKET & PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE
2023 was marked by the rapid increase in central bank policy rates aimed at tackling high inflation rates across the eurozone.
While these higher rates have successfully curbed inflation, uncertainty remains whether these measures will push EU countries
into a recession. This economic uncertainty impacted the entire real estate sector resulting in devaluation recorded across all asset
types. This year, the biggest impact was felt in the office sector. In the office sectore, we have seen impacts on tenant demand as
businesses exercise more caution, delaying letting space expansion and relocation decisions. Consequently, we observe a certain
decreased demand and a lower level of new lettings, with the leasing process taking longer. Conversely, we see an uptick in
lease extensions, as tenants defer decisions until risks subside. On the positive side, high inflation rates have resulted in large
increases in rents as our commercial leases are mostly CPI-indexed or have step-up rents, which more than compensated for the
negative trend in the market, enabling solid rent like-for-like growth. Furthermore, increasing construction costs have resulted
in significant cancellations of projects, resulting in a reduction in new supply in the coming years, which we expect will provide
tailwinds in the mid-to long-term.
13
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Due to prevailing market conditions, our office occupancy has seen a small decline
which was more than offset by increasing rents, resulting in a 3.3% like-for-like rental
income growth for the office portfolio in 2023. Our lease expiry profile remains well-
distributed, giving us a headroom to address challenges effectively. Approximately
75%
of our office tenants are governments or multi-national and large domestic corporations
which provides stability of cash flows. Furthermore, German and Dutch office markets
remain better positioned than US and UK markets, maintaining a healthy vacancy rate
even amidst economic uncertainty. German and Dutch office markets also showcase
more efficient utilization of office space with higher attendance, fostering a sustainable
hybrid model while US & UK office markets were oversupplied even before this period
of economic uncertainty. Looking ahead, while we anticipate a further decrease in
occupancy, we expect that rent increases will continue to offset this decline. As has
always been the case, we will continue to proactively address challenges and capitalize
on opportunities.
Our residential portfolio, our second largest asset type accounting for 33% of our total
portfolio, held through our stake in GCP, continued to benefit from the widening supply-
demand gap in Germany and London. From an operational perspective, 2023 was a very
strong year, with increasing rents and declining vacancies.
In both markets, the pace of
new supply continues to substantially fail to keep up with strong demand and government
targets, primarily due to higher material, labor, and financing costs, coupled with regulatory
hurdles, making new construction economically less viable. Net migration remained high
in 2023, and the impact of higher mortgage rates on home affordability which drives
more people to rent collectively served as the primary catalysts for the heightened rental
demand. Consequently, the residential portfolio vacancy reached an all-time low of 3.6%.
Low vacancy and strong demand also pushed rents higher, particularly in London, where
rent adjustments are not regulated, enabling to capture inflation faster than in Germany.
As a result, our residential portfolio recorded a like-for-like rental growth of 3.4% in
2023. Throughout 2023 we slightly increased our holding rate in GCP to 63% currently
as compared to 60% as of December 2022, utilizing the opportunity to strengthen our
position in a stable and strong cash flow generating portfolio at an attractive share price.
We expect the underlying market dynamics in our residential markets to persist in the
coming years, allowing us to benefit from these stable operational tailwinds while limiting
the downside risk.
Our hotel portfolio accounts for 21% of our total portfolio. The hospitality industry, also
in 2023, continued its recovery after the pandemic effects, witnessing a steady increase
in both the occupancy and average daily room rate among operators throughout the
year. While leisure demand has recovered faster, business and international travel as well
as conferences took longer to recover. This slower recovery particularly affected certain
hotel markets in Germany which rely in part on business travelers. Despite this, corporate
travel started to pick up towards the later part of 2023, especially with the return of
trade fairs and conferences. International travel continued to recover as well. Leisure
travel has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels and growth has stabilized. However, in
2023 hotel tenants’ margins remained pressured due to cost inflation and widespread
staffing shortages. However, we were able to increase our collection rate to 87%,
up from
69% in 2022 and 48% in 2021. We believe that we have successfully navigated through
the operational challenges we encountered during and after the pandemic, followed
by the rapid increase in operational costs and operational disruptions. We expect to be
back to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
STRENGTHENED THE LIQUIDITY AND BALANCE SHEET THROUGH
DISPOSALS, LIABILITY MANAGEMENT EXERCISES AND CASH RETENTION
During 2023, we reinforced our high liquidity position with disposals and new bank debt
which supported our pro-active liability management activities. Our cash and liquid
assets increased to €3 billion mainly from disposals and new debt funding, allowing for
deleveraging activities. We closed over €1.2 billion of disposals during 2023 encompassing
a variety of asset types, locations and deal sizes, including development rights. Our
diversified portfolio and the extensive reach of our deal-sourcing network give us a
competitive edge, allowing us to re-focus on markets that are relatively more active than
others, while our strong liquidity position and clean debt maturity schedule provide us
the time and flexibility to execute deals on terms we see as favorable. Signed disposals
amounted to €0.9 billion in 2023, of which €0.2 billion was not closed as of 2023.
We accessed additional liquidity through bank financing where we utilized our strong
banking relationships and large amount of unencumbered assets to sign ca. €1 billion
in new bank debt, which has enabled us to increase our total liquidity and target bond
buybacks. Our diversified asset mix and locations again gave us a competitive edge,
especially in an environment with tightened lending standards. Our new bank debt, raised
at an average maturity of over 7 years and an average interest rate margin of 1.4% plus
Euribor, featured mostly capped rates, positioning us favorably for potential decreases in
base rates. As of the end of December 2023, we retain ca. €18 billion in unencumbered
assets, giving us to the flexibility to raise significant additional secured financing if needed.
Additionally, we have utilized several measures to retain our cash liquidity which include a
more selective approach towards executing capex measures, suspending dividend payments
in 2023 and not calling the perpetual notes which do not have any repayment obligations.
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These measures substantially reinforced our liquidity position, enabling active liability
management measures to support deleveraging and extend the debt maturity profile.
Throughout 2023, we repurchased approx.
€1.3 billion in primarily nearer term bonds
at a discount
thereby reducing leverage and strengthening the equity base. Buying
back short-term bonds supports our cash preservation strategy as upcoming maturities
are repurchased at a discount while also saving on coupon payments. As a result,
16%
of total debt maturing in 2024-2026 has been repurchased. Thanks to all these
strategic measures taken, we currently have a liquidity position of €3.0 billion, which
including expected proceeds from signed disposals and vendor loans covers debt
maturities until mid-2026.
VALUATIONS
In 2023, the fast increasing interest rates continued to negatively impact valuations
across all asset types and locations. These elevated rates concurrently resulted in
a muted transaction market marked by significantly lower volume than historical
levels. The absence of robust transactional evidence introduced an additional layer
of uncertainty, creating disparities among market participants’ expectations. However,
strong rental growth in the portfolio and market rents have partially counteracted the
effects of yield expansion on the valuations. In total, we registered a like-for-like value
decline of 11% as of December 2023. Accordingly, the average yield increased from 4.5%
in 2022 to 5.0% in 2023. Office properties were significantly impacted, experiencing
a value decline of 13%. Residential assets registered a smaller decline compared to
offices with 8%. Hotel assets have recorded the least devaluations at 6%, with the post-
pandemic recovery countering the impact of higher interest rates. Developments rights
remain the most impacted, with 21% value decline, as larger discount and cap rates for
future cash flows and higher capex costs impact development project valuations the
most. Development rights constitute only a minimal portion of the overall portfolio.
While the future trajectory of property valuations remains uncertain, a stable labor
market and an economy that has defied gloomy expectations remain positive catalysts
while any potential revival of the transaction markets due to lower rates would offer
greater clarity moving forward.
Our deleveraging activities helped partially offset the negative valuation impacts. From
June 2022 until year-end 2023, the property values declined by
14
% while our LTV
increased by 3 percentage points. As outlined above, deleveraging activities included
disposals, bond buybacks at discount, suspension of dividends, not exercising the option
to call perpetual notes, cash collection from financial assets, and operational profitability.
We retain a significant headroom to our bond covenants
which is one of the highest
among listed European real estate sector
, and our strong liquidity covers the debt
maturities until mid-2026. Our high operational profitability and financial discipline
resulted in an ICR of 4.2 in 2023 with further financial flexibility provided by €17.9
billion in unencumbered assets.
ESG PROGRESS
We are pleased to highlight some of our notable accomplishments throughout the
year, signifying substantial strides across the three different ESG fronts. It is essential
to recognize that this achievement is a direct outcome of the diligent efforts and
commitment exhibited by our Sustainability team and various teams across the entire
organization. Our approach to sustainability extends beyond a standalone initiative, as
we have ingrained sustainability processes and accountability within every facet of our
business operations. The progress made signifies our commitment to advancing ESG
targets, and we remain dedicated to further enhancements to ensure the realization
of these goals.
Environmental
In 2023, our commitment to sustainability was reinforced by ongoing efforts to secure green
certifications for our office portfolio, complemented by targeted green investments and
refurbishments aimed at reducing emissions. Notably, we achieved significant milestones in
BREEAM certification, fully certifying our Dutch office portfolio. The successful certification
of the Dutch office portfolio, initiated as a pilot project in 2021, served as a foundation for
knowledge transfer across the entire portfolio, leading to the certification of our first German
offices in 2023. Consequently,
36
% of our office portfolio is now certified, a substantial
increase from the 15% recorded last year. Looking ahead, we plan to gradually certify our
German offices and are concurrently exploring certification options for our hotel portfolio.
Furthermore, we continued our renewable and energy efficiency investments in 2023.
Leveraging green installations which target carbon reduction via installation of
renewable energy systems, we equipped buildings with solar panels and energy efficient
heating units (Combined Heat and Power) with a maximum capacity of over 6 million
kWh pa, translating to over 2,000 tons of avoided CO
2
. In addition, we installed approx.
400 EV charging sockets across our portfolio. These initiatives contribute to
our society’s
shared CO
2
reduction path while also leading to improved green building certifications,
heightened demand, and increased overall value. Parallel efforts focused on enhancing
energy efficiency through regular refurbishments, including roof, facade, window, and
lighting replacements. These measures save on energy loss resulting from inefficient
insulation/lighting and thus contribute to reduced energy consumption and CO
2
tax,
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benefiting both us and our tenants. The resulting improvement in energy performance
not only aligns with our sustainability goals but also enhances tenant demand and
overall property value. Our dedication to these initiatives exemplifies our commitment
to a sustainable future.
Social
On the social side, we dedicated our efforts to actively engage with and contribute to
the well-being of our communities, enhance the quality of tenant services, and elevate
our standing as an employer of choice. Through the Aroundtown and GCP foundations,
we sustained meaningful partnerships with charities that delivered targeted assistance
across our diverse portfolio locations, collaborating with local associations. Our projects
were aimed at improving child and youth education and healthcare, fostering job readiness
for disadvantaged young individuals, supporting initiatives for underprivileged youth,
extending solidarity to ethnic minorities, and more. In 2023 alone, we made contributions
to local partners through both the Aroundtown and GCP foundations spanning
over 90
impactful projects.
Additionally, our focus on delivering high-quality tenant services persisted across both
commercial and residential sectors. Offering 24/7 tenant support company-wide, we
achieved TÜV re-certification for both service centers in 2023. Notably, GCP’s residential
tenant service center received the “Fairest Customer Service” award, while the migration
of service requests to the GCP App enhanced efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
Moreover, our commitment to providing training and development opportunities and
establishing ourselves as a top employer continued to make strides. Aroundtown earned
the distinction of being awarded “Top Company 2024” by Kununu, a leading platform for
employer reviews and feedback on corporate culture, placing us among the top 5% of
companies on the platform as rated by employees. Furthermore, GCP received the “Most
Wanted Start 2024” award for its in-house apprenticeship program, granted by the ZEIT
publishing group and Kununu. Our focus on fostering in-house talent through workshops
and opportunities for developing both soft and hard skills ensures that we remain a high-
performing company poised for success in the future.
Governance, Indices and Awards
Throughout 2023, we remained dedicated to the enhancement of our processes, policies,
and reporting standards. Notably, our 2023 annual report marks a significant milestone
as it embraces an integrated format, presenting the non-financial reporting alongside our
comprehensive financial report. Upholding rigorous standards for financial transparency
and sustainability reporting, we are proud to have earned the EPRA BPR Gold award
for the 7
th
consecutive time and the EPRA sBPR Gold award for the 6
th
consecutive year.
Our steadfast commitment to diversity and anti-discrimination is acknowledged by our
inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender Equity Index. We also maintained our strong rating
with Sustainalytics in the low-risk category and are ranked among top 6
th
percentile
globally across all industries. Our prominence in other ESG indices, such as the Dow
Jones Sustainability Index and MDAX ESG + Index, further reinforces our commitment to
sustainable practices.
I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to our
exceptional teams for their hands-on approach, unwavering
commitment and tireless efforts throughout the past year.
Looking into 2024, we are confident that our robust platform,
well-diversified portfolio and high liquidity equip us not only to
navigate current challenges but also to seize new opportunities
that may unfold in the year ahead.
Barak Bar-Hen
March 27, 2024
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16
The Strategy and
Business Model
Value creation
Acquisition and takeover
below market prices
Repositioning and
operational improvements
Robust cash
flows
supported by strong tenant structure as well
as capital recycling by selling non-core and mature assets.
Disposals to be channeled into deleveraging
Additionally continuing to extract
value and rights from the properties
Sourcing and targeting acquisitions in central locations
in top tier cities with growth and upside potential
AT‘s value creation starts prior to acquisition
1
2
3
4
5
Berlin
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1)
SOURCING AND TARGETING ACQUISITIONS IN CENTRAL LOCATIONS
IN TOP TIER CITIES WITH GROWTH AND UPSIDE POTENTIAL
Aroundtown’s property sourcing success stems from its unique network as well as
its reputation as a reliable real estate acquisition partner. The Group focuses on
acquiring value-add properties in central locations of top tier cities characterized by
below market rent levels, inefficient cost or lease structure and/or vacancy reduction
potential. With two decades of experience in the real estate markets, the Group
benefits from a preferred buyer status across its sourcing network. The Group sources
deals from a large and diverse deal sourcing base, such as receivers, banks, loan funds,
broker networks, distressed owners, private and institutional investors and court
auctions. The Group’s primary focus is on major cities and metropolitan areas with
positive demographic prospects.
The Group follows acquisition criteria which ensure that newly acquired properties
align with its business model. These criteria include:
Focus on central locations in top tier EU cities
Value-add potential through operational improvements
Cash flow generating assets
Rent level per sqm below market level (under-rented properties)
Purchase price below replacement cost and below market values
Potential to reduce operational cost per sqm significantly
Due to the experience and knowledge of its board and management, the Group is
able to consider all possible uses for properties that it acquires, including altering
the property’s primary use in order to target specific supply shortages in the market.
The Group believes that its business model provides it with a strong and sustainable
competitive advantage.
2)
ACQUISITION AND TAKEOVER BELOW MARKET PRICES
After a potential property passes an initial screening, the property is further assessed
in order to take into account the specific features of each project while ensuring that
the acquisition is in line with the Group’s overall business strategy. AT believes that its
experience in analyzing properties with value creation potential, and in identifying
both the potential risks and the upside potential of each property, results in fast, but
thorough and reliable, screening procedures.
Once a property is acquired, the actual takeover occurs swiftly and efficiently. Because
liquidity plays a significant role in the acquisition of value-add properties, AT benefits
strongly from its solid liquidity position and its ability to acquire properties with
existing resources and refinance the acquisition at a later stage. The Group also
benefits from a strong and experienced legal department, which, combined with
close and longstanding relationships with external law firms, enables AT to complete
multiple deals simultaneously.
3) REPOSITIONING AND OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS
As a specific tailored business plan is constructed for each property, and the
weaknesses and strengths are identified pre-acquisition, the execution of the
repositioning process becomes smoother and faster. The business plan input is
integrated into AT’s IT/ software platform which enables the management to monitor
all operational and financial parameters and fully control the repositioning progress.
The success of the repositioning of the properties is the result of the following
functions:
Operational and marketing initiatives
The initial repositioning activities aim at minimizing the time until the profitability of
the acquired properties is improved. Targeted marketing activities are implemented
to increase occupancy and thereby rental income. Vacancy reduction initiatives
are tailored to the specific property type. Procedures applied to AT’s commercial
properties include establishing a network of internal and external, as well as
local and nationwide letting brokers, offering promotional features and building
a reputation in the market for high service standards. For the Group’s hotel assets,
optimal operators are selected and a fixed long-term lease contract is entered into
once the hotel is repositioned. Initiatives for the Group’s residential properties target
relationship building with potential tenants and the local community by collaborating
with local municipalities, supporting community initiatives and advertising on key
real estate platforms.
Rent increase and tenant restructuring, assessed during the due diligence process,
are executed according to the property’s business plan. Furthermore, the operational
improvements the Group initiates improve the living quality or business environment
for existing and future tenants, resulting in increased demand for these repositioned
assets.
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18
Having identified areas for operational improvements, the Group drills down on cost
saving opportunities on a per unit basis, making use of modern technologies such
as consumption-based meters. These efforts, combined with cost savings achieved
through vacancy reductions and economies of scale, enable the Group to benefit
from a significant improvement of the cost base and therefore higher profitability.
AT manages its entire real estate value chain across acquisition, letting, upkeep and
refurbishment. This integrated approach brings further efficiency benefits, a preferred
landlord status and fast response times to its tenants.
Smart capex investments when required
AT addresses capex needs to keep the properties’ high standards and addresses
the requirements of its existing and prospective tenants. Capital improvements are
discussed in close coordination with committed tenants, allowing an efficient and
cost-effective implementation of the investments. The carried-out investments are
followed up by AT’s experienced construction team.
The financial feasibility of the proposed alterations is balanced against the lease
term, rental income and property acquisition cost and bears quick returns over the
investment period.
Key stakeholder relationship management considering sustainability
matters
Aroundtown’s strategy and business model takes into account the diverse interests
and perspectives of its stakeholders, including its valued employees, both residential
and commercial tenants, municipalities and local communities in which the Group
operates, suppliers and business partners, and investors, and forms an important part
of the approach to sustainable growth. AT understands that without the support of
its stakeholders that the Group would not be able to fully execute on its strategic
goals. Understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of these stakeholders
requires ongoing communication, active engagement, and a commitment to ethical
business practices. Regular feedback mechanisms, community involvement, and a
proactive approach to problem-solving contribute to building trust and long-lasting
relationships with all stakeholders and have been embedded across AT’s business
functions to ensure that their interests are represented and addressed. Aroundtown’s
upstream value chain consists of its investors, its construction and development
partners, and its suppliers. AT takes the next position in its value chain, with its
employees and tenants making up its downstream value chain. Aroundtown’s business
strategy takes into account the sustainability matters identified as material during
its Double Materiality Assessment. Whether these relate to its own workforce, its
supply chain or the energy efficiency of its assets and other environmental matters,
the Group adapts its strategy and underlying processes where necessary to reflect
the impacts and importance of its material sustainability topics.
Aroundtown puts great emphasis on establishing strong relationships with its
tenants to reduce churn rates, to predict as well as strengthen the tenant structure
and thereby positively affect its cash flows in the future. The Group aims to offer
high quality services for both potential and existing tenants. The Group pays great
attention to the industry in which its commercial tenants operate and to their
individual success factors. The Group also offers direct support to its tenants through
add-on facilities at its rental properties such as space extensions to facilitate growth
and smart space redesign to match modern office layouts. The Group supports its
tenants through its TÜV- and ISO 9001:2015-certified commercial and residential
Service Centers with 24/7 availability via various channels. Furthermore, the Group
aims to establish personal relationships between its tenants and its asset and
property managers, providing them with personal contact points, which allows the
Group to react promptly to problems and proactively prolonging existing contracts
in order to optimize and secure long-term revenues.
4)
ROBUST CASH FLOWS SUPPORTED BY STRONG TENANT STRUCTURE
Aroundtown targets the generation of robust cash flows throughout its operations.
This is supported by ongoing cost controls and long-term value creation through
repositioning and operational improvements and by extracting the upside potential
embedded in the portfolio, continuous optimization of the tenant structure and
thereby generating robust internal growth and cash flows.
Capital recycling by selling non-core and mature assets
While the Group’s main focus is on extracting the potential of its portfolio, the Group
also pursues an accretive capital recycling of non-core and/or mature properties. AT
continuously analyzes its portfolio in terms of upside potential to lift and focuses
its resources on properties with higher upside. AT seeks to dispose properties where
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most of the potential has been achieved or which are not in the core locations of
AT. The disposal of such properties enables capital recycling and provides firepower
to pursue new opportunities with high upside potential on one hand and increases
the quality of the portfolio on the other.
Addionally, proceeds from disposals enable
the Company to buy back debt, strengthen the balance sheet and reduce leverage.
5)
EXTRACTING BUILDING RIGHTS FROM UNUSED OR UNDERUTILIZED
LAND OR CONVERSION RIGHTS FROM EXISTING PROPERTIES AND
NEW LAND
As part of the value creation process, Aroundtown identifies and extracts building
rights from unused or underutilized existing and new land and buildings and
conversion rights, providing an additional internal growth driver. AT assesses
internally the best use for the rights and advances on to maintain the discussion
with authorities, engineers and architects in order to realize plans into permits. Once
the planning and permit phases are completed, Aroundtown analyzes each project
individually and decides the best way to realize the value into proceeds. Aroundtown
does not intend to fully build and develop all of the rights and estimates that most
of the rights will be disposed.
Tuscany
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20
EXPERIENCED BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
AT’s board and management can draw on a wealth of experience in the real estate
market and associated sectors. This enables the Group to continuously innovate,
make strategic decisions quickly and accurately, and successfully grow. The Group’s
remarkable growth since inception into one of the largest real estate companies
in Europe has created two key benefits in this regard: on one hand, the ability to
attract managers and employees that redefine the industry, and on the other hand
the internalization of a knowledge and experience pool at a fraction of the cost in
relation to its portfolio.
This knowledge is communicated and utilized across the Group and its business
units which shapes its processes and operational improvements.
AT’s management possesses the knowledge that makes up its main competitive
advantage, the ability to extract the operational and value potential from its assets.
This includes the ability to execute the business plan successfully, which includes
executing vacancy reduction activities, establishing cost efficiency measures, set-
ting rent increase processes, understanding tenant structures, and optimizing rental
contracts in terms of lease maturity and income security. Cross-sector experience
enables the extraction of the full value of the properties and operational experience
improves the monitoring and reduction of costs.
DEAL SOURCING AND ABILITY TO CREATE ACCRETIVE GROWTH
The Group’s acquisition track record over the past two decades has led it to become
a market leader and have a preferred acquirer status, primarily due to its professional
approach, fast and high execution rates, and reliability.
The Group has a proven track record of acquiring properties with various value-add
drivers and successfully extracting the upside potential. This activity is accompa
-
nied by a pipeline and acquisition of attractive properties and the successful tran-
sition of the existing properties into mature assets, generating secure long-term
cash flows. This large network also enables Aroundtown to dispose properties.
QUALITY LOCATIONS IN TOP TIER CITIES
The Group’s assets are primarily located in two of Europe’s strongest economies
with AAA sovereign ratings: Germany and the Netherlands. Within these countries,
the Group focuses on central locations in top tier cities including Germany’s capital
Berlin, the financial center Frankfurt, the wealthiest cities Munich and Hamburg, the
large metropolitan area of North Rhine-Westphalia, Netherlands’ financial center
and capital Amsterdam, Europe’s biggest port Rotterdam and Germany’s dynamic
metropolitan regions in the east Dresden and Leipzig. The Group’s assets are further
diversified into other top cities with strong economic fundamentals, such as one
of Europe’s main financial centers and most popular touristic destination, London.
CONSERVATIVE FINANCING STRUCTURE
AT’s conservative capital structure approach is reflected in an LTV of 43% as of
December 31, 2023, below the
Board of Directors’ guidance of 45%. Aroundtown’s
management views the conservative debt metrics as vital to secure long-term
financial strength. The Company continuously analyzes financing opportunities and
aims to take advantage of the optimal source of capital in each market environment.
In the current market environment the Company focuses on secured financing at
relatively attractive rates.
Key Strengths
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FINANCIAL POLICY
Aroundtown has set a financial policy to improve its capital structure further:
LTV guidance below 45% on a sustainable basis
Debt to debt-plus-equity ratio at 45% (or lower) on a sustainable basis
Maintaining conservative financial ratios with a strong ICR
Unencumbered assets above 50% of total assets
Long debt maturity profile
Good mix of long-term unsecured bonds & bank loans
Dividend distribution of 75% of FFO I per share*
Aroundtown’s conservative capital structure, strong track record in accessing capital
markets and its strong relationships to mortgage banks enable the Group to finance
its funding needs. The Group maintains a robust liquidity position through a mix of
operational cash flow generation and balance of cash and liquid assets which as of
December 31, 2023 amounted to €3.0 billion. Additionally, undrawn RCF’s of €1 billion
(no MAC) and a high ratio of unencumbered investment properties of 74% (by rent,
€17.9 billion in total value) as of December 31, 2023 provide for additional financial
flexibility.
*The decision is subject to market conditions and AGM approval
Frankfurt
Berlin
Maintaining high
interest cover ratio
(ICR)
4.4
YEARS
2.2%
Average
debt maturity
Average
cost of debt
4.2x
FY 2023
FY 2022
Financing sources mix
Loan-To-Value
Board of Directors’ guidance of 45%
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
40%
43
%
High unencumbered assets ratio
€17.9BN
74
%
Dec 2022
Dec 2023
82%
Straight bonds and schuldscheins
Loans & borrowings
Total Equity
of which Perpetual Notes
of which Mandatory Convertible Notes
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
7%
41%
41%
55%
52%
5.2x
4%
INVESTMENT GRADE CREDIT RATING
AT has a BBB+ (outlook negative) rating by Standard & Poor’s ratings services (“S&P”). S&P acknowledges AT’s strong business
profile and large portfolio with great scale and diversification, well balanced across multiple asset types and regions with no
dependency on a single asset type or region, together with a large and diverse tenant base and long lease structures. Since the
initial credit rating of ‘BBB-’ received from S&P in December 2015, AT’s rating was upgraded twice to the ‘BBB+’ rating.
OUTLOOK
NEGATIVE
BBB
BBB
DEC 2023
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Frankfurt
Asset Type
Strongly diversified portfolio with a focus in offices,
residential and hotels.
Tenant
High tenant diversification with no material tenant or
industry dependency.
Commercial portfolio with over 3,000 tenants and
residential portfolio with very granular tenant base.
Industry
Each location has different key industries and
fundamentals driving the demand.
Therefore, the Group‘s tenants are diversified into
distinct sectors, eliminating the dependency on a
single industry.
Location
The portfolio is focused on the strongest economies in
Europe: 82% of the Group‘s portfolio is in Germany and
the Netherlands, both AAA rated countries.
Focus on top tier cities of Germany and the Netherlands
and on London.
Well-distributed across multiple regions with a large
footprint in top tier cities such as Berlin, Munich, and
Frankfurt.
Well-Diversified Group Portfolio
with Focus on Strong Value Drivers
Aroundtown’s
Quality Portfolio
TOTAL
PORTFOLIO:
€25BN*
*including development rights & invest
and excluding properties held for sale
Residential 33%
Office 40
%
GROUP
ASSET TYPE
BREAKDOWN
December 2023
by value*
Retail
4%
Logistics /
Other
2%
Hotel 21
%
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24
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Two of the strongest
economies in Europe with
AAA credit rating
Among the lowest
unemployment
levels in Europe
Low debt/GDP
levels compared to
European average
8 of the 15 largest
metropolitans in the EU
are in Germany & The NL
Together making up
more than a quarter
of the EU‘s economy
Group Portfolio
Overview
Germany & The Netherlands:
82% of the portfolio
Rotterdam
Amsterdam
Utrecht
Frankfurt
Hannover
Wiesbaden
NRW
Mannheim
Mainz
Stuttgart
Dresden
Munich
Bremen
Hamburg
Berlin
Leipzig
Halle
Nuremberg-Fuerth
inhabitants per sqkm
(Destatis & CBS, 2021 & 2022)
POPULATION DENSITY
IN GERMANY AND
THE NETHERLANDS
High Geographical
Diversification
Berlin is the single largest location.
AT is a leading landlord in Berlin
across multiple asset types.
*including development rights & invest and excluding properties held for sale
GROUP
REGIONAL
DISTRIBUTION
December 2023
by value*
Others
20%
Dresden/Leipzig/
Halle
7%
Munich
7%
London
8%
Frankfurt
7%
Rotterdam
1%
Utrecht
1%
Nuremberg
1%
Bremen
1%
Hannover
1%
Stuttgart/BB
1%
Amsterdam
2%
Hamburg/LH
2%
Wiesbaden/Mainz/
Mannheim
3%
Berlin 24%
NRW 14%
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Berlin
Leipzig
Meuse (Netherlands, Center Parcs)
Berlin
Alexanderplatz
AT has over
140,000 SQM
lettable space in the prime commercial
and tourist center Alexanderplatz
Hackescher Market
Dircksenstrasse
9k sqm
Alexanderplatz
Rathausstraße
11k sqm
Alexanderplatz
Karl-Liebknecht-Straße
34k sqm
Alexanderplatz
Karl-Liebknecht-Straße
24k sqm
Alexanderplatz
Karl-Liebknecht-Straße
6k sqm
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderstraße
55k sqm
Alexanderplatz
Bernhard-Weiß-Straße
2k sqm
Alexanderplatz
Train Station
Berlin TV Tower
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*Map representing approx. 95% of the portfolio
Commercial
properties
Residential
properties
Central locations within top tier cities:
A Berlin example
BEST-IN-CLASS BERLIN PORTFOLIO
Mitte
Pankow
Reinickendorf
Spandau
Charlottenburg-
Wilmersdorf
Steglitz-
Zehlendorf
Tempelhof-
Schöneberg
Friedrichshain-
Kreuzberg
Neukölln
Treptow-
Köpenick
Marzahn-
Hellersdorf
Lichtenberg
of the portfolio is located in top tier
neighborhoods including Charlotten-
burg, Wilmersdorf, Mitte, Kreuzberg,
Friedrichshain, Lichtenberg, Schöneberg,
Neukölln, Steglitz and Potsdam
85
%
15
%
of the portfolio is well located primarily in
Reinickendorf, Spandau, Treptow, Köpenick
and Marzahn-Hellersdorf
TOP 4
OFFICE
CITIES:
Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt
and Amsterdam make up
61%
of the office portfolio.
AT is the leading office landlord in
Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich among
publicly listed peers
OFFICE: High Quality
Offices in Top Tier Cities
Rotterdam
3%
Dresden/Leipzig/Halle
4%
Amsterdam 5%
OFFICE
December 2023
by value
Berlin 27%
Frankfurt 15%
Munich 14%
NRW 11%
Utrecht
2%
Wiesbaden/Mainz/Mannheim
3%
Nuremberg
1%
Hamburg
1%
Stuttgart
2%
London
1%
Others
8%
Warsaw
2%
Hannover
1%
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Berlin
Dresden
Cologne
Utrecht
Amsterdam
Leipzig
Munich
Rotterdam
Berlin
Stuttgart
Frankfurt
HOTELS: Focus on Central Locations,
Quality and Operators with Brand Recognition
Over 150 hotels across top locations with fixed long-term leases with third party hotel operators
AT’s hotel portfolio, valued at €4.6 billion as of
December 2023, is well diversified and covers a
total of 1.6m sqm. The hotels are branded under a
range of globally leading branding partners which
offer key advantages such as worldwide reservation
systems, global recognition, strong loyalty programs,
quality perception and benefits from economies of
scale. The hotel assets are let to hotel operators
which are selected according to their capabilities,
track record and experience. AT’s management
participates in the branding decision of the hotel,
applying its expertise in selecting the optimal brand.
Meuse
(Netherlands, Center Parcs)
7%
Rome
3%
Athens
3%
Limburg
(Belgium, Center Parcs)
7%
Paris
6%
Brussels
5%
Dresden/Leipzig/Halle
3%
Hamburg/
Lüneburger Heide (Center Parcs)
4
%
Drenthe
(Netherlands, Center Parcs)
3%
Eindhoven/Brabant
(Center Parcs)
4%
HOTELS
December 2023
by value
Berlin 19%
NRW 7%
London
1
%
Wiesbaden/Mainz/Mannheim
2
%
Hannover/ Braunschweig
3
%
Others
17
%
Munich/BR
2
%
S
tralsund/Rügen/Usedom
1
%
Frankfurt
2
%
Stuttgart/BB
1
%
Hotels leased to third party operators and franchised with various strong brands and a large scale of categories which provides high flexibility for the branding of its assets
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DIVERSE EUROPEAN METROPOLITAN FOOTPRINT
Fixed long term leases with third party hotel operators
Aroundtown’s hotel assets are well-diversified and well-located across major European
metropolitans, with a focus on Germany.
The locations of AT’s hotel assets benefit from a
strong tourism industry since they are some of Europe’s most visited cities as well as top
business locations such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne, Paris, Rome and Brussels.
High Geographical
Diversification
Berlin
Cologne
Cologne
Berlin
Davos
Berlin
Hamburg/ Lüneburger Heide (Center Parcs)
Eindhoven/Brabant (Netherlands, Center Parcs)
Bad Saarow (Brandenburg/Berlin)
Brussels
Rome
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Grand City
Properties
Residential portfolio
The residential portfolio is primarily held through a 63% stake in
Grand City Properties (“GCP”) excluding the shares GCP holds in
treasury (61% including these shares) as of December 31, 2023.
GCP is a leading market player in the German residential market
and a specialist in value-add opportunities in densely populated
areas, predominantly in Germany, as well as in London. GCP is
a publicly listed real estate company, traded on the Frankfurt
Stock Exchange. Since July 1, 2021, GCP is consolidated in AT’s
financial accounts, providing the Group with a well-balanced
portfolio breakdown. GCP holds 63k units in its portfolio
with the properties spread across densely populated areas in
Germany, with a focus on Berlin, North Rhine-Westphalia and
the metropolitan regions of Dresden, Leipzig and Halle, as well
as London. GCP includes a relatively small share of commercial
properties which AT reclassifies into their relevant asset class.
GCP puts a strong emphasis on growing relevant skills in-house
to improve responsiveness and generate innovation across
processes and departments. Through its 24/7 Service Center
and by supporting local community initiatives, GCP established
industry-leading service standards and lasting relationships with
its tenants. For more information, please visit GCP’s
website
.
OUTLOOK
NEGATIVE
Berlin
GCP
REGIONAL
DISTRIBUTION
December 2023
by value
NRW 21%
London 19%
Berlin 23%
Dresden/
Leipzig/
Halle 14%
Hamburg/Bremen
5%
Nuremberg/Fürth/Munich
3%
Mannheim/KL/ Frankfurt/Mainz
5%
Others
10%
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Further Portfolio Diversification
through Logistics/Other and Retail
Retail: Largest focus is on resilient essential goods tenants and grocery-anchored
properties catering strong and stable demand from local residential neighborhoods
Dresden
Berlin
Hamburg
8
%
Dresden/Leipzig/Halle
5
%
NRW
4
%
Stuttgart
2
%
Hannover
4
%
Others
5
%
Munich
1
%
LOGISTICS/
OTHER
December 2023
by value
Berlin 42%
Kassel 29%
Amsterdam
5
%
Frankfurt/Mainz
4%
Others
14%
Hamburg
5
%
Rostock
1
%
Dresden/Leipzig/Halle
2%
Stuttgart/BB
1%
RETAIL
December 2023
by value
Berlin 43%
NRW 25%
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36
December 2023
Investment
properties
(in €M)
Area
(in k sqm)
EPRA
vacancy
Annualized
net rent
(in €M)
In-place rent
per sqm
(in €)
Value
per sqm
(in €)
Rental
yield
WALT
(in years)
Office
8,961
3,221
12.8%
451
12.9
2,782
5.0%
4.2
Residential
7,715
3,653
3.6%
370
8.6
2,112
4.8%
NA
Hotel
4,584
1,567
3.2%
238
13.0
2,926
5.2%
14.5
Logistics/Other
399
434
9.2%
24
5.0
920
6.1%
5.1
Retail
1,081
516
12.3%
59
10.7
2,095
5.5%
4.3
Development rights & Invest
1,892
Total
24,632
9,391
7.9%
1,142
10.7
2,421
5.0%
7.4
Total (GCP at relative consolidation)
21,421
7,893
8.5%
991
11.1
2,481
5.1%
7.5
Asset type overview
Regional overview
December 2023
Investment
properties
(in €M)
Area
(in k sqm)
EPRA
vacancy
Annualized
net rent
(in €M)
In-place rent
per sqm
(in €)
Value
per sqm
(in €)
Rental
yield
Berlin
5,197
1,428
7.5%
208
12.7
3,638
4.0%
NRW
3,310
1,922
8.4%
186
8.4
1,722
5.6%
London
1,841
235
4.2%
92
35.6
7,852
5.0%
Dresden/Leipzig/Halle
1,625
1,071
4.2%
87
6.9
1,517
5.3%
Munich
1,573
524
9.9%
57
9.5
3,004
3.6%
Frankfurt
1,474
486
16.0%
71
14.4
3,036
4.8%
Wiesbaden/Mainz/Mannheim
650
264
7.4%
35
11.6
2,457
5.5%
Amsterdam
568
159
10.0%
28
15.4
3,575
4.9%
Hamburg/LH
451
180
4.7%
27
12.6
2,502
6.0%
Hannover
250
156
17.2%
14
9.1
1,603
5.5%
Stuttgart/BB
235
117
16.5%
13
11.1
2,014
5.4%
Rotterdam
211
84
1.7%
16
14.4
2,512
7.4%
Utrecht
185
70
7.7%
12
14.1
2,628
6.4%
Other
5,170
2,695
7.1%
296
9.7
1,918
5.7%
Development rights & Invest
1,892
Total
24,632
9,391
7.9%
1,142
10.7
2,421
5.0%
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Capital Markets
KEY INDEX INCLUSIONS
Aroundtown’s share is a constituent of several major indices such as
MDAX, MDAX ESG+,
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Index Series, MSCI World Small Cap, DJSI Europe
as well as
GPR 100
& 250, GPR Global Top 100 ESG
and
DIMAX
.
INVESTOR RELATIONS ACTIVITIES
The Group is proactively approaching a large investor audience in order to present its
business strategy, provide insight into its progress and create awareness of its overall
activities to enhance its perception in the market. AT participates in a vast amount of
various national and international conferences, roadshows, one-on-one presentations and
in virtual video conferences in order to present a platform for open dialogue. Explaining
its unique business strategy in detail and presenting the daily operations allow investors
to gain a full overview about the Group’s successful business approach. The most recent
information is provided on its website and open channels for communication are always
provided. Currently, AT is covered by 19 different research analysts on an ongoing basis,
with reports updated and published regularly.
1)
excluding suspended
voting rights
Placement
Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Market segment
Prime Standard
Trading ticker
AT1
Initial placement
of capital
13.07.2015
Key index
memberships
MDAX
MDAX ESG+
FTSE EPRA /
NAREIT:
– Global
– Developed Europe
– Eurozone
– Germany
– Green Indexes
DJSI Europe
MSCI World Small Cap
GPR 100 & 250
GPR Global Top 100 ESG
DIMAX
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
Number of shares
1,537,025,609
Number of shares,
base for share KPI
calculations
1)
1,093,138,396
AS AT MARCH 26, 2024:
Shareholder Structure
Freefloat: 46%
Shares held in treasury
i)
: 29%
Avisco Group/Vergepoint
ii)
: 15%
Stumpf Capital GmbH
iii)
: 10%
i)
12% are held held through TLG Immobilien AG,
voting rights suspended
ii)
controlled by Yakir Gabay
iii)
controlled by Georg Stumpf
Market cap
€2.6 bn / €1.9 bn
(excl. treasury shares)
TRADING DATA
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38
Share price performance and total return since initial placement of capital (13.07.2015)
EPRA Germany (rebased) +16% total return
MDAX (rebased) +31% total return
Stoxx 600 (rebased) +71% total return
Aroundtown -32% total return
0
3
6
9
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2024
2022
2023
Frankfurt
39
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Berlin
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40
Non-financial
report
Amsterdam
41
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PREPARATION OF THE NON-FINANCIAL REPORT
The content of this report and selected metrics (described as reviewed with relevant
data tables) have been reviewed with limited assurance in accordance with the
International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised). A statement
from the auditors can be found on page 152.
Aroundtown presents its performance measures in alignment with the European
Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) sustainability Best Practice Recommendations
(sBPR) standards throughout this report. Full estimation of value chain data, upstream
and downstream, has not been conducted. Value chain data is only included for
tenant-obtained energy consumption and water usage. Information regarding the
preparation of the data throughout the report can be found in the
EPRA sBPR Data
Preparation
section of this report.
As well as EPRA sBPR, Aroundtown also reports
in reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and conducts Sustainability
Accounting Standards Board (SASB) mapping, which are published in separate
documents in our website.
In preparation for the first compliance window of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability
Reporting Directive (CSRD) in 2025, Aroundtown structured and prepared this
report to be in alignment with the recommendations of the European Sustainability
Reporting Standards (ESRS). This report also includes information published in
compliance with the EU Taxonomy, Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European
Parliament.
The methodology used to prepare the Sustainability Statement is as below:
1.
Identification of Stakeholders
The process began by identifying the stakeholders relevant to Aroundtown, which
involved defining the purpose and scope of the Non-Financial Report and identifying
captured stakeholders. Subsequently, the identified stakeholders’ perspectives were
assessed, and relevant stakeholders were engaged further through a series of topical
interviews.
Internal stakeholders include, but are not limited to, Aroundtown employees from
the following departments: Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety,
Sustainability, Insurance, Data Protection, Real Estate Management, Risk Management,
Energy, Water and Management, Rent Control and Increase, Finance, Advisory, and
Compliance. Other stakeholders include value chain workers, business partners,
investors and tenants.
2.
Problem Mapping
Interviews with key stakeholders were conducted to identify and map financial and non-
financial topics impacting Aroundtown. These interviews were categorized according to
the ESRS standards and questions on these topics were addressed during the sessions.
3.
Data Validation
The information obtained through the interviews was validated by cross-referencing
with other data sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability. This step helped in building
a comprehensive understanding of the materiality of issues. The outcome of the double
materiality assessment (DMA) was then used to prepare this report as much as possible
in accordance with the guidelines set out in the CSRD.
General Information
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42
DOUBLE MATERIALITY ASSESSMENT
Aroundtown applies the principle of materiality as a guide to help identify the
ESG risks, opportunities and significant issues presented by the Group’s business
model. ESG risks are evaluated as part of regular risk assessments and risk planning.
Financial budgets are adjusted to account for material ESG risks. The DMA is a
strategic framework designed to evaluate and understand the dual impact of a
company. On one front, it assesses the impact on the company itself, delving into
financial health, operational efficiency, and employee well-being. Simultaneously, the
assessment extends its gaze to the broader horizon, examining the company’s impact
on people and the planet. This dual focus enables a comprehensive understanding of
not only financial implications but also social responsibility, environmental impact,
and the overall contribution to a sustainable and ethical future.
In 2023, Aroundtown undertook a review of its material topics as part of a
comprehensive sustainability risk assessment under the direction of the Sustainability
Department. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible
business practices, it is critical to emphasize the importance of the DMA assessment
for the development of the Group’s business. This assessment is not just a procedural
requirement, but a strategic imperative with far-reaching implications for the Group’s
success and relevance in an ever-evolving business landscape.
This DMA was performed in alignment with the GRI guidelines and best management
practices. As the assessment process was finalized by mid-June 2023, and the official
CSRD requirements were published at the end of August 2023, the methodology used
for this DMA was not fully aligned with the CSRD requirements and should therefore
be considered as a transitional assessment. Aroundtown thus plans to conduct
another DMA in 2024, aligned to CSRD guidance and requirements. Nevertheless,
the results of the assessment – a selection of material topics – serves the purpose
of this report and the disclosure of all the material topics will be made accordingly.
The DMA was performed in four stages:
1.
Identification
of ESG topics through the review of a list of GRI material topics, as
well as sector-specific material topics.
2. Prioritization
of the topics in order to select a short list of material topics that were
used for further investigation in the next steps of the process.
3. Engagement
with a total of 59 internal stakeholders through both a digital survey
(28 participants) as well as interview sessions (four interviews, 31 participants).
Further engagement with seven external stakeholders through a series of seven
interviews. External stakeholders extended to the upstream value chain with
investors, and the downstream value chain with tenants.
4. Scoring methodology
was developed and implemented in order to make a final list
of material topics that would be used for the disclosure and reporting.
Interviews and a digital survey played a crucial role in the DMA process, providing
both a qualitative and quantitative dimension to the analysis. This approach
ensured a comprehensive exploration of relevant subjects, allowing for a more
in-depth understanding of the stakeholders’ perspectives and insights as well as
their perspectives on ESG priorities and future areas of risk and opportunity for
Aroundtown – all of which informs the Group’s strategy.
The result of the DMA is represented the materiality chart below. An analysis of
the focus areas for the organization and potential commitments/KPIs that can be
considered follows.
Energy and carbon emissions (2.54, 2.82)
1
are the highest priority for all stakeholders.
They believe this is where Aroundtown’s activities have the greatest impact on the
environment. They also believe that the transition to a low carbon economy is likely
to have a high impact on the business. Environmental Compliance (1.27, 2.08) is
the other issue that was considered to have a high impact on the business. General
stakeholder consensus is that the subsequent priorities are as follows: climate change
and resilience (1.20, 1.45), governance (1.25, 1.52) and people (i.e., diversity and
equality (1.32, 1.54), human rights and ethics (1.40, 1.50) and employment and skills
(1.50, 1.32).
1.
Numeric results of the double materiality assessment: (2.54, 2.82) (Impact on people & planet, Impact on company)
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Environmental Compliance
(incl. supply chain)
Sustainable Procurement
Biodiversity
Water Use
Human Rights and Ethics
Diversity and Equality
Employment and Skills
Sustainability Governance
Climate Change and Resilience
Health and Safety
Impact on Company
Impact on People & Planet
Energy and Carbon
Emissions
Governance
Environment
Social
Low impact
Medium impact
High impact
DOUBLE MATERIALITY ASSESSMENT
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44
After the official publication of the ESRS requirements, the DMA’s material topics were assessed against the standards’ topics, sub-topics and sub-sub-topics. The following table
shows an overview of ESRS topics, sub-topics and sub-sub-topics, highlighting those that have been deemed material in the DMA. All the material topics will be addressed in
more detail and according to the ESRS requirements in the relevant chapters of this report.
Topical
ESRS
Sustainability matters covered in topical ESRS
Topic
Sub-topic
Sub-sub-topics
ESRS E1
Climate
Change
Integration of sustainability-related
performance in incentive schemes
Material impacts, risks and opportunities
and their interaction with strategy and
business model
Description of the process to identify
and assess material impacts, risks and
opportunities
Climate change adaptation
Climate change mitigation
Energy
ESRS E2
Pollution
Description of the processes to identify
and assess material impacts,
risks and opportunities
ESRS E3
Water and
Marine
Resources
Description of the processes to identify
and assess material impacts,
risks and opportunities
Water
Water
consumption
ESRS E4
Biodiversity
and
Ecosystems
Description of the processes to identify
and assess material impacts,
risks and opportunities
Impacts on the state of species
Species
population size
ESRS E5
Circular
Economy
Description of the processes to identify
and assess material impacts,
risks and opportunities
Waste
Topical
ESRS
Sustainability matters covered in topical ESRS
Topic
Sub-topic
Sub-sub-topics
ESRS S1
Own
Workforce
Interests and views of stakeholders
Material impacts, risks and
opportunities and their interaction
with strategy and business model
Working conditions
Secure
employment
Working time
Adequate wages
Health and
safety
Equal treatment and opportunities
for all
Gender equality
and equal pay
for work of equal
value
Training
and skills
development
Employment and
inclusion
of persons with
disabilities
Measures
against violence
and harassment
in the workplace
Diversity
Other work-related rights
Child labour
Forced labour
Privacy
MATERIAL TOPICS
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YES
YES
YES
CSRD mandatory- mandatory for everyone
Aroundtown mandatory- material topics scoring 1.41+ in DMA
Not mandatory- topics less than 1.41 in DMA, but Aroundtown will report on this year
The above table shows the individual ESRS standards and whether they are
mandatory or subject to materiality
Topical
ESRS
Sustainability matters covered in topical ESRS
Topic
Sub-topic
Sub-sub-topics
ESRS S2
Workers in
the Value
Chain
Interests and views of stakeholders
Material impacts, risks and
opportunities and their interaction
with strategy and business model
ESRS S3
Affected
Communities
Interests and views of stakeholders
Material impacts, risks and
opportunities and their interaction
with strategy and business model
ESRS S4
Consumers
and
End-Users
Interests and views of stakeholders
Material impacts, risks and
opportunities and their interaction
with strategy and business model
Personal safety of consumers and/or
end-users
Health and
safety
ESRS G1
Business
Conduct
The role of the administrative,
management and supervisory bodies
Description of the processes to identify
and assess material impacts, risks and
opportunities
Corporate culture
Protection of whistle-blowers
Political engagement and lobbying
activities
Management of relationships with
suppliers including payment practices
Prevention
and detection
including
training
Corruption and bribery
Incidents
Standard
Topic
Mandatory
or subject to
materiality?
ESRS 1
General Requirements
Mandatory - sets out
the principles to be
applied, no reporting
requirements
ESRS 2
General Disclosures
Mandatory
ESRS E1
Climate Change
Subject to materiality -
detailed explanation to
be provided if this topic
is deemed to be not
material
ESRS E2
Pollution
Subject to materiality
ESRS E3
Water and Marine Resources
Subject to materiality
ESRS E4
Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Subject to materiality
ESRS E5
Resource Use and Circular Economy
Subject to materiality
ESRS S1
Own Workforce
Subject to materiality
ESRS S2
Workers in the Value Chain
Subject to materiality
ESRS S3
Affected Communities
Subject to materiality
ESRS S4
Consumers and End Users
Subject to materiality
ESRS G1
Business Conduct
Subject to materiality
OVERVIEW OF EUROPEAN SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
STANDARDS (ESRS)
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46
AROUNDTOWN’S ESG STRATEGY
Established by the Board of Directors and monitored by the ESG Committee,
Aroundtown’s ESG Strategy is guided by dedication to operating responsibly,
creating value for the stakeholders, and improving the environmental and social
performance of the Group’s assets. The core of our business model – investing in
value-add opportunities instead of demolition and new asset development –
demonstrates our commitment to sustainable real estate. Overall, our approach and
success are underpinned by a set of comprehensive long-term targets which aim to
deliver tangible benefits for our stakeholders; our investors, tenants, building users,
local communities, employees and the environment.
Our overarching ESG Strategy is detailed throughout this report and has been
designed to focus on the ESG topics which have been identified as relevant to our
business. As a result of our 2023 DMA, we have implemented several changes to
ensure material impacts, risks and opportunities are effectively addressed. Our
Strategy is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our stakeholders and to remain
aligned with legislation and regulation that apply to us.
As described in our Strategy and Business Model section, we source and acquire
assets that follow our selective acquisition criteria and benefit from internal growth
potential, including assets that might be underperforming in terms of ESG aspects
and can be refurbished and repositioned into quality assets. Our refurbishment-first
approach underpins our ESG Strategy as we recognize the benefits of renovating
existing building stock rather than demolishing and developing new assets. By using
this approach, we minimize construction waste during the development process as
well as the energy consumption, biodiversity impacts and noise pollution which
would occur during a full construction project.
Raising assets’ environmental performance is one of our main sustainability
drivers, and we therefore invest also in buildings with development potential from
a sustainability perspective, even if this might require more significant structural
interventions. Fundamentally, the findings of the environmental assessments
undertaken as part of our due diligence enable us to develop comprehensive asset
environmental improvement plans, including a defined catalogue of measures
which are factored into the budget for asset repositioning.
Another
pillar of our ESG strategy is tenant satisfaction. Our tenants are pivotal to our
success, so we are committed to exceptional customer service, tailored management
approaches, and continuous improvement to foster long-term tenant relationships.
Our tenants have access to a 24/7 hotline for emergency support, and our residential
tenants also to a tenant app through which regular communication of events
and relevant information is available. Environmental initiatives, such as BREEAM
certification and energy-saving measures also align with tenants‘ sustainability
preferences, as it has been reflected in previous tenant satisfaction surveys. Future
plans include further digitalization, service enhancements, and a focus on tenant
feedback to refine offerings, demonstrating a proactive, tenant-first approach that
drives both operational excellence and tenant loyalty. Our Tenant Satisfaction Policy
further details our commitments to our tenants and how we ensure high-quality
customer service.
With regard to the satisfaction of its employees, Aroundtown continues to engage
with them through various ways, providing training and professional development
opportunities, as well as channeling their feedback to further shape Aroundtown as
a welcoming and diverse company. We also closely monitor our gender pay gap in an
effort to increase transparency and conform to widely accepted standards.
Furthermore, our Business Partner Code of Conduct and our Human Rights Policy set
out our commitments to act in accordance with internationally recognized standards
of human rights and includes our expectations of our suppliers to ensure our
value chain workers are protected to the same standards we hold ourselves. Both
policies were updated in 2023. In general, Aroundtown’s corporate governance and
compliance with the ever evolving regulatory and legal frameworks in the European
Union have been of great importance to the Group and at the core of our business.
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Frankfurt
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48
Environmental Information
CLIMATE CHANGE
Long-Term Targets
Achieve a 40% reduction in CO
2
intensity by 2030 against the 2019 baseline,
measured in CO
2
-equivalent emissions intensity (CO
2
e/m
2
)
Achieve a 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2030 against the 2019 baseline,
measured in kWh/m
2
Switch electricity to Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) certified renewable
electricity from wind, hydro-electric and solar PV sources by 2027
Ensure our portfolio’s increasing resilience to climate-related risks through the
implementation of adaptation solutions and retrofitting of our assets
Continue building climate risk assessment capacities and data collection to allow
asset specific and forward-looking planning and actions
Follow technological developments in the real estate sector, as well as products
and services offered by prop-tech companies to adopt cutting-edge climate change
adaptation solutions
2024 Goals
Set up a new database for environmental data, allowing semi-automated data
collection through a mobile app for facility managers
Source 7% of our procured energy from PPA renewables
Conduct 500 energy assessments and energy efficient retrofit plans
Continue to assess the Group’s portfolio stranding risk
Begin to expand our portfolio-level physical climate risk assessment to an
asset-level to further guide the implementation of asset-specific climate change
adaptation solutions
Continue to implement climate change adaptation plans determined in 2022 and 2023
Climate Change Mitigation
Over recent years, from a global community standpoint, we have truly recognized
the crucial role we play in mitigating the negative effects of climate change- the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has made it clear that the
international community must limit global warming to +1.5°C in comparison
to pre-industrial times. Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions worldwide, this will not be possible. We understand the gravity of the
situation as demonstrated in the results of our DMA which identified energy and
carbon emissions as the most material topic for our business. As emissions from
buildings and construction make up around 40% of annual global emissions, we are
undertaking significant mitigation efforts to drive this transition.
There is increasing pressure from investors, governments and regulators, and
society for urgent action to reduce the adverse impact of the built environment on
climate change. A key development which continues to drive change is the phased
introduction of the EU Taxonomy. This legislation requires large, listed companies
like Aroundtown to align their approach with strict criteria across fundamental
environmental objectives on climate change, water, waste, pollution, and biodiversity.
Our second full assessment against the EU Taxonomy Key Performance Indicators for
the environmental objective Climate Change Mitigation can be found in the EU
Taxonomy section of this report.
Aroundtown Group Carbon Reduction Strategy
Our fundamental commitment to climate change mitigation is our target of a 40%
reduction in CO
2
emissions intensity by 2030, against our 2019 baseline. In order to
achieve this ambitious goal, we developed our Group-wide Environmental and Energy
Policy, to establish how efficiency and renewable energy projects will be targeted,
identified, implemented and monitored.
Guiding our actions on this target is the Group’s CO
2
Pathway, which monitors our
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progress towards achieving this 40% reduction target and forecasts the rate of
reductions which must be made to reach it. Data on current energy performance and
EPC ratings are combined with metrics on potential improvement measures to develop
a model of the entire portfolio. The suite of possible measures is determined from onsite
audits, desk-based energy simulations and EPC recommendations. Using this data,
possible combinations of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems
are considered, to assess how transition risks can be mitigated at each property. These
insights are considered alongside broader market and regulatory factors, to develop an
action plan for investments which aligns with the required carbon reduction.
The measures incorporated in the modeling of our CO
2
pathway include upgrades
to current building fabric and systems and more sophisticated renewable energy
measures such as air source heat pumps and CHP systems. Further advanced
technologies, such as micro wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, and hydrogen-
based CHP systems will be investigated further in the future. The potential
efficiency improvement, carbon reductions and associated costs of these measures
are considered.
Rotterdam
Roof, façade,
and basement
insulation
Window
replacements
Improved energy efficiency
through better building envelopes.
Renewable energy systems and technological upgrading.
Air conditioning
and ventilation
Air source
heat pumps
Solar PV
EV charging
Combined heat
and power
generation
LED systems
Smart meters
Smart energy management systems and hydraulic
balancing improve operational efficiency through
integrating systems and optimizing energy flows.
Sourcing local
renewable
energy through
Power Purchase
Agreements (PPA).
Aroundtown Group Carbon Reduction Strategy
2019
Baseline
66.98 kg C0
2
e/m²/year
Intensity
Annual reduction
Average of 4%
reduction/year
2030 Target
40% cumulative
reduction
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Our Energy Strategy focuses on:
Comprehensive due diligence at the acquisition stage including energy efficiency
aspects, enabling us to develop asset improvement and refurbishment plans to
achieve energy efficiency improvements
Implementation of environmental management policies and procedures, including
data collection, digitalization and reporting, preventative maintenance and ongoing
operational improvement
Sustainable energy measures encompassing investment in solar and wind power
systems, combined heat and power (CHP), electric vehicle (EV) charging stations,
smart meters and a total energy management system
Progressively switching all electricity from Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to
PPA certified renewable energy by 2027
Collaborating with tenants with whom we seek to implement green elements into
lease agreements
Monitoring and Management
At acquisition, our due diligence processes record the energy intensity and supply
systems of the property, so that planning for efficiency improvements can begin as
early in the asset lifecycle as possible. This includes examining the current structural
fabric, technical systems, and management practices of the building. We are working
to expand the energy auditing done alongside the formal due diligence process, so
that projects can be implemented immediately upon acquisition.
Among our existing properties, to maximize the improvement opportunities, we
aim to complete 500 energy audits each year. In 2023, we continued to conduct
holistic site audits which assess the condition of the envelope and supply systems
of the building from which we can identify appropriate energy efficiency actions
and renewable energy system opportunities. We initiated a pilot project aimed at
conducting energy audits, developing asset-specific retrofit/decarbonization plans,
and evaluate their compatibility and performance. Within the scope of this initiative,
we have executed pilot projects across 47 buildings in Germany and 25 buildings
in the Netherlands. The energy savings, carbon reductions and investment costs of
these projects are modelled and extrapolated to the full portfolio, to provide an
integrated picture of our progress towards our reduction targets. The outcome of
this project will guide our decision to proceed with a broader and more extensive
implementation. In the future, we will enhance these assessments with further
digital modelling to simulate the effect of efficiency interventions.
Whereas our initial energy management approach has been to invest in onsite
renewable energy and efficient energy generating systems such as CHPs, we adjusted
our approach to align with the three-stage hierarchy in the World Green Building
Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment for operational carbon. This means
when identifying energy interventions, we first focus on ways to reduce and optimize
the energy demand of our assets, then identify opportunities to generate the required
energy renewably and onsite, and finally source the remaining energy demand through
off-site renewable energy. Note that given the regulatory changes in the past year,
particularly regarding the usage of gas or fuel-based systems, such as CHPs, we will
likely phase out CHPs in the mid-term.
To ensure we prioritize these improvement plans correctly and monitor their effect
to further inform our modelling, good data coverage and reliability is essential.
We have a long-term goal of achieving full data coverage across our portfolio.
We achieved 68% energy data coverage for our like-for-like portfolio in 2023.
To maximize the utility of this data, we have initiated the development of a new
database for environmental data, enabling semi-automated data collection through
a mobile app for facility managers.
Investments into Renewable and Efficient Energy Systems
The gradual global transition to a low-carbon economy has highlighted the
importance of investing in renewable and green energy infrastructure; in more
recent years, we have seen the real estate sector furthering efforts towards this
too during construction and use stages of buildings. Since 2019, Aroundtown has
been investing in renewable energy to ensure that its properties remain competitive
during the transition to electrification of properties and transport, and to a more
decentralized energy market focused on renewables. The significant challenges to
the European energy market in 2022 and 2023 have further underlined the urgency
of this transition, and the foresight of our investments.
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Over the years, our investments have focused on the following measures:
The installation and operation of solar PV generation systems on rooftops and
parking areas
The installation of highly efficient energy generating systems based on CHP
The installation of EVs, charging stations. This allows for conversion of both the
tenants’ vehicles and the Group’s fleet to EVs, resulting in lower fleet cost and more
reliable mobility as well as lower emissions
Together with a partner company, we implement efficient and renewable-based
onsite energy systems at our properties. Our partner also undertakes site visits
to identify the number of EV charging points that can be installed at each of our
properties, for private or public use.
In terms of future additional activities, we are planning the installation of heat pumps,
as well as the implementation of electricity storage to support solar, EV chargers and
heat pumps. This will not only increase the energy efficiency of the asset but enable
optimal management of energy consumption and production. Also, this will provide
the necessary infrastructure for fast EV charging stations to serve Aroundtown and its
tenants. In 2024, we will focus more closely on the implementation of smart meters
combined with a total energy management system to optimize efficiencies in terms of
resource use and cost.
Renewable Power Purchasing Agreements
Beyond our investments in renewables and energy efficiency systems, we have set
a goal to switch all electricity from Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to PPA-
certified renewable electricity generated from wind, hydroelectric and solar PV
sources by 2027. This means that where it is not viable to generate energy onsite or
not sufficient to meet building demand, additional renewable energy will be sourced
to minimize asset and portfolio carbon emissions. In 2023, our purchased like-for-
like electricity covered by RECs was 56% in comparison to 55% in 2022.
Green Leases
All aspects of our energy strategy ultimately impact the quality of our assets and
the property management services we offer to our tenants. Since 2021 our tenant
leases include green lease clauses which were introduced as an annex including
obligations for both parties to agree on the sharing of utilities’ consumption data
and information; observance of energy conservation practices; selection of low
energy-consuming equipment and preference to renewable-based energy.
Internal Carbon Pricing
We have applied an internal carbon price so we can identify the additional benefits
of our actions towards energy consumption and emissions reductions. We have used
the German pricing based on the Fuel Emissions Trading Act
2
as opposed to the wider
market pricing. This pricing was €30/ton CO
2
through 2023, is set at €45/ton CO
2
for
2024, and will increase incrementally to a price corridor of €55-65/ton CO
2
by 2026.
From 2027 onward, it will transition to a market-based system for which the rules are
yet to be determined, for which the Group assumes a price cap of €120/ton CO
2
.
Climate Change Adaptation
It is clear that climate change poses major risks across all countries and sectors
arising
from both the physical impacts of climate change itself, and the potential impacts of
the social transition which will be required to mitigate it. This section of our report
is structured according to the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the leading international standard for reporting on
management of climate-related risks. Aroundtown is aware that in October 2023, it
was announced that TCFD will be disbanded following the publication of the IFRS S1
and IFRS S2 standards, which include TCFD’s recommendations, and will therefore be
overseen by the IFRS Foundation from 2024. This will be considered in next year’s report.
Governance
As with corporate governance, Aroundtown’s Board of Directors and management team
share overall responsibility for climate-related risks. We have therefore introduced the
inclusion of our carbon emissions reduction target achievement into our executive
remuneration. In 2023, the Group has committed to aligning the remuneration of its
executive individuals with the requirements of the Remuneration Policy and the changes
will become effective as of 2023 and 2024. The Board of Directors and management team
are also responsible for regularly reviewing and updating our Environmental and Energy
Policy, which was most recently updated in 2023 and will come into effect in 2024.
The policy addresses and aims to manage the material impacts, risks and opportunities
related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The key objectives captured
within the policy are around metering and monitoring systems, energy efficient systems,
renewable energy systems, energy storage systems, and EV charging infrastructure.
2.
Brennstoffemissionshandelgesetz (BEHG), https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/behg/__10.html
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The Management of Aroundtown is co-responsible for assessing and managing climate-related risks.
A distinction is made between climate risks affecting the Group at the corporate level, for which
Management is the risk owner, and climate risks which impact our properties, which are owned by the
Operations Department. In addition, our Taskforce on Building Resilience works cross-departmentally to
address climate risks across relevant business units, developing action plans and adaptation solutions
as necessary.
Governance Structure
on Climate Risks
Building
Resilience Taskforce
Inter-departmental platform for the discussion
and collaboration on climate risks
Develop KPI’s for climate risk &
action plans and adaptation solutions
Risk Committee
Oversees risk management,
incl. climate risks
Management
Assessment and management
of climate-related risks at
corporate level
Sustainability
Department
& Risk Officer
Assessment of physical and
transitional climate risks
Operations
Department
Assessment and management
of climate-related risks on a
property level
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Strategy
In order to effectively manage climate-related risks, we firstly conduct risk assessments
to understand the impacts these risks could have. The Risk Committee oversees
risk management for the Group, and the potential impacts of climate change are
considered as part of this process. Assessment of physical and transitional climate
risks is conducted by the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) in close collaboration with the
Sustainability Department, and such assessments are presented to the Committee
annually at a minimum, as well as upon urgency throughout the year. Following
these assessments, we determine relevant and practicable measures to help reduce
risks and maximize potential opportunities.
Transition Risk
In order to understand the exposure of the Group to transition risks, the Sustainability
Department and Risk Committee have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of
various transitional risk factors. A summary of the identified risks is provided in the
following table, which also sets out the mitigation strategies being used to control
these risks in our organization. In alignment with the recommendations of the TCFD,
we also describe the potential opportunities which the Group has identified in each
of these factors.
The timeframes short-, medium- and long-term in this table refer to expectations
in the next 1-3 years, 4-10 years, and 10+ years respectively. We have started the
process of financially quantifying climate-related physical and transition risk and will
continue to bolster these processes and our sources of information through 2024.
Bonn
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Risk Category
Description
Impacts and Timeframe
Mitigation Strategy
Opportunity
Policy
Climate-related regulations and laws are chan-
ging rapidly, placing stricter requirements and
expectations on the energy and emissions per
-
formance. Carbon pricing schemes and energy
ratings such as the EU‘s energy performance
certificates (EPCs) are increasingly being imple-
mented, and requirements for minimum ratings
that must be met to let units to tenants are co-
ming into force. Over time, existing regulations
may become more aggressive or new policy
tools may be implemented posing restrictions
on letting or preventing the sale of buildings
that do not comply with such minimum stan
-
dards, leaving them „stranded“.
Carbon pricing and enhanced emissions-repor-
ting obligations might result in higher opera-
ting and compliance costs. Stricter EPC requi
-
rements are already in place in Netherlands
and are set to be implemented throughout EU
member states with the recasting of the Energy
Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in
2023 - a trend expected to continue over the
mid to long-term. These standards may requi-
re increased CapEx to bring properties up to
the required standard in order to prevent their
stranding. Market and investor pressure to disc
-
lose GHG emissions, as well as a carbon reduc-
tion pathway to net-zero has increased and will
stay high in the mid to long-term.
(S, M, L)
The Group‘s Carbon Reduction Pathway forms
the strategy for reducing the carbon intensity of
the portfolio. The Pathway explicitly considers
potential carbon taxes and energy efficiency
measures and will identify inefficient assets
which are high priority for action to mitigate
stranding risk. The Group has piloted the use of
the science-based CRREM methodology across
the Dutch portfolio to assess the medium-/
long-term alignment of our assets to decarbo-
nization expectations. The Group has also laun
-
ched a broader CRREM analysis starting with
a set of assets in the German portfolio. These
results have been used to inform the overall
strategy, although at this time, the Group has
prioritized stranding definitions based on EPCs
and the EU’s climate commitments embodied
in the EPBD recast, which provides a more
straightforward guide for prioritizing inefficient
assets for improvement and for the renovation
planning process itself, although some uncer
-
tainty remains regarding implementation at
the national level.
A move to more efficient buildings may result
in lower operating costs, reduce stranding
risks and decrease exposure to variations in
the cost and availability of natural resources.
More efficient buildings may also attract hig-
her valuations influenced by improved energy
performance and will be more attractive to in-
vestors, tenants and financial institutions due
to compliance with their sustainable reporting
requirements.
Legal
Companies may also become subject to lawsu-
its alleging failure to take sufficient actions to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions or to account
for or disclose known climate-related risks.
Climate-related litigation may also result from
erroneous non-financial reporting or mislea-
ding sustainability claims, in cases of „green-
washing,“ while companies in the EU found to
have made misleading or false environmen
-
tal claims could face fines if the proposed EU
Green Claims Directive is approved.
With stricter EU regulation, including the EU
Taxonomy and SFDR, the real estate sector
has already felt the pressure of environmen
-
tal legislation. The significant gaps between
current regulations and the carbon budgets of
the Paris Agreement make further regulatory
tightening over the mid- to long-term likely. It
is also possible that the scope of these regu-
lations expands to take in more segments of
the Group‘s value chain, increasing potential
exposure and compliance costs. While clima
-
te-related litigation has primarily targeted go-
vernments and fossil fuel companies to date,
it is possible that other sectors such as real
estate may be targeted over the medium-to-
long term.
(M, L)
Our dedicated Sustainability Department works
to ensure accurate and high-quality non-finan-
cial reporting, while constantly monitoring
changes in regulations to identify gaps and
facilitate compliance.
This involves not only
monitoring current legislative initiatives but
also assessing the gaps between current policy
and science-based climate targets to anticipate
future changes.
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Risk Category
Description
Impacts and Timeframe
Mitigation Strategy
Opportunity
Market
Tenant preferences for low or zero-carbon
properties are likely to reduce demand for in
-
efficient properties. Likewise, shifting investor
preferences for sustainable and resilient assets
could see valuations favor green buildings.
Market conditions may shift from “green premi
-
ums” for low- or zero-carbon assets to “brown
discounts” in rent or valuation for assets with
high energy or carbon intensities.
The age of German building stock, where the
Group primarily operates, combined with our
business model of acquiring and
managing ex-
isting buildings, poses significant challenges in
offering low or zero-carbon properties through
the level of investment that is required. Inabili-
ty to meet tenant preferences may increase va
-
cancies and reduce revenues while inability to
meet market expectations may reduce access to
capital. Shifting market demand may put down
-
ward pressure on the value of “brown” assets
which are not in line with market expectations,
thereby reducing the availability of capital and
increasing the cost of debt. Increasing sus-
tainable finance regulation is forcing tenants
and investors to report on their sustainable
actions, which will increase these demands on
the Group. The existing market structure leaves
landlords responsible for capital expenditures
needed to improve energy efficiency of existing
assets with limited ability to recover reduced
utility expenses enjoyed by the tenant.
(M, L)
The Group is working with tenants to reduce
energy and utility consumption as part of speci
-
fic green lease agreements and tenant awaren-
ess campaigns, as well as increasing engage
-
ment with our tenants on their green building
expectations and needs.
The Group is working on collaboration and
cost-sharing arrangements with tenants in
the area of energy-efficiency-improving reno-
vations to mitigate risks posed by the current
market structure.
The carbon reduction pathway prioritizes the
most inefficient assets in the portfolio for as-
sessment of possible interventions to determi-
ne economic feasibility of investments that will
protect or improve their value. This pathway
will be subject to ongoing development to en-
sure alignment to market standards.
Aroundtown’s scale provides economic benefits
which result in competitive advantages in re
-
positioning assets with development potential
in terms of energy efficiency or climate resi-
lience. This could result in growth opportuni
-
ties through the acquisition of such assets from
owners without such ability.
Low and zero-carbon buildings will be better
positioned to reflect shifting tenant preferen-
ces, as well as investor demands, positively
impacting rents and access to capital. Green
assets may strengthen business resilience by
increasing revenue through new products and
services that meet market demands and may
improve access to capital and debt. Green bond
issuance, sustainability-linked loans or energy
efficiency-related subsidies for buildings can
be used to improve the financial feasibility of
making the needed investments.
Energy
Energy markets are more prone to price fluc-
tuations driven by supply crunches or swings
in energy demand. This leads to risks asso
-
ciated with high energy and utility consump
-
tion and over-reliance on fossil-fuel derived
energy supplies.
Energy market risks associated with a depen
-
dence on fossil fuels were previously seen as
being relevant in the medium-to-long term,
but the Russian war in Ukraine and the ensu-
ing rise in energy prices have brought these
risks to the present day. This has caused many
sectors, including the real estate sector to call
for speeding up the transition to a low-carbon
economy. Nonetheless, the current energy mix
of most grids are still primarily reliant on fos
-
sil fuels, as renewable energy generation and
energy storage capacities have not reached the
required levels for decarbonization.
(S, M, L)
The Group aims to reduce reliance on fossil
fuels through its target to procure 100% of
landlord-obtained electricity through power
purchase agreements (PPAs), as well as through
installation of onsite renewable energy sys-
tems. Investments in energy efficiency will also
reduce energy costs, mitigating exposure to va
-
riations in price.
Increasing procurement of energy from re
-
newable sources and a shift to decentralized
energy generation can reduce operational
costs, compliance costs and exposure to vola
-
tile fossil fuel markets. Green bond issuance
or sustainability-linked loans can be used to
improve the financial feasibility of making the
needed investments.
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Physical Climate Risk
To assess the materiality of various physical risks to our assets, in 2022 we conducted a
city-level physical risk assessment through S&P Global Sustainable1 for each of our major
strategic locations. This was done across eight physical risks, with modelling conducted
under four warming scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 from the CMIP6
consolidated climate models). From this analysis, exposure scores were produced for each
decade from 2020 to 2100 in twenty cities of strategic focus to Aroundtown. These scores
were weighted against the GDP of the areas assessed, and the cities analyzed cover around
71% of the value of our portfolio. This analysis informs the assessment of risk levels in
various locations and scenarios provided below.
The following table presents the results of this risk analysis, describing the potential
impacts and severity of each risk across the locations analyzed and under two warming
scenarios.
Risk Category
Description
Impacts and Timeframe
Mitigation Strategy
Opportunity
Technology
Aroundtown recognizes that current technolo
-
gies are insufficient to achieve the grid decar-
bonization needed to address climate change,
and this is expected to increase the pace of
technological development.
Insufficient monitoring of technological de-
velopments or regulatory requirements may
lead to investment in technologies that beco-
me obsolete before the end of their use life.
Buildings with obsolete technology systems
may experience reduced demand and require
higher maintenance costs/CapEx requirements
to meet minimum efficiency standards and mo-
dern work, leisure and residential trends.
(M, L)
The Energy and Operations Departments moni
-
tor regulations and available technologies on
the market and their observed costs to main-
tain awareness of relevant and economical
technologies that can improve the energy or
carbon profiles of buildings. The energy-related
procedures underlying the new environmental
policy of the Group prescribe prioritization of
investment towards proven and cost-effective
technologies.
Opportunity to engage with and invest in prop-
tech companies to ensure modern, forward-
thinking and appropriate technological outfits
of the Group‘s properties.
Reputation
Companies seen as taking insufficient clima-
te action or delaying climate action face in
-
creasing scrutiny and criticism from tenants,
investors, the media, and society at large.
Additionally, current and future generations
of employees hold greater expectations for
companies to act to address climate change.
Any deficiencies in the climate strategy of the
Group could expose the company to criticism
from societal actors, diminishing the company‘s
reputation. Errors in non-financial reporting
may be seen as fraudulent or greenwashing.
Reputational damage from inaction on climate
change may also reduce the ability to recruit
and retain talent in the medium- to long-term.
(S, M, L)
The Sustainability Department monitors best
practices and societal trends to identify and
act on gaps in the Group‘s climate strategy and
bringing them to the attention of relevant in-
ternal stakeholders while working to ensure
high-quality sustainability disclosures. Clear
communication on the Group‘s sustainability,
climate risk actions and carbon reduction tar-
gets will reassure employees, potential candi
-
dates and investors of the Group‘s continued ef
-
forts with regard to climate change mitigation
and adaptation.
Through meeting or exceeding requirements,
expectations, or best practices, the Group may
be able to positively improve its reputation.
This can also improve the Group‘s ability to at-
tract and retain critical talent.
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Risk
Potential Impacts
Potential Business Impacts
Variation under Climate Scenarios
Variation by Location
Extreme
Heat
Deadly heat stress is a prominent risk across
our countries of operation, particularly in urban
areas with heat island effects. Other potential
chronic impacts include worsening air quality
due to wildfires, and the spread of disease vec-
tors due to increased temperatures.
Under-adapted assets could become dangerous
or unlivable in situations of extreme heat, with
potential effects on occupancy or rent levels.
Household energy demand is likely to increa
-
se to manage extreme temperatures. Increased
CapEx demands will be incurred to adapt to
these risks with measures such as green roof
-
tops or use of water permeable material.
Divergence in degree of exposure between sce-
narios is only observed in the latter half of the
century. With actual extreme heat observations
outpacing modelled estimates of our current
warming path, our analysis indicates this risk
is highly likely to become material, regardless
of scenario.
Likely to be experienced at similar levels
throughout given urban geographies, indica-
ting the need for systemic adaptation plans in
high-risk locations. Munich has a high rate of
increase of exposure, as well as high absolute
risk, alongside other South German cities such
as Stuttgart.
Drought
Decreased precipitation and increased tem
-
peratures, particularly during extreme heat
events, could make water scarce across large
geographic areas. This may have wider infras
-
tructural effects, including to local agriculture.
Under-adapted assets could become dangerous
or unlivable in drought conditions, with poten-
tial effects on occupancy or rent levels. CapEx
requirements may be required to adapt high
risk assets.
Divergence of risk level between the scenarios
analyzed is comparatively lower than for other
risks, with the level of exposure of the Group's
regions of operation high across all warming
paths assessed.
Drought risks are observed to be correlated by
region, with the East German cities of Leipzig,
Halle, and Dresden among the most exposed.
Almost all cities have near-maximum exposu-
re scores by the end of the century, indicating
that the solutions adopted need to be systemic
across locations.
Wildfire
Wildfire events can cause substantial damage
to life and property in short periods of time,
displacing communities and rendering wider
areas dangerous or unlivable. The resulting
smoke also severely worsens air quality, leading
to potential chronic impacts.
Acute property damage could prove highly
costly to the business and dangerous to our
occupants. The potential chronic impacts on
air quality may also impact occupancy.
Height
-
ened physical risk is also likely to impact insu
-
rance premiums and vacancy rates.
Divergence of risk level between the scenarios
analyzed is comparatively lower than for other
risks, with the level of exposure of the Group's
regions of operation high across all warming
paths assessed.
Local geographical conditions drive wide varia
-
tions in exposure levels between cities. Despite
the connection to heat and precipitation levels,
the results differ from the scores for extreme
heat and drought, indicating a need to assess
local risk drivers at asset-level.
Fluvial
Flood
Spontaneous flooding due to extreme precipi-
tation can cause substantial damage, with the
impacts depending strongly on location due to
ground conditions and structural stability. Such
flooding can also have collateral impacts on in-
frastructure and transportation.
Acute property damage could prove highly
costly to the business and dangerous to our
occupants. Impacts are extremely dependent
on asset-level conditions, making it difficult
to assess the value at risk with any accuracy.
Heightened physical risk is also likely to impact
insurance premiums and vacancy rates.
Some cities see considerable differences in risk
scores between the SSP2-4.5 and SSP3-7.0 sce-
narios, with greater magnitude of increase bet-
ween decades observed in the higher-warming
scenario. The rate of increase of risk rating is
most pronounced in the decades before 2050
in these more severe scenarios.
There are considerable differences in exposure
scores at city level, indicating the very locati
-
on-specific drivers of this risk. The cities with
greatest exposure include London, Hamburg
and Amsterdam.
London also ranks among
the cities with the greatest rate of increase in
exposure through 2050, along with the cities
of Frankfurt, Mannheim, Mainz, and Wiesbaden,
which are located near the confluence of the
Rhein and Main rivers.
The highly location de
-
pendent findings demonstrate the need to con-
duct asset-level assessments of this risk.
Coastal
Flood
Rising sea levels may render coastal areas or
river flood basins unlivable. Impacts will be
widespread in affected locations, potentially
leading to displacement of communities or
substantial adaptation costs.
Surface water or river flooding could lead to
severe damage to real estate, potentially in
-
curring substantial costs for repair and main-
tenance, and losses from assets being removed
from operation. Heightened physical risk is also
likely to impact insurance premiums and va
-
cancy rates.
Differences between scenarios are significant
by the end of the century, but are less pronoun-
ced through to 2050, suggesting this risk will
be material regardless of actual warming.
Naturally, this risk can only be assessed in co-
astal cities, with the highest scores found in
Bremen, Amsterdam and Hamburg. As the adap-
tation solutions required cannot be implemen-
ted at the scope of individual assets, in-depth
consideration of the adaptation plans of local
governments will be required to understand
the value at risk of assets.
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Three risks are excluded from the table above, as they were deemed less relevant
to our portfolio following the analysis. Tropical cyclones are excluded, as our assets
have no potential exposure to such risks. Extreme cold is discounted as the scores
against this risk fall in all scenarios. This risk is part of the historical norm for the
European areas in which we operate, and so is not relevant as a climate risk. Finally,
water stress is excluded, as the analysis conducted indicated decreasing risk levels.
However, we consider that this does not incorporate the potential interrelations
with other risks and is not sufficiently clear as to the driving causes of the identified
stress. While we consider our analysis conducted in 2022 still valid in 2023, we
understand that this physical climate risk assessment was conducted on a portfolio-
level so does not provide insight into specific assets at potential risk. With the
ambition to expand this to the asset-level as much as possible, we have compared
several physical climate risk assessment tools in the market and have selected an
international service provider. In 2024, we will launch an asset-specific analysis of
physical climate risks to obtain a more in-depth overview and to plan for the most
relevant adaptation solutions.
Frankfurt
Medium scenario (SSP2-4.5)
Medium-high scenario (SSP3-7.0)
City-level Physical
Risks Analysis
Frankfurt,
Average Decadal Growth Rate (2020-2050)
Munich,
Average Decadal Growth Rate (2020-2050)
Cologne,
Average Decadal Growth Rate (2020-2050)
Berlin,
Average Decadal Growth Rate (2020-2050)
Extreme Heat Increase (2020-2050)
Lowest
Highest
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The previous map shows the 16 cities from the German portfolio included in the physical
risk assessment conducted through S&P Global Sustainable1. The color scale ranks
the cities according to their increasing exposure to extreme heat risk up until 2050
providing an indication of which German cities should be prioritized when implementing
adaptation solutions.
The four bar charts demonstrate the growth rates in risk exposure through 2050,
comparing between the Medium (SSP2-4.5) and Medium-High (SSP3-7.0) scenarios,
for the strategically important cities of Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Munich.
The
differences between the scenarios, as well as the local risk variations indicate the need for
a carefully informed approach when developing adaptation plans at the city- and asset-
level.
Consideration of multiple scenarios is critical for ensuring any plans implemented
are robust and will enhance the resilience of our buildings.
Risk Management
A key priority in our current risk management efforts is the implementation of adaptation
solutions and action plans. The joint work of the CRO, the Sustainability Department
and the Building Resilience taskforce on this objective is presented to the Risk and
ESG Committees and reported to Management. These bodies are jointly responsible for
approving and overseeing the implementation of the risk management approach taken
forward.
With climate change being felt across our countries of operations, it is Aroundtown’s
goal to increase the long-term resilience of its portfolio against climate-related risks.
Following the common practice of distinguishing climate-related risks into physical and
transition risks, we further subdivide physical risks as being either chronic or acute, with
regards to the timescale of their impacts, and as being temperature-, wind-, water- or solid
mass-related, as laid out in the EU Taxonomy.
The Building Resilience Taskforce started the analysis on building resilience in 2022
and continued throughout 2023. With a number of physical climate risks identified for
the portfolio (see section on Physical Climate Risk Assessment), the taskforce developed
several adaptation solutions to counter these risks and to make AT’s assets more resilient
in the long run. In order to prioritize these measures, the Building Resilience Taskforce
held a working session to assess the materiality and feasibility to the stakeholder
departments within Aroundtown. The results of this exercise were collated to identify
those measures which could deliver the greatest value for the required investment.
The outcome of this assessment process was a set of four adaptation programs which
will be prioritized at our assets. The identified solutions are:
Refurbishments
– Review of materials chosen at sites which are at risk, and roof
maintenance works.
Tenant guidebook for extreme conditions
– Creation of a behavioral guide for tenants to
deal with extreme climatic conditions, including definition of the internal and external
notification chain in such emergency circumstances.
Flood analysis and planning
– Asset-level analysis of flooding and drought to determine
countermeasures. Development of flood scenario plans and emergency plans.
Tree planting program
– Planting and maintenance of trees in public areas where this
leads to a positive effect, and unsealing spaces to create more green areas around
buildings.
In line with the EU Taxonomy’s prescribed climate risks and vulnerability assessment,
it is the Group’s goal to implement these adaptation solutions over the course of the
next four years. These solutions will therefore guide our investment program to increase
the resilience of our assets to physical climate risks. The Sustainability Department will
continue to analyze the vulnerabilities of our assets to identify further opportunities for
adaptation in the future.
With the selection of a climate risk assessment tool at the end of 2023, Aroundtown is
well-equipped to expand its portfolio-level risk assessment to an in-depth, asset-specific
analysis in 2024. This will allow the development of more tailored adaptation solutions
for our individual assets, which will be implemented in subsequent years.
Metrics: Climate Change
In order to assess and monitor the progress towards our climate change-related goals and
commitments, we regularly collect utility consumption data from our assets as shown in
tables 1 and 2. This also allows us to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated
with this activity as shown in tables 3 and 4. Due to restrictions around tenant data sharing,
we are unable to monitor tenant-obtained energy which is from renewable sources, as
well as that regarding fuels or district heating. The Group understands “energy generation
from non-renewable sources” to be electricity generated from its CHP systems, for which
no data was available for assets in the operational control portfolio. Additionally, energy
consumption from nuclear sources is not reported as the Group’s energy procurement is
linked to the energy mix in its countries of operation.
While nuclear-produced energy
could be present in electricity not covered by REC or PPA contracts, the Group is not
provided with the energy mix for procured energy in its invoices received for these
contracts, and as such figures could not be reported.
AROUNDTOWN
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62
Absolute energy for managed assets
Energy reported in kWh
TOTAL
OFFICE
RETAIL
OTHERS INCL. LOGISTICS
GCP
EPRA Code
Metric
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Elec-Abs
Electricity consumed for landlord shared services
51,432,626
42,946,916
33,742,430
25,845,675
2,190,777
1,879,813
2,847,746
1,296,389
12,651,673
13,925,039
Total landlord-obtained electricity consumed
51,432,626
42,946,916
33,742,430
25,845,675
2,190,777
1,879,813
2,847,746
1,296,389
12,651,673
13,925,039
Total landlord-obtained electricity generated offsite from
renewable sources
61%
55%
52%
36%
70%
99%
84%
52%
79%
84%
Total landlord-obtained electricity generated and consumed onsite
from renewable sources
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total landlord-obtained electricity generated onsite from
renewable sources and exported
1,609,961
874,227
1,240,756
443,993
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
369,205
N/A
Total tenant-obtained electricity consumed
369,771,025
377,180,534
204,220,788
161,158,593
29,816,089
26,444,067
16,473,795
12,504,955
119,260,354
155,876,902
Total electricity consumed
421,203,651
420,127,450
237,963,217
187,004,267
32,006,765
28,323,880
19,321,541
13,801,344
131,912,027
169,801,942
Total electricity consumption data coverage, by area (sqm)
5,612,591
5,200,022
2,127,300
1,242,135
176,427
101,191
253,482
79,334
3,055,382
3,653,672
Proportion of landlord-obtained electricity consumption and
associated GHG emissions that is estimated
24%
0%
17%
0%
18%
0%
65%
0%
35%
0%
Proportion of tenant-obtained electricity consumption and
associated GHG emissions that is estimated
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Proportion of total electricity consumption and associated GHG
emissions that is estimated
66%
90%
88%
86%
94%
93%
95%
91%
94%
91%
Fuels-Abs
Fuels (natural gas) consumed for landlord shared services
66,812,069
58,530,701
22,114,258
7,813,861
1,953,266
1,220,926
614,432
87,448
42,130,114
49,408,466
Fuels (oil) consumed for landlord shared services
3,690,886
6,087,432
786,107
3,156,073
0
0
117,578
0
2,787,201
2,931,359
Fuels (natural gas) allocated for tenant consumption
228,381,803
184,675,423
66,342,774
23,441,582
10,648,449
6,656,017
19,866,623
2,827,493
131,523,958
156,067,780
Fuels (oil) allocated for tenant consumption
14,844,393
18,776,082
2,358,320
9,468,219
0
0
3,801,700
0
8,684,373
9,307,863
Total landlord shared services fuels consumed
70,502,954
64,322,490
22,900,365
10,674,290
1,953,266
1,220,926
732,010
87,448
44,917,314
52,339,825
Total (landlord-obtained) fuels allocated for tenant consumption
243,226,196
206,882,025
68,701,094
32,022,871
10,648,449
6,656,017
23,668,322
2,827,493
140,208,331
165,375,643
Total (landlord-obtained) fuels consumed
313,729,150
271,204,515
91,601,458
42,697,161
12,601,715
7,876,943
24,400,332
2,914,942
185,125,645
217,715.468
Proportion of total (landlord-obtained) fuels from green sources
59%
63%
38%
36%
81%
85%
16%
5%
73%
0%
Total (landlord-obtained) fuels consumption data coverage, by area
(sqm)
2,680,520
2,245,508
1,007,358
598,881
127,215
76,309
236,700
62,899
1,309,246
1,431,792
Proportion of total (landlord-obtained) fuel consumption and
associated GHG emissions that is estimated
6%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
8%
DH&C-Abs
Total district heating/cooling consumed for landlord-shared services
85,900,960
81,155,956
24,410,417
17,512,218
1,312,965
463,215
1,139,391
20,260
59,038,188
63,160,262
Total (landlord-obtained) district heating/cooling allocated for
tenant consumption
298,887,582
255,812,971
73,231,251
52,536,655
7,157,775
2,525,271
36,840,296
655,077
181,658,260
200,095,968
Total (landlord-obtained) district heating/cooling consume
384,788,542
336,968,927
97,641,669
70,048,873
8,470,739
2,988,487
37,979,686
675,337
240,696,447
263,256,230
Proportion of total (landlord-obtained) district heating and cooling
from green sources
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Total (landlord-obtained) district heating/cooling consumption
data coverage, by area (sqm)
3,643,448
2,892,806
1,260,622
581,545
89,094
24,883
287,299
16,435
2,006,433
2,221,880
Proportion of total (landlord-obtained) district heating/cooling
consumption and associated GHG emissions that is estimated
9%
13%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
12%
18%
TABLE 1
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
63
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Absolute energy for managed assets
Energy reported in kWh
TOTAL
OFFICE
RETAIL
OTHERS INCL. LOGISTICS
GCP
EPRA Code
Metric
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Absolute
Energy
Total landlord shared services energy consumed
207,836,540
188,425,362
81,053,212
54,032,183
5,457,007
3,563,955
4,719,147
1,404,097
71,689,861
129,425,127
Total tenant-obtained/tenant-allocated energy consumed
911,884,803
476,620,034
346,153,133
84,559,526
47,622,312
9,181,288
76,982,413
3,482,570
300,918,614
379,396,650
Total landlord-obtained energy consumed
749,950,318
651,120,357
222,985,557
138,591,709
23,263,231
12,745,243
65,227,765
4,886,667
438,473,766
494,896,738
Total energy consumption
1,119,721,343
1,007,104,875
427,206,344
299,750,302
53,079,319
39,189,310
81,701,560
17,391,623
557,734,120
650,773,640
Total energy consumption data coverage, by area (sqm)
6,337,823
5,598,246
2,533,326
1,654,624
216,309
151,390
532,806
138,561
3,055,382
3,653,672
Proportion of landlord-obtained energy consumption and
associated GHG emissions that is estimated
9%
10%
5%
0%
2%
0%
3%
0%
12%
13%
Proportion of tenant-obtained energy consumption and associated
GHG emissions that is estimated
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Proportion of total energy consumption and associated GHG
emissions that is estimated
39%
43%
50%
54%
57%
67%
22%
72%
31%
34%
Proportion of total energy generated offsite from renewable/
green sources
28%
27%
24%
21%
51%
70%
10%
5%
33%
27%
Proportion of total energy generated onsite from renewable/green
sources (consumed onsite or exported)
1,609,961
874,227
1,240,756
443,993
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
369,205
N/A
Total renewable/green energy consumption and generation
320,442,090
268,781,440
101,955,360
62,269,087
26,843,900
27,523,527
7,886,314
822,275
181,866,455
178,166,551
Total energy consumption from fossil sources
800,889,214
739,197,662
326,491,740
237,925,208
26,235,419
11,665,783
73,815,246
16,569,347
376,236,869
473,037,324
Absolute energy intensity (kWh/sqm*year)
Energy-Int
(Abs)
Building energy intensity for heating energy consumed
110.64
120.62
83.44
95.51
97.42
107.38
119.05
45.26
128.57
131.64
Building energy intensity for all energy consumed
185.50
203.04
195.30
246.06
278.84
387.28
195.27
219.22
171.60
178.11
Mandatory Certificates (Energy Performance Certificates)
Cert-Tot
% of portfolio certified by floor area
86%
57%
82%
30%
85%
19%
91%
13%
88%
91%
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
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64
Like-for-like energy for managed assets
Energy reported in kWh
TOTAL
OFFICE
RETAIL
OTHERS INCL. LOGISTICS
GCP
EPRA Code
Metric
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Elec-LfL
Electricity consumed for landlord shared services
37,233,811
39,170,211
23,993,398
24,257,171
1,425,200
1,355,775
740,363
889,153
11,074,850
12,668,112
Total landlord-obtained electricity consumed
37,233,811
39,170,211
23,993,398
24,257,171
1,425,200
1,355,775
740,363
889,153
11,074,850
12,668,112
Proportion of landlord-obtained electricity generated offsite from
renewable sources
56%
55%
39%
36%
88%
92%
62%
99%
90%
84%
Total landlord-obtained electricity generated and consumed onsite
from renewable sources
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total landlord-obtained electricity generated onsite from
renewable sources and exported
1,003,166
520,635
633,961
90,400
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
369,205
N/A
Total tenant-obtained electricity consumed
279,026,059
279,026,059
149,726,101
149,726,101
18,279,532
18,279,532
5,555,800
5,555,800
105,464,625
105,464,625
Total electricity consumed
316,259,870
318,196,270
173,719,499
173,983,273
19,704,732
19,635,306
6,296,163
6,444,953
116,539,475
118,132,738
Total electricity consumption data coverage, by area (sqm)
4,466,450
4,466,450
1,559,647
1,559,647
108,163
108,163
85,487
85,487
2,713,154
2,713,154
Proportion of landlord-obtained electricity consumption and
associated GHG emissions that is estimated
27%
0%
22%
0%
28%
0%
38%
0%
36%
0%
Proportion of tenant-obtained electricity consumption and
associated GHG emissions that is estimated
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Proportion of total electricity consumption and associated GHG
emissions that is estimated
91%
88%
86%
86%
95%
93%
93%
86%
94%
89%
Fuels-LfL
Fuels (natural gas) consumed for landlord shared services
55,468,926
60,245,116
12,094,034
8,602,557
1,113,802
1,244,632
254,459
432,660
42,006,631
49,965,267
Fuels (oil) consumed for landlord shared services
3,249,848
2,966,671
409,139
361,513
0
0
53,508
4,025
2,787,201
2,601,134
Fuels (natural gas) allocated for tenant consumption
181,710,981
201,155,859
36,282,102
25,807,672
6,072,018
6,785,251
8,227,513
13,989,330
131,129,347
154,573,606
Fuels (oil) allocated for tenant consumption
11,641,897
9,252,056
1,227,418
1,084,538
0
0
1,730,106
130,134
8,684,373
8,037,384
Total landlord shared services fuels consumed
58,718,774
63,211,787
12,503,173
8,964,070
1,113,802
1,244,632
307,968
436,684
44,793,831
52,566,401
Total (landlord-obtained) fuels allocated for tenant consumption
193,352,878
210,407,916
37,509,520
26,892,210
6,072,018
6,785,251
9,957,619
14,119,464
139,813,720
162,610,990
Total (landlord-obtained) fuels consumed
252,071,652
273,619,703
50,012,694
35,856,281
7,185,820
8,029,883
10,265,587
14,556,148
184,607,551
215,177,391
Proportion of total (landlord-obtained) fuels from green sources
60%
63%
17%
36%
83%
85%
32%
5%
73%
71%
Total (landlord-obtained) fuels consumption data coverage, by area
(sqm)
2,045,124
2,045,124
554,154
554,154
65,655
65,655
120,998
120,998
1,304,317
1,304,317
Proportion of total (landlord-obtained) fuel consumption and
associated GHG emissions that is estimated
7%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
6%
DH&C-LfL
Total district heating/cooling consumed for landlord-shared services
70,230,781
63,750,140
11,066,102
11,040,226
300,126
328,954
57,127
563,808
58,807,427
51,817,151
Total (landlord-obtained) district heating/cooling allocated for
tenant consumption
217,647,551
212,307,658
33,198,306
33,120,679
1,636,169
1,793,329
1,847,098
18,229,797
180,965,978
159,163,853
Total (landlord-obtained) district heating/cooling consumed
287,878,332
276,057,798
44,264,408
44,160,906
1,936,295
2,122,283
1,904,225
18,793,605
239,773,405
210,981,004
Proportion of total (landlord-obtained) district heating and cooling
from green sources
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Total (landlord-obtained) district heating/cooling consumption
data coverage, by area (sqm)
2,587,720
2,587,720
540,616
540,616
28,133
28,133
19,082
19,082
1,999,890
1,999,890
Proportion of total (landlord-obtained) district heating/cooling
consumption and associated GHG emissions that is estimated
11%
10%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
12%
13%
TABLE 2
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
65
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In 2023, like-for-like landlord-obtained electricity consumption decreased by 5% compared to 2022.
Like-for-like landlord-obtained fuels decreased by 8%, compared to 2022.
Total absolute energy intensity for 2023 decreased by 1% compared to 2022.
Like-for-like energy for managed assets
Energy reported in kWh
TOTAL
OFFICE
RETAIL
OTHERS INCL. LOGISTICS
GCP
EPRA Code
Metric
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Like-
for-Like
Energy
Total landlord shared services energy consumed
166,183,367
166,132,138
47,562,673
44,261,468
2,839,128
2,929,360
1,105,457
1,889,645
69,882,277
64,485,264
Total tenant-obtained/tenant-allocated energy consumed
690,026,487
701,741,632
220,433,928
209,738,991
25,987,719
26,858,112
17,360,517
37,905,060
286,430,603
264,628,478
Total landlord-obtained energy consumed
577,183,796
588,847,712
118,270,500
104,274,358
10,547,315
11,507,941
12,910,174
34,238,906
435,455,806
438,826,508
Total energy consumption
856,209,854
867,873,771
267,996,601
254,000,459
28,826,847
29,787,473
18,465,974
39,794,706
540,920,432
544,291,133
Total energy consumption data coverage, by area (sqm)
4,940,898
4,940,898
1,628,800
1,628,800
108,163
108,163
154,852
154,852
3,049,084
3,049,084
Proportion of landlord-obtained energy consumption and
associated GHG emissions that is estimated
10%
7%
6%
0%
4%
0%
2%
0%
12%
9%
Proportion of tenant-obtained energy consumption and associated
GHG emissions that is estimated
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Proportion of total energy consumption and associated GHG
emissions that is estimated
40%
37%
59%
59%
65%
61%
32%
14%
29%
27%
Proportion of total energy generated offsite from renewable/
green sources
30%
33%
15%
21%
69%
70%
29%
5%
33%
37%
Proportion of total energy generated onsite from renewable/green
sources (consumed onsite or exported)
1,003,166
520,635
633,961
90,400
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
369,205
N/A
Total renewable/green energy consumption and generation
254,811,276
285,602,907
41,029,754
52,479,346
19,757,451
20,920,407
5,346,734
1,881,492
176,929,689
201,360,982
Total energy consumption from fossil sources
602,401,744
582,791,498
227,600,808
201,611,513
9,069,396
8,867,066
13,119,240
37,913,214
364,359,947
343,360,386
Like-for-like building energy intensity (kWh/sqm*year)
Energy-Int
(LfL)
Building energy intensity for heating energy consumed
116.75
118.82
86.12
73.09
97.26
108.25
86.88
238.08
128.58
129.09
Building energy intensity for all energy consumed
187.36
189.89
197.50
184.64
279.44
289.78
160.53
313.47
171.39
172.52
Mandatory Certificates (Energy Performance Certificates)
Cert-Tot
% of portfolio certified by floor area
95%
69%
99%
10%
77%
0%
100%
0%
94%
93%
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
AROUNDTOWN
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66
Absolute GHG emissions for managed assets
GHG emissions reported in tons CO
2
e
TOTAL
OFFICE
RETAIL
OTHERS INCL. LOGISTICS
GCP
EPRA Code
Metric
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
GHG-Dir-Abs
Direct GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 1)
14,456
13,534
4,671
2,484
395
246
155
18
9,235
10,787
GHG-Indir-
Abs
Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 2; Location-based)
42,134
28,525
18,448
5,350
1,164
131
1,361
6
21,161
23,039
Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 2; Market-based)
5,689
N/A
4,341
N/A
211
N/A
165
N/A
972
N/A
Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 3
from tenant-controlled energy; Location-based)
267,719
261,927
106,501
88,835
15,014
11,777
21,346
5,353
124,858
148,167
Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 3
from tenant-controlled energy; Market-based)
247,871
N/A
100,755
N/A
14,478
N/A
20,599
N/A
112,038
N/A
Absolute
GHG
Emissions
Total GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and 3; Location-based)
324,309
303,987
129,620
96,668
16,573
12,153
22,862
5,376
155,254
181,994
Total GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and 3; Market-based)
268,015
N/A
109,767
N/A
15,084
N/A
20,919
N/A
122,245
N/A
Total GHG emissions data coverage, by area (sqm)
6,337,823
5,138,314
2,533,326
1,180,427
216,309
101,191
532,806
79,334
3,055,382
3,653,672
Absolute building GHG intensity (kgCO
2
e/sqm*year)
GhG-Int
(Abs)
Building GHG emissions intensity (GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and
3; Location-based) (kgCO
2
e/sqm*year)
51.28
59.16
57.15
81.89
76.62
120.10
43.63
67.76
46.82
49.81
Building GHG emissions intensity (GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and
3; Market-based) (kgCO
2
e/sqm*year)
42.38
N/A
48.40
N/A
69.73
N/A
39.92
N/A
36.87
N/A
TABLE 3
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
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Like-for-like
GHG emissions for managed assets
GHG emissions reported in tons CO
2
e
TOTAL
OFFICE
RETAIL
OTHERS INCL. LOGISTICS
GCP
EPRA Code
Metric
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
GHG-Dir-LfL
Direct GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 1)
12,050
12,941
2,549
1,832
225
251
65
88
9,210
10,769
GHG-Indir-
LfL
Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 2; Location-based)
32,970
31,809
11,564
11,597
600
584
287
483
20,519
19,145
Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 2; Market-based)
4,358
4,461
3,807
3,699
38
20
102
4
411
739
Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 3
from tenant-controlled energy; Location-based)
202,762
204,549
70,242
68,068
8,321
8,509
4,662
9,997
119,535
117,975
Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scope 3
from tenant-controlled energy; Market-based)
185,725
183,638
66,682
63,989
7,924
8,027
4,285
4,950
106,833
106,672
Like-for-
Like GHG
Emissions
Total GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and 3; Location-based)
247,782
249,299
84,356
81,496
9,147
9,345
5,015
10,569
149,265
147,889
Total GHG emissions (GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and 3; Market-based)
202,133
200,234
73,039
69,519
8,187
8,298
4,453
5,043
116,454
117,374
Total GHG emissions data coverage, by area (sqm)
4,940,898
4,940,898
1,628,800
1,628,800
108,163
108,163
154,852
154,852
3,049,084
3,049,084
Building GHG intensity (kgCO
2
e/sqm*year)
GhG-Int
(LfL)
Building GHG emissions intensity (GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and 3;
Location-based) (kgCO
2
e/sqm*year)
53.48
53.81
77.05
74.44
97.52
99.64
35.80
75.45
45.17
44.76
Building GHG emissions intensity (GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and 3;
Market-based) (kgCO
2
e/sqm*year)
43.63
43.22
66.72
63.50
87.30
88.48
31.79
36.00
35.24
35.52
Our like-for-like Scope 1 emissions associated with building energy consumption decreased by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Our like-for-like location-based Scope 2 emissions increased by 4%, and our like-for-like location-based Scope 3 emissions decreased by 1%.
Our like-for-like market-based Scope 2 emissions decreased by 2%, and our like-for-like market-based Scope 3 emissions increased by 1%.
Total like-for-like location-based Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions decreased by 1% % from 2022 to 2023.
Total like-for-like market-based Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions increased by 1% from 2022 to 2023.
Total like-for-like location-based GHG intensity decreased by 1% compared to that of 2022.
Total like-for-like market-based GHG intensity increased by 1% compared to that of 2022.
TABLE 4
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
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68
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Within Aroundtown’s overarching goal of environmental protection, we include other
closely associated topics that were raised in our 2023 DMA but were not deemed
material: resource use and circular economy, water management, biodiversity and
ecosystems, and pollution. All these matters align with our long-term commitment to
tenants and society by ensuring that the resources we need to maintain a high quality
of life are preserved and that we regard environmental impacts in providing them.
We take our responsibility to safeguard the natural environment and reduce the
adverse impacts of our business activities very seriously.
Long-term Targets
Focus on refurbishment over demolition and new construction
Waste minimization and separation by professional and environmentally friendly
waste disposal
Stronger consideration of biodiversity topics in refurbishment projects and
upgrading of assets
Continue efforts towards sustainable water consumption, maintain a high level of
water quality, and lower water- and wastewater-related operating costs
Continue increasing green building certifications for the commercial portfolio
2024 Goals
Engage more closely with our contractors regarding the recycling of demolition waste
Improve data gathering on waste disposal and recycling rates by further rolling
out our framework agreement with an established waste management company
for most of our portfolio
Conduct biodiversity projects across our assets to help understand improvement
opportunities
Expand smart water metering initiative into German assets
Circular Economy
While the circular economy topic was not deemed material during our DMA, we do
address the transition to a circular economy in our EU Taxonomy analysis. In order
to establish quantitative targets for waste reduction and improved recycling rates,
we must first gather an accurate baseline of data across our assets. This will be a key
focus for 2024 so we can then establish feasible and calculated targets. To achieve
this, we have entered into an agreement for waste disposal with an established
provider, streamlining our reporting capabilities and control over the process.
We have not yet established a specific circular economy policy aimed to reduce
impacts, risks and opportunities, however, our goal is to reduce the total amount
of waste produced at our properties, and to increase the proportion of this waste
which is recycled or reused back into the circular economy. The above-mentioned
agreement will also help increase recycling rates. As with other sustainability
measures, reductions in waste output and landfill volume correspond to reductions
in operating costs, alongside reducing our environmental impact.
At Aroundtown,
there are two key ways in which waste is generated – waste linked
to construction and renovation projects and waste linked to the operation of the
asset and the tenants themselves.
Tenant Waste Management
To increase recycling rates, we are providing waste separation facilities on our sites,
and engaging with our tenants on their waste management practices. As with other
sustainable measures, reductions in waste output and landfill volume correspond to
reductions in operating costs, alongside reducing our environmental impact.
Whereas some portfolio sectors have traditionally posed a greater challenge to
influencing waste management practices, such as residential or hotels, others have been
easier to influence, such as offices. However, as sustainability issues rise on everyone’s
agenda, we are beginning to see engagement on environmental issues from most of our
tenants.
Our local technical teams are always available to support tenants who seek our
advice on these issues. This coordination and engagement between stakeholders will be
a crucial part of building a more circular, resource-efficient economy.
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We also try to use the indirect influence that our properties can have on their
tenants to produce more sustainable outcomes. This is often done through
awareness raising activities; for example, our subsidiary GCP publishes leaflets and
has produced information videos for tenants with advice on more environmentally
friendly behavior such as recycling. In 2023, GCP also continued the previously
rolled-out pilots for pay-by-volume waste systems at the specific locations, which
monitored the volume of waste disposed by tenants and billed them accordingly.
These systems are yet to prove effective in inciting meaningful behavioral changes,
for example by drawing tenants’ attention to the cost-saving benefits of waste
reduction. The pilot did not yield significant evidence of the system’s impact on
the actual volume of waste disposed, so extending this initiative to further assets
is not to be expected.
Our green lease clauses for tenants also cover waste management and other
environmental management aspects, as well as engagement obligations between
tenant and landlord to ensure cooperation on sustainable practices with respect to
maintenance, construction and modernization works.
As another key example of our waste reduction projects, in early 2023, Aroundtown
started digitalizing its postal correspondence with tenants through the GOGREEN
Plus service from Deutsche Post DHL. This means that now postal correspondence
with residential tenants is digitally transmitted to Deutsche Post, who offer a
climate-neutral hybrid mail dispatch, by email, SMS, fax or post. Communications
with commercial tenants has been partially digitalized, and we aim to continue
expanding this effort further, as it substantially reduces the waste generated in
the production and delivery of the leaflets while also supporting our tenants in
reducing their carbon footprint. We will continue to look for innovative partnerships
and strategies to improve our resource efficiency in future.
Recycling of Construction Waste
When it comes to waste production and disposal from construction work, we are
more in control of waste management and recycling. Whenever we undertake
larger construction and refurbishment projects, we conduct reviews of the type
and quantity of waste produced, to ensure lawful disposal of hazardous and non-
recyclable waste streams and to recycle as much as possible. The topic of circular
economy is becoming more important for the real estate and construction sector,
not least due to the European Union’s EU Taxonomy regulation, which has
stipulated the goal of a 70% recycling rate for the sector. We therefore aim
to engage even more closely with our contractors regarding the recycling of
demolition waste and to improve data gathering on waste disposal and recycling
rates. In general, our goal is to preserve existing structures and materials and
not to demolish and build new. This is advantageous from an economic and
ecological perspective.
In order to track the progress of our approach, we collect waste generation data
from our assets and monitor this year on year, as will be presented in April. Due to
restrictions around tenant data sharing, we include tenant waste generation within
our landlord-managed figures. It is only possible, based on our waste collectors, to
report recycled and non-recycled waste.
Water Management
Water and marine resources was not deemed to be a material topic during our DMA,
however we recognize the importance of our water consumption and the negative
environmental impacts associated with poor water management. We therefore aim
to promote sustainable water use across our portfolio, and to comply with the high
standards for water quality and wastewater disposal set at EU and national level.
The importance of sustainable water usage has been highlighted by its inclusion as
a core environmental objective in the EU Taxonomy.
We seek to positively influence tenants’ water consumption, through engagement
programs and advanced measurement technologies. We are prioritizing
investment in smart water meters to provide tenants with accurate information
about their water usage. This data is also used to identify inefficiencies and
potential interventions from both a structural and management perspective.
Based on these insights, we seek to implement technical improvements to reduce
water consumption in our properties wherever feasible. So far, this initiative
has been implemented in the Netherlands, and pilot projects in Germany are
planned for 2024.
In 2023, we welcomed a Water Resource Specialist to our team, acknowledging that
this topic is of increasing importance and needs to be addressed separately from
the Energy Department who have previously managed water resources. A Water
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Management Policy and Procedure were established to unite and improve water
management efforts at operationally controlled and owned assets, outlining our
current water strategy, water management, and water-related procedure principles.
The Water Management Procedure also provides further information to Asset and
Property Managers on improving sustainable water usage at assets in our portfolio.
Metrics: Water Management
Our water management strategy is described in the section above. In order to track
the progress of our approach, we collect water consumption data from our assets
and monitor this year on year as shown in tables 5 and 6. Due to restrictions on
tenant data sharing, we include tenant submeters in our landlord-obtained water
consumption figures.
Absolute water consumption for managed assets
Water reported in m
3
TOTAL
OFFICE
RETAIL
OTHERS INCL. LOGISTICS
GCP
EPRA Code
Metric
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Water-Abs
Total landlord-obtained water consumed (including tenant submeters)
3,203,245
3,125,639
343,800
362,113
26,272
42,501
43,704
26,212
2,789,468
2,694,813
Proportion of landlord-obtained water consumption data that is
estimated (including tenant submeters)
29%
14%
26%
100%
2%
100%
20%
100%
29%
0%
Total water consumption data coverage, by area (sqm)
3,670,113
2,548,011
1,502,344
999,057
56,449
163,776
158,541
108,068
1,952,779
1,277,110
Absolute building water intensity (m
3
/m
2
*year)
Water-Int
(Abs)
Building water intensity for all water consumed
0.87
1.23
0.23
0.36
0.47
0.26
0.28
0.24
1.43
2.11
Like-for-like water consumption for managed assets
Water reported in m
3
TOTAL
OFFICE
RETAIL
OTHERS INCL. LOGISTICS
GCP
EPRA Code
Metric
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Water-LfL
Total landlord-obtained water consumed (including tenant submeters)
2,979,843
2,658,191
194,035
191,142
15,039
11,565
35,439
35,982
2,735,329
2,419,501
Proportion of landlord-obtained water consumption data that is
estimated (including tenant submeters)
30%
15%
37%
80%
3%
80%
24%
80%
30%
5%
Total water consumption data coverage, by area (sqm)
2,919,577
2,915,869
871,423
871,423
25,094
25,094
116,953
116,953
1,906,107
1,902,399
Like-for-like building water intensity (m
3
/m
2
*year)
Water-Int
(LfL)
Building water intensity for all water consumed
1.02
0.91
0.22
0.22
0.60
0.46
0.30
0.31
1.44
1.27
TABLE 5
TABLE 6
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Biodiversity and Ecosystems
While biodiversity and ecosystems was not identified as a material topic in our
DMA, we remain cognizant of the need to and benefits of contributing positively to
biodiversity at our sites. We have therefore established a clear, public Biodiversity
Commitment which details our approach to biodiversity protection and enhancement,
which is planned to be updated in 2024 to include a more specific strategy and
related goals considering EU Taxonomy aspects.
In 2023, we continued to conduct biodiversity studies at our sites to assess the types
and extent of species we have onsite and to identify opportunities for biodiversity
enhancement on and around our assets. In Germany, as part of our employee
engagement program, ‘Activate the Base’, some colleagues formed a biodiversity
taskforce aiming to kick-off the biodiversity studies in Germany after they were
piloted in the Netherlands in 2022. Four assets were assessed in Berlin in 2023,
for which implementation projects of the identified improvement measures will be
rolled out in 2024.
Meanwhile, our Dutch operations conducted 17 biodiversity studies across eight
cities, compared to seven studies conducted in 2022. Following the results, and
carefully considering both the urban landscape of the corresponding assets and
the practical feasibility of the identified possible measures, three biodiversity
enhancement projects took place in the Netherlands in 2023. These included the
installation of bat, hedgehog, squirrel and bird houses, insect hotels, green roofs,
and the planting of local flora and fauna. For 2024, further biodiversity studies have
already been planned for the Netherlands.
Finally, we continued to expand our ‘Aroundtown buzzes’ program to protect urban
bee populations in and around our assets. The program was initiated in 2020 with
15 rooftop beehives across our commercial properties. By 2023, we had 43 bee
colonies across 11 roofs in our portfolio. These also include four roofs in our hotel
portfolio which we added to this program, in collaboration with the hotel tenants.
The bees are looked after by our very own registered beekeeper.
In addition, to further engage our staff with these biodiversity programs, our
employees receive gifts produced by our bee colonies, including beeswax candles,
and honey.
Pollution
While pollution was not deemed to be a material topic during our DMA conducted
earlier this year, it is nevertheless a topic that we consider in our construction and
refurbishment projects, as well as in the operation of our assets.
As described in
more detail in our EU Taxonomy section of this report, we for instance require our
suppliers and contractors of Taxonomy-relevant projects to sign a questionnaire
that confirms their non-usage of pollutants and prohibited chemical substances by
the European Union.
Aroundtown‘s beekeeper at work
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72
EU TAXONOMY
Introduction
The EU Taxonomy is a classification system for the identification of sustainable
economic activities established by the European Commission. Its purpose is to
offer companies, investors and policymakers a standard set of definitions for which
economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable in order to create
security for investors, protect against greenwashing and encourage investment
into more sustainable activities. The EU Taxonomy is currently comprised of six
environmental objectives: Climate Change Mitigation; Climate Change Adaptation;
Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources; Transition to Circular
Economy; Pollution Prevention and Control; and the Protection and Restoration of
Biodiversity and Ecosystems. The technical screening criteria for the six EU Taxonomy
environmental objectives were scheduled for release over a multiyear timeframe.
The Climate Delegated Act covering the technical screening criteria for a substantial
contribution to Climate Change Mitigation and Climate Change Adaptation and the
Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) criteria for the remaining environmental objectives
was approved in 2021 and applied as of January 2022. The final Environmental
Delegate Act adding the substantial contribution criteria for the remaining four
environmental objectives was approved in 2023 and will apply as of January 2024.
In 2022, Aroundtown undertook for the first time an assessment of the Group’s EU
Taxonomy-aligned turnover (see Turnover KPI further below), capital expenditure
(CapEx) and operating expenses (OpEx) relating to the EU Taxonomy environmental
objectives Climate Change Mitigation and Climate Change Adaptation for the
financial year ending 31st December 2022. Since then, Aroundtown has made
further progress in implementing and adapting processes to gather critical data for
EU Taxonomy reporting. For instance, in 2023, a mid-year EU Taxonomy alignment
exercise was performed, covering eligible CapEx under the environmental objective
Climate Change Mitigation. This allowed an earlier assessment of the status quo
and provided an opportunity to enhance process-optimization for the final EU
Taxonomy alignment assessment. This exercise was performed by the Sustainability
Department, together with the Construction and Operation Departments, as well as
the Business and Group Controlling teams.
Furthermore, to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the EU Taxonomy
and its reporting requirements, several training sessions were conducted with the
Construction and Operation Departments in Germany, as well as the Netherlands,
Greece and Cyprus throughout 2023. At Aroundtown, the standard construction
contract was also recently revised to ensure the accessibility of information necessary
for EU Taxonomy compliance, incorporating provisions for contractors to deliver data
pertinent to EU Taxonomy reporting. The updated contract includes the EU Taxonomy
pollution prevention questionnaire (to be signed by contractors) which covers the
DNSH criteria on Pollution Prevention and Control, and integrates explicit provisions
for waste disposal and recycling data, covering the Circular Economy requirements
under the DNSH criteria for Climate Change Mitigation. It also covers the DNSH
technical specifications for water appliances so that in the future all refurbishment
activities that affect water appliances must align – if economically possible – to the
specifications of the EU Taxonomy. The new contract has taken effect from January
2024 for Aroundtown, while GCP is currently undertaking the contract update check,
which is also expected to be rolled out during 2024.
As a long-term target, Aroundtown aims to optimize its Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) system for the comprehensive collection of EU Taxonomy data. In
2024, ongoing training sessions will continue in conjunction with EU Taxonomy
updates for the Construction and Operation Departments and the Business and
Group Controlling teams.
Following strategies are in place to continuously improve the eligibility and/or
alignment with the EU Taxonomy:
Take substantial contribution and DNSH criteria of the EU Taxonomy into consideration
when making decisions regarding renovations and new development projects.
The emphasis is on Taxonomy-alignment of larger CapEx projects under 7.1
‘Construction of New Buildings’ and 7.2. ‘Renovation of Existing Buildings’ due to
their materiality over smaller projects.
Data collection improvements through better utilization of our ERP System and
closer collaboration with our suppliers.
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Methodology
Approach Taken to Determine Taxonomy-Eligible Activities
In order to determine EU Taxonomy eligibility,
Aroundtown first identified all activities
undertaken by the Group during an initial assessment conducted in 2021 involving
multiple departments. Subsequently, the Sustainability Department has reviewed
the activities to determine whether the list was still up to date. In 2022, we changed
our reporting of photovoltaic systems, which were previously reported under activity
4.1 (electricity generation using solar photovoltaic technology) to reporting under
activity 7.6 (installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy systems)
following further clarification published by the European Commission in December
2022. In 2023, Aroundtown continued to follow the established methodology.
Hence, the following seven EU Taxonomy-eligible activities were determined as
relevant for Climate Change Mitigation and Climate Change Adaptation:
Construction of new buildings (7.1)
Renovation of existing buildings (7.2)
Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficient equipment (7.3)
Installation, maintenance and repair of charging stations for electric vehicles in
buildings (and parking spaces attached to buildings) (7.4)
Installation, maintenance and repair of instruments and devices for measuring,
regulation and controlling energy performance of buildings (7.5)
Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy systems (7.6)
Acquisition and ownership of buildings (7.7).
Despite the activities’ contribution to both objectives, Aroundtown considers itself
as contributing more to Climate Change Mitigation than Climate Change Adaptation
through the energy efficiency improving renovations of its assets. As a consequence,
the EU Taxonomy Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are reported with regard to
Climate Change Mitigation only. Nevertheless, with the refurbishment of our
properties, they also become more climate resilient. Aroundtown has also adopted
several specific adaptation solutions which will increase the contribution to the
second environmental objective in the upcoming years.
Furthermore, with the publication of the substantial contribution criteria for the four
remaining environmental objectives - Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and
Marine Resources; Transition to Circular Economy; Pollution Prevention and Control;
and the Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems – in June 2023,
clarified that only Circular Economy provided additional economic activities for the
real estate and construction sector. These new activities are:
Construction of new buildings (3.1)
Renovation of existing buildings (3.2)
Demolition and wrecking of buildings and other structures (3.3)
Maintenance of roads and motorways (3.4)
Use of concrete in civil engineering (3.5)
Of these activities, only 3.1, 3.2 and 3.5 apply to Aroundtown and are considered as
eligible in 2023. However, data availability of recycling data from waste disposal and
management sites is still a challenge for reporting with regards to DNSH Circular
Economy under Climate Change Mitigation. Aroundtown therefore chose to continue
improving fulfilment of the DNSH criteria for Circular Economy under Climate
Change Mitigation first before potentially reporting on the substantial contribution
under Circular Economy in the future. In 2024, Aroundtown will continue to work
with suppliers to provide better recycling data, which has already been added as a
data delivery requirement to Aroundtown’s construction contract template in 2023.
Attributing Data to Economic Activities
Although our Construction and Operations Departments started to put into place
processes in 2022 that allow for the allocation of projects or activities to the relevant
economic activities, the majority of invoices had to be analyzed and evaluated
manually for eligibility and alignment.
Using determined commodity codes relevant
to each identified economic activity based on information provided in guidelines
and resources by the European Commission, the invoices could be allocated to the
correct eligible economic activity. This attribution process was necessary for CapEx
mostly.
The majority of turnover is generated in relation to the activity ‘Acquisition and
Ownership of Buildings (7.7)’, in the form of rental income. The Group also derives a
comparatively small amount of other income that is not related to eligible economic
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74
activities. Additionally, OpEx is reported as relating to activity 7.7, since it corresponds
to the maintenance measures at Aroundtown’s properties.
Assessment of Aligned Activities
For an economic activity to be aligned with the EU Taxonomy, three requirements
need to be fulfilled:
1.
it must make a substantial contribution to the achievement of one or more EU
environmental objectives (“substantial contribution”)
2.
it does not significantly harm any other EU environmental objective (“do no
significant harm / DNSH”)
3.
it is in compliance with minimum social standards on topics such as Human
Rights, Labor Standards and Anti-Corruption (“minimum social safeguards”)
Based on these requirements, checks for EU Taxonomy alignment relate to different
business levels at Aroundtown. Whereas substantial contribution to Climate Change
Mitigation is assessed at the individual asset or project level, the DNSH criteria
apply rather to the economic activity itself. The DNSH criteria for Climate Change
Adaptation and Circular Economy was conducted for Aroundtown as a whole.
Compliance with minimum social safeguards was also evaluated for Aroundtown Group.
Substantial Contribution Assessments
This section outlines the checks conducted for substantial contribution to Climate
Change Mitigation relevant to Aroundtown’s eligible economic activities.
Starting with ‘Acquisition and ownership of buildings’ (7.7), this is the only activity for
which Aroundtown reports turnover and OpEx. Turnover is only considered as making
a substantial contribution to activity 7.7 if the relevant buildings – provided they
were constructed before 31 December 2020 – have been assigned energy efficiency
class A (or better) or are among the top 15% of regional or national housing stock in
terms of primary energy demand. For buildings constructed after 31 December 2020,
the same criteria for significant contribution to Climate Change Mitigation apply as
for ‘Construction of new buildings’ (7.1).
As Aroundtown Group acquires existing buildings, they are mostly built before 31
December 2020. With regard to the energy class and building stock it has been
recognized by the European Commission and several real estate associations, that
the lack of an energy class labelling based on letters (A-G) for commercial assets in
Germany has created an issue for reporting. Aroundtown closely follows the sector’s
debate on the topic and has reviewed and assessed several methodologies presented
by industry organizations and an external service provider to the real estate sector.
After thorough review of the available methodologies, Aroundtown has adopted the
15% benchmark approach based on data published by a publicly available index,
that has been endorsed by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), a
non-profit focused on making buildings more sustainable. The index uses average
yearly primary energy consumption data per asset type from its vast database of
European clients’ consumption data to establish top 15% and top 30% benchmarks
for Germany, the UK, Benelux and other countries. We note that this approach was
adopted for the German portfolio only, whereas for the Dutch and London portfolios
for which EPC ratings were readily available, the EPC rating approach was followed.
Hence, aligned turnover and OpEx was only calculated in relation to the properties
that fall within the top 15% of building stock (German portfolio) or have an EPC
rating A and above (Dutch and UK portfolio). However, due to issues with data
availability on energy performance for our hotel portfolio, these are not fully
captured in the turnover and OpEx calculations and it is therefore likely that our
aligned percentages are actually higher than presented.
As for the substantial contribution criteria for the activity ‘Construction of new
buildings’ (7.1), the relevant building has to show a primary energy demand
that is at least ten percent below the national standard for nearly zero-energy
buildings. In addition, for buildings larger than 5,000m² further criteria have to
be fulfilled upon completion in order to be aligned: tests for airtightness and
thermal integrity, as well as a life-cycle Global Warming Potential of the building.
At Aroundtown Group, new constructions constitute a very small percentage of its
business activities. The few development projects in 2023 are currently mostly in
the planning phase and therefore not able to produce all necessary documentation
for the fulfillment of substantial contribution criteria (Climate Change Mitigation)
for ‘Construction of new buildings’ (7.1) or the various DNSH criteria. They are
therefore reported as eligible only in this year’s report.
The substantial contribution criteria to Climate Change Mitigation for ‘Renovation
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of existing buildings’ (7.2) dictate that refurbishment results in at least a 30%
reduction in primary energy demand within three years or qualifies as a major
renovation. Aroundtown checked compliance with these criteria by assessing
whether the renovation project touches 25% of the building envelope or more and
meets the cost-optimal minimum energy performance requirements as laid out in
the German buildings energy act, Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG) or other national
legislation, implementing the EU Directive 2010/31/EU
3
. If this was the case, the
CapEx
was considered as meeting the substantial contribution criteria. If this was
not the case, the CapEx was assessed under for the business activity for individual
energy efficiency measures as described in 7.3 (Installation, maintenance and repair
of energy efficient equipment). Depending on the individual measure that was
conducted, compliance with the relevant technical criteria laid out in the GEG or
other national legislation is evaluated. Only if these were met, CapEx allocated to 7.3
(Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficient equipment) is considered as
meeting the substantial contribution criteria.
There are no additional technical screening criteria for activities 7.4 (Installation,
maintenance and repair of charging stations for electric vehicles in buildings (and
parking spaces attached to buildings)), 7.5 (Installation, maintenance and repair
of instruments and devices for measuring, regulation and controlling energy
performance of buildings) and 7.6 (Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable
energy systems) beyond the list of individual measures described for each activity.
Do No Significant Harm Assessments
As mentioned above, in order for an economic activity to be aligned, the EU Taxonomy
employs the principle of ‘do no significant harm’. As such, in addition to making a
substantial contribution to one of the environmental objectives, it must be shown that
each activity does not significantly harm any of the other objectives, as defined by the
Technical Screening Criteria in the First Delegated Act to the EU Taxonomy.
Since all eligible activities were assessed for making a substantial contribution to
Climate Change Mitigation, the DNSH assessments were performed only for those
that met the technical criteria for substantial contribution. As data with regard to
the fulfillment of substantial contribution criteria was not readily available for
our 7.1 (Construction of new buildings) projects, most of which are currently in the
planning phase, no further DNSH checks were conducted for this activity and is
therefore reported as eligible only in this year’s report.
Regarding activity 7.2 (Renovation of existing buildings), substantial contribution
criteria to Climate Change Mitigation were met, however, not all DNSH could be
fulfilled, in particular the criteria for Protection of Water and Marine Resources. This
stems to a great degree from a lack of relevant data available for both areas –
areas in which Aroundtown Group is highly dependent on information provided by
contractors and suppliers. The Group mainly faced challenges regarding the lack of
readily available technical information of bathroom and kitchen appliances, which
is oftentimes not indicated in contracts or invoices by contractors.
Despite these challenges, Aroundtown has worked consistently on setting up
processes and gathering the necessary data for relevant DNSH criteria, in particular
those for the environmental objectives of Protection of Water and Marine Resources.
Aroundtown is committed to improving access to data relevant for EU Taxonomy
reporting through continued engagement with contractors and suppliers. We note
that this DNSH criteria does not apply to residential properties and can therefore be
omitted in alignment checks of our residential portfolio held by our subsidiary GCP.
The other DNSH criteria related to the environmental objectives of Climate Change
Adaptation, Circular Economy, and Pollution Prevention were met for 7.2 (Renovation
of existing buildings), the assessments of which are described further below. We
note that the activity 7.2 (Renovation of existing buildings) can only be reported as
aligned in 2023 for our residential properties held by GCP.
For activity 7.3 (Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficient equipment),
DNSH criteria exist for the environmental objectives of Climate Change Adaptation
and Pollution Prevention, whereas for the activities 7.4 (Installation, maintenance
and repair of charging stations for electric vehicles in buildings (and parking spaces
attached to buildings)), 7.5 (Installation, maintenance and repair of instruments and
devices for measuring, regulation and controlling energy performance of buildings)
and 7.6 (Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy systems) only
Climate Change Adaptation applies.
The assessments performed against these different DNSH criteria are discussed in
turn below.
3.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32010L0031
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Climate Change Adaptation:
All economic activities in category 7 (construction
and real estate), require that a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment
is conducted following the steps laid out in Appendix A of the Delegated Act.
4
Please refer to the section on Climate Change Adaptation in this report for further
information on this assessment and the adoption of relevant adaptation solutions.
Protection of Water and Marine Resources:
Water appliances for bathrooms and
kitchens need to follow specifications on maximum water flow and flush volume
outlined in Appendix E of the EU Taxonomy Regulation
5
. As this DNSH is not fulfilled
for 7.2 (Renovation of existing buildings) for AT in 2023 due to lack of data on
installed appliances, the activity is only reported as aligned for our residential
portfolio GCP, for which this DNSH does not apply.
Transition to a Circular Economy:
At least 70% by weight of non-hazardous
construction and demolition waste generated on the construction site are prepared
for reuse, recycling and other material recovery. Aroundtown complies with national
legislation on recycling requirements, and so do its renovation projects in Germany.
The German Circular Economy Act
Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz (KrWG)
, which implements
EU Directive 2008/98/EC on waste, as well as its amending Directive 2018/851/EU
6
stipulates a recycling rate of 70% by weight for construction and demolition waste.
Pollution Prevention and Control:
In order to prevent pollution through toxic and
environmentally harming chemicals, non-financial undertakings are required to
confirm that a number of chemical substances mentioned in Appendix C of the EU
Taxonomy Regulation
7
are not manufactured, placed on the market or being used
in any economic activity. As this DNSH criteria is relevant for three of our economic
activities – 7.1 (Construction of new buildings), 7.2 (Renovation of existing buildings)
and 7.3 (Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficient equipment) – the
Group has created a questionnaire outlining the specifications of Appendix C which
has been sent to our largest contractors to confirm non-usage of these chemicals
in our building materials and at our construction sites. It has been made clear in
the European Commission’s FAQ document from December 2022
8
that such proof
must come from the supplier itself.
Minimum Social Safeguards
The EU Taxonomy states that activities may not qualify as environmentally sustainable
unless they comply with minimum social safeguards. This requires alignment with
the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles
on Business and Human Rights, as well as the fundamental conventions of the
International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Bill of Human Rights.
Aroundtown has several corporate policies in place that refer to these international
standards and frameworks to ensure alignment with these social minimum safeguards.
These policies include our Human Rights Policy, the Business Partner Code of Conduct
and Employee Code of Conduct, as well as the Anti-Corruption Policy. Further, the Group’s
compliance trainings for employees include topics of corruption and fair business.
To assess the alignment of this framework to the required minimum safeguards, in
particular on the topic of human rights, the Group has made reference to the report
of the Platform on Sustainable Finance
9
of October 2022, in which two criteria to
determine compliance with the safeguards were established. These are:
1.
That the company has established adequate human rights due diligence (HRDD)
processes, as outlined in the UNGPs and OECD Guidelines for Multi-national
Enterprises (MNE).
2.
That there are no indications that the company does not adequately implement
HRDD, resulting in human rights abuses.
Demonstrating adequate HRDD for the purposes of the first criterion requires that
the following six key steps have been implemented:
Six-Steps of Human Rights Due Diligence
1.
Adopting and embedding a commitment to Human Rights Due Diligence into
policies and procedures
2.
Identification and assessment of adverse impacts, including through stakeholder
engagement
3.
Taking actions to cease, prevent, mitigate and remediate adverse impacts
4.
Tracking the implementation of these actions and its results
5.
Communicating publicly on the approach of HRDD and actions taken to avoid and
address adverse impacts
6.
Providing or cooperating in remediation, incl. establishing or participating in
grievance mechanisms where individuals and groups
can raise concerns about adverse impacts
4.
https://ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance-taxonomy/assets/documents/CCM%20Appendix%20A.pdf
5.
https://ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance-taxonomy/assets/documents/CCM%20Appendix%20E.pdf
6.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32018L0851
7.
https://ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance-taxonomy/assets/documents/CCM%20Appendix%20C.pdf
8.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202300267
9.
https://finance.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-10/221011-sustainable-finance-platform-finance-report-minimum-safeguards_en.pdf
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Aroundtown has addressed and implemented these six steps through embedding
the topic of Human Rights in its policies, including the Human Rights Policy, as
well as Employee and Business Partner Codes of Conduct and by conducting annual
human rights online trainings with its employees.
Taking into account adverse impacts on human rights in the Group’s materiality
assessments and risk management, Aroundtown has identified and addressed
potential risks in the areas of construction and refurbishment/maintenance of the
business through a number of measures and processes. For instance, based on their
contract volume with Aroundtown, their region of business operation and other
criteria, suppliers are categorized as low, medium or high-risk. Depending on their
risk level, an adequate due diligence process is conducted utilizing different sources
of information. Besides our desk-based due diligence checks, our construction and
operation managers are fulfilling their legal monitoring obligation during the
execution of the project according to the national law of the project location. Finally,
through Aroundtown’s whistle-blowing system that is accessible to employees and
externals, potential human rights violations may be reported.
Any reports are tracked and investigated by our Compliance Department. Following
an internal investigation procedure as documented in our Investigation Policy for
handling potential violations, employees or business partners receive a warning,
are fined, or banned from doing further business with the Group, should the claim
be confirmed. Aroundtown may also decide to consult with authorities if necessary.
Please also see the section ‘Fair Business and Compliance’ and the subsection
‘Management of Supplier Relationships’ in the Governance part of this report, which
provide further information on compliance with social minimum safeguards on
corruption and fair business.
None of the negative indicators described by the Platform on Sustainable Finance
report with regard to human rights, corruption, fair business and taxation for
the second criterion are applicable to AT. We therefore assess that this criterion
is also met for Aroundtown, and thus that the required minimum safeguards are
implemented as required by Article 18 of the EU Taxonomy.
Calculation of Key Performance Indicators
Based on the determination above of EU Taxonomy-eligible activities, Aroundtown
calculated the proportions of eligible and non-eligible activities, and the proportion
of these eligible activities which is aligned, in accordance with the calculation
methodologies defined in the Commission Delegated Regulation 2021/2178
published on 6 July 2021 and updated by Commission Delegated Regulation
2023/2486 of 27 June 2023. In general, all three Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
are calculated in accordance with IFRS in line with our consolidated annual report.
Double accounting is avoided by direct allocation of eligible and aligned KPIs to
a specific economic activity, as well as a clear separation in our accounting system
of CapEx and OpEx accounts. This division is further aggravated through separate
bookkeeping systems at Aroundtown’s various business entities.
The Turnover, OpEx and CapEx KPIs for aligned activities are determined according
to the following calculations:
Turnover KPI
The definition of the Turnover KPI pursuant to the EU Taxonomy Regulation:
The only activity from which revenue is derived that is deemed to be EU Taxonomy-
eligible is activity 7.7 (Acquisition and ownership of buildings). Aroundtown’s
turnover consists to a great degree of revenue generated from rental income and
operating income. The Group also derives a comparatively small amount of other
income that is not related to eligible economic activities, which is not counted in
the numerator but is included in the denominator. Other revenue includes mainly
management fee, consulting fees as well as income from loans in connection with
real estate transactions.
Aroundtown’s denominator is taken from “revenue” from the Consolidated Statement
of Profit or Loss.
Aligned turnover is calculated as the sum of turnover generated firstly, from
Aroundtown Group’s properties that fall within the 15% top building stock in
Germany based on the previously described method and index and secondly, from
Dutch and UK assets that have an EPC label A or higher.
Numerator
Share of turnover derived from products and services associated
with EU Taxonomy-aligned activities.
Denominator
Total net turnover, calculated in accordance with “IAS 1.82 a)
Revenue” and consistent with the accounting principles applied
to the preparation of the Group’s financial statement.
Please see the consolidated financial statements starting page
158 of this report.
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OpEx KPI
The definition of the OpEx KPI pursuant to the EU Taxonomy Regulation:
As such the denominator of the OpEx KPI is defined differently and is comprised
of specific expenses summarized in “property operating expenses” disclosed in
the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss of this report. The OpEx denominator
amount is therefore not mentioned as such in the financial statement.
OpEx is considered as overall operating expenses that is linked to activitiy 7.7
(Acquisition and ownership of buildings) and therefore to the overall maintenance
and day-to-day servicing of properties.
Hence, the calculation of the aligned OpEx is linked, to the extent possible, to the
Numerator
Share of operating expenditure that is:
1.
Related to assets or processes associated with EU
Taxonomy-aligned economic activities, including:
training and other human resources adaptation needs
direct non-capitalized costs that represent research and
development
2.
Part of the CapEx plan (expand / upgrade of activities)
3.
Related to the purchase of output from EU Taxonomy-
aligned economic activities
4.
Related to measures allowing activities to be carried out
in a low-carbon manner or with reduced greenhouse gas
emissions and individual building renovation measures
5.
Part of OpEx for the adaptation of economic activities to
climate change
Denominator
Total operating expenditure, as the sum of direct non-
capitalized costs, including:
1. Research and development
2. Building renovation measures
3.
Short-term lease
4. Maintenance and repair
5.
Any other direct expenditures relating to the day-to-day
servicing of assets of property, plant and equipment by the
undertaking or third party.
Please see the consolidated financial statements starting page
158 of this report.
properties that fall within the 15% top building stock in Germany or are labeled with
an EPC A or higher in the Netherlands and the UK.
OpEx linked to research and development cannot be allocated to individual
properties as would be required for alignment.
CapEx KPI
The definition of the CapEx KPI pursuant to the EU Taxonomy Regulation:
Numerator
Share of capital expenditure that is:
1.
Related to assets or processes that are associated with EU
Taxonomy-aligned economic activities
2.
Part of a CapEx plan (expand / upgrade of activities)
3.
Related to the purchase of output from EU Taxonomy-
aligned economic activities
4.
Related to measures allowing activities to be carried out
in a low-carbon manner or with reduced greenhouse gas
emissions
5.
Part of the CapEx for adaptation of economic activities to
climate change
Denominator
Total capital expenditure, as the sum of:
1.
Additions to tangible and intangible assets during the
financial year considered before depreciation, amortization
and any re-measurements, including:
IAS 16.73 e) i) and iii) Property, Plant and Equipment
IAS 38.118 e) i) Intangible Assets
IAS 40.76 a) and b) Investment Property (for the fair
value model)
IAS 40.79 d) i) and ii) Investment Property (for the cost
model)
IAS 41.50 b) and e) Agriculture
IFRS 16.53 h) Leases (leases that do not lead to the
recognition of a right-of-use over the asset shall not be
counted as CapEx)
2.
Revaluations and impairments, additions resulting from
business combinations and excluding fair value change
Please see the consolidated financial statements starting page
158 of this report.
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The CapEx denominator is composed of “net additions”
from note 15 (property and
equipment) as well as capital expenditure on investment property and acquisition
on investment property both from note 13 (investment property).
The EU Taxonomy-aligned CapEx comprises costs incurred from economic
activities 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6. Where refurbishment, energy efficiency projects
or renewable energy projects last for several years, only those expenses that were
capitalized in the relevant reporting year are calculated as EU Taxonomy-eligible
or aligned CapEx.
CapEx linked to activities 7.4 and 7.6 mostly relates to infrastructure costs of
necessary modernization, upgrades or technical equipment of the properties prior
to the installation of EV charging stations or PV systems respectively. The majority
of CapEx is currently invested by our partner company. CapEx linked to activity 7.7
represents acquisitions of new assets in 2023. The CapEx numerator did not include
CapEx as part of a CapEx plan.
Presentation of the Performance Indicators Relating to EU Taxonomy-Aligned
and EU Taxonomy-Eligible Economic Activities
In line with the regulatory requirements for EU Taxonomy reporting in 2023,
Aroundtown is disclosing the performance indicators in the table template provided
by the European Commission.
Taxonomy-aligned, eligible and non-eligible percentages of Aroundtown‘s KPIs
Reviewed by auditor
72.7%
85.2%
2.8%
Eligible
Aligned
Non-eligible
4.9%
Capex
Opex
71.9%
28.1%
24.5%
9.9%
Turnover
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Proportion of
Turnover
from products or services associated with Taxonomy-aligned economic activities – disclosure covering year 2023
Financial year 2023
Year
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria (“Does Not Significantly Harm”)
Economic activities
Code(s)
Absolute turnover
Proportion of
turnover 2023
Climate change mitigation
Climate change adaptation
Water and marine resources
Circular economy
Pollution
Biodiversity and ecosystems
Climate change migration
Climate change adaption
Water and marine resources
Circular economy
Pollution
Biodiversity and ecosystems
Minimum safeguards
Proportion of
Taxonomy-
aligned (A.1)
or -eligible
(A.2) turnover,
2022
Category
enabling
activity
Category
transi-
tional
activity
millions
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
A.1. Environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned)
Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
392.6
24.5%
Y
N
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
16.7%
Turnover of environmentally sustainable activities
(Taxonomy-aligned) (A.1)
392.6
24.5%
24.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
16.7%
Of which enabling
-
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0.0%
E
Of which transitional
-
0.0%
0.0%
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0.0%
T
A.2. Taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned activities)
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
1,164.8
72.7%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
80.6%
Turnover of Taxonomy- eligible but not
environmentally sustainable activities
(not Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.2)
1,164.8
72.7%
72.7%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
80.6%
A. Turnover of Taxonomy-eligible activities (A.1 +
A.2)16.7
1,557.4
97.2%
97.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
97.3%
B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Turnover of Taxonomy- non-eligible activities
45.3
2.8%
TOTAL (A + B)
1,602.8
100.0%
Metrics: EU Taxonomy
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
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Proportion of
OpEx
from products or services associated with Taxonomy-aligned economic activities – disclosure covering year 2023
Financial year 2023
Year
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria (“Does Not Significantly Harm”)
(h)
Economic activities
Code(s)
Absolute OpEx
Proportion of
OpEx 2023
Climate change mitigation
Climate change adaptation
Water and marine resources
Circular economy
Pollution
Biodiversity and ecosystems
Climate change migration
Climate change adaption
Water and marine resources
Circular economy
Pollution
Biodiversity and ecosystems
Minimum safeguards
Proportion
of
Taxonomy-
aligned
(A.1) or
-eligible
(A.2) OpEx,
2022
Category
enabling
activity
Category
transi-
tional
activity
millions
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
A.1. Environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned)
Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
144.1
28.1%
Y
N
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
19.0%
OpEx of environmentally sustainable activities
(Taxonomy-aligned) (A.1)
144.1
28.1%
28.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
19.0%
Of which enabling
-
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0.0%
E
Of which transitional
-
0.0%
0.0%
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0.0%
T
A.2. Taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned activities)
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
369.4
71.9%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
81.0%
OpEx of Taxonomy- eligible but not environmentally
sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.2)
369.4
71.9%
71.9%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
81.0%
A.
OpEx of Taxonomy-eligible activities (A.1+A.2)
513.5
100.0%
100.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
100.0%
B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
OpEx of Taxonomy- non-eligible activities
-
0.0%
TOTAL(A + B)
513.5
100.0%
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
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Proportion of
CapEx
from products or services associated with Taxonomy-aligned economic activities – disclosure covering year 2023
Financial year 2023
Year
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria (“Does Not Significantly Harm”)
Economic activities
Code(s)
Absolute CapEx
Proportion of CapEx 2023
Climate change mitigation
Climate change adaptation
Water and marine resources
Circular economy
Pollution
Biodiversity and ecosystems
Climate change migration
Climate change adaption
Water and marine resources
Circular economy
Pollution
Biodiversity and ecosystems
Minimum safeguards
Proportion
of
Taxonomy-
aligned
(A.1)
or eligible
(A.2) CapEx,
2022
Category
enabling
activity
Category
transi-
tional
activity
millions
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
A.1. Environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned)
Renovation of existing buildings
CCM 7.2
2.7
0.48%
Y
N
N/EL
N
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
Y
Y
Y
N/EL
Y
1.3%
T
Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficiency equipment
CCM 7.3
3.0
0.52%
Y
N
N/EL
N
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
N/EL
N/EL
Y
N/EL
Y
0.5%
E
Installation, maintenance and repair of charging stations for electric
vehicles in buildings (and parking spaces attached to buildings)
CCM 7.4
0.4
0.07%
Y
N
N/EL
N
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
0.0%
Installation, maintenance and repair of instruments and devices for
measuring, regulation and controlling energy performance of buildings
CCM 7.5
1.4
0.24%
Y
N
N/EL
N
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
0.1%
E
Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy technologies
CCM 7.6
1.3
0.23%
Y
N
N/EL
N
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
0.2%
E
Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
48.1
8.38%
Y
N
N/EL
N
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
8.7%
CapEx of environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned) (A.1)
56.9
9.92%
9.92%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
10.8%
Of which enabling
5.7
0.99%
0.99%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
N/EL
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
0.8%
E
Of which transitional
2.7
0.48%
0.48%
N/EL
Y
Y
Y
Y
N/EL
Y
1.3%
T
A.2 Taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned activities)
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
EL; N/EL
Construction of new buildings
CCM 7.1
11.8
2.06%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0.25%
Renovation of existing buildings
CCM 7.2
12.4
2.16%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0.89%
Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficiency equipment
CCM 7.3
9.4
1.63%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
2.35%
Installation, maintenance and repair of instruments and devices for
measuring, regulation and controlling energy performance of buildings
CCM 7.5
0.0
0.00%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0.00%
Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy technologies
CCM 7.6
0.0
0.00%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0.00%
Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
455.6
79.35%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
82.89%
CapEx of Taxonomy- eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (not
Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.2)
489.2
85.21%
85.2%
0
0
0
0
0
86.37%
A.
CapEx of Taxonomy-eligible activities (A.1+A.2)
546.1
95.12%
95.12%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
97.18%
B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
CapEx of Taxonomy- non-eligible activities
28.0
4.88%
TOTAL(A + B)
574
100.0%
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
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Social Information
OUR WORKFORCE:
LABOR STANDARDS AND EMPLOYEE TOPICS
Long-term Targets
Be among the top ten most attractive employers in the commercial real estate
sector by 2030
Maintain zero incidents of discrimination
Offer a minimum of 12hrs of training and development opportunities per FTE
per year
2024 Goals
Continue to offer volunteering
program organized as a company-wide Social Day
for employees
Implement a second round of our ‘Activate the Base’ program, encouraging
employees to implement their own sustainability projects while receiving
guidance from an external coach
Introduce and conduct 180-degree surveys to encourage self-development among
employees
Implement our newly developed staff career path to create more transparency on
development opportunities
It is fundamental for a responsible business that everyone should feel safe and
protected, and we take significant steps to ensure that our work environment
has a positive impact on the health and well-being of our people. Beyond this
foundation, we seek to excel in factors such as career development, education,
work-life balance, well-being, and diversity and inclusion, which are required to
attract and retain today’s top talent. The interests, views and rights of our own
employees primarily relate to human rights and health and safety. Our approach
to the protection of our workforce is explained in the following section.
Our suite of social policies including our Employee Code of Conduct, Diversity
Policy, Anti-Discrimination Policy, Human Rights Policy, Anti-Corruption Policy and
Whistleblowing Policy – all allow us to manage impacts, risks and opportunities
relating to our workforce. These policies cover all of our own employees and were
developed with the interests of our employees in mind. Our social policies detail
our commitments to the protection of our employees’ human rights, health and
safety, and protection against discrimination and harassment. They also detail
how our employees should keep us safe in relation to corruption and bribery
prevention. The centralization of our HR Department ensures that processes and
policies are standardized across the Group, meaning that knowledge and talents
are effectively used across the board.
Following the request from our employees, in 2023, we developed staff career
paths, including specific KPIs, which intend to create a clear structure and more
transparency regarding career and development opportunities at Aroundtown.
These career paths are expected to be communicated and applied from spring
2024. We also ensure all our employees are paid adequate wages in line with
applicable benchmarks.
Employee Satisfaction
We engage with our employees in a number of ways, primarily through our annual
employee engagement survey which allows us to obtain direct feedback from all
employees. We also conduct regular HR Roundtables during which our employees
and managers have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with our
HR Department. Our Group Head of HR is responsible for overseeing our annual
employee satisfaction survey, as well as our HR Roundtables and we use the
results of both to inform decisions or activities that will help manage actual and
potential impacts.
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To ensure straightforward communication with staff across the Group, we have
implemented an HR software as an employee engagement tool. Through this platform,
employees can manage personal data, holiday and home office requests, sick leave,
and book training and participation at other company events. We are continuing to roll
out new features to make the system more user-friendly. Our goal is for this software
to serve as a centralized HR system across all our locations of operation, so that all our
employees have easy and consistent access to the information they need, and to make
the employees and the HR Department more agile.
In 2023, we conducted a survey with our employees, the results of which will guide
our strategy to improve workplace satisfaction. The results were a clear indication
of the engagement of our employees, with a 63% response rate across the Group.
From this, we have identified priority areas for improvement in our HR policies,
and we formulated an action plan for 2023 and 2024 to act on this feedback. This
included further employee surveys to provide more opportunities for feedback and
communication, furthering information about career progression, and increased
communication about Aroundtown’s overall strategy and vision, and the promotion
path opportunities which employees can pursue within our organization.
This year, our commitment to a positive work environment was reflected by two
key milestones. Aroundtown was awarded ‘Top Company 2024’ by Kununu, a leading
platform for employer reviews and feedback on corporate culture, compensation
schemes, and overall employee satisfaction. This placed us among the top 5%
of all employer profiles in the platform in 2023 – a confirmation of our strong
engagement for a great working environment and the satisfaction of our employees.
Our subsidiary, GCP, was chosen as ‘Most Wanted Start 2024’ by the newspaper, Die
Zeit, and Kununu, demonstrating GCP’s position as a leading apprenticeship company
in Germany, highlighting our commitment to employee development.
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance workforce satisfaction and well-being,
our collaboration with a work-life platform in Germany continued throughout 2023.
The platform extends comprehensive support to our employees, which includes
family-oriented services like childcare for holidays, emergencies, daily needs, and
elderly care. The platform further enriches the employee experience by offering
programs for expecting parents, promoting a healthy work-life balance through
virtual sports courses and mental health prevention programs, and providing access
to diverse consultations and talks on leading a healthy life, diversity and inclusion,
and addressing discrimination concerns. These offerings align with our commitment
to fostering a positive and supportive work culture.
Training and Development
We place great importance on delivering a broad learning and development program
to our staff to provide them with the skills required to prosper in today’s business
environment and further their careers. Our training is targeted to individual needs
and delivered flexibly to meet the needs of all our employees. We utilize our in-
house expertise, as well as external specialists, to deliver training ranging from
construction and property management to business skills and leadership training.
Training is delivered in person, through online webinars, or via our self-directed
learning portal, the Contemporary Real Estate Academy (CREA). This platform
enables a unified presentation of our mandatory training content and learning and
development material, which is accessible to all staff across our business. In 2023,
additional features were added that allow for better communication with employees
on training opportunities and advanced tracking of training data and the creation of
reports for content owners and admin users from our HR Department.
We have also continued to implement performance reviews digitally through our
HR software. Managers receive training on using the tool to provide performance
feedback and can then provide ratings and reviews digitally. In 2024, we plan
to relaunch the performance review tool across the Aroundtown departments
in Germany, with a new career development plan, aiming to deliver 60% of
performance reviews using this method. Streamlining this review process will
allow our employees to receive personal feedback more simply and regularly,
helping them to improve and progress towards their own goals.
In 2023, we also continued to expand our leadership training program, delivering
2,430 hours of training for upcoming leaders within our organization. In addition,
we maintained our mentoring scheme, enabling our employees to receive
professional coaching support from more senior team members. These programs
sought to boost individual employee performance while securing our long-term
viability. The leadership program is designed to equip the company’s current and
potential leaders with the fundamental critical thinking and problem-solving skills
essential for making sound decisions. It aims to improve communication and team
management skills, conflict resolution, as well as innovativeness and productivity.
Employees who participate in this program are provided with the skills necessary to
effectively manage change, ensuring the company remains resilient and adaptable.
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In 2023, we also saw through the first round of our ‘Activate the Base’ program, which
offered employees the opportunity to develop a project idea related to several topics
ranging from resource reduction and biodiversity to neighborhood engagement.
Together with an external consultancy, which guided the participants throughout the
project period, the employees also reflected on their values and personal development.
As an international company representing more than 60 nationalities, headquartered
in Germany, we also support our employees with language classes in English and
German. In 2023, we continued to pursue our intensive focus on language learning,
partnering with a well-known language school to offer advanced German courses for
non-native speakers and English for German speakers, with 3,557 hours of training
provided. The language program is targeted at promoting effective communication
and collaboration amongst employees and other stakeholders. It enhances operational
efficiency, tears down cultural barriers, reduces misunderstandings, builds trust, and
fosters a more inclusive workplace environment.
Occupational Health and Safety
We take our responsibility to provide a safe work environment seriously and ensure
that tasks do not pose undue health risks. Our Occupational Health and Safety
Policy ensures strict compliance with all workplace health and safety regulations
at national and EU level. We are jointly responsible for occupational health and
safety through the avoidance of risks to ourselves and our employees by identifying
and reporting any unsafe working conditions, violations of safety requirements, and
accidents in the workplace. The implementation of this policy is overseen by our
dedicated internal Office Health and Safety Manager and by the internal inspections
of the occupational safety standards in our workplaces. We also undergo ad hoc
external audits by state officers, but none have taken place in 2023.
In order to manage material risks, impacts and opportunities to our workforce, we
set targets to help mitigate these risks and maximize opportunities. In 2023, we
increased our internal budget for employee training, including for occupational
health and safety, with some employees being identified as knowledge owners
who then delivered training sessions themselves. The 169 certified first-aiders in
the Group have been trained, within the scope of first aid assistance, to respond
effectively to emergency occupational health and safety situations. Work-related
injuries, ill-health and incidents are investigated according to our Occupational
Health and Safety policy. Furthermore, we are in the process of expanding our
mentoring and coaching program in collaboration with one employee who will
transition to the roll of our full-time internal Business Coach starting in 2024. This
employee has received training in the matter and began offering coaching in the
last quarter of 2023 already.
To contribute further to the well-being of our employees, we offer a flexible
package of benefits and working provisions, such as hybrid working arrangements
to support working from home, and flexible working hours. Part-time working
options also grant greater flexibility for our employees to balance their work
around their lives and families. Such part-time arrangements are specific to the
employee’s needs.
The wider health and well-being benefits provided include eye examinations and
health checks carried by our company physician, access to our company gym for
employees at our Berlin headquarters with courses and personalized training,
and mental health appointments available for all employees with our in-house
consultant.
Furthermore, our collaboration with a work-life platform mentioned under the
Employee Satisfaction section also contributes to fostering a secure and supportive
workplace environment. Offerings underpinning our commitment to occupational
health and safety include hundreds of virtual sports and mental health prevention
courses covering topics from mindfulness to resilience, and numerous talks
and consultation offers promoting a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the platform
provides access to a 24/7 emergency hotline staffed by qualified psychologists
and coaches, ensuring prompt psychological support during critical situations. To
help manage stress, specific trainings, coaching and other methods such as Open
Space are also available.
Equal Treatment and Opportunities for All
We are committed to promoting equal treatment and opportunities for all
within our workforce. Our Anti-Discrimination Policy specifically addresses the
following grounds for discrimination: race or ethnic origin, gender, religion or
ideology, disability, age, sexual identity. Discrimination on the basis of any of
these characteristics constitutes an infringement of basic human rights and is
explicitly prohibited by us. The Anti-discrimination Policy explains our employees’
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obligation and right to lodge a complaint should they believe they have been
subject to any kind of discrimination. These complaints are taken seriously and are
duly investigated. Further, our Diversity Policy details the diversity initiatives that
we implement, including the promotion of talent development, the recognition of
life experience, and the offering of cultural support.
In 2023, as a result of the ‘Activate the Base’ initiative, a Diversity Committee
comprising employee representatives from different organizational levels was
established with the aim of overseeing our commitments to diversity, inclusion and
anti-discrimination. A dedicated site is now available in our intranet containing up-
to-date topics and information, and comprehensive diversity training is now provided
to all employees upon joining the organization. To strengthen our commitment, the
position of Chief Diversity Officer was also established during 2023, and is currently
held by the Group Head of HR.
Work-Related Rights
We respect and promote human rights throughout our organization with the help of
stringent policies and procedures. Should we operate in areas at risk of human rights
violations, we have committed to undertake human rights due diligence and risk
assessments. We regard every person as unique, and recognize people‘s individual
differences such as ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, experience, physical
and mental abilities, age, and sexual identity. In this way, we ensure our employees,
tenants, and business partners, including our suppliers, respect the shared human
rights of all people, in line with international regulations such as the International
Labor Organization‘s Core Labor Standards, and the UN Guiding Principles on
Business and Human Rights. Our policies concerning our employee’s work-related
rights refer to forced or compulsory labor, and child labor. However, they currently do
not explicitly refer to trafficking in human beings. We commit to duly consider this
aspect during our policy reviews.
Metrics: Our Workforce
As part of our commitment to improving employee satisfaction, maintaining high
standards of health and safety, and ensuring all employees receive equal treatment
and opportunities, we monitor and measure a series of metrics to help understand
our progress in areas relating to our workforce. Employee data disclosed below is
representative of the figures at the end of the reporting period and are reported in
full-time equivalent.
M



2023
We monitor our employee numbers by both geographical area and contract type as
seen in tables 7 and 8 below which allows us to monitor further information and
understand trends in employee-related data. These figures include employees who
are subject to the material impacts identified during our DMA.
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Employee head count by contract type
EPRA
Code
Units of
Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
N/A
Total
numbers
and
percentages
Permanent
employees
who identify as
female
677
50%
656
49%
Permanent
employees who
identify as male
670
50%
670
51%
Permanent
employees who
identify as 'other'
0
0%
N/A
N/A
Temporary
employees
who identify as
female
156
43%
148
39%
Temporary
employees who
identify as male
203
57%
231
61%
Temporary
employees
which identify as
'other'
0
0%
N/A
N/A
Non-guaranteed
hours employees
who identify as
female
9
53%
N/A
N/A
Non-guaranteed
hours employees
who identify as
male
8
47%
N/A
N/A
Non-guaranteed
hours employees
who identify as
'other'
0
0%
N/A
N/A
TABLE 8
Employee headcount by geographical area
EPRA
Code
Units of
Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
N/A
Total
numbers and
percentages
Total
1706
100%
1705
100%
Germany
1356
79.5%
1414
82.9%
Cyprus
149
8.7%
147
8.6%
Netherlands
70
4.1%
79
4.6%
United
Kingdom
65
3.8%
40
2.4%
Other
66
3.9%
25
1.5%
Employee breakdown by nationality
N/A
Percentages
Share
in total
workforce
(as %
of total
workforce)
Share in all
managerial
positions (as
% of total
managerial
workforce)
Share
in total
workforce
(as %
of total
workforce)
Share in all
managerial
positions (as
% of total
managerial
workforce)
Germany
61.9%
54.2%
64.2%
56.9%
Cyprus
8.2%
13.9%
8.0%
14.1%
Netherlands
3.7%
5.9%
3.8%
4.6%
Romania
3.7%
0.4%
4.8%
0.7%
United
Kingdom
3.4%
5.1%
1.7%
2.8%
Israel
3.2%
9.2%
3.6%
9.9%
Others
15.9%
11.3%
13.9%
11%
No. of nationalities
(incl. Germany)
#
67
63
TABLE 7
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Due to our efforts to enhance and maintain employee satisfaction, we monitor
turnover and retention rates of our employees as well as track key hiring KPIs as
shown in table 9.
Hiring and Turnover
EPRA
Code
Units of
Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Number
Rate
Number
Rate
Emp-
Turn
-
over
Total
number
and rate
of new
employee
hires
New employee hires
397
23.3%
486
29%
Female
194
48.9%
196
40%
Male
203
51.1%
290
60%
Age group <30
154
38.8%
155
31.9%
Age group
≥ 30 - < 50
189
47.6%
264
54.3%
Age group >50
54
13.6%
67
13.8%
Open positions
filled by internal
candidates (internal
hires)
165
29.4%
189
28.0%
Average
amount (€)
Average hiring cost/
FTE
536.9
N/A
1068.7
N/A
Total
number
and rate of
employee
turnover
Employee turnover
380
18.3%
422
19.9%
Female
161
42.4%
190
45.0%
Male
219
57.6%
232
55.0%
Age group <30
89
23.4%
98
23.2%
Age group
≥ 30 - < 50
212
55.8%
233
55.2%
Age group ≥ 50
79
20.8%
91
21.6%
Employee initiated
turnover
264
12.7%
288
13.6%
Female
115
43.6%
135
46.9%
Male
149
56.4%
153
53.1%
Age group <30
60
22.7%
72
25.0%
Age group
≥ 30 - < 50
158
59.8%
165
57.3%
Age group ≥ 50
46
17.4%
51
17.7%
Training metrics are monitored as shown in table 10, including the percentage of our
employees who receive performance and career development reviews.
Training and Development
EPRA
Code
Units of
Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Emp-Dev
% of total
workforce
% of total employees who received regular
performance and career development reviews
during the reporting period
26.6
28.5
Emp-
Training
Average
number of
training
hours
All employees
16.0
12.5
Female
18.7
13.2
Male
13.6
11.9
Management
26.6
19.8
Female
38.3
25.2
Male
20.3
17.2
Non-management
18.1
14.7
Female
20.2
15.3
Male
15.9
14.2
Part-time employees
19.3
N/A
FTE employees
20.6
17.0
N/A
Average
amount
(€)
Average investment in training per FTE
696.3
539.7
Percentage
(%)
Percentage of FTEs that participated in
leadership development program
1.9%
N/A
Percentage of FTEs that participated in
language program
18.1%
N/A
TABLE 9
TABLE 10
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
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We monitor and measure the diversity of our employees in table
12, where we
collect data regarding the representation of male/female/other employees, and
employee with disabilities.
Diversity
EPRA
Code
Units of
Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Diversity-
Emp
Number
% of total
employees
who
identify
Female
49%
50%
Male
51%
50%
Other
0%
0%
% of
employees
who
identify
Female (Board of Directors)
29%
33%
Male (Board of Directors)
71%
67%
Female (top management)
22%
12%
Male (top management)
78%
88%
Female (senior management)
34%
25%
Male (senior management)
66%
75%
Female (junior management)
39%
41%
Male (junior management)
61%
59%
N/A
Female (all management)
35%
32%
Male (all management)
65%
68%
Female (revenue generating
management functions)
32%
29%
Male (revenue generating
management functions)
68%
71%
Female (STEM-related positions)
23%
18%
Male (STEM-related positions)
77%
82%
Number
Employees with disabilities
37
31
TABLE 12
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
Our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of our employees is measured
using health and safety metrics, shown in table 11.
Employee Health and Safety
EPRA
Code
Units of Measure
Metric
2023
2022
H&S-
Emp
Number of injuries/
accidents per total time
worked
Injury / accident rate
10
0.000004
0.000005
11
Number of injuries per
million hours worked
Lost-Time Injury
Frequency Rate (LTIFR)
4.0
4.6
Number of days lost per
total time worked
Lost day rate
0.0006
0.0003
Number of days lost per
total days scheduled to
be worked by employees
Absentee rate
7.4
8.0
Number of fatalities
Work-related fatalities
0
0
N/A
Number of injuries/
accidents
Recordable work-
related injuries/
accidents for own
workforce
12
13
10.
2022 figure for Injury Rate has been restated due to an error in last year’s reporting, where an internal metric using
number of Full-Time Employees (FTEs) as the denominator was reported. In 2023, we updated the methodology as
prescribed by the EPRA sBPR guidelines, which uses total number of working hours as the denominator.
11.
Accidents and injuries are tracked as the same metric internally, therefore accident rate is considered as the same
metric as injury rate.
TABLE 11
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Table 13 presents the gender pay gap within our employees. This indicator measures
the disparity in earnings between women and men, calculated as the average gross
hourly earnings of female employees divided in the average gross hourly earnings
of male employees. We closely monitor and report this difference based on various
levels of aggregation in an effort to increase transparency and conform to widely
accepted standards. The data is split based on employee remuneration (salary and
bonus) and basic salary in relation to employee level.
Gender Pay Gap
EPRA
Code
Units of Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Diversity-
Pay
Executive
Ratio of remuneration
(salary and bonus) of women to
men
0.46
0.41
Management
0.69
0.80
12
Non-management
0.82
0.86
All employees
0.67
0.68
Executive
Ratio of salary of women to men
0.47
0.47
Management
0.71
0.78
Non-management
0.83
0.85
All employees
0.70
0.71
N/A
Total
compensation
ratio
Ratio of the highest paid individual
to the median annual total
compensation for all employees
(excluding the highest paid
individual)
33.27
N/A
The Work-Related Rights section of this report describes our approach to our
employees’ human rights. Part of this approach entails the monitoring of issues and
incidents relating to these rights, as shown in table 14.
Issues and Incidents
EPRA
Code
Units of Measure
Metric
2023
2022
N/A
Total number
Incidents of discrimination (including
harassment)
0
13
0
Complaints filed through channels
for people in own workforce to raise
concerns
0
14
N/A
Complaints filed to National Contact
Points for OECD Multinational
Enterprises
0
N/A
Severe human rights issues and
incidents connected to own workforce
0
0
Severe human rights issues and
incidents connected to own
workforce that are cases of non
respect of UN Guiding Principles and
OECD Guidelines for Multinational
Enterprises
0
0
Amount (€)
Material fines, penalties, and
compensation for damages as result
of violations regarding social and
human rights factors
0
0
Material fines, penalties, and
compensation for severe human rights
issues and incidents connected to own
workforce
0
0
12.
The Management remuneration ratio for 2022 has been restated, as the ratio disclosed in 2022 was calculated based
on employees in Germany only. The updated figure reflects all locations.
13.
Only those discrimination cases that resulted in sanctions or actions towards the accused person are reported.
14.
Only if a complaint led to a confirmed compliance case, it is reported here.
TABLE 13
TABLE 14
2023 figures reviewed by auditor
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92
WORKERS IN THE VALUE CHAIN
Long-term Targets
Maintain zero human rights violations in the supply chain
Maintain our high standard of business partner scrutiny
2024 Goals
Continuing the distribution of our new Business Partner Questionnaire relating
to our Business Partner Code of Conduct
Ensure the voluntary alignment of our Group policies to the new Supply Chain Act
in Germany (LkSG) and initiate possible changes accordingly
While the topic of workers in the value chain was not identified as material
during our DMA, AT believes that respect for human rights is a non-negotiable
foundation for any business. As such, AT’s commitment to maintaining stringent
standards of ethical behavior extends throughout our value chain as well as to
our own operations, and we operate in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles
on Business and Human Rights. We do this through the expectations and
requirements outlined in our Business Partners Code of Conduct which includes
expectations and requirements around human rights protection. This document
contains matters such as respecting and recognizing employees’ rights pertaining
to freedom of association and the exercise of collective bargaining, providing
fair remuneration, refraining from child, forced and compulsory labor, respecting
minimum age requirements and providing a workplace free of harassment and
discrimination of any kind. We identified the need to engage with the workers
in our value chain and will do so by using the Business Partner Questionnaire
developed in 2023 which assesses compliance with our Code of Conduct.
The principal interests, views and rights of our value chain workers relate to human
rights protection and fair labor standards. We believe respect for, and protection
of human rights is a non-negotiable for any business, so our commitment to
maintaining effective, diligent standards of ethical behavior extend from not only
our own operations, but across our value chain. We have ensured the interests,
views and rights of our value chain workers are taken into account in our updated
Business Partner Code of Conduct which reduces risk to ourselves as well as
our value chain workers. Furthermore, our Human Rights Policy sets out our
commitments to act in accordance with internationally recognized standards of
human rights and includes our expectations of our suppliers to ensure our value
chain workers are protected to the same standards we hold ourselves. Any and
all reported violations of human rights are reported directly to our CEO and a
member of the Board of Directors. These are also recorded by our Compliance
Department. We are committed to reporting human rights violations and include
this risk within our risk management process.
In our regions of operation, human rights are protected by the strict legal framework
of the European Union and the United Kingdom, meaning that concrete human
rights violations are not a substantial risk. This means that the most material
business impact of this topic is as a compliance issue, so our comprehensive
controls on human rights throughout our value chain are managed through our
compliance framework.
Since our business model includes the refurbishment of properties, much of our
supply chain consists of building work carried out by construction companies and
their subcontractors. Since these sub-contractors do not operate under our direct
oversight, this introduces a risk area for human rights violations, for which specific
controls are in place. Prior to contracting our business partners, we conduct checks
regarding their reputation, ability to provide the proposed work and their compliance
with the respective local laws. The signing of Aroundtown’s Code of Conduct for
Business Partners is a binding requirement for our business partners with an annual
contractual volume above €5,000 with the exception of large corporations which
have their own code of conduct – provided it is in line with our standards – and with
the exception of organizations that operate in heavily-regulated sectors. To ensure
that our requirements are both practical and thorough, we worked closely with
leading experts to develop a robust system for reporting and monitoring which can
also be integrated into their operations smoothly. The code requires a commitment
to the core principles of the agreement of the governing body of the ILO, the Ten
Principles of the UN Global Compact, and the OECD Guidelines for Multi-national
Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct.
Each construction undertaking is managed by a dedicated AT project manager, who
engages directly with the onsite contractors and sub-contractors. These project
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managers evaluate compliance with the Code of Conduct during their site visits,
such as inspections and acceptance of partial deliveries. We also conduct spot
checks of business partners’ compliance through our operational departments.
This supplements our standard systems for auditing the activities of our business
partners to control for the different risk potential.
Our property management business also outsources facilities management
services. These companies are required to have their own human rights guidelines
in place and are also subject to the Code of Conduct for Business Partners. Our
facilities managers are required to complete questionnaires regarding their
compliance practices, in which they must confirm that they have conducted their
own human rights checks on any sub-contractors and that they comply with all
relevant human rights laws.
Urban gardening project Cologne
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CONSUMERS AND END-USERS
Long-term Targets
Retain strong performance in tenant orientated customer service
Continually increase tenant satisfaction
Guarantee relevant health and safety standards and ensure compliance with all
statutory norms and safety requirements in Aroundtown’s countries of operation
Ensure the highest health and safety standards following national laws
Improve the monitoring of compliance with safety measures through the ongoing
centralization and standardization of management processes
2024 Goals
Conduct our annual tenant satisfaction survey
Continue the installation of renewable energy projects and electric vehicle charging
facilities
Further rollout the Tenant Retention project that started in 2023 aimed at expanding
the services at our properties e.g., through the creation of coworking spaces
Create opportunity for our tenants to source green electricity produced onsite
Further implementation of framework agreements across the portfolio to create
uniformly high standards
Digitalize the template for our mandatory property inspections, which starting in
2024 will be conducted twice a year per property
Centralization of internal processes and structures in our Quality and Projects team
to ensure compliance with the necessary safety standards at all levels
Tenant Satisfaction
Our business has been built on the premise of exceptional customer service,
emphasizing responsiveness, diligence, and reliability. We aim to build long-
term tenant relationships by striving for high standards in our properties and
customizing our management approach to cater for each tenant’s needs. When
considering our consumers and end-users, we include all tenants who can be
materially impacted by our activities.
Long-term tenant relationships are the cornerstone of our business model. In order to
deliver long-term cash flows, which are central to our business model, it is crucial that
we build positive, long-term tenant relationships. This drives our objectives for this
area: to continually increase the satisfaction of our tenants with their experience of
our properties; and to offer industry-leading, tenant-oriented customer service.
Our tenant base is very diverse, comprising mainly governments, multi-national
and large domestic corporations, granular residential tenants and strong third-
party hotel operators. Additionally, Aroundtown has a small share of small to
medium enterprises as tenants. This diverse range of tenants brings a different
set of needs, which we aim to identify and support from the first site visit.
Our tenants are supported by a three-tier management approach. At the regional
level, our asset managers work to enhance asset value by delivering excellent
customer service and targeted asset re-positioning. They serve as the first point of
contact for our prospective tenants and engage with them on longer-term aspects
of the assets, the lease agreements, and tenant satisfaction. Our property managers
are responsible for ongoing customer care. They make regular site visits, prepare
budgets, plan technical improvements and maintenance works, and ensure that
refurbishment and management activities are aligned to tenants’ needs. At site
level, facility managers provide day-to-day technical support and maintenance,
accommodating the needs of our tenants with an accessible, flexible approach.
Whenever facility managers are unavailable, tenants can also report issues directly
to property managers, who can then raise them with facility managers for action.
The process of establishing a professional customer relationship management
(CRM) system was initiated in 2021. The CRM system assists the efficiency of our
customer engagement process including letting, tracking leads, response times, and
the status of customer requests. Digitizing these internal workflows improves the
pace of our communications with tenants, providing vital and accessible customer
care in a competitive and continuously changing market. Both our commercial and
residential tenant service centers were also certified with TÜV and ISO 9001:2015
in 2022, which put us in a unique position compared to our peers.
Our focus in 2024 will be on continue to harness opportunities for further digitalization
through our SAP management system, for example by integrating the CRM solution
and a letting support tool to improve accessibility for tenants, potential tenants and
service providers. We have trialed solutions to provide tailored experiences for our
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tenants, including booking systems, services and amenities, and to track satisfaction
and support resolution time. The ability to customize these systems will allow us to
respond more efficiently to our tenants‘ needs. Additionally, by examining the facility
management costs and concepts of our properties, we aim to identify optimization
potential to buffer the current price increases of operational costs.
In 2023, we launched several projects to improve tenant satisfaction, including a
fitness studio installed at a discounted price for tenants, which is an offer we plan to
continue expanding in 2024. A tenant lounge at one of our properties, a discounted
co-working space, and discounts on hotel accommodation for tenants are other
examples of projects aimed to improve the overall tenant satisfaction that we plan
to continue implementing in the coming years.
In order to align our investments with our tenants’ needs, we tailor ongoing analysis
into each tenant’s industry segment and individual success factors. Investments
in environmental efficiency measures are an integral part of this strategy. Larger
corporate tenants often have sustainability policies which give preference to
buildings with higher environmental standards, as well as buildings which offer
additional benefits to employee health and well-being. To evidence the green
credentials of our assets, we continue to pursue BREEAM certification across our
commercial portfolio as shown in table 15. During 2023, we successfully certified
100% of our Dutch office portfolio. In addition, we certified the first German offices
during 2023, utilizing the knowledge transferred from our Dutch office certifications.
Further certifications in German offices are ongoing and we are analyzing certification
options in the hotel portfolio.
Environmental measures also benefit tenants through reduced service charge
costs, through energy and water efficiency improvements. This trend was reflected
in the results of our 2022 commercial tenant survey which showed a clear desire
for improvement in the environmentally friendly services available and the energy
efficiency of our buildings. Consequently, our plans for 2024 include the development
of scooter and bicycle rental programs for our tenants as well as an improved
parking scheme, and the installation of solar panels onsite. The renewable electricity
generated with these panels will be made available for sale to our tenants, aiding
them in reducing their individual carbon impact. Within our residential portfolio,
awareness raising initiatives such as information videos or leaflets advice tenants
on sustainable practices including efficient heating and ventilation.
Tenant Survey
At the end of 2022, we carried out a tenant satisfaction survey for the commercial
portfolio in which we asked tenants to rate their satisfaction across several areas
such as rental property features including parking and safety, sustainability-
related features including green space and energy efficiency, fit-outs, cost, property
management, and onsite service. The survey showed high overall satisfaction, with
64% of those who consented and took part answering that they were partially or
completely satisfied with Aroundtown’s service. This rate was even higher among
our larger tenants (those with over 400m² rented) and tenants with longer-term
contracts (those with 7+ years’ contract duration). The results also demonstrated
good satisfaction with our external service providers, with the average ratings
for friendliness, accessibility, competence, responsiveness and service orientation
all indicating positive satisfaction. However, in our pursuit of conducting a tenant
survey in compliance with GDPR regulations, the scope of participation was limited,
as we needed to acquire signed consent from each tenant to use their data.
To address this challenge and enhance participation, we took proactive measures
in 2023, for which we paused the survey and focused on establishing a streamlined
process for including consent forms in new lease contracts and amendments of
existing ones. Simultaneously, we initiated the integration of consent data into
our SAP System for a more efficient and secure approach. In parallel to this, as
the survey highlighted some areas for improvement, we rolled-out action plans
informed by the results, which will also guide much of our work in 2024. For
TABLE 15
15. Group portfolio, excluding GCP.
Type and number of ESG-certified owned assets
15
EPRA
Code
Units of Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Cert-Tot
Percentage of certified
assets with BREEAM-
In-Use
Office Portfolio
36%
15%
Commercial Portfolio
21%
9%
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example, there was higher dissatisfaction with the accessibility, response time
and service orientation of our property management teams. To act on this,
Aroundtown now offers a 24/7 hotline for our commercial tenants through the
Service Center to provide a point of contact outside normal service hours. We
also started the process of developing an online service portal, in which tenants
will be able to send requests directly into our CRM system, which speeds up the
service process. This will be implemented in 2024 alongside a website for tenant
services containing relevant information and features. Furthermore, we have been
developing a Tenant Retention program in the form of a modular set of measures
for expanding the service offerings in our properties, for example by creating
coworking spaces, conference areas or gym facilities. Our efforts align with our
dedication to providing a more dynamic tenant-centric experience, which we hope
will be reflected in the results of future surveys.
For our properties in the Netherlands, we sent out the annual satisfaction survey
by email in August, in cooperation with an external agency. The survey covered
various aspects, including the service provided by the Service Desk, the condition
of the building and its surroundings, general sustainability matters, and overall
satisfaction. In 2023, the sustainability satisfaction score showed a significant
improvement of 9.5% compared to 2022, while tenant involvement in sustainability
continued to increase, evidenced through and facilitated by discussions during
tenant meetings.
The overall service satisfaction has also seen a positive increase of 7.1%. To enhance
performance further, KPIs for this department have been adjusted for the upcoming
year, with the aim of achieving a yearly improvement of at least 3%. Across all
measured areas, scores have surpassed those of 2022 and it is our overall goal to
continue to improve performance.
Tenant Health and Safety
Guaranteeing high standards of health and safety within our buildings is a
fundamental obligation to our tenants, and a prerequisite to ensuring their
satisfaction with our service. Through the dedication of our property management
teams, we work continually to instill a positive health and safety culture across our
operations. Our ultimate goal is to protect tenants and third parties from health and
safety risks, and to deliver an environment which is healthy, safe and motivating,
with which our tenants are satisfied. When considering our consumers and end-
users, we include all tenants who can be materially impacted by our activities.
Health and safety are central to our asset management approach at every stage of
a property’s life cycle. At acquisition, we conduct a comprehensive due diligence
risk assessment which enables us to identify risks and implement preventative
maintenance solutions. We assess the building’s structural characteristics and
establish which refurbishment activities should be targeted, looking for opportunities
to improve the quality and accessibility of the property. Various measures are then
implemented to support tenants’ well-being, easier movement around the building,
and additional communal space and services.
The Aroundtown Tenant Health and Safety Policy sets out our commitment to
protecting the well-being of our tenants and the processes we apply through the
asset lifecycle, including hazard assessment, training, fire safety, and reporting.
The policy details a three-tier management approach, with distinct roles and
responsibilities assigned to our facility, property and asset management teams, and
is in compliance with all statutory norms and safety requirements in the countries
where we are operational.
During the operational phase, we conduct technical reviews of our properties on an
ongoing basis, to ensure alignment with regulations and to guide future investment
planning. Our external facility managers are tasked with operational responsibility
for providing the information and carrying out the necessary tasks to maintain
the technical condition of our assets. This encompasses documenting all checks
performed on technical installations and building structures. Reports are forwarded
to Aroundtown, and any identified remedial works are incorporated into our annual
budget planning for each property or addressed promptly if required. In 2023, we
advanced in this domain by strategically aligning with two contractors that are
required to adhere to stringent health and safety reporting standards.
Our standard operating procedures for all assets guarantee complete compliance
with fire and safety regulations. This involves investigating and documenting
safety incidents. We regularly commission the legally required assessments from
external fire safety specialists as well as conduct statutory checks with the regional
fire brigade. If deficits are identified, these are documented and reported to the
Head of Technical Property Management, who is then responsible for seeing that
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the required work is carried out. The proper implementation of these corrections is
confirmed by appropriate follow-up processes, which include an onsite inspection
and subsequent clearance report to the authorities after the deficits have been
processed. Our objective is to safeguard tenants and third parties from health and
safety hazards while providing a healthy, secure, and inspiring work environment
that satisfies our tenants.
Besides the Tenant Health and Safety Policy, our Human Rights Policy also details
our commitment to protecting the human rights of our tenants. Although this policy
is currently confidential, it has been written in accordance with the UN Guiding
Principles on Business and Human Rights and in particular respects the privacy of
our tenants through data protection measures. Any and all reported violations of
human rights are recorded by our Compliance Department and reported directly to
our CEO and a member of the board of Directors. We are committed to reporting
human rights violations and include this risk within our risk management process.
Metrics: Consumers and End-Users
Our diligent approach to maintaining the highest standard of tenant health and
safety is described above, and the metrics we use to monitor the success of our
approach are shown below in table 16.
Asset Health and Safety
16
EPRA
Code
Units of Measure
Metric
2023
2022
H&S-Asset
Percentage of assets for which
health and safety impacts
are assessed or reviewed for
compliance/improvement
Percentage
of assets
95%
100%
H&S-Comp
Number of incidents of non-
compliance with regulations and/or
voluntary standards
Number of
incidents
6
0
TABLE 16
16. This metric is reported regarding the German portfolio only.
SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. - Program ‘Education for All in Germany’
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AFFECTED COMMUNITIES AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Investors in the built environment are expected to think beyond their commercial
interest, to create long-term socio-economic benefit in the communities they
operate in. By building productive relationships with the local community, we can
contribute to the development of prosperous neighborhoods, which in turn will
benefit our properties and their tenants. The principal interests, views and rights
of our local communities relate to affordability, engagement and human rights. We
actively engage with the wider communities surrounding and within our properties
to promote neighborliness and connection. Our approach to meeting the needs of our
communities is underpinned by our Community Involvement and Development Policy.
Long-Term Targets
Invest up to €1 million p.a. in community projects via the Aroundtown and GCP
Foundations
Build partnerships with local stakeholders to achieve targeted impact with
communities around Group assets
Support measures that aim to achieve several of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (UN SDGs)
2024 Goals
Achieve a level of community investment through the Aroundtown and GCP
Foundations of at least €500 thousand p.a.
Continue supporting employee volunteering through the company-wide ‘Social
Day’, extending this to further regions to engage more employees
Organization of our annual blood drive and donation day at the Berlin office
While affected communities was not identified as a material topic in our DMA,
we are aware of the important role we play in our local communities and take
this responsibility very seriously. Our approach is underpinned by our Community
Involvement and Development Policy, which sets out our commitment to positively
impact the local communities where we operate and to improve the well-
being of our tenants and local stakeholders. In addition to outlining reporting,
responsibility, and planning requirements for active community relationship
management, the policy highlights the importance of key activities for addressing
local communities’ needs. This includes the projects sponsored by the Aroundtown
and GCP Foundations, and open and meaningful engagement and consultation
opportunities with external stakeholders. Thus, active community contributions
are one of our key priorities moving into 2024.
Our investment approach of targeting properties with value-add potential sees
us invest in properties in need of retrofitting with broader opportunities for
ESG improvements. These types of assets provide significant potential to deliver
improvements for the properties’ tenants and nearby residents through investment
in building systems and facilities, shared services, aesthetics of external facades
and improved maintenance. We strive to create spaces for dialogue with existing
tenants and local authorities as soon as an asset is acquired, to determine how
the needs and concerns of the community can be addressed through the long-term
asset strategy. These community consultations are usually in the form of meetings
and workshops.
Neighborhood Development and Community Engagement
The opportunities for community engagement programs differ greatly across the
sectors represented by our assets. Shopping centers, which represents a small part
of the portfolio, for instance, hold regular community events, host liaison activities
with schools, and provide support to local charities, for example by providing spaces
free of charge to promote and raise funds for their cause. Our subsidiary, GCP, takes a
proactive approach to engagement in the communities surrounding the residential
properties they invest in. This year their activities/events have included:
Neighborhood gardening: Kick-off of two urban gardening projects in a high-rise
quartier in Cologne and a property in Braunschweig
Easter Week: Digital Easter week campaign with daily interactive activities (1,972
participants)
Cinema Summer: Live open-air cinema at 8 locations, plus additional 700 cinema
boxes for a home movie night (2,052 participants)
Halloween World: Digital Halloween craft activity with daily interactive tasks on
the GCP website and app (1,321 participants)
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Advent Calendar: Interactive calendar from December 1
st
to 24
th
with games,
quizzes and surprises (16,
583 participants).
Some of these events have been a tradition for many years and always include a
call for participation through multiple channels to foster engagement. The high
participation numbers and the high tenant satisfaction rate on the initiatives of 97%
reflect the great reception from the tenants, and we are proud to continue building up
our efforts for community engagement in 2024.
Charitable Contributions
The Aroundtown Foundation exists to channel funding into projects which enrich
the communities in which the Group operates. This includes charitable organizations
and initiatives which support youth and elderly welfare, education, poverty relief,
national and vocational training including student aid, development coordination,
sports, art and culture. In autumn 2023, the purpose of the foundation was expanded
to include welfare and the assistance of people in special need linked to disasters,
war, and prosecution on the grounds of discrimination related to political, racial,
religious and gender reasons. The Foundation is run by a Committee of Aroundtown
managers and overseen by the Foundation Board, and all employees are encouraged
to propose projects for consideration.
In 2023, the Aroundtown and Grand City Properties Foundations supported a total
of 93 projects and donated approx. €1 million to charitable organizations. One such
donation went to the non-profit association SOS-Kinderdorf e.V., which works to
provide children and young people a safe home. With our donation, we supported
the program ‘Education for All in Germany’, which rolled-out various educational
measures aimed at building equitable opportunities for disadvantaged young people
in different phases of life, reducing discrimination and strengthening social inclusion.
Also, with our donation to ShelterBox e.V., an organization helping and supporting
the world‘s most vulnerable people to regain their strength and rebuild their homes
after a disaster, we contributed to providing humanitarian aid to affected countries
after disasters, or in complex emergencies such as wars and conflicts. Further, with the
support of the Aroundtown Foundation, 20 young people (15 to 16 years old) were
able to attend a summer camp from the apropolis e.V., an association with the aim to
encourage young people to form their own political values and opinions.
The projects funded by the Grand City Properties Foundation included the support
of a women‘s advice center in the city of Kiel offering counseling options for women
in vulnerable situations such as in cases of domestic violence or for migrant women.
Our donation funded an artistic redesign of the passageway leading to the counseling
center with the aim of creating a space that feels safe and friendly for the women
visiting the center, but that also enhances the neighborhood aesthetics and helps break
spatial barriers. The foundation also supported lebensnah e.V., an association providing
support for people with disabilities, in developing a new individualized German sign
language course and an urban gardening project by the Caritas Association of Cologne.
Social Day
In 2023, we continued to deliver our Social Days to our employees. We delivered three
in total which involve volunteering for an organization during a paid working day.
These were a combination of self-organized, and organized through Lebenshilfe e.V.,
which sees itself as a self-help and support association for people with intellectual
disabilities and their families, helping people with disabilities to participate in
society on an equal footing.
We hope to continue these successful Social Days into 2024 and aim to expand this
engagement opportunity to employees in other regions. In addition to organizing
the Social Day, our annual employee blood drive and donation day took place in
October 2023 in Berlin.
Affordable Housing
Much of our community impact comes from our residential properties, owned
through our subsidiary, GCP. GCP’s tenants represent a wide range of social,
economic and cultural backgrounds. To provide properties which serve these
communities, we are committed to providing affordable housing, so to monitor our
performance in this regard, the Group has developed a “rental cost portion” metric
modeled on Eurostat’s housing cost overburden rate. This metric compares GCP’s
median rent for residential units against the net minimum wage, reflecting salary
after taxes and social security contributions, which we believe is a conservative
benchmark focusing on those most sensitive to rent affordability.
The housing cost portion based on the median warm rent of GCP’s residential properties
in Germany in 2023 was 39% of this benchmark, up from 38% in 2022. The warm rent
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incorporates various costs of living including energy costs, and housing services, which
GCP has no control over. The rental cost portion based on median cold rent in 2023
for our German residential properties, excluding these factors, remained at 24% of the
net minimum wage salary in 2023. These figures show that increased housing costs
in 2023 were driven by utility and service cost inflation rather than increasing rental
costs, along with observations that wage growth lagged in the current inflationary
environment. Germany has already acted to increase the minimum wage as of January
1st, 2024, along with another increase set for 2025, which should improve housing
affordability if the trend of a decreasing rate of inflation continues. These results are
testament to the Group’s commitment to ensuring that our high-quality residential
properties are priced affordably for all our tenants.
Modernization Rent Increases
Our subsidiary GCP launched its modernization program for its residential properties
and is carrying a relatively small program, targeted to where it can make a significant
impact. As part of our commitment to providing affordable housing, GCP works to
ensure that modernization cost allocation to tenants is done in a way that keeps
housing affordable. To determine these cost allocations, the Rent Control and Increase
Department analyses the current market situation and relevant regulations on cost
allocations, to decide whether to enact rental increase waivers on the modernization
costs. The average modernization cost allocation for our German residential properties
in 2023 was €0.53/sqm, which is 16% lower than the legally possible cost allocation
set out in German law.
In cases of significant rent increases, tenants can object to the cost allocation in what
is known as a financial hardship case. These can be resolved through a complete
or partial waiver of the entitled rent increase for a given number of years. In 2023,
however, zero hardship cases were received out of the 1,349 units modernized. We
believe this low number of hardship case applications reflects the targeted approach
to conducting modernization projects, and the careful consideration that is put into
rent increases which in many cases is partially waived based on the company’s
understanding of the local market situation. Recognizing the importance of not
placing pressure on our tenants in cases of financial hardship, we ensure that any and
all changes are discussed with our tenants beforehand. This transparent and open
approach allows security and trusted relationships with our tenants.
Metrics: Affected Communities
Our dedication to maintaining strong community connections and developing
longstanding relationships is demonstrated by our Community Involvement
and Development Policy, which guides our efforts towards tenant engagement.
Particularly for our residential portfolio, a range of community events are organized
such as seasonal tenant festivals and campaigns throughout the year, on site and/or
digitally. By organizing various tenant events also digitally, our residential tenants at
all locations have the opportunity to participate. This is enhanced by complementary
tenant benefits, such as an additional incentive for the residential tenants loyalty
program or embedding the digital campaigns in the GCP app. These initiatives
impact the wider community and are considered stakeholder engagement programs.
For 2024, we strive to set up an effective tracking system that allows us to better
measure the reach of the initiatives in terms of actual impact generated in the
communities - such as actual participation rates and satisfaction levels with the
various programs.
Community Engagement
EPRA
Code
Units of Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Comty-Eng
% of assets under operational
control that have implemented
local community engagement,
impact assessments,
and/or development programs
Percentage
of assets
75%
17
N/A
17.
This metric is reported regarding the GCP portfolio only.
TABLE 17
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Governance Information
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Group places a strong emphasis on corporate governance, executed responsibly
by the Board of Directors and the management teams. The Group is proud of the
high confidence of its investors, which is reflected in the impressive placement of
funds by major global investment banks. Among our shareholders and bondholders
are large international leading institutional investors and major global investment
and sovereign funds.
Aroundtown follows very strict Code of Conducts which apply to its employees
and business partners, and include policies for Anti-Bribery, Anti-Corruption, Anti-
Discrimination, Conflict of Interest and others.
Aroundtown is not subject to any compulsory corporate governance code of conduct
or respective statutory legal provisions. In particular, Aroundtown is not required
to adhere to the ‘Ten Principles of Corporate Governance’ of the Luxembourg Stock
Exchange or to the German Corporate Governance Code, which are only applicable
to listed companies incorporated in Germany, apart for recommendations C.10
(with sole reference to its applicability to the Chair of the Audit Committee), D.8 and
D.9 of the German Corporate Governance Code (Deutscher Corporate Governance
Kodex). Aroundtown has therefore issued a declaration that it does not deviate
from the aforementioned recommendations of the German Corporate Governance
Code. In general, Aroundtown already complies with most of the principles and
continues to take steps to implement ESG best practices throughout the business.
The Group’s efforts support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
(UN SDGs), particularly those relating to Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
(#16) and Partnerships for the Goals (#17).
The Group is a founding member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
Network Germany, one of the largest corporate sustainability initiatives, signaling the
Group’s commitment to strong corporate governance through adherence to the UNGC
Ten Principles. In 2023 we submitted our first disclosure to the UN Global Compact.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors makes decisions solely in the Group’s best interest,
independently of any conflict of interest. The Group is administered by a Board of
Directors vested with the broadest powers to perform in the Group’s interests. All
powers not expressly reserved by the Luxembourg Companies Act or by the articles
of association to the general meeting of the shareholders fall within the competence
of the Board of Directors.
On a regular basis, the Board of Directors evaluates the effective fulfilment of their
remit and compliance with corporate governance procedures implemented by the
Group. This evaluation is also performed by the Audit and Risk Committees. The
Board of Directors currently consists of a total of seven members, of which four are
independent and one is non-executive. The members are elected by the general
meeting of shareholders and resolve matters on the basis of a simple majority, in
accordance with the articles of association. The number of directors, their terms
and the principles of their remuneration are determined by the general meeting of
shareholders and the maximum term of directors’ appointment per election is six years
according to Luxembourg law, however directors may be re-appointed after such term.
The Board of Directors is supported by five committees of the Board, these being
the ESG, Audit, Risk, Remuneration and Nomination Committees. Additional support
is provided by the Advisory Board. The Board of Directors is also provided with
regular training on regulatory and legal updates, sector-specific and capital markets
subjects and ESG matters.
Annual General Meeting
The next Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the shareholders is intended to take
place on June 26th, 2024, in Luxembourg.
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Members of the Board of Directors
The Annual General Meeting in 2023 approved the renewal of the mandates of all
the directors until the Annual General Meeting 2027 and newly appointed Daniel
Malkin to the Board of Directors until the Annual General Meeting 2027.
In 2023, the Board of Directors conducted 31 meetings. The below table shows the
attendance of board members, as well as the average attendance rate:
The composition of our highest governance body is summarized in table 18.
Senior and Key Management
Name
Position
Mr Frank Roseen
Executive Director
Ms Jelena Afxentiou
Executive Director
Mr Ran Laufer
Non-Executive Director
Mr Markus Leininger
Independent Director
Ms Simone Runge-Brandner
Independent Director
Mr Markus Kreuter
Independent Director
Mr Daniel Malkin
Independent Director
Name
Position
Mr Barak Bar-Hen
Co-CEO and COO
My Eyal Ben David
CFO
Mr Oschrie Massatschi
CCMO (Chief Capital Markets Officer)
Name
Meetings attended
Percentage attended
Mr Frank Roseen
30/31
97%
Ms Jelena Afxentiou
29/31
94%
Mr Ran Laufer
30/31
97%
Mr Markus Leininger
28/31
90%
Ms Simone Runge-Brandner
28/31
90%
Mr Markus Kreuter
30/31
97%
Mr Daniel Malkin
(elected June 28th, 2023)
12 (/12)
18
100%
Board average
29/31
95%
Composition of the Highest Governance Body
EPRA
Code
Units of
Measure
Metric
2023
2022
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
Gov-Board
Total
numbers
and
percentages
Executive
board members
2
29%
2
33%
Independent
board members
4
57%
3
50%
Non-executive
board members
1
14%
1
17%
Independent /
non-executive
board members
with competen
-
cies relating to
environmental
and social
topics
5
100%
4
100%
Average tenure
(years) on
the Board of
Directors
6.2
N/A
5.2
N/A
TABLE 18
18.
Since Mr. Daniel Malkin was elected in June, his attendance is assessed solely based on the meetings held after his
appointment to the Board by the Annual General Meeting. In calculating averages, his attendance is recorded as 100%,
reflecting his full participation in all meetings following his appointment.
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Advisory Board
The Board of Directors established an Advisory Board to provide expert advice
and assistance to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors decides on the
composition, tasks and term of the Advisory Board as well as the appointment
and dismissal of its members. The Advisory Board has no statutory powers under
the Luxembourg law or the articles of association with the Group, but applies
rules adopted by the Board of Directors. The Advisory Board is an important
source of guidance for the Board of Directors when making strategic decisions.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and decides on the
composition, tasks and term of the Audit Committee as well as the appointment and
dismissal of its members. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee relate to the
integrity of the financial statements, including reporting to the Board of Directors on
its activities and the adequacy of internal systems controlling the financial reporting
processes and monitoring the accounting processes, including reviewing accounting
policies and updating them regularly.
The Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the appointment and
replacement of the approved independent auditor and provides guidance to the Board
of Directors on the auditing of the annual financial statements of the Group and, in
particular, shall monitor the independence of the approved independent auditor, the
additional services rendered by such auditor, the issuing of the audit mandate to the
auditor, the determination of auditing focal points and the fee agreement with the
auditor. The Audit Committee consists of the independent directors: Mr. Markus Kreuter
(Chairperson), Mr. Markus Leininger, Ms. Simone Runge-Brandner, and Mr. Daniel Malkin.
ESG Committee and ESG Management
The Group’s governance incorporates consideration of sustainability issues
at both the Board of Directors and management levels. The operational ESG
strategy has been established and is managed by the Board of Directors, which
has ultimate oversight of the overall ESG performance. The Board of Directors
established an ESG Committee to supervise the company´s ESG processes and to
review and assess the Group’s contribution to sustainable development.
The ESG Committee is chaired by Mr. Markus Leininger, an independent member
of the Board of Directors, and includes as voting members independent director
Mr. Markus Kreuter and executive director Mr. Frank Roseen, as well as advisory
members including the Group’s Head of the Sustainability Department, Head of
the Energy Department and Head of Human Resources Department as well as
the Chief Operating Officer of a key Group company. The ESG Committee oversees
strategic guidance on ESG topics and is responsible for reviewing and assessing
Aroundtown’s responsible business strategy, policies and practices with respect
to ESG. The Committee meets at least quarterly, with additional meetings called
as required, and sets the direction for the work of the Sustainability Department.
The Sustainability Department acts as a cross-departmental interface, working
across the Group to implement and monitor sustainability programs and initiatives
at an operational level. It is led by the Head of Sustainability and reports directly
to the CEO and to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors. The Department also
prepares the Group’s materiality analysis and ESG reporting, as well as responds to
enquiries by investors and rating agencies on ESG topics. It collaborates closely with
the Energy Department, which applies its engineering expertise to implement the
technical elements of our sustainability strategy. There are constant exchanges of
information between departments around ESG-related aspects.
Risk Committee and Chief Risk Officer
The Board of Directors has established a Risk Committee tasked with assisting
and providing expert advice to the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities, relating to the different types of risks, recommending on a risk
management structure and its processes, as well as assessing and monitoring the
effectiveness of the risk management system. The Risk Committee is supported
by the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) who brings a systematic and disciplined approach
Name
Position
Dr Gerhard Cromme
Chairman of the Advisory Board
Mr Yakir Gabay
Advisory Board Deputy Chairman
Mr Claudio Jarczyk
Advisory Board Member
Mr David Maimon
Advisory Board Member
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104
to evaluate and improve the risk management culture, capabilities and practices
integrated within the strategy-setting and execution. The CRO’s responsibilities are
determined and monitored by the Risk Committee, whose oversight is established
pursuant to the Rules of Procedure of the Risk Committee. The Risk Committee
provides advice on actions of risk management, in particular by reviewing the
Group’s risk management procedures established by the management and
their effectiveness for risk detection, assessment, prioritization, mitigation and
monitoring, as well as its internal control system. The Board of Directors decides
on the composition, tasks and terms of the Risk Committee members and the
appointment and dismissal of its members, and of the CRO. Members of the Risk
Committee are Mr. Markus Kreuter (Chairperson), Mr. Markus Leininger, Ms. Simone
Runge Brandner, Mr. Daniel Malkin, Mr. Frank Roseen and Mr. Ran Laufer.
Internal Controls and Risk Management Systems
The Group closely monitors and manages any potential risks and sets appropriate
measures to mitigate the occurrence and/or impact of any possible failure to an
acceptable level.The risk management supervision is led by the Risk Committee, which
reviews the risk management structure, organization, processes and coordinates risk-
related training. The Group categorizes the risk management systems into two main
categories: internal risk mitigation and external risk mitigation. The internal controls
system and compliance of the Group is monitored by the Compliance Department.
Internal Risk Mitigation
Internal controls are constructed from five main elements:
Risk management – set by the Risk Committee and guided by an ongoing analysis
of the organizational structure and by identifying potential weaknesses. Further,
the committee assesses control deficiencies impacting the risk management
framework in the organization, supported by CCO and CRO.
Control discipline – based on the organizational structure and supported by
employee and management commitments. The discipline is erected on the
foundations of integrity and ethical values.
Control features – the Group sets physical controls, compliance checks and
verifications such as cross departmental checks. The Group puts strong emphasis
on separation of duties as approval and payment are completed by at least two
separate parties. Payment verification is cross checked and confirmed with budget
and contract. A payment exceeding a certain set threshold amount requires an
additional approval as a condition for payment.
Monitoring procedures – the Group monitors and tests unusual entries, mainly
through a detailed monthly Actual vs. Budget analysis and additional checks.
Strong and sustainable internal control system significantly reduces the probability
and materiality of errors. The management sees high importance in constantly
improving all measures, adjusting to market changes and organizational dynamics.
ESG risk-related expenditures – the Group has included the identification of
potential financial liabilities and future expenditures linked to ESG risks in the
enterprise risk management. Potential future expenditures on ESG matters and
opportunities are included in the financial budget.
The Group has established procedures to protect the confidentiality and integrity
of management information and data across all business processes. Furthermore,
we implemented a wide range of guidelines and provisions, with the ratification
of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including enhanced
mandatory awareness training on GDPR. The Group has implemented Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure that all personal data stored and processed
in the course of the Group’s operations is safe from manipulation and misuse.
Additionally, the Group adopted an information security and privacy strategy in
order to maintain a high level of controls to help minimize the potential risks.
The diligence of the Group with regards to all compliance issues presents itself
in the level of zero compliance-related tolerance. Both our Business Partners
Code of Conduct and Employee Code of Conduct can be found on our
website
.
External Risk Mitigation
Through its ordinary course of business, the Group is exposed to various external
risks. The Risk Committee is therefore constantly determining whether the
appropriate infrastructure, resources and systems are in place and are adequate to
maintain an acceptable level of risk. The potential risks and exposure are related,
inter alia, to volatility of interest rate risk, inflation risk, liquidity risk, credit risk,
regulatory and legal risk, collection and tenant deficiencies, the need to unexpected
capital investments, property damage risk, physical climate risks, market downturn
risk and geopolitical risk. The Group sets direct, specific guidelines and boundaries
to mitigate and address each risk of failure or potential default, by hedging and/or
reducing it to an acceptable level of impact and/or occurrence.
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For information regarding Aroundtown‘s risk management objectives and policies,
see pages
224-231 (Note 25.3 Risk management objectives and policies).
ESG Risk Management
The assessment of physical and transitional risks linked to climate change are
primarily external. The Risk Committee commissions the CRO and the Sustainability
Department to conduct physical risk assessments of Aroundtown’s portfolio in
Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Other departments, including insurance,
energy and technical due diligence provide additional support and expertise where
necessary. Under current procedures, the Group assesses climate-related risk at the
portfolio level; however, it is the Group’s long-term ambition to conduct an asset-
level analysis. The Group’s focus is to prioritize information which provides the
most accurate image of regional and local climate risks, as well as opportunities
arising from the necessary transition.
Climate-related risks are taken into account throughout the process described
above. A comprehensive risk matrix catalogue for each risk group has been
compiled for the Group, including physical and transitional climate-related risks.
Each risk is rated based on a combination of impact and likelihood resulting in
four rating definitions: Inherent Risk, Target Residual Risk, Target Risk Reduction
and Actual Residual Risk.
The ability to quantify climate related risks depends, inter alia, on the availability
of data and methodologies. The Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) tool is
an emerging best practice for stranding risk assessment in the real estate sector
and is a methodology taken into consideration by the Group. While CRREM was
found to be the most advanced tool for assessing alignment with Paris Agreement
targets, its current methodology poses challenges limiting its practical usability
for landlords to focus on renovation planning to address energy and carbon
intensity under their own sphere of influence. The Group has thus prioritized
applying stranding definitions based on EPCs and the EU’s climate commitments
embodied in the EPBD recast, which grants a better understanding of investment
actions needed and the expected results of those actions specific to each asset
class, both in terms of their sustainability and financial impacts.
In order to further engage stakeholders, including the value chain and workers
in our value chain, the Group intends to develop a methodology in 2024 which
assesses potential risks allowing the Group to develop even further its mitigation
strategy. This process will include department heads and team leaders. This new
approach will promote an enhanced risk management structure, ensuring amplified
understanding and cooperation across our stakeholders.
Nomination Committee
The Board of Directors established a Nomination Committee to identify suitable
candidates for director positions and to examine their skills and characteristics.
The Nomination Committee consists of the Independent Directors Mr. Markus
Leininger, Mr. Markus Kreuter, Ms. Simone Runge-Brandner, and Mr. Daniel Malkin.
Remuneration Committee
The Board of Directors established a Remuneration Committee to determine
and recommend to the Board the Company’s Remuneration Policy and prepares
and recommends to the Board remuneration proposals for members of the
Board, the Executive Directors and Senior Management including evaluation of
short- and long-term performance-related remuneration to senior executives.
The Remuneration Committee consists of the Independent Directors Mr. Markus
Leininger, Mr. Markus Kreuter, Ms. Simone Runge-Brandner, and Mr. Daniel Malkin.
ESG-Linked Remuneration
The Remuneration Policy is recommended to the Board by the Remuneration
Committee. It applies to the Company’s executive individuals and independent and
non-executive directors, and ties Short-Term and Long-Term Incentive Programs
to specific ESG targets, such as the annual progress towards Scope 1 and 2
emissions reductions, the annual increase of the proportion of buildings with
green certifications, the Group’s ESG rating, and gender equality. In 2023, the Group
has committed to aligning the remuneration of its executive individuals with the
requirements of the Remuneration Policy and the changes will become effective as
of 2023 and 2024.
106
ESG
Governance Structure
Sustainability
Department
y
Cross-departmental interface
y
Implements and monitors
sustainability programs
Energy Department
y
Develops energy and
carbon reduction strategy
y
Implements and tracks energy
projects and progress
HR Department
Compliance Department
Operations & Construction Departments
Responsible for defining,
implementing and tracking
departments‘ ESG targets
Markus Leininger
Independent Director
Chairman of the ESG Committee
Markus Kreuter
Independent Director
Frank Roseen
Executive Director
ESG Sponsors at Board level
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ESG Committee
Markus Leininger, Frank Roseen, Markus Kreuter,
Head of Sustainability, Head of Energy,
Chief Operating Officer, Head of HR
y
Meets at least quarterly
y
Strategic guidance on ESG
y
Responsible for reviewing ESG strategy
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Shareholders’ Rights
The Group respects the rights of all shareholders and ensures that they receive
equal treatment. All shareholders have equal voting rights, and all corporate
publications are transmitted through general publication channels as well as
on a specific section on its website. The shareholders of Aroundtown SA exercise
their voting rights at the AGM, whereby each share is granted one vote. The
voting rights attached to shares held by TLG Immobilien AG in Aroundtown
SA are suspended. The suspension of the voting rights also applies to shares
held and/or acquired by Aroundtown SA, either directly or through subsidiaries,
pursuant to its previously announced 2021/2022 buy-back program. The AGM of
shareholders takes place at such place and time as specified in the notice of the
meeting. At the AGM, the Board of Directors presents, among others, the directors‘
report as well as consolidated financial statements to the shareholders. The AGM
resolves, among others, on the financial statements of the Group, the appointment
of the approved independent auditor of the Group and the discharge to and
appointment or re-election of the members of the Board of Directors, in case
their mandate is about to expire.
Compliance with the Transparency Law
Aroundtown is committed to adhere to best practices in terms of corporate
governance by applying, among others, rules arising from the Luxembourg law
of 11 January 2008 on transparency requirements for issuers, as amended (the
‘Transparency Law’).
In particular, Aroundtown continuously monitors the compliance with the
disclosure requirements with respect to regulated information within the meaning
of article 1 (10) (the ‘Regulated Information’) of the Transparency Law and therefore
publishes, stores with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange as the officially appointed
mechanism (OAM) and files with the Commission de Suerveillance du Secteur
Financier (the ‘CSSF’) the Regulated Information on an ongoing basis.
The quarterly, half-yearly and annual financial reports, investor presentations, press
releases and ad-hoc notifications are available in the English language on our website.
In addition, Aroundtown provides on its website information about the organization,
its management and upcoming and past shareholder meetings such as its AGMs. The
Company‘s website further provides a financial calendar announcing the financial
reporting dates as well as other important events. The financial calendar is published
before the beginning of a calendar year and is regularly updated.
The individual Aroundtown SA financial statements are published annually on the
same day as the Aroundtown SA consolidated report.
Information according to article 11 (2) of the Luxembourg Takeover Law
The following disclosure is provided pursuant to article 11 of the Luxembourg law
of 19 May 2006 transposing Directive 2004/25/ EC of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 21 April 2004 on takeover bids, as amended (the “Takeover Law”):
a) With regard to article 11 (1) (a) and (c) of the Takeover Law (capital structure),
the relevant information is available on page 207 (Note 19. Total equity) of this
Consolidated Annual Report. In addition, Aroundtown’s shareholding structure
showing each shareholder owning 5% or more of the Aroundtown’s share capital
is available on page 37 of this Consolidated Annual Report and on the Company’s
website, where the shareholding structure is updated as per shareholder
notifications on a regular basis.
b) With regard to article 11 (1) (b) of the Takeover Law, the ordinary shares
issued by Aroundtown are admitted to trading on the regulated market of the
Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Prime Standard) and are freely transferable according
to Aroundtown’s articles of association (the “Articles of Association”).
c) In accordance with the requirements of Article 11 (1) c of the Takeover Law, the
following significant shareholdings were reported to Aroundtown until December
31, 2023:
Shareholder name
Amount of Shares
1)
Percentage of voting
rights
Aroundtown SA and its
wholly owned affiliate
259,951,076
16.91%
2)
Avisco Group PLC /
Vergepoint Limited
3)
230,660,516
15.01%
TLG Immobilien AG
183,936,137
11.97%
2)
Stumpf Capital GmbH
4)
154,351,365
10.04%
1)
Total number of Aroundtown SA shares as of December 31, 2023: 1,537,025,609
2)
Voting rights are suspended
3)
Controlled by Yakir Gabay
4)
Controlled by Georg Stumpf
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108
d) With regard to article 11 (1) (d) of the Takeover Law, each ordinary share of
Aroundtown gives right to one vote according to article 8.1 of the Articles of
Association. There are no special control rights attaching to the shares. The
voting rights attached to shares held by TLG Immobilien AG in Aroundtown
are suspended. The suspension of the voting rights applies to any other shares
acquired by Aroundtown, either directly or through subsidiaries, pursuant to its
previously announced 2021/2022 buy-back programme.
e) With regard to article 11 (1) (e) of the Takeover Law, control rights related to the
issue of shares are directly exercised by the relevant employees. The key terms and
conditions in relation to Aroundtown’s incentive share plan are described on page
213 (Note 20. Share-based payment agreements) of this Consolidated Annual Report.
f) With regard to article 11 (1) (f) of the Takeover Law, the Articles of Association
impose no voting rights limitations. However, the sanction of suspension of voting
rights automatically applies, subject to the Transparency Law to any shareholder
(or group of shareholders) who has (or have) crossed the thresholds set out in the
Transparency Law but have not notified Aroundtown accordingly. In this case, the
exercise of voting rights relating to the shares exceeding the fraction that should
have been notified is suspended. The suspension of the exercise of voting rights is
lifted the moment the shareholder makes the notification.
g) With regard to article 11 (1) (g) of the Takeover Law, as of December 31, 2023,
Aroundtown was not aware of any agreements between shareholders that would
lead to a restriction on the transfer of shares or voting rights.
h) With regard to article 11 (1) (h) of the Takeover Law, according to article 15.1 of
the Articles of Association, the members of the board of directors of Aroundtown
(the
“Board”
) shall be elected by the shareholders at their annual general meeting
by a simple majority vote of the shares present or represented. The term of the
office of the members of the Board shall not exceed six years, but they are eligible
for re-election. Any member of the Board may be removed from office with or
without specifying a reason at any time. In the event of a vacancy in the office
of a member of the Board because of death, retirement or otherwise, this vacancy
may be filled out on a temporary basis until the next meeting of shareholders, by
observing the applicable legal prescriptions. Further details on the rules governing
the appointment and replacement of a member of the Board are set out in page
101 of this Consolidated Annual Report. According to article 14 of the Articles of
Association, any amendment to the Articles of Association made by the general
meeting of shareholders shall be adopted if (i) more than one half of the share
capital is present or represented and (ii) a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes
validly cast are in favour of adopting the resolution. In case the first condition is not
reached, a second meeting may be convened, which may deliberate regardless of the
proportion of the share capital represented and at which resolutions are taken at a
majority of at least two-thirds of votes validly cast.
i) With regard to article 11 (1) (i) of the Takeover Law, the Board of Directors is
endowed with wide-ranging powers to exercise all administrative tasks in the
interest of Aroundtown including the establishment of an Advisory Board, an
Audit Committee, a Risk Committee, a Remuneration Committee and a Nomination
Committee. Further details on the powers of the Board are described on pages
101-106 and 242 of this Consolidated Annual Report.
Pursuant to article 7.2 of the Articles of Association, the Board is authorized to
issue shares under the authorised share capital as detailed on page 207 (Note
19.1.1. Share capital) and page 213 (Note 20. Share-based payment agreements)
of this Consolidated Annual Report. According to article 8.7 of the Articles of
Association, Aroundtown may redeem its own shares to the extent and under the
terms permitted by law. The shareholders’ meeting held on 6 May 2020 authorised
the Board, with the option to delegate, to buy-back, either directly or through a
subsidiary of Aroundtown, shares of Aroundtown for a period of five (5) years not
exceeding 20% of the aggregate nominal amount of Aroundtown’s issued share
capital. The annual general meeting of the shareholders of Aroundtown
held on 30
June 2021 approved to increase the maximum aggregate nominal amount of the
shares of Aroundtown which may be acquired under the buy-back programme by
10% of the aggregate nominal amount of the issued share capital of Aroundtown
from time to time and an ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of
Aroundtown held on 11 January 2022 further increased the maximum aggregate
nominal amount of the shares of Aroundtown which may be acquired under
Aroundtown’s buy-back programme from 30% to 50% of the aggregate nominal
amount of the issued share capital of Aroundtown from time to time. Aroundtown
concluded its previously announced share buyback program at the end of 2022.
Further details on Aroundtown’s concluded share buyback program are described
on page 208 (Note 19.1.2. Treasury shares) of this consolidated annual report.
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j) With regard to article 11 (1) (j) of the Takeover Law, Aroundtown’s listed straight
bonds, perpetual notes and security issuances (listed on pages 207-210 and 214-
218; and Note 19.1.1., Note 19.2. and Note 21.2.) under the EMTN programme
contain change of control provisions that provide noteholders with the right to
require Aroundtown to repurchase their notes upon a change of control of the
issuer. Aroundtown’s ISDA master agreement securing derivate transactions with
regard to its listed debts contains a termination right if Aroundtown is financially
weaker after a takeover.
k) With regard to article 11 (1) (k) of the Takeover Law, there are no agreements
between Aroundtown and members of the Board or employees according to which,
in the event of a take-over bid, Aroundtown may be held liable for compensation
arrangements if the employment relationship is terminated without good reason
or due to a takeover bid.
apropolis SommerCamp
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110
FAIR BUSINESS AND COMPLIANCE
Our business strategy is underpinned by our fundamental commitment to
ethical conduct, robust corporate governance, and high levels of transparency.
Safeguarding the Group from any reputational damage due to error or misconduct
is essential in maintaining the Group’s reputation. Therefore, enforcing responsible
behavior guided by integrity is a central tool for the management in terms of
its dealings. For this reason, the compliance and risk management teams are
structured accordingly and supplemented by internal review procedures, covering
all steps of real estate investment and management chain. In order to stipulate
ethical behavior throughout its operations, Aroundtown implemented Code of
Conducts for both its employment contracts and business partners contracts
which include policies that prevent compliance violations and misconducts. These
policies include Anti-Corruption, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Bribery,
measures to prevent human right violations, Data Protection Declaration and User
Policy, as well as a Whistleblowing Policy.
This framework seeks to embed our principles of integrity, respect, performance,
accountability, and sustainability into all of our business activities. We ensure our
Board of Directors and senior executives hold vast experience and skillsets in
relevant business areas in order to help maintain our high governance standards.
Long-term Targets
Keep our level of fair business relationships with our customers and suppliers
Maintain zero tolerance towards compliance violations
2024 Goals
Maintain high-level awareness and engagement with our Group policies
Review and implement actions to comply with new European regulations (e.g.,
CSRD) during 2024
Adherence to the Group risk management strategy by performing compliance risk
assessment
Ensure the voluntary alignment of our Group policies to the new Supply Chain
Act in Germany (LkSG)
To ensure our high ethical standards are embedded in our business, we have
developed a comprehensive compliance framework. This system is designed to
adapt to increasingly complex legal frameworks, and to protect our business from
the risks associated with unethical conduct. The expectations and requirements of
this framework are clearly set out through our Group-level policies and standards.
Alignment with these standards is monitored by internal control mechanisms, and
in case of deviations we have a clear reporting and response process.
All Group-
wide policies mentioned in this section are aligned with and approved by the Board
of Directors. This ensures and justifies the clear statement of Aroundtown’s top
management that these policies are a crucial part of the Group and binding for each
and every one working for and with Aroundtown.
Our compliance and risk management teams are structured accordingly to ensure
responsible behavior guides us, and they are supplemented by internal monitoring
procedures, covering all steps of real estate investment and management.
Employee Code of Conduct
At the heart of the internal policies for compliance is our Employee Code of Conduct.
This sets out the principles of our commitment to ethical behaviour and is a contractual
requirement for our staff at every level. The Employee Code of Conduct covers our
standards on topics including bribery, corruption, fair competition and anti-trust,
conflict of interest, and discrimination. It is supplemented by topical guidelines and
specific policies, such as the Anti-Corruption Policy, the Global Information Security
Policy, the Diversity Policy, and the Anti-Discrimination Policy. Aroundtown is also a
signatory of the Charta der Vielfalt (German Diversity Charter). For more information
on our anti-discrimination efforts, please refer to the subsection Equal Treatment
and Opportunities for All. Another crucial subject in our compliance program is the
management of ethical standards in our supply chain as described in the section
Workers in the Value Chain.
In its Employee Code of Conduct, the Group has also instruments in-place to prevent
and fight violations of law, such as human rights violation, corruption, and bribery.
The employees have reporting channels in case of a possible violation where the
measures are dealt with in confidence to the full extent permitted by statutory
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law. Reported issues are investigated by the Compliance Department. Besides
the reporting channels, there is also a Whistleblowing Platform conducted by an
external service provider, enabling full anonymity. If any violation is to be found,
certain disciplinary measures are taken if preconditions in that respect are met.
Please refer to the subsection Our Intranet Compliance Site below.
Aroundtown‘s Code of Conduct includes the prohibition of insider dealing.
Aroundtown is subject to several obligations under Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014
(Market Abuse Regulation (MAR)), as amended. Aroundtown notifies (including by
way of training sessions) pursuant to applicable provisions under MAR, all persons
discharging managerial responsibilities of their obligations in the context of
managers’ transactions. Memorandums, notifications, training and information are
distributed regularly.
Outstanding leadership is crucial in this regard. Our managers are expected to
be examples of our core values of mutual respect and clear communication. This
standard of behavior usually shows positive effects on our commercial success, as
well as on staff performance. We maintain a horizontal organizational structure, with
a widespread culture of transparent and regular feedback between employees and
managers. Furthermore, our Employee Code of Conduct establishes expectations
for all staff to abide by the values of openness, trust, teamwork, and acceptance
of diversity in all their dealings with one another and with our tenants and other
stakeholders. Adherence to the Code of Conduct is a mandatory requirement of all
employee contracts.
Our Intranet Compliance Site
Since 2022, we have a compliance site on our Group intranet, where the above
policies are available to all our employees. This is a major step towards our
overarching goal of unifying our internal policies across all our operating regions.
Through the intranet platform, we can now also ensure that policies are available
in a standard form to the whole organization, and that updates to these policies
are rolled out immediately.
Our intranet page and our publicly available website also support the measures
that ensure ongoing alignment with our compliance standards. Firstly, it contains
a dedicated page on our breach reporting and whistleblowing processes and
provides access to our whistleblowing platform. We are aware that ensuring
continued alignment to our high ethical standards requires a frictionless
method for employees’ concerns to be registered, and this is the spirit of our
“Speak Up” approach. Through it, employees and external service providers are
encouraged to voice any concerns they may have about breaches of the law or
contradiction of our Code of Conduct without any fear of repercussions, as dictated
by the Whistleblower Protection Act. Issues can also be reported in person, but
to guarantee total anonymity when preferred, we work with a third-party web
application to allow stakeholders to register any suspected misconduct in good
faith to ensure whistleblowing protection in line with our Whistleblowing Policy.
Our intranet page ensures availability and awareness of this platform for our
employees and the whistleblowing system can also be accessed via our website by
external stakeholders. This whistleblowing process is key to the effectiveness of the
compliance framework. Should a report be submitted through our whistleblowing
platform, an investigation is launched by a responsible user of the system, or a
member of Group Compliance to ensure objectivity of the investigation.
Additionally, the intranet platform provides links to our Contemporary Real Estate
Academy (CREA), our e-learning tool providing training on anti-corruption, bribery,
and data protection topics. This continual training and communication ensure that
understanding of our standards is always being reinforced. Compliance trainings
through CREA are included in our Welcome Days for new employees, as well as
training on the use of our whistleblowing platform. Furthermore, employees are
required to undergo annual refresher training on these policies, to reaffirm their
commitment to these standards.
Compliance Monitoring
In addition to unifying our compliance approach across our operating locations, we
want awareness and consideration of compliance issues to be straightforward and
commonplace for our employees. To this end, in 2022 we introduced compliance
ambassadors in our regional offices, to serve as first contact points for staff on
compliance subjects. These have currently been embedded in our UK and Cyprus
offices, as well as some regional offices in Germany. In order to enable an open
culture around compliance, these ambassadors are not officers of the Compliance
Department, but are empowered to serve as sources of information and guidance
for staff across the organization. In 2023, we intensified our collaboration with our
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local compliance ambassadors, which we aim to continue also in 2024.
We monitor the effectiveness of our compliance framework by tracking the number
of compliance violations. We continue to carefully analyze the evolving market and
regulatory environment in conjunction with further appropriate development of
internal structures. This process considers a range of compliance issues including
but not limited to corruption or bribery, conflicts of interest, insider trading, and
money laundering. In 2023, zero relevant compliance cases were reported within
the Group.
For the purpose of this report, Aroundtown considers a compliance case to be
relevant either when it has the potential to materially harm the reputation of
Aroundtown, will have a significant impact on an investor’s decision to invest in AT
or if it may lead to a significant financial damage (of > €500 thousand). Any cases
reported to the Compliance Department in 2023 were treated with the highest
attention and considered carefully based on the provided definition of relevance.
It was determined that none of the cases could be considered relevant.
Transparency and Reporting
We are committed to transparently reporting on our ESG progress, as such this is
the 7
th
year in a row for which we have been awarded the Gold Award for EPRA BPR
and the 6
th
year in a row for EPRA sBPR, showcasing our continual commitment to
the highest standards of transparency and reporting. We also received recognition
by Sustainalytics, a sustainability rating agency, which ranked the Group as “Low
Risk,” placed in the top 6
th
percentile of the global universe of rated companies.
19
Our S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) was ranked in the top
6th percentile of real estate companies globally, leading the Group to be placed in
the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) Europe for the second consecutive year.
Corporate Culture
In 2023, we asked some of our employees who sit within key ESG-related roles to
tell us how they felt about our corporate culture, as we wanted to understand how
our employees view our company, and if, and how, we need to make improvements.
The feedback we received during this exercise is reflective of our employee
engagement programs and demonstrates the values we uphold at the Aroundtown
Group. In the upcoming year, we aim to maintain this positive corporate culture.
Here’s what they had to say:
Political Engagement and Lobbying
Aroundtown does not engage in direct lobbying activities or make donations to
political parties. However, as a member of bodies such as the German Sustainable
Building Council (DGNB), the German Property Federation (ZIA) and the European
Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), we participate in consultations on public
policy. For example, we have been involved through EPRA in consultation with
the EU on the real estate applications of their Sustainable Finance and Taxonomy
Regulations. However, we do not make any political contributions and have
measures in place when working with former politicians to check that there are no
connections remaining with their previous political activities.
supportive
flexible
innovative
fair
everchanging
family-like
creative
empowering
hands-on
communicative
improvement-oriented
helpful
open
adaptive
encouraging
dynamic
19.
Copyright © 2024 Morningstar Sustainalytics. All rights reserved. This report contains information developed by
Sustainalytics (www.sustainalytics.com). Such information and data are proprietary of Sustainalytics and/or its third party
suppliers (Third Party Data) and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement
of any product or project, nor an investment advice and are not warranted to be complete, timely, accurate or suitable
for a particular purpose. Their use is subject to conditions available at
https://www.sustainalytics.com/legal-disclaimers
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Management of Supplier Relationships
Prior to contracting our Business Partners, we conduct checks regarding their
reputation, ability to provide the proposed work and their compliance with
the respective local laws. We recognize the significance of our suppliers and
the importance of the type of relationships we build with them, as well as the
influence we can have on them in terms of ESG performance. We therefore have
developed a Business Partner Code of Conduct, which details our expectations
and requirements from our suppliers in order to extend our reach of responsible
and sustainable practices. The signing of Aroundtown’s Business Partner Code
of Conduct is a binding requirement for our business partners with an annual
contractual volume above €5,000, with the exception of large corporations which
have their own code of conduct – provided it is in line with our standards – and
with the exception of organizations that operate in heavily-regulated sectors.
With the signing of our Business Partner Code of Conduct, these business partners
demonstrate their commitment to adhering to the Code of Conduct.
Furthermore,
in 2023 we enhanced this process by developing a Business Partner Questionnaire
which assesses compliance with our Code of Conduct.
To fulfill our commitment and effectively manage the risks associated with our
business partners, we conduct regular onsite checks, particularly focusing on
health and safety. Regarding payment terms, although we do not have a specific
policy in place that addresses cases of late payments to our suppliers, we do define
the payment terms at the beginning of our contracts to ensure we are on the same
page with suppliers, and we do adhere to this agreement.
Taking into account adverse impacts on human rights identified in the Group’s
materiality assessment and risk management process, which involves consideration
of the risks associated with our suppliers according to their economic sectors and
countries of operation, Aroundtown has identified and addressed potential risks in
the areas of construction and refurbishment/maintenance of the business through
a number of measures and processes. For instance, Aroundtown’s critical suppliers
(those with a contract volume of > €250 thousand per annum) are required to sign
the Group’s HR questionnaire and during project implementation, site visits are
conducted by the Construction or Operation Departments on a quarterly basis to
ensure compliance with our ESG Strategy.
Corruption and Bribery
Our Anti-Corruption Policy details the procedures and processes in place to prevent,
detect and address allegations or incidents of corruption or bribery, including
varying levels of contracts for different supplier types involving checks of company
structure and finance functions. The Policy, alongside our Code of Conduct, is
available to all employees to ensure they understand their responsibilities in
preventing and reporting incidents of corruption or bribery. While the policy is not
yet explicitly aligned with the United Nations Convention on Corruption, we will
be updating it in 2024, and will consider this convention.
During 2023, we were not subject to any convictions or fines resulting from the
violation of anti-corruption or anti-bribery laws. We also did not experience any
incidents of corruption or bribery, or any public legal cases in this regard.
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DATA PROTECTION
We have a deep commitment to protecting the privacy of our stakeholders’
data, which goes beyond what is required of us by regulation. We believe data
protection is a key aspect sitting within our governance responsibilities, and every
organization should have strong data protection governance in place. The volume
of data handled in our business relationships increases every year, and we take the
trust placed in us to protect the confidentiality of this data seriously.
Long-term Targets
Identify risks proactively, to detect and eliminate weaknesses before they can
become threats
Embed a culture of awareness and vigilance throughout our staff, through
consistent and regular training
Pursue continual improvement of the security of our digital systems
2024 Goals
Pass our recertification audits for ISO 27001
Introduce a new “on the job” learning format aimed at making information security
more accessible by e.g., rolling out awareness campaigns across our offices
The development of our Information Security and Privacy Strategy is continual, and
is spearheaded by our in-house cybersecurity leads, who sit in on the board’s Risk
Committee meetings to reflect data security considerations in our top-level risk
management processes. Our ISO 27001 certification for our Information Security
Management System (ISMS) at our headquarters in Berlin was maintained for a
third consecutive year in 2023. The scope of the certification applies to our head
office, while the scope of the implementation applies to all local and international
offices where all relevant policies and procedures apply in the same way. For
operational reasons, all digital information flows through Berlin, making this the
most material location to focus our certification effects.
The core principles of our Information Security Management System are:
Confidentiality: encryption wherever data is stored or accessed
Integrity: establishing procedures to prohibit unauthorized personnel to alter
information
Availability: designing systems to minimize downtime
Security: securing business information pertaining to Group operations
PII: enforcing the security and confidentiality of processed personal information
Regulations: satisfying regulatory (such as GDPR) and other information security
requirements
Awareness: training employees on how to identify threats and act according to
Group guidelines
Resilience: protecting our systems and networks as well as the data contained
therein from malicious activities
Information Assets: ensuring that all networks, systems and applications comply
with confidentiality, integrity and availability
As part of our proactive approach to risk management, we have conducted 28
internal reviews at our office branches (local and international) over 2022 and
2023, and further reviews are already planned for 2024. These were designed to
compare the effectiveness of measures at these offices to the implementation at
our operational HQ, to ensure that the application of our procedures is unified
across our business locations. The results demonstrated good levels of compliance
across the organization, and opportunities to further improve practice at these
sites were identified. Our goal is to continue to conduct more audits, so we can
pinpoint potential weaknesses before they become threats.
In 2023, as planned, we restarted our in-person welcome days, including data
protection as a key part of the agenda. We also conducted extensive technical crisis
penetration tests alongside risk assessments. To further strengthen our security
posture, an extensive Data Loss Prevention Strategy was kicked-off in 2023, which
will continuously roll out over the course of 2024.
Also, this year, a core member of our data protection team was invited to speak at
a Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) event, explaining our approach to
cybersecurity and its successes. BSI is a German government agency addressing
cybersecurity, so this invitation demonstrated the success and strength of our approach.
One key channel of risk to our systems and networks identified is mobile devices.
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In light of the shift in recent years to remote working spurred by the COVID-19
pandemic, we have introduced new controls to ensure that all external connections
are secure. Through a Privileged Access Management (PAM) System, we have added
a supplementary security layer for external IT service providers which enforces
MFA (multi-factor-authentication), session recording, least privileges and requires
approval before each session. For our external business service providers, we have
implemented a tool which checks the compliance of the operating systems that
connect to ensure that they are well protected with a recent operating system, a
malware solution and encryption capabilities. External service providers can only
connect if all these standards are fulfilled.
To ensure adequate security in our processes for saving and sharing information, all
documents are labelled with an information security classification, from Public to
Restricted, which requires password protection for the document, where applicable.
To embed our data protection system across the Group, we place great importance
on training and awareness for our staff, with all personnel being required to sign
a company statement of their commitment to data protection. Furthermore, all
our employees are required to complete video-based training modules on data
protection, which are regularly developed to keep the training provided up to date.
In 2022, we developed and filmed new awareness videos starring our employees
to make the training more relatable and understandable, and we implemented
a photo-based project portraying colleagues in fun poses edited to be used as
“landing pages” for phishing campaigns. In 2024, we intend to continue creating
highly personalized awareness campaigns covering further topics.
Beyond initial training on our data protection procedures, we emphasize continued
learning and awareness efforts. Furthermore, Aroundtown’s Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) set out expected courses of action for day-to-day activities, such as
saving and storing information or handling requests for data. Permanent employees
must complete mandatory refresher training every 18 months to reinforce their
knowledge of these procedures and awareness of data protection risks.
Furthermore, we monitor potential security incidents and data protection breaches
as an indicator of the effectiveness of our operational procedures. In 2023, no
such confirmed breaches or incidents were reported. In the event of any confirmed
incident, a response team is formed to immediately investigate the matter and
recommend remedial actions to prevent a similar occurrence.
Graffiti artistic intervention in shopping center. Source: Frameless-studio UG – Artist Tape_Fabifa.
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EPRA sBPR Data Preparation
As members of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), we choose to
report on our ESG impacts in accordance with the 3rd edition (2017) of the EPRA
Sustainability Best Practice Recommendations (sBPR). In 2023, we received the EPRA
sBPR Gold award for our disclosure for the seventh time consecutively. This year,
in preparation for the first compliance window of the CSRD, we have reported in
alignment where possible with ESRS disclosure requirements according to our DMA.
Organizational Boundaries
The information and data in this report covers the operations of Aroundtown
SA, spanning our direct employees and commercial portfolio. As of 31 December
2023, our Group portfolio (including Grand City Properties S.A.) held €25 billion
of investment property comprising offices (40%); residential (33%); hotels (21%);
logistics/other and retail (6%).
Information on our residential portfolio, which is owned by Grand City Properties S.A.
(“GCP”) in which we hold a 63% stake (excluding the shares GCP holds in treasury),
has been consolidated and the data is included in the scope of this report. However,
GCP’s’ performance is also reported separately, and this information is published on
the sustainability section of GCP’s website
.
Landlord and Tenant Boundaries
We have followed the methodology followed in last year’s report for allocating
energy consumption between landlord-controlled areas and tenant-controlled
areas. In our 2019 baseline, we use a common area/total area ratio to apportion
shared-service heating consumption between landlord and tenant spaces,
based on the floor area distribution found with the property types classification
appendix (3a) of the GRESB Real Estate Assessment reference guide
12
. Thus,
the whole building consumption is attributed to landlord or tenant control in
proportion to the ratio of shared spaces to tenant areas expected for the property.
Correspondingly, emissions from this heating are attributed to Scope 1 and 2 or
to Scope 3 in the same proportion. For electricity, the consumption for tenant-
controlled areas is estimated based on industry standard energy benchmarks,
namely those of CIBSE. At present, we collect and/or estimate Scope 3 emissions
data relating to tenant energy consumption. We look to expand this emissions
data boundary in future years.
Therefore, the energy consumption and the corresponding CO
2
emissions will now
represent the entire building area i.e., of both landlord and tenant-controlled
area. We recognize that under an operational control approach, the allocation of
CO
2
emissions between Scope 1 or 2 and Scope 3 is dependent on the metering
and sub-metering arrangement in place between tenants and landlords. However,
to create an accurate representation of the entire building, we have classified
indirect emissions by area apportioned between landlord and tenant spaces, as
described in the methods above.
Coverage
Absolute and like-for-like portfolio environmental data relates to the assets in the
operational control portfolio, which is a subset of the Organizational Boundaries
discussed above, defined as assets the company directly manages building operations
such as choice of energy provider. The like-for-like subset contains all the properties
for which we received environmental reporting data for the full two-year period
from January 1
st
, 2022 to December 31
st
, 2023.
Actual environmental performance data is only reported on assets for which we have
operational control and for which we can collect utilities data. On an absolute basis,
this included a net lettable area of 6,337,823 m² out of a total operational control
portfolio covering a net lettable area of 7,265,365 m² (excluding assets held for sale
and properties under development) at the end of December 31
st
, 2023. A breakdown of
the portfolio net lettable area based on asset types are as follows: office – 2,770,258
m², retail – 183,760 m², others including logistics – 686,791 m². During 2023, we
continued to improve the quality of our environmental data collection and are now
able to report like-for-like data from approximately 68% of our total managed assets
portfolio.
Further information relating to maximum coverage on an absolute and like-for-like
basis per utility type is provided within our data tables.
12.
2023 Real Estate Standard and Reference Guide, https://documents.gresb.com/generated_files/real_estate/2023/real_estate/reference_guide/complete.html#property_types_classification
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Data relating to our employees covers all direct employees employed by Aroundtown
in Germany (who represent 80% of our European workforce), including part time
and temporary workers, as well as our international employees. Following the
consolidation with GCP in 2021, our employee data also includes GCP data, but
excludes contractors and those not directly employed by us.
Voluntary green building certifications (Cert-Tot) are discussed in absolute terms.
100% of the Dutch office portfolio is certified, 36% of the total office portfolio is
certified and 21% of the commercial portfolio is certified with BREEAM. In our
German portfolio, with the first office assets certified, we expect gradual progress in
the coming periods. We are also analyzing certification options in our hotel portfolio.
Reporting Period
All data relates to our financial year, which coincides with the calendar year, and
consequently runs from January 1
st
to December 31
st
of the year under review.
Estimation of Landlord-Obtained Utility Consumption
1.
Measured data for the reporting year were not fully available in time for
publication. In instances where the available heating data is not representative,
estimations were calculated based on known consumption from other periods,
following the ratio-based heating-degree-days normalization method. In the
case of electricity, the consumption was extrapolated based on the weighted
arithmetic mean of other known periods. In some instances, this was not possible
for heating. Here we calculated an estimation by extrapolating expected
heating consumption according to the EPC rating of the building and weather
normalization was not performed.
2.
Data is only available for a proportion of units under our management control,
for example regarding recycled waste. In this instance we have extrapolated data
for the units where we are able to collect complete data given the similarities
between our units and those which are tenanted.
We have reported the percentage of estimation that this represents per utility type
in our data tables.
Furthermore, we have disclosed the proportion of overall consumption that our
estimation of tenant consumption represents, according to our methodology
described in the section ‘Landlord and Tenant Boundaries’.
Regarding only landlord-obtained utility consumption, as per the EPRA sBPR
requirements, we have detailed the extent of estimations below:
Electricity: 76% of landlord-obtained consumption is based on available utility
consumption data, with 24% estimated.
Heating: 92% of landlord-obtained consumption is based on available utility
consumption data, with the remaining 8% estimated.
The total volume of waste is based on the contracted waste volumes at properties
where this information was available. No additional estimation occurred. The total
proportion of recycled waste is based on household averages published by the
German environmental protection authority which represents the highest authority
in the country.
Our own office utilities consumption is estimated based on the proportion of the
total rental floor area occupied by Aroundtown as we do not occupy the whole
building and no sub-meters exist.
Units of Measurement and Normalization
Utilities data are reported based on absolute consumption measured in kWh
(energy), t CO
2
e (GHG emissions), m
3
(water) and m
3
and tons (waste).
GHG emissions are reported using location-based conversion factors published by
the German Environmental Protection Association.
Where consumption is normalized, we calculate intensity indicators using floor area
(m
2
) for whole buildings, including tenant areas. Since we are now estimating the
tenant consumption, we believe that our numerator and denominator provide a
representative intensity figure.
Employee coverage rates are expressed as a percentage of AT’s total direct employees
at year end.
Accident/Injury Rate = Number of reportable injuries / Total hours worked
Lost-Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) = Number of injuries / Million hours worked
Lost Day Rate = Number of days lost due to workplace injuries / Number of
working hours
Absentee Rate = Number of days absent due to illness / Total number of working days
Work-related Fatalities = Total number of work-related fatalities
Number of Accidents = Number of Injuries
Rate of Accidents = Injury rate
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Accidents and injuries are tracked as the same metric, and therefore accident rate is
classified as the same metric as injury rate.
Segmental Analysis (By Property Type, Geography)
Segmental analysis by geography is not relevant for our portfolio. Our assets are
primarily located within Germany, the Netherlands and London, and therefore in
the same climatic zone. Segmental analysis is instead provided by asset type and is
consistent with our financial reporting.
Disclosure on Own Offices
Our own occupied office consumption is excluded from our portfolio data as we are
a tenant in the building.
Restatements of Information
In 2023, the Group updated its definition of the Operational Control portfolio to
include all assets it directly manages in its German and Dutch portfolios, and to
exclude hotels. This has resulted in a restatement of the EPC coverage figures
with the denominator now being calculated according to the new operational
control portfolio definition.
Renewable share of energy: a technical error was identified for 2022 figures, where
an existing contract for renewable energy for one energy type was incorrectly
applied to all energy contracts for that asset. This has now been corrected to tagging
renewable contracts more granularly to contracts for each specific energy type.
Injury rate: 2022 figures for Injury Rate have been restated due to an error in last
year’s reporting, where an internal metric using number of Full-Time Employees
(FTEs) as the denominator was reported. In 2023, we updated the methodology
as prescribed by the EPRA sBPR guidelines, which uses total number of working
hours as the denominator.
Gender Pay Gap: The Management remuneration ratio for 2022 has been restated,
as the ratio disclosed in 2022 was calculated based on employees in Germany
only. The updated figure reflects all locations.
Narrative on Performance
Explanation and analysis of our performance in relation to the Performance Measures
reported on are found with the respective data tables throughout this report.
Berlin
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Key Factors
EPRA Code
Indicator
Units of Measure
Location in Report
Environmental
Energy
Consumption
Elec-Abs
Total electricity consumption
kWh
Table 1, Page 62
Elec-LfL
Like-for-like total electricity consumption
kWh
Table 2, Page 64
DH&C-Abs
Total district heating and cooling consumption
kWh
Table 1, Page 62
DH&C-LfL
Like-for-like total district heating and cooling consumption
kWh
Table 2, Page 64
Fuels-Abs
Total fuel consumption
kWh
Table 1, Page 62
Fuels-LfL
Like-for-like total fuel consumption
kWh
Table 2, Page 64
Energy-Int
Building energy intensity
kWh/m
2
/year
Table 1, Page 63
Table 2, Page 65
GHG Emissions
GHG-Dir-Abs
Total direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
tons CO
2
e
Table 3, Page 66
GHG-Indir-Abs
Total indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
tons CO
2
e
Table 3, Page 66
GHG-Int
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity from building energy consumption
kgCO
2
e/m
2
/year
Table 3, Page 66
Table 4, Page 67
Water Consumption
Water-Abs
Total water consumption
m
3
Table 5, Page 70
Water-LfL
Like-for-like total water consumption
m
3
Table 6, Page 70
Water-Int
Building water intensity
m
3
/m
2
/year
Table 5, Page 70
Table 6, Page 70
Waste Management
Waste-Abs
Total weight of waste by disposal and diversion routes
tons by disposal/diversion route
To be published in April
Waste-LfL
Like-for-like total weight of waste by disposal and diversion routes
tons by disposal/diversion route
GBCs
Cert-Tot
Type and number of sustainably certified assets
Total number by certification/rating/labelling scheme
Table 1, Page 63
Table 2, Page 65
Table 15, Page 95
Social
DE&I
Diversity-Emp
Employee gender diversity
Percentage of male and female employees
Table 12, Page 90
Diversity-Pay
Gender pay ratio
Pay ratio
Table 13, Page 91
Health, Safety and
Wellbeing
H&S-Emp
Employee health and safety
Injury rate
Table 11, Page 90
Lost day rate
Table 11, Page 90
Absentee rate
Table 11, Page 90
Work-related fatalities
Table 11, Page 90
H&S-Asset
Asset health and safety assessments
Percentage of assets
Table 16, Page 97
H&S-Comp
Asset health and safety compliance
Number of incidents
Table 16, Page 97
Employee Development
Emp-Training
Training and development
Average number of hours
Table 10, Page 89
Emp-Dev
Employee performance appraisals
Percentage of total workforce
Table 10, Page 89
Emp-Turnover
Employee turnover and retention
Total number and rate of new employee hires and turnover
Table 9, Page 89
Community Engagement
Comty-Eng
Community engagement, impact assessments and development programs
Percentage of assets
Table 17, Page 100
Governance
Governance Body
Gov-Board
Composition of the highest governance body
Total number of executive board members
Table 18, Page 102
Total number of independent board members
Table 18, Page 102
Total number of non-executive board members
Table 18, Page 102
Average tenure on the governance body
Table 18, Page 102
Number of independent/non-executive board members with
competencies relating to environmental and social topics
Table 18, Page 102
Gov-Select
Nominating and selecting the highest governance body
Narrative description
Page 101
Gov-Col
Process for managing conflicts of interest
Narrative description
Page 101
EPRA sBPR Index
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London
121
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Notes on
Business
Performance
Berlin
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Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Revenue
1,602.8
1,609.9
Net rental income
1,192.8
1,222.1
Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains
(3,217.5)
(497.3)
Share of (loss) / profit from investment in equity accounted investees
(149.8)
5.9
Property operating expenses
(638.4)
(694.9)
of which Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
(33.0)
(75.0)
Administrative and other expenses
(64.7)
(62.5)
Operating (loss) / profit
(2,467.6)
361.1
Adjusted EBITDA
1) 2)
1,002.9
1,002.3
Finance expenses
(230.1)
(184.8)
Current tax expenses
(120.4)
(117.4)
FFO I
3)
332.0
362.7
FFO I per share (in €)
3)
0.30
0.33
FFO II
3)
449.1
714.1
Impairment of goodwill
(137.0)
(404.3)
Other financial results
(14.4)
(194.1)
Deferred tax income
543.1
82.4
Loss for the year
(2,426.4)
(457.1)
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS DATA
1)
excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
2)
including AT‘s share in the adjusted EBITDA of companies in which AT has significant influence, excluding the contributions from commercial assets held for sale. For more
details regarding the methodology, please see pages 142-150
3)
including AT‘s share in the FFO I of companies in which AT has significant influence, excluding FFO I relating to minorities and contributions from commercial assets held for
sale. For more details regarding the methodology, please see pages 142-150
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REVENUE
AT recorded revenues of €1,603 million in 2023 (“FY 2023”), flat compared to €1,610
million generated in 2022 (“FY 2022”). Net rental income represents the largest
portion of revenues and totaled €1,193 million in 2023, 2% lower compared to €1,222
million in 2022. The decline in net rental income due to €2.1
billion of net disposals
closed since the start of 2022 was partially offset by the like-for-like rental growth of
3.2% in 2023, of which 3.6
% is from in-place rent like-for-like and more than offset
the negative 0.4
% from occupancy like-for-like.
The commercial portfolio continued
to benefit from significant CPI adjustments and step-up rents and recorded like-
for-like rental growth of 3.0%. The residential portfolio continued to benefit from a
significant supply and demand imbalance resulting in a further reduction of vacancy
to a historic new low level and a like-for-like net rental income growth of 3.4%.
AT generated operating and other income of €410 million in 2023, higher by 6%
compared to €388 million in 2022. Operating income is mostly related to ancillary
expenses that are reimbursed by tenants such as utility costs (heating, energy, water,
insurance, etc.) and charges for services provided to tenants (cleaning, security, etc.).
The increase in operating and other income was mainly due to cost inflation which
accordingly also resulted in an increase of recoverable property operating expenses.
Other income also includes €39 million income from vendor loans and loans-to-
own investments. Reimbursable utility costs including heating, energy and water and
external service expenses were the largest drivers of growth. However, in line with
the slowdown in inflation, the increase in these expenses slowed down throughout
2023. The increase was partially offset by the smaller portfolio size due to disposals.
AT further breaks down its net rental income into the recurring long-term net rental
income and net rental income generated by properties marked for disposal. As AT
intends to dispose the held-for-sale properties, AT views their contribution as non-
recurring and therefore presents their contributions in a separate line item. The net
rental income from held-for-sale and disposed properties amounted to €13 million
in 2023, decreasing compared to €18 million in 2022 mostly due to the smaller
disposals volume and held-for-sale balance. As a result, the recurring net rental
income in 2023 totaled €1,180 million, compared to €1,204 million in 2022. Recurring
net rental income also includes immaterial rental income from properties classified
as development rights & invest which is excluded in the run rate.
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Recurring long-term net rental income
1,179.7
1,204.1
Net rental income related to properties marked for disposal
13.1
18.0
Net rental income
1,192.8
1,222.1
Operating and other income
410.0
387.8
Revenue
1,602.8
1,609.9
Dresden
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PROPERTY REVALUATIONS AND CAPITAL (LOSSES) / GAINS
Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains amounted to a loss of €3,218
million in 2023, compared to a loss of €497 million in 2022. Property revaluations
amounted to a loss of €3,175 million in 2023, compared to a loss of €540 million
in 2022. The full portfolio was revalued by independent and certified third-party
appraisers for the 2023 annual report. In 2023, AT recorded a like-for-like value
decline of
11
%, of which 5% were recorded in H2 of 2023. This decline was primarily
due to the large increase in interest rates in the period which resulted in increased
discount rates, cap rates and yield expansion. More information on the increase in
discount and cap rates can be found in note
Measurement of fair value
of the audited
consolidated financial statements.
Capital gains or losses represent the sale of properties disposed compared to their
book values. AT completed over €1.2 billion of disposals in 2023 at an average
discount of 3% to book values and resulting in a capital loss of €43 million. AT
benefitted from its diverse asset mix and closed disposals across all asset types,
including 65% in offices, residential and hotels, 21% in retail and logistics/other and
14% in development & invest properties. Disposals consisted of 39% in non-core
locations, 18% in London, 15% in Dresden and Leipzig, 12% in Berlin, 11% in Hamburg,
and 5% in Frankfurt and NRW.
As of December 2023, the portfolio had an average value of €
2,421 per sqm and
net rental yield of
5.0
%, compared to €2,635 per sqm and 4.5% respectively as of
December 2022.
SHARE OF (LOSS) / PROFIT FROM INVESTMENT
IN EQUITY-ACCOUNTED INVESTEES
The share of (loss) / profit from investment in equity accounted investees amounted
to a loss of €150 million in 2023, compared to a profit of €6 million in 2022. This item
represents AT’s share of profits (loss) from investments which are not consolidated
in AT’s financial statements, but over which AT has significant influence. The loss
was mostly due to valuation losses in investees’ assets. As of December 2023, the
largest equity-accounted investee remains the investment in Globalworth Real Estate
Investments Limited (“Globalworth” or “GWI”) which is a leading publicly listed office
landlord in Central and Eastern European markets, mainly focused on Warsaw and
Bucharest. The equity-accounted investee balance also includes stakes in assets where
AT does not have control.
The recurring operational contribution of investees to adjusted EBITDA and FFO I were
€57 million and €47 million in 2023, compared to €59 million and €46 million in 2022.
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Share of (loss) / profit from investment
in equity accounted investees
(149.8)
5.9
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Property revaluations
(3,174.8)
(539.9)
Capital (losses) / gains
(42.7)
42.6
Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains
(3,217.5)
(497.3)
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126
PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES
Property operating expenses amounted to €638 million in 2023, lower by 8% compared
to €695 million in 2022. The decline in property operating expenses was mainly due to
the lower extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents and the overall smaller
portfolio size, partially offset by cost inflation in ancillary expenses and purchased
services that correlated with the increase in operating income. However, the cost
inflation has softened in H2 2023. Excluding the impact from lower extraordinary
expenses for uncollected hotel rents, property operating expenses were €605 million in
2023 and decreased by 2% year-over-year. The largest component of property operating
expenses are ancillary expenses and purchased services which are mainly recoverable
from tenants and include utility costs (heating, energy, water, insurance, etc.), charges
for services provided to tenants (cleaning, security, etc.) and other services contracted
in relation to operations of properties. Operating personnel expenses amounted to
€63 million in 2023, higher compared to €59 million in 2022 as headcount remained
stable, but wage inflation resulted in an overall increase. Other operating costs include
various expenses such as marketing, letting and legal fees, transportation, travel,
communications, insurance, IT and VAT. These costs have decreased
mainly as a result of
lower provisions for uncollected hotel rents, the smaller portfolio and greater efficiency
in these items, offsetting the impacts of cost inflation.
Property operating expenses also include non-recurring extraordinary expenses for
uncollected hotel rents totaling €33 million in 2023, lower than the €75 million in
2022. These extraordinary expenses reduced during 2023 as the hospitality industry
continued its recovery, witnessing a steady increase in the occupancy and average daily
room rate throughout the year.
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Ancillary expenses and purchased services
(409.8)
(390.8)
Maintenance and refurbishment
(49.3)
(51.1)
Personnel expenses
(62.7)
(58.6)
Depreciation and amortization
(17.9)
(21.1)
Other operating costs
(98.7)
(173.3)
of which Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
(33.0)
(75.0)
Property operating expenses
(638.4)
(694.9)
Mainz
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MAINTENANCE AND CAPEX
AT recorded maintenance and refurbishment expenses in the amount of €49
million in 2023, lower by 4% compared to €51 million in 2022. The decline was
mostly a result of the smaller portfolio size due to disposals, partially offset by cost
inflation. The maintenance expense ratio over the average investment property value
(including the properties held for sale) remained relatively stable at 0.18% in 2023.
AT continuously reviews its portfolio to assess its capex needs to maintain the high
quality of its assets, increase the attractiveness of its portfolio to support the letting
process and address the requirements of both existing and prospective tenants. In
2023, AT invested €335 million in capex, reflecting a ratio of 1.2% over average
investment property value (including properties held for sale), compared to €408
million and 1.4% in 2022. Due to the prevailing market conditions, strengthening
the liquidity and balance sheet has been an important objective for AT and thus, AT
carried out projects more selectively, resulting in the lower capex spent in 2023. A
lower volume of projects was partially offset by an increase in construction costs.
AT divides its capex into three different main categories. These include Expansion
capex, Tenant improvements and Other capex. Expansion capex includes activities
that are targeted at creating additional income drivers or significant value creation
potential which may result in additional lettable space or significant enhancement
of the existing space. These selective projects are mostly major refurbishments but
also conversions and new-builds and they are mainly done at low risk with high pre-
let ratios. Expansion capex additionally includes GCP’s pre-letting modifications and
development capex. Expansion capex projects represented €122 million or 36% of
total capex in 2023, compared to €197 million or 48% in 2022, reducing in absolute
and percentage terms mainly because of greater selectiveness in undertaking large
projects with substantial investment requirements. Tenant improvements include
capex for fit-out works that are targeted at retaining existing tenants and/or
attracting new tenants, supporting the quality of the tenant structure and extending
the average lease term. This category represented €96 million or 29% of capex in
2023, compared to €96 million or 24% in 2022, stable in absolute terms but higher in
percentage terms due to lower capex in 2023. Other capex includes ongoing capital
expenditures that are targeted at sustaining the high quality of assets as well as
improving sustainability standards to reduce the energy and CO
2
consumption and
CO
2
tax, benefitting AT and its tenants. These can be green installations such as solar
panels, combined heat and power engines and electric vehicle charging stations as
well as green refurbishments such as roof and lighting replacements. This item also
includes GCP’s repositioning capex. Other capex accounted for €117 million or 35%
of total capex in 2023, compared to €114 million or 28% in 2022, increasing mostly
due to GCP’s higher repositioning capex. The absolute amount remained stable year-
over-year excluding GCP’s repositioning capex, at €41 million in 2023 compared to
€40 million in 2022 as cost inflation offset the smaller portfolio size.
CAPEX
Other capex
28%
Expansion capex
48%
Tenant
improvements
24%
2022
€408m
RATIO OVER
INVESTMENT
PROPERTY*
1.2%
RATIO OVER
INVESTMENT
PROPERTY*
1.4%
Other capex
35%
Tenant
improvements
29%
Expansion capex
36%
~
€235m
excl. GCP
~
€265m
excl. GCP
* including properties held for sale. Portfolio value is average of the beginning and end of the period
2023
€335m
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128
ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENSES
AT recorded administrative and other expenses in the amount of €65 million in 2023,
higher compared to €63 million in 2022 mainly due to cost inflation partially offset
by higher efficiency across the period. Administrative personnel expenses were the
largest component and totaled €31 million in 2023, higher compared to €29 million in
2022. Administrative and other expenses also include expenses such as fees for legal,
professional, consultancy, accounting and audit services, as well as sales, marketing,
IT and other administrative expenses. These expenses were flat as cost inflation was
offset by higher efficiencies.
FINANCE EXPENSES
AT recorded net finance expenses totaling €230 million in 2023, increasing by 25%
compared to €185 million in 2022. Finance expenses are mainly composed of net
interest on bonds and bank debt. The increase was due to new debt being raised,
the expiry of certain hedging instruments which resulted in 13% amount of debt to
become variable at current rates, and the higher rates within the capped portion of
the debt. These factors were partially offset by a lower total debt balance due to bond
buybacks at discount and a small amount of loan repayments and higher interest
income received from cash deposits. In 2023, AT repaid
approx. €1.5 billion
in shorter
term debt from bond buybacks at discount and scheduled redemptions while raising
approx. €0.9 billion in new longer-term bank debt, resulting in a net nominal debt
reduction of around €0.6 billion. Since the beginning of 2022, the Group has repaid
approx. €2.5 billion in debt and raised €1.4 billion of bank debt
. As a result, AT has a
cost of debt of 2.2% with an average debt maturity of 4.4 years as of December 2023
compared to a cost of debt of 1.4% and 5-year debt maturity as of December 2022. AT
maintains a hedging ratio of 83% as of December 2023 with no material upcoming
hedging expiries.
Finance expenses also include finance expenses on lease liabilities
which increased to €17 million in 2023 from €11 million in 2022, mainly due to new
ground leases and a commencement of a finance lease agreement.
OTHER FINANCIAL RESULTS
AT recorded other financial results amounting to an expense of €14 million in 2023,
compared to €194 million in 2022. Other financial results are composed mainly of
items that are non-recurring and/or non-cash with fluctuating values and thus the
result varies from one period to another. The lower expense in 2023 was primarily due
to the positive impact from the bond buybacks at discount. This gain was offset by
negative adjustments in the net fair value of both financial assets and liabilities, which
were impacted by volatility in financial markets, changes in yields and movements
in foreign exchange rates. Other financial results was also impacted by changes in
investments in financial assets mainly related to real estate funds which were also
impacted by negative valuation adjustments. The net fair value of hedging instruments
was negatively impacted by the higher interest rates and derivatives were impacted by
inflation indexation hedging instruments on two of AT’s bonds. Since inflation remained
elevated in 2023 above the pre-determined hedged level, an expense was recorded
in other financial results line albeit at a lower amount than in 2022. This expense is
economically partially offset by an increase on the revenues line coming from inflation-
indexed leases. Other financial results also include negative changes in the value of
contingent liabilities relating to the takeover of TLG, finance related costs incurred to
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Personnel expenses
(30.9)
(28.8)
Legal and professional fees
(13.4)
(12.1)
Audit and accounting expenses
(7.1)
(7.2)
Marketing and other administrative expenses
(13.3)
(14.4)
Administrative and other expenses
(64.7)
(62.5)
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Finance expenses
(230.1)
(184.8)
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Other financial results
(14.4)
(194.1)
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optimize the debt profile like those associated with debt repayments and expenses
related to new financing, currency hedging and others.
IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL
Aroundtown conducts an impairment test once a year or when there is an indication
of impairment of an asset. The impairment amount reflects the amount by which the
carrying amount of an asset or cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount.
In 2023, AT recorded impairment of goodwill in the amount of €137 million, compared
to €404 million in 2022. €604 million is attributed to the goodwill on TLG and
€540 million is attributed to the goodwill on GCP. The goodwill is mainly attributed
to deferred taxes and the balance was reduced due to revaluation losses and the
reduced portfolio size following disposal activity. All EPRA NAV KPI’s exclude the
goodwill so any change in the goodwill balance has no impact on these KPI’s.
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Impairment of goodwill
(137.0)
(404.3)
Leipzig
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122
TAXATION
AT recorded in 2023 current tax expenses in the amount of €120 million, higher
compared to €117 million in 2022. Current tax expenses are comprised of corporate
income taxes and property taxes. Deferred tax expenses amounted to an income of
€543 million in 2023, higher than an income of €82 million in 2022 mainly due the
greater negative property revaluations in 2023 which had a positive deferred tax
impact.
LOSS FOR THE YEAR & LOSS PER SHARE
AT recorded a net loss of €2,426 million in 2023, compared to a net loss of €457
million in 2022. The larger loss was primarily due to higher non-cash negative
property revaluations, net of the resulting deferred tax income, and the higher
finance expenses, offsetting the operational results and the lower other financial
expenses. Correspondingly, a net loss of €1,988 million was attributed to
shareholders in 2023, compared to a net loss of €645 million in 2022. The loss
attributable to non-controlling interests totaled €592 million in 2023, compared
to a profit of €70 million in 2022, mainly due to negative property revaluations in
companies with a minority stake, mostly GCP. The profit attributable to perpetual
notes investors amounted to €153 million in 2023, higher compared to €118
million in 2022. The increase was due to the coupon rate resetting for the four
perpetual notes which had a first call date in 2023. Due to the non-call decisions,
coupon payments increased to 7.08% for AT’s January perpetual note, 6.33% for
GCP’s January perpetual note, 7.75% for AT’s July USD perpetual note, and 5.90%
for GCP’s October perpetual note. The higher coupon payments did not have any
impact on cashflow as the reset coupons will only apply to the 2024 payments. The
higher coupon payments also only had a partial impact on profit attributable to
perpetual notes investors as the call dates took place after the start of the period,
but will have a full impact in 2024. Under IFRS accounting standards and AT’s
bond covenants, perpetual notes are fully classified as 100% equity whether they
are called or not called.
The basic and diluted loss per share amounted to of €1.82 in 2023, lower compared
to a basic and diluted loss per share of €0.58 in 2022.
AT recorded a total comprehensive loss of €2,451 million in 2023, compared to a
loss of €441 million in 2022, mainly due to the larger net loss for the year. It was
also impacted by a total other comprehensive loss of €24 million in 2023, compared
to an income of €16 million in 2022 due to the impact from cash flow hedges and
cost of hedging and the negative revaluation of property, plant and equipment.
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Current tax expenses
(120.4)
(117.4)
Deferred tax income
543.1
82.4
Current and deferred tax income / (expenses)
422.7
(35.0)
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Loss for the year
(2,426.4)
(457.1)
(Loss) / profit attributable to:
Owners of the Company
(1,987.6)
(645.1)
Perpetual notes investors
153.4
118.1
Non-controlling interests
(592.2)
69.9
Basic loss per share (in €)
(1.82)
(0.58)
Diluted loss per share (in €)
(1.82)
(0.58)
Weighted average basic shares (in millions)
1,093.0
1,109.9
Weighted average diluted shares (in millions)
1,094.5
1,111.3
Loss for the year
(2,426.4)
(457.1)
Other comprehensive (loss) / income
(24.4)
15.8
Total comprehensive loss for the year
(2,450.8)
(441.3)
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ADJUSTED EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a key performance measure used to evaluate the operational
results of the Group, derived by deducting from the EBITDA non-operational and/or
non-recurring items such as revaluation and capital gains, extraordinary expenses,
and other adjustments. Additionally, in order to mirror the recurring operational
results of the Group, the results from investments in equity-accounted investees
is subtracted as this also include the Group’s share in non-operational and non-
recurring results generated by these investees. Instead, to reflect their operational
earnings, the Group includes in its adjusted EBITDA its share in the adjusted EBITDA
generated by investments where the Group has a significant influence in accordance
with its effective holding rate over the period.
In 2023, AT generated an adjusted EBITDA before JV contribution of €946 million,
slightly higher compared to €944 million. The like-for-like rental growth of 3.2%
and lower operating expenses were partially offset by the impact of disposals.
Including joint venture positions’ adjusted EBITDA contribution, AT recorded an
adjusted EBITDA of €1,003 million in 2023, flat compared to €1,002 million in 2022.
Adjusted EBITDA excludes the impact from extraordinary expenses for uncollected
hotel rents. Including these expenses, adjusted EBITDA would have amounted to
€970 million in 2023, increasing by 5% compared to €927 million in 2022 due to
the higher collection rate in hotels.
AT’s adjusted EBITDA accounts for other adjustments in the amount of €5.3 million
in 2023 compared to €7.4 million in 2022 related mainly to non-cash expenses
for employees’ share incentive plans. AT conservatively does not include the
contributions from commercial properties marked for disposal as they are intended
to be sold and therefore, their contributions are non-recurring. This adjustment
amounted to €10.0 million in 2023, lower compared to €12.4 million in 2022.
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Operating (loss) / profit
(2,467.6)
361.1
Total depreciation and amortization
17.9
21.1
EBITDA
(2,449.7)
382.2
Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains
3,217.5
497.3
Share of (loss) / profit from investment in equity
accounted investees
149.8
(5.9)
Other adjustments
1)
5.3
7.4
Contribution of assets held for sale
(10.0)
(12.4)
Add back: Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
33.0
75.0
Adjusted EBITDA before JV contribution
945.9
943.6
Contribution of joint ventures' adjusted EBITDA
2)
57.0
58.7
Adjusted EBITDA
1,002.9
1,002.3
1)
including expenses related to employees’ share incentive plans
2)
the adjustment is to reflect AT‘s share in the adjusted EBITDA of companies in which AT has significant
influence and that are not consolidated
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124
FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (FFO I, FFO II)
Funds from Operations I (FFO I) is an industry standard performance indicator,
reflecting the recurring operational profitability. FFO I starts by deducting the
finance expenses, current tax expenses and perpetual notes attribution from the
adjusted EBITDA. The calculation further includes the relative share in the FFO I
of joint venture positions and excludes the share in minorities’ operational profits.
Furthermore, AT includes the extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
and makes an adjustment related to assets held for sale.
In addition, AT provides the FFO II, which is an additional key performance indicator
used in the real estate industry to evaluate the recurring operational profits
including the disposal gains during the relevant period.
AT generated an FFO I amounting to €332 million in 2023, lower by 8% compared
to €363 million in 2022. The decline was mostly due to the impact from disposals
and cost inflation, higher perpetual notes attribution due to the partial impact
from the coupon step-ups for notes with a first call date in 2023, and higher
finance expenses from new debt and the impact of the higher interest rates. These
factors were partially offset by the lower provision for uncollected hotel rents,
like-for-like rental growth of 3.2% and a reduction in contribution to minorities
mainly due to the higher holding rate in GCP. As of December 2023, AT’s stake in
GCP was 63%, excluding the treasury shares, from 60% as of December 2022. The
contribution from commercial properties held for sale, which is excluded from the
FFO, amounted to €7.1 million in 2023 compared to €7.8 million in 2022. FFO I per
share amounted to €0.30 in 2023, 9% lower compared to €0.33 in 2022.
AT recorded an FFO II of €449 million in 2023, declining by 37% compared to €714
million in 2022 mainly due to the lower volume of disposals at a lower margin in
the period. In 2023, AT closed over €1.2 billion of disposals at an 11% margin over
cost compared to €1.6 billion at a 29% margin over cost values in 2022.
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Adjusted EBITDA before JV contribution
945.9
943.6
Finance expenses
(230.1)
(184.8)
Current tax expenses
(120.4)
(117.4)
Contribution to minorities
1)
(127.0)
(136.3)
Adjustments related to assets held for sale
2)
2.9
4.6
Perpetual notes attribution
(153.4)
(118.1)
FFO I before JV contribution
317.9
391.6
Contribution of joint ventures' FFO I
3)
47.1
46.1
Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
(33.0)
(75.0)
FFO I
332.0
362.7
FFO I per share (in €)
0.30
0.33
Weighted average basic shares (in millions)
4)
1,093.0
1,109.9
FFO I
332.0
362.7
Result from the disposal of properties
5)
117.1
351.4
FFO II
449.1
714.1
1)
including the minority share in TLG‘s and GCP‘s FFO
2)
the net contribution which is excluded from the FFO amounts to €7.1 million in 2023 and €7.8 million in 2022
3)
the adjustment is to reflect AT‘s share in the FFO I of companies in which AT has significant influence and that are
not consolidated
4)
weighted average number of shares excludes shares held in treasury; base for share KPI calculations
5)
the excess amount of the sale price, net of transaction costs and total costs (cost price and capex of the disposed
properties)
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Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Net cash from operating activities
772.1
788.0
Net cash from investing activities
608.2
408.5
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,051.6)
(1,763.5)
Net changes in cash and cash equivalents
328.7
(567.0)
Cash and cash equivalents as at the beginning of the year
2,305.4
2,873.0
Other changes
1)
7.1
(0.6)
Cash and cash equivalents as at the end of the year
2,641.2
2,305.4
1)
including change in balance of assets held for sale and movements in exchange rates on cash held
€772 million of net cash was provided from operating activities in 2023, lower by 2%
compared to €788 million. The like-for-like rental growth and higher rent collection
was offset by the impact of disposals and cost inflation, as well as a lower amount of
cash dividends received from joint venture positions and a higher working capital as a
result of timing differences between the consumption and settlement of recoverable
costs.
€608 million of net cash was received from investing activities in 2023, higher
compared to €409 million in 2022, as a lower volume of disposals was offset by
a lower volume of acquisitions and capex and repayment from loans-to-own and
vendor loans. €970 million of cash was received from disposals and repayment of
vendor loans – net of new vendor loans granted, transaction costs, and tax – partially
offset by ca. €360 million of net cash used mainly for capex and investment in
associates and others, net of repayment from loans-to-own.
€1,052 million of net cash was used in financing activities in 2023, lower compared
to €1,764 million that was used in 2022. The main uses of cash in 2023 were the
€1.3 billion in bond buybacks at discount which helped reduce leverage, redemption
of the €100 million Series S schuldschein and repayment of approx. €85 million in
bank debt mainly tied to assets that were disposed. Further uses of cash included the
CASH FLOW
coupon payments to perpetual notes holders, higher net finance expenses due to the
higher level of interest rates but partially offset by higher interest income and the
acquisition of some GCP shares. The higher reset coupons of the non-called perpetual
notes did not have an impact on the cash flow as the coupons were paid according
to the coupon rates at issuance but will have an impact in the 2024 payments. €214
million was paid as net cash interest and other financial expenses and €126 million
was paid to perpetual notes holders. The main cash source in 2023 was ca. €900
million of new bank debt raised in 2023.
All combined, €329 million of net cash was generated during 2023. Including other
liquid assets, AT’s liquidity position reached €3.0 billion at the end of December 2023,
representing 21% of the total debt position.
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126
ASSETS
(a) Total assets
Total assets amounted to €33.6 billion at year-end 2023, lower by 10% compared to
€37.3 billion at year-end 2022. The decline was mainly due to the negative property
revaluations, impairment of goodwill and utilization of the large cash balance for
deleveraging activities, partially offset by new bank debt raised and operational
profits. Non-current assets totaled €28.9 billion as of December 2023, down by 11%
compared to €32.5 billion as of December 2022.
(b) Investment property
Investment property represents the largest item under non-current assets and
amounted to €24.6 billion at year-end 2023, 12% lower as compared to €28.0 billion
at year-end 2022. The decline was mainly due to negative property revaluations,
movement of investment property into assets held for sale, and disposals of
investment property. As of December 2023, AT got its full portfolio revalued by
independent and qualified third-party appraisers in order to reflect the most updated
market environment. This resulted in a like-for-like value decline for the full year
of 11%, or 10% after adding back capex, due to higher cap rates and discount rates
which were impacted by the higher interest rates, partially offset by the like-for-like
rent growth supported by the indexation-driven increases on commercial leases and
strong demand in the residential sector. Since the end of June 2022, AT recorded a
total valuation decline of 14%.
Throughout 2023, AT closed over €1.2
billion in disposals, of which
€0.7
billion
was signed in 2023 and €0.5
billion was signed in 2022. AT signed disposals in the
amount of €0.9
billion in 2023 including the signed disposals that are not closed yet
at year-end 2023. The disposals were across all asset types and multiple locations,
highlighting AT’s ability to sell despite the difficult market conditions. Signed and
not closed disposals will further improve the strong liquidity position. In addition,
over €200 million of new investment properties were added during the year. These
were previously held through a joint venture structure and loans-to-own and during
the year AT increased its stake and obtained control. These investment properties
are composed mainly of attractive leisure hotels with additional upside potential.
(c) Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill and intangible assets amounted to €1.2 billion at year-end 2023, lower
compared to €1.3 billion at year-end 2022, due to an impairment as explained under
Impairment of goodwill
above. As of December 2023, goodwill in the amount of €604
million is related to the TLG takeover and €540 million is related to the consolidation
of GCP. All EPRA NAV KPI’s exclude the goodwill so any change in the goodwill
balance has no impact on these KPI’s.
(d) Investment in equity-accounted investees
Investment in equity-accounted investees amounted to €1.1 billion at year-end 2023,
lower compared to €1.3 billion at year-end 2022. This line item represents the Group’s
long-term investment in joint ventures in which the Group has a significant influence,
but which are not consolidated. The largest investment in this item as at year-end
2023, which represents approx. 45% of the total balance of this item, is AT’s stake
in Globalworth, a leading publicly listed office landlord in Central Eastern European
markets, mainly in Warsaw and Bucharest. The holding rate in Globalworth is slightly
above 30% as of December 2023, indirectly held through a joint venture with CPI
Property Group S.A. The remaining balance of equity-accounted investees mainly
include several positions in real estate properties and investment in real estate related
funds specialized among others in Proptech, digitalization and technology in the real
estate sector, as well as yielding real estate loan funds, which work in a similar profile to
the Group’s loans-to-own investments and may provide future access to attractive deals,
and additional investments in co-working and renewable energy projects. The decline
was mainly due the negative valuation results of these investees and consolidation of
some previously held investment property through joint venture structures.
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
Note
in € millions
Total Assets
(a)
33,559.3
37,347.1
Non-current assets
(a)
28,867.5
32,491.5
Investment property
(b)
24,632.4
27,981.0
Goodwill and intangible assets
(c)
1,165.7
1,308.1
Investment in equity-accounted investees
(d)
1,086.5
1,291.9
Other non-current assets
(e)
1,458.1
1,303.8
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(e) Other non-current assets
Other non-current assets are mainly comprised of vendor loans that are related to
disposals, long-term financial investments and loans-to-own assets.
Vendor loans support the facilitation of the transaction and were given to several
selected buyers of assets that were sold. The loans generally have a maturity of 1-3
years and are expected to be paid in installments from 2024-2026. The loans are
secured against the property sold at an initial LTV in the range of 40%-70% at the
time of disposal and in case of default gives AT the ability to get the asset back with
a penalty to the defaulted buyer (through a process involving a receiver). The balance
as of December 2023 is €0.65 billion, compared to €0.5 billion at year-end 2022. The
increase is due to granting new vendor loans in connection with disposals closed
in 2023, net of repayments during 2023. As of December 2023, the average interest
rate of the vendor loans is ca. 5%. The interest rate increased from 3.4% at year-end
2022 due to scheduled step-ups, variable components as well as due to contractual
extensions at higher rates. The future liquidity coming from the repayments of the
vendor loans will reduce the Group’s leverage as they are conservatively not included
in the leverage calculation.
Loans-to-own assets are asset-backed and yielding loans where, under certain
conditions, the default of the loan will enable the Group to take over the underlying
asset at a material discount. Loans-to-own assets were provided to a diverse number
of property owners and sourced through the Group’s wide deal sourcing network
established over the years. As of December 2023, the loans-to-own balance amounted
to €0.4 billion. This item comprises of around 15 loans, with maturities primarily by
2027,
and were given at an average LTV of 65%, bearing interest rates of 3%-10%
and secured by the underlying asset.
The loans-to-own assets are expected to be repaid or converted into properties and
will reduce the Group’s leverage. Although the loans-to-own balance is a relatively
small part of the Group’s balance sheet, it is extending the Group’s deal sourcing
opportunities, which under certain circumstances may provide attractive options for
alternative acquisition opportunities.
Financial investments amounted to ca. €0.35 billion which comprise
over 20
investments
mainly in real estate funds and potentially co-investments in their
attractive deals and financial assets with the expectation for long-term yield.
The other non-current assets also include ca. €65 million of tenant deposits which
are used as a security for rent payments, ca. €50 million of receivables due to revenue
straight-lining effect arising from rent-free periods granted to tenants, long-term
minority positions in real estate properties and other receivables.
Furthermore, non-current assets include long-term derivative financial assets,
deferred tax assets, and advance payments and deposits which mainly refer to
advance payments for signed deals, deposits for deals in the due diligence phase
and deposits for committed capex programs.
Current assets totaled €4.7 billion at year-end 2023, lower compared to €4.9 billion
at year-end 2022 mainly due to disposals of assets held for sale and utilizing part of
the cash proceeds for debt repayment, partially offset by cash inflow from new bank
debt and operational profits.
The cash and liquid assets balance amounted to €3.0 billion at year-end 2023,
higher by 11% compared to €2.7 billion at year-end 2022. Cash was generated
mainly from disposals, new bank debt drawn and FFO generation which all together
offset cash usage from the liability management exercises. AT’s strong liquidity
position represents 21% of total debt.
The assets held for sale balance amounted to €409 million at year-end 2023, lower
than €922 million at year-end 2022. The decline was mostly due to net disposals
from the held for sale balance. The assets in the held for sale balance are marked to
be sold within the next 12 months. Over 40% have already been signed for disposal
as of the publication date of this report.
Current assets also include trade and other receivables totaling €1.0 billion at
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
in € millions
Current assets
4,691.8
4,855.6
Cash and liquid assets
1)
3,026.1
2,718.7
Assets held for sale
2)
409.4
922.0
Trade and other receivables
1,008.3
1,168.1
1)
including cash in assets held for sale, short term deposits and financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss
2)
excluding cash in assets held for sale
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128
AVERAGE VALUATION PARAMETERS
2023
2022
Rental multiple
19.9
22.3
Value per sqm
€2,421
€ 2,635
VALUATION ASSUMPTIONS SET BY
INDEPENDENT VALUERS
2023
2022
DCF method
Market rental growth p.a.
2.0%
2.1%
Average discount rate
6.1%
5.6%
Average cap rate
5.1%
4.7%
DECEMBER 2023
Investment
properties
(in €M)
Area
(in k sqm)
EPRA
vacancy
Annualized
net rent
(in €M)
In-place rent
per sqm
(in €)
Value
per sqm
(in €)
Rental
yield
WALT
(in years)
Office
8,961
3,221
12.8%
451
12.9
2,782
5.0%
4.2
Residential
7,715
3,653
3.6%
370
8.6
2,112
4.8%
NA
Hotel
4,584
1,567
3.2%
238
13.0
2,926
5.2%
14.5
Logistics/Other
399
434
9.2%
24
5.0
920
6.1%
5.1
Retail
1,081
516
12.3%
59
10.7
2,095
5.5%
4.3
Development rights & Invest
1,892
Total
24,632
9,391
7.9%
1,142
10.7
2,421
5.0%
7.4
Total (GCP at relative consolidation)
21,421
7,893
8.5%
991
11.1
2,481
5.1%
7.5
year-end 2023, lower compared to €1.2 billion at year-end 2022. This item includes
approx. €775 million of operating costs and operational rent receivables, pre-paid
expenses, and tax assets and was higher compared to approx. €660 million in 2022
mainly due to cost inflation and tax receivables. Operating cost receivables relate
to ancillary services and other charges billed to tenants. These services include
utility and service costs which include heating, water, insurance, cleaning, waste,
etc. These operating cost receivables are mainly settled once per year against
the advance payments received from tenants and are therefore correlated to pre-
payments for ancillary services received from tenants presented under short-term
liabilities. Current assets also include financial assets with a maturity of less than
1 year, made up of loans-to-own assets, vendor loans and other receivables in the
amount of approx. €230 million at year-end 2023, lower compared to year-end
2022, and explained above as part of the non-current assets.
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LIABILITIES
Total liabilities amounted to €18.4 billion at year-end 2023, lower by 6% compared
to €19.5 billion at year-end 2022. The reduction was mainly due to debt repayments,
mostly from bond buybacks at discount, and lower deferred tax liabilities due to the
property devaluations, partially offset by new bank debt raised. Total debt from bank
loans and bonds amounted to €14.2 billion at year-end 2023, 4% lower compared
to €14.8 billion at year-end 2022. The decline was mainly due to the repurchase of
€1.3 billion in nominal value, mostly near-term bonds at an average discount of 20%,
reducing leverage and refinancing risk. AT also redeemed the €100 million Series S
schuldschein and repaid approx. €85 million in bank debt mainly tied to assets that
were disposed. These measures were partially offset by ca. €900 million in new bank
debt drawn at an average margin of 1.4% and an average maturity of over 7 years.
As a result of these pro-active liability management exercises and large liquidity
position, debt maturities until mid-2026 are covered, up from end-of-2025 in Dec
2022, by the current liquidity and expected proceeds from signed disposals that are
not closed and vendor loans. AT has additional liquidity sources from undrawn credit
facilities that mature mostly in 2025 and unencumbered investment properties of
€17.9 billion which allow it to raise further secured financing.
Deferred tax liabilities amounted to €2.1 billion at year-end 2023, lower by 21%
compared to €2.7 billion at year-end 2022. The decrease was mainly due to negative
revaluations and disposals. Deferred tax liabilities are non-cash items that are
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
in € millions
Short- and long-term loans and borrowings
1)
2,204.1
1,398.4
Short- and long-term straight bonds and schuldscheins
12,038.0
13,407.4
Deferred tax liabilities (including those under held for sale)
2,125.1
2,693.7
Short- and long-term derivative financial instruments
and other long-term liabilities
1,076.1
1,011.8
Other current liabilities
2)
966.3
1,012.4
Total Liabilities
18,409.6
19,523.7
1)
including loans and borrowings under held for sale
2)
excluding current liability items that are included in the lines above
predominantly tied to revaluation gains, calculated conservatively by assuming
theoretical future property disposals in the form of asset deals and as such the full
corporate tax rate is applied in the relevant jurisdictions. Deferred tax liabilities
represented 12% of total liabilities as of December 2023.
Short- and long-term derivative financial instruments and other long-term liabilities
were higher at year-end 2023 compared to year-end 2022 mainly due to the
commencement of a finance lease agreement on a residential property in London
which increased the financial lease liabilities and the cash balance by approx. €50
million. Other long-term liabilities also include tenancy deposits and non-current
payables to third parties. The derivative financial instruments include a contingent
liability created as part of the takeover of TLG.
Other current liabilities were €1.0 billion at year-end 2023, lower compared to over
€1.0 billion at year-end 2022, mainly due to disposals. The largest item in other
current liabilities is trade and other payables, which mainly comprise of pre-payments
for ancillary services received from tenants that are correlated with the operating
costs receivables under current assets. Other current liabilities also include tax
payables, provisions for other liabilities and accrued expenses and other liabilities
in properties held for sale which are not included above. Current assets cover current
liabilities by 3 times.
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DEBT METRICS
AT’s disciplined debt management approach, strong credit profile and high financial
strength are reflected in the solid debt metrics. AT had an LTV of 43% at year-end
2023, higher compared to 40% at year-end 2022. The increase was mainly due to
the property devaluations, partially mitigated by pro-active deleveraging activities.
Since the end of June 2022, property valuations fell by
14
% while LTV only increased
by 3% as deleveraging measures partially offset the impact of negative revaluations.
These measures mainly included disposals, bond buybacks at discount, suspension of
dividends and operational profitability. Aroundtown’s leverage and financial metrics
retain a very significant headroom to bond covenants.
The Group’s high operational profitability and financial discipline resulted in a high
ICR of 4.2x in 2023, lower compared to 5.2x in 2022, mainly due to higher finance
expenses. An unencumbered investment property ratio of
74%
(by rent) with a total
value of €17.9
billion (excluding held for sale assets) as of year-end 2023 highlights
the Group’s financial flexibility and provides additional liquidity potential, along with
undrawn revolving credit facilities.
LOAN-TO-VALUE (LTV)
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
in € millions
Investment property (incl. advance payments and deposits and
owner-occupied property and excl. right-of-use assets)
1)
24,580.1
28,014.6
Investment property of assets held for sale
408.3
909.1
Investment in equity-accounted investees
2)
857.1
1,053.8
Total value (a)
25,845.5
29,977.5
Total financial debt
3)
14,242.1
14,805.8
Less: Cash and liquid assets
3)
(3,026.1)
(2,718.7)
Net financial debt (b)
11,216.0
12,087.1
LTV (b/a)
43%
40%
UNENCUMBERED ASSETS
Dec 2023
Dec
2022
in € millions
Rent generated by unencumbered assets
4)
855.8
959.0
Rent generated by the total Group
4)
1,158.7
1,166.9
Unencumbered assets ratio
74%
82%
Year ended December 31,
INTEREST COVER RATIO (ICR)
2023
2022
in € millions
Finance expenses
230.1
184.8
Adjusted EBITDA
5)
955.9
956.0
ICR
6)
4.2x
5.2x
1)
Reclassified in Dec 2023 to include owner-occupied property
2)
including property related JV‘s
3)
including balances under held for sale
4)
annualized net rent including the contribution from joint venture positions and excluding the net rent from
assets held for sale
5)
including the contributions from assets held for sale, excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel
rents
6)
including the extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents, the ICR, including extraordinary expenses
for uncollected hotel rents would have amounted to 4.0x in 2023 and 4.8x in 2022
CONSERVATIVE LEVERAGE
(LTV)
Board of Directors’ guidance of 45%
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
40%
43%
Dec 2023
OUTLOOK
NEGATIVE
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EQUITY
Total equity amounted to €15.1 billion at year-end 2023, lower by 15% compared to
€17.8 billion at year-end 2022. The decline was mainly due to the negative property
revaluations, net of the resulting deferred tax income, and impairment of goodwill,
partially offset by the operational profits and lower other financial expenses mainly
due to the bond buybacks at discount. Correspondingly, shareholders’ equity declined
by 20% to €7.6 billion at year-end 2023 from €9.6 billion at year-end 2022. In March
2023, the USD mandatory convertible notes were fully converted into 27.7 million
shares but did not impact the share count used in the KPI’s as the notes were already
considered as shareholders’ equity under IFRS accounting rules and had already been
included in the share count upon issuance. Given the macro-economic uncertainty
and volatility in the first half of 2023, the Board of Directors of both Aroundtown and
GCP decided not to recommend a dividend payment for 2022 to be distributed in
2023 at the respective annual general meetings of both companies. Non-controlling
interests declined to €2.7 billion at year-end 2023 from €3.5 billion at year-end 2023
mostly due to the loss attributable to non-controlling interests mainly from property
devaluations and the increased stake in GCP to 63% (excluding treasury shares) at
year-end 2023 from 60% as at year-end 2022 via acquisition of shares.
The perpetual notes balance amounted to €4.8 billion at year-end 2023, stable
compared to €4.7 billion at year-end 2022. Following IFRS accounting treatment,
perpetual notes are classified as equity as they do not have a repayment date, are
subordinated to debt, do not have default rights nor covenants and coupon payments
are deferrable at the Company’s discretion. The perpetual notes are 100% equity
under IFRS regardless of whether they are called or not and therefore have no impact
on the bond covenants. The Board of Directors of both Aroundtown and GCP decided
not to exercise the voluntary option to call the perpetual notes with first call dates
in 2023 given the elevated volatility in financial markets and economic uncertainty.
Furthermore, after the reporting period, the Board of Directors of Aroundtown decided
not to call the AT perpetual note with a first call date in January 2024. All these
decisions were taken after having considered all available options and were mainly
made because the rates of a potential new issuance were significantly above the reset
rates of the notes. The reset coupons were adjusted at the respective call dates to
7.08% for AT’s January 2023 perpetual note, 6.33% for GCP’s January 2023 perpetual
note, 7.75% for AT’s July 2023 USD perpetual note, and 5.90% for GCP’s October 2023
perpetual note. After the reporting period, the coupon rate for AT’s January 2024
perpetual note was reset to 4.54%. The higher reset coupon rates on all the non-
called perpetual notes will result in approx. €75 million higher coupon payments on
an annualized basis. Non-called perpetuals can be called at every interest payment
date and the Company will continue to assess all options regarding its perpetual
notes. Perpetual notes remain an important part of the Company’s capital structure
as they provide a security cushion during volatile times by allowing issuers to manage
the timing of any refinancing and conserve cash despite the higher coupon payments.
Dec 2023
Dec
2022
in € millions
Total equity
15,149.7
17,823.4
of which equity attributable to the owners of the Company
7,643.3
9,585.3
of which equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
4,756.9
4,747.7
of which non-controlling interests
2,749.5
3,490.4
Equity ratio
45%
48%
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132
EPRA Performance Measures
The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) is the widely-recognized market
standard guidance and benchmark provider for the European real estate industry.
EPRA’s best practices recommendations dictate the ongoing reporting of a set of
performance metrics intended to enhance the quality of reporting by bridging the
gap between the regulated IFRS reporting presented and specific analysis relevant
to the European real estate industry. These standardized EPRA performance measures
provide additional relevant earnings, balance sheet and operating metrics, and
facilitate for the simple and effective comparison of performance-related information
across the industry. The information presented below is based on the Best Practice
Recommendations by EPRA and on the materiality and importance of information.
in € millions unless otherwise indicated
2023
Change
2022
EPRA NRV
9,920.8
(19%)
12,289.1
EPRA NRV per share (in €)
9.1
(19%)
11.2
EPRA NTA
8,058.7
(20%)
10,135.2
EPRA NTA per share (in €)
7.4
(20%)
9.3
EPRA NDV
7,592.1
(28%)
10,515.2
EPRA NDV per share (in €)
6.9
(28%)
9.6
EPRA Earnings
438.8
0%
438.7
EPRA Earnings per share (in €)
0.40
0%
0.40
EPRA LTV
60.8%
5.4%
55.4%
EPRA Net initial yield (NIY)
4.0%
0.5%
3.5%
EPRA 'Topped-up' NIY
4.1%
0.6%
3.5%
EPRA Vacancy
7.9%
0.3%
7.6%
EPRA Vacancy including JV
8.1%
0.3%
7.8%
EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs)
23.0%
(4.8%)
27.8%
EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)
20.8%
(4.9%)
25.7%
EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs, excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
20.4%
(1.6%)
22.0%
EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs, excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
18.3%
(1.6%)
19.9%
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EPRA NAV KPI’S
The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) provides three key Net Asset Value
(NAV) metrics designed to provide stakeholders with the most relevant information
on the fair value of the Group’s assets and liabilities. With the evolving nature of their
business models, real estate companies progressed into actively managed entities,
engaging in non-property operating activities, actively recycling capital and accessing
capital markets for balance sheet financing. In line with these developments, EPRA
has provided the market with the following three NAV KPI’s: EPRA Net Reinstatement
Value (EPRA NRV), EPRA Net Tangible Assets (EPRA NTA) and EPRA Net Disposal Value
(EPRA NDV).
The EPRA NRV
’s purpose is to reflect the value of net assets required to re-build a
company on a long-term basis assuming entities do not sell assets. Therefore, balance
sheet items that are not expected to crystallize in normal circumstances such as the
fair value movements of financial derivatives and deferred tax liabilities are added back
to the equity. Additionally, gross purchasers’ costs are added back since this metric is
aiming to reflect what would be needed to recreate a company through the investment
markets based on its capital financing structure.
The EPRA NTA
aims to reflect the tangible value of a company’s net assets assuming
entities buy and sell assets, crystallizing certain levels of unavoidable deferred tax
liabilities. Therefore, EPRA NTA excludes intangible assets and goodwill, and adds back
the portion of deferred tax liabilities that is not expected to crystallize as a result of
long-term hold strategy.
The EPRA NDV
provides the shareholders with the value under the scenario that a
company’s assets are sold or its liabilities are not held until maturity. For this purpose, it
assumes that deferred taxes, financial instruments and other adjustments are calculated
to the full extent of their liability, net of any resulting tax.
1)
excluding significant minority share in deferred tax liabilities (DTL), as well as deferred tax assets on certain financial instruments in line with EPRA recommendations. EPRA NRV additionally includes DTL of assets held for sale
2)
excluding significant minority share in derivatives
3)
deducting the goodwill resulting from the business combination with TLG
4)
deducting the goodwill resulting from the consolidation of GCP
5)
excluding significant minority share in intangibles
6)
including the gross purchasers‘ costs of assets held for sale and relative share in GCP‘s relevant RETT
7)
excluding shares in treasury, base for share KPI calculations
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
in € millions
in € millions
EPRA NRV
EPRA NTA
EPRA NDV
EPRA NRV
EPRA NTA
EPRA NDV
Equity attributable to the owners of the Company
7,643.3
7,643.3
7,643.3
9,585.3
9,585.3
9,585.3
Deferred tax liabilities
1)
1,841.2
1,564.8
-
2,281.2
1,882.6
-
Fair value measurement of derivative financial instruments
2)
14.2
14.2
-
(29.0)
(29.0)
-
Goodwill in relation to TLG
3)
(604.0)
(604.0)
(604.0)
(680.6)
(680.6)
(680.6)
Goodwill in relation to GCP
4)
(539.8)
(539.8)
(539.8)
(600.0)
(600.0)
(600.0)
Intangibles as per the IFRS balance sheet
5)
-
(19.8)
-
-
(23.1)
-
Net fair value of debt
-
-
1,092.6
-
-
2,210.5
Real estate transfer tax
6)
1,565.9
-
-
1,732.2
-
-
NAV
9,920.8
8,058.7
7,592.1
12,289.1
10,135.2
10,515.2
Number of shares (in millions)
7)
1,094.4
1,094.2
NAV per share (in €)
9.1
7.4
6.9
11.2
9.3
9.6
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The EPRA NAV KPI’s were negatively impacted by the negative property devaluations,
net of the associated deferred tax income, partially offset by the positive operational
result, the lower other financial expenses mainly due to bond buybacks at discount,
and the reduction of minorities in GCP. The reduction in goodwill had no impact on
these KPI’s as goodwill is excluded from the equity, thus any change is neutral.
EPRA NRV
The EPRA NRV amounted to €9.9 billion or €9.1 per share as of year-end 2023, both
declining by 19% compared to €12.3 billion or €11.2 per share as of year-end 2022.
EPRA NTA
The EPRA NTA amounted to €8.1 billion or €7.4 per share at year-end 2023, decreasing
both by 20%, compared to €10.1 billion or €9.3 per share at year-end 2022.
As EPRA NTA aims to reflect the tangible value of a company’s net assets assuming
entities buy and sell assets, certain levels of deferred tax liabilities are assumed to
be crystallized. As a result, AT only adds back the deferred tax liabilities with regards
to its long-term portfolio and this item is net of significant minority share in deferred
tax liabilities as well as deferred tax assets on certain financial instruments in line
with EPRA recommendations. The remaining portfolio is treated as follows:
Investment property of assets held for sale:
Assets held for sale are properties which are expected to be disposed within the next
12 months. Conservatively, deferred taxes on these properties are not added back,
although Aroundtown has a track record of benefitting from a lower tax ratio for its
disposals due to the disposal structure.
Retail portfolio:
Aroundtown actively seeks to reduce the share of retail assets in its portfolio on an
opportunistic basis. Therefore, deferred tax liabilities related to these properties are
conservatively not added back.
GCP’s portfolio cities classified as “Others”:
Aroundtown follows GCP’s approach to not add back deferred tax liabilities related
to these properties.
Development rights & Invest portfolio:
As an additional value creation driver, Aroundtown pursues a selective development
program which is designed to unlock further potential through identifying and selling
development rights at high gains or developing at low risks with high pre-let ratios.
Since the decision is based on an opportunistic basis, Aroundtown conservatively
does not add back deferred tax liabilities related to these assets.
EPRA NDV
The EPRA NDV amounted to €7.6 billion or €6.9 per share as of year-end 2023, both
lower by 28% compared to €10.5 or €9.6 per share at year-end 2022. The decline was
further impacted by a lower difference between the higher net fair value of debt and
the book value of debt amount as a result of net debt repayments and lower market
volatility in 2023.
PORTFOLIO ITEMS
Dec 2023
in € millions unless
otherwise indicated
Fair value
1)
as % of total
portfolio
as % of deferred tax
added back to EPRA
NTA per classification
Portfolio to be held long term
21,440.1
86%
77%
2)
Investment property of assets held for sale
408.3
2%
0%
Retail portfolio
772.3
3%
0%
GCP's Portfolio cities classified as "Others"
880.7
3%
0%
Development rights & Invest portfolio
1,539.3
6%
0%
Total
25,040.7
100%
1)
fair value breakdown according to exact portfolio classification may vary following the main use approach used to determine
the deferred tax
2)
excluding the significant minority share in DTL and others
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EPRA EARNINGS
EPRA Earnings is intended to serve as a key indicator of the Group’s underlying
operational profits for the year in the context of a European real estate company.
Given AT’s strategic joint venture investments, the proportional share in these joint
venture investments’ EPRA Earnings for the year is included in accordance with
the average holding rate for the period. As Funds from Operations (FFO I) is the
widely-recognized industry standard KPI for operational performance, an additional
reconciliation from the EPRA Earnings to the FFO I is provided above.
EPRA Earnings amounted to €439 million in 2023, flat compared to €439 million in
2022. Higher finance expenses and finance-related costs
, the impact from disposals
and cost inflation were offset by the like-for-like rental growth, lower extraordinary
expenses for uncollected hotel rents, lower operating costs and reduced minorities.
EPRA Earnings per share totaled €0.40 in 2023, also flat compared to €0.40 per share
in 2022.
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Earnings per IFRS income statement
(2,426.4)
(457.1)
Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains
3,217.5
497.3
Impairment of goodwill
137.0
404.3
Changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities, buy-
backs and early repayment costs, net
(14.8)
168.6
Deferred tax income
(543.1)
(82.4)
Share of (loss) / profit from investment in equity accounted
investees
149.8
(5.9)
Adjustment for investment in equity-accounted investees
1)
47.1
46.1
EPRA Earnings contribution to minorities
2)
(128.3)
(132.2)
EPRA Earnings
438.8
438.7
Weighted average basic shares (in millions)
3)
1,093.0
1,109.9
EPRA Earnings per share (in €)
0.40
0.40
Bridge to FFO I
Add back: Total depreciation and amortization
17.9
21.1
Add back: Finance-related costs
29.2
25.5
Add back: Other adjustments
5.3
7.4
Less: FFO items related to minorities
2)
1.3
(4.1)
Less: FFO contribution from asset held for sale
(7.1)
(7.8)
Less: Perpetual notes attribution
(153.4)
(118.1)
FFO I
332.0
362.7
FFO I per share (in €)
0.30
0.33
1)
including AT‘s share in joint venture positions.
2)
adjusting for the minority share in GCP‘s FFO adjustments
3)
weighted average number of shares excludes shares held in treasury; base for share KPI calculations
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EPRA LTV
Dec 2023
in € millions
Consolidated
(as reported)
Share of joint
ventures
Share of material
associates
Material non-
controlling interests
Proportionate
consolidation
Total financial debt
1)
14,242.1
686.9
-
(1,801.4)
13,127.6
Foreign currency derivatives
(84.2)
-
-
18.7
(65.5)
Equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
4,756.9
-
-
(461.6)
4,295.3
EPRA Gross debt
18,914.8
686.9
-
(2,244.3)
17,357.4
Less:
Cash and liquid assets
1)
(3,026.1)
(129.7)
-
512.3
(2,643.5)
EPRA Net debt
15,888.7
557.2
-
(1,732.0)
14,713.9
Investment property (incl. advance payments and excl. right-
of-use assets)
24,506.1
1,161.5
-
(3,499.7)
22,167.9
Investment property of assets held for sale
408.3
15.3
-
(78.2)
345.4
Owner-occupied property
74.0
-
-
(17.8)
56.2
Intangibles as per the IFRS balance sheet
21.9
-
-
(2.1)
19.8
Net receivables
1)
155.6
75.1
-
(63.0)
167.7
Financial assets
1,027.2
444.8
-
(48.2)
1,423.8
EPRA Total property value
26,193.1
1,696.7
-
(3,709.0)
24,180.8
EPRA LTV
60.7%
60.8%
EPRA LTV
1)
including balances under held for sale
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EPRA LTV
EPRA LTV
Dec 2022
in € millions
Consolidated
(as reported)
Share of joint
ventures
Share of material
associates
Material non-
controlling interests
Proportionate
consolidation
Total financial debt
1)
14,805.8
657.3
-
(1,753.2)
13,709.9
Foreign currency derivatives
(121.5)
-
-
17.7
(103.8)
Equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
4,747.7
-
-
(489.9)
4,257.8
EPRA Gross debt
19,432.0
657.3
-
(2,225.4)
17,863.9
Less:
Cash and liquid assets
1)
(2,718.7)
(62.3)
-
188.0
(2,593.0)
EPRA Net debt
16,713.3
595.0
-
(2,037.4)
15,270.9
Investment property
(incl. advance payments and excl.
right-of-use assets)
27,934.1
1,262.2
-
(4,192.9)
25,003.4
Investment property of assets held for sale
909.1
38.2
-
(154.3)
793.0
Owner-occupied property
80.5
-
-
(21.8)
58.7
Intangibles as per the IFRS balance sheet
27.6
-
-
(4.5)
23.1
Net receivables
1)
115.2
82.6
-
(93.7)
104.1
Financial assets
1,048.6
549.2
-
(36.4)
1,561.4
EPRA Total property value
30,115.1
1,932.2
-
(4,503.6)
27,543.7
EPRA LTV
55.5%
55.4%
1)
including balances under held for sale
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The EPRA LTV is a metric that aims to assess the leverage of shareholder equity
within a real estate company. The main difference between EPRA LTV and the Group’s
calculated LTV is the wider categorization of liabilities and assets with the largest
impact coming from the inclusion of perpetual notes as debt, inclusion of financial
assets in the net assets and proportionate consolidation adjustments. Under IFRS, the
Group’s perpetual notes are considered as equity as they do not have a maturity date,
are subordinated to all debt types and do not carry covenants. As a result, the Group
views its LTV metric as a better measure of leverage, as it more closely matches the
LTV under its debt covenants.
EPRA LTV was 60.8% at year-end 2023, higher compared to 55.4% at year-end 2022.
The increase was primarily due to the negative property revaluations, partially
offset by the operational profits and deleveraging activities such as disposals, bond
buybacks at discount, suspension of dividends and repayments from loans-to-own
and vendor loans.
Berlin
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EPRA NET INITIAL YIELD (NIY) AND ‘TOPPED-UP’ NIY
The EPRA Net Initial Yield (NIY) is calculated by subtracting the non-recoverable
operating costs from the net rental income as of the end of the period and dividing
the result by the fair value of the full property portfolio plus an allowance for
estimated purchasers’ costs. EPRA ‘Topped-up’ NIY is an additional calculation that
factors into consideration the effects of rent-free period and other lease incentives.
Given the strategic investment in joint venture positions, they are proportionately
consolidated in accordance with the holding rate at the end of the period.
The EPRA NIY was 4.0% at year-end 2023, higher compared to 3.5% at year-end 2022,
mainly due to lower portfolio values driven by negative revaluations, partially offset
by disposal of assets with higher-than-average yields. The increase in in-place and
market rents and a lower cost margin, reflected in a lower EPRA cost ratio, supported
the increase in the EPRA NIY. Accordingly, the EPRA ‘Topped-up’ NIY increased to 4.1%
at year-end 2023, compared to 3.5% at year-end 2022.
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
in € millions
Investment property
24,632.4
27,981.0
Investment property of assets held for sale
408.3
909.1
Share of JV investment property
1)
1,103.3
1,195.3
Less: Classified as Development rights & Invest
(1,891.8)
(2,271.3)
Complete property portfolio
24,252.2
27,814.1
Allowance for estimated purchasers' costs
1)
1,784.5
1,959.3
Grossed up complete property portfolio value
26,036.7
29,773.4
End of period annualized net rental income
1)
1,233.9
1,255.7
Operating costs
2)
(189.9)
(216.6)
Annualized net rent, after non-recoverable costs
1,044.0
1,039.1
Notional rent expiration of rent-free periods or
other lease incentives
12.6
15.1
Topped-up net annualized rent
1,056.6
1,054.2
EPRA NIY
4.0%
3.5%
EPRA 'TOPPED-UP' NIY
4.1%
3.5%
1)
including AT‘s share in joint venture positions
2)
to reach annualized operating costs, cost margins were used for each respective period
Frankfurt
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EPRA VACANCY
EPRA Vacancy is an operational measure that calculates a real estate company’s
economic vacancy rate as based on the prevailing market rental rates. It is calculated
by dividing the market rental value of the vacant space in the portfolio by the
annualized rental value of the portfolio, including vacancy at market rents. The
EPRA Vacancy including JV further includes AT’s share in joint venture investments,
including its holding in Globalworth, the leading publicly listed office landlord in
Central and Eastern European markets, mainly in Warsaw and Bucharest.
EPRA Vacancy was 7.9% at year-end 2023, higher compared to 7.6% at year-end
2022. The small increase was mainly due to negative like-for-like occupancy, partially
offset by disposal of assets with higher-than-average vacancy. Correspondingly, EPRA
Vacancy including JV increased to 8.1% at year-end 2023, up from 7.8% at year-end
2022. Aroundtown has observed an increase in market ERV’s due to inflation driven
indexations.
EPRA VACANCY INCLUDING JV
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
in € millions
Estimated Rental Value (ERV) of the vacant space including JV
1)
106.9
103.6
Dec annualized net rent including vacancy rented at ERV
including JV
1)
1,322.7
1,324.4
EPRA VACANCY INCLUDING JV
8.1%
7.8%
EPRA VACANCY
Dec 2023
Dec 2022
in € millions
Estimated Rental Value (ERV) of the vacant space
98.4
95.2
Dec annualized net rent including vacancy rented at ERV
1,240.7
1,246.1
EPRA VACANCY
7.9%
7.6%
1)
including AT‘s share in joint venture positions
Amsterdam
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The EPRA Cost Ratios provide an overview of a company’s
operating cost structure and provide for increased comparability
across companies. The cost ratios are derived by dividing the
administrative expenses and property operating expenses
(including non-recoverable service charges) by the net rental
income. The ratio is calculated both including and excluding the
direct vacancy costs. Given the strategic importance of its joint
venture investments, AT includes in its calculations their relative
contributions at the average holding rate during the year.
The EPRA cost ratios amounted to 23.0% including direct
vacancy costs and 20.8% excluding direct vacancy costs in 2023,
lower compared to 27.8% and 25.7% in 2022 respectively. The
lower cost ratio is the result of efficiency gains, like-for-like
net rental growth, lower extraordinary expenses for uncollected
hotel rents, and disposal of assets with a higher-than-average
cost structure. Correspondingly, cost ratios excluding the
extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents amounted
to 20.4% including direct vacancy costs and 18.3% excluding
direct vacancy costs in 2023, both lower compared to 22.0% and
19.9% in 2022, respectively.
1)
including AT‘s share in joint venture positions
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Administrative and other expenses
64.7
62.5
Maintenance and refurbishment
49.3
51.1
Ancillary expenses and purchased services, net
(0.2)
3.0
Personnel expenses
62.7
58.6
Other operating costs
98.7
173.3
Depreciation and amortization
17.9
21.1
Share of equity-accounted investees
1)
19.5
13.4
Exclude:
Depreciation and amortization
(17.9)
(21.1)
EPRA Costs (including direct vacancy costs)
294.7
361.9
Direct vacancy costs
1)
(27.9)
(27.6)
EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs)
266.8
334.3
Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
(33.0)
(75.0)
EPRA Costs (including direct vacancy costs, excluding extraordinary expenses
for uncollected hotel rents)
261.7
286.9
EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs, excluding extraordinary expenses
for uncollected hotel rents)
233.8
259.3
Revenue
1,602.8
1,609.9
Less: Operating and other income
(410.0)
(387.8)
Add: Share of net rental income from equity-accounted investees
1)
87.0
79.1
Net rental income
1,279.8
1,301.2
EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs)
23.0%
27.8%
EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)
20.8%
25.7%
EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs, excluding extraordinary
expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
20.4%
22.0%
EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs, excluding extraordinary
expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
18.3%
19.9%
EPRA COST RATIOS
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ADJUSTED EBITDA
The adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure used to evaluate
the operational results of the Group by deducting from the
EBITDA
, which includes the
Total depreciation and amortization
on top of the
Operating (loss) / profit
, non-operational items such
as the
Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains
and
Share
of (loss) / profit from investment in equity accounted investees
, as
well as
Contributions of assets held for sale
. Aroundtown adds
to its adjusted EBITDA a non-recurring and/or non-cash item
called
Other adjustments
which is mainly the expenses for
employees’ share incentive plans. In order to reflect only the
recurring operational profits, Aroundtown deducts the
Share of
(loss) / profit from investment in equity accounted investees
as
this item also includes non-operational profits generated by
Aroundtown’s equity accounted investees. Instead, Aroundtown
includes in its adjusted EBITDA its share in the adjusted EBITDA
generated by investments where Aroundtown has significant
influence in accordance with its economic holding rate over the
period. This line item is labelled as
Contribution of joint ventures’
adjusted EBITDA.
Prior to the third quarter of 2021, this line item
was mostly attributed to Aroundtown’s share in GCP’s adjusted
EBITDA, however, starting from July 1, 2021, GCP is consolidated
in Aroundtown’s financial accounts.
Aroundtown created extraordinary expenses for uncollected
hotel rents. Adjusted EBITDA excludes (adds back) these
expenses which are called
Extraordinary expenses for
uncollected hotel rents.
Adjusted EBITDA Calculation
Operating (loss) / profit
1)
(+) Total depreciation and amortization
(=) EBITDA
(-) Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains
2)
(-) Share of (loss) / profit from investment in equity accounted
investees
3)
(+) Other adjustments
4)
(-) Contribution of assets held for sale
5)
(+) Add back: Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
6)
(=) Adjusted EBITDA before JV contribution
7)
(+) Contribution of joint ventures‘ adjusted EBITDA
8)
(=) Adjusted EBITDA
1)
Named as „Operating profit“ in FY 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
2)
Named as „Fair value adjustments, capital gains and other income“ in FY 2017, and
„Property revaluations and capital gains“ in FY 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
3)
Named as „Share in profit from investment in equity-accounted investees“ in
FY 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and „Share of profit from investment in equity-
accounted investees“ in FY 2021 and 2022.
4)
Including expenses related to employees‘ share incentives plans. Named as
„Other adjustments“ in FY 2023 as no one-off expenses related to TLG merger
were recorded in FY 2023. Named as „Other adjustments incl. one-off expenses
related to TLG merger“ after the takeover of TLG in FY 2020, 2021 and 2022. Prior
to the takeover of TLG, it was named as „Other adjustments“ in FY 2017 and only
related to share incentive plans. In FY 2018 and 2019, it was shown together
with contribution of assets held for sale under an item called „Other adjustments“
5)
Named as „Adjusted EBITDA relating to properties marked for disposal“ in FY
2017. In FY 2018 and 2019, it was shown together with expenses related to
employees‘ share incentive plans under an item called „Other adjustments“.
Named as „Contribution from assets held for sale“ in FY 2020
6)
Named as “Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents“ in FY 2023. Named
as „Extraordinary expenses for uncollected rent“ in FY 2020, 2021 and 2022. The
adjustment started in 2020 after the Covid pandemic in order to reflect the
recurring adjusted EBITDA excluding these extraordinary expenses
7)
Named as „Adjusted EBITDA commercial, recurring long-term“ in FY 2017 and
„Adjusted EBITDA commercial portfolio, recurring long-term“ in FY 2018, 2019
and 2020
8)
The adjustment is to reflect AT‘s share in the adjusted EBITDA of companies
in which AT has significant influence and that are not consolidated. GCP
contributed to this line item until June 30, 2021. Starting from July 1, 2021, GCP
is consolidated. Named as „Adjustment for GCP adjusted EBITDA contribution“ in
FY 2017, „Adjustment for GCP and other joint venture positions adjusted EBITDA
contribution“ in FY 2018 and 2019, „Adjustment for GCP‘s and other investments‘
adjusted EBITDA contribution“ in FY 2020
Alternative
Performance Measures
Aroundtown follows the real estate reporting criteria and provides Alternative Performance
Measures. These measures provide more clarity on the business and enables benchmarking
and comparability to market levels. In the following section, Aroundtown presents a detailed
reconciliation for the calculations of its Alternative Performance Measures.
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FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS I (FFO I)
Funds from Operations I (FFO I) is an industry standard
performance indicator for evaluating operational recurring
profits of a real estate firm. Aroundtown calculates
FFO I
by
deducting from the
Adjusted EBITDA before JV contribution
,
the
Finance expenses, Current tax expenses, Contribution to
minorities
and adds back
Adjustments related to assets held
for sale. Adjustments related to assets held for sale
refers
to finance expenses and current tax expenses related to
assets held for sale.
Contribution to minorities
additionally
include the minority share in GCP’s FFO I (starting from July
1, 2021) and the minority share in TLG’s FFO I excluding
the contribution from assets held for sale. Aroundtown
additionally deducts the
Perpetual notes attribution
to reach
at
FFO I before JV contribution
. Prior to 2021, this figure did
not deduct the perpetual notes attribution.
Due to the deduction of the
Share of (loss) / profit from
investment in equity accounted investees
in the adjusted EBITDA
calculation which includes the operational profits from those
investments, Aroundtown adds back its relative share in the
FFO I of joint venture positions in accordance with the holding
rate over the period to reflect the recurring operational profits
generated by those investments. This item is labelled as
Contribution of joint ventures’ FFO I
. Prior to the third quarter of
2021, this item was mostly attributed to Aroundtown’s share
in GCP’s FFO I, however, starting from July 1, 2021, GCP is
consolidated in Aroundtown’s financial accounts. Aroundtown
created
Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
.
Therefore, Aroundtown’s
FFO I
includes these expenses.
FFO I per share
is calculated by dividing the
FFO I
by the
Weighted average basic shares
which excludes the shares held
in treasury.
In FY 2020 and FY 2021, Aroundtown additionally showed
FFO I before extraordinary Covid adjustment
and
FFO I per
share before extraordinary Covid adjustment
(named as
FFO
I before Covid
and
FFO I per share before Covid
in FY 2020),
which excluded the
Extraordinary expenses for uncollected rent
.
Starting from FY 2022, this line item is not shown in the table
to maintain the focus on the main FFO I KPI.
FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS II (FFO II)
Funds from Operations II (FFO II) is an additional measurement
used in the real estate industry to evaluate operational
recurring profits including the impact from disposal activities.
To derive the
FFO II
, the
Results from disposal of properties
are added to the
FFO I
. The results from disposals reflect the
profit driven from the excess amount of the sale price, net of
transactions costs, to cost price plus capex of the disposed
properties.
Funds From Operations (FFO I) Calculation
Adjusted EBITDA before JV contribution
(-) Finance expenses
(-) Current tax expenses
(-) Contribution to minorities
1)
(+) Adjustments related to assets held for sale
2)
(-) Perpetual notes attribution
3)
(=) FFO I before JV contribution
4)
(+) Contribution of joint ventures' FFO I
5)
(-) Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
6)
(=) FFO I
7)
1)
Including minority share in GCP‘s FFO I (since the consolidation in Q3 2021)
and TLG‘s FFO (since the takeover in Q1 2020). Named as „Contribution from
minorities“ in FY 2017
2)
Named as „FFO relating to properties marked for disposal“ in FY 2017, „Other
adjustments“ in FY 2018 and 2019.
3)
Named as „Adjustment for accrued perpetual notes attribution“ in FY 2017,
2018 and 2019
4)
Named as „FFO I commercial portfolio, recurring long-term“ in FY 2017, 2018,
2019 and 2020. In order to align FFO I better with the market standards,
Aroundtown started deducting perpetual notes attribution from its main FFO
I KPI in 2020 and from this line item in 2021
5)
The adjustment is to reflect AT‘s share in the FFO I of companies in which AT
has significant influence and that are not consolidated. GCP contributed to this
line item until June 30, 2021. Starting from July 1, 2021 GCP is consolidated.
Named as „Adjustment for GCP FFO I contribution“ in FY 2017, „Adjustment
for GCP‘s and other joint ventures‘ FFO I contribution“ in FY 2018 and 2019,
„Adjustment for GCP‘s and other investments‘ FFO I contribution“ in FY 2020
6)
Named as „Extraordinary expenses for uncollected rent“ in FY 2020, 2021 and 2022
7)
In order to align this KPI better with market standards, in 2020, Aroundtown
started deducting the perpetual notes attribution from this KPI. Named as
„FFO I after perpetual notes attribution“ in FY 2017, 2018 and 2019
1)
Weighted average number of shares excludes shares held in treasury, base for
share KPI calculations. Prior to their conversion, it included the conversion
impact of mandatory convertible notes.
2)
In order to align this KPI better with market standards, in 2020, Aroundtown
started deducting the perpetual notes attribution from FFO I. Named as „FFO I
per share after perpetual notes attribution“ in FY 2017, 2018 and 2019
FFO I Per Share Calculation
(c) FFO I
(b) Weighted average basic shares
1)
(=) (c/b) FFO I per share
2)
Funds From Operations II (FFO II) Calculation
FFO I
(+) Result from the disposal of properties
1)
(=) FFO II
2)
1)
The excess amount of the sale price, net of transaction costs and total costs
(cost price and capex of the disposed properties)
2)
Prior to 2020, since the main FFO I KPI did not deduct perpetual notes
attribution, FFO II included these attributions. In order to align FFO I better
with market standards, in 2020, Aroundtown started deducting the perpetual
notes attribution
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LOAN-TO-VALUE (LTV)
The Loan-to-Value (LTV) is a measurement aimed at reflecting
the leverage of a company. The purpose of this metric is to
assess the degree to which the total value of the real estate
properties can cover financial debt and the headroom against
a potential market downturn. With regards to Aroundtown’s
internal LTV guidance due to its conservative financial policy,
the LTV shows as well the extent to which Aroundtown can
comfortably raise further debt to finance additional growth.
Total value
is calculated by adding together the
Investment
property
which includes
Advance payments and deposits
and
starting from FY 2023
Owner-occupied property
but excludes
the right-of-use assets,
Investment property of assets held for
sale
and
Investment in equity-accounted investees
which starting
from Dec 2022 include only property related JV’s.
Net financial
debt
is calculated by deducting the
Cash and liquid assets
from
the
Total financial debt
which is a sum of
Short- and long-term
loans and borrowings
and
Short- and long-term straight bonds
and schuldscheins
.
Cash and liquid assets
are the sum of
Cash
and cash equivalents, Short-term deposits
and
Financial assets
at fair value through profit or loss,
as well as cash balances
of assets held for sale. Aroundtown calculates the LTV ratio
through dividing the
Net financial debt
by the
Total value
.
RENTAL YIELD AND RENT MULTIPLE
The rental yield and rent multiple are industry standard
indicators to measure the rent generation of a property
portfolio relative to its value and are generally used as key
valuation indicators.
The
Rental yield
is derived by dividing the
End of period
annualized net rental income
, by the
Investment property
. The
End of period annualized net rental income
is the annualized
monthly in-place rent of the related
Investment property
as
at the end of the period. The
Rent multiple
is the inverse of
Rental yield
and is derived by dividing the
Investment property
by the
End of period annualized
net rental income
. As the
assets that classified as
Development rights & invest
do not
generate material rental income, these are excluded from the
calculation.
AT additionally reports rental yield and/or rent multiple on
a more granular basis, such as in its portfolio breakdown
or in relation to specific transactions, to provide enhanced
transparency and comparability on its property portfolio in
specific locations and/or in relation to transaction activity.
LTV Calculation
(+) Investment property
(incl. advance payments and deposits and owner-occupied property
and excl. right-of-use assets)
1)
(+) Investment property of assets held for sale
2)
(+) Investment in equity-accounted investees
3)
(=) (a) Total value
(+) Total financial debt
4) 5)
(-) Cash and liquid assets
5)
(=) (b) Net financial debt
(=) (b/a) LTV
1)
It included inventories - trading property before the item was disposed and
starting in Dec 2023 includes Owner-occupied property
2)
Named as „Assets held for sale“ in FY 2019 and FY 2018 and „Investment
properties classified as held for sale“ in FY 2017
3)
Including property related JV‘s starting from Dec 2022
4)
Total of bank loans, straight bonds, schuldscheins and exluding lease liabilities.
It included convertible bonds prior to their repayment.
5)
Including balances under held for sale
1)
Annualized net rent including the contribution from joint venture positions
and excluding the net rent from assets held for sale
1)
Excluding properties classified as Development rights & Invest
UNENCUMBERED ASSETS RATIO
The Unencumbered assets ratio is an additional indicator to
assess Aroundtown’s financial flexibility. As Aroundtown is
able to raise secured debt over the unencumbered asset, a
high ratio of unencumbered assets provides Aroundtown with
additional potential liquidity. Additionally, unencumbered
assets provide debt holders of unsecured debt with a
headroom. Aroundtown derives the
Unencumbered assets
ratio
from the division of
Rent generated by unencumbered
assets
by
Rent generated by the total Group. Rent generated by
unencumbered assets
is the net rent on an annualized basis
generated by assets which are unencumbered, including the
contribution from joint venture positions but excluding the net
rent from assets held for sale. In parallel,
Rent generated by the
total Group
is the net rent on an annualized basis generated by
the total Group including the contribution from joint venture
positions but excluding the net rent from assets held for sale.
EQUITY RATIO
Equity Ratio
is the ratio of
Total Equity
divided by
Total Assets
,
each as indicated in the consolidated financial statements.
Aroundtown believes that Equity Ratio is useful for investors
primarily to indicate the long-term solvency position of
Aroundtown.
Equity Ratio Calculation
(a) Total Equity
(b) Total Assets
(=) (a/b) Equity Ratio
Rental Yield and Rent Multiple Calculation
(a) End of period annualized net rental income
1)
(b) Investment property
1)
(=) (a/b) Rental yield
(=) (b/a) Rent multiple
Unencumbered Assets Ratio Calculation
(a) Rent generated by unencumbered assets
1)
(b) Rent generated by the total Group
1)
(=) (a/b) Unencumbered Assets Ratio
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INTEREST COVER RATIO (ICR) AND DEBT
SERVICE COVER RATIO (DSCR)
The Interest Cover Ratio (ICR) is widely used in the real
estate industry to assess the strength of a firm’s credit profile.
The multiple indicates the degree to which Aroundtown’s
operational results are able to cover its debt servicing costs.
ICR
is calculated by dividing the
Adjusted EBITDA
including
the contributions from assets held for sale by the
Finance
expenses
. ICR previously included the contribution from joint
venture positions in both the finance expenses and adjusted
EBITDA but it was reclassified during 2021 to exclude these
contributions in order to reflect the interest cover ratio of
the Group’s standalone operations excluding its joint venture
investments, as well as to simplify this KPI. Aroundtown
additionally provides the
ICR, including extraordinary expenses
for uncollected hotel rents
and which was previously reported
as
ICR, Covid adjusted
and
which is calculated by dividing
the
Adjusted EBITDA
including extraordinary expenses for
uncollected hotel rents and the contributions from assets
held for sale by the
Finance expenses
.
Aroundtown discontinued presenting DSCR as it is not part
of its bond covenants. The DSCR is calculated by dividing the
Adjusted EBITDA
including the contributions from assets held
for sale by the sum of
Finance expenses
and
Amortizations
of loans from financial institutions and others
. When it was
reported in FY 2018 and FY 2019, DSCR included the
contribution from joint venture positions but following the
reclassification of ICR, these contributions are excluded.
1)
Previously included contributions from joint venture positions and named as
„Group finance expenses“ in FY 2018, 2019 and 2020
2)
Including the contributions from assets held for sale and previously included
contributions from joint venture positions
ICR Calculation
(a) Finance expenses
1)
(b) Adjusted EBITDA
2)
(=) (b/a) ICR
1)
Previously included contributions from joint venture positions and named as
„Group finance expenses“ in FY 2018, 2019 and 2020
2)
Including the contributions from assets held for sale and previously included
contributions from joint venture positions
3)
Named as ICR, Covid adjusted in FY 2022
4)
Including extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
5)
Previously included contributions from joint venture positions and named as
„Group amortization of loans from financial institutions“ in FY 2018 and 2019.
Named as „Amortizations of loans from financial institutions“ in FY 2017
6)
Named as „Total Group finance expenses and amortizations of loans“ in FY 2018
and 2019
ICR, Including Extraordinary Expenses for Uncollected Hotel Rents Calculation
(a) Finance expenses
(c) Adjusted EBITDA
2) 4)
(=) (c/a) ICR, including extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
3)
DSCR Calculation
(a) Finance expenses
1)
(d) Amortization of loans from financial institutions and others
5)
(=) (e=a+d) Total finance expenses and amortizations of loans
6)
(b) Adjusted EBITDA
2)
(=) (b/e) DSCR
NET DEBT-TO-EBITDA AND NET DEBT-TO-
EBITDA INCLUDING PERPETUAL NOTES
The
Net debt-to-EBITDA
is used in the real estate industry
to measure the leverage position of a company. This KPI
highlights the ratio of financial liabilities to the Company’s
recurring operational profits and thereby indicates how
much of the recurring operational profits are available
to debt holders. Aroundtown calculates its
Net debt-to-
EBITDA
ratio by dividing the
Net financial debt
as at the
balance sheet date by the
adjusted EBITDA
(annualized)
.
The
Net financial debt
is defined above under
Loan- to-
Value
ratio. The
adjusted EBITDA (annualized)
includes
contri
butions from assets held for sale and joint venture
positions and excludes extraordinary expenses for
uncollected hotel rents. The
adjusted EBITDA (annualized)
is calculated by adjusting the adjusted EBITDA to reflect
a theoretical full year figure. This is done by multiplying
the adjusted EBITDA of the period by 4 if it is the three-
month period result, by 2 if it is the six-month period
result and by 4/3 if it is the nine-month period result. For
the full year, there is no adjustment made.
Aroundtown additionally provides the
Net debt-to-
EBITDA including perpetual notes
ratio by adding its
Equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
as at the
balance sheet date to the
Net financial debt
. Although
AT’s perpetual notes are 100% equity instruments under
IFRS, credit rating agencies, including S&P, can apply
an adjustment to such instruments and consider AT’s
perpetuals as 50% equity and 50% debt. Additionally,
some equity investors may find an adjustment that adds
the full balance of perpetual notes to the net debt as
relevant. For enhanced transparency, AT additionally
provides this KPI including the full balance sheet amount
of
Equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
.
1)
See LTV calculation for the breakdown
2)
Including the contributions from assets held for sale and joint venture positions,
excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents.
See the explanation above for the annualization adjustment
Net Debt-to-EBITDA Calculation
(a) Net financial debt
1)
(b) Adjusted EBITDA (annualized)
2)
(=) (a/b) Net debt-to-EBITDA
Net Debt-to-EBITDA Including Perpetual Notes Calculation
(a) Net financial debt
1)
(b) Equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
(c) Adjusted EBITDA (annualized)
2)
(=) [(a+b)/c] Net debt-to-EBITDA including perpetual notes
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146
value measurement of derivative financial instruments
which
includes the derivative financial instruments related to
interest hedging and excludes significant minority share in
derivative financial instruments. Furthermore, Aroundtown
deducts the
Goodwill in relation to TLG, Goodwill in relation
to GCP
and
Intangibles as per the IFRS balance sheet
which
excludes significant minority share in intangibles. The
EPRA
NTA
was reclassified in Dec 2022 to exclude
RETT
in order
to align better with market standards. The
EPRA NTA per
share
is calculated by dividing the
EPRA NTA
by the
Number
of shares
which excludes the treasury shares. The
EPRA NTA
with RETT
adds gross purchasers’ cost of properties which
enable RETT optimization at disposal based on track record,
including the relative share in GCP’s relevant RETT. The
EPRA NTA with RETT per share
is calculated by dividing the
EPRA NTA with RETT
by
Number of shares
.
1)
Excluding significant minority share in deferred tax liabilities (DTL), as well
as deferred tax assets on certain financial instruments in line with EPRA
recommendations, including DTL of assets held for sale
2)
Excluding significant minority share in derivatives
3)
Deducting the goodwill resulting from the business combination with TLG
4)
Deducting the goodwill resulting from the consolidation of GCP
5)
Including the gross purchasers‘ costs of assets held for sale and relative
share in TLG’s and GCP‘s relevant RETT
6)
Excluding shares in treasury, base for share KPI calculations. Prior to their
conversion, it included the conversion impact of mandatory convertible notes.
EPRA NRV and EPRA NRV Per Share Calculation
Equity attributable to the owners of the Company
(+) Deferred tax liabilities
1)
(+/-) Fair value measurement of derivative financial instruments
2)
(-) Goodwill in relation to TLG
3)
(-) Goodwill in relation to GCP
4)
(+) Real estate transfer tax
5)
(=) (a) EPRA NRV
(b) Number of shares (in millions)
6)
(=) (a/b) EPRA NRV per share
EPRA NTA (& per share) and EPRA NTA with RETT (& per share) Calculation
Equity attributable to the owners of the Company
(+) Deferred tax liabilities
1)
(+/-) Fair value measurement of derivative financial instruments
2)
(-) Goodwill in relation to TLG
3)
(-) Goodwill in relation to GCP
4)
(-) Intangibles as per the IFRS balance sheet
5)
(=) (a) EPRA NTA
6)
(+) (b) Real estate transfer tax
7)
(=) (c=a+b) EPRA NTA with RETT
8)
(a) EPRA NTA
6)
(d) Number of shares (in millions)
9)
(=) (a/d) EPRA NTA per share
6)
(c) EPRA NTA with RETT
8)
(d) Number of shares (in millions)
9)
(=) (c/d) EPRA NTA with RETT per share
8)
EPRA NET TANGIBLE ASSETS (EPRA NTA)
AND EPRA NTA with RETT
The EPRA NTA is defined by the European Public Real Estate
Association (EPRA) as a measure to highlight the value of a
company’s net tangible assets assuming entities buy and sell
assets, thereby crystallizing certain levels of unavoidable
deferred taxes. Aroundtown’s
EPRA NTA
calculation begins
by adding to the
Equity attributable
to
the owners of the
Company
the
Deferred tax liabilities
which excludes the
deferred tax liabilities of properties held for sale, retail
portfolio, development rights & invest portfolio, GCP’s
portfolio cities classified as “Others” and significant minority
share in deferred tax liabilities, as well as excluding deferred
tax assets on certain financial instruments in line with EPRA
recommendations. Aroundtown also adds/deducts
Fair
EPRA NAV KPI’S
EPRA NET REINSTATEMENT VALUE (EPRA NRV)
The EPRA NRV is defined by the European Public Real Estate
Association (EPRA) as a measure to highlight the value of a
company’s net assets on a long-term basis, assuming entities
never sell assets. This KPI aims to represent the value required
to rebuild the company. Aroundtown’s
EPRA NRV
calculation
begins by adding to the
Equity attributable to the owners
of the Company
the
Deferred tax liabilities
which includes
balances in assets held for sale and excludes significant
minority share in deferred tax liabilities, as well as excluding
deferred tax assets on certain financial instruments in line
with EPRA recommendations. Aroundtown also adds/deducts
Fair value measurement of derivative financial instruments
which includes the derivative financial instruments related
to interest hedging and excludes significant minority
share
in derivative financial instruments. These items are
added back in line with EPRA’s standards as they are not
expected to materialize on an ongoing
and
long-term
basis. Aroundtown
then
deducts the
Goodwill in relation to
TLG, Goodwill in relation to GCP
and adds
Real estate transfer
tax
which is the gross purchasers’ costs in line with EPRA’s
standards which includes Aroundtown’s
share in TLG’s and
GCP’s relevant real estate transfer taxes (RETT).
Following the
consolidation of GCP, the goodwill recognized in relation
to GCP became
relevant
for
EPRA NRV calculations.
EPRA
NRV per share
is calculated by dividing the
EPRA NRV
by the
Number of shares
which excludes the treasury shares.
The EPRA NAV was discontinued by EPRA starting from FY
2020. Following EPRA guidelines, Aroundtown provided
the bridge between the former EPRA NAV and the new
EPRA NRV in its FY 2020 report and discontinued reporting
EPRA NAV thereafter. The main difference between the
former EPRA NAV and the EPRA NRV is the addition of real
estate transfer taxes in the EPRA NRV.
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1)
Excluding significant minority share in deferred tax liabilities (DTL), as well
as deferred tax assets on certain financial instruments in line with EPRA
recommendations
2)
Excluding significant minority share in derivatives
3)
Deducting the goodwill resulting from the business combination with TLG
4)
Deducting the goodwill resulting from the consolidation of GCP. Prior to the
consolidation of GCP as of July 1, 2021, there was an adjustment related to
surplus on investment in GCP, named as „Goodwill as per the IFRS balance
sheet (related to GCP surplus)“
5)
Excluding significant minority share in intangibles
6)
Changed in Dec 2022 to exclude RETT
7)
Including only the gross purchasers‘ costs of properties where RETT
optimization at disposal can be achieved. Additionally including relative share
in GCP‘s relevant RETT
8)
Previously defined as „EPRA NTA“ or „EPRA NTA per share“ in FY 2020 and
FY 2021
9)
Excluding shares in treasury, base for share KPI calculations. Prior to their
conversion, it included the conversion impact of mandatory convertible notes.
EPRA NET DISPOSAL VALUE (EPRA NDV)
The EPRA NDV is defined by the European Public Real
Estate Association (EPRA) as a measure that represents
the shareholders’ value under a disposal scenario, where
deferred taxes, financial instruments and certain other
adjustments are calculated to the full extent of their liability,
net of any resulting tax. Aroundtown calculates its
EPRA
NDV
by deducting from the
Equity attributa
ble to the owners
of the Company
, the
Goodwill in relation to TLG
and
Goodwill
in relation to GCP
and deducting/adding the
Net fair value
of debt
which is the difference between the market value
of debt and the book value of debt, adjusted for taxes. The
EPRA NDV per share
is calculated by dividing the
EPRA NDV
by the
Number of shares
which excludes the treasury shares.
The EPRA NNNAV was discontinued by EPRA starting from
FY 2020. Following EPRA guidelines, Aroundtown provided
the bridge between the former EPRA NNNAV and the new
EPRA NDV in its FY 2020 report and discontinued reporting
EPRA NNNAV thereafter. The main difference between the
former EPRA NNNAV and the EPRA NDV is the exclusion
of deferred tax liabilities in the EPRA NDV and goodwill
related to GCP surplus prior to the consolidation of GCP as
of July 1, 2021.
1)
Deducting the goodwill resulting from the business combination with TLG
2)
Deducting the goodwill resulting from the consolidation of GCP. Prior to the
consolidation of GCP as of July 1, 2021, there was an adjustment related to
surplus on investment in GCP, named as „Goodwill as per the IFRS balance
sheet (related to GCP surplus)“
3)
Excluding shares in treasury, base for share KPI calculations. Prior to their
conversion, it included the conversion impact of mandatory convertible notes.
EPRA NDV and EPRA NDV Per Share Calculation
Equity attributable to the owners of the Company
(-) Goodwill in relation to TLG
1)
(-) Goodwill in relation to GCP
2)
(+/-) Net fair value of debt
(=) (a) EPRA NDV
(b) Number of shares
3)
(=) (a/b) EPRA NDV per share
1)
The components are described under the LTV section
2)
Starting in Dec 2023, Investment property under the LTV section was changed to
include Owner-occupied property which is added separately below in EPRA LTV
3)
If Net receivables are larger than Net payables in absolute values, the netted sum
is shown in EPRA Total property value, otherwise in EPRA Net debt
4)
Following EPRA guidelines, Aroundtown adds its share of joint ventures and
deducts material non-controlling interests relating to GCP and TLG for all items
where relevant
EPRA LOAN-TO-VALUE (EPRA LTV)
The EPRA LTV is a metric that aims to assess the leverage of
shareholder equity within a real estate company. The main
difference between EPRA LTV and the Company’s calculated
LTV is the wider categorization of liabilities and assets with
the largest impact coming from the inclusion of perpetual
notes as debt, inclusion of financial assets in the net assets
and proportionate consolidation adjustments.
EPRA LTV
is calculated by dividing the
EPRA Net debt
by
EPRA Total
property value.
EPRA Net debt
is derived by deducting
Cash
and liquid assets
from
EPRA Gross debt
.
Cash and liquid assets
are defined under LTV section above.
EPRA Gross debt
is
the sum of
Total financial debt
described under LTV section
above, an adjustment related to
Foreign currency derivatives
,
Equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
and
Net
payables
.
EPRA Total property value
is the sum of
Investment
property
which includes
Advance payments and deposits
but excludes the right-of-use assets,
Investment property
of assets held for sale
,
Owner-occupied property
,
Intangibles
as per the IFRS balance sheet
,
Net receivables
and
Financial
assets
.
Net payables
or
Net receivables
is the sum of
Trade
and other receivables
and
Other non-current assets
(both of
which excluding loans-to-own assets and vendor loans),
net of
Trade and other payables, Other non-current liabilities
(excluding lease liabilities),
Tax payable
and
Provisions for
other liabilities
and
accrued expenses
, including balances in
held for sale.
If
Net receivables
are larger than
Net payables
in absolute values, the netted sum is shown in
EPRA Total
property value
, otherwise in
EPRA Net debt
.
Financial assets
are the sum of loans-to-own assets and vendor loans. The
calculation above reaches at
EPRA LTV – Consolidated (as
reported)
. Following EPRA guideline, Aroundtown adds its
Share of joint ventures
and deducts
Material non-controlling
interests
relating to GCP and TLG for all respective items
where relevant which results in
EPRA LTV – Proportionate
consolidation
also named as
EPRA LTV
.
EPRA LTV Calculation
(+) Total financial debt
1)
(+/-) Foreign currency derivatives
(+) Equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
(+) Net payables
3)
(=) EPRA Gross debt
(-) Cash and liquid assets
1)
(=) (a) EPRA Net debt
(+) Investment property
2)
(+) Investment property of assets held for sale
(+) Owner-occupied property
(+) Intangibles as per the IFRS balance sheet
(+) Net receivables
3)
(+) Financial assets
(=) (b) EPRA Total property value
(=) (a/b) EPRA LTV
4)
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EPRA EARNINGS
The EPRA Earnings is defined by the European Public Real
Estate Association (EPRA) as the earnings from operational
activities and serves as an indicator of a company’s
underlying operational profits for the period in context of
a European real estate company. Aroundtown calculates
its
EPRA Earnings
by deducting from the
Earnings per IFRS
income statement
, the
Property revaluations and capital
(losses) / gains
and
Impairment of goodwill,
non-cash and
non-linear profit or loss items
,
adding back
Changes in
fair value of financial assets and liabilities, buy-backs and
early repayment costs, net
a non-cash and non-operational
expense item, taking out
Deferred tax income
deducting the
Share of (loss) / profit from investment in equity accounted
investees
and adding
back their recurring earnings called
Adjustment for investment
in equity-accounted investees
and
deducting
EPRA Earnings contribution to minorities
. With regard
to
Adjustment for investment in equity-accounted investees
,
given Aroundtown’s strategic joint
venture investments,
the proportional share in these joint venture investments’
EPRA Earnings for the year is included in accordance
with the average holding rate throughout the year. Prior
to the third quarter of 2021, these contributions were
mostly attributed to GCP. Starting from July 1, 2021, GCP
is consolidated in AT’s financial accounts and the minority
share in GCP’s EPRA Earnings is deducted instead.
EPRA Earnings per share
is calculated by dividing the
EPRA
Earnings
by the
Weighted average basic shares
which
excludes the shares held in treasury.
As FFO I is the widely-recognized indicator for a company’s
operational performance, an additional reconciliation is
provided from the
EPRA Earnings
to the
FFO I
. In this regard,
on top of
EPRA Earnings, Total depreciation and amortization,
Finance-related costs
and
Other adjustments
are added back.
Other adjustments
are made up of share-based payments and
previously included one-off expenses related to TLG merger.
Furthermore,
FFO items mainly related to investments in
equity-accounted investees, FFO contribution from assets held
for sale
and
Perpetual notes attribution
are deducted. FFO items
related to investment in equity-accounted investees refers to
Aroundtown’s share in GCP’s FFO I bridge adjustment for its
depreciation, finance-related costs, adjustment for perpetual
notes attributions and other FFO adjustments, additionally
adjusting for the minority share in these adjustments starting
from the third quarter of 2021.
EPRA NET INITIAL YIELD (NIY) AND EPRA
‘TOPPED-UP’ NIY
The EPRA Net Initial Yield (NIY) and EPRA ‘Topped-up’ NIY are
comparable yield measures provided by EPRA for portfolio
valuations. The
EPRA NIY
calculation begins by subtracting
the non-recoverable
Operating costs
from
End of period
annualized net rental income
which includes Aroundtown’s
share in joint venture positions’ net rental income and net
rental income from assets held for sale. In order to reach
annualized operating costs, Aroundtown uses cost margins
for each respective periods. This
Annualized net rent, after
non-recoverable costs
is divided by the
Grossed up complete
property portfolio value
which is the sum of
Complete property
portfolio
and
Allowance for estimated purchasers’ costs
. The
Complete property portfolio
is the sum of
Investment property,
Investment property of assets held for sale
and
Share of JV
investment property
, excluding the part of the portfolio that is
Classified as Development rights & Invest
. On the other hand,
EPRA ‘Topped-up’ NIY
divides the
Topped-up net annualized rent
which includes additionally
Notional rent expiration of rent-
free periods or other lease incentives
by the
Grossed up complete
property portfolio value
.
EPRA Earnings and EPRA Earnings Per Share Calculation
Earnings per IFRS income statement
(-) Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains
1)
(-) Impairment of goodwill
(-) Changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities, buy-backs
and early repayment costs, net
2)
(-) Deferred tax income
3)
(-) Share of (loss) / profit from investment in equity accounted investees
4)
5)
(+) Adjustment for investment in equity-accounted investees
5) 6)
(-) EPRA Earnings contribution to minorities
7)
(=) (a) EPRA Earnings
(b) Weighted average basic shares
8)
(=) (a/b) EPRA Earnings per share
1)
Named as „Fair value adjustments, capital gains and other income“ in FY 2017,
and „Property revaluations and capital gains“ in FY 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
and 2022
2)
Named as „Changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities, net“ in FY
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021
3)
Named as „Deferred tax expense“ in FY 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Named as „Deferred tax income (expenses)“ in FY 2022
4)
Named as „Share in profit from investment in equity-accounted investees“ in
FY 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and „Share of profit from investment in equity
accounted investees“ in FY 2021 and 2022
5)
In FY 2017, 2018 and 2019, share of profit from investment in equity-accounted
investees and adjustment for investment in equity-accounted investees were
summed up and presented in a single line item called „Adjustments for
investment in equity-accounted investees“
6)
Including AT‘s share in joint venture positions. GCP contributed to this line
item until June 30, 2021. Starting from July 1, 2021 GCP is consolidated.
7)
Additionally adjusting for the minority share in GCP‘s FFO to EPRA Earnings
bridge. Named as „Contribution from minorities“ in FY 2017 and „Contribution
to minorities“ in FY 2018, 2019 and 2020
8)
Weighted average number of shares excludes shares held in treasury, base for
share KPI calculations. Prior to their conversion, it included the conversion
impact of mandatory convertible notes
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EPRA VACANCY
The EPRA Vacancy is a key benchmark for providing
comparable
vacancy
reporting
across
real
estate
companies. Around
town provides
EPRA Vacancy
and
EPRA
Vacancy including JV
.
EPRA
Vacancy
is calculated by dividing
the
Estimated Rental Value (ERV) of the vacant space
by
the
Dec annualized net rent including vacancy rented at
ERV
. This figure was previously defined as EPRA Vacancy
- Commercial portfolio but it was renamed following
the consolidation of GCP as of July 1, 2021.
EPRA Vacancy
including JV
includes the contribution from joint venture
positions and is calculated by dividing the
Estimated
Rental
Value (ERV) of the vacant space including JV
by the
Dec
annualized net rent including vacancy rented at ERV including JV
.
This figure
was previously defined as EPRA Vacancy - Group
portfolio.
EPRA COST RATIOS
The EPRA Cost Ratios are key benchmarks provided
by Aroundtown in line with EPRA guidelines in order
to enable meaningful measurement of changes in
its operating costs, as well as to provide for
increased
comparability across
companies. The
EPRA
Costs
is derived
by adding together the
Administrative and other expenses,
Maintenance and refurbishment, Ancillary expenses and
purchased services, net, Personnel expenses, Other operating
costs
and
Share of equity-accounted investees
which refers to
Around
town’s share in joint venture positions’ EPRA costs
(including direct vacancy costs). Prior to the third quarter
of 2021, these contributions were mostly attributed to
GCP. Starting from July 1, 2021, GCP is consolidated in
Aroundtown’s financial accounts. The EPRA Costs exclude
Depreciation and amortization
if includ
ed above and include
Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
. To reach
EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs)
, the sum is
then divided by the
Net rental income
, which is derived by
deducting from the
Revenue
, the
Operating and other income
but adding
Share of net rental income from equity-accounted
investees
, reflecting Aroundtown’s share in
joint venture
positions’ net rental income. Similar to the EPRA Costs,
prior to the third quarter of 2021, these contributions
from joint venture positions were mostly attributed to
GCP. Starting from July 1, 2021, GCP is consolidated in
Aroundtown’s financial accounts. The
EPRA Cost Ratio
(excluding direct vacancy costs)
is derived by dividing the
EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs)
, which deducts
Direct vacancy costs
(including Aroundtown’s share in
joint venture positions’ direct vacancy costs)
from
EPRA
Costs (including direct vacancy costs)
, by the
Net rental
income
.
Aroundtown additionally provides EPRA Costs Ratios
excluding Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel
rents adjustments. The
EPRA Cost Ratio (including
direct
vacancy costs, excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected
hotel rents)
is derived by dividing the
EPRA Costs (including
1)
Named as „Investment properties of assets held for sale“ in FY 2017, 2018 and 2019
2)
Named as „Share of GCP investment property“ in FY 2017
3)
Named as „Classified as development rights and new buildings“ in FY 2018 and
2019. Prior to that, such classification did not exist
4)
Including AT‘s share in joint venture positions
5)
Including the net rent contribution of assets held for sale
6)
To reach annualized operating costs, cost margins were used for each respective
periods
EPRA NIY and ´TOPPED-UP´ NIY Calculation
(+) Investment property
(+) Investment property of assets held for sale
1)
(+) Share of JV investment property
2)
(-) Classified as Development rights & Invest
3)
(=) Complete property portfolio
(+) Allowance for estimated purchasers' costs
4)
(=) (a) Grossed up complete property portfolio value
(+) End of period annualized net rental income
4) 5)
(-) Operating costs
6)
(=) (b) Annualized net rent, after non-recoverable costs
(+) Notional rent expiration of rent-free periods or other
lease incentives
(=) (c) Topped-up net annualized rent
(=) (b/a) EPRA NIY
(=) (c/a) EPRA 'TOPPED-UP' NIY
1)
Named as „Estimated Rental Value (ERV) of the vacant space - Group portfolio“
in FY 2020. The breakdown of the calculation wasn‘t provided prior to that
2)
Named as „Dec annualized net rent including vacancy rented at ERV - Group
portfolio“ in FY 2020. The breakdown of the calculation wasn‘t provided prior
to that
3)
Named as „EPRA Vacancy - Group portfolio“ in FY 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
4)
Named as „Estimated Rental Value (ERV) of the vacant space - Commercial
portfolio“ in FY 2020. The breakdown of the calculation wasn‘t provided prior
to that
5)
Named as „Dec annualized net rent including vacancy rented at ERV - Com-
mercial portfolio“ in FY 2020. The breakdown of the calculation wasn‘t pro-
vided prior to that
6)
Named as „EPRA Vacancy - Commercial portfolio“ in FY 2017, 2018, 2019 and
2020
EPRA Vacancy Including JV Calculation
(a) Estimated Rental Value (ERV) of the vacant space including JV
1)
(b) Dec annualized net rent including vacancy rented at ERV including JV
2)
(=) (a/b) EPRA Vacancy including JV
3)
EPRA Vacancy Calculation
(c) Estimated Rental Value (ERV) of the vacant space
4)
(d) Dec annualized net rent including vacancy rented at ERV
5)
(=) (c/d) EPRA Vacancy
6)
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150
direct vacancy costs, excluding extraordinary expenses for
uncollected hotel rents)
, which adds back the
Extraordinary
expenses for uncollected hotel rents
to the
EPRA Costs
(
including direct vacancy costs)
, by
Net rental income
. The
EPRA
Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs, excluding
extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
is derived
by dividing the
EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs,
excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
,
which adds back the
Extraordinary expenses for uncollected
hotel rents
to the
EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs)
,
by
Net rental income
.
EPRA Cost Ratios Calculation
(+) Administrative and other expenses
(+) Maintenance and refurbishment
(+) Ancillary expenses and purchased services, net
1) 2)
(+) Personnel expenses
2)
(+) Other operating costs
2)
(+) Depreciation and amortization
2)
(+) Share of equity-accounted investees
3)
Exclude:
4)
(-) Depreciation and amortization
(=) (a) EPRA Costs (including direct vacancy costs)
(-) (b) Direct vacancy costs
3)
(=) (c=a-b) EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs)
(-) (d) Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents
5)
(=) (e=a-d) EPRA Costs (including direct vacancy costs, excluding
extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
6)
(=) (f=c-d) EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs, excluding
extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
6)
(+) Revenue
(-) Operating and other income
(+) Share of net rental income from equity-accounted investees
3)
(=) (g) Net rental income
4)
(=) (h=a/g) EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs)
(=) (i=a/g) EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)
(=) (j=a/g) EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs, excluding
extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
6)
(=) (k=a/g) EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs,
excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents)
6)
1)
Named as „Net Ancillary expenses and purchased services“ in FY 2019 and
FY 2020
2)
These items were summed up and presented together as „Operational
expenses“ in FY 2017 and FY 2018
3)
Including AT‘s share in joint venture positions. GCP contributed to this line
item until June 30, 2021. Starting from July 1, 2021 GCP is consolidated
4)
Prior to IFRS 16 reclassification, ground rents were excluded from EPRA Costs
in FY 2017 and 2018. Following the reclassification, ground rents are no
longer part of operating expenses
5)
Named as “Extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents“ in FY 2023.
Named as „Extraordinary expenses for uncollected rent“ in FY 2020, 2021 and
2022. The adjustment started in 2020 after the Covid pandemic in order to
reflect the recurring costs excluding these extraordinary expenses
6)
Changed to „excluding extraordinary expenses for uncollected hotel rents“
from
„excluding Covid-19 adjustment“ in FY 2023
151
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Board of Directors‘ Report
Frank Roseen
Executive Director
Jelena Afxentiou
Executive Director
By order of the Board of Directors, March 27, 2024
Responsibility
statement
To the best of our knowledge, the consolidated financial statements of
Aroundtown SA, prepared in accordance with the applicable reporting
principles for financials statements, give a true and fair view of the
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group, and the
management report of the Group includes a fair review of the development
of the business, and describes the main opportunities, risks, and uncertainties
associates with the Group.
Disclaimer
The financial data and results of the Group are affected by financial
and operating results of its subsidiaries. Significance of the information
presented in this report is examined from the perspective of the Company
including its portfolio with the joint ventures. In several cases, additional
information and details are provided in order to present a comprehensive
representation of the subject described, which in the Group’s view is
essential to this report.
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152
To the Board of Directors of
Aroundtown SA
37, boulevard Joseph II
L-1840 Luxembourg
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Independent Limited Assurance Report
on the Non-Financial Report (Independent Auditor)
Independent Limited Assurance Report
We were engaged by the Board of Directors (the “Management”) of Aroundtown
SA (“the Company”) to report on the Company’s statements and indicators (the
“sustainability disclosures information”) that are disclosed in the Company’s Non-
Financial Report 2023 (the “Report”), for the selected ESG topics and KPIs related to
the year 2023, as listed in Appendix I:
Energy and Carbon Emissions
Environmental Compliance
Diversity and Equality
Employment and Skills
in the form of an independent limited assurance conclusion as to whether the
sustainability disclosures information is prepared and presented in all material
respects in accordance with EPRA Sustainability Best Practices Recommendations
(“EPRA SBPR”) Guidelines dated September 2017, and the EU Regulation 2020/852
on EU Taxonomy for Sustainable activities (Article 8) (the “Criteria”).
Responsibilities of the Management of the Company
Management of the Company is responsible for the preparation and presentation
of the sustainability disclosures information as reported in the Report in
accordance with the Criteria. This responsibility includes designing, implementing
and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation of the sustainability
disclosures information.
Management is responsible for preventing and detecting fraud and for identifying and
ensuring that the Company complies with laws and regulations applicable to its activities.
Management is also responsible for ensuring that staff involved with the preparation
and presentation of the sustainability disclosures information as reported in the
Report are properly trained, information systems are properly updated and that any
changes in reporting encompass all significant business units.
Our Responsibilities
Our responsibility is to examine the sustainability disclosures information as
described in the Report and to report thereon in the form of an independent limited
assurance conclusion based on the evidence obtained. We conducted our engagement
in accordance with International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000,
Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial
Information, issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Boards as
adopted for Luxembourg by the Institut des Réviseurs d’Entreprises (hereafter “IRE”).
That Standard requires that we plan and perform the engagement to obtain limited
assurance about whether the sustainability disclosures information as reported in
the Report is properly prepared and presented in all material respects in accordance
with the Criteria and is free from material misstatement.
Our firm applies International Standard on Quality Management 1, “Quality
Management for Firms that Perform Audits or Reviews of Financial Statements,
or Other Assurance and Related Services Engagements” (“ISQM 1”), as adopted for
153
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Board of Directors‘ Report
Luxembourg by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and
accordingly, maintains a comprehensive system of quality control including the
design, implementation and operation of a system of quality management of audits or
reviews of financial statements, or other assurance and related services engagements.
We have complied with the independence and other ethical requirements of the
International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics
for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards)
(IESBA Code) as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF, which is founded on
fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due
care, confidentiality, and professional behaviour.
Summary of work performed
A limited assurance engagement on the sustainability disclosures information as
described in the Report consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible
for the preparation of information presented in the Report, and applying analytical
and other evidence gathering procedures, as appropriate, with relation to the
sustainability disclosures information as described in the Report.
-
Conducting media search for references to the Company during the reporting period;
-
Obtaining and reading the Company’s policies and processes to address
sustainability matters and reporting;
-
Inquiries and inspection of the processes for determining the Report content and
related controls implemented;
-
Interviews with relevant staff responsible for providing and preparing the
information in the Report, inquiries and inspection of the related controls
implemented and methodologies used;
-
Confirmation of alignment of the content and structure of the sustainability
statement with the Criteria.
The assurance procedures performed in a limited assurance engagement vary in
nature and timing from, and are less in extent than for, a reasonable assurance
engagement. Consequently, the level of assurance obtained in a limited assurance
engagement is substantially lower than the assurance that would have been obtained
had a reasonable assurance engagement been performed. A limited assurance
engagement involves performing procedures to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence
to give assurance over the matters identified for our report. The assurance procedures
selected depend on our judgment, the suitable criteria including our assessment of
the risk of material misstatement in the sustainability disclosures information as
reported in the Report, whether due to fraud or error.
As part of this engagement, we have not performed any procedures by way of
audit, review or verification of the sustainability disclosures information nor of the
underlying records or other sources from which the information was extracted.
The limited assurance opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the
above basis.
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154
Inherent limitations
Our assurance work was limited to examining the relevant documents that were
made available by Management. Other than as described in the assurance procedures
above, we were not required to, nor have we, verified the accuracy or completeness of
the underlying data from which the Report, provided by the client, has been prepared.
Due to the inherent limitations of any internal control structure, it is possible that
errors or irregularities in the information presented in the Report may occur and not
be detected. Our engagement is not designed to detect all weaknesses in the internal
controls over the preparation and presentation of the Report, as the engagement
has not been performed continuously throughout the period and the procedures
performed were undertaken on a sample basis.
Our assurance work did not include:
-
Procedures to verify the sustainability disclosures information related to another
period than for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Conclusion
Our conclusion has been formed on the basis of, and is subject to, the matters
outlined in this report.
We believe that the evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to
provide a basis for our conclusion.
Based on the assurance procedures performed and evidence obtained, as described
above, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the
sustainability disclosures information as reported in the Report are not prepared
and presented in all material respects, in accordance with the Criteria.
Restriction of Use of Our Report
Our report is solely for the purpose set forth in the above objective and is not to
be used for any other purpose. Our report is solely for the use of the Management
and, through the Company’s website, the investors of the Company (“the Investors”).
The Investors can rely upon the Report at their own risks. We do not owe any duty to
the Investors, whether in contract or in tort or under statute or otherwise (including
in negligence) with respect to or in relation to the Report. Investors will not bring
any actions, proceedings or claims against KPMG Audit S.à r.l. where the action,
proceeding or claim in any way relates to or concerns the use of or reliance on
the Report. We cannot be held liable to Investors for any direct nor indirect loss or
damage suffered or costs incurred by them, arising out of or in connection with the
use or the Report, however such loss or damage is caused.
It might not be translated, summarised, disclosed, published or transmitted
electronically for any other purposes, without our prior consent.
We will agree with you the basis and timing of communications in order to
communicate any matters raised during our assignment that we believe to be both
important and relevant.
Luxembourg, 27 March 2024
KPMG Audit S.à r.l.
Cabinet de révision agréé
Muhammad Azeem
Réviseur d’entreprises agréé
155
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Board of Directors‘ Report
Berlin
156
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Consolidated Financial Statements
Berlin
02
Consolidated
Financial Statements
157
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Consolidated Financial Statements
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Consolidated Financial Statements
158
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
Revenue
6
1,602.8
1,609.9
Property revaluations and capital (losses) / gains
7
(3,217.5)
(497.3)
Share of (loss) / profit from investment in equity-accounted investees
16
(149.8)
5.9
Property operating expenses
8
(638.4)
(694.9)
Administrative and other expenses
9
(64.7)
(62.5)
Operating (loss) / profit
(2,467.6)
361.1
Impairment of goodwill
14
(137.0)
(404.3)
Finance expenses
10
(230.1)
(184.8)
Other financial results
10
(14.4)
(194.1)
Loss before tax
(2,849.1)
(422.1)
Current tax expenses
11.2
(120.4)
(117.4)
Deferred tax income
11.4
543.1
82.4
Loss for the year
(2,426.4)
(457.1)
(Loss) / profit attributable to:
Owners of the Company
(1,987.6)
(645.1)
Perpetual notes investors
153.4
118.1
Non-controlling interests
(592.2)
69.9
Loss for the year
(2,426.4)
(457.1)
Net loss per share attributable to the owners of the Company (in €)
Basic loss per share
12.1
(1.82)
(0.58)
Diluted loss per share
12.2
(1.82)
(0.58)
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Consolidated Financial Statements
159
Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
Loss for the year
(2,426.4)
(457.1)
Other comprehensive (loss) / income:
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, net of tax:
Foreign operations – foreign currency translation difference, net of investment hedges of foreign operations
12.1
(33.3)
Cash flow hedges and cost of hedging
(33.6)
33.8
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax:
Revaluation of property and equipment
15
(2.9)
15.3
Total comprehensive loss for the year
(2,450.8)
(441.3)
Total comprehensive (loss) / income attributable to:
Owners of the Company
(2,013.2)
(626.1)
Perpetual notes investors
153.4
118.1
Non-controlling interests
(591.0)
66.7
Total comprehensive loss for the year
(2,450.8)
(441.3)
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Consolidated Financial Statements
160
Consolidated statement of financial position
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
ASSETS
Investment property
13
24,632.4
27,981.0
Goodwill and intangible assets
14
1,165.7
1,308.1
Property and equipment
15
213.5
199.7
Investment in equity-accounted investees
16
1,086.5
1,291.9
Advance payments and deposits
107.4
136.1
Derivative financial assets
25.4.1
138.1
205.8
Other non-current assets
17
1,458.1
1,303.8
Deferred tax assets
11.4
65.8
65.1
Non-current assets
28,867.5
32,491.5
Cash and cash equivalents
25.3.2
2,641.2
2,305.4
Short-term deposits
127.1
137.5
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
25.1
257.7
266.5
Trade and other receivables
18
1,008.3
1,168.1
Derivative financial assets
25.4.1
248.0
46.8
Assets held for sale
13.2.2
409.5
931.3
Current assets
4,691.8
4,855.6
Total assets
33,559.3
37,347.1
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161
Consolidated statement of financial position (continued)
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
EQUITY
Share capital
19.1.1
15.4
15.4
Treasury shares
19.1.2
(2,893.3)
(3,033.7)
Retained earnings and other reserves
10,521.2
12,603.6
Equity attributable to the owners of the Company
7,643.3
9,585.3
Equity attributable to perpetual notes investors
19.2
4,756.9
4,747.7
Equity attributable to the owners of the Company and perpetual notes investors
12,400.2
14,333.0
Non-controlling interests
19.3
2,749.5
3,490.4
Total equity
15,149.7
17,823.4
LIABILITIES
Loans and borrowings
21.1
2,124.2
1,266.0
Straight bonds
21.2
11,698.0
13,307.4
Derivative financial liabilities
25.4.1
306.4
431.7
Other non-current liabilities
22
635.1
567.2
Deferred tax liabilities
11.4
2,106.5
2,662.3
Non-current liabilities
16,870.2
18,234.6
Current portion of long-term loans and loan redemptions
21.1
79.9
22.9
Bonds and schuldscheins
21.2
340.0
100.0
Trade and other payables
24
671.5
666.0
Tax payable
72.5
93.6
Provisions for other liabilities and accrued expenses
215.3
201.0
Derivative financial liabilities
25.4.1
134.6
12.9
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale
13.2.2
25.6
192.7
Current liabilities
1,539.4
1,289.1
Total liabilities
18,409.6
19,523.7
Total equity and liabilities
33,559.3
37,347.1
The Board of Directors of Aroundtown SA authorized these consolidated financial statements for issuance on March 27, 2024
Frank Roseen
Jelena Afxentiou
Executive Director
Executive Director
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Consolidated Financial Statements
162
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Attributable to the owners of the Company
Equity
Equity
attributable to
Share
Cash flow
Equity
attributable
the owners of
premium
hedge and
attributable to
to perpetual
the Company
Non-
Share
and capital
cost of hedge
Treasury
Retained
the owners of
notes
and perpetual
controlling
Total
capital
reserves
reserves
shares
earnings
the Company
investors
notes investors
interests
equity
Note
in € millions
Balance as at January 1, 2023
15.4
5,186.0
59.6
(3,033.7)
7,358.0
9,585.3
4,747.7
14,333.0
3,490.4
17,823.4
(Loss) / profit for the year
-
-
-
-
(1,987.6)
(1,987.6)
153.4
(1,834.2)
(592.2)
(2,426.4)
Other comprehensive (loss) / income for the year,
net of tax
-
13.8
(39.4)
-
-
(25.6)
-
(25.6)
1.2
(24.4)
Total comprehensive (loss) / income for the year
-
13.8
(39.4)
-
(1,987.6)
(2,013.2)
153.4
(1,859.8)
(591.0)
(2,450.8)
Transactions with owners of the Company
Contributions and distributions
Settlement of mandatory convertible notes
19.1.5
-
(138.5)
-
138.5
-
-
-
-
-
-
Equity settled share-based payment
19.1.2
-
(1.7)
-
1.9
-
0.2
-
0.2
-
0.2
Total contributions and distributions
-
(140.2)
-
140.4
-
0.2
-
0.2
-
0.2
Changes in ownership interests
Initial consolidations and deconsolidations
19.3.1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.2
0.2
Transactions with non-controlling interests
(NCI), dividends distributed to NCI
19.3.1
-
-
-
-
56.9
56.9
-
56.9
(150.1)
(93.2)
Total changes in ownership interests
-
-
-
-
56.9
56.9
-
56.9
(149.9)
(93.0)
Transactions with perpetual notes investors
Payment to perpetual notes investors
-
-
-
-
-
-
(118.2)
(118.2)
-
(118.2)
Buy-back of perpetual notes
-
14.1
-
-
-
14.1
(26.0)
(11.9)
-
(11.9)
Total transactions with perpetual notes investors
-
14.1
-
-
-
14.1
(144.2)
(130.1)
-
(130.1)
Balance as at December 31, 2023
15.4
5,073.7
20.2
(2,893.3)
5,427.3
7,643.3
4,756.9
12,400.2
2,749.5
15,149.7
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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163
Consolidated statement of changes in equity (continued)
Attributable to the owners of the Company
Equity
Equity
attributable to
Share
Cash flow
Equity
attributable
the owners of
premium
hedge and
attributable to
to perpetual
the Company
Non-
Share
and capital
cost of hedge
Treasury
Retained
the owners of
notes
and perpetual
controlling
Total
capital
reserves
reserves
shares
earnings
the Company
investors
notes investors
interests
equity
Note
in € millions
Balance as at January 1, 2022
15.4
5,529.8
24.2
(2,937.3)
7,901.5
10,533.6
4,747.7
15,281.3
3,875.1
19,156.4
(Loss) / profit for the year
-
-
-
-
(645.1)
(645.1)
118.1
(527.0)
69.9
(457.1)
Other comprehensive (loss) / income for the
year, net of tax
-
(16.4)
35.4
-
-
19.0
-
19.0
(3.2)
15.8
Total comprehensive (loss) / income for the year
-
(16.4)
35.4
-
(645.1)
(626.1)
118.1
(508.0)
66.7
(441.3)
Transactions with owners of the Company
Contributions and distributions
Share buy-back program
19.1.2
-
-
-
(254.6)
-
(254.6)
-
(254.6)
-
(254.6)
Equity settled share-based payment
-
(2.2)
-
2.3
-
0.1
-
0.1
-
0.1
Dividend distributions to the owners of the Company
19.1.3
-
(325.2)
-
155.9
-
(169.3)
-
(169.3)
-
(169.3)
Total contributions and distributions
-
(327.4)
-
(96.4)
-
(423.8)
-
(423.8)
-
(423.8)
Changes in ownership interests
Initial consolidations and deconsolidations
19.3.1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
26.3
26.3
Transactions with non-controlling interests (NCI),
dividends distributed to NCI and others
19.3.1
-
-
-
-
101.6
101.6
-
101.6
(477.7)
(376.1)
Total changes in ownership interests
-
-
-
-
101.6
101.6
-
101.6
(451.4)
(349.8)
Transactions with perpetual notes investors
Payment to perpetual notes investors
-
-
-
-
-
-
(118.1)
(118.1)
-
(118.1)
Total transactions with perpetual notes investors
-
-
-
-
-
-
(118.1)
(118.1)
-
(118.1)
Balance as at December 31, 2022
15.4
5,186.0
59.6
(3,033.7)
7,358.0
9,585.3
4,747.7
14,333.0
3,490.4
17,823.4
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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164
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Loss for the year
(2,426.4)
(457.1)
Adjustments for the loss:
Depreciation and amortization
14, 15
17.9
21.1
Property revaluations and capital gains
7
3,217.5
497.3
Share of loss / (profit) from investment in equity-accounted investees
16.4
149.8
(5.9)
Impairment of goodwill
14
137.0
404.3
Finance expenses and other financial results
10
244.5
378.9
Current and deferred tax (income) / expenses
11
(422.7)
35.0
Share-based payment
20.2
5.3
5.4
Change in working capital
(58.5)
(29.1)
Dividend received
16
19.1
34.8
Tax paid
(111.4)
(96.7)
Net cash from operating activities
772.1
788.0
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for acquisitions of property, equipment and intangible assets
(16.2)
(26.4)
Proceeds from disposals of investment property and proceeds from investees
970.4
1,286.5
Acquisitions of investment property and associates, investment in capex and advances paid
(395.6)
(730.3)
Proceeds from / (investments in) traded securities and other financial assets, net
49.6
(121.3)
Net cash from investing activities
608.2
408.5
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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165
Consolidated statement of cash flows (continued)
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Share buy-back program
19.1.2
-
(254.6)
Payments to mandatory convertible notes investors
(5.9)
(11.9)
Payments to perpetual notes investors, net of buy-back
(126.2)
(118.1)
Buy-back and redemption of bonds
21.3
(1,128.6)
(829.2)
Proceeds of loans from financial institutions and others, net of repayments made
21.3
812.9
225.0
Amortization of loans from financial institutions and others
21.3
(16.6)
(13.3)
Transactions with non-controlling interests
19.3.1
(84.4)
(*)
(427.4)
Dividend paid to the owners of the Company
-
(169.3)
(Payments to) / proceeds from hedge relations, derivatives and others
(288.6)
39.2
Interest and other financial expenses paid, net
21.3
(214.2)
(203.9)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,051.6)
(1,763.5)
Net changes in cash and cash equivalents
328.7
(567.0)
Cash and cash equivalents as at January 1
2,305.4
2,873.0
Assets held for sale – change in cash
13.2.2
9.1
(5.5)
Effect of movements in exchange rates on cash held
(2.0)
4.9
Cash and cash equivalents as at December 31
2,641.2
2,305.4
(*) reclassified
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Notes to the consolidated
financial statements
For the year ended December 31, 2023
1. GENERAL
1.1 Incorporation and principal activities
Aroundtown SA (the “Company” or “Aroundtown”), a public limited liability company
(Société Anonyme), incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,
having its registered office at 37, Boulevard Joseph II, L-1840 Luxembourg (formerly:
40, Rue du Curé, L-1368, Luxembourg). Aroundtown’s shares are listed on the Prime
Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and included in the MDAX index of the
Deutsche Börse (symbol: AT1).
Aroundtown is a real estate company with a focus on income generating quality
properties with value-add potential in central locations in top tier European cities,
primarily in Germany, the Netherlands and London. Aroundtown invests in commercial and
residential real estate which benefits from strong fundamentals and growth prospects.
These consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, consist
of the financial statements of the Company and its investees (the “Group”).
1.2 Group rating
Aroundtown’s credit rating is ‘BBB+’ with a negative outlook given by Standard and
Poor’s (S&P). The rating of ‘BBB+’ also applies to the Company’s senior unsecured debt.
The Group`s subordinated perpetual notes’ rating is ‘BBB-’ with a negative outlook.
Grand City Properties S.A.’s (a subsidiary of the Company, “GCP”) corporate credit rating
is ‘BBB+’ with a negative outlook given by S&P, and ‘Baa1’ with a negative outlook given
by Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s), who maintains its public rating on GCP on an
unsolicited basis since 2021. The ‘BBB+’ and ‘Baa1’ ratings also apply to the GCP’s senior
unsecured debt. GCP`s subordinated perpetual notes are rated ‘BBB-’ with a negative
outlook and ‘Baa3’ with a negative outlook, by S&P and Moody’s, respectively.
Aroundtown’s and GCP’s credit ratings were reaffirmed by S&P in December 2023.
1.3 Definitions
Throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements following definitions
apply:
   
The Company
Aroundtown SA
The Group
The Company and its investees
   
Subsidiaries
Companies that are controlled by the Company (as defined in IFRS 10) and
 
whose financial statements are consolidated with those of the Company
 
Companies over which the Company has significant influence (as defined
 
in the IAS 28) and that are not subsidiaries. The Company’s investment
Associates
 
 
therein is included in the consolidated financial statements of the
 
Company using equity method of accounting
Investees
Subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates
GCP
Grand City Properties S.A. (subsidiary of the Company; listed for trade in
 
the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange)
TLG
TLG Immobilien AG (subsidiary of the Company)
Related parties
As defined in IAS 24, additionally see note 23
The reporting
period
The financial year ended on December 31, 2023
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2. BASIS OF PREPARATION
2.1 Statement of compliance
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.
Certain consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of
financial position and consolidated statement of cash flows’ items related to the year
ended December 31, 2022 have been reclassified to enhance comparability with 2023
figures and are marked as “reclassified”.
The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Company’s
Board of Directors on March 27, 2024.
2.2 Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis,
applying the historical cost convention, except for the measurement of the following:
»
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss;
»
Investment property is measured at fair value;
»
Owner-occupied properties are measured at fair value;
»
Investment in equity-accounted investees – measured using the equity method;
»
Derivative financial assets and liabilities – measured at fair value;
»
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale – measured at fair value less costs to sell,
when applicable;
»
Deferred tax assets and liabilities – measured at the amount expected to be paid to
(recovered from) the tax authorities, using the tax rates and tax laws that have been
enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period.
2.3 Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted
by the EU requires from management the exercise of judgment, to make estimates and
assumptions that influence the application of accounting principles and the related
amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and underlying
assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are
deemed to be reasonable based on current knowledge available at that time. Actual
results may differ from such estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reassessed on a regular basis. Revisions
in accounting estimates are recognized in the period during which the estimate is
revised, if the estimate affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and
future periods, if the revision affects the present as well as future periods.
Judgments
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made the
following judgments, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized
in the consolidated financial statements:
Leases
Property lease classification (the Group as lessor)
The Group has entered into property leases on its investment property portfolio. The
Group has determined, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the
arrangements, such as the lease terms not constituting a major part of the economic
life of the properties and the present value of the minimum lease payments not
amounting to substantially all of the fair value of the properties, that it retains
substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of these properties
and accounts for the contracts as operating leases.
Revenue from contracts with customers
Determination of performance obligations
In relation to the services provided to tenants of investment property as part of the
lease agreements into which the Group enters as a lessor, the Group has determined
that the promise is the overall property management service and that the service
performed each day is distinct and substantially the same. Although the individual
activities that comprise the performance obligation vary significantly throughout the
day and from day to day, the nature of the overall promise to provide management
service is the same from day to day. Therefore, the Group has concluded that the
services to tenants represent a series of daily services that are individually satisfied
over time, using a time-elapsed measure of progress, because tenants simultaneously
receive and consume the benefits provided by the Group. With respect to the sale of
property, the Group concluded the goods and services transferred in each contract
constitute a single performance obligation.
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Principal versus agent considerations (services to tenants)
The Group arranges for certain services provided to tenants of investment property
included in the contract the Group enters into as a lessor, to be provided by third
parties. The Group has determined that it controls the services before they are
transferred to tenants, because it has the ability to direct the use of these services
and obtain the benefits from them. In making this determination, the Group has
considered that it is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide
these specified services because it directly deals with tenants’ complaints and it
is primarily responsible for the quality or suitability of the services. Therefore, the
Group has concluded that it is the principal in these contracts. In addition, the Group
has concluded that it transfers control of these services over time, as services are
rendered by the third-party service providers, because this is when tenants receive
and, at the same time, consume the benefits from these services.
Determining the timing of revenue recognition on the sale of property
The Group has evaluated the timing of revenue recognition on the sale of property
based on a careful analysis of the rights and obligations under the terms of the
contract and legal advice from the Group’s external counsels in various jurisdictions.
The Group has generally concluded that contracts relating to the sale of completed
property are recognized at a point in time when control transfers. For unconditional
exchanges of contracts, control is generally expected to transfer to the customer
together with the legal title. For conditional exchanges, this is expected to take place
when all the significant conditions are satisfied.
Business combinations
The Group acquires subsidiaries that own real estate. At the time of acquisition, the
Group considers whether each acquisition represents the acquisition of a business
or the acquisition of an asset. The Group accounts for an acquisition as a business
combination where an integrated set of activities and assets, including property, is
acquired. More specifically, consideration is given to the extent to which significant
processes are acquired and, in particular, the extent of services provided by the
subsidiary. When the acquisition of subsidiaries does not represent a business
combination, it is accounted for as an acquisition of a group of assets and liabilities.
The cost of the acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based
upon their relative fair values, and no goodwill or deferred tax is recognized.
Estimates and assumptions
The key assumptions concerning future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty
at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described
below. The Group based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when
these consolidated financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and
assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes
or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Group. Such changes are
reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
»
Valuation of investment property -
The Group uses external valuation reports issued
by independent professionally qualified valuers to determine the fair value of its
investment property. Changes in its fair value are recognized in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss.
The fair value measurement of investment property requires valuation experts
and the Company’s management to use certain assumptions regarding rates
of return on the Group’s assets, future rent, occupancy rates, contract renewal
terms, the probability of leasing vacant areas, asset operating expenses, the
tenants’ financial stability and the implications of any investments made for
future development purposes in order to assess the future expected cash flows
from the assets. Any change in the assumptions used to measure the investment
property could affect its fair value.
»
Valuation of financial assets and liabilities -
Some of the Group’s assets and
liabilities are measured at fair value for financial reporting purposes. In estimating
the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market-observable data
to the extent it is available. The fair value of financial instruments that are not
traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques. The group
uses its judgement to select a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are
mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period.
»
Taxes -
Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income
taxes. There are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax
determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The Group
recognizes liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether
additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is
different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact
the income tax in the period in which such determination is made.
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Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses to the extent that it is
probable that taxable profit will be available against which the losses can be
utilized. Significant management judgement is required to determine the amount
of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and
the level of future taxable profits, together with future tax planning strategies.
Deferred tax liabilities related to the investment property. Deferred tax liabilities
consider the theoretical disposal of investment properties in the form of asset deals
with a tax rate applied based on the nominal rate in the jurisdiction of the property.
»
Impairment of financial assets measured at amortized cost
-
When measuring
expected credit loss (ECL) the Group uses reasonable and supportable forward-looking
information, which is based on assumptions for the future movement of different
economic drivers and how these drivers will affect each other. Loss given default is
an estimate of the loss arising on default. It is based on the difference between the
contractual cash flows due and those that the lender would expect to receive, taking
into account cash flows from collateral and integral credit enhancements.
»
Impairment of investments in associates -
The Group periodically evaluates the
recoverability of investments in associates whenever indicators of impairment
are present. Indicators of impairment include such items as declines in revenues,
earnings or cash flows or material adverse changes in the economic or political
stability of a particular country, which may indicate that the carrying amount
of the investment is not recoverable. If facts and circumstances indicate that
investment in associates may be impaired, the recoverable amount associated
with this investment (being the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and
value in use, that is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be
derived from the investment) would be compared to its carrying amounts to
determine if a write down to fair value is necessary.
»
Impairment of non-financial assets (property, equipment and intangible assets) -
When there is an indication that an asset may be impaired or when annual
impairment testing for an asset is required, the Group estimates the asset’s
recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s
or Cash Generating Unit (CGU)’s fair value less costs of disposal and its value in
use. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the
asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from
other assets or groups of assets. In assessing value in use, the estimated future
cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pretax discount rate that
reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks
specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, recent market
transactions are taken into account. If no such transactions can be identified, an
appropriate valuation model is used. A previously recognized impairment loss is
reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine
the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized.
»
Impairment of goodwill -
Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for impairment
at least once a year. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated
to each of the Group’s CGUs (or groups of CGUs) expected to benefit from
the synergies of the business combination. CGUs to which goodwill has been
allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an
indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the CGU is
lower than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first
to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to
the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each
asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is non reversable
in subsequent periods.
»
Legal claims
- In estimating the likelihood of outcome of legal claims filed against
the Company and its investees, the Group relies on the opinion of their legal
counsels. These estimates are based on the legal counsels’ best professional
judgment, taking into account the stage of proceedings and historical legal
precedents in respect of the different issues. Since the outcome of the claims
will be determined in court, the results could differ from these estimates.
»
Property leases - estimating the incremental borrowing rate
- The Group cannot
readily determine the interest rate implicit in leases where it is the lessee,
therefore, it uses its incremental borrowing rate (IBR) to measure lease liabilities.
The IBR is the rate of interest that the Group would have to pay to borrow over
a similar term, and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset
of a similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment.
The IBR therefore reflects what the Group ‘would have to pay’, which requires
estimation when no observable rates are available.
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2.4 Functional and presentation currency
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in euro, which is also the
Group’s functional currency, and reported in millions of euros rounded to one decimal
point, unless stated otherwise. For each investee, the Group determines the functional
currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured
using that functional currency.
Transactions and balances
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded by the Group’s entities at their
respective functional currency spot rates at the date of the transaction. Monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional
currency spot rates of exchange at the reporting date. Differences arising on settlement
or translation of monetary items are recognized in profit or loss, with the exception of
monetary items that are designated as part of the hedge of the Group’s net investment
of a foreign operation. These are recognized in other comprehensive income until the
net investment is disposed of, at which time, the cumulative amount is reclassified to
profit or loss. Tax charges and credits attributable to exchange differences on those
monetary items are also recognized in other comprehensive income.
Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency
are translated using the exchange rates at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-
monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the
exchange rates at the date when the fair value is determined. The gain or loss arising
on translation of non-monetary items measured at fair value is treated in line with
the recognition of gain or loss on change in fair value of the item (i.e. translation
differences on items whose fair value gain or loss is recognized in other comprehensive
income or profit or loss are also recognized in other comprehensive income or profit
or loss, respectively).
In determining the spot exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset,
liability, expense or income (or part of it) on the derecognition of a non-monetary
asset or non-monetary liability relating to advance consideration, the date of the
transaction is the date on which the Group initially recognizes the non-monetary asset
or non-monetary liability arising from the advance consideration. If there are multiple
payments or receipts in advance, the Group determines the transaction date for each
payment or receipt of advance consideration.
Group companies
On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into
euros at the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date and their statements
of profit or loss are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless
exchange rates fluctuated significantly during the period, in which case the exchange
rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions are used. The exchange differences
arising on translation for consolidation are recognized in other comprehensive income
under the header of Foreign operations – foreign currency translation difference, net
of investment hedges of foreign operations and accumulated in the equity as share
premium and capital reserves. Upon disposal of a foreign operation, the component of
other comprehensive income relating to that particular foreign operation is reclassified
to profit or loss.
Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation and any fair value
adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities arising on the acquisition
are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the spot
rate of exchange at the reporting date.
As at December 31, 2023, the Group’s main foreign exchange rates versus the euro
were as follows:
   
 
EUR/GBP
EUR/USD
 
(“British Pound”)
(“US Dollar”)
December 31, 2023
0.869
1.105
December 31, 2022
0.887
1.067
Average rate during the year 2023
0.870
1.081
Average rate during the year 2022
0.853
1.053
Changes (in %):
   
Year ended December 31, 2023
(2.0%)
3.6%
Year ended December 31, 2022
5.6%
(5.8%)
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3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
3.1 Changes in accounting policies and disclosures
In the current year, the Group has applied a number of new and amended IFRS
Accounting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)
and adopted by the EU that are mandatorily effective in the EU for an accounting period
that begins on or after January 1, 2023. Their adoption has not had any material impact
on the disclosures or on the amounts reports in these financial statements.
IFRS 17
Insurance Contracts
(including the June 2020 Amendments to IFRS 17)
IFRS 17 establishes the principals for the recognition, measurement, presentation and
disclosure of insurance contacts and supersedes IFRS 4
Insurance Contacts.
IFRS 17 outlines a general model, which is modified for insurance contracts with direct
participation features, described as the variable fee approach. The general model is
simplified if certain criteria are met by measuring the liability for remaining coverage
using the premium allocation approach. The general model uses current assumptions
to estimate the amount, timing and uncertainty of future cash flows and it explicitly
measures the cost of that uncertainty. It takes into account market interest rates and
the impact of policyholders’ options and guarantees.
Amendments to IAS 1
Presentation of Financial Statements
and IFRS Practice Statement
2:
Disclosure of Accounting policies
The amendments change the requirements in IAS 1 with regard to disclosure of
accounting policies. The amendments replace all instances of the term ‘significant
accounting policies’ with ‘material accounting policy information’. Accounting policy
information is material if, when considered together with other information included
in an entity’s financial statements, it can reasonably be expected to influence decisions
that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of
those financial statements.
The supporting paragraphs in IAS 1 are also amended to clarify that accounting policy
information that relates to immaterial transactions, other events or conditions is
immaterial and need not be disclosed. Accounting policy information may be material
because of the nature of the related transactions, other events or conditions, even if
the amounts are immaterial. However, not all accounting policy information relating to
material transactions, other events or conditions is itself material.
The IASB has also developed guidance and examples to explain and demonstrate the
application of the ‘four-step materiality process’ described in IFRS Practice Statement 2.
Amendments to IAS 8
Accounting policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors:
Definition of Accounting Estimates
The amendments replace the definition of a change in accounting estimates with a
definition of accounting estimates. Under the new definition, accounting estimates are
“monetary amounts in financial statements that are subject to measurement uncertainty”.
The definition of a change in accounting estimates was deleted. However, the IASB
retained the concept of changes in accounting estimates in the Standard with the
following clarifications:
»
A change in accounting estimate that results from new information or new
developments is not the correction of an error
»
The effects of a change in an input or a measurement technique used to develop
an accounting estimate are changes in accounting estimates if they do not result
from the correction of prior period errors
The IASB added two examples (Examples 4-5) to the Guidance on implementing IAS
8, which accompanies the Standard. The IASB has deleted one example (Example 3)
as it could cause confusion in light of the amendments.
Amendments to IAS 12
Income Taxes
: Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities
arising from a Single Transaction
The amendments introduce a further exception from the initial recognition exemption.
Under the amendments, an entity does not apply the initial recognition exemption
for transactions that give rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences.
Depending on the applicable tax law, equal taxable and deductible temporary
differences may arise on initial recognition of an asset and liability in a transaction
that is not a business combination and affects neither accounting nor taxable profit.
For example, this may arise upon recognition of a lease liability and the corresponding
right-of-use asset applying IFRS 16 at the commencement date of a lease.
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Following the amendments to IAS 12, an entity is required to recognize the related
deferred tax asset and liability, with the recognition of any deferred tax asset being
subject to the recoverability criteria in IAS 12.
The IASB also adds an illustrative example to IAS 12 that explains how the amendments
are applied.
The amendments apply to transactions that occur on or after the beginning of the
earliest comparative period presented. In addition, at the beginning of the earliest
comparative period an entity recognizes:
»
A deferred tax asset (to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be
available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized)
and a deferred tax liability for all deductible and taxable temporary differences
associated with:
-
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
-
Decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities and the corresponding
amounts recognized as part of the cost of the related asset
»
The cumulative effect of initially applying the amendments as an adjustment
to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other component of equity, as
appropriate) at that date.
Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes: International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules
The Group has adopted the amendments to IAS 12 upon their release in May 2023.
The amendments introduce a temporary mandatory exception from deferred tax
accounting for the top-up tax, which is effective immediately and require new
disclosures about the Pillar Two exposure.
The mandatory exception applies retrospectively. However, because no new legislation
to implement the top-up tax was enacted or substantively enacted in any jurisdiction
in which the Group operates and no related deferred tax was recognized at that date,
the retrospective application has no impact on the Group’s consolidated statement
of financial position.
3.2 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the
Company and its subsidiaries as at December 31, 2023. Control is achieved when
the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the
investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.
Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has:
»
Power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give the current ability to direct the
relevant activities of the investee)
»
Exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee
»
The ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns
Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights results in control. To
support this presumption and when the Group has less than a majority of the voting or
similar rights of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances
in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:
»
The contractual arrangement(s) with the other vote holders of the investee
»
Rights arising from other contractual arrangements
»
The Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights
The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances
indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control.
Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Group obtains control over the subsidiary
and ceases when the Group loses control of the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income
and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in
the consolidated financial statements from the date the Group gains control until the
date it ceases to control the subsidiary.
Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income (OCI) are attributed
to the equity holders of the parent of the Group and to the non-controlling interests,
even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. When
necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring
their accounting policies in line with the Group’s accounting policies. All intra-group
assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions
between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.
Unrealized gains arising from transactions with equity-accounted investees are
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eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee.
Unrealized losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains, but only to the
extent that there is no evidence of impairment.
A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted
for as an equity transaction. The carrying amounts of the Group’s interests and the non-
controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the
subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests
are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognized
directly in equity attributed to owners of the Company.
When the Group loses control over a subsidiary, profit or loss on disposal is calculated
as the difference between (i) the aggregate of the fair value of the consideration
received and the fair value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying
amount of the assets (including goodwill), and liabilities of the subsidiary and any
non-controlling interests and other components of equity, and is recognized in the
consolidated statement of profit or loss under ‘Property revaluations and capital gains’.
When assets of the subsidiary are carried at revalued amounts or fair values and the
related cumulative gain or loss has been recognized in other comprehensive income
and accumulated in equity, the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive
income and accumulated in equity are accounted for as if the Company had directly
disposed of the relevant assets (i.e., reclassified to profit or loss or transferred directly
to retained earnings as specified by applicable IFRS). The fair value of any investment
retained in the former subsidiary at the date when control is lost is regarded as the
fair value on initial recognition for subsequent accounting under IFRS 9 Financial
Instruments or IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures.
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods
presented in these consolidated financial statements and have been applied by all
entities in the Group.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to
bring their accounting policies into line with those of the Group.
3.3 Property acquisitions not part of business combination
Where property is acquired, via corporate acquisitions or otherwise, management
considers the substance of the assets and activities of the acquired entity in
determining whether the acquisition represents the acquisition of a business. Where
such acquisitions are not determined to be an acquisition of a business, they are not
treated as business combinations. Rather, the cost to acquire the corporate entity or
assets and liabilities is allocated between the identifiable assets and liabilities of the
entity based on their relative values at the acquisition date. Such a transaction or event
does not give rise to goodwill.
3.4 Business combinations and goodwill
The Group determines that it has acquired a business when the acquired set of activities
and assets include an input and a substantive process that, together, significantly
contribute to the ability to create outputs. The acquired process is considered substantive
if it is critical to the ability to continue producing outputs, and the inputs acquired include
an organized workforce with the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to perform
that process or it significantly contributes to the ability to continue producing outputs
and is considered unique or scarce or cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort,
or delay in the ability to continue producing outputs.
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of
an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is
measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interests
in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure
non-controlling interests in the acquiree that are present ownership interests and entitle
their holders to a proportionate share of the entity’s net assets in the event of liquidation,
at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Other
types of non-controlling interests are measured at fair value or, when applicable, on the
basis specified in another IFRS.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in administrative and
other expenses in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognized at fair
value at the acquisition date and included as part of the consideration transferred in a
business combination. Contingent consideration classified as equity is not remeasured
and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent consideration
classified as an asset or liability that is a financial instrument and within the scope of
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, is measured at fair value with the changes in fair value
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recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss in accordance with IFRS 9.
Other contingent consideration that is not within the scope of IFRS 9 is measured at
fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss.
Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement
period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against
goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are adjustments that arise from additional
information obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from
the acquisition date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the identifiable assets acquired and
liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the
contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition
date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the
acquiree.
At the acquisition date, the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are
recognized at their fair value at the acquisition date, except that:
»
Deferred tax assets or liabilities and liabilities or assets related to employee benefit
arrangements are recognized and measured in accordance with IAS 12 Income Taxes
and IAS 19 Employee Benefits, respectively;
»
Liabilities or equity instruments related to share-based payment arrangements
of the acquiree or share-based payment arrangements of the Group entered into
to replace share-based payment arrangements of the acquiree are measured in
accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment at the acquisition date; and
»
Assets (or disposal groups) that are classified as held for sale in accordance with
IFRS 5 Non- current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations are measured
in accordance with that standard.
Any excess amount identified between the fair value of the asset or liability and their
carrying amount upon initial recognition is amortized in accordance with the accounting
treatment applicable to the respective underlying asset or liability.
Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the aggregate of the
consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities
assumed upon the business combination. If the fair value of the net assets acquired is
in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the Group re-assesses whether it
has correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and
reviews the procedures used to measure the amounts to be recognized at the acquisition
date. If the reassessment still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets acquired
over the aggregate consideration transferred, the gain (defined as a “bargain purchase”)
is immediately recognized in profit or loss.
If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the
reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Group reports provisional
amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Those provisional
amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, or additional assets or liabilities
are recognized, to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances
that existed at the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the amounts
recognized at that date.
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated
to each of the Group’s CGUs or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the
synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the
acquiree are assigned to those units. Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill
is allocated shall represent the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill
is monitored for internal management purposes and not be larger than an operating
segment as defined by IFRS 8.
At the Group, each real estate property generally meets the requirements for
classification as a CGU. As part of internal management, the real estate properties are
grouped under managed portfolio clusters (TLG and GCP which is a public company,
and the rest). These portfolio clusters are the lowest level within the Group at which
goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes hence the impairment test
is performed at property portfolio level of the acquiree. Other cash-generating assets
that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination and form
part of the recoverable amount (e.g., investment in financial assets) are included within
the same CGU.
Goodwill is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses
(that are non-reversable in following years) as described above in the Estimates and
assumptions section (part of note 2.3) and is not subject to amortization. An impairment
testing is performed on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate
on impairment arise.
Where goodwill has been allocated to a CGU or a group of CGUs and part of the
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operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation
disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the
gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed of in these circumstances is measured based
on the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the CGU or group
of CGUs. A single real estate asset that forms part of the CGU under a managed portfolio
cluster that is monitored together for internal management purposes does not constitute
an operation within this group of CGUs. As such, disposals of single properties do not
result in a derecognition of goodwill.
3.5 Investments in associates and equity-accounted investees
An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence and that is
neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint venture. Significant influence is the power
to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not
control or joint control over those policies. A jointly controlled entity is an entity in
which two or more parties have interest.
The results and assets and liabilities of associates and equity-accounted investees are
incorporated in these consolidated financial statements using the equity method of
accounting, except when the investment is classified as held for sale, in which case it is
accounted for in accordance with IFRS 5
Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued
Operations.
Under the equity method, an investment in an associate is initially recognized
in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost and adjusted thereafter to
recognize the Group’s share of the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other
comprehensive income of the associate. When the Group’s share of losses of an associate
exceeds the Group’s interest in that associate (which includes any long term interests
that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net investment in the associate), the Group
discontinues recognizing its share of further losses. Additional losses are recognized
only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made
payments on behalf of the associate. In the event of changes in the net assets of an
investee that are recognized directly in the investee’s equity, the Group accounts these
for as equity transaction in the consolidated financial statements.
Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s share of the net fair value of the
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of an associate recognized at
the date of acquisition is recognized as goodwill, which is included within the carrying
amount of the investment. Any excess of the Group’s share of the net fair value of the
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of acquisition, after
reassessment, is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
The requirements of IAS 36 are applied to determine whether it is necessary to
recognize any impairment loss with respect to the Group’s investment in an associate.
In the event of impairment indicators, the entire carrying amount of the investment
(including goodwill) is tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of
Assets as a single asset by comparing its recoverable amount (higher of value in use and
fair value less costs to sell) with its carrying amount; any impairment loss recognized
forms part of the carrying amount of the investment. Any reversal of that impairment
loss is recognized in accordance with IAS 36 to the extent that the recoverable amount
of the investment subsequently increases.
When an entity in the Group transacts with its associate, profits and losses resulting
from the transactions with the associate are recognized in the Group’s consolidated
financial statements, however only to the extent of interests in the associate that are
not related to the Group.
3.6 Revenue recognition
The Group’s key sources of income include:
Rental income
Revenue from contracts with customers - services to tenants including management
charges and other expenses recoverable from tenants
Other revenue
The accounting for each of these elements is discussed below:
Rental income
The Group earns revenue from acting as a lessor in operating leases which do not transfer
substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an investment
property.
Rental income arising from operating leases on investment property is accounted for on
a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in revenue in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss due to its operating nature, except for contingent rental
income which is recognized when it arises. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating
and arranging an operating lease are capitalized to the investment property and
recognized as an expense over the lease term on the same basis as the lease income.
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Lease incentives that are paid or payable to the lessee are deducted from lease
payments. Accordingly, tenant lease incentives are recognized as a reduction of rental
revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The lease term is the non-
cancellable period of the lease together with any further term for which the tenant
has the option to continue the lease, where, at the inception of the lease, the Group is
reasonably certain that the tenant will exercise that option.
Revenue from services to tenants
For investment property held primarily to earn rental income, the Group enters as a
lessor into lease agreements that fall within the scope of IFRS 16. These agreements
include certain ancillary services offered to tenants (i.e., customers). The consideration
charged to tenants for these services includes fees and reimbursement of certain
expenses incurred. These services are specified in the lease agreements and separately
invoiced. The Group has determined that these services constitute distinct non-lease
components (transferred separately from the right to use the underlying asset) and
are within the scope of IFRS 15. The Group allocates the consideration in the contract
to the separate lease and revenue (non-lease) components on a relative stand-alone
selling price basis.
In respect of the revenue component, these services represent a series of daily services
that are individually satisfied over time because the tenants simultaneously receive and
consume the benefits provided by the Group. The Group applies the time elapsed method
to measure progress.
The Group arranges for third parties to provide certain of these services to its tenants.
The Group concluded that it acts as a principal in relation to these services as it controls
the specified services before transferring them to the customer and therefore records
this revenue on a gross basis.
Other revenue
Other revenue includes mainly management fee, consulting fees as well as income
from loans in connection with real estate transactions. This income is included in
revenue in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
3.7 Finance income and expenses and other financial results
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested.
Finance expenses comprise interest expense on bank loans, third party borrowings
and bonds.
The interest portion of the lease payment is part of the “Interest and other financial
expenses paid, net” in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Other financial results represent changes in the time value of provisions, changes in
the fair value of traded securities, gains or losses on derivative financial instruments,
borrowing and redemption costs, loan arrangement fees, dividend income and other
one-time payments.
Financial expenses are recognized as they are incurred in the consolidated statement
of profit or loss, using the effective interest rate (EIR) method.
3.8 Current tax and property taxes
Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be
recovered from or paid to taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute
the amount are those that are enacted, or substantively enacted, at the reporting date in
the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income.
Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income
or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or in equity and not in the
consolidated statement of profit or loss. Management periodically evaluates positions
taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are
subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.
Property taxation includes taxes on the holding of real estate property.
3.9 Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between
the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting
purposes at the reporting date.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:
When the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of
an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the
time of the transaction, affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss.
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In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries,
branches and associates and interests in joint arrangements, when the timing of the
reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the
temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, the
carryforward of unused tax credits and any unused tax losses. Deferred tax assets are
recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against
which the deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits
and unused tax losses can be utilized, except:
When the deferred tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises
from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business
combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit
nor taxable profit or loss.
In respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in
subsidiaries, branches and associates and interests in joint arrangements, deferred
tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary
differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available
against which the temporary differences can be utilized.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will
be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized
deferred tax assets are re-assessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the
extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred
tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to
apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates
(and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
In accounting for the deferred tax relating to the lease, the Group considers both the
lease asset and liability separately. The Group separately accounts for the deferred
taxation on the taxable temporary difference and the deductible temporary difference,
which upon initial recognition, are equal and offset to zero. Deferred tax is recognized
on subsequent changes to the taxable and temporary differences. Deferred tax relating
to items recognized outside profit or loss is recognized outside profit or loss.
Deferred tax items are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either
in OCI or directly in equity.
Tax benefits acquired as part of a business combination, but not satisfying the criteria
for separate recognition at that date, are recognized subsequently if there is new
information about changes in facts and circumstances. The adjustment is either treated
as a reduction in goodwill (as long as it does not exceed goodwill) if it was incurred
during the measurement period or recognized in profit or loss.
The Group offsets deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities if, and only if, it has a
legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax liabilities and the
deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same
taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which
intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the
assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant
amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered.
The Group has applied a temporary mandatory relief from deferred tax accounting for
the impacts of the top-up tax and accounts for it as a current tax when it is incurred.
3.10 Property and equipment
Owner-occupied properties are measured at fair value less accumulated depreciation
and impairment losses recognized after the date of revaluation. Valuations are
performed with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amount of a revalued
asset does not differ materially from its fair value.
A revaluation surplus is recorded in other comprehensive income and credited
to the asset revaluation surplus in equity. However, to the extent that it reverses a
revaluation deficit of the same asset previously recognized in profit or loss, the increase
is recognized in profit and loss. A revaluation deficit is recognized in the statement of
profit or loss, except to the extent that it offsets an existing surplus on the same asset
recognized in the asset revaluation surplus.
The rest of property and equipment items are measured at cost less accumulated
depreciation and impairment losses.
Equipment includes furniture, fixtures and office equipment and is measured at cost
less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognized in profit or loss using the straight line method over the
useful lives of each part of an item of equipment.
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The annual depreciation rates used for the current and comparative periods are as
follows:
   
 
%
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
7-50
Buildings
2-3
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reassessed at the reporting
date.
Where the carrying amount of an asset is greater than its estimated recoverable amount,
the asset is written down immediately to its recoverable amount.
Expenditure for repairs and maintenance of equipment is charged to profit or loss of
the year in which it is incurred. The cost of major renovations and other subsequent
expenditure are included in the carrying amount of the asset when it is probable that
future economic benefits in excess of the originally assessed standard of performance
of the existing asset will flow to the Group. Major renovations are depreciated over the
remaining useful life of the related asset.
An item of equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic
benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss
arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is
determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of
the asset and is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
3.11 Goodwill and intangible assets
The intangible assets of the Group consist of goodwill and software. Goodwill arising
on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less accumulated impairment
losses and the applied accounting policy is elaborated in the business combinations
and goodwill section.
Expenditure on research activities is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Development
expenditure is capitalized only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the product
or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable
and the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to
use or sell the asset. Otherwise, it is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent
to initial recognition, development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated
amortization and any accumulated impairment losses.
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group and have definite useful lives are
measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses.
Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic
benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is
recognized in profit or loss as incurred.
Amortization is calculated to write off the cost of intangible assets less their estimated
residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives and is
generally recognized in profit or loss.
The estimated useful lives for current and comparative periods are as follows:
   
 
%
Software
20 - 33
Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting
date and adjusted if appropriate.
3.12 Deferred income
Deferred income represents income which relates to future periods.
Prepayments
The Group receives prepayments from tenants for ancillary services and other charges
(heating, water, insurance, cleaning etc.) on a monthly basis. These prepayments
received from tenants are mainly settled once a year against the operating cost
receivables. By the time of settlement, the prepayment and operating costs receivable
balances are presented gross in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Tenancy deposits
Tenancy deposits are paid to ensure the property is returned in a good condition. The
tenancy deposits can also be used if a loss of rent occurs.
3.13 Investment property
Investment property comprises completed property and property under development
or re-development that is held, or to be held, to earn rentals or for capital appreciation
or both. Property held under a lease is classified as investment property when it is held
to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both, rather than for sale in the ordinary
course of business or for use in production or administrative functions.
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Investment property comprises principally properties that are not occupied substantially
for use by, or in the operations of, the Group, nor for sale in the ordinary course of
business, but are held primarily to earn rental income and capital appreciation. These
buildings are substantially rented to tenants and not intended to be sold in the ordinary
course of business. Investment property that comprises a portion that is occupied for
use by, or in the operations of, the Group, and that can be sold separately or leased
under financial lease, shall be accounted for separately as owner-occupied property as
per IAS 16 or IFRS 16, depending on the case, and classified as property and equipment
in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Investment property is measured initially at cost, including directly attributable
expenditure such as transfer taxes, professional fees for legal services and other
transaction costs.
Subsequent to initial recognition, investment property is stated at fair value, which
reflects market conditions at the reporting date. Gains or losses arising from changes
in the fair values of investment property are included in profit or loss in the period in
which they arise, including the corresponding tax effect.
Transfers are made to (or from) investment property only when there is evidence of a
change in use (such as commencement of development or inception of an operating
lease to another party). For a transfer from investment property to inventories, the
deemed cost for subsequent accounting is the fair value at the date of change in use.
If an inventory property becomes an investment property, the difference between the
fair value of the property at the date of transfer and its previous carrying amount is
recognized in profit or loss. The Group considers as evidence the commencement of
development with a view to sale (for a transfer from investment property to inventories)
or inception of an operating lease to another party (for a transfer from inventories
to investment property). For a transfer from investment property to owner-occupied
property, the deemed cost for subsequent accounting is the fair value at the date
of change in use. If owner-occupied property becomes an investment property, the
Group accounts for such property in accordance with the policy stated under property,
equipment and intangible assets up to the date of change in use.
Investment property is derecognized either when has been disposed of (i.e. at the
date the recipient obtains control of the investment property in accordance with the
requirements for determining when a performance obligation is satisfied in IFRS 15)
or when it is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is
expected from its disposal. The difference between the net disposal proceeds and
the carrying amount of the asset is recognized in ‘Property revaluations and capital
gains’ in the consolidated statement of profit or loss in the period of derecognition.
In determining the amount of consideration to be included in the gain or loss arising
from the derecognition of investment property, the Group considers the effects of
variable consideration, the existence of a significant financing component, non-cash
consideration, and consideration payable to the buyer (if any) in accordance with the
requirements for determining the transaction price in IFRS 15.
Refer to the note 3.15 “Non-current assets held for sale” on the accounting for
investment property classified by held for sale.
3.14 Trading property (Inventories)
Property acquired or being constructed for sale in the ordinary course of business, rather
than to be held for rental or capital appreciation, is held as inventory property and is
measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value (NRV).
Property that has been initially defined as investment property and is subsequently
intended for sale in the ordinary course of business or in the process of construction or
development for such sale, is transferred to trading property (inventories) when there
is evidence of a change intention. The deemed cost for subsequent accounting is the
fair value at the date of change in use.
Cost incurred in bringing each property to its present location and condition includes:
Freehold and leasehold rights for land
Amounts paid to contractors for development
Planning and design costs, costs of site preparation, professional fees for legal
services, property transfer taxes, development overheads and other related costs
NRV is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of the business, based on
market prices at the reporting date, less estimated costs of completion and the
estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
When a trading property is sold, the carrying amount of the property is recognized
as an expense in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. The carrying
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amount of trading property recognized in profit or loss is determined with reference
to the directly attributable costs incurred on the property sold and an allocation of any
other related costs based on the relative size of the property sold.
For presenting of the disposal results of a trading property, the Group identifies whether
the sale of a trading property forms part of its ordinary activities or not. In case it does,
recognition of the revenue and expense will be as described above. Otherwise, the
resulting gain or loss will be presented in net, outside of the Group’s revenue, under
the line item property revaluation, capital gains and other income in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss.
3.15 Non-current assets held for sale
The Group classifies non-current assets (principally investment property) and disposal
groups as held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through
a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Non-current assets and disposal
groups classified as held for sale (except for investment property measured at fair
value) are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to
sell. Costs to sell are the incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal of an
asset (disposal group), excluding finance costs and income tax expense.
The criteria for held for sale classification is regarded as met only when the sale is
highly probable, and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in
its present condition. Actions required to complete the sale should indicate that it is
unlikely that significant changes to the sale will be made or that the decision to sell
will be withdrawn. Management must be committed to the plan to sell the asset and
the sale is expected to be completed within one year from the date of the classification.
Investment property held for sale continues to be measured at fair value. Assets and
liabilities classified as held for sale are presented separately in the consolidated
statement of financial position.
When the Group is committed to a sale plan involving loss of control of a subsidiary,
all of the assets and liabilities of that subsidiary are classified as held for sale when
the criteria described above are met, regardless of whether the Group will retain a
non-controlling interest in its former subsidiary after the sale.
3.16 Financial instruments
A financial instrument is any contract that gives right to a financial asset of one entity
and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity.
(a)
Financial assets
(1)
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as subsequently measured at
amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income, or fair value through
profit or loss.
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial
asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model for
managing them. With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a
significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical
expedient, the Group initially measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the
case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs.
Trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which
the Group has applied the practical expedient are measured at the transaction price
determined under IFRS 15. See note 3.6.
In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortized cost or fair
value through OCI, it needs to give rise to cash flows that are ‘solely payments of
principal and interest (SPPI)’ on the principal amount outstanding. This assessment
is referred to as the SPPI test and is performed at an instrument level.
The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages
its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model determines
whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the
financial assets, or both.
Purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within a time
frame established by regulation or convention in the marketplace (regular way
trades) are recognized on the trade date, i.e., the date that the Group commits to
purchase or sell the asset.
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(2)
Subsequent measurement
For the purposes of subsequent measurement, financial assets are classified in
four categories:
1.
Financial assets at amortized cost (debt instruments)
2.
Financial assets at fair value through OCI with recycling of cumulative gains
and losses (debt instruments)
3.
Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI with no recycling of
cumulative gains and losses upon de-recognition (equity instruments)
4.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at amortized cost (debt instruments)
The Group measures financial assets at amortized cost if both of the following
conditions are met:
The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective to hold
financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, and
The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to
cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal
amount outstanding.
Financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured using the EIR
method and are subject to impairment. Gains or losses are recognized in profit or
loss when the asset is de-recognized, modified or impaired refer to expected credit
loss model in determined impairment.
Financial assets at fair value through OCI (debt instruments)
The Group measures debt instruments at fair value through OCI if both of the
following conditions are met:
The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective of both
holding to collect contractual cash flows and selling, and
The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to
cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal
amount outstanding.
For debt instruments at fair value through OCI, interest income, foreign exchange
revaluation and impairment losses or reversals are recognized in consolidated
statement of profit or loss and computed in the same manner as for financial assets
measured at amortized cost. The remaining fair value changes are recognized in
OCI. Upon de-recognition, the cumulative fair value change recognized in OCI is
recycled to profit or loss.
Financial assets at fair value through OCI (equity instruments)
Upon initial recognition, the Group can elect to classify irrevocably its equity
investments as equity instruments designated at fair value through OCI when
they meet the definition of equity under IAS 32 and are not held for trading. The
classification is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis.
Gains and losses on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or loss.
Dividends are recognized as other financial results in the consolidated statement
of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established, except when the
Group benefits from such proceeds as a recovery of part of the cost of the financial
asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Equity instruments designated
at fair value through OCI are not subject to impairment assessment.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets held
for trading, financial assets designated upon initial recognition at fair value
through profit or loss, or financial assets mandatorily required to be measured at
fair value. Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired
for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term. Derivatives, including
separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as held for trading unless
they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial assets with cash
flows that are not solely payments of principal and interest are classified and
measured at fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model.
Notwithstanding the criteria for debt instruments to be classified at amortized
cost or at fair value through OCI, as described above, debt instruments may be
designated at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition if doing so
eliminates, or significantly reduces, an accounting mismatch.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the consolidated
statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value
recognized in the consolidate statement of profit or loss
.
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Dividends on equity instruments are recognized as revenue in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has established.
A derivative embedded in a hybrid contract, with a financial liability or non-
financial host, is separated from the host and accounted for as a separate derivative
if: the economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to the host; a
separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet
the definition of a derivative; and the hybrid contract is not measured at fair
value through profit or loss. Embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with
changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. Reassessment only occurs if there
is either a change in the term of the contract that significantly modifies the cash
flows that would otherwise be required or a reclassification of a financial asset out
of the fair value through profit or loss category.
A derivative embedded within a hybrid contract containing a financial asset host is
not accounted for separately. The financial asset host together with the embedded
derivative is required to be classified entirely as a financial asset at fair value
through profit or loss.
(3) De-recognition
Financial asset (or, where applicable, part of a financial asset or part of a group of
similar financial assets) is primarily de-recognized (i.e., removed from the Group’s
consolidated statement of financial position) when:
The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or
The Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has
assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material
delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either (a) the
Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b)
the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and
rewards of the asset but has transferred control of the asset.
When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or
has entered into a pass-through arrangement, it evaluates if, and to what extent,
it has retained the risks and rewards of ownership. When it has neither transferred
nor retained substantially all of the risks and rewards of the asset, nor transferred
control of the asset, the Group continues to recognize the transferred asset to the
extent of its continuing involvement. In that case, the Group also recognizes an
associated liability. The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured
on the basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Group has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred
asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and
the maximum amount of consideration that the Group could be required to repay.
(4)
Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognizes an allowance for expected credit loss for all financial assets
not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference
between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all
the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of
the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows
from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to
the contractual terms.
ECLs are recognized in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not
been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided
for credit losses that result from defaults events that are possible within the next
12 months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which there has
been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance
is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure,
irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL). The Group presumes
that the credit risk on a financial asset has increased significantly since initial
recognition when contractual payments are more than 30 days past due, unless the
Group has reasonable and supportable information that demonstrates otherwise.
Lifetime ECL represents the expected credit losses that will result from all possible
default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. In contrast, 12-month
ECL represents the portion of lifetime ECL that is expected to result from default
events on a financial instrument that are possible within 12 months after the
reporting date.
For trade receivables, the Group applies a simplified approach in calculating ECLs.
Therefore, the Group does not track changes in credit risk, but instead recognizes
a loss allowance based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date. The Group has
established a provision that is based on its historical credit loss experience,
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adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic
environment.
The Group considers a financial asset to be default when internal or external
information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the outstanding
contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements
held by the Group or when there is a breach of financial covenants by the debtor.
Irrespective of the above analysis, the Group considers that default has occurred
when a financial asset is more than 90 days past due unless the Group has
reasonable and supportable information to demonstrate that a more lagging
default criterion is more appropriate. A financial asset is written off when there is
no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows.
(b)
Financial liabilities
(1) Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair
value through profit or loss or at amortized cost.
All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, in the case of loans
and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs and are
subsequently expensed via EIR.
(2) Subsequent measurement
The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as
described below:
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities
held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at
fair value through profit or loss.
Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are incurred for the
purpose of repurchasing in the near term. This category also includes derivative
financial instruments entered into by the Group that are not designated as hedging
instruments in hedge relationships as defined by IFRS 9. Separated embedded
derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as
effective hedging instruments.
Gains or losses on liabilities held for trading are recognized in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss.
Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit
or loss are designated at the initial date of recognition, and only if the criteria in
IFRS 9 are satisfied. The Group has not designated any financial liability as at fair
value through profit or loss.
Financial liabilities at amortized cost
This is the category most relevant to the Group. After initial recognition, interest-
bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost
using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss when the
liabilities are de-recognized as well as through the EIR amortization process.
Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on
acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR.
(3) De-recognition
A financial liability is de-recognized when the obligation under the liability is
discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced
by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of
an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification
is treated as the de-recognition of the original liability and the recognition of a
new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in
the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
(c)
Interbank Offered Rates (IBOR) Reform
IBOR reform Phase 2 requires, as a practical expedient, for changes to the basis for
determining contractual cash flows that are necessary as a direct consequence of IBOR
reform to be treated as a change to a floating rate of interest, provided the transition
from IBOR to a risk-free rate (RFR) takes place on a basis that is ‘economically equivalent’.
To qualify as ‘economically equivalent’, the terms of the financial instrument must be the
same before and after transition except for the changes required by IBOR reform. For
changes that are not required by IBOR reform, the Group applies judgement to determine
whether they result in the financial instrument being derecognized. Therefore, as financial
instruments transition from IBOR to RFRs, the Group applied judgement to assess
whether the transition had taken place on an economically equivalent basis. In making
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this assessment, the Group considered the extent of any changes to the contractual cash
flows as a result of the transition and the factors that had given rise to the changes, with
consideration of both quantitative and qualitative factors. Factors of changes that are
economically equivalent include: changing the reference rate from an IBOR to a RFR;
changing the reset days between coupons to align with the RFR; adding a fallback to
automatically transition to an RFR when the IBOR ceases; and adding a fixed credit
spread adjustment based on that calculated by the International Swaps and Derivatives
Association (ISDA) or which is implicit in the market forward rates for the RFR. The
transition has been completed as of December 31, 2023.
(d)
Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in
the consolidated statement of financial position if there is a currently enforceable legal
right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis,
or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
3.17 Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the
issue of ordinary shares are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.
3.18 Mandatory convertible notes
Mandatory convertible notes are classified as equity, and coupon related to the
noteholders is recognized in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. Both
the noteholders and the Company may convert the notes into Company’s shares using
a fixed ratio that does not vary with changes in fair value. At maturity, the unconverted
notes are mandatorily converted into shares. The Company may, at its sole discretion,
elect to defer the payment of interest on the notes (Arrears of Interest). Arrears of
Interest are presented as liability and must be paid by the Company upon conversion
event and should not compound interest. Issuance costs incurred are deducted from
the initial carrying amount of the notes.
3.19 Convertible bonds
Convertible bonds, that can be converted to share capital of the Company or of a subsidiary
of the Company at the option of the holder and the number of shares to be issued is fixed
are separated into liability and equity component based on the terms of the contract.
On issuance of the convertible bonds, the fair value of the liability component is
determined using a market rate for an equivalent non-convertible instrument. This
amount is classified as a financial liability measured at amortized cost (net of transaction
costs) until it is extinguished on conversion or redemption.
The remainder of the proceeds is allocated to the conversion option that is recognized
and included in equity. Transaction costs are deducted from equity, net of associated
income tax. The carrying amount of the conversion option is not re-measured in
subsequent years.
Transaction costs are apportioned between the liability and equity components of the
convertible bonds, based on the allocation of the proceeds to the liability and equity
components when the instruments are initially recognized.
On conversion, the financial liability is reclassified to equity and no gain or loss is
recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
3.20 Treasury shares
When own shares are repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid including
direct acquisition costs is recognized as a deduction from equity. Repurchased own
shares are classified as treasury shares, presented in the treasury share reserve and
are not revaluated after the acquisition. When treasury shares are subsequently sold or
delivered, the amount received is recognized as an increase in equity and the resulting
surplus or deficit on the transaction is presented in the share premium.
3.21 Perpetual notes
Perpetual notes have no maturity date and may only be redeemed by the Group, at
its sole discretion, on certain dates. The perpetual notes are recognized as equity
attributable to its holders, which forms part of the total equity of the Group. The
Company may, at its sole discretion, elect to defer the payment of interest on the notes
(referred to as Arrears of Interest). Arrears of Interest must be paid by the Company upon
the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to, dividends, distributions or
other payments made to instruments such as the Company’s ordinary shares, which rank
junior to the perpetual notes. Upon occurrence of such an event, any Arrears of Interest
would be re-classified as a liability in the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
The deferred amounts shall not bear interest.
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3.22 Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
Initial recognition and subsequent measurement
The Group uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts,
interest rate swap and cross-currency swap contracts, to hedge its foreign currency risks,
interest rate risks and fair value risks. Such derivative financial instruments are initially
recognized at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and
are subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets
when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as:
Fair value hedges when hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of a
recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized commitment.
Cash flow hedges when hedging the exposures to variability in cash flows that
is either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or
liability or a highly probable forecast transaction or the foreign currency risk in an
unrecognized firm commitment.
Hedges of a net investment in foreign operations.
At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Group formally designates and documents
the hedge relationship to which it wishes to apply hedge accounting and the risk
management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge.
The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item,
the nature of the risk being hedged and how the Group will assess whether the hedging
relationship meets the hedge effectiveness requirements (including the analysis of
sources of hedge ineffectiveness and how the hedge ration is determined). A hedging
relationship qualifies for hedge accounting if it meets all the following effectiveness
requirements:
There is ‘an economic relationship’ between the hedged item and the hedging instrument.
The effect of credit risk does not ‘dominate the value changes’ that result from that
economic relationship.
The hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that resulting from the
quantity of the hedged item that the Group hedges and the quantity of the hedging
instrument that the Group uses to hedge that quantity of hedge item.
Hedges that meet all the qualifying criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for and
further described below:
Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized in
OCI and accumulated in the hedge reserves, while any ineffective portion is recognized
immediately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss. The cash flow hedge reserve
is adjusted to the lower of the cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument and
the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item.
The forward element is recognized in OCI and accumulated in a separate component
of equity under other reserve.
The amounts accumulated in OCI are accounted for, depending on the nature of the
underlying hedged transaction. If the hedged transaction subsequently results in the
recognition of a non-financial item, the amount accumulated in equity is removed from
the separate component of equity and included in the initial cost or other carrying
amount of the hedged asset or liability. This is not a reclassification adjustment and will
not be recognized in OCI for the period. This also applies where the hedged forecast
transaction of a non-financial asset or non-financial liability subsequently become a
firm commitment for which fair value hedge accounting is applied.
For any other cash flow hedges, the amount accumulated in OCI is reclassified to profit
or loss as a reclassification adjustment in the same period or periods during which the
hedged cash flows affect profit or loss.
If cash flow hedge accounting is discontinued, the amount that has been accumulated in
OCI must remain in accumulated OCI if the hedged future cash flows are still expected
to occur. Otherwise, the amount will be immediately reclassified to profit or loss as a
reclassification adjustment. After discontinuation, once the cash flows hedge occurs,
any amount remaining in accumulated OCI must be accounted for depending on the
nature of the underlying transaction as described above.
Fair value hedges
The change in the fair value of a hedging instrument is recognized in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss. The change in the fair value of the hedged item attributable
to the risk hedged is recorded as part of the carrying value of the hedged item and is
also recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
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In cases that the Group designates only the spot element of swap contracts as a
hedging instrument, the forward element is recognized in OCI and accumulated in
a component of equity under hedge reserves as time period related element and
amortized to the consolidated statement of profit or loss over the hedged period.
If the hedged item is derecognized, the unamortized fair value is recognized
immediately in profit or loss.
Hedge of net investments in foreign operations
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, including a hedge of monetary item
that is accounted for as part of the net investment, are accounted for as follows:
The Group designates the spot element of a non-derivative financial liability and
forward contracts as the hedging instrument.
The forward element is recognized as cost of hedging and accumulated in a separate
component of equity under hedge reserves.
Gains or losses on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the
hedge are recognized as OCI while any gains or losses relating to the ineffective
portion are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
On disposal of the foreign operation, the cumulative value of any such gains or losses
recorded in equity is transferred to the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Interbank offered rates (IBOR) reform
The Group applies the temporary reliefs provided by the IBOR reform Phase 1
amendments, which enable its hedge accounting to continue during the period of
uncertainty, before the replacement of an existing interest rate benchmark with an
risk-free rate (RFR). For the purpose of determining whether a forecast transaction is
highly probable, the reliefs require it to be assumed that the IBOR on which the hedged
cash flows are based is not altered as a result of IBOR reform. The reliefs end when the
Group judges that the uncertainty arising from IBOR reform is no longer present for
the hedging relationships that are referenced to IBORs. This applies when the hedged
item has already transitioned from IBOR to an RFR.
3.23 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial position and
in the consolidated statement of cash flow comprise cash at banks and on hand and
short-term highly liquid deposits with an original maturity of three months or less, that
are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant
risk of changes in value.
3.24 Property operating expenses
This item includes operating costs that can be recharged to the tenants and direct
management costs of the properties. Maintenance expenses for the upkeep of the
property in its current condition, as well as expenditure for repairs are charged to the
consolidated statement of profit or loss. Refurbishment that takes place subsequent to
the property valuation, thus excluded in its additional value, will also be stated in this
account, until the next property valuation.
3.25 Operating segments
Operating segments are components of the Group that meet the following three criteria:
are engaged in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur
expenses, including revenues and expenses relating to intragroup transactions;
whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Group’s Chief Operating
Decision Maker (CODM) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the
segment and assess its performance; and
for which separate financial information is available.
The Group has two reportable operating segments for which the revenue, net operating
income and revaluation gains from investment property is regularly monitored.
3.26 Comparatives
Where necessary, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in
presentation in the current period, and marked as “reclassified”.
3.27 Earnings per share
Earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to owners
of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding
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during the period. Basic earnings per share only include shares that were actually
outstanding during the period. Potential ordinary shares (convertible securities such
as convertible debentures, warrants and share-based payments for employee) are
only included in the computation of diluted earnings per share when their conversion
decreases earnings per share or increases loss per share from continuing operations.
Further, potential ordinary shares that are converted during the period are included
in diluted earnings per share only until the conversion date and from that date in
basic earnings per share. The Company’s share in earnings of investees is included
based on the diluted earnings per share of the investees, multiplied by the number
of shares held by the Company.
3.28 Share-based payment transactions
The grant-date fair value of equity-settled share-based payment awards granted to
employees is generally recognized as an expense, with a corresponding increase in
equity, over the vesting period of the awards. The amount recognized as an expense
is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related service and non-
market performance conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately
recognized is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-
market performance conditions at the vesting date.
3.29 Provisions for other liabilities and accrued expenses
Provisions are recognized when there is a present obligation, either legal or constructive,
vis-à-vis third parties as a result of a past event, if it is probable that a claim will be
asserted, and the probable amount of the required provision can be reliably estimated.
Provisions are reviewed regularly and adjusted to reflect new information or changed
circumstances. Provisions include provisions for operating and administrative liabilities,
as well as accruals of interest on straight and convertible bonds which have not become
payable as at the reporting date.
3.30 Leased assets
The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease.
That is, if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a
period of time in exchange for consideration.
Group as a lessee
The Group applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases,
except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. The Group recognizes
lease liabilities to make lease payments and right-of-use assets representing the right
to use the underlying assets.
(a)
Right-of-use assets
The Group recognizes right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the
lease (i.e., the date the underlying asset is available for use). Initially, the right-
of-use assets are measured at cost and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease
liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities
recognized, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the
commencement date less any lease incentives received.
In addition, the Group leases properties that meet the definition of investment
property. These right-of-use assets are classified and presented as part of the line
item ‘Investment property’ in the consolidated statement of financial position and
subsequently measured at fair value.
(b) Lease liabilities
At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognizes lease liabilities
measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term.
The lease payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments)
less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an
index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees.
The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably
certain to be exercised by the Group and payments of penalties for terminating the
lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising the option to terminate. Variable
lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognized as expenses
in the period in which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.
In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses its incremental
borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the interest rate implicit
in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount
of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced
for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities
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is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in
the lease payments (e.g., changes to future payments resulting from a change
in an index or rate used to determine such lease payments) or a change in the
assessment of an option to purchase the underlying asset. IFRS 16 requires certain
adjustments to be expensed, while others are added to the cost of the related
right-of-use asset.
The Group presents the cash payments for interest portion of lease liability under
“interest and other financial expenses, net” and the cash payments for principal
portion of lease liability under “Amortization of loans from financial institutions
and others” in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
(c)
Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to short-term leases
of equipment (i.e., those leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the
commencement date and do not contain a purchase option). It also applies the lease
of low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of office equipment that are
considered to be low value. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-
value assets are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Group as a lessor
Refer to accounting policies on rental income in note 3.6.
3.31 Standards issued but not yet effective
The new and amended standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet
effective, up to the date of issuance of the Group’s financial statements are disclosed
below, if they are expected to have an impact on the Group’s financial statements.
The Group intends to adopt these new and amended standards and interpretations, if
applicable, when they become effective.
With effective date of January 1, 2024:
Amendments to IFRS 16
Leases
– Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback
The amendments to IFRS 16 add subsequent measurement requirements for sale
and leaseback transactions that satisfy the requirements in IFRS 15
Revenue from
Contracts with Customers
to be accounted for as a sale. The amendments require the
seller-lessee to determine ‘lease payments’ or ‘revised lease payments’ such that the
seller-lessee does not recognize a gain or loss that relates to the right of use retained
by the seller-lessee, after the commencement date.
The amendments do not affect the gain or loss recognized by the seller-lessee relating
to the partial or full termination of a lease. Without these new requirements, a seller-
lessee may have recognized a gain on the right of use it retains solely because of a
remeasurement of the lease liability (for example, following a lease modification or
change in the lease term) applying the general requirements in IFRS 16. This could
have been particularly the case in a leaseback that includes variable lease payments
that do not depend on an index or rate.
As part of the amendments, the IASB amended an Illustrative Example in IFRS 16
and added a new example to illustrate the subsequent measurement of a right-of-
use asset and lease liability in a sale and leaseback transaction with variable lease
payments that do not depend on an index or rate. The illustrative examples also clarify
that the liability that arises from a sale and leaseback transaction that qualifies as a
sale applying IFRS 15 is a lease liability.
The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after
January 1, 2024. Earlier application is permitted. If a seller-lessee applies the
amendments for an earlier period, it is required to disclose that fact.
A seller-lessee applies the amendments retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8
to sale and leaseback transactions entered into after the date of initial application,
which is defined as the beginning of the annual reporting period in which the entity
first applied IFRS 16.
Amendments to IAS 1
Presentation of Financial Statements
– Classification of
Liabilities as Current or Non-Current
The amendments to IAS 1 published in January 2020 affect only the presentation of
liabilities as current or non-current in the statement of financial position and not
the amount or timing of recognition of any asset, liability, income or expenses, or the
information disclosed about those items.
The amendments clarify that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current
is based on rights that are in existence at the end of the reporting period, specify that
classification is unaffected by expectations about whether an entity will exercise its
right to defer settlement of a liability, explain that rights are in existence if covenants
are complied with at the end of the reporting period, and introduce a definition of
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‘settlement’ to make clear that settlement refers to the transfer to the counterparty
of cash, equity instruments, other assets or services.
The amendments are applied retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after
January 1, 2024, with early application permitted.
Amendments to IAS 1
Presentation of Financial Statements
– Non-current Liabilities
with Covenants
The amendments to IAS 1 issued in August 2022 specify that only covenants that an
entity is required to comply with on or before the end of the reporting period affect
the entity’s right to defer settlement of a liability for at least twelve months after the
reporting date (and therefore must be considered in assessing the classification of
the liability as current or non-current). Such covenants affect whether the right exists
at the end of the reporting period, even if compliance with the covenant is assessed
only after the reporting date (e.g. a covenant based on the entity’s financial position
at the reporting date that is assessed for compliance only after the reporting date).
The IASB also specifies that the right to defer settlement of a liability for at least
twelve months after the reporting date is not affected if an entity only has to comply
with a covenant after the reporting period. However, if the entity’s right to defer
settlement of a liability is subject to the entity complying with covenants within
twelve months after the reporting period, an entity discloses information that enables
users of financial statements to understand the risk of the liabilities becoming
repayable within twelve months after the reporting period. This would include
information about the covenants (including the nature of the covenants and when
the entity is required to comply with them), the carrying amount of related liabilities
and facts and circumstances, if any, that indicate that the entity may have difficulties
complying with the covenants.
The amendments are applied retrospectively for annual reporting periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2024. Earlier application of the amendments is permitted.
The Group has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that has
been issued but is not yet effective.
London
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4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
4.1 Fair value hierarchy
The following table presents the Group’s financial assets and liabilities measured and
presented at fair value as at December 31, 2023, and as at December 31, 2022, on a
recurring basis under the relevant fair value hierarchy. Also presented are the Group’s
financial assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost for which the carrying
amount materially differs from the fair value.
   
 
As at December 31, 2023
 
As at December 31, 2022
 
Fair value measurement using
 
Fair value measurement using
 
Carrying
Total fair
Quoted prices
Significant
Significant
Carrying
Total
fair
Quoted prices
Significant
Significant
 
amount
value
in active
observable
unobservable
amount
value
in active
observable
unobservable
     
market
inputs
inputs
   
market
inputs
inputs
     
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
   
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
     
in € millions
       
in € millions
   
FINANCIAL ASSETS
                   
                     
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
(1)
418.7
418.7
240.6
135.2
42.9
466.4
466.4
196.7
231.7
38.0
Derivative financial assets
386.1
386.1
-
386.1
-
252.6
252.6
-
252.6
-
Total financial assets
804.8
804.8
240.6
521.3
42.9
719.0
719.0
196.7
484.3
38.0
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
                   
Loans and borrowings
2,204.1
2,221.3
-
2,221.3
-
1,288.9
1,242.6
-
1,242.6
-
                     
Bonds and schuldscheins
(2)
12,038.0
10,373.8
10,157.2
216.6
-
13,407.4
10,110.6
9,820.1
290.5
-
Derivative financial liabilities
441.0
441.0
-
441.0
-
444.6
444.6
-
444.6
-
Total financial liabilities
14,683.1
13,036.1
10,157.2
2,878.9
-
15,140.9
11,797.8
9,820.1
1,977.7
-
(1)
including non-current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
(2)
the carrying amount excludes accrued interest
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Level 1:
t
he fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as debt and
equity securities) is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period.
Level 2:
the fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market
(for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined using valuation techniques
which maximize the use of observable market data and rely as little as possible on
entity-specific estimates. If all significant input required to fair value of financial
instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.
Level 3:
if one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data,
the instrument is included in level 3.
The Group’s policy is to recognize transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy
levels as at the end of the reporting period.
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the
consolidated statement of financial position cannot be measured based on quoted prices
in active markets, their fair value is measured using valuation techniques including the
discounted cash flow (DCF) model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable
markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgement is required
in establishing fair values. Judgements include considerations of input such as liquidity
risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions relating to these factors could affect
the reported fair value of financial instruments and is discussed further below.
4.2 Valuation techniques used to determine fair values
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values:
The fair values of the quoted bonds are based on price quotations at the reporting
date. The fair value of unquoted bonds is measured using the discounted cash flow
method with observable inputs.
There is an active market for the Company’s listed equity investments and quoted
debt instruments.
For the fair value measurement of investments in unlisted funds, the net asset value
is used as a valuation input and an adjustment is applied for lack of marketability
and restrictions on redemptions as necessary. This adjustment is based on
management judgment after considering the period of restrictions and the nature
of the underlying investments.
The Company enters into derivative financial instruments with various counterparties,
principally financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings. Interest rate
and foreign exchange swap and forward contracts are valued using valuation
techniques, which employ the use of market observable inputs. The most frequently
applied valuation technique includes forward pricing and swap models using
present value calculations. The models incorporate various inputs including the
credit quality of counterparties, foreign exchange spot and forward rates, yield
curves of the respective currencies, currency basis spreads between the respective
currencies, interest rate curves and forward rate curves.
5. OPERATING SEGMENTS
5.1 Reportable segments
Products and services from which reportable segments derive their revenues and net
operating income
Information reported to the Group’s CODM for the purposes of resource allocation and
assessment of segment performance is based on Aroundtown’s commercial portfolio
and GCP’s portfolio, and contains the segments’ revenue, net operating income and
property revaluation and capital gains. The Group’s reportable segments under IFRS 8
are therefore as follows:
Commercial
portfolio
The portfolio includes mainly office and hotel properties. The Group’s assets are well-
diversified and well-located across top tier cities in Europe with a focus on Germany
and the Netherlands.
GCP portfolio
GCP is a specialist in residential real estate, investing in value-add opportunities
in densely populated areas predominantly in Germany and London. GCP’s portfolio,
excluding assets held for sale and properties under development, as of December
31, 2023, consists of 63 thousand units (2022: 64 thousand units), located in densely
populated areas with a focus on Berlin, North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany’s most
populous federal state), the metropolitan regions of Dresden, Leipzig and Halle and
other densely populated areas as well as London.
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5.2 Segment revenues and net operating income
The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results by reportable segment:
   
   
Year ended December 31, 2023
 
 
in € millions
       
Total
   
 
Note
Commercial
GCP
reportable
Adjustments
Total
   
portfolio
portfolio
     
       
segments
   
Segment revenue
6
996.8
607.7
1,604.5
(1.7)
1,602.8
Net operating income
 
655.3
328.7
984.0
(1.7)
982.3
Property revaluations and
7
(2,327.5)
(890.0)
(3,217.5)
-
(3,217.5)
capital (losses) / gains
           
Impairment of goodwill
14
(76.7)
(60.3)
(137.0)
-
(137.0)
Share of loss from equity-
           
accounted investees
16
       
(149.8)
Administrative and other
           
expenses
9
       
(64.7)
Depreciation and amortization
14, 15
       
(17.9)
Finance expenses
10
       
(230.1)
Other financial results
10
       
(14.4)
Loss before tax
         
(2,849.1)
Current tax expenses
11
       
(120.4)
Deferred tax income
11
       
543.1
Loss for the year
         
(2,426.4)
Segment revenue, net operating income and revaluation and capital gains / (losses)
as well as impairment of goodwill represent the results earned by each segment
without allocation of the depreciation and amortization, administration expenses,
share of profits from equity-accounted investees, finance expenses, and tax expenses.
These are the measures reported to the Group’s CODM for the purpose of resource
   
 
Year ended December 31, 2022
   
in € millions
 
 
Note
Commercial
GCP
Total
Adjustments
Total
   
portfolio
portfolio
segments
   
Segment revenue
6
1,029.1
582.5
1,611.6
(1.7)
1,609.9
Net operating income
 
621.6
316.2
937.8
(1.7)
936.1
Property revaluations and
           
capital (losses) / gains
7
(615.1)
117.8
(497.3)
-
(497.3)
Impairment of goodwill
14
(141.4)
(262.9)
(404.3)
-
(404.3)
Share of profit from equity-
           
accounted investees
16
       
5.9
Administrative and other
           
expenses
9
       
(62.5)
Depreciation and amortization
14, 15
       
(21.1)
Finance expenses
10
       
(184.8)
Other financial results
10
       
(194.1)
Loss before tax
         
(422.1)
Current tax expenses
11
       
(117.4)
Deferred tax income
11
       
82.4
Loss for the year
         
(457.1)
allocation and assessment of segment performance. The geographical disaggregation
is not considered by the Group’s CODM in how the operating results are monitored.
For the geographical distribution of revenue and investment property see notes 6
and 13, respectively.
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6. REVENUE
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Net rental income
1,192.8
1,222.1
Operating and other income
410.0
387.8
 
1,602.8
1,609.9
Geographical distribution of revenue
 
Year ended December 31,
Country
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Germany
1,198.0
1,195.2
The Netherlands
176.6
159.1
United Kingdom
148.7
173.9
Belgium
27.3
26.0
Others
52.2
55.7
 
1,602.8
1,609.9
The Group is not exposed to significant revenue derived from an individual customer.
7. PROPERTY REVALUATIONS AND CAPITAL (LOSSES) / GAINS
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Property revaluations
(3,174.8)
(539.9)
Capital (losses) / gains
(42.7)
42.6
 
(3,217.5)
(497.3)
8. PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Ancillary expenses and purchased services
(409.8)
(390.8)
Maintenance and refurbishment
(49.3)
(51.1)
Personnel expenses
(62.7)
(58.6)
Depreciation and amortization
(17.9)
(21.1)
Other operating costs
(*)
(98.7)
(173.3)
 
(638.4)
(694.9)
(*) the Group recognized an allowance for expected credit loss and other impairment on trade and other
receivables in the total amount of €65.9 million (2022: €133.2 million), also containing an allowance for
uncollected hotel rents
As at December 31, 2023, the Group had 1,706 employees (2022: 1,705 employees).
On average, the Group had 1,745 employees (2022: 1,688 employees) for which
the personnel expenses are presented in the property operating expenses and the
administrative and other expenses.
The amount of direct operating expenses (including maintenance and refurbishment)
arising from investment property that generates net rental income during the year
amounted to €628.3 million (2022: €690.5 million). The amount of direct operating
expenses (including maintenance and refurbishment) arising from investment property
that did not generate net rental income during the year amounted to €10.1 million
(2022: €4.4 million).
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9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENSES
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Personnel expenses
(30.9)
(28.8)
Legal and professional fees
(13.4)
(12.1)
Audit and accounting expenses
(7.1)
(7.2)
Marketing and other administrative expenses
(13.3)
(14.4)
 
(64.7)
(62.5)
The following table shows the breakdown of audit and audit-related services that are
presented in the audit and accounting expenses above, as well as tax and other services
rendered by KPMG audit firm network and by other audit firms:
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
 
2022
 
 
in € millions
 
KPMG
Other
KPMG
Other
 
Network
audit firms
Network
audit firms
     
Audit services
3.4
3.1
(*)
3.9
(*)
2.4
Audit-related services
0.3
0.3
(*)
0.5
(*)
0.4
Tax and other services
0.2
0.7
0.1
0.4
 
3.9
4.1
4.5
3.2
(*) reclassified
10. FINANCE EXPENSES AND OTHER FINANCIAL RESULTS
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Finance expenses
  
Interest to financial institutions, bonds and
  
third parties, net
(213.3)
(173.9)
Finance expenses on lease liabilities
(16.8)
(10.9)
Other financial results
(230.1)
(184.8)
Changes in fair value of financial assets and
  
liabilities, buy-backs and early repayment costs, net
(*)
14.8
(168.6)
Finance-related costs
(29.2)
(25.5)
 
(14.4)
(194.1)
(*) for the gain resulted in the bond buybacks, see note 21.2.1
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11. TAXATION
11.1 Tax rates applicable to the Group
The Company is subject to taxation under the laws of Luxembourg. The corporation
tax rate for Luxembourg companies is 24.94% (2022: 24.94%).
The German subsidiaries containing real estate property are subject to taxation under
the laws of Germany. Income taxes are calculated using a federal corporate tax of 15.0%
for December 31, 2023 (2022: 15.0%), plus an annual solidarity surcharge of 5.5% on
the amount of federal corporate taxes payable (aggregated tax rate: 15.825%). When
applicable, an additional effective rate of approximately 14.5% is imposed as German
trade tax (Gewerbesteuer). German property taxation includes taxes on the holding of
real estate property based on the location and size of the property.
The Cypriot subsidiaries are subject to taxation under the laws of Cyprus. The
corporation tax rate for Cypriot companies is 12.5% (2022: 12.5%). Under certain
conditions interest income of the Cypriot companies may be subject to special defense
contribution at the rate of 30.0% (2022: 30.0%). In such cases this interest will be
exempt from corporation tax. In certain cases, dividends received from abroad may
be subject to special defense contribution at the rate of 17.0% (2022: 17.0%). In such
case, this dividend income will be exempt from Cyprus income (corporation) tax. Under
certain conditions, dividend income earned from Cyprus tax resident companies is
exempt from special defense contribution and Cyprus income (corporation) tax.
The Dutch subsidiaries are subject to taxation under the laws of the Netherlands. The
Dutch corporation tax rate for the financial year 2023 is 25.8% (reduced rate of 15%
applies to taxable income up to €395 thousand) (2022: 25.8% and 15%, respectively).
The UK subsidiaries containing real estate property, are subject to taxation under the
laws of the United Kingdom. Income taxes are calculated using a federal corporate tax
(also for capital gains) of 25.0% (reduced rate of 19% applies to taxable income up to
GBP 250 thousand) for December 31, 2023 (2022: 19.0%). Where there are UK group
subsidiaries this threshold is divided by the number of UK group entities.
Subsidiaries in other jurisdictions are subject to corporate tax rate of up to 27.9%
(2022: 27.9%).
11.2 Current tax expenses
   
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Corporate income tax
(72.1)
(69.0)
Property tax
(48.3)
(48.4)
 
(120.4)
(117.4)
11.3 Global minimum top-up tax
Pillar Two legislation was enacted in several jurisdictions in which the Group operates.
Since the Pillar Two legislation was not effective at the reporting date, the Group has
no related current tax exposure. The Group applies the exception to recognising and
disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two
income taxes, as provided in the amendments to IAS 12 issued in May 2023.
Under the legislation, the group is liable to pay a top-up tax for the difference between
their Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) effective tax rate per jurisdiction and a 15%
minimum rate.
The Group is in the process of assessing its exposure to the Pillar Two legislation.
Due to the complexities in applying the legislation and calculating GloBE income,
the quantitative impact of the enacted or substantively enacted legislation is not yet
reasonably estimable. The Group is currently engaged with tax specialists to assist them
with applying the legislation.
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11.4 Movements in the deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
       
 
Derivative
Fair value
 
 
financial
gains on
 
 
instruments and
investment
Total
 
other deferred tax
property
 
 
liabilities
   
 
in € millions
Balance as at December 31, 2021
31.9
2,734.1
2,766.0
Charged to:
     
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
(18.1)
(58.6)
(76.7)
Other comprehensive income / (loss)
28.2
(1.1)
27.1
Disposed of through deconsolidations and others
-
(24.4)
(24.4)
Transfer to liabilities held for sale
-
(33.0)
(33.0)
Netting of deferred taxes
(*)
-
3.3
3.3
Balance as at December 31, 2022
42.0
2,620.3
2,662.3
Charged to:
     
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
(3.7)
(542.5)
(546.2)
Other comprehensive loss
(17.7)
(2.0)
(19.7)
Disposed of through deconsolidations and others
-
(10.3)
(10.3)
Transfer from liabilities held for sale and others
-
18.7
18.7
Netting of deferred taxes
(*)
-
1.7
1.7
Balance as at December 31, 2023
20.6
2,085.9
2,106.5
Excess of deferred tax liabilities as at
     
December 31, 2022
   
2,597.2
Excess of deferred tax liabilities as at
     
December 31, 2023
   
2,040.7
As at December 31, 2023, the Group did not recognize cumulative deferred tax liabilities
amounting to €555.8 million (2022: €529.4 million) on fair value gains on investment
property due to the initial recognition exception on acquisitions that did not meet the
definition of business combination.
Deferred tax assets
 
Derivative
   
 
financial
 
Total
 
instruments and
Loss carried
 
 
other deferred
forward, net
 
 
tax assets
   
 
in € millions
Balance as at December 31, 2021
59.8
25.7
85.5
Charged to:
     
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
2.3
3.4
5.7
Other comprehensive loss
(30.4)
-
(30.4)
Disposed of through deconsolidations and others
-
(2.0)
(2.0)
Transfer (to) from assets held for sale
-
3.0
3.0
Netting of deferred taxes
(*)
-
3.3
3.3
Balance as at December 31, 2022
31.7
33.4
65.1
Charged to:
     
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
3.0
(6.1)
(3.1)
Disposed of through deconsolidations and others
-
(1.8)
(1.8)
Transfer from assets held for sale and others
-
3.9
3.9
Netting of deferred taxes
(*)
-
1.7
1.7
Balance as at December 31, 2023
34.7
31.1
65.8
(*) deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted against each other when the same taxable entity and the same
taxation authority are involved, as well as the realization period and tax nature legally allow to set off
current tax assets against current tax liabilities. As a result, as at December 31, 2023, a cumulative amount
of €165.5 million was netted (2022: €167.2 million)
As at December 31, 2023, the Group had not recognized cumulative deferred tax assets
amounting to €385.2 million (2022: €210.7 million) on carried forward losses, carried
forward interest amounts and other tax attributes, as it was not considered probable that
there would be taxable profits available in the relevant entities in the foreseeable future.
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11.5 Reconciliation of effective tax rate
   
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Loss before tax
(2,849.1)
(422.1)
Tax using domestic rate
24.94%
24.94%
Tax computed at the statutory tax rate
(710.6)
(105.3)
Decrease in taxes on income resulting from the
   
following factors:
   
Group’s share in earnings from companies
   
accounted for as equity-accounted investees
37.4
(1.5)
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries
   
operating in other jurisdictions
225.1
80.7
Income and expenses on which the Group did not
   
recognize deferred tax and others
25.4
61.1
Total current and deferred tax (income) expenses
(422.7)
35.0
Effective tax rate (in %)
14.8
(8.3)
12. NET EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE
OWNERS OF THE COMPANY
12.1 Basic earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2023, is
based on the loss attributable to the owners of €1,987.6 million (2022: loss of €645.1
million), and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding of 1,093.0
million (2022: 1,109.9 million), calculated as follows:
Loss attributed to the shareholders (basic)
   
Year ended December 31,
   
 
2023
2022
 
in € millions
Loss for the year, attributable to the owners of the
(1,987.6)
(645.1)
Company
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic)
   
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2023
2022
 
in millions of shares
Issued ordinary shares on January 1, net of treasury shares
1,065.0
1,103.6
Scrip dividend and share incentive effect
(*)
0.3
14.0
Mandatory convertible notes effect
27.7
27.7
Shares buy-back effect
(*)
-
(35.4)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
1,093.0
1,109.9
Basic loss per share (in €)
(1.82)
(0.58)
(*) weighted average
amount
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12.2 Diluted earnings per share
The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2023,
is based on diluted loss attributable to the owners of €1,985.5 million (2022: loss of
€645.2 million), and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding after
adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares of 1,094.5 million
(2022: 1,111.3 million), calculated as follows:
Loss attributed to the shareholders (diluted)
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Loss for the year, attributable to the owners of the Company
(1,987.6)
(645.1)
(basic)
Dilutive effect of the Company’s share of profit in investees
2.1
(0.1)
Loss for the year, attributable to the owners of the Company
(diluted)
(1,985.5)
(645.2)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in millions of shares
Issued ordinary shares on January 1, net of treasury shares
1,065.0
1,103.6
Scrip dividend and share incentive effect
(*)
1.8
15.4
Mandatory convertible notes effect
27.7
27.7
Shares buy-back effect
(*)
-
(35.4)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
1,094.5
1,111.3
Diluted loss per share (in €)
(1.82)
(0.58)
(*) weighted average
amount
Hannover
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13. INVESTMENT PROPERTY
13.1. Reconciliation of investment property
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
(*)
Level 3
(*)
Level 3
in € millions
Balance as at January 1
27,981.0
29,115.9
Plus: investment property classified as held for sale
909.1
1,009.3
Total investment property
28,890.1
30,125.2
Additions
211.5
469.2
Modernization, pre letting modification and capital expenditures
334.6
407.5
Disposals (see note 13.2.1)
(1,273.1)
(1,431.3)
Effect of foreign currency exchange differences
52.4
(140.6)
Fair value adjustments
(3,174.8)
(539.9)
Total investment property
25,040.7
28,890.1
Less: investment property classified as held for sale (see note 13.2.2)
(408.3)
(909.1)
Balance as at December 31
24,632.4
27,981.0
(*) classified in accordance with the fair vale hierarchy. Since one or more of the significant inputs is not based
on observable market data, the fair value measurement is included in level 3 (see note 4.1 for definition)
Geographical distribution of investment property
(*)
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Germany
18,079.7
21,313.5
The Netherlands
2,101.4
2,379.5
United Kingdom
2,299.5
2,392.8
Belgium
609.9
615.5
Other locations
1,541.9
1,279.7
24,632.4
27,981.0
(*) excluding investment property classified as held for sale
13.2 Disposals and assets / liabilities held for sale
13.2.1 Disposals of investment property and trading property
The following table describes the amounts of assets and liabilities disposed as part
of deconsolidation of companies and asset deals took place during 2023 and 2022:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Investment property
1,273.1
1,431.3
Trading property
-
103.2
Other assets, net
11.5
10.4
Deferred tax liabilities, net
(18.0)
(22.4)
Total net assets disposed of
1,266.6
1,522.5
Non-controlling interests deconsolidated
(2.9)
(3.2)
Total consideration
(*)
(1,221.0)
(1,561.9)
Capital (loss) / gain
(42.7)
42.6
(*)
the sales consideration in 2023 included vendor loans granted by the Group as a seller in the volume
of €228.1 million (2022: €243.1 million), presented as part of other non-current assets or trade and
other receivables (for the current portion thereof) in the consolidated statement of financial position
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13.2.2
Disposal group classified as held for sale
The Group resolved an intention to sell several properties. These properties were
identified by the Group as either non-core, primarily due to the location or asset
type of the properties, or mature properties which upside mainly has been lifted. The
intention of the Group to dispose of non-core and / or mature properties is part of its
capital recycling plan and is following a strategic decision to increase the quality of
its portfolio and utilize the disposal proceeds into debt repayments.
Some properties are expected to be disposed through sale of subsidiaries. Accordingly,
assets and liabilities relating to these subsidiaries (“Disposal Group”) and some
properties which are expected to be disposed through asset deals are presented as
assets held for sale and as liabilities held for sale in the consolidated statement of
financial position. As at December 31, 2023, efforts to sell the properties have started
and the sales are expected to be completed within twelve months.
The major classes of assets and liabilities comprising the Disposal Group classified
as held for sale are as follows:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Investment property
408.3
909.1
Cash and cash equivalents
0.2
9.3
Other assets
1.0
12.9
Total assets classified as held for sale
409.5
931.3
Loans and borrowings
-
109.5
Deferred tax liabilities
18.6
31.4
Other liabilities
7.0
51.8
Total liabilities associated with assets
25.6
192.7
classified as held for sale
13.3 Measurement of fair value
The fair value of the properties of the Group is determined at least once a year by
external, independent and certified valuers, who are specialist in valuing real estate
properties. The prime valuers, responsible for a major part of the portfolio are Jones
Lang LaSalle, Savills, PwC and CBRE (the “Appraisers”), they are considered as the market
leading valuers in the European real estate market. The fair value of the properties
was prepared in accordance with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Valuation – Global Standards (current edition) as well as the standards contained within
The European Group of Valuers Associations (TEGoVA) European Valuations Standards,
and in accordance with International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) International
Valuation Standard (IVS), the International Accounting Standard (IAS) of the IFRS as well
as the current guidelines of the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) based
on the Market Value. This is included in the General Principles and is adopted in the
preparation of the valuations reports of the Appraisers. Therefore, the valuation is based
on internationally recognized standards.
As part of the engagement, the Company and the valuers confirm that there is no actual
or potential conflict of interest that may have influenced the valuers’ status as external
and independent. The valuation fee is determined on the scope and complexity of the
valuation report.
The fair value of the investment property is determined using the following valuation
methods:
Discounted cash flow method
Under the DCF method, fair value is estimated using assumptions regarding the benefits
and liabilities of ownership over the asset’s life including an exit or terminal value. This
method involves the projection of a series of cash flows on a real property interest. To
this projected cash flow series, an appropriate, market derived discount rate is applied
to establish the present value of the income stream associated with the asset. The exit
yield is normally separately determined and differs from the discount rate.
The duration of the cash flows and the specific timing of inflows and outflows are
determined by events such as rent reviews, lease renewal and related re-letting,
redevelopment, and refurbishment. The appropriate durations are typically driven by
market behavior that is a characteristic of the class of real property.
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Periodic cash flows are typically estimated as gross income less vacancy, non-
recoverable expenses, collection losses on future rents, lease incentives, maintenance
cost, agent and commission costs and other operating and management expenses. The
series of periodic net operating income, along with an estimate of the terminal value
anticipated at the end of the projection period, is then discounted.
Comparable approach
Under the market comparable approach, a property’s fair value is estimated based on
comparable transactions. The market comparable approach is based upon the principle
of substitution under which a potential buyer will not pay more for the property than
it will cost to buy a comparable substitute property. The unit of comparison applied
by the Group is the price per square meter.
In general, enquiries have been made to the valuers and public databases, local sales
offices and recent transactions. The main components of the valuation are the location
of the property, the condition of the property with its units; provision of concierge and
tenants’ facilities, provision and layout of accommodation, as well as market sentiment
and how the individual units would be received by the market. The most recent sales
data for individual units within the subject property and comparable evidence within the
immediate area will be taken into account and adjusted by premium according to the
specifics of the property and its units. The achieved market sales price per square meter
will be multiplied by the area of the property to achieve the property specific market value.
Residual value approach
The residual value assesses the various factors associated with a conversion or a new
development of a property. The goal of this method is to calculate an objective value
for the site, which is either undeveloped or sub-optimally utilized. The residual value
is determined by first calculating the net capital value of the property after completion
of the planned development project. This figure is derived by subtracting the non-
recoverable operating costs (e.g., maintenance and management costs) from the
potential gross sale value. In order to determine the net capital value, the purchaser’s
costs have to be deducted. The costs for the assumed development are subtracted
from the net capital value, resulting in the remainder (residuum). These costs include
building fees as well as other required fees, which are necessary for the construction
of a building, depending on its type of use.
The additional construction costs are also part of the total development costs. The
following additional costs are common for constructions: planning, construction,
official review and approval costs as well as financing required immediately for
construction. The amount of additional construction costs depends on the type of
building, its finishes and the location. All of the construction and additional building
costs as well as other project costs including financing costs and developer’s profit are
subtracted from the calculated gross sale value of the completed development. The
difference of the gross sale value and the development costs results in the remainder
(residuum). In order to acquire the residual value, financing and additional purchasing
costs for the property are deducted from this remainder. The residual value represents
the amount, which an investor would spend for the development of the property under
specific economic conditions.
As at December 31, 2023, 91% (2022: 95%) of investment property have been valued
using the discounted cash flows method, 6% using the comparable approach (2022: less
than 1%) and 3% using the residual value approach (2022: nearly 5%).
Munich
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The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the investment property are
further discussed below:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Valuation technique
Significant
Range (weighted average)
unobservable inputs
Rent growth p.a. (%)
0.1 – 3.0 (2.0)
0.2 – 3.0 (2.1)
Long-term vacancy rate (%)
0.0 – 7.2 (0.8)
0.0 – 4.1 (1.0)
DCF method
Discount rate (%)
3.3 – 13.3 (6.1)
2.5 – 12.8 (5.6)
Capitalization rate (%)
2.1 – 16.3 (5.1)
1.7 – 15.1 (4.7)
Market comparable
approach
Price per sqm (in €)
2,000 – 13,200 (4,100)
1,200 – 16,800 (4,800)
Rent price per sqm (in €)
7.7 – 59.3 (25.8)
10.0 – 41.1 (21.5)
Sales price per sqm (in €)
1,550 – 14,000 (7,100)
3,000 – 9,700 (8,000)
Residual value
approach
Development cost per sqm (in €)
800 – 7,200 (3,700)
1,000 – 5,500 (3,600)
Developer margin (%)
7.5 – 20.0 (13.0)
9.0 – 20.0 (12.8)
Significant increases (decreases) in estimated rental value and rent growth per annum
in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value of the properties.
Significant increases (decreases) in the long-term vacancy rate and discount rate (and exit
yield) in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value.
Generally, a change in the assumption made for the estimated rental value is accompanied
by a directionally similar change in the rent growth per annum and discount rate (and exit
yield), and an opposite change in the long-term vacancy rate.
The table below presents the weighted average and range of the discount rate and
capitalization rate for nearly all the portfolio, per asset type:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Discount
Capitalization
Discount
Capitalization
Asset type
Parameter
rate
rate
rate
rate
Range
4.0% - 11.8%
3.6% - 11.5%
2.5% - 9.5%
3.3% - 12.0%
Office
Average
6.3%
5.4%
5.4%
4.9%
Range
3.8% - 13.3%
3.5% - 11.1%
3.3% - 12.8%
3.1% - 10.6%
Hotel
Average
7.4%
5.9%
6.8%
5.3%
Range
4.0% - 8.4%
2.1% - 7.8%
2.5% - 7.0%
1.7% - 7.3%
Residential
Average
5.2%
4.0%
4.6%
3.6%
Range
4.3% - 9.8%
3.6% - 10.4%
3.5% - 11.0%
3.4% - 9.0%
Retail
Average
6.7%
6.1%
6.2%
5.5%
Logistics/
Range
3.3% - 9.9%
3.0% - 16.3%
3.0% - 10.3%
2.2% - 15.1%
wholesale/
other
Average
5.7%
5.1%
5.1%
4.3%
Highest and best use
As at December 31, 2023, the current use of all investment property is considered the
highest and best use, except for 5.3% (2022: 11.1%) of the investment property, for
which the Group determined that fair value based on the development and sale of
such properties is the highest and best use. These properties are currently being used
to earn rental income, in line with the Group’s business model of buying and holding
investment property to earn rental income. By achieving increased rental value and
implementing development projects, the value of these properties is maximized and
reflect the value expected for realization of the investments.
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14.
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Computer
software
Goodwill
and other
Total
intangible
assets
in € millions
COST
Balance as at December 31, 2021
1,699.0
31.1
1,730.1
Additions, net
-
2.8
2.8
Balance as at December 31, 2022
1,699.0
33.9
1,732.9
Additions, net
-
1.4
1.4
Balance as at December 31, 2023
1,699.0
35.3
1,734.3
IMPAIRMENT / AMORTIZATION
Balance as at December 31, 2021
4.5
8.3
12.8
Amortization for the year
-
7.7
7.7
Impairment for the year
404.3
-
404.3
Balance as at December 31, 2022
408.8
16.0
424.8
Amortization for the year
-
6.8
6.8
Impairment for the year
137.0
-
137.0
Balance as at December 31, 2023
545.8
22.8
568.6
CARRYING AMOUNTS
Balance as at December 31, 2022
1,290.2
17.9
1,308.1
Balance as at December 31, 2023
1,153.2
12.5
1,165.7
14.1 Annual impairment test of goodwill
In July 2021, following the business combination with GCP, goodwill in the amount of
€862.9 million was recognized. This followed the recognition of €822.0 million in 2020
arising from the business combination with TLG. The goodwill initially recognized in both
business combination transactions is attributable mainly to deferred tax liabilities initially
consolidated therein; while most of the identifiable assets and assumed liabilities were
initially recognized at their fair value, the deferred tax liabilities were calculated pursuant
to IAS 12 principles and reflected the nominal tax values of the variance between the real
estate portfolios’ carrying amount for tax purposes and their fair value.
The Group considers the operational real estate portfolios under TLG and GCP as each
one being a single CGU for internal management purposes to which the full amount of
goodwill is allocated. For GCP, there are some additional assets allocated to the CGU
that are expected to benefit from the business combination. The Company assesses
on an annual basis the impairment of each of the goodwill items by comparing the
carrying amount of the CGU (together with the attributed goodwill and adjusted for the
amount of the deferred tax liability based on temporary differences initially recognized
in the business combination but not reversed at the date of the impairment test) to their
recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of a CGU is calculated as the higher of (a)
fair value less costs of disposal and (b) value in use.
During the year 2022, goodwill on GCP and TLG was impaired in a total amount of €404.3
million, and as of December 31, 2022 amounted to €600.1 million and €680.7 million,
respectively.
For testing of the goodwill on GCP, the examination had to include all the business
units and activities within the group of GCP to which the goodwill relates (i.e., the CGU
assets, being the investment property, goodwill, specific additional financial assets and
deferred tax liabilities recognized during the business combination but not yet reversed)
and amounted to €8,921.8 million as at December 31, 2023 (2022: €10,221.0 million).
The carrying amount was compared to the recoverable amount being the fair value
of the CGU less assumed costs of disposal that amounted to €8,861.5 million (2022:
recoverable amount of €9,958.1 million, being the fair value less costs of disposal) and
therefore concluded an impairment of €60.3 million on the goodwill on GCP for 2023
(2022: €262.9 million) to a residual amount of €539.8 million. The Company assumed
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the fair value less costs of disposal as of December 31, 2023, was higher than the value
in use, mainly due to the increased cost of capital that would affect the discounted cash
flows model on which the value in use is based.
For testing of the goodwill on TLG, the carrying CGU amount as at December 31, 2023,
amounted to €2,725.2 million (2022: €3,736.1 million) (being the investment property,
goodwill and deferred tax liabilities recognized during the business combination but
not yet reversed). The carrying amount was compared to the recoverable amount being
the fair value of the CGU less assumed costs of disposal that amounted to €2,648.5
million (2022: recoverable amount of €3,594.7 million, being the fair value less costs of
disposal) and therefore concluded with an impairment of €76.7 million on the goodwill
on TLG for 2023 (2022: €141.4 million) to a residual amount of €604.0 million. The
Company assumed the fair value less costs of disposal as of December 31, 2023, was
higher than the value in use, mainly due to the increased cost of capital that would affect
the discounted cash flows model on which the value in use is based.
The fair value of the investment property used in the impairment tests of TLG and
GCP are included in the investment property valuations of the Company and whose key
parameters are elaborated in note 13.3. The assumed costs of disposal parameter utilized
in the impairment assessments was 75 basis points. Any change of +/- 10 basis points in
the assumed costs of disposal would lead to a further / less impairment of €11.4 million.
15. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Furniture,
Owner-
occupied
fixtures and
Total
properties
(*)
office
equipment
in € millions
COST
Balance as at December 31, 2021
67.2
85.6
152.8
Additions, net
-
63.1
63.1
Revaluations
18.2
-
18.2
Held for sale
-
(0.2)
(0.2)
Balance as at December 31, 2022
85.4
148.5
233.9
Additions, net
-
28.0
28.0
Revaluations
(4.8)
2.0
(2.8)
Held for sale
-
(0.3)
(0.3)
Balance as at December 31, 2023
80.6
178.2
258.8
DEPRECIATION
Balance as at December 31, 2021
1.2
19.6
20.8
Depreciation for the year
3.7
9.7
13.4
Balance as at December 31, 2022
4.9
29.3
34.2
Depreciation for the year
1.7
9.4
11.1
Balance as at December 31, 2023
6.6
38.7
45.3
CARRYING AMOUNT
Balance as at December 31, 2022
80.5
119.2
199.7
Balance as at December 31, 2023
74.0
139.5
213.5
(*)
owner-occupied properties are measured at fair value less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
and are classified in accordance with the fair value hierarchy (see note 4). Since one or more of the significant
input parameters is not based on observable market data, the fair value measurement is included in level 3.
The revaluation amount presented is before tax
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16. INVESTMENT IN EQUITY-ACCOUNTED INVESTEES
16.1 Reconciliation of investment in
equity-accounted investees
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Balance as at January 1
1,291.9
1,222.5
Additions, net
117.4
109.6
Dividends received
(39.2)
(34.8)
Share of (loss) / profit from investees
(149.8)
5.9
Changes through OCI and other equity reserves
1.3
(11.3)
Initial consolidations
(*)
(135.1)
-
Balance as at December 31
1,086.5
1,291.9
(*) in May 2023, the Group obtained control over real estate portfolio and
initially consolidated investment property with value of €196 million
16.2 Details of material equity-accounted investees
All the investments included in the equity-accounted investee balance are accounted for using the equity
method in these consolidated financial statements as set out in the Group’s accounting policies in note 3.
Details of each of the Group’s material equity-accounted investees as at December 31, 2023 and 2022
are as follow:
Main place of
Rate of effective
Name of investee
Principal
Place of
principal
ownership interest
activity
incorporation
activities
by the Group as at
December 31,
2023
2022
in %
Globalworth Real Estate Investments
Poland and
Limited (through 50% in Tevat Limited)
Real estate
Guernsey
Romania
30.38
30.31
Utrecht
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16.3 Summarized financial information in respect of the Group’s
material equity-accounted investees is set out below:
As at and for the year ended December 31
Globalworth Real Estate
2023
2022
Investments Limited (“GWI”)
in € millions
Current assets
480.1
329.0
Of which cash and cash equivalents
396.3
163.8
Non-current assets
2,965.1
3,039.9
Of which investment property
2,843.1
2,945.5
Current liabilities
101.3
82.3
Non-current liabilities
1,741.3
1,615.3
Of which loans, borrowings and bonds
1,574.8
1,433.6
Equity attributable to the owners
1,601.1
1,656.5
Revenue
240.4
239.3
Finance expenses, net
33.9
49.8
Current and deferred tax income (expenses)
7.7
(4.9)
Net loss attributed to the owners
(54.2)
(16.1)
Total comprehensive loss attributed to the owners
(54.2)
(21.5)
Quoted market price per share (in €)
2.6
4.1
Group’s share of loss in the investee
(13.6)
(1.7)
Dividends received in the Group from the investee
(*)
20.1
19.2
Impairment of investment
(26.2)
(23.2)
(*) for both of the interim dividends announced in March 2023 and August 2023, GWI offered a scrip dividend
alternative to its shareholders, so instead of cash dividend, the shareholder would get new shares in GWI at
the price of €2.28 and €2.00 for each interim dividend, respectively). The Group accepted the scrip option for
dividends and hence received new 9.4 million shares in GWI that increased its proportional stake to 30.38%
Reconciliation of the above summarized
financial information to the carrying amount:
Equity attributable to the owners
1,601.1
1,656.5
Group’s interest
30.38%
30.31%
Group’s share
486.4
502.1
Surplus on investment
0.2
24.3
Total carrying amount of equity-accounted investee
486.6
526.4
16.4 Aggregate information of investment in equity-accounted
investees that are not individually material
As at and for the year ended
December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
The Group’s share of (loss) / profit
(110.0)
30.8
The Group’s share of other comprehensive income / (loss)
1.3
(11.3)
The Group’s share of total comprehensive (loss) / income
(108.7)
19.5
Dividends received in the Group from the investees
19.1
15.6
Aggregate carrying amount of the Group’s interests and
loans in these investments
599.9
765.5
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17. OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
Tenancy deposits
1
65.3
61.2
Trade receivables
2
50.5
53.1
Investment in non-current financial assets
3
1,325.9
(*)
1,172.1
Other balances
16.4
17.4
1,458.1
1,303.8
(*) reclassified
1. tenancy deposits mainly include several months net rent from the tenants which is paid at the beginning of
the lease. The deposits are considered a security payment by the tenant. The Group can primarily use these
funds, when the tenant has unpaid debts or causes damages to the property. Experience shows that the
majority of the leases are long term and therefore the deposits are presented as long term assets
2.
consists of mainly the revenue straight-lining effect arising from the rent-free granted to tenants
3.
consists of mainly non-current investments in loans connected with future real-estate transactions (with maturi-
ties primarily by 2027 and an annual interest rate of up to 10% p.a.), long-term deposits and the non-current por-
tion of the loans provided by the Group as a seller (vendor loans). The vendor loans have maturities between 2024
and 2026, carrying weighted average interest rates of ca. 5% p.a. and are secured against the properties sold at an
initial LTV in the range of 40%-70% at the time of disposal. An amount of €161.0 million (2022: €199.9 million)
is accounted for at fair value through profit or loss and includes mainly investment in various real estate funds
18. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
Rent and other receivables
114.6
91.8
Operating costs receivables
1
499.0
454.7
Prepaid expenses
28.8
23.9
Tax receivable from authorities
132.8
91.0
Other short-term financial assets
2
233.1
506.7
1,008.3
1,168.1
1. Operating costs receivables represent an unconditional right to consideration in exchange for services that
the Group has transferred to tenants. The Group recognizes an operating income based on contractual rights
for providing ancillary services and for other charges billed to tenants, as the performance obligations are
satisfied, that is, as services are rendered. Mainly once a year, the operating cost receivables are settled
against prepayments received from tenants on operating costs.
2. The balance mainly includes the current portion of vendor loans granted by the Group as part of the sale
transactions and of loans in connection with future real estate transactions.
The Group recognized an allowance for expected credit losses and other impairments on
trade and other receivables in the total amount of €65.9 million (2022: €133.2 million)
through the property operating expenses in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
19. TOTAL EQUITY
19.1 Equity attributable to the owners of the Company
19.1.1
Share capital
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Number of
Number of
in € millions
shares
in € millions
shares
Authorized
Ordinary shares of
3,000,000,000
30.0
3,000,000,000
30.0
€0.01 each
Issued and fully paid
Balance as at
1,537,025,609
15.4
1,537,025,609
15.4
January 1
Balance at the end
of the year
1,537,025,609
15.4
1,537,025,609
15.4
Issued capital
There were no movements in the share capital during the years 2023 and 2022.
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19.1.2
Treasury shares
2023
2022
Number of shares
Balance at January 1
471,981,352
433,459,625
Acquired during the year
-
70,123,968
Delivered as part of scrip dividend
distributions (see note 19.1.3)
-
(31,134,933)
Delivered as part of mandatory convertible
notes settlement (see note 19.1.5)
(27,691,319)
-
Delivered as part of share-based payment
(402,820)
(467,308)
Balance at December 31
443,887,213
471,981,352
Rate from the total share capital of the
28.88
30.71
Company (in %)
The treasury shares were acquired by the Group via tender offers and buyback programs
(pursuant to resolutions taken by the Company’s Board of Directors that followed the
authorization received by the ordinary general meeting held in May 2020 to buying back
of own shares) and have been serving the Company in settling of scrip dividends and
other share-based transactions.
The treasury shares are accounted for at their original purchase price and are not
subsequently revaluated. Upon sale or delivery, the amount received is recognized as an
increase in equity and the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is presented in
the share premium.
The shares bought back and which are held in treasury by the Company and the Company’s
wholly owned affiliates are suspended from voting and dividend rights. In other cases,
shares held in treasury are also suspended from voting rights but entitled to dividends.
19.1.3 Dividend distributions
On June 29, 2022, the shareholders’ annual general meeting resolved upon the
distribution of the dividend attributed to 2021 financial year in the amount of €0.23
per share from the share premium, in accordance with the proposal of the Company’s
Board of Directors. The Company provided the shareholders with the option receive
their net dividend in the form of Aroundtown shares (“Scrip Dividend”). The results and
payment took place in July 2022 and concluded in delivering 31,134,933 shares from the
Company’s treasury shares and cash payment of €212.5 million.
On March 28, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company has decided not to recommend
a dividend payment for 2022 financial year at the Company’s annual general meeting,
following the increase in macro-economic and capital markets uncertainty and volatility.
The decision not to pay was resolved by the shareholders’ annual general meeting that
took place on June 28, 2023.
19.1.4
Share premium and other reserves
The capital reserves include share premium derived directly from the capital increases
that took place since the date of incorporation (including the proceeds received by
placing the mandatory convertible note) and from conversions of convertible bonds
into ordinary shares, and can be distributed at any time. The account also consists of the
share-based payment reserve and the other comprehensive income components arising
from the hedge accounting and the foreign currency translations, which temporarily
cannot be distributed.
Legal reserve
The Company is required to allocate a minimum of 5% of its annual net increase to a
legal reserve after deduction of any losses brought forward, until this reserve equals
10% of the subscribed share capital. The appropriation to legal reserve is affected after
approval of the annual general meeting of the shareholders. This reserve is presented
under Share premium and capital reserves in the consolidated statement of changes in
shareholders equity and cannot be distributed. As of December 31, 2023, the legal reserve
amounted to €1.1 million.
19.1.5
Mandatory convertible notes
In March 2023, the Company delivered to the mandatory convertible notes investors
27,691,319 of its own shares from the Company’s treasury shares to settle the mandatory
convertible notes originally issued in March 2020, according to which the notes shall be
mandatorily converted into shares of the Company in the following three years after issuance,
using a preset conversion price (dividend adjusted). The delivered treasury shares amounted
to €138.5 million which was the historical cost upon their buyback by the Company.
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19.2 Perpetual notes
19.2.1
Overview of the Group’s perpetual notes
As described in the material accounting policies, these notes are accounted for as
equity instruments – the issuer may, at its sole discretion, elect to defer the payment of
coupons on the notes. These unpaid coupon arrears must be paid by the issuer upon the
occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to dividends, distributions or other
payments made to instruments such as the Company’s (or GCP’s) ordinary shares, which
rank junior to the perpetual notes. Any such deferred amounts shall not be compounded.
The principal value of the notes may be redeemed at the issuer’s sole discretion and on
certain dates as detailed below under “Next possible Call Date”. If the Group decides not
to redeem a perpetual note, the annual coupon rates for following periods are updated
according to the “Next Reset Margin” (updated every 5 years from the time when the
perpetual note is not called by the Group, presented as the “Next Reset Date”), and the
next possible call date shall be in each subsequent year.
Set below are the outstanding nominal values as of December 31, 2023:
Nominal amount
Nominal amount
Annual coupon
Next possible
Next Reset
Issuer
Note
Currency
in original
in euro
rate until Next
Call Date
Date
Next Reset Margin
currency
Reset Date
in € millions
in € millions
%
%
ATF Netherlands B.V.
19.2.2
EUR
368.9
368.9
7.078
01/2024
01/2028
4.625 + 5Y Mid-Swap
Grand City Properties S.A.
19.2.2
EUR
200.0
200.0
6.332
01/2024
01/2028
3.887 + 5Y Mid-Swap
AT Securities B.V.
(a), 19.2.2
USD
641.5
561.1
7.747
07/2024
07/2028
3.796 + 5Y Mid-Swap
Grand City Properties S.A.
19.2.2
EUR
350.0
350.0
5.901
10/2024
10/2028
2.682 + 5Y Mid-Swap
Aroundtown SA
(c), 19.2.2
EUR
394.5
394.5
2.125
01/2024
01/2024
2.000 + 5Y Mid-Swap
Aroundtown SA
(a), (b)
GBP
400.0
447.9
3.000
06/2024
06/2024
4.377 + 5Y Mid-Swap
Aroundtown SA
EUR
600.0
600.0
3.375
09/2024
12/2024
3.980 + 5Y Mid-Swap
Aroundtown SA
EUR
500.0
500.0
2.875
01/2025
01/2025
3.460 + 5Y Mid-Swap
Grand City Properties S.A.
EUR
700.0
700.0
1.500
06/2026
06/2026
2.184 + 5Y Mid-Swap
Aroundtown SA
(c)
EUR
578.8
578.8
1.625
07/2026
07/2026
2.419 + 5Y Mid-Swap
(a) the euro amount is based on the historical rate as of placement of the notes
(b)
effective euro coupon rate using cross-currency swap
(c)
an aggregate amount of €26.7 million nominal value has been bought back by the Group during 2023
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19.2.2
Decision not to exercise options to call
In November 2022, following a decision made by the Board of Directors of
the Company and of GCP, the companies announced on their decision not to
exercise their option to voluntarily redeem the €368.9 million and €200.0 million
nominal value perpetual notes with first call date in January 2023 issued by ATF
Netherlands B.V. (a fully owned subsidiary of the Company) and GCP, respectively.
As stipulated in the terms and conditions of the perpetual notes, the coupon for
the period starting from January 2023 was set to be the 5-year Mid-Swap rate
plus a margin of 4.375% p.a. (7.08% p.a.) (for the notes issued by ATF Netherlands
B.V.), and 5-year Mid-Swap rate plus a margin of 3.637% p.a. (6.33% p.a.) (for the
notes issued by GCP).
During 2023, similar decision was taken on the $641.5 million perpetual notes
with first call date in July 2023 issued by AT Securities B.V. (a fully owned
subsidiary of the Company) and the €350 million perpetual notes with first call
date in October 2023 issued by GCP. Consequently, to the decisions not to use the
option to redeem, the coupons on these perpetual notes starting from July 2023
and October 2023 were set to be 5-year Mid-Swap rate plus a margin of 3.546%
p.a. (7.75% p.a.), and 5-year Mid-Swap rate plus a margin of 2.432% p.a. (5.9% p.a.).
In December 2023, the Company announced its Board of Directors’ decision not
to exercise its option to voluntarily redeem its €400 million perpetual notes on
their first call date being January 2024. The annual coupon rate starting from
January 2024 was amended to 5-year Mid-Swap rate plus a margin of 2.0% p.a.
(4.54% p.a.).
The Company and GCP have the option to call the uncalled perpetuals at every
future coupon payment date, and the uncalled perpetuals have been and will
continue being accounted for as equity in the consolidated statement of financial
position.
19.3 Non-controlling interests
19.3.1
Reconciliation of non-controlling interest:
Note
in € millions
Balance at December 31, 2021
3,875.1
Share of profit for the year
69.9
Share of OCI for the year
(3.2)
Transactions and dividend with/to NCI, and deconsolidations
(1)
(451.4)
Balance at December 31, 2022
3,490.4
Share of loss for the year
(592.2)
Share of OCI for the year
1.2
Transactions and dividend with/to NCI, and deconsolidations
(2)
(149.9)
Balance as at December 31, 2023
2,749.5
(1) Transactions in 2022
An amount of €26.3 million of NCI increased due to initial consolidations of €29.5 million
that took place during 2022, offset by €3.2 million of deconsolidated NCI.
During 2022, the Company increased its holding rate in subsidiaries within the Group,
mainly in GCP (increase in holding rate of approximately 11.3% to 60.11% as at December
31, 2022), that led to a total decrease of €427.1 million in the NCI amount (the negative
cash effect of these acquisitions amounted to €376.8 million). The effect on the
shareholders’ equity was increase of €101.6 million that reflected the variance between
the NCI book value and acquisition price). Furthermore, the Group subsidiaries distributed
dividends to the NCI in the cash amount of €86.6 million. In addition, the NCI increase due
to cash injection of €36.0 million made by JV partner.
(2) Transactions in 2023
An amount of €0.2 million of NCI increased due to initial consolidations of €3.1 million
that took place during 2023, offset by €2.9 million of deconsolidated NCI.
During 2023, the Company changed its holding rate in subsidiaries within the Group,
thereof mainly an increase in GCP (increase in holding rate from 60.11% to 62.68% as at
December 31, 2023), that led to a total decrease of €90.1 million in the NCI amount (the
negative cash effect of these acquisitions amounted to €33.8 million). The effect on the
shareholders’ equity was increase of €56.9 million that reflected the variance between
the NCI book value and acquisition price). Furthermore, the Group subsidiaries distributed
dividends to the NCI in the amount of €60.0 million, thereof €50.6 million paid in cash.
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Consolidated Financial Statements
The following are subsidiaries that have material NCI reflected in the consolidated
financial statements of the Group:
19.3.2 TLG Immobilien AG
TLG Immobilien AG is an Aktiengesellschaft (stock corporation) incorporated in
Germany with its registered office at 1, Alexanderstraße, 10178 Berlin, Germany. It
holds and operates commercial real estate in Germany. The main activities consist
of the operation of real estate businesses, such as the letting, management,
acquisition, disposal and development of office, retail and hotel properties.
Summary of the financial information of the subsidiary, including business
combination adjustments (together: “Financial Information”), and holding rate
from the Group’s point of view:
As at and for the year ended
December 31,
2023
2022
NCI percentage (also reflects the voting rights)
as at the year-end
11.89%
11.84%
in € millions
Accumulated amount of NCI presented in the Group
352.1
400.7
(Loss) / profit allocated to NCI presented in the Group
(39.4)
23.6
Dividend paid to NCI
11.7
11.9
Financial Information of TLG:
Current assets
672.1
501.0
Of which cash and cash equivalents
389.6
141.1
Non-current assets
4,239.5
5,065.7
Of which investment property
2,613.2
3,422.7
Current liabilities
173.0
231.9
Non-current liabilities
1,992.9
2,161.1
Of which loans, borrowings and bonds
1,189.5
1,185.6
Total equity
2,745.7
3,173.7
Net asset attributable to NCI
326.5
375.9
Revenue
173.9
201.7
Net (loss) / profit
(329.1)
200.2
Cash flows from operating activities
60.6
181.0
Cash flows from investing activities
411.3
662.1
Cash flows used in financing activities
(223.3)
(1,008.4)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
248.6
(165.3)
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19.3.3. Grand City Properties S.A.
Grand City Properties S.A. was incorporated in Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as a
Société anonyme (public limited liability company). Its registered office is at 37,
Boulevard Joseph II, L-1840 Luxembourg.
GCP is a specialist in residential real estate, investing in value-add opportunities
in densely populated areas, predominantly in Germany as well as London. GCP’s
strategy is to improve its properties through intensive tenant management and
create value by subsequently raising occupancy and rental levels. GCP’s shares
are listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Summary of the financial information of the subsidiary, including business
combination adjustments (together: “Financial Information”), and holding rate
from the Group’s point of view:
As at and for the year ended
December 31,
2023
2022
NCI percentage (also reflects the voting rights) as at the
year-end
37.32%
39.89%
in € millions
Accumulated amount of NCI presented in the Group
1,405.2
1,800.0
(Loss) / profit allocated to NCI presented in the Group
(279.4)
108.5
OCI allocated to NCI presented in the Group
1.2
(3.3)
Dividend paid to NCI
17.0
44.4
Financial Information of GCP:
Current assets
1,838.1
1,134.0
Of which cash and cash equivalents
1,129.2
324.9
Non-current assets
9,077.9
10,008.7
Of which investment property
8,498.6
9,447.6
Current liabilities
655.0
308.7
Non-current liabilities
5,205.3
5,134.0
Of which loans, borrowings and bonds
4,262.4
4,096.3
Total equity
5,055.7
5,700.0
Net asset attributable to Perpetual notes investors
1,262.7
1,253.8
Net asset attributable to NCI
1,415.7
1,773.8
Revenue
607.2
577.0
Net (loss) / profit
(587.0)
225.0
Total OCI
3.6
(8.5)
Total comprehensive (loss) / income
(583.4)
216.5
Cash flows from operating activities
249.4
216.1
Cash flows from (used) in investing activities
147.8
(150.6)
Cash flows from (used) in financing activities
405.3
(633.9)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
802.5
(568.4)
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20.
SHARE-BASED PAYMENT AGREEMENTS
20.1 Description of share-based payment arrangements
As at December 31, 2023, the Group has the following share-based payment arrangements:
Share incentive plan
The annual general meeting has approved to authorize the Board of Directors to issue up to
8.5 million shares for an incentive plan for the Board of Directors, key management and senior
employees. The incentive plan has a vesting period of up to 4 years with specific milestones
to enhance management’s long-term commitment to Aroundtown’s strategic targets.
The key terms and conditions related to program are as follows:
Number of shares
Contractual life of the
Grant date
(in thousands)
incentive
January 2020 – December 2026
3,636
Up to 4 years
20.2 Reconciliation of outstanding share options
The number and weighted average number of shares under the share incentive program
and replacement awards were as follows:
2023
2022
Number of shares
Number of shares
in thousands
Outstanding on January 1
2,552
2,924
Granted during the year, net
2,620
433
Exercised during the year
(*)
(1,536)
(805)
Outstanding on December 31
3,636
2,552
(*) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the incentive share plan, 403 thousand shares (2022: 467
thousand) were delivered from the Group’s treasury shares to employees across the Group, and the rest
amounts were either settled in cash or withheld at source to reflect the tax impact
During the year, the total amount recognized as share-based payment was €5.3 million
(2022: €5.4 million). The amount was presented as administrative and other expenses
and property operating expenses in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and as
creation of other reserve in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
21.
LOANS, BORROWINGS, BONDS AND SCHULDSCHEINS
21.1 Composition
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Weighted average
interest rate as at
December
Maturity
in
€ millions
31, 2023
Non-current
Bank loans
(1) - (3)
3.7%
2025-2082
2,124.2
1,266.0
Straight bonds and schuldscheins
1.9%
2025-2039
11,698.0
13,307.4
Total non-current
13,822.2
14,573.4
Current
Bank loans
(4)
3.7%
2024
26.2
11.2
Loan redemptions
(4)
2.6%
2024
53.7
11.7
Straight bonds
1.2%
2024
340.0
100.0
Total current
419.9
122.9
(1)
the bank loans have the serving assets as their main security (as at December 31, 2023 and 2022, €200
million and €140 million, respectively, are unsecured). The Group is in compliance with its obligations
(including loan covenants) to the financing banks under the existing loan agreements that include, inter
alia, ranges for minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 105%-225% and loan to value minimal
ratio (LTV) of 50%-75%
(2)
as at December 31, 2023, approximately €6.7 billion of the investment property is encumbered (2022:
approximately €5.8 billion)
(3)
in 2023, the Group raised from financial institutions a net amount of ca. €900 million. The debt drawn down
had an average maturity and margin of over 7 years and 1.4%, respectively. Moreover, the Group signed a
secured bank facility to enable further drawdowns of €41.8 million on demand (no drawdowns took place
in the reporting period). The Group repaid bank loans of ca. €85 million during the year
(4) including accrued interest
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21.2 Bonds and schuldscheins composition
Set out below, is an overview of the Group’s bonds and schuldscheins as at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022:
Series
Note
Currency
Nominal amount in
Nominal amount
Coupon rate (p.a.)
Contractual
Carrying amount as
Carrying amount as
original currency
in euro
maturity
at December 31,
at December 31,
as at December 31, 2023
%
2023
2022
in millions
in
€ millions
in € millions
Non-current portion
Series H
(a) (b) (c)
USD
400.0
372.4
1.365
03/2032
349.4
361.0
Series NOK
(a) (b) (c)
NOK
750.0
79.3
0.818
07/2027
66.2
70.6
Series I
21.2.1
EUR
206.9
206.9
1.88
01/2026
205.0
247.6
Series J
21.2.1
GBP
483.5
556.3
3.00
10/2029
545.6
551.2
Series K
21.2.1
EUR
478.9
478.9
1.00
01/2025
476.7
684.1
Series L
(b) (c) (f)
USD
150.0
125.2
1.78 + Euribor (6M)
02/2038
115.4
123.4
Series M
(c), 21.2.1
CHF
239.8
214.4
0.73
01/2025
258.7
253.5
Series N
EUR
800.0
800.0
1.63
01/2028
788.4
785.7
Series O
21.2.1
EUR
296.8
296.8
2.00
11/2026
294.5
301.9
Series P
(b) (c) (g), 21.2.1
AUD
202.0
127.3
1.24 + Euribor (6M)
05/2025
118.6
151.9
Series R
(b) (c) (h), 21.2.1
CAD
181.8
119.5
2.72 + Euribor (6M)
09/2025
116.8
167.7
Series T
(b) (i)
EUR
150.0
150.0
2.27 + Euribor (6M)
09/2030
149.9
149.9
Series U
EUR
75.0
75.0
2.97
09/2033
73.7
73.6
Series V
EUR
50.0
50.0
2.70
10/2028
49.7
49.7
Series W
EUR
76.0
76.0
3.25
11/2032
74.9
74.8
Series X
(c), 21.2.1
CHF
99.8
91.3
1.72
03/2026
107.6
101.4
Series 27
(b) (c)
HKD
430.0
48.3
1.62
03/2024
-
51.7
Series 28
(b) (c) (j), 21.2.1
USD
540.8
478.5
2.64 + Euribor (6M)
03/2029
453.2
527.7
Series 29
(b) (c) (k)
NOK
1,735.0
179.0
2.52 + Euribor (6M)
03/2029
132.2
148.8
Series 30
(b) (c) (l), 21.2.1
GBP
388.7
455.3
2.11 + Euribor (6M)
04/2031
382.9
369.0
Series 31
(c)
JPY
7,000.0
61.3
1.42
05/2029
44.6
49.6
Series 32
21.2.1
EUR
603.8
603.8
0.63
07/2025
599.9
775.8
Series 33
EUR
600.0
600.0
1.45
07/2028
593.4
592.1
Series 34
(b) (c)
NOK
500.0
45.9
1.055
07/2025
44.4
47.5
Series 36
21.2.1
EUR
519.5
519.5
1.50
05/2026
528.3
614.0
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Series
Note
Currency
Nominal amount in
Nominal amount
Coupon rate (p.a.)
Contractual
Carrying amount as
Carrying amount as
original currency
in euro
maturity
at December 31,
at December 31,
as at December 31, 2023
%
2023
2022
in millions
in € millions
in € millions
Non-current portion
(continued)
Series 38
21.2.1
EUR
727.8
727.8
0.00
07/2026
720.1
985.1
Series 39
21.2.1
EUR
1,027.9
1,027.9
0.375
04/2027
1,011.6
1,224.3
GCP series E
21.2.1
EUR
194.4
194.4
1.50
04/2025
198.0
211.4
GCP series G
21.2.1
EUR
577.4
577.4
1.38
08/2026
594.0
624.0
GCP series H
21.2.1
EUR
255.0
255.0
2.00
10/2032
276.8
279.2
GCP series I
(b) (c) (m)
HKD
900.0
104.3
1.17 + Euribor (6M)
02/2028
100.3
102.0
GCP series J
EUR
667.6
667.6
1.50
02/2027
690.4
697.7
GCP series K
(c)
CHF
125.0
135.0
0.96
09/2026
137.2
130.0
GCP series L
(c)
JPY
7,500.0
48.0
1.20
06/2038
46.6
53.1
GCP series M
(b) (n)
EUR
47.0
47.0
1.39 + Euribor (6M)
07/2033
48.0
45.3
GCP series N
(b)
EUR
88.0
88.0
1.71 + Euribor (3M)
02/2039
79.8
75.8
GCP series O
(b)
EUR
15.0
15.0
1.68 + Euribor (3M)
02/2034
13.8
13.2
GCP series P
(b) (c)
HKD
290.0
33.6
1.38 + Euribor (3M)
03/2029
32.1
31.9
GCP series Q
(c)
CHF
130.0
140.4
0.57
06/2024
-
132.9
GCP series R
EUR
40.0
40.0
2.50
06/2039
46.0
46.3
GCP series U
EUR
80.0
80.0
0.75
07/2025
80.8
81.3
GCP series V
(b) (o)
EUR
70.0
70.0
1.50
08/2034
69.6
63.8
GCP series W
21.2.1
EUR
148.8
148.8
1.70
04/2024
-
207.2
GCP series X
EUR
1,000.0
1,000.0
0.13
01/2028
982.9
978.7
Total non-current portion
11,698.0
13,307.4
Series S
(e), 21.2.1
EUR
100.0
100.0
0.75 + Euribor (6M)
08/2023
-
100.0
Series 27
(b), (c)
HKD
430.0
48.3
1.62
03/2024
49.8
-
GCP series Q
(c)
CHF
130.0
140.4
0.57
06/2024
140.7
-
GCP series W
21.2.1
EUR
148.8
148.8
1.70
04/2024
149.5
-
Total current portion
340.0
100.0
Total accrued interest
on bonds and
(d)
116.3
123.7
schuldscheins
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(a)
coupon and principal are linked to Consumer Price Index (CPI) through derivative instruments
(b) effective coupon in euro
(c)
the Company / GCP hedged the currency risk of the principal amount until maturity
(d)
presented as part of the provisions and current liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position
(e) schuldschein
(f)
the Company hedged the currency risk of the principal amount and coupon with a cross-currency swap; the
effective annual euro coupon is 1.75% p.a., semi-annually until Q1-2023, and 1.78% p.a. plus Euribor (6M),
semi-annually for the following years until maturity
(g)
the Company hedged the currency risk of the principal amount and coupon with a cross-currency swap;
the effective annual euro coupon is 1.605% p.a., semi-annually until Q2-2023, and 1.244% p.a. plus Euribor
(6M), semi-annually for the following years until maturity
(h)
the Company hedged the currency risk of the principal amount and coupon with a cross-currency swap; the
effective annual euro coupon is 1.7% p.a., semi-annually until Q3-2023, and 2.72% p.a. plus Euribor (6M),
semi-annually for the following years until maturity
(i)
the Company hedged the interest rate risk, the effective annual euro coupon is 2.0% until Q3-2023, and a
semi-annual coupon of 2.266% p.a. plus Euribor (6M) for the following years until maturity
(j)
the Company hedged the currency risk of the principal amount and coupon with a cross-currency swap; the
effective annual euro coupon is 1.75% p.a., semi-annually until Q1-2023, and 2.636% p.a. plus Euribor (6M),
semi-annually for the following years until maturity
(k) the Company hedged the currency risk of the principal amount and coupon with a cross-currency swap; the
effective annual euro coupon is 1.75% p.a. until Q1-2023, and 2.52% p.a. plus Euribor (6M), semi-annually
for the following years until maturity
(l)
the Company hedged the currency risk of the principal amount and coupon with a cross-currency swap; the
effective annual euro coupon is 1.75% p.a. until Q2-2023, and 2.11% p.a. plus Euribor (6M), semi-annually
for the following years until maturity
(m)
GCP hedged the currency risk of the principal amount and coupon with a cross-currency swap; the effective
annual euro coupon is 1.00% p.a. until Q1-2023, and 1.1725% p.a. plus Euribor (6M), semi-annually for the
following years until maturity
(n)
GCP hedged the interest rate risk, the effective annual euro coupon is 1.7% until Q3-2023, and a semi-
annual coupon of 1.39% p.a. plus Euribor (6M) for the following years until maturity
(o)
GCP hedged the interest rate risk, the effective annual euro coupon is 1.5% until Q3-2024, and a semi-
annual coupon of 1.472% p.a. plus Euribor (6M) for the following years until maturity
Berlin
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21.2.1
Buy-back and redemption of bonds
During 2022 and 2023, the Company and its subsidiaries bought back some of the Group’s
straight bonds through tenders as well as in the secondary market. The purpose of the
early repayments follows the utilization of the real estate disposal proceeds and is part of
the Group’s pro-active debt optimization strategy with the aim to extend the average debt
maturity and reduce the cost of debt. The bonds buybacks in 2023 were in average price of
80% of the nominal value (2022: around nominal value), and resulted in recognizing a gain
of €243.6 million that is presented as other financial results in the consolidated statement
of profit or loss (2022: gain of €0.9 million).
Set forth are the amounts bought back and redeemed upon maturity during the year 2023:
Outstanding nominal value
Straight bond /
Currency
Contractual
Nominal value bought-back
schuldschein
maturity
in millions
as at December 31, 2023
in millions
(original currency)
in € millions
(original currency)
Series I
EUR
01/2026
44.1
44.1
206.9
Series J
GBP
10/2029
16.5
19.3
483.5
Series K
EUR
01/2025
211.2
211.2
478.9
Series M
CHF
01/2025
10.3
10.5
239.8
Series O
EUR
11/2026
8.4
8.4
296.8
Series P
AUD
05/2025
48.0
29.3
202.0
Series R
CAD
09/2025
68.2
46.8
181.8
Series S
EUR
08/2023
100.0
100.0
Fully redeemed
Series X
CHF
03/2026
0.2
0.2
99.8
Series 28
USD
03/2029
59.2
53.3
540.8
Series 30
GBP
04/2031
11.3
13.3
388.7
Series 32
EUR
07/2025
180.2
180.2
603.8
Series 36
EUR
05/2026
80.5
80.5
519.5
Series 38
EUR
07/2026
272.2
272.2
727.8
Series 39
EUR
04/2027
222.1
222.1
1027.9
GCP Series E
EUR
04/2025
11.2
11.2
194.4
GCP Series G
EUR
08/2026
22.6
22.6
577.4
GCP Series W
EUR
04/2024
55.9
55.9
148.8
Total nominal value bought-back /
1,381.1
redeemed
Set forth are the amounts bought back and redeemed upon maturity during the
year 2022:
Outstanding nominal
Bond /
Currency
Original
Nominal value bought-back /
value as at December
schuldschein
maturity
redeemed
31, 2022
in millions
in millions
(original currency)
in € millions
(original currency)
Series F of GCP
(convertible
EUR
03/2022
263.3
263.3
Fully redeemed
bond)
(a)
Series K
EUR
01/2025
9.9
9.9
690.1
Series Q
GBP
07/2027
81.1
97.3
Fully redeemed
Series Y
EUR
02/2026
100.0
100.0
Fully redeemed
Series Z
EUR
02/2024
125.0
125.0
Fully redeemed
Series 32
EUR
07/2025
16.0
16.0
784.0
Series 37
EUR
09/2022
221.7
221.7
Fully redeemed
Total nominal value bought-back / redeemed
833.2
(a)
the convertible bond series F of GCP matured in March 2022 and the outstanding €263.3 million
nominal value was repaid to the bondholders, where no conversion to shares of GCP has occurred.
Upon maturity, an amount of €186.7 million nominal value of convertible bond series F of GCP
was held by the Group affiliates and has been repaid to them accordingly
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21.3 Reconciliation of movement of liabilities to cash
flow arising from financing activities
The table below details changes in the Group’s liabilities from financing activities,
including both cash and non-cash changes. Liabilities arising from financing activities
are those for which cash flows, or future cash flows will be classified in the Group’s
consolidated statement of cash flows from financing activities.
Financing cash flows
Non-cash changes
Acquisition
Change in
31.12.2022
Finance
Other cash flows
(disposal) of
Foreign
liabilities
Other
(1)
Other changes
(2)
31.12.2023
expenses paid
subsidiaries, net
exchange effect
held for sale
in € millions
Straight bonds and schuldscheins
(3)
13,531.1
(203.1)
(1,128.6)
-
(20.7)
-
4.1
(28.5)
12,154.3
Loans, borrowings and others
(4)
1,288.9
(54.1)
798.0
1.8
-
109.5
(0.5)
60.5
2,204.1
Lease liability
248.0
(10.8)
(1.7)
51.3
1.5
5.3
5.6
12.6
311.8
Net derivative financial liabilities and
others
192.0
-
(249.0)
-
121.3
-
(9.4)
-
54.9
15,260.0
(268.0)
(581.3)
53.1
102.1
114.8
(0.2)
44.6
14,725.1
Financing cash flows
Non-cash changes
Acquisition
Change in
31.12.2021
Finance
Other cash flows
(disposal) of
Foreign
liabilities
Other
(1)
Other changes
(2)
31.12.2022
expenses paid
subsidiaries, net
exchange effect
held for sale
in € millions
Straight bonds and schuldscheins
(3)
14,279.4
(169.8)
(565.9)
-
(175.8)
-
(2.9)
166.1
13,531.1
Convertible bond
(3)
265.9
(0.3)
(263.3)
-
-
-
(2.5)
0.2
-
Loans and borrowings
(4)
1,148.0
(24.3)
213.9
-
-
(91.3)
-
42.6
1,288.9
Lease liability
167.9
(9.5)
(2.2)
85.0
(1.7)
(6.0)
0.9
13.6
248.0
Net derivative financial (assets)
liabilities and others
153.0
-
-
-
(156.6)
-
195.6
-
192.0
16,014.2
(203.9)
(617.5)
85.0
(334.1)
(97.3)
191.1
222.5
15,260.0
(1)
other non-cash changes include discount and issuance cost amortization for the bonds, unrealized revaluation gains and remeasurement of lease liabilities
(2) other changes include interest accruals and results on early repayment of debt
(3) including accrued interest
(4)
including current portion of bank loans, loan redemptions and credit facility
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Consolidated Financial Statements
21.4 Covenants and negative pledge as defined in the bonds and
schuldscheins’ Terms and Conditions
This note provides an overview of certain covenants of the Company under its series
of bonds (other than the perpetual notes, which do not contain financial covenants)
which are outstanding as at 31 December 2023. The complete terms and conditions
of each series of bonds are set forth in the relevant bond documentation. Capitalised
terms used in this note have the meanings set forth in the terms and conditions of the
relevant series of bonds.
Save for one of the Company’s outstanding series of bonds (Series 36), which contains
a similar provision, the Company undertakes that it will not, and will procure that
none of its Subsidiaries will, up to (and including) the Final Discharge Date, incur any
Indebtedness (other than any Refinancing Indebtedness) if, immediately after giving
effect to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness and the application of the net
proceeds of such incurrence: the sum of:
(a)
(i) the Consolidated Indebtedness (less Cash and Cash Equivalents) as at the Last
Reporting Date; and (ii) the Net Indebtedness (less Cash and Cash Equivalents)
incurred since the Last Reporting Date would exceed 60 per cent. (depending
on the relevant series of bonds) of the sum of (without duplication): (i) the Total
Assets (less Cash and Cash Equivalents) as at the Last Reporting Date; and (ii)
the value of all assets acquired or contracted for acquisition by the Group as
determined at the relevant time in accordance with IFRS and the accounting
principles applied by the Company in the latest Financial Statements as certified
by the auditors of the Company since the Last Reporting Date (or, as the case
may be, the purchase price of any Real Estate Property acquired or contracted for
acquisition by the Group since the Last Reporting Date); and (iii) the proceeds of
any Indebtedness incurred since the Last Reporting Date (but only to the extent
that such proceeds were not used to acquire Real Estate Property or to reduce
Indebtedness); and
(b)
(i) the Consolidated Secured Indebtedness (excluding the GCP Series E Bonds, as
the case may be, and in each case less Cash and Cash Equivalents) as at the Last
Reporting Date; and (ii) the Net Secured Indebtedness (excluding the GCP Series
E Bonds, as the case may be, and in each case less Cash and Cash Equivalents)
incurred since the Last Reporting Date shall not exceed 45 per cent. of the sum
of (without duplication): (i) the Total Assets (less Cash and Cash Equivalents) as
at the Last Reporting Date; (ii) the value of all assets acquired or contracted for
acquisition by the Group as determined at the relevant time in accordance with
IFRS and the accounting principles applied by the Company in the latest Financial
Statements as certified by the auditors of the Company since the Last Reporting
Date (or, as the case may be, the purchase price of any Real Estate Property
acquired or contracted for acquisition by the Group since the Last Reporting Date);
and (iii) the proceeds of any Indebtedness incurred since the Last Reporting Date
(but only to the extent that such proceeds were not used to acquire Real Estate
Property or to reduce Indebtedness).
In most of the Company’s outstanding series of bonds (excluding Series 36), the
Company undertakes that the sum of: (i) the Unencumbered Assets (less Cash and
Cash Equivalents) as at the Last Reporting Date; and (ii) the Net Unencumbered Assets
(less Cash and Cash Equivalents) newly recorded since the Last Reporting Date will at
no time be less than 125 per cent. of the sum of: (i) the Unsecured Indebtedness (less
Cash and Cash Equivalents) at the Last Reporting Date; and (ii) the Net Unsecured
Indebtedness (less Cash and Cash Equivalents) incurred since the Last Reporting Date.
The Company undertakes that, on each Reporting Date, the Interest Coverage Ratio will
be at least 1.8 (excluding one series of standalone bonds, for which the Consolidated
Coverage Ratio will be at least 2.0).
Save for two of the Company’s series of bonds, which contains similar provisions, the
Company’s outstanding series of bonds contain a customary negative pledge clause
that prohibits the Company, so long as any of the Senior Notes remain outstanding,
from creating or having outstanding any Security Interest (other than a Permitted
Security Interest) upon any of its present or future business, undertaking, assets or
revenues (including any uncalled capital) to secure any Capital Markets Indebtedness,
unless the Company promptly takes any and all action necessary to ensure that:
(i)
all amounts payable by it under the Senior Notes and the Trust Deed are secured
by the Security Interest equally and rateably with the Capital Markets Indebtedness
to the satisfaction of the Trustee; or
(ii)
such other Security Interest or other arrangement is provided either (i) as the Trustee
in its absolute discretion deems not materially less beneficial to the interests of
the Senior Noteholders or (ii) as is approved by an Extraordinary Resolution of the
Senior Noteholders.
The exposure of the Company to interest rate risk in relation to financial instruments is
reported in note 25.3.1.1 to the financial statements. There have been no breaches in
covenants during the year and up to the date of approval of these consolidated financial
statements.
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22.
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Tenancy deposits
73.4
67.8
Lease liability (see note 22.1)
311.8
248.0
Non-current payables
249.9
251.4
635.1
567.2
22.1 Lease liability
Set out below are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities of the Group and the
movements during the year:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
As at January 1
248.0
167.9
Additions (disposals), net
54.2
86.9
Interest expenses
16.8
10.9
Payments
(*)
(12.5)
(11.7)
Transferred to liabilities held for sale
5.3
(6.0)
Balance at December 31
311.8
248.0
(*) the cash payments for interest portion are presented under “Interest and other financial expenses paid, net”
and the cash payments for principal portion under “Amortizations of loans from financial institutions and
others” in the consolidated statement of cash flows (see also note 21.3)
Amsterdam
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23.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party transactions (as defined in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures) performed
by / with the Company and its affiliated undertakings and key management personnel
are set out below, as well as the identity and nature of the related party and transaction.
Related parties are companies which have the ability to control or exercise significant
influence over the Group entities, or which the Group entities control or exercises
significant influence over. Related persons are the members of the Board of Directors
and the executive management of the Company.
23.1 Key Management Personnel remuneration
The Company has undertaken since the financial year 2022 to align the Board
of Directors’ and senior management’s remuneration with the provisions of the
Remuneration Policy. During the financial year 2023, the Company has conformed the
total remuneration package (consisting of base salary, allowances as well as short-
term and long-term incentive remuneration) of its executive directors and senior
management with the requirements of the Remuneration Policy. In particular, the
variable remuneration (consisting of short-term cash incentives and long-term share
incentives) granted to the Company’s executive directors and senior management is
tied to the achievement of certain pre-defined performance measures as provided
for in the Company’s Remuneration Policy. The changes agreed are scheduled to
take effect as of financial year 2023 (in the case of three (3) executive directors and
members of the senior management) and 2024 respectively (in the case of two (2)
members of the senior management).
Chief officers
Mr. Barak Bar-Hen, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO) and Chief Operating
Officer, was entitled to a total remuneration of €1,525 thousand, of which €750
thousand was in bonus.
Mr. Eyal Ben David, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, was entitled to a total
remuneration of €2,310 thousand, of which €1,540 thousand was in the form of long-
term share incentives.
Mr. Oschrie Massatschi, the Company’s Chief Capital Markets Officer, was entitled to a
total remuneration of €610 thousand, of which €87 thousand was in the form of long-
term share incentives.
Balances with Executive Directors and Chief officer
As at December 2023, the Company had outstanding loans of €4 million to Executive
Directors and Chief officers. The loans are payable from 2024 and until 2027 and bear
annual interest rate of between 1.6% and 3%.
There were no other transactions between the Company and its Key Management
Personnel, except as described in note 20.
Year ended December 31, 2023
Executive directors
Non-executive
director
Independent directors
in € thousands
Fixed and variable incentive
Mr. Frank
Ms. Jelena
Mr. Ran
Mr. Markus
Ms. Simone
Mr. Markus
Mr. Daniel Malkin
(5)
Total
Roseen
(3)
Afxentiou
Laufer
(3)
Leininger
Runge-Brandner
(4)
Kreuter
Salary, fees and supplementary payments
(1)
360,000
336,601
170,000
150,616
187,000
125,000
104,589
1,433,806
Share incentive program
(2)
124,000
55,800
-
-
-
-
-
179,800
Total Remuneration
484,000
392.401
170,000
150,616
187,000
125,000
104,589
1,613,606
(1)
based on employer’s costs, excluding VAT
(2)
multi-year fixed and variable share incentive program
(3) also includes the remuneration for the position as a director in TLG
(4) also includes the remuneration for the position as an independent director in GCP
(5)
appointed in June 2023
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23.2 Other related party transactions
The transactions and balances with related parties are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Interest income on loans to associates
22.1
18.1
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Loans to associates
(*)
316.1
349.1
(*) the loans given to associates carry interest rate in the range between 4% and 15% p.a. (2022: range between
4% and 13% p.a.), measured at amortized cost and presented as part of the investment in equity-accounted
investees balance
24.
TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Trade and other payables
176.2
158.5
Prepayments received from tenants on operating costs
407.6
366.7
Deferred income
59.9
60.1
Other current liabilities
27.8
80.7
671.5
666.0
London
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25.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
25.1 Financial assets
Set out below, is an overview of financial assets, held by the Group as at December 31,
2023, and December 31, 2022:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
Financial assets at amortized cost:
Trade and other receivables
1
1,009.6
1,179.0
Cash and cash equivalents
1
2,641.3
2,314.6
Short-term deposits
127.1
137.5
Loans to associates
23.2
316.1
349.1
Other non-current assets
1
1,458.1
1,304.4
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
2
257.7
266.5
Derivative financial assets
3, 25.4.1
259.9
60.3
Total financial assets
6,069.8
5,611.4
(1) Including assets held for sale.
(2)
Those financial assets consist of bonds, shares, alternative investments and other trade debt securities.
(3)
Excluding derivative financial assets designated as hedging instruments in hedge relationships in the
amount of €126.2 million (2022: €192.3 million).
25.2 Financial liabilities
Set out below, is an overview of financial liabilities, held by the Group as at December
31, 2023, and as at December 31, 2022:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
Financial liabilities at amortized cost:
Trade and other payables
1
672.3
670.8
Tax payable
1
72.5
94.2
Loans and borrowings
2
2,204.1
1,398.4
Bonds and schuldscheins
12,038.0
13,407.4
Accrued interest on bonds and schuldscheins
116.3
123.7
Other long-term liabilities
1
640.1
569.5
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss:
Derivative financial liabilities
3, 25.4.1
193.2
240.7
Total financial liabilities
15,936.5
16,504.7
(1) Including liabilities held for sale.
(2) Including liabilities held for sale, loan redemptions and accrued interest.
(3)
Excluding derivative financial liabilities designated as hedging instruments in hedge relationships in the
amount of €247.8 million (2022: €203.9 million).
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25.3 Risks management objectives and polices
The Group’s principal financial liabilities, other than derivatives, comprise loans and
borrowings, convertible, straight bonds and schuldscheins, trade and other payable,
tax payable and non-current liabilities. The Group’s principal financial assets include
trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalent and other non-current assets.
The Group also holds investments in debt and equity instruments and enters into
derivative transactions.
The Group is exposed to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Board of Directors
has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk
management framework. The Board of Directors is supported by a risk committee that
advises on financial risks and the appropriate financial risk governance framework
for the Group. The Group’s risk management policies are established to identify and
analyze the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and
monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are
reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and in the Group’s activities.
25.3.1
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument
will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three types
of risk: interest rate risk, currency risk and other price risk, such as equity price risk.
25.3.1.1
Interest rate risk
The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates
primarily to the Group’s long-term debt obligations with floating interest
rates (mainly to EURIBOR rates). The Group manages its interest rate risk
by hedging long-term debt with floating rate using swap, collar and cap
contracts.
As at December 31, 2023, after considering the effect of the hedging, the
interest profile of the Group’s interest-bearing debt was as follows:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
Fixed rate
10,980.4
13,855.7
Capped rate
1,055.8
304.6
Floating rate
2,205.9
536.0
14,242.1
14,696.3
Interest rate sensitivity
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible
change in interest rates on that portion of long-term debt affected, after the
impact of hedging. With all other variables held constant, the Group’s profit
before tax and pre-tax equity are affected through the impact on floating
rate long-term debt, as follows:
As at
Increase / decrease
Effect on profit before
December 31,
in basis points
tax and pre-tax equity
in € millions
+100
(26.1)
2023
-100
29.0
+100
(6.8)
2022
-100
8.2
The Group had no long-term debt for which the benchmark rate had been
replaced with an alternative benchmark rate as at December 31, 2023.
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25.3.1.2. Foreign currency risk
The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates
relates primarily to the Group’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries and
to several straight bonds issued in a foreign currency.
The Company used cross-currency swap contracts to hedge the fair value
and cash flow risk derived from the changes in exchange rates and interest
rates as explained in note 25.4.2.1 and 25.4.2.2.
Due to the hedging above there is no material residual foreign currency risk.
In addition, the Company used forward contracts to hedge the currency risk
of its net investment in foreign operation which is denominated in GBP as
explained in note 25.4.2.3
25.3.1.3. Equity price risk
The Group’s listed and non-listed equity investments are susceptible to market
price risk arising from uncertainties about future values of the investment
securities. The Group manages the equity risk through diversification and
by placing limits on individual and total equity instruments. Reports on
the equity portfolio are submitted to the Group’s senior management on a
regular basis.
25.3.2. Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under
a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to a financial loss. The
Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities (primarily trade
and other receivables, loans as a seller and loans connected with future real-
estate transactions) and from its financing activities, including cash and cash
equivalents held in banks, derivatives and other financial instruments. The
Group’s maximum credit risk is represented by the financial assets’ carrying
amount (see note 25.1).
Trade and other receivables
Customer credit risk is managed by the property managers subject to the
Group’s established policy and control procedures relating to customer credit
risk management. Outstanding customer receivables are regularly monitored.
An impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date using a provision
to measure expected credit loss. The calculation reflects the probability-
weighted outcome, the time value of money and reasonable and supportable
information that is available at the reporting date about past events, current
conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. The assessment of
the correlation between historical observed default rates, forecast economic
conditions and ECLs is a significant estimate. The amount of ECLs is sensitive
to changes in circumstances and of forecast economic conditions. The Group’s
historical credit loss experience and forecast of economic condition may also
not be representative of customer’s actual default in the future.
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk.
The aging of rent receivables at the end of the year that were not impaired
was as follows:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € million
Not past due and past due 1–30 days
46.2
32.6
Past due 31–90 days
28.3
25.9
Past due above 90 days
11.6
8.8
86.1
67.3
Management believes that the unimpaired amounts that are past due by
more than 30 days are still collectible in full, based on the historical payment
behavior and extensive analysis of customer credit risk, including underlying
customers’ credit ratings if they are available.
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Financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents
Credit risk from balances with banks and financial institutions is managed
by the Group’s treasury department in accordance with the Group’s policy.
Investments of surplus funds are made only with approved counterparties
and within credit limits assigned to each counterparty. The limits are set
to minimize the concentration of risks and therefore mitigate financial loss
through a counterparty’s potential failure to make payments.
The Group’s investment in equity and debt instruments at fair value through
profit or loss consists of quoted securities that are graded in the investment
category.
The Group holds its cash and cash equivalents and its derivative instruments
with highly-rated (mostly between A- to A+ by the leading global rating
agencies) banks and financial institutions located mainly in Switzerland,
Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Concentration risk is mitigated by
not limiting the exposure to a single counter party. The Company has performed
an expected credit loss (“ECL”) calculation on the cash and cash equivalents
accounts and presented the current balance net of the ECL provision that
amounted to €3.3 million as at December 31, 2023 (2022: €3.5 million).
The composition of cash and cash equivalents was as follows:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in €
million
Cash at banks
1,186.7
1,562.8
Cash deposits of up to three months
1,454.5
742.6
Total cash and cash equivalents
2,641.2
2,305.4
None of the cash and cash equivalents items are restricted. Most of the cash at
banks includes overnight deposits that bear interest.
Credit line
The Group ensures accessible additional liquidity by maintaining active
revolving credit facilities (“RCF”) from various financial institutions. As at
December 31, 2023, the Group had approximately €1 billion RCF with maturity
of more than one year, all undrawn.
The main terms and conditions including covenants, pledge and negative
pledge of the RCF are similar to those of the bonds’ detailed in note 21.4, with
relevant adjustments.
Frankfurt
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25.3.3. Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that arises when the maturity of assets and liabilities
does not match. An unmatched position potentially enhances profitability but
can also increase the risk of loss. The Group has procedures with the objective
of minimizing such losses such as maintaining sufficient cash and other highly
liquid current assets and by having available an adequate amount of available
committed credit facilities as described above in the credit line section.
The following are the remaining contractual maturities of financial liabilities,
including estimated interest payments, the impact of derivatives and excluding
the impact of netting agreements as at December 31, 2023, and as at December
31, 2022:
As at December 31, 2023
Contractual cash flows including interest
Carrying amount
Total
2 months or less
2-12 months
1-2 years
2-3 years
More than 3 years
in € millions
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Loans and borrowings
(1)
2,204.1
2,664.8
3.9
148.2
256.6
203.4
2,052.7
Straight bonds
(2)
12,154.3
13,422.9
44.0
495.2
2,080.1
2,738.4
8,065.2
Lease liability
311.8
3,330.3
2.4
11.9
14.5
14.6
3,286.9
Trade and other payables
176.2
176.2
29.4
146.8
-
-
-
Total
14,846.4
19,594.2
79.7
802.1
2,351.2
2,956.4
13,404.8
(1)
includes current portion of long-term loans, loan redemptions and accrued interest
(2)
includes accrued interest
As at December 31, 2022
Contractual cash flows including interest
Carrying amount
Total
2 months or less
2-12 months
1-2 years
2-3 years
More than 3 years
in € millions
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Loans and borrowings
(1)
1,288.9
1,490.0
2.8
45.1
101.1
194.8
1,146.2
Straight bonds and schuldscheins
(2)
13,531.1
14,932.8
45.1
245.5
591.1
2,565.4
11,485.7
Lease liability
248.0
1,774.9
2.6
9.2
11.8
11.9
1,739.4
Trade and other payables
158.5
158.5
26.5
132.0
-
-
-
Total
15,226.5
18,356.2
77.0
431.8
704.0
2,772.1
14,371.3
(
1)
include current portion of long-term loans and loan redemptions and excludes loans classified as held for sale
(
2)
includes accrued interest
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25.3.4. Operating risk
Operational risk is the risk that derives from the deficiencies relating to the
Group’s information technology and control systems as well as the risk of human
error and natural disasters.
The Group’s systems are evaluated, maintained and
upgraded continuously.
25.3.5. Other risks
The general economic environment prevailing internationally may affect the
Group’s operations to a great extent. Economic conditions such as inflation,
unemployment, and development of the gross domestic product are directly
linked to the economic course of every country and any variation in these and
the economic environment in general may create chain reactions in all areas,
hence affecting the Group.
The Group’s portfolio is located in major cities and strong markets throughout
Germany, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and others. The current regional
distribution structure enables the Group on one hand to benefit of economic
scale, and on the other provides a diverse, well allocated and risk-averse portfolio.
Geopolitical situation around Russia-Ukraine war
On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and escalating the
Russo-Ukraine War (the “War”) and hostilities have continued since then. The War has
received widespread international condemnation and in reaction to Russian hostilities
many nations and organizations, including Germany and the European Union, have
announced sanctions against Russia, Russian companies, and individuals in and from
Russia. The Group is not directly impacted by the War, as neither its portfolio nor its
operations have direct exposure to Ukraine or Russia. However, the Group is impacted
by the indirect consequences of the War. As a result of the War, inflationary pressures
have increased, specifically heating and energy costs, which have an impact on the
operating costs of the Group. Such pressures may also have an impact on the ability
of the group’s tenants to pay rent and/or for the Group to recover expenses related to
recoverable expenses from tenants. Furthermore, the increased energy costs have led
to a wider inflationary pressure. Higher levels of inflation have impacted interest rates
and borrowing costs, while increased volatility in the capital markets have reduced
the Group’s ability to raise capital at attractive prices, resulting in an increase in its
cost of capital and potentially limiting its growth opportunities. While much of the
volatility has reduced and price levels have reduced to some extent in recent periods,
risk of renewed price volatility remains, which could have negative financial impacts
on the Company.
As a result of the large number of refugees that have entered and are expected to
continue enter the European Union and Germany following the War. This has resulted
in an increased strain on the residential real estate market in Germany. This further
exacerbates the supply and demand mismatch, increase political pressure for home
construction or market intervention. The full effects are currently still unclear and
will depend significantly on the duration and final outcome of the Invasion as well
as the distribution of refugees across the European Union.
While the War is currently limited to Ukraine on one side and Russia and several
of its allies on the other, continued escalation may result in other countries joining
the conflict and at this stage the group is unable to assess the full impact of such a
scenario on the Company, and the likelihood of its occurrence.
Inflationary environment
The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, the high amount of cash injected
into the market as a monetary response and the geopolitical situation around
Russia and Ukraine, among others, have resulted in a high inflationary environment.
Inflationary pressure has been particularly strong in energy prices, in particular for
oil and gas, caused by the War, and material prices.
While in recent periods pressures
have eased to a certain extent, inflation remains above central bank targets.
Furthermore, risks remain that may result in inflationary pressures increasing once
more. This may also result in tenant’s inability to bear the costs that are passed
through to them as part of the lease agreements. While in the recent period of high
inflation no material losses in regard to collection from tenants has been recorded,
it cannot be ruled out that losses of rent will occur in the future or that the Group
will be unable to collect operating costs from tenants and that the Group will lose
considerable rental income. In order to mitigate the risk, the Company is proactively
informing tenants on their consumption of energy and provides information on how
to reduce consumption.
Higher levels of inflation particularly for energy and materials may have an impact
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on the Group’s ability to acquire materials for capex measures at a reasonable price
and increase utility costs or result in delays across the Group’s operations. Furthermore,
higher levels of inflation across the economy may result in higher personnel expenses
and expenses related to external services, which could have a negative impact on
the Group’s profitability. In addition, higher levels of inflation have resulted in rapid
and significant increases in interest rates and consequently
resulted in significant
volatility in capital markets, which has a negative impact on the cost and availability
of new financing for the Group on one hand and may put further upward pressure on
discount rates and cap rates if prolonged, which could consequently have a further
adverse impact on the fair value of the Group’s assets and share price performance.
The ability of landlords to increase rents under existing tenancy agreements is limited
under German law, especially in residential properties in Germany where rent increases
may be limited as a result of tenant protection. In the commercial portfolio, the
majority of the leases are indexed or have stepped rent which enables the Company to
capture inflation faster. However, it may take the Company to capture the full impact
of inflation and the inflation rate may exceed the Company’s ability to increase rents
for certain properties. In addition, even if rent increases are contractually agreed, or
legally permissible, enforcement may not be feasible in certain cases due to solvency
issues of tenants that cannot afford such rent increases.
An increase in interest rates
In order to battle the increased inflation levels, the European Central Bank has raised
interest rate levels rapidly and has declared that it would maintain high interest levels
at least until inflation slows down and it reached the desired level. This has led to a
significant rise in interest rates in Germany and throughout the Eurozone and led to a
decrease in real estate valuations and investments, resulting in lower transaction level
and lower demand for real estate, among other effects. An increase in interest rates
could adversely impact the Group’s business in a number of ways, including:
The discount and cap rates used to calculate the value of the Group’s properties
recorded on the Company’s balance sheet in accordance with IAS 40 tends to increase
in an environment of rising interest rates, which in turn could result in the Group’s
properties having a lower fair value.
Although the Group’s current debt structure primarily involves debt at fixed interest
rates or, where variable interest rates apply, is predominantly subject to interest rate
hedging agreements, the increase in interest rates may have a negative impact on the
Group’s ability to refinance existing debt or incur additional debt on favorable terms.
Financial institutions such as banks may seek to reduce their exposure to the real estate
sector and also might be subject to increased equity requirements and balance sheet
regulations resulting in restraints to lend out money to customers which could make it
more diffcult for the Group to obtain bank financing at desired terms. In general, rising
interest rates (or market expectations regarding future increases in interest rates)
would make financing required by the Group for its refinancing, acquisition, capital
expenditure and/or other real estate activities more expensive, which could reduce
the Group’s profits.
When negotiating financing agreements or extending such agreements, the Group
depends on its ability to agree to terms and conditions that will provide for interest
payments that will not impair its profit targets, and for amortization schedules that
do not restrict its ability to pay intended dividends. Further, the Group may be unable
to enter into hedging instruments that may become necessary if variable interest
rates are agreed upon or may only be able to do so at significant costs. If the current
environment in which high rates prevail will remain for a prolonged period, the Group’s
financing costs, including costs for hedging instruments, may increase, which would
likely reduce the Group’s profits.
The Group’s equity includes a material amount of perpetual notes. Such notes include
in their terms a reset of their respective interest rates every five years (reset date),
starting from the first call date, based on a specified margin plus a 5-year swap rate
(reset rate). If a reset date falls in a period of high interest rates it is likely that such
notes will carry a materially higher interest going forward, thereby reducing the profits
available to shareholders. Furthermore, the Company generally aims to replace its
perpetual notes issues on their first voluntary call date by a new issue. In times of high
interest rates, the rates that the Company would pay on a new issuance may differ
materially from the reset rate, it may therefore be uneconomical for the Company to
call the respective notes and issue new notes, as has been the case with its notes with
the first call date in January, July and October 2023.
The willingness of purchasers to acquire real estate in an environment of rising
interest rates may be negatively affected, thereby restricting the Group’s ability to
dispose of its properties on favorable terms when desired. Most purchasers finance
their acquisitions with lender provided financing through mortgages and comparable
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security (in Germany so-called land charges). Lack of availability of such financing at
attractive rates therefore reduces demand for properties.
Any of the foregoing factors may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business,
net assets, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Climate-related risks
The significant impact of human activity on ecosystems and the climate have become
apparent in recent years, with temperatures rising, severe weather events such as
drought, floods and wildfires occurring more frequently, changes in rainfall patterns
and mean global sea levels rising, as well as increased pressures on biodiversity, among
others. Consequently, climate risks have increased and environmental impacts have
become more important in the decision making of investors, lenders, regulators and
consumers. As a result, the Company does not only face changing physical climate risks
but also transitional climate risks resulting from changes in investor and consumer
demand, from regulatory changes as well as from other societal factors.
The Company faces several physical climate-related risks. As a result of changing
climate patterns severe weather events in the group’s regions become more likely and
severe, which may result in more frequent flooding or other weather-related damages.
The Company actively attempts to identify these risks and implement measures to
mitigate the impact of such risks to the Company, for example through insurance. To
better understand the Company’s exposure to physical risks, the company has adopted
a tool for asset-level assessment of physical risk develop. This analysis will serve
the Company in determining which risks are material in order to develop adaptation
solutions. However, it cannot be guaranteed that the Company correctly identifies all
risks and therefore may be underinsured against such risks. Furthermore, increased
occurrence of severe weather events will likely result in higher insurance premiums. In
addition, increased flood risk as well as increasing sea levels put increased stress on
dikes, levees and related infrastructure which will likely result in higher costs for such
infrastructure which in turn may lead to higher fees and taxes to fund the increased
costs, particularly impacting the group’s assets situated in regions affected by increased
flood risk and/or rising sea levels. While the above-mentioned insurance costs, taxes
and fees can generally be passed on to tenants through the service charges, in case of
vacancies such costs are carried by the Company.
In addition to physical climate-related risks the Company also faces transitional risks.
As a result of the more apparent impact of climate changes in recent years regulators
have increased their efforts to mitigate current as well as potential future impacts of
climate change through a wide range of regulations.
As part of its Climate Action Programme 2030, the German federal government has
introduced a fixed price for carbon dioxide emissions in the transport and real estate
sectors as from January 2021. The price per metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted as
heating or fuel emissions (CO
2
and CO
2
levy) was set at an initial price of euro 25.00
per metric ton of carbon dioxide and will, based on the current regime, gradually
increase to euro 45.00 per metric ton until 2025 and increase further thereafter. On
January 1, 2023 the Carbon Dioxide Cost Sharing Act came into effect, according to
which the landlord will be obliged to bear part of the costs (previously carried in full
by tenants). The CO
2
costs will be divided equally between tenant and landlord, unless
another split is negotiated in the lease agreement. From 2025 a similar tiered model
is planned also for non-residential buildings. The shifting of some or all of the relevant
costs to landlords will have a negative effect on the Company’s operating margins and
financial results.
Emerging regulations in the Group’s regions pursuing a phase-out of fossil fuels and
improved energy efficiency present technological risks to the Company which requires
careful attention when planning maintenance and capex measures. Some examples
are Germany’s Building Energy Act (GEG), which bans the installation of new oil
heating systems in 2026, whereas the UK Government announced in September 2023
several coming changes to the Heat and Buildings Strategy, one notable point being
delaying the banning the installation of gas boilers from 2026 now until 2035. At the
EU level, the EU Council and EU Parliament reached an agreement in December 2023
on the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to include new
minimum energy performance requirements for buildings that progressively increase
over time, although the specific requirements can only be known once national-level
implementation commences among member states who will define their own target
pathways.
Noncompliance with the energy requirements under the new EPBD would
result in an inability to let the assets and requires increased capital expenditures to
become compliant. In the UK the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard limits
letting of properties with EPC ratings F or G, and although a bill for more aggressive
requirements had been in the works it has since been scrapped by the government
and it remains unclear whether any further requirements will be set. The Company
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continuously monitors changes in regulations and aims to minimize the financial risk
through pro-active carbon reduction and energy efficiency policies and programs.
The increased focus of regulators and market participants has additionally resulted in
increased reporting and transparency requirements for companies. Higher reporting
and transparency requirements result in increased administrative hurdles and costs for
the Group, negatively impacting its efficiency and financial results. Furthermore, the
Group’s sustainability strategy incorporates self-set targets for material environmental,
social and corporate governance matters (ESG). If any of these self-set ESG goals are
not met, this could damage the Group’s reputation. Considering the increasing focus
of market participants and lenders on sustainability and “green financing”, this could
have a negative impact on the Group’s refinancing and access to further financing, for
example, via the capital market or by taking out loans, at all or on attractive terms. If
the Group fails to meet expectations and trends related to sustainability aspects in a
timely manner or at all, there could be a decline in demand from tenants. Furthermore,
this could also lead to investors divesting from the Group’s bonds or shares, as they
also expect ESG goals to be met. From a regulatory perspective, failure to achieve
the sustainability goals may also have a negative impact on the Group. For example,
the introduction of the CO
2
levy, minimum energy performance standards or further
tightening of regulatory requirements to achieve alignment with the targets of the
Paris Agreement could directly or indirectly increase the Group’s costs or decrease
rental income. To take on a proactive approach, the Company has developed a CO
2
pathway to guide the investment in on-site renewable energy and building energy
efficiency improvements needed to achieve it’s 2030 emission reduction target while
enabling further emission reductions down the line.
In order mitigate risks related to CO
2
emissions, and in order to reach the Company’s
environmental targets, the Group is developing an investment program, which covers
a wide variety of activities involving both energy efficiency improvements and
renewable energy projects. The size and scope of the investment program depends on
the availability of governmental subsidies and grants, as is also subject to increasing
cost of material. Furthermore, potential new requirements set by the regulators or set
as a market standard, could increase the amount the Company would need to invest
and potentially accelerate the execution time of the investment program.
In 2022, the Company began the process of aligning to the Task Force on Climate-
Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Recommendations framework. Although the
TCFD has been disbanded and integrated into the International Sustainability
Standards Board (ISSB), the framework’s core principles for corporate climate-related
risk disclosures have also been adopted by the European Sustainability Reporting
Standards (ESRS) E1 Standard, with which the Company must be fully compliant in its
reporting beginning for the year 2024.
The early decision to align to best practices on
climate-related risk disclosures leaves the Company in a good position for ensuring
compliance, although it is a process requiring continuous effort. As part of this
process, the Company continuously updates its climate-related risk assessment each
year, with the most prominent and emerging climate-related risks already integrated
into the enterprise risk management system. The Building Resilience Task Force, an
interdepartmental team dedicated to this effort, continues to further develop control
mechanisms and risk mitigation measures for climate-related risks.
Baden Baden
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25.4 Hedging activities and derivatives
25.4.1. Derivative financial instruments
As at December 31,
2023
2022
Note
in € millions
Derivative financial assets
Derivatives that are designated as hedging
instruments in cash flow hedge
25.4.2.1
22.6
43.5
Derivatives that are designated as hedging
instruments in fair value hedge
25.4.2.2
103.2
144.2
Derivatives that are designated as hedging
instruments in net investment hedge
25.4.2.3
0.4
4.6
Derivatives that are not designated as hedge
accounting relationships
60.9
60.3
Other derivative financial instruments
25.4.3
199.0
-
Derivative financial liabilities
386.1
252.6
Derivatives that are designated as hedging
instruments in cash flow hedge
25.4.2.1
21.3
4.9
Derivatives that are designated as hedging
instruments in fair value hedge
25.4.2.2
189.2
185.7
Derivatives that are designated as hedging
instruments in net
investment hedge
25.4.2.3
37.3
13.3
Derivatives that are not
designated as hedge
accounting relationships
78.3
(*)
113.7
Other derivative financial instruments
25.4.3
114.9
(*)
127.0
441.0
444.6
(*) reclassified
25.4.2. Hedge accounting relationships
25.4.2.1. Cash flow hedges
As at December 31, 2023, the Company had foreign exchange rate and
interest rate swap agreements in place, as follows:
Company
receives
Company
Hedged item
Hedging
Notional currency
(in notional
pays – in €
instrument
(*)
currency
millions
millions)
Bond series H
FX-Swap
United States Dollar
400.0
372.4
Bond series NOK
FX-Swap
Norwegian Krone
750.0
79.3
Bond series 27
FX-Swap
Hong Kong Dollar
430.0
48.3
Bond series 34
FX-Swap
Norwegian Krone
500.0
45.9
(*) all swaps are linked to bonds’ maturity
Under cross-currency contracts, the Group agrees to exchange cash flows
in different currencies calculated on agreed notional principal amounts.
Such contracts enable the Group to mitigate the risk of changing foreign
exchange rates on its cash flows.
The fair value of cross-currency swaps at the reporting date is determined
by discounting the future cash flows using the curves at the reporting date
and the credit risk inherent in the contract and is disclosed below.
As the critical terms of the cross-currency swap contracts and their
corresponding hedged items are the same, the Group performs a qualitative
assessment of effectiveness and it is expected that the value of the cross-
currency swap contracts and the value of the corresponding hedged items
will systematically change in opposite direction in response to movements
in the underlying interest rates. The main sources of hedge ineffectiveness
in these hedge relationships are minor initial fair values of the hedging
instruments and the effect of the counterparty and the Group’s own credit
risk on the fair value of the cross-currency swap contracts, which is not
reflected in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the change in
foreign exchange rates.
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As at December 31, 2023, the Company had interest rate cap agreements
in place, as follows:
Hedged item
Hedging instrument
(*)
Carrying amount of hedged
item (in € million)
Loans and borrowings
Cap derivatives
375.3
(*) all instruments are linked to loans’ maturity
The caps are being used to hedge the exposure to variability in cash
outflows of the Group’s bank loans which arise from interest rate risks.
There is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the
hedging instruments.
The Group designated the intrinsic value of the cap contracts as the hedging
instrument. The terms of the hedging instruments match the terms of the
hedged items, as described. The Group has established a hedge ratio of 1:1
for the hedge relationships, as the underlying risk being the interest rate
and the cap derivatives are designed to mitigate the exposure.
To test the hedge effectiveness, the Group uses the hypothetical derivative
method and compares the changes in the fair value of the hedging
instruments against the changes in fair value of the hedged items
attributable to the hedged risk. The hedge ineffectiveness can arise from:
Different foreign exchange and interest rates’ curve applied to the hedge
items and hedging instruments.
Differences in timing of cash flows of the hedged items and hedging
instruments.
The counterparties’ credit risk differently impacting the fair value
movements of the hedging instruments and hedged items.
The impact of the hedging instruments (FX-Swap and Cap derivatives) on
the consolidated statement of financial position is, as follows:
Carrying amount
Line item in the
Net change in
Risk Category
Assets
Liabilities
consolidated
fair value used
financial
for measuring
statements
ineffectiveness
for the year
in € millions
in € millions
As at December 31, 2023
Foreign exchange rate
Derivative
and interest rate swaps
22.6
21.3
financial assets /
(93.5)
and caps
liabilities
As at December 31, 2022
Foreign exchange rate
Derivative
and interest rate swaps
43.5
4.9
financial assets /
72.9
and caps
liabilities
The impact of the hedged items on the consolidated statement of financial
position is, as follows:
Line item in the
Net change in
Carrying
consolidated
fair value used
amount
financial
for measuring
statements
ineffectiveness
for the year
in € millions
in € millions
As at December 31, 2023
Straight bonds
509.8
Straight bonds
93.9
Loans and borrowings
375.3
Loans and borrowings
(0.3)
As at December 31, 2022
Straight bonds
530.8
Straight bonds
(74.0)
Loans and borrowings
-
Loans and borrowings
-
The ineffectiveness recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or
loss was a profit of €0.1 million (2022: loss of €1.1 million).
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25.4.2.2. Fair value hedges
As at December 31, 2023, the Company had foreign exchange rate and
interest rate swap agreements in place, as follows:
Company receives
Company
Bond
Hedging
Notional currency
–in notional
pays – in €
instrument
(*)
currency millions
millions
Series L
FX-Swap
United States Dollar
150.0
125.2
Series M
FX-Swap
Swiss Franc
239.8
204.1
Series P
FX-Swap
Australian Dollar
202.0
127.3
Series R
FX-Swap
Canadian Dollar
181.8
119.5
Series X
FX-Swap
Swiss Franc
99.8
87.7
Series 28
FX-Swap
United States Dollar
540.8
478.5
Series 29
FX-Swap
Norwegian Krone
1,735.0
179.0
Series 30
FX-Swap
British Pound
388.7
455.3
Series 31
FX-Swap
Japanese Yen
7,000.0
61.3
GCP series I
FX-Swap
Hong Kong Dollar
900.0
92.6
GCP series K
FX-Swap
Swiss Franc
125.0
116.2
GCP series L
FX-Swap
Japanese Yen
7,500.0
75.5
GCP series P
FX-Swap
Hong Kong Dollar
290.0
32.8
GCP series Q
FX-Swap
Swiss Franc
130.0
119.4
(*) all swaps are lin
ked to bonds’ m
aturity
In addition, the Company has entered into several interest rate swap
agreements. For further information regarding the effective coupon rate
see note 21.2.
The swaps are being used to hedge the exposure to changes in fair value
of the Company’s straight bonds which arise from foreign exchange rate
and interest rate risks.
There is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the
hedging instruments as the terms of foreign exchange rate swaps match
the terms of the hedged items. The Group has established a hedge ratio
of 1:1 for the hedging relationships as the underlying risk of the foreign
exchange rate swaps is identical to hedged risk component. To test the
hedge effectiveness, the Group uses the hypothetical derivative method and
compares the changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments against
the changes in fair value of the hedged items attributable to the hedged risk.
The hedge ineffectiveness may arise from:
Different foreign exchange and interest rates’ curve applied to the hedge
items and hedging instruments.
Differences in timing of cash flows of the hedged items and hedging
instruments.
The counterparties’ credit risk differently impacting the fair value
movements of the hedging instruments and hedged items.
The impact of the hedging instruments on the consolidated statement of
financial position is as follows:
Carrying amount
Line item in the
Net change in
Risk Category
Assets
Liabilities
consolidated
fair value used
financial
for
measuring
statements
ineffectiveness
for the year
in € millions
in € millions
As at December 31, 2023
Foreign exchange rate
Derivative
and interest rate swaps
103.2
189.2
financial assets/
19.4
liabilities
As at December 31,
2022
Derivative
Foreign exchange rate
144.2
185.7
financial assets/
(213.5)
and interest rate swaps
liabilities
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Consolidated Financial Statements
The impact of the hedged items on the consolidated statement of financial
position is as follows:
Net change in
Line item in the
fair value used
Carrying
consolidated
for measuring
amount
financial
ineffectiveness
statements
for the year
in € millions
in € millions
As at December 31, 2023
Straight bonds
2,186.9
Straight bonds
(22.2)
As at December 31,
2022
Straight bonds
2,342.9
Straight bonds
218.3
The ineffectiveness recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or
loss was a loss of €2.8 million (2022: profit of €4.8 million).
25.4.2.3. Hedge of net investments in foreign operations
The Group uses foreign exchange forward contracts as a hedge of its
exposure to foreign exchange risk on its investments in foreign subsidiaries.
The foreign exchange forward contracts are being used to hedge the Group’s
exposure to the GBP foreign exchange risk on these investments. Gains or
losses on the retranslation of the forward contracts are transferred to OCI
to offset any gains or losses on translation of the net investments in the
subsidiaries.
There is an economic relationship between the hedged item and the
hedging instruments as the net investment creates a translation risk that
will match the foreign exchange risk on the hedging instruments. The hedge
ineffectiveness will arise when the amount of the investment in the foreign
subsidiaries becomes lower than the amount of the notional amount of the
hedging instruments.
The impact of the derivative hedging instruments on the consolidated statement of
financial position is, as follows:
Carrying amount
Line item
Net change in
Notional
in the
fair value used
Risk Category
amount
Assets
Liabilities
consolidated
for measuring
outstanding
financial
ineffectiveness
statements
for the year
in € millions
in € millions
As at
December 31, 2023
Foreign currency
Derivative
forward contracts
GBP 1,615.0
0.4
37.3
financial
(38.2)
assets
As at
December 31,
2022
Foreign currency
Derivative
forward contracts
GBP 1,965.0
4.6
13.3
financial
122.7
assets
The impact of the hedged item on the consolidated statement of financial position is,
as follows:
Foreign currency
Change in fair value
translation reserve
used for measuring
ineffectiveness for the year
in € million
Year ended December 31, 2023
Net investment in foreign subsidiaries
54.4
38.2
Year ended December 31, 2022
Net investment in foreign subsidiaries
(288.3)
(122.7)
The hedging gains and losses recognized in OCI before tax are equal to the change
in fair value used for measuring effectiveness. There is no ineffectiveness recognized
in profit or loss.
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Non-derivative hedging financial instruments
The Group has the following non-derivative hedging financial instruments
used to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange risk on its investments in
foreign operations (NIFO):
Financial
Notional
instrument
currency
Notional amount as at December 31,
2023
2022
in notional currency millions
Bond series J
British Pound
483.5
500.0
The net change in the above non-derivative hedging financial instruments
resulted in expense of €12.2 million (2022: income of €30.4 million)
presented as an OCI impact on the NIFO. Consequently, together with
designated derivative hedging instruments, the net result of the OCI item
foreign currency – translation difference and NIFO amounted to a gain of
€4.0 million (2022: €10.8 million) and a post-tax loss of €12.1 million (2022:
loss of €33.4 million).
25.4.3. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
The Group uses interest rate swaps, collars, caps and floors to manage its
exposure to interest rate movements on its bank borrowings. These derivative
financial instruments are linked to the bank loan maturities (see note 21.1).
Furthermore, in certain bond series, the Group implemented interest rate swap
and cross-currency swap derivative instruments as described in note 21.2).
25.4.4. Other derivatives
As part of the share-to-share voluntary takeover offer the Company has made
to the shareholders of TLG in February 2020, the Company and an existing
shareholder of TLG (the “Investor”) entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”),
pursuant to which the Investor had agreed to refrain from tendering ca. 12
million of TLG shares (the “Custody Shares”) in the offer or to dispose of them
in the absence of the Company’s consent in a due time and no sooner than 34
months after entering the Agreement (“Minimum Period”). As a consideration
for such undertaking, the Investor has been entitled to receive for the period
it held the Custody Shares an agreed minimum gross return on the Custody
Shares (“Custody Interest”) and a preset share price for the Custody Shares.
Following the Minimum Period, the Investor has the right to dispose of the
Custody Shares. By doing so, the Company committed to indemnify the Investor
for any difference between the consideration of such disposal and the preset
share price (“PPM Instrument”). To postpone such disposal decision for up to 10
years, the Company has the option to provide an interest-bearing loan, secured
by the Custody Shares, in the amount of the preset share price multiple by
the Custody Shares. In accordance with IFRS, the Company accounted for the
Custody Interest as a financial liability in its consolidated statement of financial
position and the PPM Instrument as a derivative financial liability measured
at fair value through profit or loss, derived by the share price of TLG being the
underlying asset. During the year, the Company made available €350 million,
backed with the Custody Shares, of which €199 million in the form of short-
term credit default swap which is presented as a derivative financial asset
and accounted for at fair value. As at December 31, 2023, the PPM Instrument
amounted to €114.9 million (2022: €127.0 million).
25.5 Capital management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going
concern while increasing the return to owners through striving to keep a low debt to
equity ratio. The management closely monitors Loan to Value ratio (LTV), which is cal-
culated, on an entity level or portfolio level, where applicable, in order to ensure that it
remains within its quantitative banking covenants and maintain a strong credit rating.
The Group seeks to preserve its conservative capital structure with an LTV to remain
below the Board of Directors’ guidance of 45%. As at December 31, 2023, the LTV ratio
was at 43% (2022: 40%), and the Group did not breach any of its loan covenants, nor
did it default on any other of its obligations under its loan agreements. LTV covenant
ratio may vary between the subsidiaries of the Group. The Company regularly reviews
compliance with Luxembourg and local regulations regarding restrictions on minimum
capital. During the years covered by these consolidated financial statements, the Com-
pany complied with all externally imposed capital requirements.
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26. LEASES
The Group has entered into long-term rent agreements as a lessor of its investment
property. The future minimum rental income under non-cancelable operating leases
is as follows:
As at December 31,
2023
2022
in € millions
First year
816.9
849.6
Between one to two years
774.7
817.7
Between two to three years
698.3
746.4
Between three to four years
605.1
640.5
Between four to five years
511.3
525.7
More than five years
3,176.6
3,616.0
6,582.9
7,195.9
27.
COMMITMENTS
As at December 31, 2023, the Group had commitments for future capital expenditures
on the real estate properties and guarantees of approximately €0.4 billion. Furthermore,
the Group had signed deals to sell real estate in a volume of approximately €0.2 billion,
which were not yet completed and are subject to conditions precedent. The Company
estimates the completion of the transactions to take place within the next twelve months.
28.
CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The Group had no significant contingent assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2023.
Düsseldorf
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29.
GROUP SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS
The details of the significant holdings under the Group are as follows:
Holding rate as at
December 31,
Main place of
Name
Place
Principal activities
principal activity
2023
2022
of incorporation
Subsidiaries held directly and indirectly by the Company
in %
ATF Netherlands B.V.
Netherlands
Financing
Netherlands
100
100
AT Securities B.V.
Netherlands
Financing
Netherlands
100
100
Germany, Netherlands,
Aroundtown Limited
Cyprus
Holdings
100
100
United Kingdom
Germany, Netherlands,
Aroundtown Real Estate Limited
Cyprus
Holdings
100
100
United Kingdom
Grand City Properties S.A.
Luxembourg
Holdings and real estate
Germany,
United Kingdom
62.68
60.11
Edolaxia Group Limited
Cyprus
Holdings
Cyprus
100
100
TLG Immobilien AG
Germany
Holdings and real estate
Germany
88.11
88.16
WCM Beteiligungs- und Grundbesitz- AG
Germany
Holdings and real estate
Germany
86.39
86.12
Primecity Investment PLC
Cyprus
Holdings and real estate
Germany
99.97
99.97
Aroundtown Holdings B.V.
Netherlands
Holdings and real estate
Germany,
United Kingdom
100
100
Aroundtown Holdings S.à r.l.
Luxembourg
Holdings and real estate
United Kingdom, Switzerland
100
100
BSC München Grundstücks GmbH & Co. KG
Germany
Real estate
Germany
49.09
49.09
Associates and joint arrangements held indirectly by the Company
Globalworth Real Estate Investment Limited
Guernsey
Real estate
Poland, Romania
30.38
30.31
Tevat Limited
Cyprus
Holdings
Cyprus
50
50
Capitals Property S.à r.l.
Luxembourg
Real estate
Germany
30
30
30.
SIGNIFICANT SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
1.
After the reporting period, the Group signed over €110 million of new secured bank
debt with an average maturities and margins of over 5 years and 1.9%, respectively.
2.
After the reporting period, outstanding deals to sell investment property in value
of over €80 million were successfully completed.
3.
On March 26, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors has decided not to
recommend a dividend payment for 2023 at the Company’s Annual General
Meeting scheduled for June 26, 2024.
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Amsterdam
240
Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Aroundtown SA and its
subsidiaries (the “Group”), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial
position as at 31 December 2023, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of
cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements,
including material accounting policy information and other explanatory information.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements give a true and
fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2023
and of its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the
year then ended in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted by the
European Union.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with the EU Regulation N° 537/2014, the Law
of 23 July 2016 on the audit profession (“Law of 23 July 2016”) and with International
Standards on Auditing (“ISAs”) as adopted for Luxembourg by the Commission de
Surveillance du Secteur Financier (“CSSF”). Our responsibilities under the EU Regulation
N° 537/2014, the Law of 23 July 2016 and ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the
CSSF are further described in the « Responsibilities of “réviseur d’entreprises agréé”
for the audit of the consolidated financial statements » section of our report. We are
also independent of the Group in accordance with the International Code of Ethics for
Professional Accountants, including International Independence Standards, issued by
the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (“IESBA Code”) as adopted for
Luxembourg by the CSSF together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to
our audit of the consolidated financial statements, and have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities under those ethical requirements. We believe that the audit evidence
we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most
significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period.
These matters were addressed in the context of the audit of the consolidated financial
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a
separate opinion on these matters.
Valuation of Investment Properties
a) Why the matter was considered to be one of most significance in our audit of the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023?
REPORT OF THE RÉVISEUR
D’ENTREPRISES AGRÉÉ
Report on the audit of the consolidated financial statements
To the Shareholders of
Aroundtown SA
37, Boulevard Joseph II
L-1840 Luxembourg
Luxembourg
241
We refer to the accounting policies at note 2.3 “Significant accounting judgments,
estimates and assumptions”, note 3.13 “Investment Property”, note 3.15 “Non-current
assets held for sale” and note 15 “Investment Property” in the consolidated financial
statements of Aroundtown SA.
As at 31 December 2023 the Group held a portfolio of investment property with a fair
value of MEUR 24,632.4 (31 December 2022: MEUR 27,981.0) and investment property
within assets held for sale with a fair value of MEUR 909.1 (31 December 2022: MEUR
1,009.3).
The valuation of investment property is a significant judgement area and is underpinned
by a number of assumptions.
The
fair value measurement of investment property is inherently subjective and
requires valuation experts and the Group’s management to use certain assumptions
regarding rates of return on the Group’s assets, future rent, occupancy rates, contract
renewal terms, the probability of leasing vacant areas, asset operating expenses, the
tenants’ financial stability and the implications of any investments made for future
development purposes in order to assess the future expected cash flows from the
assets. Any change in the assumptions used to measure the investment property could
cause a significant change in its fair value.
The Group uses external valuation reports issued by external independent professionally
qualified valuers to determine the fair value of its investment property.
The external valuers were engaged by management and performed their work
in compliance with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (“RICS”) Valuation –
Professional Standards, TEGoVA European Valuations Standards and IVSC International
Valuation Standard. The Valuers used by the Group have considerable experience of
the markets in which the Group operates. In determining a property’s valuation, the
valuers take into account property-specific characteristics and information such as the
current tenancy agreements and rental income. They apply assumptions for yields and
estimated market rent, which are influenced by prevailing market yields and comparable
market transactions, to arrive at the final valuation.
The significance of the estimates and judgments involved, coupled with the fact that
only a small percentage difference in individual property valuations, when aggregated,
could result in a material misstatement in the consolidated statement of profit or loss
and consolidated statement of financial position, warrants specific audit focus in this area.
b) How the matter was addressed during the audit?
Our procedures over valuation of investment properties include but are not limited to
the following:
-
We tested the design and implementation of the key controls around the
determination and monitoring of the fair value measurement of the investment
properties;
-
We assessed the competence, capabilities, qualifications, independence and integrity
of the external valuers and read their terms of engagement by Aroundtown SA to
determine whether there were any matters that might have affected their objectivity
or may have imposed scope limitations on their work;
-
Through the involvement of our internal property valuation specialist, on a sample
basis, we tested the accuracy and completeness of inputs used by the external
valuers, as well as appropriateness of valuation parameters used, such as discount
capitalisation rates, market rents per square meter and capital expenditure, vacancy
rates, comparable price per square meter and development cost;
-
In case a valuation was performed considering the highest and best use, we assessed,
on a sample basis, the appropriateness of the special assumptions considered, and
whether these assumptions were technically possible, legally permissible and
financially feasible;
-
Through the involvement of our internal property valuation specialist, on a sample
basis, we assessed the valuation process and significant assumptions and critical
judgement areas by benchmarking the key assumptions to external industry data
and comparable property transactions, in particular the yields applied;
-
We considered the adequacy of the disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements, and the Group’s descriptions regarding the inherent degree of
subjectivity and the key assumptions in estimates.
Other information
The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. The other information
comprises the information stated in the consolidated report including the consolidated
management report and the Corporate Governance Statement but does not include
the consolidated financial statements and our report of the “réviseur d’enStreprises
agréé” thereon.
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other
information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
242
In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility
is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information
is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge
obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the
work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this
other information, we are required to report this fact. We have nothing to report in
this regard.
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and Those Charged with Governance for
the consolidated financial statements
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the
consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as
adopted by the European Union, and for such internal control as the Board of Directors
determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
The Board of Directors is responsible for presenting [and marking up] the consolidated
financial statements in compliance with the requirements set out in the Delegated
Regulation 2019/815 on European Single Electronic Format (“ESEF Regulation”).
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible
for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable,
matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting
unless the Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial
reporting process.
Responsibilities of the réviseur d’entreprises agréé for the audit of the consolidated
financial statements
The objectives of our audit are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a report of the “réviseur d’entreprises agréé”
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the EU Regulation N° 537/2014,
the Law of 23 July 2016 and with ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF will
always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from
fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis
of these consolidated financial statements.
Our responsibility is to assess whether the consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in all material respects with the requirements laid down in the ESEF
Regulation.
As part of an audit in accordance with the EU Regulation N° 537/2014, the Law of 23 July
2016 and with ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF, we exercise professional
judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
-
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures
responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate
to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement
resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of
internal control.
-
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design
audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose
of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.
-
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Board of Directors.
-
Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors‘ use of the going
concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a
material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant
doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that
a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our report of
the “réviseur d‘entreprises agréé” to the related disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion.
Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our
report of the “réviseur d‘entreprises agréé”. However, future events or conditions may
cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.
-
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated
financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated
financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner
that achieves fair presentation.
243
-
Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of
the entities and business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the
consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and
performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion..
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters,
the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any
significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have
complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to
communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be
thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, actions taken to eliminate
threats or safeguards applied.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine
those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial
statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe
these matters in our report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about
the matter.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
We have been appointed as “réviseur d’entreprises agréé” by the Shareholders on 15
December 2023 and the duration of our uninterrupted engagement, including previous
renewals and reappointments, is seven years.
The consolidated management report is consistent with the consolidated financial
statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
The Corporate Governance Statement is included in the management report. The
information required by Article 68ter paragraph (1) letters c) and d) of the law of 19
December 2002 on the commercial and companies register and on the accounting
records and annual accounts of undertakings, as amended, is consistent with the
consolidated financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable
legal requirements.
We confirm that the audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit
committee or equivalent.
We confirm that the prohibited non-audit services referred to in the EU Regulation
N° 537/2014 were not provided and that we remained independent of the Group in
conducting the audit.
We have checked the compliance of the consolidated financial statements of the Group
as at 31 December 2023 with relevant statutory requirements set out in the ESEF
Regulation that are applicable to consolidated financial statements.
For the Group it relates to:
Consolidated financial statements prepared in a valid xHTML format;
The XBRL markup of the consolidated financial statements using the core taxonomy
and the common rules on markups specified in the ESEF Regulation.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements of Aroundtown SA as at 31
December 2023, identified as 529900H4DWG3KWMBMQ39-2023-12-31-en.zip, have
been prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the requirements laid down
in the ESEF Regulation.
Our audit report only refers to the consolidated financial statements of Aroundtown SA
as at 31 December 2023, identified as 529900H4DWG3KWMBMQ39-2023-12-31-en.zip,
prepared and presented in accordance with the requirements laid down in the ESEF
Regulation, which is the only authoritative version.
Luxembourg, 27 March 2024
KPMG Audit S.à r.l.
Cabinet de révision agréé
Muhammad Azeem
Partner
244
AROUNDTOWN
SA
|
Consolidated Financial Statements
Berlin
245
AROUNDTOWN
SA
|
Consolidated Financial Statements
Berlin